Written Answers of 6 July 1987

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Inner City Task Forces
  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what account the inner city task forces take of the level of political profile of groups seeking financial support; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The aim of our inner cities Initiative is to improve employment and enterprise in the inner cities. If projects meet that aim, and as long as it is clear they have no ulterior political purpose, it is likely they will receive help. The political opinions of people putting forward projects are of no concern to us when we evaluate projects, but we have no intention of financing political campaigning of any kind.

  Inner City Areas (Business)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what new initiatives he intends to take to encourage the establishment and survival of business in inner city areas.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Government are continuing to develop the measures outlined before the election, including my Department's inner cities initiative, for targeting assistance more effectively on the problems of the inner city. I shall ensure that my Department's programmes take proper account of the need to encourage the establishment and revitalisation of businesses in the inner city areas.

  European Trade Mark Office
  Mr. Mills
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what future plans he has for his action group set up to promote the United Kingdom's bid for the proposed European Community trade mark office;

  (2) what action he has taken to support the United Kingdom's bid for the proposed European Community trade mark office.

  Mr. Butcher
  My Department is continuing the active role it has taken in support of the United Kingdom bid. Future arrangements for the action group may need to take account of any new developments in Brussels and will be considered in the near future.

  Mr. Mills
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has allocated funds to support the United Kingdom's bid for the proposed European trade mark office.

  Mr. Butcher
  The Prime Minister told the House on 2 July that the Government are backing their bid with generous financial support. This would, of course, be subject to parliamentary approval, which would be sought at an appropriate time.

  Rover Group (Istel)
  Mr. Forth
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects the Rover group to complete the sale of Istel.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Rover group announced on 10 June that it had concluded the sale of 75 per cent. of Istel to a consortium comprising management, employees and institutional investors for £26·25 million. The Rover group is retaining a 25 per cent. shareholding in the company.

  Following the completion of the sale of Istel, and not withstanding Rover group's minority shareholding, the Government will accept no further responsibility for ensuring the obligations of the company are met.

PRIME MINISTER

  European Council
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Prime Minister if, further to her statement to the House of 1 July, she will state if the financial proposals placed before the Heads of Government meeting of the European Economic Community were there in the Commission Document 87, COM. 101; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The Commission proposals on Community financing in documents COM(87) 100 and 101 have formed the basis for discussion in the Council of Ministers since February. These proposals remain on the table, but the present state of discussion is reflected in the presidency conclusions of the European Council, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Prime Minister (1) if she will list her official visits abroad, with countries visited and appropriate dates since 10 July 1986;

  (2) if she will give the reason for each of her official visits abroad since 10 July 1986;

  (3) if she will give details of her official engagements on a daily basis on all overseas trips which she has undertaken since May 1979.

  The Prime Minister
  The information is as follows:

  Date

  Country visited

  Reason for visit

  1986

  11–13 July

  Canada

  Opened British week at Expo' 86. Talks with Mr. Mulroney.

  11–12 September

  Norway

  Talks with Norwegian Government.

  16–17 September

  Germany

  Anglo-German bilaterals.

  Visit to British forces.

  14–15 November

  United States of America

  Talks with President Reagan.

  21 November

  France

  Anglo-French bilaterals.

  8–9 December

  France

  Report to the European Parliament on the outcome of the European Council in London.

  1987

  7 March

  Belgium

  Zeebrugge ferry disaster.

  23 March

  France

  Talks with President Mitterrand.

  Germany

  Talks with Chancellor Kohl.

  28 March–1 April

  Soviet Union

  Talks with Soviet leaders.

  8–9 June

  Italy

  Economic summit.

  29–30 June

  Belgium

  European Council.

  More detailed information can be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  Blowpipe Missiles (Member's Questions)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister why, in the light of her substantive answer to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 29 June, Official Report, column 29, about the alleged presence and source of Blowpipe missiles in Nicaragua, she made the statement in her reply of 2 July to an identically worded question from the hon. Member about Afghanistan, that it was not the practice of Her Majesty's Government to comment on matters of this kind.

  The Prime Minister
  The British public well understand the differences between the situation in Nicaragua and the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. In central America, it is our declared policy that the use of force is not the way to solve the problems of the region. In the exceptional circumstances of that case, we thought it right to make clear that, in line with our policy, exports of defence equipment were not, as had been alleged, taking place. This was an exception to our well-established policy of not commenting on matters of this kind.

  Parliamentary Pensions
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister if, in calculating increases in pensions paid under sections 26 and 29 of the Parliamentary and Other Pensions Act 1972, any acount is taken of differences between the increased salary payable under the Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1972 and the actual salary paid to the office holder.

  (1)

  (2)

  (3)

  (4)

  (5)

  Salary payable to Prime Minister

  Salary drawn by Prime Minister

  Reduced Parliamentary salary

  Total salary entitlement

  Total salary actually drawn

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  1 July 1979

  22,000

  22,000

  5,265

  27,265

  27,265

  1 July 1980

  33,000

  22,000

  6,930

  39,930

  28,930

  1 July 1981

  36,725

  27,825

  8,130

  44,855

  35,955

  1 July 1982

  38,200

  28,950

  8,460

  46,660

  37,410

  1 July 1983

  38,987

  29,367

  9,543

  48,530

  38,910

  1 July 1984

  40,424

  30,304

  10,626

  51,050

  40,930

  1 July 1985

  41,891

  31,271

  11,709

  53,600

  42,980

  1 July 1986

  43,328

  32,208

  12,792

  56,120

  45,000

  1 July 1987

  44,775

  33,145

  13,875

  58,650

  47,020

  Non-Government Organisations (Grants)
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Prime Minister if she will give the total amount of grants made to tax receiving independent non-government organisations in 1986–87 and the likely amount in 1987–88.

  The Prime Minister
  [pursuant to her reply, 2 July 1987, c. 144]: Such organisations would cover all bodies which are in the receipt of any tax rebates or exemptions, including nearly all commercial organisations, but would exclude some voluntary sector bodies. Information on grants made to these organisations is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Prime Minister what are the criteria used in awarding grants to tax receiving independent non-government organisations; and if she is satisfied that the taxpayer gets value for money.
  4
  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Salary
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister if she will list for 1 July each year from 1979 to 1987 (i) the annual salary payable to the Prime Minister under the Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1972 and (ii) the annual salary actually paid to the Prime Minister; and if she will estimate the new pension currently payable under the Parliamentary and Other Pensions Act 1972 to anyone relinquishing the office of Prime Minister after 1 January 1987.

  The Prime Minister
  The first column in the table sets out the annual salary payable to the Prime Minister under the Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1975. The second column sets out the annual salary actually paid to the Prime Minister. In addition to a salary under the Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1972, the Prime Minister receives the reduced parliamentary salary payable to all Ministers and other office holders in the House of Commons. This is set out in the third column. The fourth column sets out the total salary the Prime Minister is entitled to from both sources. The fifth column sets out the total salary actually paid to the Prime Minister.

  The pension payable to anyone relinquishing the office of Prime Minister after 1 January 1987 is currently £16,791 per year.

  Following is the table:

  The Prime Minister
  [pursuant to her reply, 2 July, c. 144]: Grants awarded by Government Departments to independent organisations are made according to criteria which depend on the nature of the grant.

