Written Answers of 14 December 1987

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Inner Cities Unit
  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what basis he estimates a 1: 1·6 public-private sector leverage ratio for his Department's inner cities unit.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  My estimate of a 1: 1·6 public-private sector leverage ratio for our inner cities initiative set out in my answer of 24 November at columns 151–52 relates to those projects supported by our inner city task forces which also include a financial contribution from the private sector. In these cases we estimate that every £1 from our inner cities initiative has attracted £1·60 from the private sector.

  I regret that my previous answer of 24 November 1987 did not make it clear that that estimate was not an estimate of the public-private sector ratio over the inner cities initiatives as a whole.

  Inner City Task Force
  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if, for each inner city task force, he will list(a) the recipients of grants to the voluntary sector, (b) the size of the grant (c) the purpose of the grant.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The voluntary sector recipients of task force grants, and the size and purpose of these grants, are as follows:

  Task Force Funding

  Project and Description

  £

  Highfields, Leicester

  ISWE Foundation—to provide consultancy support for this Afro-Caribbean organisation

  3,000

  South Highfields/Vulcan Road Boundary Wall Scheme—joint financing of construction skills training for 15 local people

  4,100

  ISWE—to support development of a low cost distribution service for ethnic food stuffs to the local community

  5,900

  Textile Arts Centre—to meet cost of new premises to allow successful community organisation to expand training operation and develop a textile cooperative

  165,000

  Highfields Workshop Centre—to buy a delivery van to provide transport for 2 Community Programme schemes providing work experience for 30 long-term unemployed local people

  10,653

  Police Foundation—to help establish a mobile crime prevention workshop

  25,000

  Leicester Bengali Language School—contribution to expansion of School, in particular to improve its textile training programme for women

  15,900

  PATH (East Midlands)—to help towards the cost of training for 15, mainly black, young people in housing management

  20,730

  Raddle Bookshop Computer Training—contribution to City and Guilds certificated computer training project for 30 trainees over two year period

  108,326

  326

  Project and Description

  £

  Social Responsibility Centre—New Testament Church of God—contribution towards church refurbishment project which will provide on-site construction training for 26 long term unemployed local people

  379,426

  Leicester Ecology Group—to acquire a building which will house a new 23 place Community Programme scheme waste recycling operation

  75,000

  SHOP Training Development—to increase amount of textile training for local Gujurati and Bangladeshi women on an existing project in Highfields. Additional creche facilities are also being made available

  4,473

  North Central Middlesbrough

  Cleveland Youth Business Centre: association with Christian Relay, Business in the Community, local businesses and local authorities to provide wide range of help to young people including training and business advice

  240.265

  Association of Marine and Related Charities (AMARC)—contribution will allow AMARC training agency to expand in Middlesbrough. Over 250 new training places will result

  325,000

  Cleveland Committee for the Employment of Disabled People (CEDEMP)—to establish 15 place Community Programme fitting conversion kits to cars so they can be used by disabled people

  15,000

  Action Resource Centre—for feasibility study into creating jobs through cooperation between private sector and local community and voluntary groups

  9,000

  Police Foundation—to help establish a mobile crime prevention workshop

  25,000

  Middlesbrough Cooperative Initiative—to meet the initial cost of a Cooperative Initiative in Middlesbrough, based on the successful Mondragon group of cooperatives in Spain

  200,000

  Cleveland Centre for the Development of Alternative Products—contribution to establishment of centre, which will act as focus for development of innovative products which are of benefit to the community

  72,000

  Local Residents Economic Initiative Survey—to enable Cleveland Council for Voluntary Service to work up 2 pilot projects

  13,635

  Ethnic Minority Day Centre for the Elderly—to meet shortfall in funding for centre which will provide day facilities for elderly people from the ethnic minorities

  9,000

  John Paul Centre Luncheon Club—to establish a luncheon club for at least 60 elderly residents of the area. Nine Community Programme participants will be given full training in catering and cooking skills

  10,000

  Care and Repair (Cleveland) Limited—contribution to innovative scheme giving disadvantged owner occupiers the opportunity, at low cost, to have detailed annual survey of their properties

  27,600

  Apex Trust Employment Projects—to help establish a centre which will design and manufacture educational equipment and other aids for the mentally handicapped

  18,107

  Project Fullemploy Study of Ethnic Minority Training Problems—to find out the kind of training problems faced by ethnic minority residents in the Task Force area

  1,000

  NACRO Community Laundry—to help set up a local community laundry service for the disabled and elderly

  8,132

  Hartlepool

  Shoe Repair/Leatherware Community Business—to help West View Residents Association set up this business

  1,600

  327

  Project and Description

  £

  Trading Places—towards cost of a Women's Business Focus Day

  500

  Nottingham

  All Saints Volunteers Training Project—to enable the project to provide additional training facilities for basic computer/office skills in Task Force area

  19,919

  Handsworth, Birmingham

  Black Business in Birmingham—for business advice, loans and grants to small business

  88,500

  MACRO Films—YTS scheme aimed at improving the ratio of black people working in the TV and film industries

  60,000 and 9,045

  Handsworth Opportunities Programme for Employment (HOPE)—a Community Programme building refurbishment scheme

  35,000

  Opportunities Industrialisation Centre Feeder Programme—a training package to motivate young people to take advantage of training, employment and self-employment opportunities

  47,000

  Handsworth Outward Bound—in partnership with the private sector—an opportunity for young people to take part in an outdoor challenge programme

  5,300

  City and Handsworth Alternative Scheme—a locally based brance of NACRO working with offenders and seeking to place them in employment and training

  20,535

  CANDEL Potohari Project—provision of building for women's cooperative and a CP scheme aimed at raising awareness of dangers of AIDS and drugs misuse

  68,000

  Black Star Car Company—car repair Community Programme and Community Business scheme

  28,535

  Handsworth Builders' Association—to launch an association providing support and advice to small local builders

  105,000

  Police Foundation—to provide a mobile crime prevention workshop to fit locks, give advice etc., mainly to low income residents in the Task Force area

  25,000

  Federation of Black Housing Associations—support for conference

  4,670

  Rotton Park-Winson Green Employment—to set up a foundation, with the co-operation of many local voluntary organisations, aimed at launching/supporting a number of community businesses, creating employment

  25,000

  Attock Welfare Employment and Training—CP scheme to provide counselling and support to young Muslims and link them to existing training and employment opportunities

  10,000

  Guru Ravidas Association—to provide training workshops for use by the local community

  18,000

  Inner City Contracts (Handsworth) Limited—for establishment of a local non profit-making company in the building trade

  58,325

  Handsworth Employment Scheme Catering Limited —for catering training

  44,000 and 9,000

  Handsworth Churches Forum—for a package of YTS and CP schemes related to secretarial/ computer skills and for care schemes for elderly and housebound

  2,500 and 100,825

  Birmingham Young Volunteers—for sample training in various skills for young people in Lozells

  8,000

  Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre—to provide training for workers in care for the elderly, young children and catering, and to provide these facilities locally

  29,000

  Lozells Methodist Church/Task Force Undertakings —Electronics Workshop

  21,864

  Birmingham Interpretation and Translation Service—conversion of voluntary service into community business

  32,269

  328

  Project and Description

  £

  Inner City Glass Decorating—(CP) scheme

  9,400

  Rastafarian Enterprise Initiative (Tree of Life Group)—expansion of community business

  23,000

  Positive Image—Women's Development and Nursery Enterprise Project

  42,050

  Handsworth Crime Prevention—schemes to provide a service to disabled, elderly and unemployed, including property marking service

  1,648

  Handsworth Day Care Centre—Latch Key CP scheme

  5,000

  United Youth Association—building skills training programme

  71,875

  Schools Outreach—preventative care complementing existing teaching

  32,000

  Chapletown and Harehills, Leeds

  PATH—vocational training for young black people in commercial and financial services

  93,349

  Teach North Project WTOTO—nursery conversion project

  35,575

  APEX Trust—towards setting up an unemployment centre

  1,000

  Apex Trust—training officers salary

  12,524

  Apex Trust—equipment for Community Resource Centre

  2,300

  Apex Trust—Two-day event on training opportunities

  200

  Action Resource Centre—to set up a project development unit in TF area

  23,241

  Jamacia Society—Leeds/Sight and South Education Limited—for conversion of a building for YTS scheme

  132,000

  Leeds West Indian Centre Limited (CP)—Visiting service for elderly, personal advice, etc

  9,100

  Palace Youth Project—employment help centre

  1,094

  Chapletown and Harehills Enterprise Trust—towards 150 place CP project

  249,000

  Computer Assisted Learning Project (CHALCS)— training for young people up to 'O' level and beyond

  68,000 and 22,147

  Project Fullemploy—open learning centre

  12,000

  Police Foundation—crime prevention project (as for Handsworth, mobile centre

  25,000

  Self-build Initiative

  12,000

  196 Chapeltown Road—Church of God of Prophecy —feasibility study

  500

  NACRO—computer unit

  31,000

  ACE—Catering project, run through TEAMWORK —Employment Liaison Officer

  4,585 10,538

  Harehills Lane Baptist Church—nursery/playgroup

  29,500

  Foleshill and Hillfields, Coventry

  Project Fullemploy—multi-ethnic training initiative

  20,000

  Jobs for Coventry Foundation—business starter units feasibility work

  2,500

  Jobs for Coventry Foundation—improvements to workspace units

  2,500

  Jobs for Coventry Enterprise Workshops— preliminary conversion work

  33,500

  Midshire Trust Limited—feasibility and purchase of building for business starter units

  4,000 and 160,000

  Coventry Home Insulation Project (CHIP)—training scheme

  10,000

  APEX Trust—Employment and Enterprise Innovation Centre—Job search facilities for disadvantaged unemployed

  27,500

  APEX Trust—CP workshop—56 place CP scheme

  13,800

  Coventry Job Change Limited—purchase of hand tools for workshop for older, long term unemployed

  1,000

  Coventry Community Workshops—Asian-managed CP agency

  40,000 and 5,000

  Media Link—purchase of capital equipment for ML training course

  5,000

  329

  Project and Description

  £

  Care and Repair Scheme with Orbit Housing Association—advice and guidance to elderly owner-occupied

  27,200

  Rochdale

  Oldham & Rochdale Groundwork Trust— contribution to the establishment of a landscape design team

  12,000

  Spitalfields, Tower Hamlets

  UHRU—publicity event to develop work placements and funding links with the private sector

  640

  Samuel Lewis Housing Trust—to adopt basement premises in a block of flats as workshops

  47,090

  Tower Hamlets Environment Trust—for a survey into the potential use of vacant land

  2,500

  Toynbee Housing Association—for estate improvements

  5,000

  Moss Side, Manchester

  Fielden House—contribution to training potential CP managers/supervisors

  1,040

  Selcare Trust—establish new engineering workshop

  25,800

  IMPACT—capital expenditure for a bus conversion CP project

  23,375

  Prince's Youth Business Trust—for grants for young entrepreneurs

  26,000

  Northen Black Business Association—funding of coordinator cost

  10,000

  PATH—ethnic minority training in housing management

  45,000

  Community Knits—capital equipment for CP knitwear project

  20,400

  Moss Care Housing Association—training for 6 apprentices on a housing/office project

  78,848

  Intowork—interim revenue support for a young business counselling service

  14,210

  Project Fullemploy—funding for computer equipment; and a business outreach worker

  55,615

  Moss Side Youth Club—contribution to BBC-sponsored educational trip to Venice

  800

  Moss Side Boxing Club—for extension/refurbishment

  7,768

  Associaion for Educational development—funding for a book-keeper/counsellor post in the local enterprise agency

  16,000

  NIA project—contribution to establishment of an Afro-Caribbean theatre and performing arts training project

  250,000

  North Kensington

  Carnival Industrial Project—revenue funding for a CP project

  15,500

  Portobello Trust—loans to young entrepreneurs

  2,000

  Project Fullemploy—capital equipment; and pre-recruitment training courses

  59,540

  Notting Hill Housing Trust—seminar to stimulate joint ventures in community improvement

  2,000

  Mangrove Video and Media Project—capital costs for a CP project

  26,300

  Latymer Christian Centre—to establish a training centre

  111,770

  Portobello Trust—funding for workshops for 6 new businesses, and for temporary premises and staff for the support unit

  81,920

  Moroccan Co-ordinating Committee—contribution to setting up a new voluntary body to initiate employment and training opportunities for the Moroccan community

  20,242

  Venture Centre—management study to enable a workshop scheme to be set up

  518

  New Opportunities for Voluntary Action—grant for capital equipment to enable NOVA to run training courses in new technology

  6,861

  Youth Film Foundation—contribution to establishment of the Foundation to provide training and work experience for young film and television workers

  40,815

  330

  Project and Description

  £

  Central London Co-operative Development Agency —costs of a feasibility study, plus temporary support for running costs

  21,350

  North Kensington Amenity Trust—contribution to conversion of 3 bays under Westway to form a sports centre, and managed workshops

  224,242

  Mangrove Community Association—to refurbish a room for training courses

  1,610

  Grove Housing Association—to fund a development worker

  23,000

  Bristol

  Drake Fellowship—to provide outward bound training courses for deprived young people

  5,568

  NACRO—to provide laundry and repair service for the elderly

  32,600

  Newfoundland Employment Agency—to develop a training and advice cnetre in St. Pauls

  20,300

  Project Fullemploy—to provide higher education access course to aid the prospect of employment

  10,000

  St. Pauls Adventure Playground—to improve safety on the playground

  22,000

  St. Werburgh's City Farm—to build an educational and community centre

  14,000

  Stapleton Road Congregational Church—to refurbish the church to provide space for a mothers and toddlers group and other community facilities

  10,000

  Inkworks Nursery—to provide two additional full-time staff to run the nursery

  22,503

  New Trinity Community Centre—to refurbish a church to provide a music venue and cultural centre

  125,000

  East Bristol Youth Housing Association—refurbishment work to provide housing for single homeless

  10,000

  All Hallows Community Centre—to extend the range of training provision provided by this organisation

  15,000

  Project Fullemploy—to provide enterprise training to 40 local people

  12,800

  Youth Workshop Trust—to provide a translation and information service to people whose first language is not English

  23,833

  Maternity Links—to assist with the cost of running a Women's Health Care Centre

  11,000

  North Peckham, Southwark

  Southwark Environment Trust

  1. To convert premises into workshops, office and business units

  60,000

  2. To provide running costs of the organisation following withdrawal of support from the Council

  25,510

  South East Adult Training—contribution to Adult Training Couse that provides 100 training places

  42,312

  Industrial Society—course translation service for Vietnamese to increase take up of training places

  15,383

  Business in the Community—this provides for the establishment of a Directory of Black businesses in the Greater London area

  16,249

  Committee Against Drug Abuse—this provides computer equipment to assist the administration and management of this organisation

  1,250

  Prince's Youth Business Trust (PYBT)—grants to help Task Force area young people start-up in business under the rules of PYBT

  10,000

  North Peckham Baptist Church—to purchase materials for refurbishing the local church

  800

  Positive Action Training in Housing—training costs to prepare local black people for jobs in housing management

  25,000

  Caribbean Teachers Association—to provide capital equipment for an adult training scheme

  7,718

  Apex—to provide an Employment Resource Centre

  26,500

  331

  Project and Description

  £

  Work and Schools Project—to train 10 disaffected youngsters prior to an industrial placement

  24,771

  Video Unit—to train local young people and make a video of the Task Force area in the process

  1,175

  Fullemploy—to train 10 local people to a standard suitable for employment with the BBC

  14,900

  Faith Chapel—to assist in the refurbishment of the Chapel to house a centre for the elderly and a creche

  14,265

  Church and Community Projects—community centre refurbishment costs

  20,000

  Sojourner Truth Youth Association—to fund a study to improve the managment and administration of this organisation

  9,941

  Woherhampton

  AFEME Youth Organisation—this is a Literacy and Communications Course for at least 15 young people

  3,000

  Mount Shilo Church—for renovation, equipment and staff costs of a Youth Development Centre

  40,000

  West Midlands Caribbean Parents Association—to provide a studio to enable disadvantaged young people to receive electronics and photographic training

  6,000

  Gujerati Association—for construction of an extenion to a community centre to provide space for additional training courses

  49,500

  In addition some voluntary bodies are the recipients of grants to operate in more than one Task Force area. The size and purpose of these is as follows.

  Grant (£)

  Industrial Society—'Headstart' project providing enterprise information, advice and training for at least 6,000 people in inner city areas (cost shared equally with the MSC)

  293,365

  Action Resource Centre (ARC)—support for 2 project development posts to arrange private sector support for voluntary projects in inner city areas

  41,295

  Urban Trust—support for an Employment Initiatives Unit to link private sector support in multi-racial inner city areas with projects meeting the employment, enterprise and social needs of the ethnic minorities

  35,380

  Task force

  Source

  Size

  Form of contribution

  North Peckham

  Lloyds Bank

  £100,000

  Loans fund with repayments returning to the fund, for loans at preferential rates of interest. Full time secondee to administer fund from January 1988.

  Manchester/Moss Side

  Barclays Bank

  £50,000

  Loans fund with repayments returning to the fund, for loans at preferential rates of interest.

  Bristol/St. Paul's

  National Westminster Bank

  …

  Concessionary offers on finance and administrative charges. Staff secondment to assist management of fund.

  Wolverhampton

  Co-operative Bank

  …

  Loans available to grant recipients at preferential rates of interest, plus free banking for one year.

  Middlesbrough

  Barclays Bank

  £50,000

  Loans fund with repayments returning to the fund, for loans at preferential rates of interest. Staffing and administrative support.

  Handsworth

  National Westminster Bank

  …

  Services of business development manager to administer development fund.

  Leeds/Chapeltown

  Yorkshire Bank

  …

  Accountant's services to administer fund. Loans/overdrafts at lower rate for applicants referred through the fund.

  North Kensington

  Midland Bank

  …

  Still under consideration.

  The support of the banks for the task force development funds marks a very significant contribution to tackling the problems of the inner cities, and in particular the need by small business there for loan finance
  332

  Grant (£)

  National Association for the Care of Offenders Resettlement (NACRO)—establishment of Inner City Community Safety Unit to work in Task Force areas

  214,194

  Also: support for a Development Unit to establish MSC's Job Training Scheme in Task Force areas and develop the scheme in line with future adult training provision

  223,971

  Evangelical Enterprise—linking Task Force areas with local church network to provide jobs, training, enterprise opportunities and community service for Task Force residents

  150,000

  Police Foundation—Mobile Crime Prevention Workshop in 3 Task Force areas

  75,000

  Business in the Community (BIC)—support for the establishment of Neighbourhood Development Partnerships in Task Force areas

  265,000

  Apex Trust, National Youth Bureau (NYB), Intermediate Treatment Fund (ITF)—Inner Cities Youth Initiative to provide field staff in 2 Task Force areas to develop projects geared to the needs of young ex-offenders and those at risk of offending

  99,450

  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will colsider publishing an annual report and annual accounts for each inner city task force.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  No. The inner cities initiative is aimed at improving the targetting of the money channelled through all existing Government programmes, and receives only a modest top-up budget. I announced the setting up of the initiative to the House in February 1986, and made a statement on its expansion in April of this year. I shall continue to report progress and developments to the House as suitable occasions arise.

  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of 293,365 Lancaster if, for each inner city task force that has established a development fund, he will list(a) the size and (b) the source of private sector contributions; and whether these contribution are in the form of grants of loans.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The size, source and form of private sector contributions (including advice and administration) to task force development funds is currently as follows:

  which would not otherwise be available. Discussions are continuing with other banks, in respect of other task force areas.
  333
  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement for each inner city task force on the level of co-operation with the relevant local authority.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  We regard the co-operation and support of the local authority as helpful to the success of the work of our inner-city task forces. I am glad to say that co-operation is generally either good or improving. Where this is not the case we are nevertheless determined to press ahead vigorously with the work of the task forces to achieve our policy objectives and thereby benefit the communities concerned.

  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list, for each inner city task force, the recipients, size and purpose of grants or loans from their development fund.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The task force development funds are administered by local enterprise agencies and not directly by the task forces. Individual applications are assessed by the agency concerned and the clearing bank supporting the relevant fund. The full details of every grant that the hon. Member requests could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish a table for each inner city task force area, drawn from 1981 census figures, showing the total population broken down by the usual census categories for age, social class, employment, housing, tenure, socio-economic group, together with a statement of any estimates of change since 1981 made by his Department.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The information is not available in the form requested. I will give the hon. Member a full reply as soon as possible.

  FIMBRA
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he next expects that the FIMBRA organisation, established under the Financial Services Act, will be formally incorporated by the Securities and Investments Board, and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maude
  The Financial Services Act provides that the Securities and Investments Board may not recognise a self-regulating organisation without the consent of the Secretary of State. The Act also requires the Secretary of State to refuse his consent if he considers, after receiving and considering a report on the matter from the Director General of Fair Trading, that the rules of the organisation have, or are intended or likely to have to any significant extent. the effect of restricting, distorting or preventing competition or, if they have or are intended or likely to have that effect to any significant extent, then the effect is no greater than is necessary for the protection of investors.

  My right hon. and noble Friend has considered the rules submitted by FIMBRA to the board, and has received and considered a report on them by the Director General of Fair Trading. He has concluded that on the basis of the information presently available to him he does not consider that the rules have or are intended or likely to have, to any significant extent the effect described above. He has therefore today given his consent to the board for the recognition of FIMBRA.
  334
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many applications for membership have been made to the FIMBRA organisation, established under the Financial Services Act; how many have been approved; how many have been rejected; and how many are still being processed.