  For instance, grants to voluntary organisations by the Home Office Voluntary Services Unit are subject to criteria agreed administratively, and these organisations must normally be working at a national level. Grants made under the urban programme by the Department of the Environment are governed by statutory authority, providing that urban aid be directed to particular geographic areas, that the projects meet the current objectives of the urban programme, and that they have the support of the local authority, which has to bear 25 per cent. of the cost. Grants made by the Manpower Services Commission for the provision of training are subject to criteria laying down the nature of the training and the numbers involved.

  All Departments are aware of the requirement to ensure value for money.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Licensing Laws
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with Christian churches in Northern Ireland concerning the proposed alteration to public house licensing laws.

  Mr. Needham
  Copies of the proposals for draft orders, together with their explanatory documents, were sent to all the main churches in Northern Ireland. Written comments were received from a number of them, but of the main bodies only the Presbyterian Church asked for a meeting, which I held with it on 15 December 1986.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with political parties in Northern Ireland concerning the proposed alteration to pub licensing laws.

  Mr. Needham
  The views of the main political parties were sought in 1984 when the Government published their consultative document on Sunday opening and the range of premises permitted to sell intoxicating liquor. In March 1985 the Northern Ireland Assembly reported to the Government on that document. When the proposals for the draft Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order and the draft Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order were published in October 1986 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland wrote to the heads of the main political parties inviting their comments on the proposals. Only the Social Democratic and Labour party responded.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Fraser
  asked the Attorney-General what information he has on the delays in the issue of legal aid certificates which are taking place in Area 1, London; and what steps he is taking to eliminate those delays.

  The Attorney-General
  The average time taken in Area 1 from application to issue of a certificate—in non-contributory cases—or the issue of an offer—in contributory cases—was 118·6 days for the financial year 1986–87 as compared with 139·9 days for 1985–86. I understand that the legal aid administration of the Law Society has recently implemented a number of changes designed further to reduce the delays, as a result of a review by independent consultants of working methods in Area 1.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General (1) how many posts there were for each of the Crown Prosecution Service areas in the London areas and throughout England and Wales as at 30 May 1987 for (a) professional and (b) non-professional personnel;

  (2) how many persons were in post in each Crown Prosecution Service area as at 30 May 1987 in (a) professional and (b) non-professional posts.

  (3) how many posts there were for the Crown Prosecution Service areas in the London area and throughout England and Wales as at 30 May 1986 for (a) professional and (b) non-professional personnel;
  6
  (4) how many persons were in post in each Crown Prosecution Service area as at 30 May 1986 for (a) professional and (b) non-professional posts;

  (5) how many persons are in posts as (a) chief crown prosecutors, (b) branch prosecutors, (c) senior crown prosecutors and (d) crown prosecutors, indicating how many are male; and female;

  (6) whether he proposes to take any steps to bring into line the pay of those who transferred into the Crown Prosecution Service from the county prosecution service, as senior crown prosecutors and those recruited as senior crown prosecutor or promoted to senior crown prosecutor from within the service;

  (7) how many staff who resigned from the Crown Prosecution Service were (a) chief crown prosecutors, (b) branch prosecutors and (c) senior crown prosecutors and (d) crown prosecutors, between 1 April 1986 and 30 March 1987;

  (8) what representations he has received from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and chief constables elsewhere with regard to the performance of the Crown Prosecution Service; and if he will make a statement;

  (9) what steps he intends to take to attract further recruits into the Crown Prosecution Service in order to fill the vacant posts, particularly in London and the home counties;

  (10) how many persons have been seconded to other areas to meet or assist in the shortfall of staff in London and elsewhere in the Month of May 1987; and what has been the average cost of secondment per person in the payment of expenses.

  The Attorney-General
  I will reply to the hon. Member when the information has been obtained.

  Solicitors and Barristers (Training Courses)
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General what training courses he proposes to introduce in advocacy for inservice training for (a) solicitors who have just been admitted, (b) barristers who have completed no pupilage and (c) barristers who have completed no more than six months training.

  The Attorney-General
  I will reply to the hon. Member when the information has been obtained.

  Committed Papers
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General what qualifications will be required of those persons not professionally qualified in law whom he proposes to employ to prepare and vet committal papers.

  The Attorney-General
  I will reply to the hon. Member when the information has been obtained.

  Magistrates' Courts (Agents)
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General what is the average weekly cost of appointment of agents in the magistrates' courts in each of the London areas and throughout England and Wales.

  The Attorney-General
  I will reply to the hon. Member when the information has been obtained.

  Case Papers
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General what steps he proposes to take to ensure that case papers for agents, solicitors or barristers are provided, at the latest, the night before the hearings.

  The Attorney-General
  I will reply to the hon. Member when the information has been obtained.

EMPLOYMENT

  Youth Training Scheme
  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the current numbers of YTS-employed status trainees; and if he will make a statement outlining the procedure by which employers are made aware of the scheme.

  Mr. Cope
  It is estimated that around one in ten of YTS trainees have employment status. Employers are made aware of the scheme in a number of ways: the Manpower Services Commission makes information and literature available to employers; individual managing agents may approach employers to be involved as work experience providers; and local and national employer organisations encourage their members to take part in YTS.

  Remploy
  Mr. Alan Williams
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment in each year since 1979 what has been Remploy's (a) turnover, (b) profitability, (c) grant from Government and (d) grant per employee from Government.

  Mr. Lee
  Remploy's turnover in each year since 1979 was as follows:

  £ million

  1978–79

  29·9

  1979–80

  33·1

  1980–81

  39·0

  1981–82

  41·7

  1982–83

  49·4

  1983–84

  55·6

  1984–85

  62·7

  1985–86

  70·8

  1986–87

  177·6

  1 Provisional.

  Total average employees by product group

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Head Ofice

  214

  191

  195

  207

  166

  150

  Furniture and Medical

  2,876

  3,627

  3,587

  3,398

  3,370

  3,196

  Leather and Textiles

  3,436

  3,668

  3,594

  3,735

  3,763

  3,624

  Packaging and Assembly

  4,331

  3,639

  3,751

  4,023

  3,969

  4,047

  Total Employees

  10,857

  11,125

  11,127

  11,363

  11,268

  11,017

  of which Section 2 disabled

  8,448

  8,742

  8,730

  8,915

  8,900

  8,944

  Information is not available by product group prior to 1982.

  8
  Remploy does not make a profit, but the excess of expenditure over income generated through sales for each year was as follows:

  £ million

  1978–79

  22·6

  1979–80

  27·2

  1980–81

  34·9

  1981–82

  42·2

  1982–83

  43·4

  1983–84

  46·3

  1984–85

  49·3

  1985–86

  53·0

  1986–87

  150·9

  1 Provisional

  The level of revenue subvention from Government for each year was as follows:

  £ million

  1978–79

  22·6

  1979–80

  27·2

  1980–81

  35·2

  1981–82

  39·2

  1982–83

  42·4

  1983–84

  44·6

  1984–85

  47·8

  1985–86

  48·5

  1986–87

  147·9

  1 Provisional.

  Dividing the total revenue subvention by the average number of disabled employees in each year, gives the following results:

  £

  1978–79

  2,800

  1979–80

  3,311

  1980–81

  4,304

  1981–82

  4,640

  1982–83

  4,850

  1983–84

  5,109

  1984–85

  5,362

  1985–86

  5,449

  1986–87

  15,356

  1 Provisional.

  Mr. Alan Williams
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were employed by Remploy in each year since 1979, and in what product areas.

  Mr. Lee
  The average number of people employed by Remploy by product group in each year since 1982 was as follows:

  Jobcentre Recruitment
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment what methods he is considering for the improvement of jobcentre recruitment.

  Mr. Lee
  We are constantly looking for ways of improving jobcentre recruitment services. Existing methods are varied according to local managerial judgment of labour market conditions, availability of resources and the wishes of employers. Jobcentres have been remarkably successful with this, as with other parts of their services and last year placed almost 2 million people in jobs.

  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will consider proposals that jobcentres should accept curricula vitae as part of their recruitment methods.

  Mr. Lee
  As the hon. Member may know, long-term unemployed people in job clubs are trained to prepare CVs and encouraged to use them as part of their job search activity.

  So far as the job broking activities of jobcentres are concerned, it is unlikely that greater usage of CVs would increase recruitment to employer's vacancies. Very few employers using jobcentres for recruitment ask for CVs, often requiring a speedy response and preferring to gain such information on job application forms or when interviewing candidates. Most jobcentre vacancies are successfully filled by self-service methods which do not lend themselves to the use of CVs.

  Tourism (Upper Waiting Hall)
  Miss Fookes
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to tourism to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

  Mr. Lee
  To date I have not received any such application, but I would welcome such a request in the future.

  Wages Inspectorate
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any plans to increase the strength of the Wages inspectorate.

  Mr. Nicholls
  No.

  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the number of actions taken by the Wages inspectorate against illegal activities by employers in accordance with the rules.

  Mr. Nicholls
  In 1986 two employers were successfully prosecuted for offences under wages council legislation.

  So far in 1987, four employers have been successfully prosecuted and a further three cases are expected to be heard shortly.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Ashdown
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether the People's
  10
  Republic of China has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve any dispute over implementation or interpretation of the joint declaration on the future of Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) whether the United Kingdom has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve any dispute over implementation or interpretation of the joint declaration on the future of Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  The People's Republic of China has not accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice and the United Kingdom's acceptance of compulsory jurisdiction is subject to reciprocity. Nevertheless, both Governments have made it clear that they are firmly committed to the full and faithful implementation of the joint declaration in the interests of maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. We intend to honour the agreement to the full and are confident that the Chinese Government intend likewise.

  Mr. Ashdown
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what judicial procedures will be used after 1 July 1997 to resolve any dispute between the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China over implementation or interpretation of the joint agreement on the future of Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  There is no provision in the joint declaration for the judicial resolution of disputes. It would be for us and the Chinese Government to seek to resolve any differences of view by whatever methods seemed appropriate at the time. There is close co-operation between our two Governments and we are fully satisfied with the progress that has been made in the implementation of the joint declaration.

  Mr. Ashdown
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visas for emigration from Hong Kong have been issued in the past five years; if he will list the totals by country of destination; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  Hong Kong people are free to come and go as they wish. Exit visas are not required and travellers are not questioned on the purpose of their journey. In these circumstances, statistics on the numbers emigrating are not available. However, we estimate that on average about 20,000 people have emigrated in each of the past five years.

  Mr. Ashdown
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, following his consultations, he will state whether the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, after 30 June 1997,, maintain rights to amend the basic law of the special administrative region of Hong Kong and to review the constitutionality of the local laws of the special administrative region; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  Under the Chinese constitution, the power to amend the basic law, like other Chinese statutes, rests with the National People's Congress. However, the joint declaration provides that the basic policies set out in that agreement—which will be stipulated in the basic law—will regain unchanged for 50 years from 1 July 1997. In accordance with the terms of the joint declaration, laws
  11
  enacted by the Legislature of the Special Administrative Region which are in accordance with the basic law and legal procedures will be regarded as valid.

  Mr. Ashdown
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the statement by Sir Sze-Yuen Chung, a senior member of the Hong Kong Executive Council, concerning the totality of the control which will be exercised over Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China after 30 June 1997, and concerning the degree of local control over political affairs, represents Her Majesty's Government's policy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  Sir Sze-Yuen Chung has made clear that in his statement he was putting forward his personal views. Our general position is made clear from our signature of the Sino-British joint declaration. This provides inter alia that from 1 July 1997 the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs which will be the responsibilities of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China.

  Human Rights Conventions (China)
  Mr. Ashdown
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which of the following United Nations human rights international instruments have been signed and ratified by the People's Republic of China: (a) the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights, (b) the international covenant on civil and political rights, (c) the convention relating to the status of refugees, (d) the convention relating to the status of stateless persons and (e) the convention on the political rights of women; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  The People's Republic of China has not signed and ratified or acceded to(a), (b), (d) or (e). It acceded to both the convention and the protocol relating to the status of refugees on 24 September 1982 (c).

  Cultural Relations
  Mr. Faulds
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on cultural relations.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 1 July, at columns 476 and 477.

  Korea
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the peaceful reunification of Korea; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  As the hon. Member was informed by my hon. Friend the then Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Member for Mid Sussex (Mr. Renton) on 14 April 1986, at columns 244 and 245, our policy to support progress towards reunification by means of direct dialogue between the Koreans.

  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government have any plans to commence diplomatic relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; and if he will make a statement.
  12
  Mr. Eggar
  We have no plans to open diplomatic relations with North Korea.

  AIDS
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what additional funds are being made available to the International Planned Parenthood Federation for work in AIDS-related campaigns; and for what precise purpose such funds are intended.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We are providing an additional £1·6 million over three years to enable the federation to develop information and counselling services on AIDS for its health workers and clients.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funds are being made available to CAFOD for work in AIDS-related campaigns; and for what precise purpose such funds are intended.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We have made no grants to CAFOD for AIDS-related campaigns or projects. We believe the best way to tackle the AIDS problem is to work within national AIDS programmes, and we are encouraging other donors and voluntary agencies to do the same. These programmes are being developed with the assistance of the World Health Organisation's special programme on AIDS, to which we have so far contributed £3·25 million.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make it his policy to ensure that the basis of any AIDS campaign run by voluntary organisations overseas, using British Government funds, is that chastity before marriage and fidelity within it should be promoted as being more likely to tackle the spread of AIDS than promiscuous sexual behaviour protected by condoms.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We believe assistance in this field, including that from voluntary organisations, should be provided within the framework of national AIDS programmes. The responsibility for developing these, which will include appropriate measures to prevent sexual transmission of the desease, rests with national Governments.

  European Trade Mark Office
  Mr. Mills
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made in the foreign affairs deliberations of the Council of Ministers on London as the location for the proposed European Trade Mark Office.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The Commission has yet to make a recommendation on the location of the Community Trade Mark Office and the issue has not therefore been discussed in the Council. My right honourable and learned Friend and I have, in discussions with other EC member states, sought support for London as the best site.

  South Africa (Trade Unionists)
  Mr. Nellist
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Coventry, South-East on 1 July, he will state which nine trade unionists' cases were raised by Her

  13
  Majesty's Government's ambassador in Pretoria on 19 December 1986; and what was the outcome of those discussions.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The nine trades unionists are Mr. Moses Mayekiso, Mr. Denis Dickinson, Mr. Peter Seabela, Ms. Patricia Dlungwana, Mr. George Hlabizulu, Mr. Alexander Kgagodi, Mr. Joseph Timane, Mr. Madla Cele, Mr. Philip Majara.

  The South African Government were left in no doubt of the Twelve's strong concern in the matter of their detention.

  St. Helena (Television Programmes)
  Dr. Marek
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider the possibility of transmitting BBC1 and BBC2 television by satellite to St. Helena.

  Mr. Eggar
  St. Helena has no television service and the islanders would require special facilities to receive television programmes broadcast by satellite. We are aware of the potential opportunities offered by satellite broadcasting, but the question of Government involvement raises fundamental policy issues.