  Mr. Maude
  That is a matter for FIMBRA.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he intends to extend the final date for application to join the FIMBRA organisation, established under the Financial Services Act; and what provision he will make for firms which have been unable to apply before the current final date for application through circumstances beyond their control.

  Mr. Maude
  I have today made an order specifying 27 February 1988 as the day appointed for the purposes of paragraph 1(1) of schedule 15 to the Financial Services Act. This has the effect that any person who has applied for membership of a recognised self-regulating organisation or for authorisation by the Securities and Investments Board by that date, and whose application has not been determined before the date on which section 3 of the Act comes into force, will until such time as his application is determined be treated as though authorised by the board. A person who applies for membership of a recognised self-regulating organisation after this date will receive authorisation only when he is admitted to membership of the authorisation. I have no powers under the Act to provide additional transitional provisions for late applicants, but the Department will be continuing its campaign to alert all involved in good time to the requirement to be authorised.

  Financial Services Act
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the operation of the Financial Services Act.

  Mr. Maude
  I have today made an order bringing into force sections 26 to 30 of the Financial Services Act on 1 January 1988. These provisions empower the Securities and Investments Board to receive and consider applications for direct authorisation. The order also commences certain related provisions concerned with fees (section 112), the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (section 189 and schedule 14) and the penalties for making untrue or misleading statements in connection with an application.

  The order also brings into force paragraphs 25(2) and (3) of schedule 1 on 18 January 1988. This will enable the board to issue certificates to the effect that a periodical publication is of the kind specified in paragraph 25(1) of the schedule, and hence outside the scope of the Act.

  The order also brings into force most of paragraph 1 of schedule 15 from 27 February 1988. This paragraph makes certain transitional provisions. In particular, by virtue of sub-paragraph (5), any licence issued under section 3 of the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act which is in effect on 27 February shall, unless revoked under section 6 of that Act, continue in force until the day on which section 3 of the Financial Services Act comes into force.

  I refer my hon. Friend also to the other replies I am making to him today.

  Unfair Trade Unit
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action the unfair trade unit has taken concerning the reported requirement of the Japanese Government that the typeface used to mark vehicle identification numbers remains unchanged for all cars imported into Japan of a particular model.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The European Commission is negotiating with the relevant Japanese authorities for the removal of non-tariff barriers to the export of cars to Japan. I understand that vehicle identification numbers have not been raised with my Department during discussion of such barriers with the United Kingdom industry.

  British Telecom
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has had any discussions with, or representations from, the Director General of OFTEL about any reference to the Monopolies and Merger Commission in respect of British Telecom.

  Mr. Maude
  The Director General of Telecommunications has told my right hon. and noble Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what he has also publicly indicated — that he is considering licence modifications with BT. The Director General has publicly stated that he may need to make a licence modification reference to MMC.

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what he estimates to be the cost of the loyalty bonus for British Telecom shareholders; and whether he now has a figure for the numbers who received it.

  Mr. Butcher
  Arrangements are in hand to transfer bonus shares of a market value on 30 November 1987 of nearly £90 million to almost 920,000 British Telecom shareholders on the United Kingdom register.

  Due to different administrative arrangements, the numbers of qualifying shareholders in Japan and North America are not likely to be known until late January.

  Post Office (Sale)
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he expects to raise any money from the sale of any part of the Post Office in any of the next three financial years.

  Mr. Butcher
  It is our policy to transfer activities from the public to the private sector wherever this is practicable and makes commercial sense, but we have no firm plans at present for the sale of any part of the Post Office.

  Scientific Research and Development
  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he now expects to publish the survey of scientific research and development within the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I expect to publish in January 1988 the results of the survey of expenditure and employment on research and development performed in industry in the United Kingdom during 1986.

  Customs Duties (Standing Committee)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what criteria he used in deciding how many officials from his Department attended the Sixth Standing Committee on Statutory Instruments &c. on Wednesday 2 December on the Customs Duties (ECSC) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 11) Order 1987.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The officials present represented the divisions concerned with the subject matter covered by the instrument.

EMPLOYMENT

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage increase in the number of unemployed people in the United Kingdom since May 1979, using the same method of calculation as in May 1979.

  Mr. Lee
  The information requested is not available. It is not possible to give a reliable estimate of unemployment now on the method used in 1979.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what controls affecting small businesses he proposes to abolish within the next 12 months.

  Mr. Cope
  The White Papers on deregulation contained proposals on a number of industrial relations and other issues, but it is too early to say whether legislation to implement them will be brought forward within the specified period.

  Voluntary Part-time Work
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make it his policy to support the adoption of the EEC draft directive on voluntary part-time work.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Barnsley, West and Penistone (Mr. McKay) on Monday 7 December, at column 31.

  Jobs (Castleford)
  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many job vacancies were registered with jobcentres in the Castleford travel-to-work area in November.

  Mr. Lee
  The information is not available. The number of vacancies notified to jobcentres between 7 November 1987 and 4 December 1987 will be available on 14 January 1988.

  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to improve job prospects in the Castleford travel-to-work area.

  Mr. Lee
  All my Department's employment, training and enterprise measures are available in the Castleford and Pontefract travel-to-work area. Unemployment has fallen by 1,146 in the area in the last year.

  Job Release Scheme
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people he estimates will have retired under the job release scheme in 1987.

  Mr. Lee
  From January to November 1987 inclusive, 10,155 people have retired under the job release scheme.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received regarding the proposed ending of the job release scheme in January 1988.

  Mr. Lee
  My hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Mr. Bowis) and the hon. Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Madden) have both raised questions on this subject. I refer the hon. Member to my replies on 4 November, at column 726, and on 2 December, at column 601. To date, 24 hon. Members have written with representations from their constituents.

  Technical and Vocational Education Initiative
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the total expenditure under the technical and vocational education initiative for each year since its inception; and if he will make a statement on its future funding.

  Mr. Cope
  Expenditure to date on the pilot project phase is as follows:

  £ million

  1983–84

  7

  1984–85

  26

  1985–86

  39

  1986–87

  170

  1 Provisional.

  In total, some £250 million will have been made available for pilot projects between 1983 and the end of the pilot phase in 1992.

  In the 1986 White Paper "Working Together—Education and Training" the Government announced the extension of TVEI into a national scheme available to all local authorities in Great Britain from the autumn this year. Funding for the extension amounts to some £900 million over the next 10 years.

  Benefits
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements currently exist for establishing whether claimants to unemployment benefits are available for work; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Fowler
  We introduced in October last year a new procedure to ensure that claimants to unemployment benefits are available for work. The procedure, which followed criticisms by the Public Accounts Committee of the effectiveness of the previous arrangements, consists of a questionnaire to all new claimants about the work they are looking for and the steps they are taking to find it.

  The questionnaire has clearly enabled a better assessment to be made by the independent adjudicating authorities of claimants' entitlement to benefit. However, experience has also shown some changes to be desirable. First, it is clear that the existing questionnaire needs to seek more information in certain respects, such as on the
  338
  qualifications and experience of claimants for the jobs they are seeking. Second, the current procedure does not pay sufficient regard to the fact that the circumstances of claimants can change considerably over time.

  Accordingly, I am introducing two changes to existing procedures. The first is a revised questionnaire for use as from 1 February next year when a claim is first made. The new form seeks more information on such subjects as the claimant's qualifications and experience and on the type of work which is being sought. A copy of the revised questionnaire has been placed in the Library. It will he supplemented as soon after 1 February as possible by providing new claimants to benefit in areas of buoyant labour demand with information on occupations in which there are jobs immediately available.

  The second change is to issue a questionnaire from the end of April next year to all those claimants being invited to a restart interview. This will seek information about qualifications, training and recent job-seeking efforts in order that the restart interviewer can identify more accurately the most appropriate help that can be offered. The questionnaire will also seek information about any restrictions which claimants are placing on the jobs they will take so that a check can be made that they continue to be available for work. The new procedure will be introduced in a small number of offices as from 1 February next year in order to gain practical experience of its use prior to its national introduction at the end of April. A copy of the questionnaire for use in the initial offices has been placed in the Library.

  Neither of these measures affects the law on availability for work which was last re-enacted in the Social Security Act, 1975. They are intended solely to ensure that the law is administered effectively.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Rate Support Grant (Bolton)
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will recalculate the education component of the 1988–89 rate support grant settlement for Bolton to take account of errors discovered and acknowledged by his Department; what steps he has taken to ensure that further errors have not been made; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  My Department provides the information on pupil and student numbers which is used in calculating the education component of each authority's grant-related expenditure assessment. This year for the first time students attending TVEI courses at local authority colleges were separately classified, but were inadvertently omitted from the student number count supplied to the Department of the Environment. As is usual, all the student data were sent to authorities for checking in August, but the error did not come to light until November, after the completion of calculations for the settlement. I have asked for procedures to be reviewed within my Department. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment said in reply to my hon. Friend on 10 December, at column 261, the error will be corrected in a supplementary report for 1988–89.

  Education Reform
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the cost of producing, printing and distributing his Department's booklet "Education Reform: The Government's Proposals for Schools".

  Mrs. Rumbold
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw) on 10 December, at column 222.

  Maintained Sector
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has as to the numbers of children of compulsory school age entering the maintained sector from the private sector of education over the most recent period for which figures are available.

  Mr. Dunn
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Nursery Education
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations he has received regarding the making of nursery education a statutory obligation for local authorities.

  Mr. Dunn
  My right hon. Friend has received no such representations.

  Capitation Allowance
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list, by local education authority, the schools where the capitation allowance is exceeded by parental donation.

  Maintained school leavers: England

  With one or more GCE A level passes

  With one or more higher1 grades at GCE O level or CSE

  Academic year

  Numbers (000s)

  As a percentage of the 17 year old population2

  Numbers (000s)

  As a percentage of all maintained school leavers

  1969–70

  68·59

  11·1

  212·03

  39·5

  1970–71

  72·69

  11·5

  213·08

  39·7

  1971–72

  74·36

  11·7

  227·62

  40·2

  1972–73

  74·32

  11·8

  239·75

  3—

  1973–74

  74·77

  11·5

  271·97

  45·3

  1974–75

  75·78

  11·4

  280·42

  46·1

  1975–76

  80·06

  11·7

  293·41

  47·0

  1976–77

  84·77

  12·0

  323·87

  48·7

  1977–78

  86·68

  12·3

  331·65

  48·6

  1978–79

  87·13

  11·9

  342·29

  49·3

  1979–80

  89·23

  11·8

  348·54

  49·4

  1980–81

  93·07

  12·1

  344·49

  49·9

  1981–82

  99·56

  12·6

  361·99

  51·2

  1982–83

  103·58

  13·1

  377·31

  52·3

  1983–84

  101·63

  13·0

  370·07

  52·2

  1984–85

  96·24

  12·6

  360·56

  52·2

  1985–86

  91·87

  12·3

  349·96

  52·0

  Source: School leavers survey. Data subject to sampling error. The data exclude CSE/GCE achievements gained by young people from maintained schools at tertiary and other FE colleges.

  1 In 1969–70 to 1973–74, O level pass and CSE grade 1; for later years. 0 level grades A-C, CSE grade 1.

  2 GAD estimates of the population.

  3 Owing to the raising of the school leaving age, the total numbers of school leavers was unusually low, and percentages based on this figure would be unrepresentative.

  340
  Mr. Dunn
  The latest available information is contained in paragraph 7(ix) and paragraphs 39–41 of the 1986 annual report by Her Majesty's inspectorate and is based on school visits. A copy of the report is in the Library of the House. The Department does not hold detailed systematic information for individual schools across LEAs.

  National Curriculum
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he plans to publish the interim report of the science working group in relation to the national curriculum; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  I am publishing the interim report of the national curriculum science working group today. I am grateful to the chairman and members of the working group for their report, which is a substantial and imaginative document. I believe it provides a sound basis for the group's further work on attainment targets and programmes of study for science. Copies of the report and of my response will be lodged in the Libraries of both Houses.

  A-level and O-level Examinations
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many boys and girls passed one or more A-level subjects for each year from 1970; and how many pupils gained one or more O-levels from 1970 both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the age group in state secondary schools.

  Mr. Dunn
  The information is shown in the table.

  Subject Teaching
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a table showing the subjects taught in(a) state schools and (b) independent schools for the most recent period for which information is available.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The information is not available in precisely the form in which the hon. Member asks. But examinations attempted by fifth formers in secondary schools give an indication of the breadth and balance of the curriculum pursued by individual pupils. The following figures show the examinations attempted within the areas of the proposed national curriculum foundation subjects, for pupils at maintained and independent schools:

  School Leavers 1985–86, England

  Percentage attempting O Level/CSE in the curriculum area

  Curriculum areas studied

  Maintained schools

  Independent schools

  (E)nglish

  85

  95

  (M)athematics

  80

  93

  (S)cience1

  64

  84

  (T)echnology2

  40

  21

  (M)odern (L)anguages

  37

  78

  (H)istory/(G)eography

  61

  80

  (C)reative (A)rts3

  34

  32

  E M

  78

  92

  E M S

  60

  81

  E M S T

  23

  14

  E M S ML

  31

  68

  E M S HG

  47

  68

  E M S CA

  22

  26

  E M S T ML

  8

  10

  E M S T HG

  17

  12

  E M S T CA

  7

  4

  E M S ML HG

  25

  58

  E M S ML CA

  11

  21

  E M S HG CA

  17

  21

  E M S T ML HG

  6

  9

  E M S T ML CA

  2

  2

  E M S ML HG CA

  8

  17

  Source: School leavers survey.

  1 Science includes physics, chemistry and biology.

  2Technology includes craft, design and technology and other sciences.

  3 Creative arts includes art and music.

  Universities (Contracts)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make it his policy to ensure that universities do not enter into major contracts with foreign high technology companies without first alerting British-owned companies; what information he has on such contracts under consideration by British universities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  My right hon. Friend is advised on major contracts for the supply of computer or communications equipment to British universities by the Computer Board for Universities and Research Councils. The board normally recommends a process of open competitive tender whereby interested British and foreign companies are invited to bid against an operational requirement and a fixed cash limit. Exceptionally, single tender action involving a British or a foreign supplier is allowed where there are strong grounds for ensuring technical compatibility with existing equipment or for establishing a lead site to demonstrate a novel type of application that 342
  only one supplier can support. In cases where a British or a foreign company offers a study contract including a capital gift of high technology equipment to a university, it is a matter for the university to decide whether or not to accept the contract, taking into account the recurrent costs associated with the gift of the equipment.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prisoners
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on any assessments made as to the extent of the availability of illegal drugs in Her Majesty's prisons, and the action taken to prevent their importation and use.

  Mr. John Patten
  The following information relates to prison department establishments in England and Wales. Responsibility for establishments in Scotland and Northern Ireland rests with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  The best evidence available by which to assess the scale and nature of the smuggling, trafficking and misuse of drugs in establishments is the number of finds of substances or implements. In 1986, there were some 2,300 reports of such finds, the great majority of which were of cannabis or of implements for smoking cannabis. In the first 10 months of this year, 1,126 reports were received, of which the great majority again concerned finds of cannabis and related implements.

  Measures to prevent and detect illicit drugs are kept continuously under review. Regular and special searches are conducted, including the use of dogs specially trained in drug detection work. The number of trained dogs has been increased. Dogs have been trained to detect heroin and cocaine as well as cannabis. The police investigate cases where there is reason to believe that a visitor intends to smuggle drugs into an establishment. Staff training on drugs has been improved. A new training package aimed specifically at the problems and needs of the prison service was issued to all establishments in 1985. In September 1987 further guidance and instructions were issued to all establishments, a major theme of which was the prevention of smuggling by visitors and by inmates returning from home leave. The abolition of the privilege whereby unconvicted prisoners can have food and drink sent in for them will remove a significant avenue into certain prisons for drugs.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on current advice and treatment provided for prisoners either charged with offences relating to drugs or found to be dependent on narcotics.

  Mr. John Patten
  The possibility of a history of drugs misuse is one of the factors medical officers inquire into during the course of their examination of inmates being received into prison custody. Where indicated medical help in withdrawing is offered, its nature and extent are determined by the medical officer's clinical assessment of the individual case. Additionally at a number of establishments personal support continuing after withdrawal is provided by members of staff or drug counselling agencies from the community.

  Guidelines prepared in discussion between the prison department and probation service for the introduction at

  343
  all establishments of a more co-ordinated response to drug misusers were issued on 25 September. These describe the responsibility of the governor to ensure the development of a coherent system and the complementary roles of medical and probation officers in the provision of care and support. The use of suitable drug counselling agencies from the community is encouraged. The particular advice offered an inmate prior to discharge will depend upon individual circumstances but progressively as the system is introduced will include the issue of a brief advisory card with which all establishments have been supplied. I am arranging for a copy of the guidelines and card to be placed in the Library.

  Police Officers (Dismissals)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers have been dismissed from each constabulary over the last five years in each year.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The following table shows numbers of officers punished in disciplinary proceedings by dismissal from their force.

  1981

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Avon and Somerset

  —

  2

  —

  2

  3

  Bedfordshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cambridgeshire

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cheshire

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  City of London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cleveland

  1

  2

  1

  —

  —

  Cumbria

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  Derbyshire

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Devon and Cornwall

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Dorset

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Durham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Dyfed-Powys

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  Essex

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Gloucestershire

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Greater Manchester

  3

  5

  5

  1

  5

  Gwent

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Hampshire

  1

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Hertfordshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Humberside

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Kent

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Lancashire

  —

  5

  1

  —

  2

  Leicestershire

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Lincolnshire

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Merseyside

  —

  1

  3

  —

  2

  Metropolitan

  8

  10

  14

  9

  12

  Norfolk

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Northamptonshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Northumbria

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Wales

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  North Yorkshire

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Nottingham

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South Wales

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  South Yorkshire

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Staffordshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Suffolk

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Surrey

  —

  —

  1

  2

  1

  Sussex

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Thames Valley

  2

  1

  1

  1

  2

  Warwickshire

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  West Mercia

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  West Midlands

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  West Yorkshire

  —

  —

  2

  2

  3

  Wiltshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Police Officers (Staff Wastage)

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the percentage wastage as a344
  proportion of the total number of officers employed by each constabulary for each of the last five years in each constabulary.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The available information is as follows. Separate information on each force outside the Metropolitan police could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The number of police officers employed is calculated on the mean average of actual strength at the beginning and end of each year.

  Year

  Average police strength

  Wastage (including transfers and secondments)

  Percentage of wastage over average police strength

  Police forces in England and Wales (excluding Metropolitan police)

  1982

  93,094

  4,670

  5.0

  1983

  92,983

  4,585

  4·9

  1984

  92,561

  4,866

  5·3

  1985

  92,403

  5,111

  5·5

  1986

  92,687

  5,008

  5·4

  Metropolitan Police

  1982

  25,673

  1,380

  5·4

  1983

  26,500

  1,246

  4·7

  1984

  26,748

  1,206

  4·5

  1985

  26,736

  1,370

  5·1

  1986

  26,813

  1,589

  5·9

  Lorry Ban (London)
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what degree of effort goes into the enforcement of the lorry ban in the former Greater London council area; and whether that effort has diminished or increased since the Greater London council's abolition.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Greater London (Restriction of Goods Vehicles) Traffic Order 1985 came into force on 31 January 1986. Its enforcement is a matter for the commissioner, and has to take its place with other demands on police resources. I understand that effective enforcement is hindered by the large number of roads excluded from the ban and the legally inadequate state of the signing.

  The commissioner informs me that enforcement has neither increased nor diminished since the abolition of the Greater London council.

  Gartree Prison (Escapes)
  Sir John Farr
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up an inquiry into the circumstances of the escape of two prisoners from Her Majesty's prison Gartree on 10 December; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  I have asked the deputy director-general of the prison service, Mr. G. H. Lakes CB, MC, to conduct an immediate investigation into the circumstances and I will inform the House of his findings as soon as possible.

  Brixton Prison
  Mr. Holland
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many of the rule 43 prisoners presently being held on F wing, Brixton prison, are there for medical reasons;

  (2) how many rule 43 prisoners are currently being held on F wing, Brixton prison; and if he will make a statement.
  345
  Mr. John Patten
  On 7 December, 62 rule 43 prisoners were held on landing 4 of F wing, part of which has recently been taken into use for such prisoners. In addition, there were 15 prisoners elsewhere in F wing who were on rule 43 before being moved there for medical reasons.

  Mr. Holland
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the planned use of F wing, Brixton prison, in(a) the short term and (b) the long term.

  Mr. John Patten
  The use of prison accommodation is constantly under review, but there are no firm plans at present for further changes in the use of F wing at Brixton.