TRANSPORT

  Women's Needs
  Ms. Richardson
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the main needs of women in the policy areas within the sphere of his Department's activities; what has been done to identify and quantify these needs and to monitor services delivery; what consultation is carried out with women to ensure their views are adequately represented; and what training is given to his staff to raise their appreciation of the needs of women.

  Mr. Channon
  Women have special needs relating to their use of public transport services and various road safety issues. These reflect factors such as more restricted access to private cars and greater fears for personal safety. These matters are given due weight in the formulation of policy on these issues, and in the monitoring of developments such as bus deregulation. The Department consults organisations representing the interests of women when this is appropriate although in general the policy is to consult organisations representing all those concerned with particular issues.

  Equal opportunities training, including that designed to increase awareness of the needs of women, is included in all the Department's main management training courses.

  M66 (Inspector's Report)
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the timetable for receipt and publication of the inspector's report on the M66 from Denton to Middleton; and when he will expect construction to start if the inspector recommends construction.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The inspector's report is expected shortly. I shall make an announcement after I have considered it. The scheme is included in the national trunk road programme for a start of work in the period April 1989 to March 1991.

  BR (Punctuality)
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he collects from British Rail about its punctuality performance, region by region.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  None. But I receive quarterly information now by sector.

  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what reasons have been supplied to him by British Rail for the trends in punctuality over the last six months (a) nationally and (b) in the London Midland Region.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  British Rail has been making efforts to improve its performance, on which it will be reporting in its annual report, as I asked the chairman last October. I am glad to say that punctuality has improved over the last six months. I do not monitor punctuality regionally.

  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has about the punctuality performance of railways in other European Economic Community countries in comparison with that of British Rail.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  None. Comparisons with foreign rail services are of limited use because circumstances vary from country to country.

  BR (Accident Record)
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has about British Rail's accident record over the last six months (a) nationally and (b) in the London Midland Region.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Section 6 of the Regulations of Railways Act 1871 and orders made under it—currently the Railways (Notice of Accident) Order 1986, SI 1986 No. 2187—requires statutory railway authorities to report specified accidents and dangerous occurrences to the Department. In the case of British Rail these are made as individual reports or on monthly bulk returns depending on the nature and severity of the accident or incident. In each case the region of BR is identified. All the reports and returns are collated, analysed by the Railway Inspectorate and any adverse trends are thereby identified. The accident statistics, together with an analysis and commentary, are included in the Railway Inspectorate's annual report, published for each calendar year by HMSO. Based on the reports received so far, the accident record during the past six months, both of BR and of London Midland region, appears relatively satisfactory and in line with the improved overall safety performance achieved in recent years.

  British Rail (Derelict Land)
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the total amount of derelict land in the ownership of British Rail; and what was the equivalent figure for 1979.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The amount of vacant and under-utilised land owned by British Rail at 31 March 1987 was 1,246 sites, totalling 9,404 acres. The equivalent figure at the end pf 1979 was 2,823 sites, totalling 18,333 acres.

  Motorway Bridges (Graffiti)
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he intends to take to remove graffiti from motorway bridges.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The removal of graffiti from trunk road bridges is left to the judgment of the local highway authorities acting as the Department's agents. The mormal practice is to remove obscene or racist graffiti quickly. To save money and lane closures, the treatment of the remainder is undertaken as soon as possible within the routine maintenance works programme.

  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications for road safety of graffiti on motorway bridges.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  There is no evidence that graffiti on a motorway bridge poses a problem for road safety. The danger is for those placing the graffiti.

  Federation of Professional Railway Staff
  Mr. Hayes
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss recognition of the Federation of Professional Railway Staff.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  No. This is a management matter for the Railways Board.

  Heathrow Airport
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about excessive charges by duty-free shops at Heathrow airport.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No one has made representations to us in the last two years.

  Shipping Disasters (Inquiries)
  Mr. Adley
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Christchurch on 29 June, Official Report, column 236, to which inquiries he was referring when he stated that in relation to previous public inquiries into matters analogous with the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster, a policy of not bringing criminal charges had been applied.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  My right hon. Friend was referring to formal investigations ordered under section 55 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1970. But the same policy is applied in relation to all such inquiries, as evidenced in the Government's response to recommendation 22 of the Royal Commission on Tribunals of Inquiry 1966, Cmnd. 3121.

  Watermead Country Park
  Mr. Vaz
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give reasons why his Department is resisting proposals for alternative access to Watermead country park from the A46 rather than through Alderton Close, Rushey Mead, Leicester.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The A46 in Leicester is a heavily used dual carriageway road. Introducing a new access or intensifying the use of an existing access to this type of road is to be avoided on safety grounds.

  Our advice was sought informally about the proposed alternative access to the Watermead country park because
  16
  here the A46 is a trunk road and we are the highway authority. Our advice has been confined to this access as the A46 at Alderton close is no longer a trunk road. Here it is a principal road and Leicestershire county council is the highway authority. Nevertheless, the traffic and road safety implications would still need to be considered.

  We understand that a planning application is to be formally submitted at which time when we have seen the details we would hope to discuss with Leicestershire county council and the planning authority how the access to the park should be best accommodated along this section of the A46.

  A46-A47
  Mr. Vaz
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to defer implementing Leicestershire county council's proposals for the extension of the A46-A47 until full public consultation has taken place; and if he will authorise a further public inquiry.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No. Implementation of the proposals for the A46-A47 link is a matter for Leicestershire county council as highway authority. The council has recently stated there will be public consultation on the detailed proposals.

  Pembury and Sidcup Bypasses
  Mr. Speed
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his current estimate of the opening dates for the A21 Pembury bypass and the A20 new Sidcup bypass.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Both of these new bypasses are due to be completed next spring. I understand that the contractor for the A20 Sidcup bypass hopes to finish early, to allow opening by the end of this year.

  M20 (Hollingbourne-Ashford)
  Mr. Speed
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has yet received the report of the inspector into the inquiry into the Hollingbourne-Ashford section of the M20 motorway; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The inspector's report was received in February. I hope to make an announcement soon.

  Birmingham Relief Road
  Mr. Richard Shepherd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the sites that have been and are currently under consideration as suitable for service facilities on the Birmingham northern relief road.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We are not yet ready to announce proposals for a site for an MSA on this road. We hope to be able to do so later in the year when indicating the proposed alignment of the road.

  Mr. Richard Shepherd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish the draft line order for the Birmingham northern relief road.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We expect to publish the draft line order in September.

  Burntwood Bypass
  Mr. Richard Shepherd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations his Department has received from Walsall metropolitan borough council with respect to the proposed Burntwood bypass.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Department has been discussing road proposals in this area with both Walsall and Staffordshire councils. Any decision to build a Burntwood bypass is essentially one for these authorities to make. This Department is considering how best such a scheme could link to the proposed Birmingham northern relief road.

  Brownhills (Traffic Surveys)
  Mr. Richard Shepherd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if any recent traffic surveys have been carried out in the Brownhills area by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The last full surveys in Brownhills were taken in 1985. Automatic traffic counts are in regular use along the A5 between Weeford and M6.

  Motorcycle Helmets
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the availability of motorcycle helmet visors complying with the new regulations on abrasion resistance; and if, to avoid insurance complications for motorcyclists unable to comply with the new regulations, he will waive temporarily the new requirements.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I will answer this question shortly.

  South Wales—Heathrow (Rail Link)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if. when considering the study of a new rail link from central London to Heathrow, he will look at the question of providing a direct rail link from south Wales to Heathrow on the journey to Paddington.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It would be for British Rail to bring forward the case for such an investment. If it could be justified commercially, I would he happy to approve it.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make provision in the Channel Tunnel Bill for adequate facilities to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of people with disabilities travelling on trains through the proposed Channel tunnel.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Eurotunnel's original submission to the Governments showed that they realised the need to make provision on their shuttle services for people with disabilities. They are now working closely with representatives of disabled people's organisations to establish their requirements and see how they can best be met; British Rail has a firm commitment to providing for the needs of passengers with disabilities on all their major services; and the safety authority will need to be satisfied by the arrangements proposed.

  Provision in the Channel Tunnel Bill is therefore unnecessary.

  Merchant Fleet
  Mr. MacDonald
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans Her Majesty's Government have to arrest the annual decline in the registered tonnage of the British merchant fleet.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The Government's interest is twofold: first, to ensure adequate merchant shipping resources to meet the country's need in emergency or war. Plans for this include new measures aimed at encouraging the retention of British seafarers on British-owned vessels.

  Second, to help the competitive position of the United Kingdom merchant shipping fleet, a number of important initiatives have been taken at the level of the EEC and on a wider international basis, aimed at providing improved access to trading opportunities.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Afforestation
  Dr. David Clark
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what return to the nation is expected for new afforestation proposals made by the Forestry Commission; and if he will publish any guidelines on this subject which have been issued by his Department to the Forestry Commission.

  Mr. Major
  The overall financial targets set for the Forestry Commission are to achieve an overall return, in real terms, of 3 per cent. on its forest estate and 5 per cent. on its commercial recreation investment. It also has objectives in the fields of rural employment, recreation and the environment. The commission's performance over the period from 1982 to 1987 will be reviewed later in the year when the accounts for 1986–87 are completed and performance targets for the next three years will then be set.

  Income Tax
  Mr. David Atkinson
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the lowest rates of income tax for Italy, Japan, West Germany, the United States of America and France.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The lowest nominal rates of national income tax for the countries concerned are:

  per cent.

  Italy

  12·0

  Japan

  10·5

  West Germany

  22·0

  United States of America

  11·0

  France

  5·0

  Mr. Hunter
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the immediate revenue cost of abolishing the 60 per cent. tax band, thus making the maximum rate of tax 50 per cent.

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

  Mr. Hunter
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the immediate revenue cost of abolishing the 60 per cent. and 50 per cent. tax bands, thus making the maximum rate 40 per cent.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.
  19
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any plans to seek to reduce rates of income tax; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  As we said in our election manifesto, our aim is to cut income tax still further and reduce the basic rate to 25p in the pound as soon as we prudently can.

  Mortgage Interest Relief
  Mr. Hunter
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the increase in tax collected if mortgage interest relief was restricted to the basic rate of income tax only.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The direct revenue yield in a full year, at 1987–88 levels, from restricting relief to the basic rate is estimated at £340 million. This makes no allowance for the effect of any consequential changes to the distribution of outstanding mortgages.

  Mr. Speed
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received in the past 12 months about the more favourable tax treatment of mortgages for unmarried people living together rather than that given to married couples; and what reply he has sent.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has received about 200 representations on the subject in the past 12 months. Replies have referred to last year's Green Paper on the reform of personal taxation, which suggested that one possibility would be to apply mortgage interest relief to the residence so that two or more people borrowing to buy a house would share the relief limit between them, whether they were married or unmarried.

  Exchequer Income
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the estimated total yield of (a) income tax, (b) value-added tax, (c) all other taxes, (d) all Customs and Excise duties and (e) all miscellaneous income to the Exchequer, other than borrowing, (f) public sector borrowing and (g) rates in each year from 1979–80 to 1987–88, estimated.

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

  General Election (Costs)
  Mr. Kaufman
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated total cost to public funds of the recent General Election.

  Mr. Lawson
  £27 million.

  VAT
  Mr. Gardiner
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to take steps to ease the cash flow problems caused for many companies whose value added tax refunds are held up by the Civil Service strike; and whether he will allow them to use their monthly pay-as-you-earn payment to the Inland Revenue to make good the shortfall.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [pursuant to his reply, 3 July 1987, c. 177]: The Customs and Excise computer system is
  20
  working again and repayments of value added tax are now being made, together with the addition of repayment supplement—5 per cent. of the tax to be repaid—where appropriate. It will take some days for the backlog to be cleared.

  In considering a request for deferral of tax payments, Inland Revenue collectors of tax have general discretion to take account of temporary financial difficulties which a business faces.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Unions (Meetings)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Minister for the Civil Service when he next intends to meet the Civil Service unions.

  Mr. Luce
  I have no plans at present to meet representatives of the Civil Service trade unions, but I meet them informally from time to time. Matters of mutual interest are discussed.

THE ARTS

  Women's Needs
  Ms. Richardson
  asked the Minister for the Arts what are the main needs of women in the policy areas within the sphere of his Department's activities; what he has done to indentify and quantify these needs and to monitor services delivery; what consultation is carried out with women to ensure their views are adequately represented; and what training is given to his staff to raise their appreciation of the needs of women.

  Mr. Luce
  I am delighted that women play a strong and active part in every field of artistic activity. I should like to see more women appointed to the trustee and similar governing bodies of the organisations for which I am responsible and am pleased to receive suggestions for suitable candidates.

  British Museum (Shoreditch)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Minister for the Arts what requests the British museum has received from (a) Ghana and (b) Papua New Guinea for the return of tribal art treasures stored in Shoreditch; what reply was sent; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Luce
  The British museum received requests from Ghana in 1974 and 1975 about the return of material in its collections; it was explained at the time that the museum was prevented by Act of Parliament from disposing of its holdings.

  The museum has received no request from Papua New Guinea for the return of any material.

  Ethnographic material not on general display in the British museum is available for inspection and study.

  Library Authorities
  Mr. Lawrence
  asked the Minister for the Arts what he is doing to assist library authorities in developing management costing systems.

  Mr. Luce
  I am very glad to announce the publication today, as No. 17 in the Library information series, of "A
  21
  Costing System for Public Libraries". This report sets out the basis of a costing system that will, I believe, be of real value to librarians and the authorities they serve.

  Nowadays the public sector has to show that it uses the taxpayer's and ratepayer's money efficiently and effectively, so good cost information is essential. I hope that the report will engage the commitment of the library service to a sustained and systematic process of reviewing and improving its management techniques and thus its service delivery. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of Parliament.

ENERGY

  Electricity Industry (Privatisation)
  Mr. Barron
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Electricity Council about privatisation.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have had preliminary discussions with the chairman of the Electricity Council on a wide range of issues, including privatisation. The Government will be undertaking a great deal of preparatory work, in consultation with the industry and others, before bringing forward its proposals for privatisation.

WALES

  Ministerial Visit
  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions he has visited Wales since his appointment.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Since my appointment I have each week visited Wales, I have had many meetings with my officials to obtain a full and detailed briefing on all matters affecting Wales, I have met a number of Welsh local authority leaders and I have had a number of meetings with Welsh MP's and I have arranged a substantial number of future meetings and visits.

  Roads
  Mr. Livsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for investment and improvement of the road system in Wales.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The Government's programme for improvement of the road network in Wales is set out in "Roads in Wales 1985".

  Sir Raymond Gower
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what road improvements are now included in the preparation pool.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The concept of a preparation pool of schemes was discontinued some time ago. The Government's programme for road improvements is set out in "Roads in Wales 1985".