  Remand Prisoners
  Mr. Holland
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people currently being held on remand in police cells(a) nationally and (b) in London, require psychiatric assessment of treatment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  On the night of 6/7 December—the most recent date for which information is available—51 remand prisoners awaiting state of health or psychiatric reports were held in police cells in England and Wales. All were awaiting transfer to Brixton prison. Thirty-five were held in London and 16 elsewhere. Information on prisoners requiring psychiatric treatment is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Firearms
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of the West Midlands as to whether the local police had been advised or were aware prior to the recent shooting of a court bailiff and a solicitor's clerk at Wolverhampton that the occupier of the house from which he was being evicted was in possession of a shotgun and—or had threatened violence against anyone attempting to dispossess him prior to the date on which the shootings took place.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the chief constable of the West Midlands police that his officers were not consulted before this eviction took place; and that they were not asked to attend it. They were therefore unaware of any threat of violence. It was established, after the tragedy, that the occupier had been lawfully in possession of a shotgun.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the bodies which he consulted before publishing the White Paper on firearms.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The following organisations were consulted and a number of others volunteered their views:

  Arms and Armour Society

  Association of Chief Police Officers

  Association of County Councils

  Association of District Councils

  Association of Metropolitan Authorities

  British Deer Society

  British Medical Association

  British Shooting Sports Council and Constituent Bodies

  346

  Council for the Protection of Rural England

  County Landowners' Association

  Countryside Commission

  Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

  Forestry Commission

  Historical Breech Loading and Small Arms Association

  Imperial War Museum

  National Farmers' Union

  Nature Conservancy Council

  Red Deer Commission

  Royal Armouries

  Scottish Shooting Council

  Scottish Sports Council

  Shooters' Rights Association

  Shooting Sportspersons' Liaison Committee

  Sports Council

  Sports Council for Wales

  Welsh Shooting Council

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if, pursuant to his answer of 8 December, he will call for a report from the chief constable of Kent as to why the firearms referred to therein were destroyed;

  (2) if, pursuant to his answer of 8 December, he will call for a report from the chief constable of Kent as to the year in which the anti-terrorist operation referred to therein took place; and at what location;

  (3) if, pursuant to his answer of 8 December, he will call for a report from the chief constable of Kent as to the date on which the weapons referred to therein were destroyed;

  (4) if, pursuant to his answer of 8 December, he will call for a report from the chief constable of Kent as to the cost to the police authority of the weapons referred to therein;

  (5) if, pursuant to his answer of 8 December, he will call for a report from the chief constable of Kent as to whether all members of the police authority were informed of the purchase by the Kent police of the weapons referred to therein.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 8 December, at column 133, the firearms referred to were acquired for a specific anti-terrorist operation. This was conducted in 1978 at Leeds castle, Maidstone, Kent.

  As part of the nationally agreed policy not to dispose of surplus firearms on the open market or to sell them off to firearms dealers, the weapons were destroyed on 7 February 1983. The chief constable was entitled to act on his own authority in this matter. The financial records for the period in question have not been retained.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what information he has for England and Wales, and for each year from 1976 to 1986, from the number of rifles, shotguns and pistols recovered by the police from armed criminals, as to how many firearms had been acquired by the criminal from sources other than loss by or theft from licensed firearms and shotgun certificate holders; and what those sources were for each category of firearm;

  (2) what information he has for England and Wales, and for each year from 1976 to 1986 inclusive, as to how many rifles, pistols and shotguns lost by or stolen from licensed firearms certificate holders or shotgun certificate

  347
  holders were subsequently used in any type of violence against the person, particularly homicide, serious injury and armed robbery;

  (3) what information he has, for England and Wales, and for each year from 1976 to 1986 inclusive, by type of offence and type of firearm, rifle, pistol or shotgun, as to how many firearm offences were committed by licensed firearms certificate holders or shotgun certificate holders which resulted in death or injury to a person other than the holder.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to questions from my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 30 November and from the hon. Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Cryer) on 7 December, at columns 3–4.

  Mr. Frank Turner
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when, pursuant to his answer of 8 December, the complaint against the Kent police by Mr. Frank Turner referred to therein was first made.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the chief constable of Kent that the complaint made by Mr. Turner was lodged on 27 August 1986.

  Police (West Yorkshire)
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the latest available figures for uniformed police officers in the West Yorkshire metropolitan police force; and what is the current establishment figure.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  On 30 November 1987 the strength of the West Yorkshire police was 5,209. The authorised police establishment is 5,204, and there is approval for 17 supernumerary police posts.

  Immigration Rules
  Mr. Hanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will lay before the House the statement of changes to the immigration rules announced on 16 November,Official Report, column 788; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  I am laying before Parliament today for publication tomorrow a statement of changes in the immigration rules to introduce the changes which I announced on 16 November. The effect of these changes will be to provide for (1) leave to enter or remain for up to four years to be granted to persons of independent means, sole representatives, writers and artists; (2) leave to remain for up to four years to be granted to business men and self-employed persons; (3) leave to enter for up to two years to be granted to au pairs; and (4) a reduction to six months in the maximum period of a visit.

  As I indicated to the House on 16 November, people in the categories affected by the changes will no longer need to apply for merely routine extensions of leave in order to remain for the maximum allowed in that category. The effect of the changes will be to reduce unnecessary bureacracy, improve the overall level of the service which the Department offers to the genuine applicant and enable efforts to be concentrated more effectively and speedily on those cases where important decisions have to be made.
  348
  These changes will become effective on 1 February 1988. I hope that the House will before then have an opportunity to consider these changes.

  Police, Fire and Civil Defence Authorities
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has reached a decision on the applications from the joint police and fire and civil defence authorities for redetermination of their expenditure levels for 1988–89; what maximum precepts he proposes to set in consequence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  All six joint police authorities and six of the seven joint fire and civil defence authorities sought redetermination of the expenditure levels I announced on 24 July and I am today notifying them of my decisions. On police, I have decided not to increase the expenditure levels for South Yorkshire, Northumbria and West Yorkshire, but have redetermined the expenditure levels for the other forces as follows:

  £ million

  Merseyside

  68·906

  West Midlands

  93·423

  Greater Manchester

  95·221

  On fire and civil defence, I have decided not to increase the expenditure levels for London, Merseyside, Tyne and Wear and West Midlands. The expenditure levels for the other authorities have been redetermined as follows:

  £ million

  South Yorkshire

  22·514

  West Yorkshire

  37·558

  My proposals for the maximum precept levels for these authorities for 1988–89 are as follows:

  Police

  Greater Manchester

  15·38

  Merseyside

  19·30

  Northumbria

  13·92

  South Yorkshire

  15·59

  West Midlands

  14·11

  West Yorkshire

  15·72

  Fire and Civil Defence

  Greater Manchester

  10·82

  Merseyside

  8·22

  South Yorkshire

  11·21

  Tyne and Wear

  11·04

  West Midlands

  7·48

  West Yorkshire

  13·41

  London

  8·15

  Formal notification of the proposed maximum precepts has been sent to the authorities today. I have asked the authorities to let me know by 15 January whether they accept the maximum precepts.

  Civil Defence
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, further to his answer of 30 October, he will give a functional and geographical breakdown of United Kingdom programmed civil defence expenditure in 1987–88.
  349
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 4 December 1987]: Information is not available in the form requested, but programmed expenditure for United Kingdom Departments in 1987–88 is as follows:

  Department

  £ million

  Cabinet Office

  0·35

  Central Office of Information

  0·05

  Department of Energy

  0·25

  Department of the Environment

  2·20

  Department of Health and Social Security

  2·00

  Department of Trade and Industry

  0·10

  Department of Transport

  4·90

  Welsh Office

  0·40

  Home Office

  69·20

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  20·80

  Department of Employment

  0·10

  Scottish Home and Health Department

  7·95

  Northern Ireland Office

  2·00

  Total

  110·30

  Revisions in some Departments' assessments of their programmed civil defence expenditure account for the difference between the total and the figure given on 30 October in reply to the hon. Member.

ENERGY

  Scottish Coalfield
  Mr. Douglas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the anticipated production outturn for the Scottish coalfield in 1987.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Production in the Scottish coalfield over the 12 months to September 1987 was approximately 6 million tonnes. I do not expect the figure for the calendar year 1987 to be greatly different.

  North Sea Oil
  Dr. Michael Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are his latest estimates of the projected output of oil from the North sea over the next five years; and how these figures compare with the projected level of demand for oil in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  On current estimates of future production and demand the United Kingdom is likely to remain self-sufficient in oil well into the 1990s.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. John Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps the Government are taking to encourage energy efficiency in domestic households.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  My Department's Energy Efficiency Office is working closely with the insulation, heating, and fuel industries to encourage householders and landlords to invest in cost-effective measures to reduce fuel bills.

  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals he has to influence developers and the building professions to improve energy efficiency in rehabilitation work.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The Energy Efficiency Office is spending £0.5 million this year on research and 350
  development and through the demonstration scheme to promote the energy efficient renovation of buildings. Future programmes are subject to the outcome of the EEO review.

  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals he has to provide advice to householders on energy efficiency.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer today to the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney (Mr. Rowlands).

  British Coal
  Mr. Michael Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next proposes to meet the chairman of British Coal.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have regular meetings with the chairman of British Coal to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to meet the chairman of British Coal; and what matters will be discussed.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have regular meetings with the chairman of British Coal to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to meet the deputy chairman of British Coal to discuss the sale of British Coal housing.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  My right hon. Friend and I have regular meetings with the deputy chairman of British Coal to discuss a wide variety of issues concerning the coal industry.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have regular meetings with the chairman of British Coal to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

  Mr. Eadie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next proposes to have discussions with the chairman of British Coal regarding the financial structure of the industry.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have regular meetings with the chairman of British Coal to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

  Refuse Combustion
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on his Department's research into refuse combustion as a source of power generation.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Municipal and industrial refuse, surplus straw and forestry wastes are major potential sources of energy. My Department is undertaking a substantial programme of R and D aimed at overcoming the difficulties of handling and burning these materials. In the current financial year over £700,000 is expected to be spent on the work.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received about the level of his Department's research into renewable forms of energy.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I regularly receive representations about the Department's involvement in research into renewable forms of energy.

  Fast Breeder Nuclear Technology
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the progress towards commercial viability of fast breeder nuclear technology.

  Mr. Parkinson
  Electricity utilities from France, Germany, Belgium, Italy and Britain have recently agreed to work together towards a common conceptual fast reactor design. The aim is to produce an improved design of demonstration reactor.

  Coal Industry (Productivity)
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what changes have occurred in the productivity per manshift in the coal industry since 1979.

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what improvements have occurred in output per man shift in the coal industry since 1979.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  For the week ending 5 December, average deep mined revenue output per man shift was 4·07 tonnes, a new weekly record level of productivity. This represents an increase of over 80 per cent. on the average of 2·24 tonnes for 1978–79.

  CEGB (Projects)
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has received any application from the Central Electricity Generating Board for authorisation for any new projects on the lines of the Dinorwig plant in North Wales.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have not received any applications for projects of this type.

  Electricity Council
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many staff are currently employed by the Electricity Council.

  Mr. Parkinson
  As at 30 September 1987 the Electricity Council employed 1,252 staff.

  Mr. Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of the Electricity Council; and what matters they discussed.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I meet Sir Philip Jones regularly to discuss a range of topics.

  Colliery Closures
  Mr. Allen McKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what recent information he has received from the chairman of British Coal on the number of proposed colliery closures.
  352
  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I understand from the chairman of the British Coal Corporation that at present there are five collieries proposed for closure.

  Heating Fuel
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has as to which fuel is currently the most popular form of domestic heating; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Parkinson
  Gas is the most popular fuel for domestic heating. Competition and consumer choice determine the market share of each fuel.

  Electricity (Production Costs)
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the cost, in terms of pence per kilowatt hour, of the electricity output of(a) new coal-fired power stations, (b) new nuclear power stations, (c) new combined heat and power stations, and (d) the Severn barrage.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The latest analysis of comparative generating costs showed that the average lifetime costs per KWh adjusted to April 1987 prices was 2·82p/KWh for Hinkley Point B and 3·03 p/KWh for the first stage of the coal-fired station at Drax. The Severn Tidal Power Group indicated in a study published in July 1986 that the cost of electricity produced from a barrage would be 3·45 p/KWh, adjusted to April 1987 prices. It is not possible to estimate the cost of electricity output from CHP stations because of the wide variation in design options.

  Energy Savings (Industry)
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals he has to achieve further energy savings in industry.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  It is for industry to seize the opportunity offered by improvements in energy efficiency. My Department provides help and advice; we have recently launched a new campaign aimed at the most energy-intensive industrial sectors.

  Insulation
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the implications for his support for community programme insulation projects of the Energy Efficiency Office review.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Support for community insulation projects will continue as planned. About 500,000 homes, mostly those of pensioners, will have been draughtproofed by the end of 1987/88, and over 300,000 more will be treated in 1988–89.

  Electricity Demand Forecasts
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy in which years since 1967 the Central Electricity Generating Board's electricity demand forecasts for four or five years ahead have subsequently proved to be accurate; and if he will make a statement.
  353
  Mr. Michael Spicer
  This is a matter which falls within the management responsibilities of the Central Electricity Generating Board. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what further measures he intends to introduce to assist and promote greater conservation of energy for domestic consumers.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I will consider whether any further measures should be taken following the review of the Energy Efficiency Office.

  Generating Stations (Closures)
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many electricity generating stations have been closed by the Central Electricity Generating Board since 1979; and what total of generating capacity this represents.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Since 1979 the CEGB has closed 66 small power stations with a total generating capacity of 12,378 MW.

  Opencast Sites
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many opencast coal sites there are in operation in the United Kingdom; to how many of these he has paid an official visit in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I understand from the British Coal Corporation that there are currently 49 opencast mine sites coaling in the United Kingdom. I have visited one coaling site and one reclaimed site. I plan to visit more sites in the future.

  Oil Stocks
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his current estimate of the length of time for which Britain will he self-sufficient in oil; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Rochford (Dr. Clark). Current estimates lead my Department to believe that the United Kingdom's self-sufficiency in oil could last well into the 1990s.

  Electricity Industry (Privatisation)
  Mr. Prescott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what further advice he has received from Lord Marshall and the Central Electricity Generating Board on proposals for the privatisation of the electricity supply industry; and if he intends to act upon them.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I regularly meet Lord Marshall to discuss a range of issues concerning the privatisation of the electricity supply industry. I shall of course take into account his advice when developing proposals for the future of the industry.

  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairmen of the area electricity boards to discuss privatisation of the industry.

  Mr. Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairmen of the area electricity boards to discuss privatisation of the industry.
  354
  Mr. Parkinson
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridgeshire, North-East (Mr. Moss) earlier today.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what recent representations he has received regarding the proposed privatisation of the electricity industry.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have received representations from electricity consumers, unions, other nationalised industries and other interested parties and will take these into account when considering proposals for the privatisation of the industry.

  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what consideration he will give, in the course of preparation for the privatisation of the electricity supply industry, to the specific requirements of final consumers and the case for rationalisation in electricity distribution.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  We are currently developing our proposals for the privatisation of the electricity supply industry. The protection of consumers' interests is being given a top priority. No decisions have yet been taken on the future structure of the industry.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of the Electricity Council to discuss privatisation of the industry.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Martin) today.

  Solar Energy
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the current scope and status of passive solar energy design research by his Department.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The Department's programme on passive solar design covers both domestic and non-domestic buildings and comprises design studies, field trials, supporting research and development and information dissemination. Nearly £1 million has recently been committed to the second phase of the design studies.

  Electricity Supply Industry
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what response he has made to the recent views expressed to him about the future of the electricity supply industry by representatives of employers and trades unions.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I hold regular discussions both with the industry's senior management and representatives of the trade unions. I am giving full consideration to their views in drawing up proposals for the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.

  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what advance estimate he has made of the eventual cost of any promotional and advertising campaign accompanying the selling-off of the electricity supply industry.

  Mr. Parkinson
  It would be premature to make such an estimate.

  Mr. Summerson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what cost savings have been achieved in the
  355
  electricity supply industry in each of the last five years; and what cost saving target has now been set for the next financial year.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The electricity supply industry was set a performance aim of a reduction of 4·25 per cent. in controllable costs—fuel, salaries and most other goods and services — per unit sold in real terms between 1982–83 and 1984–85. The industry estimates that had it not been for the effects on its operations of the miners' strike in 1984–85 controllable cost savings would have been close to target. Between 1983–84 and 1986–87 it achieved a further reduction of 4·6 per cent. as compared with the aim for the period 1983–84 to 1987–88 of a reduction of 6·1 per cent. The performance aim for the next financial year is under discussion.

  Mr. Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what the rate of return on investment for the electricity supply industry has been in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  It is not possible to measure the rate of return on investment in an individual year. The Government expect the electricity supply industry to achieve a 5 per cent. real rate of return on its new investment as a whole.

  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, how many people are employed in the electricity supply industry; and what is his estimate of future employment.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The average number of employees in the industry in 1986–87 was 132,000. The level of employment is a matter for the industry.

  Insulation
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, how many homes have been given financial assistance for insulation since 1983 for(a) pensioners and (b) other high-risk groups.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) on 9 December 1987, at column 189.

  Electricity Supplies
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the total number of households supplied with electricity in each year since 1975.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The electricity boards record the number of domestic customers, supplied in Great Britain as:

  Millions

  1975–76

  19·3

  1976–77

  19·6

  1977–78

  19·8

  1978–79

  20·1

  1979–80

  20·2

  1980–81

  20·4

  1981–82

  20·6

  1982–83

  20·8

  1983–84

  21·0

  1984–85

  21·2

  1985–86

  21·5

  1986–87

  21·7

  Source: Handbook of Electricity Supply Statistics SSEB and NOSHEB report and accounts.

  Oil Exploration
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the current level of oil exploration on the United Kingdom continental shelf.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  At the end of November, the total number of offshore exploration and appraisal wells commenced this year was 113.

  Fast Reactor Programme
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to discuss the future of the European collaboration programme on fast reactor technology.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have discussed fast reactor matters in various meetings with Mr. Collier since I took on my present responsibilities.

  Power Station, Hinkley Point
  Mr. Paddy Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many representations he has received opposing the Central Electricity Generating Board's proposals for a pressurised water reactor at Hinkley Point.

  Mr. Parkinson
  To date my Department has received more than 950 representations following publicity which I required the board to give to its application. In addition, I understand the local planning authorities have received representations direct.

  Nuclear Power Industry
  Mr. Sackville
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to safeguard the future of the nuclear power industry.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Nuclear power makes a vital contribution to diversity in electricity generation and the Government are committed to ensuring that diversity is maintained when the electricity supply industry is privatised.

  British Gas
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he will next meet the chairman of British Gas: and what subjects he proposes to discuss.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have no current plans to meet the chairman of British Gas. When I do, I will discuss a wide range of issues related to the gas industry.

  Plutonium
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy who is specified as the owner of the eventual separated plutonium, in contracts for the reprocessing of nuclear wastes from foreign countries at Sellafield.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Contracts for the reprocessing at Sellafield of foreign irradiated nuclear fuel normally provide that the plutonium and uranium products separated by reprocessing shall remain the property of the owner of such fuel. The separated plutonium is returned to its country of origin or to any other destination only on receipt of assurances covering peaceful use, application safeguards, physical protection and controls on retransfer.

  Economy Tariffs
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what statistics he has on the uptake of economy tariffs offered by area electricity boards.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The Electricity Council estimates that just over 2 million domestic customers in England and Wales are on Economy 7 and a further 1 million customers are on other types of economy tariff.

  Gas Reserves
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give his latest estimates of gas reserves on the United Kingdom continental shelf.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Ryedale (Mr. Greenway) on 23 November 1987, at columns 3–4.

  CEGB (Ministerial Meeting)
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next intends to meet the chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board; and what matters will be discussed.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Darling).

  Coalfield Communities Campaign (Exhibition)
  Mr. Allen McKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if his Department has considered an application for an exhibition relating to the coalfield communities campaign to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I am pleased to have offered my support for an exhibition relating to the activities of the coalfield communities campaign. This will take place in the Upper Waiting Hall from 14 to 18 March 1988.

  Sellafield
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has on the cost of promoting Sellafield for visitors in 1986–87.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I am asking the chairman of BNFL to write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

  Coalfield Communities
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if Her Majesty's Government will give further consideration to the recommendations of the Select Committee on Energy that a Cabinet Committee be appointed to examine the problems of coalfield communities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Parkinson
  The Government made clear, in their response to the Select Committee, that a number of Government programmes provide help, and that no additional useful function would be served by discussions in a committee.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Integrated Schools
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many integrated schools in Northern Ireland receive grants from his Department.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Three schools, established as independent integrated schools, are now recognised by my Department as grant-aided maintained schools.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the rebuilt Lisburn road Royal Ulster Constabulary station is to be on the proposed Cadogan park site; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stanley
  The Police Authority has applied for planning permission to build a new police station on the proposed Cadogan park site and the Department of the Environment has decided to hold a public inquiry under article 22 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 into the application. The matter has been referred to the Planning Appeals Commission and it is due to be heard early in 1988.

  Milk Quotas
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy to make the milk quotas allocated to dairy farmers in Northern Ireland available for public inspection.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 10 December 1987]: No. Under the United Kingdom quota regulations, access to a quota register entry in relation to a holding is restricted to the owner or a person with an interest in that holding.

  Artifical Insemination
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officials are employed in artificial insemination centres in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 10 December 1987]: The total staff complement for the centres is 111, although numbers actually engaged on the work vary from time to time according to season.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what agency he intends to replace artificial insemination centres.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 10 December 1987]: The Department will be inviting formal declarations of interest in undertaking this work from the private sector. It is not possible to say which bodies will respond.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many artificial insemination centres are organised by the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 10 December 1987]: The Department provides the artificial insemination service in Northern Ireland through one main centre and 10 sub-centres.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the annual cost to his Department of each of the artificial insemination centres in Northern Ireland.
  359
  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 10 December 1987]: The specific cost of running each artificial insemination sub-centre is not readily available. The total cost of providing the artificial insemination service was almost £2·1 million in 1986–87.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will keep the cost of artificial insemination replacement services at the present level.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 10 December 1987]: It is not possible to guarantee that the cost of the artificial insemination services will remain unchanged for the future, or that present levels of subsidy to the services will continue indefinitely.

  Plastic Bullets
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many plastic bullets were fired in Northern Ireland in the second half of 1986; in what circumstances; in what location the bullets were fired; and how many persons were injured as a result of the use of plastic bullets.