  Rhondda Valley
  Mr. Allan Rogers
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he next plans to visit the Rhondda valley.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I hope to find a suitable opportunity to visit the Rhondda and many other places in the months ahead.

  Agricultural Land
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has had proposing the designation of the whole of' Ynys Môn as marginal agricultural land; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  There have been 321 representations from individual farmers against exclusion of their own land from the less-favoured area. Representations have also been received from the farming unions.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Barry Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give his estimate of the number of people in full time employment in Wales in 1987, to the latest available date, compared with 1979.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Data for male employment do not distinguish between full and part-time workers. The total of full-time and part-time male and full-time female employees in December 1986, the latest available, is estimated to have been 678,000; the corresponding estimate for December 1979 was 865,000. Between June 1979 and June 1986 self employment in Wales increased. by 30,000 to 154,000. Since December 1986 unemployment in Wales has fallen by nearly 11,000.

  Sir Raymond Gower
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what were the numbers of notified vacancies in Wales, in south Glamorgan and in the area of the Vale of Glamorgan at the latest convenient date; how those compare with the figures for a year previously.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The number of vacancies notified to jobcentres and careers offices in Wales and south Glamorgan on 8 May 1987 and 2 May 1986 are given in the following table. This information is not available on a constituency basis.

  Jobcentres

  Careers Offices

  Total

  8 May 1987

  Wales

  13,017

  336

  13,353

  South Glamorgan

  1,662

  87

  1,749

  2 May 1986

  Wales

  11,925

  129

  12,054

  South Glamorgan

  1,728

  41

  1,769

  Cynon Valley
  Mrs. Clwyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what resources he will make available to deal with the housing and health situation in the Cynon valley.

  Mr. Grist
  The Cynon valley will continue to receive its fair share of available public resources in relation to its needs.

  Railways
  Mr. Anderson
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he next intends to meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss rail communications in south Wales.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  My predecessor met the chairman of British Rail on 25 November 1986. 1 have at present no specific plans to do so.

  Delyn Enterprise Zone
  Mr. Raffan
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will support Delyn borough council's application to extend the Delyn enterprise zone.

  Mr. Grist
  Decisions on applications submitted by local authorities, including Delyn borough council, to adjust boundaries or create new zones, will not be taken until1consultants' report on the performance to date of enterprise zones, just received, has been considered.

  1 PA Cambridge Economic Consultants.

  Welsh Water Authority
  Mr. Rowlands
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will make a statement on the future development of the Welsh water authority.

  Mr. Grist
  This is a matter for the Welsh water authority, I understand it will be publishing within the next two weeks its annual plan, which outlines future developments.

  Industrial Regeneration
  Sir Raymond Gower
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether any of the actions to be taken to meet the needs of the inner cities in England will be devoted to areas in Wales such as the industrial valleys and areas where the old major industries have declined.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I intend to give priority to measures aimed at speeding up the regeneration of those areas in Wales suffering from urban decline, including the south Wales valleys. In doing so I shall have regard to the particular circumstances of Wales and I shall examine all available mechanisms to ensure that they are deployed and co-ordinated to the best possible effect.

  Primary Schools
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of village primary schools in Wales.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  Where proposals for the closure of rural primary schools come before my right hon. Friend they are decided on the merits of the individual case, taking account of all the information available. The effects of the proposals upon the quality of education are a prime consideration.

  "Housing for Senior Management"
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will withdraw Circular 30/68: "Housing for Senior Management".

  Mr. Grist
  No.

  Council House Sales
  Sir Raymond Gower
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many council dwellings had been sold to tenants, up to the latest convenient date.

  Mr. Grist
  A total of 48,477 council dwellings have been sold to sitting tenants under the right-to-buy scheme since its introduction in October 1980, up to 31 March 1987.

  In addition, 2,211 council dwellings were sold under voluntary agreements during the same period.

  Alcoholism
  Sir Raymond Gower
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what reports he has received concerning the level of alcoholism in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  Earlier this year the Health Education Advisory Committee for Wales published its report "Dealing with Alcohol Problems in Wales", a copy of which is in the Library of the House. This report proposes a comprehensive health promotion strategy to tackle the problem. The Welsh Health Promotion Authority is considering the report and I look forward to receiving their recommendations.

  Farming (Diversification)
  Sir Raymond Gower
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what are his conclusions regarding the scope for diversification of farming in Wales; and what particular measures he has in mind.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  On 9 February a number of new policy initiatives were announced designed to encourage alternative uses of farm land, increase diversity on farms and in the rural economy generally, and enhance environmental protection. They include a scheme to encourage the development of farm woodlands, further designations of environmentally sensitive areas and the introduction of a scheme offering new grants towards on-farm diversification.

  Specific proposals for the farm woodland and diversification schemes have been the subject of consultation documents. Both have been generally welcomed in Wales. While it is too early to assess the likely take-up I am sure that these two schemes, and the further proposed designations of environmentally sensitive areas announced by my predecessor on 15 May, will be of benefit to Welsh farmers wishing to diversify.

  Historic Monuments
  Mr. D. E. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what proportion of (a) the full-time and (b) the part-time employees of Cadw are Welsh-speaking;

  (2) how many of the (a) full-time and (b) part-time employees of Cadw deal directly with the public in their work; and what proportion of these are Welsh-speaking;

  (3) how many people are at present employed by Cadw and, of those, how many are employed on (a) a full-time basis and (b) a part-time basis.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The position relating to staff working for Cadw as at 1 July is:

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Total

  197

  18

  Those who:

  —speak Welsh

  51

  —

  —deal with the public1

  21

  16

  —deal with the public and speak Welsh

  11

  —

  1 These figures relate to custodians but other staff have varying degrees of contact with the public.

  Housing Associations
  Mr. D. E. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many housing units are operated or owned by housing associations opeating in Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  At 31 March 1987, registered housing associations operating in Wales held 19,000 dwellings in their housing stock.

  Mr. D. E. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are at present housed by each of the housing associations operating in Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. D. E. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has as to which of those housing associations operating in Wales are based (a) in Wales and (b) outside Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  Of 115 registered housing associations operating in Wales 94 are based in Wales and 21 outside Wales. Following is a list:

  (a) Housing associations operating in Wales—based in Wales

  Abbeyfield (Abergavenny)

  Abbeyfield (Aberystwyth)

  Abbeyfield (Abergele)

  Abbeyfield (Anglesey)

  Abbeyfield (Bangor)

  Abbeyfield (Barry)

  Abbeyfield (Bridgend)

  Abbeyfield (Caerphilly)

  Abbeyfield (Cardiff)

  Abbeyfield (Colwyn Bay)

  Abbeyfield (Dolgellau)

  Abbeyfield (Llandudno)

  Abbeyfield (Llangollen)

  Abbeyfield (Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr)

  Abbeyfield (Mountain Ash)

  Abbeyfield (Mold)

  Abbeyfield (Monmouth)

  Abbeyfield (Newport)

  Abbeyfield (Penarth)

  Abbeyfield (Prestatyn)

  Abbeyfield (Rhondda)

  Abbeyfield (Ruthin)

  Abbeyfield (Rhyll)

  Abbeyfield (St. Asaph)

  Abbeyfield (Swansea)

  Abbeyfield (Usk)

  Abbeyfield (Wrexham)