  Mr. Stanley
  [holding answer 11 December 1987]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply he received from my hon. Friend the former Minister of State for Northern Ireland on 18 February at column 735.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Science and Technology Graduates
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response has been received to his Department's advertisements for science and technology graduates to work at GCHQ, ref. S(B)941.

  Mr. Mellor
  An encouraging response has been received to this advertisement, which is aimed at filling a number of posts next year.

  France (Iranian Dissidents)
  Sir Russell Johnston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the French Government with regard to the expulsion from France of Iranian dissidents;

  (2) whether he will seek assurances from the French Government that none of the Iranian dissidents to be expelled from France will be returned to Iran against their wishes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  No. The UNHCR, as the protection power in this case, has been playing the leading role and has been in touch with the French authorities. We have fully co-operated with the UNHCR over the return to this country of one of the Iranians who has refugee status here.

  Illegal Arms Shipments (Ireland)
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with regard to the capture of arms in the 'Eksund', what information Her Majesty's Government have received from the Government of the Republic of Ireland about the several previous illegal shipment of arms, announced by the Irish Minister of Justice; and if he will make a statement.
  360
  Mr. Mellor
  We are naturally in close touch with the Irish authorities. We have a full exchange of views and information, but cannot go into detail about these confidential contacts.

  We welcome the recent statement made by the Irish Justice Minister reporting in the search so far and indicating that they will continue to take vigorous action in their hunt for illegal arms.

  Iran-Iraq Conflict
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will propose to the United Nations Security Council that a further resolution on the Iran-Iraq conflict be considered which specifies the origin of the current conflict; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  Security Council resolution 598 includes a call for the establishment of an impartial body to inquire into responsibility for the conflict. This is one of the elements of the resolution currently under discussion. It would not be wise to pre-empt the outcome of that discussion.

  EC (British Civil Servants)
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the EEC Commission has sought the permission of Her Majesty's Government to the participation of British civil servants seconded to the Commission in the courses at Time Manager International, Henley-on-Thames, designed to improve morale and public presentation; and if the cost has been provided for in the Community budget.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I understand that this training programme, which is entirely the responsibility of the Commission, is part of a reinforced training programme for staff, irrespective of nationality. The costs will be provided from the Commission's training budget.

  Mrs. Sturt, Thornton Heath
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to be in a position to reply to the letter of 23 November from the hon. Member for Croydon, North-West on the subject of Mrs. Sturt, of 33 Langdale road, Thornton Heath, Surrey.

  Mr. Eggar
  The deputy high commission in Madras has been asked to provide a full report on this case. I shall reply to my hon. Friend's letter as soon as possible.

  Molesworth and Greenham Common
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, further to the statement by the hon. and learned Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor), the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, of 10 December,Official Report, column 605, if he will give further details about the numbers of missiles to be removed from Molesworth and Greenham Common.

  Mr. Mellor
  As I said in my statement of 10 December, there are 96 operational missiles at Greenham Common and 16 operational missiles at Molesworth. In order to maintain these numbers operational at all times, it is
  361
  normal military practice to keep a small number of items of spare equipment available. This spare equipment varies over time, but currently includes five spare missile bodies at Greenham Common and two spare missile bodies at Molesworth. Both the operational missiles and the spare missile bodies will he removed.

  INF Treaty
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, further to the statement by the hon. and learned Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor), the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, of 10 December,Official Report, column 630, if he will list the documents relating to the intermediate nuclear forces treaty that are to be deposited in the Library.

  Mr. Mellor
  As I indicated in my statement to the House on 10 December, the INF treaty has already been deposited in the Library. The basing country agreement, signed on 11 December, will be deposited in the Library this week, and the exchange of notes between the United Kingdom and Soviet Union as soon as the exchange has been completed. Moreover, subsequent to my statement, the United States Government have published the memorandum of understanding on data. This will, therefore, be deposited in the Library as soon as a clean copy is available.

ENVIRONMENT

  Ministerial Cars
  Mr. Mills
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the savings to Her Majesty's Government from changing the present practice of removing tyres from ministerial cars at 2 mm tread depth to one of allowing tyres to wear down to the 1mm plus unit of tread level specified in current construction and use regulations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  It is departmental policy to ensure that ministerial cars comply in all respects with current construction and use regulations.

  Tyres are checked regularly by the drivers to ensure that there is a minimum of 1 mm over three quarters of the width, and there is a similar check when the vehicles are serviced. A decision on whether to replace or not is taken based on the tyres' overall condition.

  Housing and Planning Act 1986
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the names and addresses of those organisations which have been given grants under section 11 of the Housing and Planning Act 1986, detailing the terms of reference of the grants and the geographical area each organisation is expected to cover.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Section 11 of the Housing and Planning Act 1986 does not contain a power to make grants.

  Easington
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will pay an official visit to the Easington 362
  constituency to meet representatives from the Durham county council, Easington district council and the parish councils within the constituency.

  Mr. Chope
  My right hon. Friend has no current plans to make such a visit.

  Maen Valley Park, Falmouth
  Mr. Mudd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what grounds he has decided to call in the planning application for Maen valley park, Falmouth, Cornwall; and at whose request this was done.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The grounds for calling in the planning application at Maen valley park, Falmouth, Cornwall, which lies within an area of outstanding natural beauty, were set out in my Department's letter of 7 December to Kerrier district council. The proposals appear to have implications for national policies relating to the conservation of the natural beauty of such areas.

  The application was brought to the Department's attention by the Council for the Protection of Rural England and by a local resident.

  Housing Records
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has begun consultations with a view to making regulations on access to housing records under the Access to Personal Files Act 1987.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I hope to publish draft regulations for consultation in the spring of next year.

  House of Commons (Members' Tea Room)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the improvements carried out in the Members' Tea Room to the dispensing and display counter and ventilation system; who were the contractors; whether the tender price was adhered to; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The new servery was designed to improve the service to right hon. and hon. Members and the working conditions for staff of the Refreshment Department. A comprehensive range of equipment has been installed for the storage, preparation, display and dispensing of food and drink, and for storing and dispensing crockery.

  The purpose of the new supply and extract ventilation system is to overcome long-standing complaints about stagnant air and high room temperatures.

  The main contractor for the refurbishment scheme was Messrs. Haymills (Contractors) Ltd. The work was carried out in accordance with the terms of its tender.

  Footpaths and Rights of Way
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to issue guidelines or increase funding to local authorities in order to establish definitive maps of footpaths and rights of way in their areas.

  Mr. Moynihan
  No. The Department's circular 1/83 on public rights of way already provides comprehensive guidance on these procedures. The allocation of resources
  363
  for this work is for individual surveying authorities to decide in the light of the relevant circumstances within their area.

  Water Authorities
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the total revenue raised in the current financial year by each water authority; and if he will express this as a per capita sum for each adult over 18 years in the area of each authority.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The total revenue raised by each water authority in its budget for 1987–88 is set out in the table. These comprise all sources of income taken into revenue account, including grants and other non-charge income and land drainage precepts.

  £ million

  North West

  423

  Northumbrian

  119

  Severn Trent

  455

  Yorkshire

  286

  Anglian

  347

  Thames

  574

  Southern

  199

  Wessex

  123

  South West

  98

  Information on the number of adults over 18 years in each water authority area is not held centrally, primarily because water authority areas do not coincide with local authority areas.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the sources and amounts of income and the total expenditure of each water authority in England and Wales in 1986.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The income and expenditure of the water authorities in England and Wales was set out in their annual reports and accounts for 1986–87 which were laid before Parliament on 15 July 1987. Copies are available in the Library. This information is summarised in "Water Facts" published annually by the Water Authorities Association. I will place a copy of the edition covering 1986–87 in the Library as soon as it is available.

  Women (Domestic Violence)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is yet in a position to say what arrangements will be made on behalf of women who have been rehoused following incidents of domestic violence to enable them to keep their addresses secret or off the public poll tax register.

  Mr. Howard
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mrs. Gorman) on 2 December, at columns 618–19.

  Community charges registration officers will be required to omit from the published version of the register the name of any individual who satisfies them that he or she may suffer physical injury if his or her name is listed.

  Women's Aid Refuges
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 12 November,Official Report, column 200, regarding exemptions from
  364
  the poll tax for certain hostels providing accommodation and care, whether Women's Aid refuges will be included in the exemption category; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  The exemption for residents of caring institutions will not apply to women's refuges. Refuges are not analogous to the hostels which provide a substantial degree of care, and whose residents will be exempt. Help will be available to women on low income in refuges, through the community charge rebate system and the uprating of benefit.

  Water Rates
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for each local authority area the water rate.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The information requested is not held centrally. Information on the average household bill for each water authority in England was given by my right hon. Friend in a reply to the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) on 29 June 1987, at column 46.

  Local Authority Dwellings (Unlawful Occupation)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) pursuant to his answer of 12 November,Official Report, column 192, what figures he has for the number of local authority dwellings that were unlawfully occupied in each London borough for each of the years 1985–86 and 1986–87;

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 12 November, Official Report, column 192, what figures he has for the number of local authority dwellings that were unlawfully occupied in each of the London boroughs not referred to in his answer.

  Mrs. Roe
  The numbers of council-owned dwellings in unlicensed occupation were reported, for the first time, by local authorities in their 1987 housing investment programme returns; figures for London boroughs at 1 April 1987 appear on page 7.7 (col. A99) of the "HIP 1 (1987) All items print". A copy has recently been placed in the Library.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what was the total number of dwellings let to new secure tenants(a) by metropolitan authorities outside London, (b) by English non-metropolitan authorities and (c) by all English local authorities (i) between 1 April 1981 and 31 March 1982, (ii) between 1 April 1982 and 31 March 1983, (iii) between 1 April 1983 and 31 March 1984, (iv) between 1 April 1984 and 31 March 1985, (v) between 1 April 1985 and 31 March 1986, and (vi) between 1 April 1986 and 31 March 1987;

  (2) what was (a) the total number of households and (b) the total number of homeless households taking up nominations (i) by metropolitan authorities outside London, (ii) by English non-metropolitan authorities and (iii) by all English local authorities to secure housing association or new town tenancies (1) between 1 April 1981 and 31 March 1982, (2) between 1 April 1982 and 31 March 1983, (3) between 1 April 1983 and 31 March 1984, (4) between 1 April 1984 and 31 March 1985, (5) between 1 April 1985 and 31 March 1986 and (6) between 1 April 1986 and 31 March 1987;
  365
  (3) what was (a) the total number of homeless households and (b) the number of homeless households in priority need accepted (i) by metropolitan authorities outside London, (ii) by English non-metropolitan authorities and (iii) by all English local authorities (1) between 1 April 1981 and 31 March 1982, (2) between 1 April 1982 and 31 March 1983, (3) between 1 April 1983 and 31 March 1984, (4) between 1 April 1984 and 31 March 1985, (5) between 1 April 1985 and 31 March 1986 and (6) between 1 April 1986 and 31 March 1987;

  (4) what was the total number of dwellings let (a) by metropolitan authorities outside London, (b) by English non-metropolitan authorities and (c) by all English local authorities (i) under secure tenancies and (ii) under non-secure tenancies to new tenants who were homeless households (1) between 1 April 1981 and 31 March 1982, (2) between 1 April 1982 and 31 March 1983, (3) between 1 April 1983 and 31 March 1984, (4) between 1 April 1984

  11981–81

  11982–83

  11983–84

  11984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  thousands

  thousands

  thousands

  thousands

  thousands

  thousands

  1. Lettings to new secure tenants

  (a) Metropolitan excluding London

  84·5

  87·9

  84·5

  81·4

  87·4

  89·4

  Non-metropolitan

  112·5

  119·1

  115·8

  116·1

  116·8

  113·6

  England

  244·2

  246·6

  236·0

  228·7

  235·5

  232·5

  (b) of which homeless2

  Metropolitan excluding London

  10·0

  12·0

  12·5

  14·0

  16·9

  18·2

  Non-metropolitan

  17·4

  18·5

  17·0

  18·7

  23·0

  24·4

  England

  41·2

  43·5

  42·9

  46·4

  55·6

  59·1

  2. Lettings to non-secure tenants who were homeless2

  Metropolitan excluding London

  n/a

  n/a

  0·3

  0·6

  0·5

  0·6

  Non-metropolitan

  n/a

  n/a

  4·8

  5·1

  5·1

  5·3

  England

  n/a

  n/a

  6·0

  7·4

  7·3

  7·7

  3. Dwellings let through the National Mobility Scheme and, for London, other mobility schemes

  (a) to homeless households2

  Metropolitan excluding London

  n/a

  . .

  0·2

  ..

  ..

  ..

  Non-metropolitan authorities in the South East3

  n/a

  ..

  0·1

  0·1

  ..

  ..

  Non-metropolitan (all)

  n/a

  ..

  0·2

  0·1

  0·1

  0·1

  England

  n/a

  0·6

  1·6

  1·3

  1·2

  1·2

  (b) to other households

  Metropolitan excluding London

  40·9

  1·7

  1·6

  1·7

  1·6

  1·9

  Non-metropolitan authorities in the South East3

  40·7

  1·0

  1·5

  1·5

  1·2

  1·4

  Non-metropolitan (all)

  42·0

  3·5

  4·4

  4·6

  4·7

  4·3

  England

  46·3

  9·2

  12·2

  11·8

  9·7

  9·5

  4. Nominations made to housing association or new town dwellings

  (a) Total

  Metropolitan excluding London

  5·0

  5·9

  6·3

  5·9

  6·3

  7·3

  Non-metropolitan

  15·5

  10·0

  9·3

  8·2

  7·4

  7·5

  England

  25·4

  20·0

  20·0

  18·0

  17·6

  18·3

  (b) of which homeless2

  Metropolitan excluding London

  0·2

  0·3

  0·4

  0·3

  0·7

  0·5

  Non-metropolitan

  0·7

  0·5

  0·6

  0·6

  0·5

  0·6

  England

  1·7

  1·6

  1·6

  1·5

  2·1

  2·0

  5. Households for whom authorities accepted2 responsibility for securing accommodation5

  (a) Total

  Metropolitan excluding London

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  32·8

  28·3

  30·8

  Non-metropolitan

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  42·3

  44·0

  48·2

  England

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  107·5

  103·2

  111·1

  (b) of which, in priority need

  Metropolitan excluding London

  15·0

  19·6

  19·4

  21·3

  23·3

  25·6

  Non-metropolitan

  37·3

  31·9

  33·1

  33·5

  41·2

  44·9

  England

  70·2

  70·9

  74·9

  81·2

  93·4

  101·4

  n/a Not available.

  .. Nil, or less than 50.

  1 Includes information reported by Greater London council.

  2Households accepted as homeless under Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 or Housing Act 1985.

  366
  and 31 March 1985, (5) between 1 April 1985 and 31 March 1986 and (6) between 1 April 1986 and 31 March 1987;

  (5) what was the total number of dwellings let through the national mobility scheme, and, for London, other mobility schemes (a) to homeless households and (b) to other households (i) by metropolitan authorities outside London, (ii) by non-metropolitan authorities in the southeast, (iii) by English non-metropolitan authorities and (iv) by all English local authorities (1) between 1 April 1981 and 31 March 1982, (2) between 1 April 1982 and 31 March 1983, (3) between 1 April 1983 and 31 March 1984, (4) between 1 April 1984 and 31 March 1985, (5) between 1 April 1985 and 31 March 1986 and (6) between 1 April 1986 and 31 March 1987.

  Mrs. Roe
  Following are estimates derived from local authorities' annual housing investment programme returns:
  367
  3 The standard region comprising the non-metropolitan districts in the Department of the Environment administrative Eastern (excluding East Anglia) and South Eastern regions.

  4 Includes homeless households.

  5These figures differ from financial year totals derived from the Department's published estimates which are based on separate quarterly returns on homelessness (PIE).

  Radioactive Waste (Disposal)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when, pursuant to his answer of 19 November to the hon. Member for Burnley, he expects to write to the hon. Member on land fill sites used for radioactive waste disposal.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I have now written to the hon. Member.

  Council Property Sales
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list by each English local authority the number of(a) applications received from tenants to buy their council property, and (b) sales to tenants under the provisions of the Housing Act 1980; and what percentage each of these figures are of the local authority stock in April 1981.

  Mrs. Roe
  Information on right to buy sales up to June 1987, as reported by each authority, appears in the "progress on council house sales" table placed in the Library on 11 December, in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Stamford and Spalding (Mr. Davies), at column 275.

  The cumulative numbers of applications received by all of the English authorities could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Opencast Mining
  Mr. Radice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times since 1979 Her Majesty's Government have approved proposals to opencast sites under the Opencast Coal Act 1958 or the Town and Country Planning Act 1971.

  Mr. Trippier
  Between 1 January 1979 and 8 December 1987, 78 authorisations were issued in respect of British Coal Corporation — formerly National Coal Board —opencast sites in England. Requests for information in respect of sites in Scotland and Wales should be addressed to the respective Secretaries of State for those countries.

  Mr. Radice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times since 1979 Her Majesty's Government have approved proposals to opencast sites under the Opencast Coal Act 1958 or the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 when the inspector has recommended that those proposals be dismissed.

  Mr. Trippier
  Information is available only for the period commencing March 1984 when the then National Coal Board Opencast Executive was brought into the planning system. Since that date an inspector's recommendation of dismissal has been overturned once.

  LDDC (Mr. John Mills)
  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what grounds, and on the basis of what material and information, he reached his decision to dismiss Mr. John Mills as deputy chairman of the London 368
  Docklands development corporation; whether the grounds for the decision were communicated to Mr. Mills; and if he had an opportunity to comment on those grounds.

  Mr. Trippier
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of state removed Mr. Mills from office under the powers of paragraph 6(d) of schedule 26 of the Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 because he was satisfied that he was unsuitable to continue as a member of the board of the LDDC.

  The only material and information taken into account were statements made by Mr. Mills before his appointment; the information he then disclosed; and the information he has provided to the chairman of the LDDC and the Department of the Environment following a recent interview for television in which the chairman was asked if he knew of Mr. Mills' involvement in two liquidations and of his convictions under consumer protection legislation.

  On the afternoon of 30 November, and before he was dismissed by the Secretary of State, Mr. Mills was seen at the Department of the Environment. He was told at the meeting that questions of his candour and judgment arose and given an opportunity to enlarge on the material he had provided; to offer explanations; and to say what he wished about past events and his future as deputy chairman.

WALES

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what specific steps have been taken by his Department following the consultation on a possible new Welsh Language Bill; what has been the outcome of any further discussions undertaken by his Department on this matter; what further steps he intends to take; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Delyn (Mr. Raffan) on 10 December at column 215.

  School Examinations
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of children taking(a) CSE exams, (b) O-level exams and (c) A-level exams in each local education authority in Wales as a percentage of the total number in the relevant age group in each authority for the latest available year.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The estimated percentages of all candidates from maintained schools attempting examinations in summer 1986 are as follows:

  Candidates attempting1

  CSE

  O level

  A level

  Clwyd

  74·2

  81·0

  17·8

  Dyfed

  63·0

  78·8

  16·8

  Gwent

  71·4

  83·5

  11·9

  Gwynedd

  72·4

  78·2

  15·2

  369

  Candidates attempting1

  CSE

  O level

  A level

  Mid Glamorgan

  74·7

  79·5

  14·6

  Powys

  72·3

  81·3

  15·2

  South Glamorgan

  65·4

  80·5

  17·5

  West Glamorgan

  76·5

  81·3

  14·2

  1A candidate attempting more than one type of examination is counted under each type.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by each Welsh local education authority the total number of children achieving(a) CSE grades 2 to 5, (b) O-level grades A to C and CSE grade 1 and (c) A-level grades A to E as a percentage of the total number of pupils in the relevant year group in each local education authority, for the latest available year.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The information which relates to school leavers from maintained schools in 1985–86 is as follows:

  Percentage of candidates achieving1

  Total number of leavers

  Lower grades2

  Higher grades3

  A level pass

  Clwyd

  6,005

  39·1

  39·1

  15·1

  Dyfed

  4,955

  24·4

  40·0

  19·2

  Gwent

  6,650

  36·1

  36·8

  11·8

  Gwynedd

  3,500

  32·6

  32·2

  18·5

  Mid Glamorgan

  8,325

  27·0

  31·5

  15·0

  Powys

  1,615

  28·5

  43·7

  16·7

  South Glamorgan

  5,640

  28·5

  33·8

  18·6

  West Glamorgan

  5,435

  31·5

  41·8

  14·2

  1 Leavers are counted only once in the analysis according to the highest qualification attained.

  2 O-level grades D, E, CSE grades 2–5.

  3 O-level grades A to C, CSE grade 1.

  Wales Railway Centre
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on progress with the development of the Wales Railway Centre.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The Cardiff Bay development corporation has recently approved a grant to the Wales Railway Centre for the erection of perimeter fencing and other environmental improvements at the Bute street site. The locomotives will shortly be transported to the centre to undergo refurbishment under an MSC community programme project. I understand that the railway centre has approached the Welsh Development Agency, South Glamorgan county council and the Development Corporation for future grant aid.

  DEWIS
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will grant a third year of funding to DEWIS, the Clwyd alternative to care and custody, from March 1988, in the light of the proposed redundancies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I am in touch with the Clwyd council about the future of this project and expect to reach a decision about its funding shortly.

  Connah's Quay (School Closure)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit Connah's Quay Golftyn infants school to meet members of staff, the parent governors, the parents and local councillors to discuss the proposed closure of the school; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  No proposals for the closure of Golftyn infants school have been published. My right hon. Friend would not wish to prejudice his decision in the event of any such proposals coming before him.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit Connah's Quay high school to meet staff members, parent-teachers association leaders and local councillors to discuss the proposal of Clwyd Education Authority for a change of character or closure of this school; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  I am aware that Clwyd local education authority is considering its secondary school provision but no proposals for either the closure or change in character of Connah's Quay high school have been published. My right hon. Friend would not wish to prejudice his decision in the event of any such proposals coming before him.

  Schools (Capitation Allowance)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will list by local authority the school where the capitation allowance is exceeded by parental donation.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Heartbeat Wales
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has as to which food retailers have associated themselves in the Health Education Council's Heartbeat Wales campaign.

  Mr. Ian Grist
  Heartbeat Wales has contacts with all the key sectors and so far has jointly planned or supported health promotion schemes with the Welsh Meat and Livestock Commission, Tesco and Unigate.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Civil Servants (Statistics)
  Dr. Michael Clark
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will indicate for the last five years, the number of civil servants(a) recruited, (b) leaving the service and (c) transferred between Departments.

  Mr. Brooke
  For the five years 1982 to 1986 there were 198,000 entrants to the non-industrial Civil Service, mainly as recruits to junior grades. During the same period there were 229,000 leavers from the non-industrial Civil Service, from all causes.

  Statistics covering entrants to and leavers from the industrial Civil Service are not available, but the overall numbers of industrial civil servants in post have declined from 132,000 as at 1 January 1983 to 93,000 as at 1 January 1987.

  Statistics covering transfers of staff between Departments are not collected centrally.

  Payroll Giving
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the value to the arts of the Government's payroll giving scheme since it was introduced.

  Mr. Brooke
  I regret that this information is not available.

  International Monetary Fund
  Mr. Wells
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's contribution to the enhanced structural adjustment facility of the International Monetary Fund.

  Mr. Lawson
  At the annual meeting of Commonwealth Finance Ministers in September, I announced that the United Kingdom would make a contribution to the interest subsidy associated with the proposed enhanced structural adjustment facility (ESAF) of the International Monetary Fund, which is designed to support structural adjustment programmes in low-income countries. Since then I have reviewed the United Kingdom's contribution to the enlarged SAF, decisions on which should be completed by the end of this month. The United Kingdom executive director to the IMF has now been authorised to increase Her Majesty's Government's earlier offer to an interest subisidy sufficient, at present interest and exchange rates, to subsidise lending rising to I billion SDRs (the equivalent of £750 million). This is more than double our earlier offer.

  The facility will complement the United Kingdom's own initiative for measures to relieve the burdens of bilateral debt servicing of these countries, which I announced last spring in Washington and which we are continuing to press. There is increasing international recognition of the need to relieve the debt burdens of the poorest African countries, provided they are pursuing sustained programmes of economic reform.

  Additional funds will be made available to the overseas aid programme to cover the costs of this increased contribution. The additional costs in 1988–89 will be charged to the reserve and will therefore not add to the total of planned public expenditure.

  The prospect of this additional contribution has been warmly welcomed by the IMF managing director and is being made on the basis that appropriate contributions will be made by other major countries and that differentially favourable access will be given to those in greatest need, especially the low-income heavily-indebted countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

  Employment
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect of the recent fall of share prices on the level of employment; and if he will make a statement.
  372
  Mr. Major
  The forecast published in the Autumn Statement took account of the fall in world stock markets. While this inevitably made the prospect more uncertain, growth of 2½ per cent. (3 per cent. for the non-oil economy) was forecast, holding out the prospect of further falls in unemployment.

  Mortgage Interest Tax Relief
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make an estimate of the number of people buying homes in the United Kingdom with the benefit of mortgage tax relief over the latest period for which figures are available.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  It is estimated that about 8·4 million tax units are benefiting from mortgage interest relief in 1987–88.

  Capital Gains Tax
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the cost to the Exchequer for the last year of capital gains tax relief where compulsory purchase has been involved; and how many cases there have been.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  About £3 million on the basis of receipts in 1986–87. Information is not held centrally on which to base an estimate of the number of cases involved.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Electricity Council and British Gas about the implications for their industries and consumers of the proceedings on the levying of value added tax, initiated in the European Court of Justice on 15 September; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lilley
  The European Court of Justice is not expected to issue its judgment until some time in the new year. The judgment's detailed implications, if any, for individual industries will need to be assessed when the judgment is issued. The Government have not yet held discussions with the Electricity Council or British Gas.

  Job Creation
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his reply of 9 December, how many of the jobs created between 1983(a) in manufacturing industry and (b) in the services sector were in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Major
  Estimates of self-employment by industry are not available for Scotland. The table sets out the figures for employees in employment in manufacturing and in services, along with estimates of total employees in employment, total self-employment in Scotland, and total employment.
  373

  Employment in Scotland (thousands, mid-year) (changes on a year earlier in brackets)

  Employees in Employment

  Manufacturing

  Services

  Total (Manufacturing Services and other)

  Self-employment Total

  Total Employment

  1983

  444

  1,216

  1,899

  179

  2,078

  1984

  434

  1,231

  1,901

  185

  2,086

  (-10)

  (+15)

  (+2)

  (+6)

  (+8)

  1985

  430

  1,244

  1,904

  200

  2,104

  (-4)

  (+3)

  (+3)

  (+15)

  (+18)

  1986

  410

  1,260

  1,888

  205

  2,093

  (-20)

  (+16)

  (-16)

  (+5)

  (-11)

  Change between 1983–1986

  -34

  +44

  -11

  +26

  (+15)

  Some of the decrease in the figure for manufacturing will be the result of the reclassification of jobs such as industrial cleaning, catering, computer services and road haulage previously done by manufacturers' own employees and now done by subcontractors. This developing feature of our economy has the effect of exaggerating the extent of the move from manufacturing to service sector employment. Service sector and total employment in Scotland have increased since 1983.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any plans to introduce legislation to provide that payment of community charge by farmers on behalf of employees dwelling in tied accommodation shall be tax deductible.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 7 December 1987]: We have no such plans. Under existing law, any employer who pays any tax for an employee as part of the latter's remuneration package can normally claim a deduction for tax purposes. However, an employee whose remuneration package includes the payment of any tax on his behalf would normally be taxed on the benefit.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Civil Servants (Appraisal)
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what progress is being made in appraising the performance of civil servants.

  Mr. Luce
  All Departments have introduced or are introducing staff appraisal systems for all non-industrial staff. These systems assess the results achieved by staff against agreed objectives. They have been generally well received by staff and managers alike.

  Ethnic Minority Recruitment
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what information he has collected on the level of recruitment from ethnic minority groups into the Civil Service open structure grades and their training grades.

  Mr. Luce
  The Civil Service Commissioners have been monitoring the ethnic origin of applicants to all their recruitment schemes since September 1986. The progress of candidates is being analysed, including the main fast-stream recruitment. The first year's results will be published in the commissioners' 1987 annual report.

  Recruitment
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what are the implications for his policy on training of the current level of Civil Service recruitment.

  Mr. Luce
  The Civil Service has much to offer new recruits with a range of induction, vocational and management training and has the ability to vary that provision to meet fluctuations in demand.

  Civil Service College
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what professional qualifications can be gained by those studying at the Civil Service College.

  Mr. Luce
  Civil servants studying at the Civil Service college may gain the following professional qualifications: the certificate and diploma in public sector internal audit and accounting awarded by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA); the professional qualification of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) which offers the designated letters MIAA; the National Computer Centre certificate in systems analysis and design; the Institute of Personnel Management's full professional qualification arid certificate in personnel practice, and the certificate of the Institute of Training and Development.

  The college also monitors the content, quality and results of training undertaken by civil servants in other educational establishments which leads to the parts I and II examinations of the British Computer Society.

THE ARTS

  Business Sponsorship
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what was the level of business sponsorship of the arts in 1986–87; and what forecast he has made of future levels.

  Mr. Luce
  The Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts estimates a figure of £25 million in 1986–87. I expect the level to continue to rise.

  Funding
  Mr. Chapman
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will explain in more detail the background to his announcement to increase arts funding for 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  My announcement of a substantial increase in arts funding for 1988–89 and the two subsequent years
  375
  represented an important practical step towards the implementation of the long-term plan for the funding of the arts which I outlined in my speech in Newcastle in July. The average increase in allocations of 10 per cent. next year is intended to get this new approach off to a good start and to encourage arts insitutions to become more self-reliant in their development and growth.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister for the Arts when he plans to meet the Arts Council to discuss the level of funding for the arts in 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  I met the chairman and secretary-general of the Arts Council on several occasions before announcing the level of the council's grant-in-aid for 1988–89 on 5 November. The council will keep me advised of its plans for the distribution of the grant-in-aid.

  Aldeburgh Foundation
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Minister for the Arts when he last visited the Aldeburgh Foundation; and what was the outcome of the visit.

  Mr. Luce
  I visited the Aldeburgh Foundation on 4 November and was very encouraged by what I saw. The foundation has increased its audiences by over 30 per cent. over the last year, and has turned a substantial loss into a profit, in the course of four years.

  West Midlands
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Minister for the Arts when he plans to meet the director of Midlands Arts to discuss the level of funding for the arts in the west midlands in 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  I expect to meet the director when I visit the west midlands region early in 1988. It is for the Arts Council to determine the distribution of its grant-in-aid to the regions and between different art forms.

  Public Lending Right
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Minister for the Arts whether he has any plans to increase the funding of the public lending right scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Luce
  As I announced in answer to a written question on 5 November, at column 848, the annual fund will be increased by £0·75 million to £3·5 million from 1988–89. This represents an increase of 27 per cent. and is the second substantial increase in three years. It will raise the fund in real terms to its highest level since the scheme was implemented.

  Funding
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Minister for the Arts when he plans to meet the director of Merseyside Arts to discuss the level of funding for the arts on Merseyside in 1988–89.

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Minister for the Arts when he plans to meet the chairman of Southern Arts to discuss the level of funding for the arts in southern England for 1988–89.
  376
  Mr. Luce
  I announced the Arts Council's level of grant-in-aid for 1988–89 on 5 November. It is for the council to determine its distribution of those moneys to individual regions.

  British Library Project
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Minister for the Arts whether the cost of the British Library project is included in the recently announced 17 per cent. settlement of arts funding over the next three years.

  Mr. Luce
  No. The three-year settlement of arts funding excludes the costs of the British Library capital project at St. Pancras, which will continue to be reviewed annually in the usual way.

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Martin
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what provision will be made for the building and maintenance of national museums and galleries in 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  As I announced on 5 November, at columns 848–50, I intend that not less than £6 million of the increase in provision for museums and galleries in 1988–89 will be devoted to strengthening the building and maintenance programme of the national museums and galleries. This represents a rise of over 20 per cent.

  I shall be announcing shortly the detailed allocation for each institution.

  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Minister for the Arts which national museums and galleries have sold items from their collections over the past three years.

  Mr. Luce
  The majority of national museums and galleries have powers, on certain conditions, to dispose of items from their collections either by sale, exchange or gift. Whether and to what extent they do so is for the trustees and director of each institution to determine. Since 1985, the following national museums and galleries sponsored by my Department have sold items from their collections: British museum; Victoria and Albert museum; National Maritime museum; British museum (Natural History).

  Photography (Funding)
  Mr. Boyes
  To ask the Minister for the Arts when he plans to meet the chairman of the Arts Council to discuss the level of funding for photography in 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  I meet the chairman at regular intervals, but it is for the Arts Council to decide the level of funding of any particular art form.

  Greater London Arts
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Minister for the Arts when he plans to meet Greater London Arts to discuss arts funding in London for 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  I have no immediate plans to do so, but I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms. Walley) today.

  Subsidised Art Bodies
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Minister for the Arts how he intends to encourage subsidised arts bodies to become more self-reliant in their development and growth.
  377
  Mr. Luce
  I have included substantial sums for incentive funding in the arts budget for next year and the two succeeding years. I intend this money to be used to help arts bodies improve their financial viability, and especially their trading activities. The Arts Council is conducting consultations on its schemes for incentive funding, and parallel developments are in train with other bodies funded by my Department.

  I have also substantially increased the budget for the successful business sponsorship incentive scheme, and am considering further measures to stimulate arts marketing.

  London (Arts Funding)
  Mr. Sedgemore
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what will be the level of financial support for the arts in London in 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  The level of financial support for the arts in London is not determined centrally. Substantial assistance will be provided to London arts organisations from the central Government's arts programme out of my office's grants-in-aid of the Arts Council, the British Film Institute, the Crafts Council, the national museums and galleries, the British Library, and other bodies. In addition, the arts in London enjoy considerable support from local authorities in London and the Greater London Arts Association. Moreover, London has a thriving and successful commercial arts sector, the main financial support of which comes from those who use its services.

  Wales (Funding)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Minister for the Arts when he plans to meet the chairman of the Welsh Arts Council to discuss the level of funding for the arts in Wales in 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  I have no immediate plans to do so. I have announced the Arts Council's grant-in-aid for 1988–89, and the council will now determine the share for Wales.

  Welsh Arts Council
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Minister for the Arts when he last met representatives of the Welsh Arts Council; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Luce
  I met the chairman informally recently.

  Scotland (Funding)
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what will be the level of financial support for the arts in Scotland in 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  I have announced the level of the grant-in-aid to the Arts Council, and it is now for the council to determine the sum available for Scotland. I understand that an announcement is expected in the near future.

  David Shepherd (Art Exhibition)
  Mr. Hanley
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if his Department has considered an application for an art exhibition by David Shepherd to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

  Mr. Luce
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Services Committee, arrangements have been made 378
  with the authorities of the House for an exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from 11 to 15 January 1988.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Solicitors Complaints Bureau
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Attorney-General how many firms of solicitors have been reported to the Solicitors Complaints Bureau as practising uncertificated in the years 1985, 1986 and 1987.

  The Attorney-General
  This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

PRIME MINISTER

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if, in the light of the guidance in paragraph 9 of the note on the duties and responsibilities of civil servants in relation to Ministers and ministerial responsibility for the release of information to the media, she will review the relationship between her press office and the media.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will amend the note of guidance on the duties and responsibilities of civil servants so as to extend to retired civil servants the same privileges on the publication of memoirs as are extended to Ministers.

  The Prime Minister
  No. The principles and conventions governing publications by former members of the public services are as set out in part IV of the report of the Committee of Privy Councillors on Ministerial Memoirs, Cmnd. 6386.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations she has received about the difficulties confronting civil servants in the exercise of their duties to present Government policies and decisions, pursuant to paragraph 3 of the note of guidance on the duties and responsibilities of civil servants in relation to Ministers by the head of the Home Civil Service.

  The Prime Minister
  Apart from the questions from the hon. Member, I have received no such representations.

  European Community
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement outlining the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the financial problems facing the European Economic Community as set out at the recent Copenhagen Councils, with particular reference to the conditions required to be met before Her Majesty's Government agree to an increase in own resources.

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made on Tuesday 8 December, at columns 167 to 168, on the outcome of the Copenhagen European Council.

  Inner Cities
  Sir Trevor Skeet
  To ask the Prime Minister which Minister has the principal responsibility for job creation in the inner cities, including the establishment of new businesses; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government's aim is to create a climate which encourages and harnesses enterprise in the inner cities and to remove barriers against private investment, jobs and prosperity. It is the responsibility of all Ministers whose policies affect inner cities to further those objectives.

  British National Space Centre
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Prime Minister what funds have been made available to the British national space centre for the collaborative programme with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, announced after her visit to Moscow in March; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The British national space centre will consider funding any proposals for collaborative space science projects with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics within its existing budget. The British national space centre has supported three scientists to work with the USSR on a mission to Mars and its moon Phobos, and is currently discussing other possible collaborations in a number of fields, including X-ray astronomy, solar terrestrial physics and planetary science.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Development and the Environment (Dakar Conference)
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many members of the official British delegation to the Dakar European-African conference on development and the environment will be in charge of media and public relations tasks;

  (2) if he will list the members of Her Majesty's Government's delegation to the Dakar European-African conference on development and the environment in January 1988.

  Mr. Eggar
  The exact composition and delegation will depend on the conference papers, which have not yet been received. We would expect public relations tasks and the media to be handled by the conference organisers.

  Ethiopia (Wheat)
  Mr. Jopling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will estimate the largest quantity of wheat which could be delivered to a value of £1,000, to a given port in Ethiopia, if the wheat was(a) bought in the market in an EEC member state, (b) bought from EEC intervention stores or (c) bought at the cheapest price on the world market.

  Mr. Eggar
  On the basis of the most recent tender for United Kingdom food aid to Ethiopia, £1,000 would cover the total costs of the delivery to a port in Ethiopia of 7·3 tonnes of wheat whether purchased on the Community market or from EC intervention stocks. However, since much of the cost is borne on the EC agriculture budget, expenditure of £1,000 from the United Kingdom aid budget allows the delivery of 16 tonnes of wheat.
  380
  We have been informed by the World Food Programme that, on the basis of its cheapest recent tender on the world market, £1,000 would cover the cost of the delivery of 17·5 tonnes of wheat to its (different) specification to a port in Ethiopia.

  Third World (Sugar)
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking in order to aid those Third world countries which are over dependent on the production of sugar to diversify from their production towards other commodities.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development gave the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 24 November, at column 118.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Pollution
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his reply,Official Report, column 1194, 19 November, to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Dr. Moonie), what conclusions he has reached on the need to take action in relation to fish and shellfish quality, water quality, conditions at sea disposal sites, and the effect of contaminants in relation to the North sea.

  Mr. Gummer
  At the international conference on 24–25 November, North sea Ministers agreed on a range of measures to protect the North sea. These were listed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry) on 30 November at column 416–7.

  Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what legal proceedings have been instituted in respect of the United Kingdom's enforcement of a 75 per cent. European Community or British nationals manning level requirement on fishing vessels operating under the British flag; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the implications of the Jader agreement, of 19 May, relating to manning levels on fishing vessels.

  Mr. Gummer
  As from 1 January 1986 the Fisheries Ministers introduced new licensing conditions aimed at ensuring that vessels fishing against the United Kingdom's quotas have a real economic link with this country. These conditions provided

  (i) that the vessel must operate from the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man;

  (ii) that at least 75 per cent. of the crew must be British citizens, or EEC nationals (excluding Spanish and Portuguese nationals under the transitional arrangements on the free movement of workers provided for in the treaty of accession), ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom or Islands;

  (iii) that the skipper and all the crew must be contributing to national insurance in the United Kingdom or Islands.

  On 24 April 1986 judicial review proceedings were initiated by Agegate Ltd., a vessel-owning company

  381
  incorporated in this country but with predominantly Spanish shareholders, seeking a declaration that licence conditions (ii) and (iii) were contrary to the EEC treaty. On 1 December 1986 an order of reference was made from the High Court, Queen's Bench Division, to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg requesting a preliminary ruling under article 177 of the EEC treaty on the Community law questions involved. The European Court of Justice has yet to give its ruling on these questions.

  On 22 May 1987, a further reference was made by the High Court, Queen's Bench Division, to the European Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling on certain questions raised in judicial review proceedings by Jaderow Ltd. and a number of other vessel-owning companies incorporated in this country but beneficially owned in large part by Spanish interests. The questions concerned the compatibility with Community law of licence condition (i). The judicial review proceedings which were stayed pending the preliminary ruling of the European Court of Justice, concerned our proposal to revoke the licences of a number of vessels owned by Jaderow and the other applicants which had in our view failed to comply with this condition in the six-month period January to July 1986.

  The agreement to which my hon. Friend refers was signed by leading counsel on both sides of the judicial review proceedings and provided that the applicants' vessels would, thenceforth and until judgment was given, comply with condition (i), in return for an undertaking on our behalf not to take enforcement action against the applicants (or others in a similar position) for breach of this condition with respect to the period between 1 January 1986 and 30 June 1987 or to seek to enforce licence conditions (ii) and (iii) above until judgment was given in the Agegate case. This agreement formally debars us for the time being from enforcing the licence conditions on the nationality, residence and national insurance status of the crews of British fishing vessels, which would in any case have been impossible to enforce effectively pending the ruling of the European Court of Justice on their compatibility with the Community law. The agreement does however provide for compliance by the vessels concerned with the licence condition on operating from the United Kingdom.

  Merchant Shipping Bill
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning part 2 of the Merchant Shipping Bill since its publication.

  Mr. Gummer
  I have received a number of expressions of support for the proposed legislation, from hon. Members and others. The Secretary of State for Transport is of course responsible for the Merchant Shipping Bill as a whole.

  Farms
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the number of farms in the United Kingdom which are in the size range of(a) under 100 acres, (b) between 100 and 199 acres, (c) between 200 and 299 acres, (d) between 300 and 399 acres, (d) between 400 and 499 acres, (f) between
  382
  500 and 599 acres, (g) between 600 and 699 acres, (h) between 700 and 799 acres, (j) between 800 and 899 acres, (k) between 900 and 999 acres and (l) over 1,000 acres.

  Mr. Gummer
  The distribution by size of the main agricultural holdings in the United Kingdom at June 1986 is given in the table. This is based on the size groups which are closest to those requested and for which data are readily available.

  Total area hectares (ha)

  Number of holdings

  Under 40 ha (99 acres)

  161,947

  40 and under 50 ha (124 acres)

  16,089

  50 and under 100 ha (247 acres)

  42,187

  100 and under 200 ha (494 acres)

  24,756

  200 and under 300 ha (741 acres)

  7,090

  300 ha (741 acres) and over

  7,729

  Total main holdings

  259,798

  Notes: Excludes minor holdings.