  Adamsdown Housing Association

  Almshouse Charity of Letitia Cornwallis

  Baneswell Housing Association

  Bangor Diocesan Housing Association

  Bath Lee Co-ownership Housing Society

  Beaumaris Housing Association

  Bro Myrddin Housing Association

  Caerleon Co-ownership Housing Society

  Cardiff Housing Co-operative

  Carmel Housing Association

  City of Cardiff Old Peoples Welfare Committee

  Charles Jones Almshouses

  Clwyd Alyn Housing Association

  Corlan Housing Association

  Cymdeithas Tai Brenig

  Cymdeithas Tai Efengylaidd Cymru

  Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd

  Cymdeithas Tai Meirionydd Nant Conwy

  Cymdeithas Tai Dyffryn Teifi

  Cymdeithas Tai Eryri

  Cymdeithas Tai Pumlumon

  Cymmer Corrwg Housing Co-operative

  Cynon Taf Housing Association

  Eastern Valley Housing Association

  Ellen Glyn Almshouses

  Family Care Housing Association

  26

  Family Housing Association (South Wales)

  Family Housing Association (Swansea)

  Gilbertscliffe Co-ownership Housing Society

  Grove Lodge Co-ownership Housing Society

  Gwalia Housing Society

  Gwalia (Rest Bay) Co-ownership Housing Society

  Gwent Homes Housing Association

  Hafod Housing Association

  Henry Burtons Almshouses

  Lovett Homes

  Llewellyn Almshouses

  Methyr Tydfil Housing Association

  Mid Wales Housing Association

  Monmouth and Llandaff Housing Association

  Moors Community Housing Association

  Newydd Housing Association

  North Wales Housing Association

  Pembrokeshire Housing Association

  Polish Housing Association

  Pontypridd and District Housing Association

  Rachel Herbert Almshouse Charity

  Rhondda Housing Association

  Rhydaman Housing Society

  Ruabon Almshouse Charity

  Ruthin Hospital Charity

  Secondary Housing Association for Wales

  Second Cathays Housing Society

  Slocombe Cottages for the Aged and Infirm

  Soroptimist (Carmarthen)

  Soroptimist (Cardiff)

  Soroptimist (Tenby)

  South Wales Federated Housing Association

  St. Davids Diocesan Housing Association

  Swansea Housing Association

  Swansea Hillside Housing Association

  Taff Housing Association

  Tirion Housing Association

  Wales and West Housing Association

  Wrexham and District Housing Society

  Western Permanent Housing Society

  Roger Williams and Queen Victoria Almshouses

  (b) Housing Associations operating in Wales—based outside Wales

  Royal British Legion Housing Association

  Baptist Housing Association

  United Reform Church Housing Association

  Elim Housing Association

  Northern Counties Housing Association

  Johnnie Johnson Housing Association

  Habinteg Housing Association

  Hanover Housing Association

  Carinthia Housing Association

  Licensed Victuallers Housing Association

  Stonham Housing Association

  Muir Group Housing Association

  Piorhead Housing Association

  John Groom Housing Association

  Airways Housing Association

  Douglas Haig Memorial Housing Association

  YMCA Housing Association

  YWCA Housing Association

  North British Housing Association

  Richmond Fellowship Housing Association

  United Kingdom Housing Trust

  New Era Housing Association

  Teacher Training
  Dr. Marek
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if, pursuant to his answer of 1 July, he will place a copy of the joint UGC/WAB working group report on initial teacher training at Cartrefle college in the Library.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  I have placed a copy of the report in the Library of the House.

SCOTLAND

  Women
  Ms. Richardson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the main needs of women in the policy areas within the sphere of his Department's activities; what has been done to identify and quantify these needs and to monitor services delivery; what consultation is carried out with women to ensure their views are adequately represented; and what training is given to his staff to raise their appreciation of the needs of women.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Information about the action taken in relation to women's needs by the Department of my right hon. and learned Friend was published in April 1987 in the review of the Nairobi forward-looking strategies for the advancement of women, copies of which have been placed in the Library. Government Departments, including that of my right hon. and learned friend, consult and are consulted by organisations representative of the interests of Scottish women, for example, in correspondence and through participation in seminars. In line with other Government Departments, the Scottish Office gives training to its staff on equal opportunity matters, including the importance of guarding against prejudicial assumptions about the skills and expectations of women on promotion or recruitment boards and in assessing staff performance.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Dunnachie
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current level of unemployment in Glasgow, Pollok expressed as a percentage of the total population available for work under each of the following headings (a) full-time male, (b) part-time male, (c) full-time female, (d) part-time female and (e) young people between the age of 16 and 21 years; and what steps he is taking to reduce these figures.

  Mr. Lang
  It is not possible to relate unemployment figures to claimants' employment status in their last jobs, and percentage rates are not calculated for localities smaller than travel-to-work areas. The information requested is not therefore available.

  However, the numbers of male and female unemployed claimants in the Glasgow Pollok parliamentary constituency, together with the numbers and rates for Glasgow TTWA, on 14 May, the latest date for which information is available, were as shown below.

  Glasgow Pollok parliamentary constituency

  Glasgow travel-to-work area

  Percentage

  Males

  5,619

  79,572

  22·2

  Females

  1,677

  29,310

  10·9

  Total

  7,296

  108,882

  17·3

  In addition, on 9 April, the latest date for which age breakdowns are available, the number of unemployed claimants aged 19 and under, and aged 20–24, in the Glasgow Pollok parliamentary constituency totalled 1,278 and 1,686 respectively.

  This information is available in the Library.

  The key to achieving reductions in the level of unemployment lies in the Government's policy of keeping inflation down, stimulating enterprise, restoring competitiveness to industry and establishing a strong private
  28
  sector, thereby encouraging the creation of more jobs. The full range of the Government's employment, enterprise and training measures is also available to assist the unemployed. While the situation in Scotland remains far from satisfactory, the fall in the unemployment figures in recent months and the high level of vacancies are very encouraging.

  Electoral Register
  Mr. Home Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are taken by electoral registration officers to ensure that all people qualified to be electors are included on the electoral register; what staff and resources are provided for this purpose; and how often a full canvass is conducted for the purposes of updating the register.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  A full canvass is conducted each year in the weeks leading up to the qualifying date of 10 October to update the electoral register. All reasonable steps are taken by means of door-to-door canvass or delivery of form A to each household to ensure that all those who are qualified to be electors are included on the electoral register. The onus rests on each householder, or person owning or occupying the premises, to provide the information required by the registration officer.

  The staff and resources for this purpose are determined and provided by regional and islands area councils which appoint the registration officers.

  Mr. Home Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many official poll cards were returned to returning officers by the Post Office in each Scottish constituency of the recent general election either because of errors in the electoral register or because the electors had moved away.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This information is not available centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

  Lothian and Borders Police Force
  Mr. Steel
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on the level of establishment of the Lothian and Borders police force;

  (2) if he will make it his policy to make an increase in establishment of the Lothian and Borders police force.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The present authorised police establishment of Lothian and Borders police is 2,393 and at 31 March the actual strength (taking into account secondments to central service posts or to the Scottish crime squad) was 2,434. In terms of section 3 of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967, any proposal to increase the authorised establishments is in the first instance a matter for the Lothian and Borders police board.

  Charities (Community Charge)
  Mr. David Steel
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to give a discount from collective community charges to charities at a level no less than the existing rate relief.

  Mr. Rifkind
  It would be inappropriate to carry over into the community charge system provided for in the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc (Scotland) Act 1987
  29
  precise equivalents of the reliefs available under the domestic rating system. The Act therefore makes no special arrangements for charities in the community charge system. The present structure of reliefs, including those for charities, will continue to apply to non-domestic rates.