  Total area on each holding includes crops and grass, sole right rough grazing, woodland and other land.

  Forestry Management
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from which budgets he envisages the grants for forestry management and diversification outlined in his set-aside proposals for an extensification scheme coming; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. MacGregor
  Provision has been made in the latest public expenditure survey for the cost of payments to farmers under the extensification scheme for setting aside land from cereals and putting it to fallow, woodland or non-agricultural use. 25 per cent. of United Kingdom expenditure under the scheme will be eligible for reimbursement from the Community's European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund.

  EC Surplus
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the need for a more systematic distribution of EEC surplus food that could be organised by charities; and what has been his response.

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 11 December 1987]: I have received a number of representations about this in recent weeks. I am continuing close consultations with the main charitable organisations and have explained to those concerned that the Government are still considering the implications of the European Community free food scheme.

  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that a further free distribution of surplus EEC food is made available to needy families during the winter period.

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 11 December 1987]: The Council of Ministers has now adopted a permanent scheme for distribution of free food from intervention stocks. The Government are considering the implications of this in close consultation with the main charitable organisations.

  Sewage Sludge
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek powers to prohibit the dumping of sewage sludge in Channel waters; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 7 December 1987]: No. This Ministry has all the necessary powers and uses them in order, among other things, to ensure protection of the marine environment, the living resources which it supports and human health, and to prevent interference with legitimate uses of the sea.

SCOTLAND

  Doctors' Lists
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many doctors' practice lists are(a) under 1,000, (b) under 1,200 and (c) under 1,500 in size.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  At 1 October 1986, the latest date for which this information is available, there were(a) 779 doctors with a list size of less than 1,000, (b) 982 doctors with a list size of less than 1,200 and (c) 1,316 doctors with a list size of less than 1,500.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the application of the community charge to members of monastic communities; and if it is his intention to propose any amendments to the law in relation to such people.

  Expenditure on regional preferential assistance to industry in Scotland Fiscal year (at cash prices)

  £ million

  1976–77

  1977–78

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Local Employment Act:

  Grants

  0·7

  0·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Scottish Development Agency Act:

  Land and factory building

  9·5

  18·6

  27·8

  37·8

  47·3

  55·1

  46·4

  43·6

  23·3

  23·8

  20·2

  Loans to small tourist enterprises

  —

  —

  0·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Industrial Development:

  Regional Selective

  Assistance Regional Development

  12·9

  19·3

  14·9

  17·8

  22·3

  19·6

  20·2

  24·7

  31·8

  48·1

  35·4

  Grants

  108·2

  105·0

  107·3

  70·2

  113·3

  142·7

  287·3

  143·0

  109·2

  107·5

  170·2

  Highlands and Islands

  Development Board:

  Grants

  2·5

  3·1

  4·1

  4·6

  6·4

  7·0

  8·7

  11·9

  12·0

  12·7

  12·8

  Land and factory building

  —

  0·8

  2·0

  3·9

  4·9

  4·8

  6·9

  5·4

  10·9

  4·9

  3·0

  Other Assistance:

  Investment Grants

  0·6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tourism (Development of Tourism Act 1969 Section 4)

  0·7

  1·0

  1·3

  1·6

  1·9

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Regional Employment

  Premium Small Firms

  78·8

  1·5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Employment Subsidy

  —

  0·7

  1·5

  7·4

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total gross expenditure

  213·9

  150·1

  159·0

  143·3

  198·1

  231·2

  369·5

  228·6

  187·2

  197·0

  241·6

  384
  Mr. Lang
  The position of members of religious orders under the community charge proposals is still under consideration.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he now intends to make in respect of student nurses under the poll tax legislation.

  Mr. Lang
  Student nurses, like other adults, will be liable for the personal community charge and eligible for community charge rebates in appropriate circumstances.

  Local Authorities (Rates)
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many members of Scottish local authorities are not liable to pay rates.

  Mr. Lang
  Information on the personal financial or other domestic circumstances of councillors is not held centrally.

  Industrial Assistance
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table similar to that on page 34 of the "Scottish Economic Bulletin No. 35" showing expenditure on regional preferential assistance to industry in Scotland for each year since 1976–77 at(a) cash and (b) constant 1986–87 prices.

  Mr. Lang
  Gross expenditure on regional preferential assistance in Scotland for each year since 1976–77 at cash and constant 1986–87 prices is given in the table.
  385
  Notes:

  1. From 1982–83, expenditure outside Assisted Areas, on land and factory building under the Scottish Development Agency Act has been excluded.

  2. The Scottish Tourist Board took over responsibility for loans to small tourist enterprises in August 1982. Loans are now available in non-assisted areas also and the scheme is therefore no longer regarded as part of Regional Preferential Assistance (RPA).

  3. RSA is provided under the Industrial Development Act 1982 and its predecessors.

  4. HIDB loans and equity are classed as non-preferential as these are deemed to be similar to non-preferential assistance outside the HIDB area.

  5. HIDB expenditure on land and factory building prior to 1977–78 is not separately identifiable.

  6. Assistance under the Development of Tourism Act 1969, Section 4 was extended to non-assisted areas in August 1982 and is therefore no longer regarded as part of RPA.

  7. Small Firms Employment Subsidy was ended in March 1980.

  8. The 1979–80 total for Small Firms Employment Subsidy excludes estimated non-regionally preferential payments.

  Expenditure on regional preferential assistance to industry in Scotland

  Fiscal year (at constant 1986–87 prices)

  £ million

  1976–77

  1977–78

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Local Employment Act:

  Grants

  1·7

  0·2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Scottish Development Agency Act:

  Land and factory building

  23·3

  40·1

  54·1

  62·9

  66·4

  70·5

  55·4

  49·7

  25·5

  24·5

  20·2

  Loans to small tourist enterprises

  —

  —

  0·2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Industrial Development:

  Regional Selective Assistance

  31·7

  41·5

  28·9

  29·7

  31·3

  25·1

  24·1

  28·2

  34·7

  49·6

  35·4

  Regional Development Grants

  265·4

  226·1

  208·8

  116·9

  159·1

  182·5

  342·7

  163·1

  119·4

  110·7

  170·2

  Highlands and Islands Development Board:

  Grants

  6·1

  6·7

  8·0

  7·7

  9·0

  9·0

  10·4

  13·6

  13·1

  13·1

  12·8

  Land and factory building

  —

  1·7

  3·9

  6·5

  6·9

  6·1

  8·2

  6·2

  11·9

  5·0

  3·0

  Other Assistance:

  Investment Grants

  1·5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tourism (Development of Tourism Act 1969 Section 4)

  1·7

  2·2

  2·5

  2·7

  2·7

  2·6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Regional Employment Premium

  193·3

  3·2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Small Firms Employment Subsidy

  —

  1·5

  2·9

  12·3

  2·8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total gross expenditure

  524·7

  323·2

  309·3

  238·7

  278·2

  295·8

  440·8

  260·8

  204·6

  202·9

  241·6

  Joint Planning
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the existing arrangements for joint planning between health boards and local authorities; and if he has any plans to make joint planning between health boards and local authorities a statutory requirement, as provided for in section 5 of the National Health Service (Amendment) Act 1986.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  We are satisfied that the existing voluntary arrangements for joint planning as revised in April 1985 provide a suitable framework and that generally boards are making progress in preparing and implementing joint plans. My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans at present to introduce mandatory arrangements. We are, however, closely monitoring progress on the preparation of joint plans, and health boards are aware of the need to complete outstanding plans as quickly as possible.

  Long-stay Hospitals
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement with regard to his Department's policy on long-stay hospitals in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Government's policy in relation to the long-stay hospitals continues to be based on the SHAPE report which gave the highest priority to long-stay services. The share of revenue expenditure allocated to these services has increased between 1981–82 and 1985–86 from 35·25 per cent. to 38·61 per cent., and it is expected that this shift will continue.

  Youth Training
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of YTS participants found employment within(a) three months and (b) six months of leaving schemes based in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.

  Mr. Lang
  Information is not available in the form requested. Of those who left YTS in the 15-month period
  387
  from April 1986 to June 1987 (the latest figures available) the proportion in employment three months after leaving the scheme was as follows:

  per cent.

  Glasgow City

  47

  Lothian and Borders (including Edinburgh)

  58

  Grampian and Tayside (including Dundee and Aberdeen)

  58

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report, for Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, the YTS schemes available in the fiscal year 1988–89, the number of places in each schemes and the number of weekly hours training involved in each scheme.

  Mr. Lang
  The Manpower Services Commission has not yet concluded contracts with managing agents for YTS places in 1988–89. Apart from work experience and on-the-job training two-year YTS trainees receive a minimum of 20 weeks off-the-job training and one-year YTS trainees receive a minimum of 13 weeks. In either case, the actual amount will vary according to the needs of individual schemes.

  Job Creation
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the number of new jobs he expects to be created in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen in the financial year 1988–89.

  Mr. Lang
  Such estimates are not available. Overall prospects for the Scottish economy appear favourable and this can only be beneficial for employment prospects in the four cities referred to.

  Council House Sales
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to bring the Scottish law in relation to the compulory sale of council houses adapted for the disabled into line with the legislation affecting England and Wales.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to do so.

  Private Medical Companies (Debts)
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the debts owed by private medical companies to(a) the National Health Service Scotland and (b) the National Health Service Clydesdale area.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Information about the debts owed to individual health boards is not held centrally. If the hon. Member wishes to write seeking information from the chairman of the Lanarkshire health board about the matter, I suggest it would be helpful if he could clarify what he means by the term "private medical companies".

  Scottish Development Agency
  Mr. Hone Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in East Lothian by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.
  388
  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 23 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  74

  —

  84

  —

  1984–85

  48

  -35·1

  52

  -38·1

  1985–86

  167

  +247·9

  172

  +230·8

  1986–87

  350

  +109·6

  350

  +103·5

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Aberdeen, South constituency by the Scottish Development Agency and the .Highlands and Islands Development Board in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 23 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information in respect of the Scottish Development Agency is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  136

  —

  155

  —

  1984–85

  144

  +5·9

  157

  +1·3

  1985–86

  420

  +191·7

  433

  +175·8

  1986–87

  281

  -33·1

  281

  -35·1

  The constituency is outwith the Highlands and Islands Development Board area.

  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Glasgow, Pollok constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  30

  —

  34

  —

  1984–85

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1985–86

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1986–87

  47

  —

  47

  —

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms, and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices showing the percentage changes year on year.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.
  389

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  67

  —

  76

  —

  1984–85

  79

  +;17·9

  86

  +13·2

  1985–86

  67

  -15·2

  69

  -19·8

  1986–87

  79

  +17·9

  79

  +14·5

  Mr. Eadie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Midlothian constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  135

  —

  154

  —

  1984–85

  371

  +174·8

  405

  +163·0

  1985–86

  72

  -80·6

  74

  -81·7

  1986–87

  165

  +129·6

  165

  +123·0

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Hamilton constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  167

  —

  190

  —

  1984–85

  39

  -76·6

  43

  -77·4

  1985–86

  193

  +394·9

  199

  +362·8

  1986–87

  43

  -77·7

  43

  -78·4

  Mr. McKelvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  67

  —

  76

  —

  1984–85

  298

  +344·8

  326

  +328·9

  1985–86

  32

  -89·3

  33

  -89·9

  1986–87

  225

  +603·1

  225

  +581·8

  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the constituency of Falkirk, West by the Scottish 390
  Development Agency or the Highlands and Islands Development Board in each year since 1979 in (a) cash terms and (b) real terms, based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information in respect of the Scottish Development Agency is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  154

  —

  176

  —

  1984–85

  166

  +7·8

  181

  2·8

  1985–86

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1986–87

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The constituency is outwith the Highlands and Islands Development Board area.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in Glasgow, Maryhill by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1984–85

  55

  —

  60

  —

  1985–86

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1986–87

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the constituency of Glasgow, Hillhead by the Scottish Development Agency and in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  24

  —

  27

  —

  1984–85

  31

  +29·2

  34

  +259

  1985–86

  281

  +806·5

  289

  +750·0

  1986–87

  675

  +140·2

  675

  +133·6

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the constituency of Fife, Central by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is

  391
  available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  154

  —

  176

  —

  1984–85

  187

  +21·4

  204

  +15·9

  1985–86

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1986–87

  146

  —

  146

  —

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in Edinburgh Central by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  100

  —

  114

  —

  1984–85

  180

  +80·0

  197

  +72·8

  1985–86

  304

  +68·9

  313

  +58·9

  1986–87

  184

  -39·5

  184

  -41·2

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report the total amounts paid to projects in Greenock and Port Glasgow by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  356

  —

  406

  —

  1984–85

  52

  -85·4

  57

  -86·0

  1985–86

  158

  +203·8

  163

  186·0

  1986–87

  61

  -61·4

  61

  -62·6

  Mr. Douglas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Dunfermline, West constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  303

  —

  346

  —

  1984–85

  5

  -98·3

  5

  -98·6

  1985–86

  95

  +1,800·0

  98

  +1,860·0

  1986–87

  130

  +36·8

  130

  +32·7

  392
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in Livingston by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  840

  —

  958

  —

  1984–85

  18

  -97·9

  20

  -97·9

  1985–86

  800

  +4,344·4

  824

  +4,020·0

  1986–87

  1,101

  +37·6

  1,101

  +33·6

  Mr. Buchan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Paisley, South constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1984–85

  90

  —

  98

  —

  1985–86

  12

  -86·7

  12

  -87·8

  1986–87

  21

  +75·0

  21

  +75·0

  Mr. Lambie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the constituency of Cunninghame, South by the Scottish Development Agency or the Highlands and Islands Development Board in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information in respect of the Scottish Development Agency is available only from 1983–1984 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  8

  —

  9

  —

  1984–85

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1985–86

  210

  —

  216

  —

  1986–87

  129

  -38·6

  129

  -40·3

  The constituency is outwith the Highlands and Islands Development Board area.

  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in Monklands, East by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.
  393
  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  26

  —

  30

  —

  1984–85

  49

  +88·5

  54

  +80·0

  1985–86

  4

  -91·8

  4

  -92·6

  1986–87

  125

  +3025·0

  125

  +3025·0

  Mr. Norman Hogg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  506

  —

  577

  —

  1984–85

  257

  -49·2

  281

  -51·3

  1985–86

  247

  -3·9

  254

  -9·6

  1986–87

  50

  -79·8

  50

  -80·3

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the constituency of East Kilbride by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms, and (b) real terms, based upon 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  152

  —

  173

  —

  1984–85

  108

  -28·9

  118

  -31·8

  1985–86

  72

  -33·3

  74

  -37·3

  1986–87

  360

  +400·0

  360

  +386·5

  Mr. John McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Dundee, East constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices and showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.
  394

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  5

  —

  6

  —

  1984–85

  32

  +540·0

  35

  +483·3

  1985–86

  138

  +331·3

  142

  +305·7

  1986–87

  120

  -130

  120

  -15·5

  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amount paid to projects in the Dundee, West constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  124

  —

  141

  —

  1984–85

  263

  +112·1

  287

  +103·5

  1985–86

  409

  +55·5

  421

  +46·7

  1986–87

  1945

  +375·6

  1945

  +362·0

  Mr. Graham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Renfrewshire, West and Inverclyde constituency by the Scottish Development Agency and the Highlands and Islands Development Board in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information in respect of the Scottish Development Agency is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  298

  —

  340

  —

  1984–85

  72

  -758

  79

  -76·8

  1985–86

  107

  +48·6

  110

  +39·2

  1986–87

  28

  -73·8

  28

  -74·5

  The constituency is outwith the Highlands and Islands Development Board area.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Dumbarton constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.
  395

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  487

  —

  555

  —

  1984–85

  121

  -75·2

  132

  -76·2

  1985–86

  53

  -56·2

  55

  -58·3

  1986–87

  48

  -9·4

  48

  -12·7

  Mr. Allen Adams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amount paid to projects in Paisley, North from the Scottish Development Agency since 1979.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Amount Paid £000

  1983–84

  230

  1984–85

  187

  1985–86

  74

  1986–87

  537

  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Glasgow, Shettleston constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  232

  —

  265

  —

  1984–85

  60

  -741

  66

  -75·1

  1985–86

  96

  +60·0

  99

  +50·0

  1986–87

  251

  +161·5

  251

  +153·5

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in Dunfermline, East by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 28 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  17

  —

  19

  —

  1984–85

  23

  +35·3

  25

  +31·6

  1985–86

  57

  +147·8

  59

  +136·0

  1986–87

  270

  +373·7

  270

  +357·6

  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of state for Scotland if he will give the total amount paid to projects in the Clydesdale constituency by the Scottish Development Agency and the Highlands and Islands Development 396
  Board in each year since 1979, in real terms based on 1986–87 prices showing the percentage changes and payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 28 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information in respect of the Scottish Development Agency is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  1986–87 prices £000

  percentage change

  1983–84

  —

  —

  1984–85

  201

  +415·4

  1985–86

  -23·9

  23·9

  1986–87

  55

  -64·1

  The constituency is outwith the Highlands and Islands Development Board area.

  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Clackmannan constituency by the Scottish Development Agency or the Highlands and Islands Development Board in each year since 1979 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 5 November 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information in respect of the Scottish Development Agency is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  5

  —

  6

  —

  1984–85

  30

  +500·0

  33

  +450·0

  1985–86

  147

  +390·0

  151

  +357·6

  1986–87

  53

  -63·9

  53

  -64·9

  The constituency is outwith the Highlands and Islands Development Board area.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amounts paid to projects in the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency by the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms based on 1986–87 prices, showing the percentage changes in payments between years.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: As a result of changes in constituency boundaries the information is available only from 1983–84 and relates to all recognised schemes of agency financial assistance. The information is set out in the table.

  Cash terms £000

  Percentage change

  Real terms £000

  Percentage change

  1983–84

  3

  —

  3

  —

  1984–85

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1985–86

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1986–87

  106

  —

  106

  —

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing, for each year
  397
  since 1979 (i) the number of National Health Services inpatient beds in the Dundee, East constituency and (ii) the number of National Health Services staff, in terms of full-time equivalents.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: This information is not available centrally on a constituency basis.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Acute Beds
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list by each district health authority the number of acute beds in 1983–84, 1984–85 and 1985–86.

  Mrs. Currie
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) on 8 December at column 138.

  Mr. J. A. Smith
  Sir Eldon Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects Mr. J. A. Smith of 195 New Cheveley Road, Newmarket, whose treatment has been the subject of correspondence with the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds, to see an orthopaedic consultant at Newmarket hospital.

  Mrs. Currie
  I understand that Mr. Smith is being offered an appointment for the week commencing 14 December.

  Whipps Cross Hospital
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services for what reason Whipps Cross hospital has been placed on red warning for admissions; what are the implications for services(a) now and (b) during the rest of the winter; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Waltham Forest health authority is responsible for services at Whipps Cross hospital. I am advised that it has recently had to make some restrictions on admission because of increased winter pressure, staff shortages, and a ward closed for the decant of patients for the start of phase I of the redevelopment of the hospital.

  NHS (Expenditure)
  Sir Eldon Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost of the National Health Service in 1957 and in 1986; and what is the change in real terms, after allowing for inflation.

  Mr. Newton
  Total National Health Service expenditure in Great Britain in 1957–58 was approximately £720 million* and in 1986–87 was £18,920 million. This represents an increase in real terms (compared with general inflation) of 207 per cent.* This is an estimated figure which has been adjusted to exclude certain local authority health spending which since 1969–70 has not been part of NHS provision.

  Family Planning
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to update and reissue the 1974 memorandum of guidance on family planning in the National Health Service.
  398
  Mr. Newton
  The principles underlying this memorandum remain relevant for those responsible for family planning provision. We have no plans to revise it.

  Primary Health Care (Brochure)
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost of producing and distributing the brochure on primary health care recently issued by his Department.

  Mr. Newton
  Production of the brochure and delivery to distribution points cost £77,800. Personal copies were then sent to some 70,000 doctors, dentists, opticians and pharmacists in the United Kingdom. Distribution was arranged locally by family practitioner committees and health boards. Details of these and other incidental costs are not available centrally.

  AIDS
  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what information is available to him on the proportion of patients attending sexually transmitted diseases clinics in the area covered by(a) the Yorkshire regional health authority and (b) the Pontefract district health authority, that have been tested, and have proved HIV positive.

  Mr. Newton
  I regret that this information is not available centrally. However, by 30 September 1987, a total of 218 HIV antibody positive reports had been received by the communicable diseases surveillance centre from the Yorkshire region. More detailed information of the kind requested may be available locally and the hon. Member may wish to contact the chairmen of the relevant health authorities.

  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the current doubling time of AIDS infections amongst heterosexuals.

  Mr. Newton
  Far too few cases have been reported so far for an estimate to be made of the doubling time in numbers with AIDS. To the end of November 1987, only 43 cases of AIDS thought to have been transmitted through heterosexual contact had been reported in the United Kingdom. Thirty four of these are thought to have acquired the infection overseas. There is no information on the doubling time of infection in heterosexuals at large, although the absolute level of infection in non drug misusing heterosexuals is thought to be very low indeed.

  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will print in the Official Report the text of advice in the light of the threat from AIDS, given by his Department to doctors and dentists exposed to large amounts of saliva in their professional work.

  Mr. Newton
  Guidance for surgeons, anaesthetists and dentists concerning HIV infection (AIDS Booklet 3) was sent out with a covering note (CMO(86)7) in April 1986.

  This states:
  Salivary route. HTLV III has been isolated from saliva, although it has not been implicated in the transmission of infection for example following kissing. Nevertheless, in view of the theoretical possibility of transmission and because saliva may be contaminated with blood particularly during dental and other surgical procedures within the mouth, for practical purposes the transmission

  399
  of HTLV III must be considered a possibility by those exposed to large amounts of saliva during their professional work.

  Specific advice reads:
  Protective clothing, including gowns and gloves must be worn by those dental personnel directly involved in dental procedures and in view of the aerosols containing blood and saliva that may be generated by low and high speed dental drills, ultrasonic scalers and irrigation/air syringes, the wearing of protective eyewear and masks is essential. High volume evacuation systems must be used and conventional scaling techniques are recommended.

  Health Authorities (Chairmen)
  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services 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 England; and on what date a change was last made to those terms of reference.

  Mr. Newton
  Chairmen of health authorities are expected to provide leadership to members and staff so that the highest standards of service are provided to patients within available resources and responsive to local needs as interpreted in the context of national and regional policies.

  Health Bodies (Payments)
  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the basis of reimbursement of incurred expenses, or the payment of fees or salaries to(a) chairpersons and (b) vice-chairpersons, of regional and district health authorities and (c) chairpersons of family practitioner committees, in England; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  Chairmen of regional and district health authorities in England are entitled to receive remuneration of £11,259 per annum. From 1 April 1988 remuneration of £5,000 per annum will be available to chairmen of family practitioner committees. Vice-chairmen are not paid but along with chairmen and other members can claim travel and subsistence allowance in accordance with the National Health Service and English and Welsh National Boards for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (Travelling Allowances, Etc) Determination 1983 at current rates. Hospitality allowances of £1,250 and £1,000 per annum are available to chairmen of regional and district health authorities, respectively. Chairmen of family practitioner committees have an available hospitality allowance of £125 per annum.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the change in the number of beds in(a) Yorkshire regional health authority and (b) the Pontefract district health authority for each year since 1982, including whatever data are available for 1987.

  Mrs. Currie
  The available information is given in the table. The number of in-patient cases treated by Yorkshire regional health authority has increased by 15·7 per cent. from 454,013 in 1982 to 525,296 in 1986. The numbers of such cases treated by Pontefract district health authority has also increased by 14·1 per cent. over the same period from 19,945 to 22,765.
  400

  Changes in the average daily number of available beds in Yorkshire regional health authority and Pontefracl district health authority

  Yorkshire

  Pontefract

  Available beds

  1982

  28,488·2

  864·5

  1983

  28,033·6

  883·0

  1984

  27,470·3

  904·0

  1985

  26,793·4

  884·9

  1986

  25,676·2

  880·6

  Change in numbers of beds

  1982 to 1983

  -454·6

  18·5

  1983 to 1984

  -563·3

  21·0

  1984 to 1985

  -676·9

  -19·1

  1985 to 1986

  -1,117·2

  -4·3

  Nurses
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give, for each year over the past 10 years(a) the total number of all nurses in the National Health Service, (b) the number of trainee nurses joining the National Health Service and (c) the number of all nurses leaving the National Health Service, expressed as both a figure and a percentage figure.

  Mr. Newton
  Information about the total number of nursing and midwifery staff, and the number of trainee nurses joining the National Health Service is given in the table.

  England

  Year

  Nursing and midwifery staff in post at 30 September WTE1 2 3

  Number of students and pupils entering basic nurse training Year ending 31 March4 5

  1977

  343,200

  33,300

  1978

  351,000

  29,410

  1979

  358,400

  35,370

  1980

  370,100

  32,620

  1981

  391,800

  30,920

  1982

  397,100

  31,800

  1983

  397,100

  29,840

  1984

  397,500

  24,970

  1985

  401,200

  25,530

  1986

  402,700

  23,700

  1 Figures are independently rounded to the nearest one hundred (110) whole time equivalents and include qualified and unqualified staff and learners.

  2 Includes agency staff.

  3 Not adjusted for the reduction in nurses' contractual working hours (from 40 to 37·5 per week) during 1980–81.

  4 Actual figures for England are not available prior to 1984. Figures are therefore assumed to be 95 per cent, of those for England and Wales.

  5 Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  Information about nurses leaving the National Health Service is not available centrally. However, the most commonly accepted estimate for qualified nursing and midwifery staff is 10 per cent. a year. This means that in the year ending 30 September 1986 some 23,500 left the service, but this includes retirements and those leaving to have a family.

  Radiotherapy Departments
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has now completed its
  401
  review of the policy relating to the centralising of radiotherapy departments within regional health authorities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Department's review of its guidance to health authorities on the organisation of radiotherapy services is nearing completion.

  Retirement Pension
  Mr. Norman Hogg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the purchasing power of the basic state retirement pension in 1970, 1985 and at present, expressed in 1987 money.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to the DHSS "Abstract Statistics for Index of Retail Prices, Average Earnings. Social Security Benefits and Contributions," a copy of which is in the Library.

  Social Services Records (Access)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has begun consultations with a view to making regulations on access to social services records under the Access to Personal Files Act 1987.

  Mr. Newton
  We are preparing proposals for the regulations on social services records in England and Wales and intend to consult early in the new year.

  Heart Bypass Operations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people have died while waiting for coronary artery bypass operations in each regional health authority area for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Newton
  Such information as may be available is not collected centrally.

  Elderly Persons
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will increase resources to local social service departments to meet the cost of providing care for those elderly persons who can no longer benefit from medical care but who require constant attention either in nursing homes or in the community itself; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The level of expenditure on social services is for each local authority to decide in the light of its assessment of local needs, its other responsibilities and the overall level of resources available. Local authorities have no power to provide nursing home care. The provision made by the Government for expenditure on personal social services in 1987–88 includes, in addition to allowances for inflation and demography, an extra 1 per cent. (worth £27 million) to boost developments in community care. Sir Roy Griffiths has been asked to review the way in which public funds are used to support community care policy.

  Operating Theatres (Report)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received following publication of the National Audit Office report, HC143, on the use of operating theatres in the National Health Service.
  402
  Mrs. Currie
  No representations have been received on this report.

  School Phobia
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of school phobia were diagnosed in 1986–87; what is his Department's policy towards the treatment of school phobia; if he has any plans to renew that policy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  These figures are not collected centrally. If a child is diagnosed as having a school phobia a child psychiatrist or psychologist would be consulted. Any health services provided would then rest on the clinical judgment of the consultant concerned.

  Single Payments
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many single payments and at what cost were made by his Department's offices situated in(a) Liverpool, (b) Knowsley, (c) Sefton, (d) St. Helens, (e) Wirral, (f) Clwyd and (g) Gwynedd during 1986.

  Mr. Portillo
  The numbers of single payments made during the financial years April 1985 to April 1986 and April 1986 to April 1987 in the Department's local offices will be placed in the Library as soon as possible. The total amounts of those payments for each financial year have been placed in the Library.

  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what amount was paid out in single payments through his Department's offices covering Peckham in 1985–86.

  Mr. Portillo
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to her on 30 November at column 465. Further information about single payments for each of the Department's offices has now been placed in the Library.

  Nursery Nurses
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has had regarding the financial situation of nursery nurses; and what steps he is taking to improve their position.

  Mr. Newton
  None. The pay of nursery nurses is determined on the advice of the independent Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives and Health Visitors.

  Dental Treatment
  Mr. Sean Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the numbers of courses of treatment from general dental practitioners during the last 10 years; what were(a) the numbers of courses each year, (b) the average numbers of courses each year per dentist, (c) the numbers of courses in respect of examinations only, (d) the average numbers of courses of examination only, per dentist, (e) the numbers of occasional courses per year and per dentist and (f) the numbers of uncompleted courses per year and the average per dentist.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information requested is given in the table. Information is not available on the number of uncompleted courses of treatment.
  403

  England

  Year

  Number of courses (thousands)

  Number of courses per dentist

  Number of courses of examination only (thousands)

  Number of courses of examination only per dentist

  Number of occasional courses (thousands)

  Number of occasional courses per dentist

  1977

  26,972

  2,319

  7,493

  644

  1,226

  105

  1978

  27,105

  2,298

  7,795

  661

  1,032

  87

  1979

  27,165

  2,256

  7,873

  654

  1,007

  84

  1980

  28,614

  2,324

  8,246

  670

  1,006

  81

  1981

  29,036

  2,280

  8,375

  658

  956

  75

  1982

  29,926

  2,272

  8,752

  665

  953

  72

  1983

  30,506

  2,246

  8,659

  637

  994

  73

  1984

  30,971

  2,215

  8,644

  618

  973

  70

  1985

  31,385

  2,201

  8,565

  601

  873

  61

  1986–87

  32,103

  2,223

  7,843

  543

  601

  42

  Note: From 1986 data are collected on a financial year basis.

  North Tyneside (Population)
  Mr. Ted Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will request the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys to conduct a review of its population figures for the North Tyneside borough council area for the years since 1983, in the light of discrepancies between the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys' figures and those calculated by other agencies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Officials from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys and North Tyneside borough council met last August to review the population figures. As a result of that review an adjustment has been agreed and will be incorporated into the mid-1987 population estimates for North Tyneside.

  Benefit Offices (Payments)
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost of payments covering (i) maternity grants, (ii) death grants and (iii) cold weather by each of his Department's offices in(a) Liverpool, (b) Knowsley, (c) Sefton, (d) St. Helens, (e) Wirral, (f) Clwyd and (g) Gwynedd for 1986–87.

  Mr. Portillo
  I regret that information is not available about the cost of payments of maternity grants and death grants in any particular locality. Information about exceptionally cold weather claims made during the winter of 1986-87 for each local office in Great Britain, including the total amount paid, is in the Library.

  Ford Estate, Birkenhead
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider opening a local office of his Department on the Ford estate, Birkenhead.

  Mr. Portillo
  We have no plans to open an office on the Ford estate, Birkenhead.

  Claimants (Urgent Payments)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions concerning advice to claimants have been issued to his Department's staff, when refusing lump sum urgent needs payments for cookers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  The Department's staff are instructed to advise claimants of refusal of a single payment for a404
  cooker by the issue of a special form (Form BO3D). This gives a general explanation of the reasons for refusal, explains the right of appeal to an independent tribunal and refers to the citizens' advice bureau and local law centre as sources of help and advice in appealing. It also offers a more detailed explanation of the decision if the claimant requests it.

  Low Income Workers
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to the answer of 30 November,Official Report, column 464, whether the data on low income workers given in the column headed "Reformed System" 1988–89 take into account proposed changes in housing benefit and the proposed 20 per cent. rate contribution; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The estimates take account of all of the main features of the social security reforms to be introduced next April.

  Social Fund Commissioner
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given to the Social Fund Commissioner about the exercise of her functions under the Social Security Act 1986.

  Mr. Scott
  The Social Fund Commissioner is fully aware of the duties required of her under section 35 of the Social Security Act 1986, and we do not propose to give her further guidance.

  Agency Nurses
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list for 1986 and 1987 each agency that has been used to supply nurses for the National Health Service;

  (2) if he will give for each nursing agency the payments made by the National Health Service in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Newton
  I regret that the information requested is not available centrally.

  Benefit Payments
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate how many(a) pensioners, (b) unemployed, (c) chronically sick and

  405
  disabled, (d) lone parents and (e) others will be receiving no increase in benefit in April; and how many (i) receive exactly the same cash payments in April 1988 as prior to April 1988 and (ii) suffer cash losses.

  Mr. Scott
  I regret that information is not available in precisely the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The available information is shown in table 7A of the "Impact of the Reformed Structure of Income-Related Benefits" which was published at the time of the uprating statement on 27 October and a copy of which is in the Library.

  Job Training Scheme
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether non-dependants on the job training scheme will be treated as unemployed for the purposes of the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987.

  Mr. Portillo
  Yes, the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987 allow for the same non-dependant deduction to be applied to a non-dependant on the job training scheme as is applied to an unemployed person.

  Severe Weather Payments
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, with dates and affected DHSS offices, the meteorological stations at which average weekly temperatures have reached the trigger point for exceptionally severe weather payments during November and December; and if he will detail the steps taken to make this information public.

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on which areas of the United Kingdom have so far qualified for severe weather payments during December.

  Mr. Scott
  One weather station, Fort William, recorded an average weekly temperature below 0 deg Celsius during the week beginning 30 November. This weather station is linked to the Department's offices at Fort William and Oban. Arrangements are in hand to publicise through the local media and local advice centres the availability of exceptionally cold weather payments in the areas covered by these local offices.

  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if, in the light of the current winter's experience, he will reconsider the appropriateness of the current divisional boundaries between and jurisdictional territories of the Inverness and Fort William offices of his Department respectively, in so far as the eligibility to cold weather payments for claimants living within Skye and Lochalsh district is concerned; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if, in the light of the current winter's experience, he will reconsider the appropriateness of the location of the temperature monitoring stations at Kinloss as the trigger point for eligibility to cold weather payments processed through the Inverness office of his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  Weather stations have been linked to local office areas in consultation with the Meteorological Office, taking account of factors such as climatological conditions, the reliability of information produced and the 406
  speed with which information could be passed on to the Meteorological Office. The Kinloss and Fort William weather stations were chosen to be linked to the Department's local offices of Inverness and Fort William respectively because they were considered to be representative of the climate for the main centres of population in each of these local office areas.

  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of the current winter's experience of the operation of the cold weather payment scheme, he will reconsider(a) the siting of temperature monitoring stations, particularly those located on or near the coast, (b) the commencement of the qualifying period of seven days from Monday running through until the following Sunday and (c) the obligation on eligible claimants to claim such payments by application; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  (a) Weather stations have been linked to local office areas in consultation with the Meteorological Office, taking account of factors such as climatological conditions, the reliability of information produced and the speed with which information could be passed on to the Meteorological Office.

  (b) A fixed seven-day period (Monday to Sunday) was chosen because it is easy to understand and straightforward to operate.

  (c) Exceptionally cold weather payments are single payments of supplementary benefit. The normal position is that such payments have to be claimed. For this winter we plan to make it easier for claimants to get help during repeat periods of exceptionally cold weather. We intend to provide that, where a successful claim is made in respect of one period of exceptionally cold weather, that claim will remain valid in respect of subsequent periods of cold weather during the winter. The relevant regulations were laid before the House on 26 November.

  We shall be reviewing the exceptionally cold weather provision next year in the light of this winter's experience.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of Slate for Social Services how much low and intermediate radioactive waste is produced in National Health Service hospitals in England.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that this information is not held centrally. However, in 1986 approximately 2 cu m of low-level waste from English National Health Service hospitals was disposed of at the disposal site at Drigg. Also 0·01 cu m of intermediate level waste from Cobalt 60 sources was sent for long-term storage at Harwell from hospitals in England and Wales.

  Prescriptions
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of Slate for Social Services how many items were issued free of charge to general practitioner prescription (i) to women aged 60 years or over, (ii) to men aged 65 years or over and (iii) to men aged 60 to 65 years in receipt of supplementary pension or housing benefit supplement in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and, in each case, if he will estimate the cost to public funds.

  Mrs. Currie
  The number of items received in England by women aged 60 and over and men aged 65 or over in
  407
  the last five years for which figures are available and the estimated total cost of these items are as follows. Separate figures for women and men are not available.

  Year

  Number of Items (million)

  Total Cost (£ millions)

  1982

  112·7

  454·0

  1983

  117·2

  511·2

  1984

  121·0

  557·2

  1985

  125·7

  625·1

  1986

  129·6

  683·0

  Information on the number and cost of items received by men aged 60 to 65 years in receipt of supplementary benefit or housing benefit supplement is not available, but estimated figures are as follows:

  Number (millions)

  Cost (£ million)

  1982

  1·4

  5·5

  1983

  1·8

  8·1

  1984

  2·1

  9·8

  1985

  2·2

  10·9

  1986

  2·3

  12·0

  General Practice Finance Corporation (New Schemes)
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the value of all new schemes taken on by the General Practice Finance Corporation in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Newton
  The following is the information for new loans and leases in each of the last five years.

  Financial Year

  1Loans £ million

  2Leases £ million

  Total £ million

  1982–83

  5·0

  1·6

  6·6

  1983–84

  12·2

  3·3

  15·5

  1984–85

  19·3

  4·3

  23·6

  1985–86

  20·3

  4·8

  25·1

  1986–87

  23·5

  2·5

  26·0

  1 Long-term loans taken up.

  2 Lease applications approved in full.

  Social Fund
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what amount he will allocate to the social fund for his Department's offices covering Peckham.

  Mr. Scott
  The local offices which serve the hon. Member's constituency are Camberwell area office, Kennington park integrated local office (ILO) and Peckham ILO. Information on their social fund allocations was contained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) on 4 November at columns 774–81.

  Nurses and Midwives
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the number of funded establishment(a) nurses and (b) midwives in each district health authority;

  (2) how many vacancies for nurses and midwives there are in each (1) district health authority and (2) regional health authority; and what is the ratio of vacancies to
  408
  funded establishment for nurses and midwives for each (1) district health authority and (2) regional health authority.

  Mr. Newton
  I regret that the information requested is not collected centrally. Some information will, however, become available in the course of next year as a result of the introduction of improvements in National Health Service information systems.

  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services which district health authorities provide child care facilities for pre-school age children of nurses or midwives.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that this information is not held centrally.

  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the percentage change in the use of agency(a) nurses and (b) midwives between 1979 and the latest date to which figures are available;

  (2) what is the percentage change in the use of agency (a) nurses and (b) midwives between the last two years for which figures are available.

  Mr. Newton
  There was a 21·4 per cent. increase in the use of agency nurses and a 30·4 per cent. increase in the use of agency midwives in England between September 1979 and September 1986. Between September 1985 and September 1986 the figures were 39 per cent. and 15·4 per cent., respectively.

  Nurse Budgets
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how much each district health authority is currently either(a) overspent or (b) underspent on its nurse budget;

  (2) what is the total current underspend or overspend on nurse budgets.

  Mr. Newton
  I regret that the information requested is not available centrally.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost of housing benefits for elderly people as a percentage of the total expenditure on housing benefits(a) in Scotland, (b) in the Strathclyde area and (c) in the Lanarkshire area, for each year since 1974.

  Mr. Portillo
  I regret that the information is not available in the form requested.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Liaison Committee
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Lord Privy Seal when he will propose to the House the names of members of the Liaison Committee.

  Mr. Wakeham
  As soon as practicable, once the appropriate consultations are completed.

  Lobbying
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Lord Privy Seal if he will introduce legislation to provide for a register of commercial lobbying organisations, with power for the
  409
  House of Commons Commission to provide rules and penalties for those in breach; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  No. As the Select Committee on Members' Interests noted in its first report, Session 1984–85, such a register would pose formidable problems, not only of definition and enforcement, but also of principle, in so far as it gave registered "lobbyists" preferential access to Parliament.

DEFENCE

  Maritime Operations
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the British, Dutch and West German naval staffs' joint draft of the new NATO concept of maritime operations is due to be considered by NATO Defence Ministers;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the role being played by the United Kingdom in the drafting of the new NATO concept of maritime operations.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  NATO's military authorities are currently carrying out a routine updating of NATO's concept of maritime operations in full consultation with member nations, including the United Kingdom.

  Exercises
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on British military participation in exercise Caltrop Tyro, held in California from 15 to 18 November; and what were the troop numbers and costs involved.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Exercise Caltrop Tyro was a command post exercise (CPX) which took place in California in November to test procedures and inter-operability between units of the British, American, Canadian and Australian armies. Some 150 British service men took part, and the United States Government paid all the costs arising there.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the purpose of the Anglo-American military training exercises held on Pontrilas, Herefordshire, and Blair Atholl, Tayside, in June, with particular reference to the relevance to military activities in the Gulf.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  A joint exercise with United States forces took place from 20 to 29 June at a number of locations in the United Kingdom. The exercise was designed to foster the development of joint skills and techniques. The exercise was not linked to current military activities in the Gulf.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the criteria used in deciding the specific dates for exercises Eastern Shield, Capital Guard, Drakes Drum, Autumn Tiger, North Crusade, Western Encounter, Triple Crown and Strong Link; why it was decided not to hold these exercises on a single date; if observers will be present at these exercises, under the Stockholm agreement; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the major home defence exercises to be held in Britain in September-October 1988;
  410
  (3) how many personnel performing the role of Soviet Spetsnaz troops will participate in the major home defence exercises to be held in September-October 1988.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Between September and November 1988 there are to be nine district military home defence exercises in military districts in Britain. Each will be a separate exercise of at least five days duration, and under the independent command of the appropriate GOC. The timing of these exercises has been arranged to take account of the availability of regular and TA manpower in each district, and also of the need to maximise military home defence training whilst minimising disruption to other activities. The exercises are designed to test progress in military home defence planning since Exercise Brave Defender in 1985. Details of the scenarios are classified.

  On current plans, the numbers involved mean that we are not required to notify or invite observers to these exercises under the terms of the Stockholm agreement.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration was given to postponing exercise Purple Warrior following indications of high levels of radiation in south-west Scotland.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Wallace) on 3 December 1987 at column 712.

  Royal Navy (Rules of Engagement)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on changes to the Royal Navy's rules of engagement currently under consideration.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It is not our practice to comment on rules of engagement.

  Holy Loch (Visits)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all visits on a temporary basis to Holy Loch during the last six months involving United States military personnel or equipment not normally based there; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The use of Holy Loch is covered by confidential agreements between the United States and United Kingdom Governments and within those agreements such visits are a matter for the United States Government.

  Battlefield Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recommendations on the future role of battlefield nuclear weapons he is currently considering; and from what source they come.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  My right hon. Friend is not currently considering any recommendations on the future role of battlefield nuclear weapons.

  Joint Air Attack Team
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes in Army and Royal Air Force operational practices have resulted from consideration of the United States joint air attack team concept.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the joint air attack tactics concept developed
  411
  and introduced by the United States armed forces. This has not led to any changes in the operational practices of the Army or the Royal Air Force.

  Directorate of Battle Doctrine
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the work of the directorate of battle doctrine;

  (2) how many personnel are currently on the staff of the directorate of battle doctrine;

  (3) how many staff from the directorate of battle doctrine are currently on secondment or attachment to the air land forces application agency of headquarters United States Army Training and doctrine command/ headquarters, United States Air Force tactical air command.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The work of the former directorate of battle doctrine is now carried out by the directorate of doctrine (Army). The directorate of doctrine (Army) currently consists of 16 personnel, including clerical support. Its work encompasses the formulation of broad tactical concepts for the Army in the time frame 10 to 25 years ahead. It does not have any staff attached or seconded to the air land forces application agency of headquarters United States Army training and doctrine command or to Headquarters United States Air Force tactical air command.

  National Joint Ocean Surveillance Information Centre
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the location, role, re-equipment and financing of the United Kingdom national joint ocean surveillance information centre.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The centre to which the hon. Member refers will be financed from the United Kingdom defence budget. It would not be in the national interest to provide the additional information requested.

  Harrier GR5
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Harrier GR5 will be employed in the battlefield air interdiction role; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The Harrier GR5 will be employed both in the battlefield air interdiction role and in providing close air support of troops.

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current unit cost of the Harrier GR5.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 16 November 1987]: It is now our practice not to publish unit production costs, but I refer the hon. Member to table 3.2 of volume 2 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1987" (Cm. 101–11).

  RAF Molesworth
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the options being considered for future uses of RAF Molesworth following implementation of the intermediate nuclear forces treaty.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It is not our general practice to speculate on possible alternative future uses for military installations until firm decisions have been reached.

  Aircraft Interceptions
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many interceptions have been made by Royal Air Force aircraft of(a) Soviet military aircraft, (b) other military aircraft and (c) civilian aircraft in the United Kingdom air defence region in each year since 1979;

  (2) on how many occasions since 1979 Soviet military aircraft are known to have penetrated the United Kingdom air defence region.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Royal Air Force aircraft regularly intercept and identify various civil and military aircraft in the United Kingdom air defence region (UKADR). Records of such interceptions are kept only for Soviet military aircraft. Details of penetrations of the UKADR by these aircraft, and their interception by the RAF, are classified. On average, however, Soviet military aircraft are intercepted in the UKADR by the RAF three or four times each week. This number can be much higher during Warsaw pact exercises.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 1979 Soviet military aircraft are known to have penetrated United Kingdom territorial airspace.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  None.

  Tornado Aircraft
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the two Royal Air Force Phantom squadrons assigned to Fleet Air Defence to convert to the Tornado aircraft.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Of the two squadrons of RAF Phantom aircraft previously assigned primarily to the maritime air defence role, one has already converted to Tornado F3 aircraft, and the second is expected to do so within the next two or three years.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes in deployment and operational cycles will result from the replacement of Royal Air Force Phantoms by Tornados in the fleet air defence role.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  None.

  Exercise Ocean Safari
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the purposes of, and lessons learned from, the deployment of Phantom aircraft to Stornoway for exercise Ocean Safari in September.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  As the hon. Member will know, RAF Stornoway is designated as a NATO forward operating base for use in times of tension or war. During the recent NATO joint maritime exercise Ocean Safari, Royal Air Force Phantom aircraft deployed to Stornoway to rehearse the activation of the base and to test its facilities. The base activation plans were found to be generally sound, although a few practical deficiencies were identified. Steps are being taken to rectify these.

  United States Navy Carrier-based Aircraft
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision has been made for logistic support of United States Navy carrier-based aircraft at airfields in Scotland.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  No specific provision is made for logistic support for United States navy carrier-based aircraft at airfields in Scotland in peace time. The 1973 United States/United Kingdom line of communication arrangement provides for logistic support to be supplied to United States forces to enable them to conduct operations in support of NATO in an emergency. The detailed arrangements for this support are confidential between our two Governments.

  Royal Artillery Range, Hebrides
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many days in each year since 1979 missile firings on the royal artillery range, Hebrides, were postponed or cancelled due to the presence of air traffic or shipping in the range area.

  Mr. Freeman
  We are not aware of any instances of range closure due to air traffic. However, the range was closed for a four-day period due to a protest about EEC fishing regulations by local fishermen.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the impact of the establishment of a new recommended route for oil tankers of more than 10,000 tons gross weight to the west of the Western Isles will have on the frequency of cancellation or postponement of missile firings from the royal artillery range, Hebrides.

  Mr. Freeman
  The range radar and computer systems are designed to take account of vessels moving through the range area and the movement of oil tankers should not therefore affect range firings.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) on how many days in each year since 1975 the royal artillery range, Hebrides, danger area known as D701A was active;

  (2) on how many days in each year since 1975 the royal artillery range, Hebrides, danger area known as D701 was active.

  Mr. Freeman
  Danger areas D701 and D701A were active for an average of 79 and 22 days respectively in each year since 1977; records are not available for 1975 and 1976.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many firings have been made on the royal artillery range, Hebrides, in each year since 1975, of(a) Lance, (b) Rapier, (c) Blowpipe, (d) Sea Eagle, (e) Harpoon, (f) Sub-Harpoon, (g) Martel, (h) Sea Wolf, (i) ALARM, (j) Skyflash, (k) Javelin, (l) Sea Dart and (m) Sparrow missiles.

  Mr. Freeman
  This information is classified.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) service personnel, (b) civilian staff from his Department and (c) contractors' personnel are currently employed at the royal artillery range, Hebrides.
  414
  Mr. Freeman
  Two hundred and ninety-four service men, 196 civilians and 100 contract personnel, including personnel involved in contracted-out services, are employed on the RAF range, Hebrides.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations have been received from owners and operators of civilian vessels, in each year since 1979, concerning continued firing of missiles on the royal artillery range, Hebrides, while vessels were present in the range danger area.

  Mr. Freeman
  We are not aware of any such representations. For safety reasons, firing would not take place if vessels were present in the danger area.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the purpose of the visit to the royal artillery range, Hebrides, of a United States army general in the autumn.

  Mr. Freeman
  We are not aware of any such visit.

  Low-flying Aircraft
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of the investigation into damage caused by a low-flying United States Air Force F-111 over Benbecula on 12 September 1983.

  Mr. Freeman
  As a result of the incident on 12 September 1983 involving an aircraft of the United States air force over Benbecula, a total of just over £141,000 was paid out by way of compensation to local people who made claims against my Department for damage to their property. I am not aware of any outstanding claims relating to this incident.

  North Uist (Radar Installation)
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the type 92 radar on North Uist is expected to become operational.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The type 92 radar on North Uist is expected to become fully operational shortly and will form part of the improvements to the United Kingdom air defence ground environment.

  Western Isles (Installations)
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans exist to instal(a) satellite communications and (b) tropospheric scatter communications facilities in the Western Isles.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  A tropospheric scatter system has been installed on North Uist as part of the improvements to the United Kingdom air defence ground environment, and is expected to become fully operational shortly.

  Exercise JMC 87/3
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role was played by Royal Air Force Stornoway in exercise JMC 87/3.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  None.

  Exercise JMC 87/2
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role was played by RAF Stornoway in exercise JMC 87/2.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Civilian aircraft participating in joint maritime course 87/2, a Royal Navy exercise in the northwest approaches, made routine use of the civil facilities at Stornoway airport.

  Western Isles (Construction Projects)
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Western Isles on 24 July,Official Report, column 594, he will list all other military construction projects currently planned for the Western Isles.

  Mr. Freeman
  Works services other than those already recorded in column 594, of the Official Report for 24 July 1987 are as follows:

  RAF Stornoway

  Provision of 10,000 gall. storage tank for de-icing fluid.

  Installation of Fire Alarm System and other fire precautions.

  Provision of Traffic Lights on the A866.

  Provision of facilities for Fire/Crash Rescue crews in ATC Tower.

  Additional showers to be installed in Building 214.

  Replacement of Stand—By Power Plant.

  Improvement of Dining Room facilities.

  RAF Benbecula

  Provision of Support Accommodation at South Celettraval.

  Rebuilding of Station Headquarters.

  Upgrading of Electrical Power Supply.

  Aird Uig

  Provision of small buildings and four aerials for ship to shore and shore to ship and similar communication systems.

  Additionally the Army have the following:

  South Uist

  Zero Length Launch facility for Falconet.

  Royal Army Ordnance Corp new build of stores section.

  Security Fencing for Range Control Building.

  Tempest security measures for Range Control Building.

  Modification of Air Conditioning for Range Control Building.

  Provision of Loading Ramp at Loch Carnan.

  Cable trenching.

  Modernisation of practising units hangar.

  New building to accommodate volumatic disintegrator.

  Benbecula

  Provision of control Post at airfield.

  AIDS Screening
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make it his policy to introduce compulsory AIDS screening amongst members of the armed forces.

  Mr. Freeman
  No. The subject will, however, remain under review.

  Veterinary and Equitation Establishment, Melton Mowbray
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual cost of the Army Veterinary and Equitation Establishment at Melton Mowbray; if he will list the courses, with number and duration and the average attendance for each of the last two years at military establishments at Melton Mowbray; and if he will list the 416
  number of student weeks for equitation courses here for each of the last three years as allocated to officers and other ranks and in total.

  Mr. Freeman
  The annual cost of all functions (both equine and canine) of the RAVC centre, Melton Mowbray, is £2·285 million. Of this, the cost of provision of horse-related training (including farriery) is £367,000. Details of equitation and equitation-related courses held at the centre are given in the table:

  Course

  Number held per year

  Duration weeks

  Average attendance over last 2 years

  Advanced Military Equitation

  1

  27½

  12

  Joint Service Unit Instructor

  2

  3

  71/2

  Joint Service unit rider/competitor

  2or3

  2

  9

  Military pack transport

  As required

  3

  Total 18 all ranks over last 2 years

  RAVC recruit stable management

  As required

  2

  Total 52 soldiers over last 2 years

  International

  1

  1

  8

  Military

  Equitation

  Course

  A number of student weeks for courses held for each of the last three years as allocated to officers and soldiers is given in the table:

  Course

  Officer weeks

  Soldier weeks

  Total weeks

  Officer/Soldier ratio

  Advanced Military Equitation

  247·5

  742·5

  990

  1:3

  Joint Service Unit Instructor

  39

  90

  129

  1:2·5

  Joint Service Unit Rider/Competitor

  42

  108

  150

  1:2·5

  National Radiological Protection Board (Report)
  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to receive the report of the National Radiological Protection Board in regard to the incidence of cancer and leukaemia among those members of Her Majesty's forces who took part in the British nuclear test programme in the Pacific: and when that report will be published.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Clay) on 26 November 1987, at column 281.The work of the study has not yet been received by the Ministry of Defence.

  Army Pay
  Mr. Sean Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the rate of pay for each Army rank frm private soldier through to field marshal for 1 April 1957, 1967, 1977, and 1987.

  Mr. Freeman
  For most ranks there are many different rates that may be payable, and it is not practicable to list them all. I refer the hon. Member to the following published information.
  417
  1957
  Service Pay and Pensions. Cmnd 9692 dated February 1956.
  (Rates of pay were not revised in 1957).

  1967
  Service Pay and Pensions. Cmnd 2903 dated February 1966.
  (Rates of Pay were not revised in 1967.)

  The rates of pay that were effective on 1 April 1967 for service medical and dental officers have not been published in a Command Paper, but are set out as follows, expressed in annual terms:

  £ s d

  Captain

  1,697 5 0

  After 2 years

  1,733 15 0

  After 4 years

  1,779 7 6

  Major

  2,117 0 0

  After 1 year

  2,153 10 0

  After 2 years

  2,199 2 6

  After 3 years

  2,235 12 6

  After 4 years

  2,281 5 0

  After 5 years

  2,317 15 0

  After 6 years

  2,354 5 0

  After 7 years

  2,399 17 6

  Lieutenant Colonel

  2,628 0 0

  After 2 years

  2,691 17 6

  After 4 years

  2,744 12 6

  After 6 years

  2,810 10 0

  After 8 years

  2,874 7 6

  Colonel

  3,212 0 0

  After 2 years

  3,275 17 6

  After 4 years

  3,330 12 6

  After 6 years

  3,394 10 0

  Brigadier

  3,704 15 0

  1977
  Review body on Armed Forces pay Fourth Report 1975. Comnd. 6063 dated may 1975. Supplement to Review Body on Armed Forces Pay Fourth Report 1975. Cmnd 6146 dated July 1975 (concerning medical and dental officers' pay).
  Review Body on Top Salaries Sixth Report. Cmnd 5846 dated December 1974.
  Basic rates of pay were not increased in 1976 or 1977 but personnel could receive supplements, depending on the level of their basic pay. The arrangements governing the payment of these supplements can be found in the following documents:

  Review Body on Armed Forces Pay Fifth Report 1976. Cmnd 6470 dated May 1976.

  Supplement to Review Body on Armed Forces Pay Fifth Report 1976. Cmnd 6515 dated July 1976 (concerning Medical and Dental officers' pay).

  Review Body on Armed Forces Pay Sixth Report 1977. Cmnd 6801 dated April 1977.

  1987
  Review Body on Armed Forces Pay Sixteenth Report 1987. Cmnd 126 dated April 1987.
  Supplement to Review Body on Armed Forces Pay Sixteenth Report 1987. Cmnd 176 dated July 1987 (concerning Medical and Dental officers' pay).

  The rates of pay that were effective on 1 April 1987 for officers of the rank of major general and above have not been published in a Command Paper, but are as follows, expressed in annual terms:

  £

  Major General

  36,852·54

  Lieutenant General

  45,347·40

  General

  64,738·08

  Field Marshall

  80,688·36

  Military Exercises
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce legislation to entitle civilians participating in military exercises to claim compensation in the event of injury; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Any civilian who suffers injury, or any loss or damange, as a result of military activities is entitled to claim compensation from my Department under the terms of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947. All such claims, including from those taking part in military exercises, are dealt with on their merits and on the basis of any legal liability on the part of my Department.

  Exercise Torchlight
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will describe the objectives of the home defence exercise Torchlight, held in April 1986; which parts of the armed forces, Government Departments, and other organisations participated in the exercise; and if he will place a copy of the exercise scenario in the Library.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Torchlight X, which was held in April 1986, was the most recent of a series of biennial conferences on military home defence matters. The audience comprised mainly military staffs and officials from MOD; the police and officials from other Government Departments with an interest in home defence were also represented. Ministers from MOD, the Home Office and other Government Departments also attended. Details of the conference agenda and discussions are classified.

  Battlefield Aircraft
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evaluation he has made of the potential benefits to the Royal Air Force of introducing into service an aeroplane conforming with the British Aerospace concept of a small agile battlefield aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  This is a private venture by British Aerospace and is at a very early stage. My Department will keep in touch with the project as it develops.

  Cruise Missiles (Transportation Vehicles)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any proposals to discuss with his United States counterpart the redeployment of the vehicles used to transport cruise missiles for alternative military or civilian uses.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Disposal of launcher vehicles and all their associated equipment are matters for the parties to the treaty.

TRANSPORT

  Bus Services
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many representations he has received during 1986 and 1987 about the bus services in(a) the Greater Glasgow area, (b) Birmingham and (c) Greater London.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Bus policy in Scotland is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the
  419
  Secretary of State for Scotland. However, I understand that he received a total of 102 representations about bus services in Greater Glasgow during 1986 and 1987, 68 of which related to changes to a single school service. I received 17 representations regarding Birmingham and 440 in respect of Greater London.

  British Rail (Western Region)
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received any proposals from British Rail for further investment in rolling stock in its western region.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  On 17 November my right hon. Friend announced that he had approved a proposal by British Rail to invest in up to 204 express sprinter vehicles to be operated by the board's provincial sector. I understand that 43 of these vehicles are proposed for western cross-country services. My right hon. Friend and I stand ready to approve any further worthwhile proposals which the board puts to us.

  M1 (Subsidence)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals his Department has to deal with the subsidence problems at the southern end of the M1.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We are just completing remedial work on the worst area of subsidence between junctions 4 and 3 on the southbound carriageway of the M1. There are a number of areas with minor subsidence which do not warrant immediate attention. We are keeping these under surveillance.

  Traffic (Denton)
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions rumble strips have been promised by his Department on the M57 to slow down traffic approaching the A57 in Denton; and why they have not yet been provided.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I wrote to the hon. Member in March about the M67 rumble area proposal which was associated with the signal controlled crossing point which the motorway contractors then intended to provide on the A57. They later decided not to provide that crossing.

  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the bridge over the M66 in Denton to be completed so that Windmill lane, Denton, can be reopened; for when it was originally promised; and if he will publish the reasons for the delay.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The remaining work at the bridge should be completed early in the new year. We had hoped that Windmill lane would reopen in October but unforeseen ground conditions led to delays in diverting statutory undertakers' apparatus.

  Manchester Airport (Rail Link)
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to be able to make a decision on the section 56 application for a rail link with terminal 2 of Manchester airport.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I will make a decision on this application as soon as the necessary evaluations have been 420
  completed. Greater Manchester passenger transport executive and the other parties to the application have that work in hand.

  British Rail (Inter-City Routes)
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to which is the most profitable inter-city route at present run by British Rail.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  This information is commercially confidential.

  Permanent Way Staff (Safety)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will hold urgent talks with the chairman of British Rail on the safety of permanent way staff.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The safety of permanent way staff has been the subject of detailed study in recent years by a special working party set up by the Health and Safety Commission's railways industry advisory committee. The working party is chaired by an inspecting officer of railways and the members include representatives of railway management, the railway trade unions, and the TUC. The committee has so far produced two interim reports and the recommendations in these reports have been, or are being, implemented. During each of the 10 years up to 1985, an average of 12·5 men were killed after being struck by trains whilst at work on the line. The figure for 1986 was four and the total for this year so far is eight, including the four men tragically killed at Methley junction. The inquiry which will be held into this accident will examine whether anything else can reasonably be done to protect those who work on or alongside the line.

  Roadside Rest and Refreshment Facilities
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he has any plans to increase provision of roadside rest and refreshment facilities with suitable hard-standing areas necessary for heavy goods vehicle parking on non-motorway trunk routes;

  (2) if he has any plans to increase provision of roadside rest and refreshment facilities on non-motorway trunk routes.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Mr. Forth) on 1 July, at column 88, about the development of new service areas on motorways and other trunk roads.

  Informal discussions have already taken place with the Association of County Councils on ways of securing more services on all-purpose trunk roads where they are needed. We intend now to consult all the main local authority associations concerned and representatives of the private sector. Provision of services on all-purpose trunk roads, including services for heavy goods vehicles, is primarily for the private sector within the framework of local planning policies.

  Cyclists
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to introduce legislation to require local authorities to provide cyclists with recognised parking places outside public buildings.
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  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No. Local authorities already have adequate powers to provide parking facilities for cyclists. We publish advice on this topic in local transport note 1/78 — copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  London Regional Transport
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is her policy towards the extent to which London Regional Transport's subsidy from London's ratepayers should be replaced by resources from fare increases.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The level and distribution of fares is a matter from LRT. To the extent that fare increases reduce the subsidy to LRT, the ratepayer benefits through a reduced levy.

  Severn Bridge
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what level the tolls would need to rise on the Severn bridge in order to secure the aggregate revenue specified under schedule 2 to the Severn Bridge Tolls Act 1965 within 40 years of the opening of the bridge.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Projections of future revenue depend on the assumptions made about the growth of traffic volume and the general level of prices in the next 422
  20 years. On current forecasts tolls would need to rise by about 70 per cent. and be maintained in real terms to achieve the objective in the Act.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will arrange consultations with British Rail on strengthening rail services to take advantage of the Channel tunnel.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The British Railways Board intends to take full advantage of the opportunities which the tunnel will bring. Section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 requires the board to publish a plan by 31 December 1989 setting out its proposals for international services between various parts of the United Kingdom and the continent. I understand that there will be widespread consultations during the preparation of this plan.

  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what investment he proposes to make in British Rail services to take advantage of the Channel tunnel.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It is for the British Railways Board to make proposals for investment in Channel tunnel rail services. I expect to approve any investment that can be expected to earn a proper commercial rate of return.

  DISABLED PERSONS' TRANSPORT: REPORT
  DISABLED PERSONS' TRANSPORT: REPORT
  ARCTIC GREAT CIRCLE ROUTE: COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
  ARCTIC GREAT CIRCLE ROUTE: COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
  GALLOWS EQUIPMENT: EXPORT LICENCE REQUIREMENTS
  GALLOWS EQUIPMENT: EXPORT LICENCE REQUIREMENTS
  ANGLO SOVIET TRADE
  ANGLO SOVIET TRADE
  UK OVERSEAS ASSETS
  UK OVERSEAS ASSETS
  UK CONTINENTAL SHELF: SAFETY ZONE INFRINGEMENTS
  UK CONTINENTAL SHELF: SAFETY ZONE INFRINGEMENTS
  POWER STATION PLANNING PROCEDURES
  POWER STATION PLANNING PROCEDURES
  POWER STATION CAPACITY
  POWER STATION CAPACITY
  POWER STATION FUNDING
  POWER STATION FUNDING