  I have, however, made it clear that people who are solely or mainly resident in hospitals, nursing homes, residential care homes and certain hostels will be exempt from personal community charge liability, and this will apply to many establishments run by charities. They will remain subject to non-domestic rates, with reliefs as appropriate.

  Sales of Local Authority dwellings to sitting tenants

  District

  Sales to Sitting Tenants

  Total Sales

  Sales as a percentage of stock at 30 September 1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  SCOTLAND

  10,904

  12,711

  11,860

  10,948

  10,036

  56,459

  6·33

  Borders

  273

  358

  466

  329

  210

  1,636

  10·45

  Berwickshire

  44

  65

  93

  52

  75

  329

  11·59

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  80

  140

  191

  143

  99

  653

  13·27

  Roxburgh

  101

  97

  142

  107

  21

  468

  7·51

  Tweedale

  48

  56

  40

  27

  15

  186

  11·19

  Central

  577

  1,074

  1,141

  823

  681

  4,296

  7·63

  Clackmannan

  90

  168

  121

  102

  95

  576

  6·02

  Falkirk

  431

  728

  691

  510

  342

  2,702

  8·07

  Stirling

  56-

  178

  329

  211

  244

  1,018

  7·67

  Dumfries and Galloway

  513

  463

  381

  420

  452

  2,229

  10·69

  Annandale and Eskdale

  171

  103

  96

  102

  99

  571

  11·08

  Nithsdale

  180

  170

  143

  163

  215

  871

  10·25

  Stewartry

  81

  49

  46

  54

  59

  289

  11·54

  Wigtown

  81

  141

  96

  101

  79

  498

  10·63

  Fife

  1,375

  1,785

  1,714

  1,236

  1,024

  7,134

  12·44

  Dunfermline

  612

  834

  701

  385

  330

  2,862

  12·44

  Kirkcaldy

  461

  567

  742

  627

  487

  2,884

  10·97

  North East Fife

  302

  384

  271

  224

  207

  1,388

  17·28

  Grampian

  1,124

  1,730

  1,711

  1,508

  1,100

  7,173

  9·83

  Aberdeen

  492

  761

  676

  602

  325

  2,856

  7·26

  Banff and Buchan

  166

  322

  399

  357

  301

  1,545

  11·96

  Gordon

  237

  274

  276

  149

  144

  1,080

  17·70

  Kincardine and Deeside

  73

  90

  71

  96

  61

  391

  11·10

  Moray

  156

  283

  289

  304

  269

  1,301

  11·75

  Highland

  552

  506

  361

  408

  390

  2,217

  8·56

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  29

  28

  21

  16

  44

  138

  12·42

  Caithness

  104

  103

  42

  83

  60

  392

  9·26

  Inverness

  232

  176

  103

  137

  97

  745

  10·36

  Lochaber

  50

  47

  52

  52

  65

  266

  7·66

  Nairn

  27

  31

  35

  29

  16

  138

  11·84

  Ross and Cromarty

  70

  86

  77

  60

  78

  371

  5·94

  Skye and Lochalsh

  6

  10

  18

  14

  25

  73

  9·71

  Sutherland

  34

  25

  13

  17

  5

  94

  5·48

  Lothian

  1,772

  1,753

  2,113

  1,610

  1,356

  8,604

  8·04

  East Lothian

  387

  341

  436

  279

  248

  1,691

  10·39

  Edinburgh

  801

  733

  933

  850

  710

  4,087

  7·36

  Midlothian

  411

  421

  430

  239

  176

  1,677

  12·71

  West Lothian

  173

  258

  254

  242

  222

  1,149

  5·22

  Strathclyde

  3,460

  3,784

  2,848

  3,526

  3,864

  17,482

  3·81

  Argyll and Bute

  105

  126

  141

  142

  130

  644

  7·59

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  23

  53

  49

  25

  35

  185

  10·14

  Clydebank

  77

  91

  83

  72

  138

  461

  3·88

  Clydesdale

  22

  40

  50

  88

  55

  255

  2·63

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  23

  36

  38

  49

  72

  218

  4·94

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  38

  67

  69

  52

  98

  324

  3·13

  Cunninghame

  130

  172

  217

  191

  176

  886

  3·82

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the number of council homes sold to their tenants in each Scottish local authority area in each of the last five years; and what percentage this represents of the total council house stock in each area.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The information requested is set out in the table.
  31

  District

  Sales to Sitting Tenants

  Total Sales

  Sales as a percentage of stock at 30 September 1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Dumbarton

  124

  62

  113

  76

  121

  496

  3·77

  East Kilbride

  31

  22

  23

  33

  28

  137

  8·58

  Eastwood

  22

  42

  26

  35

  42

  167

  8·64

  Glasgow

  1,245

  1,330

  589

  827

  826

  4,817

  2·78

  Hamilton

  189

  236

  127

  169

  249

  970

  4·21

  Inverclyde

  95

  182

  104

  293

  224

  898

  4·55

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  76

  169

  181

  199

  231

  856

  4·72

  Kyle and Carrick

  148

  258

  306

  354

  400

  1,466

  801

  Monklands

  122

  101

  71

  122

  190

  606

  2·12

  Motherwell

  193

  172

  188

  213

  290

  1,056

  2·63

  Renfrew

  624

  466

  385

  411

  416

  2,302

  5·84

  Strathkelvin

  173

  159

  88

  175

  143

  738

  6·74

  Tayside

  1,108

  1,083

  1,043

  991

  862

  5,087

  7·16

  Angus

  388

  305

  372

  324

  259

  1,648

  11·34

  Dundee

  236

  222

  323

  411

  366

  1,558

  3·87

  Perth and Kinross

  484

  556

  348

  256

  237

  1,881

  11·52

  Orkney Islands

  21

  20

  7

  21

  22

  91

  6·38

  Shetland Islands

  65

  69

  26

  28

  28

  216

  8·17

  Western Isles

  64

  86

  49

  48

  47

  294

  12·03

  Nurses
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the number of nurses who have left the National Health Service in Scotland for reasons other than retirement in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Rifkind
  This information is not held centrally.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of homeless families and individuals in Scotland in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Rifkind
  Information held centrally relates to applications under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 and is shown in the table below.

  Year ended 31 March

  Total Applications

  Accepted by-local authorities as homeless

  Accepted by local authorities as potentially homeless

  1979

  16,030

  7,490

  4,053

  1980

  15,460

  7,440

  2,770

  1981

  14,868

  7,025

  2,443

  1982

  15,955

  8,270

  1,988

  1983

  16,539

  8,664

  2,080

  1984

  15,516

  8,086

  2,301

  1985

  20,312

  9,826

  3,454

  1986

  23,315

  10,867

  4,561

  Earnings
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the Scottish average weekly wage for (a) full-time male employees, (b) part-time male employees (c) full-time female employees and (d) part-time female employees in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms based on 1987–88 prices for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The following information has been derived from the new earnings survey, conducted by the Department of Employment in April each year.
  32

  Average gross weekly earnings of adult employees in Scotland whose earnings were not affected by absence

  (£/week)

  Full-lime males1

  Full-time females2

  Part-time females2 3

  (i) Cash terms

  1979

  101·2

  60·4

  27·6

  1980

  123·1

  74·7

  35·1

  1981

  140·0

  87·1

  37·9

  1982

  154·5

  95·0

  41·1

  1983

  167·5

  104·0

  45·5

  1984

  181·5

  110·4

  47·3

  1985

  192·5

  118·4

  51·2

  1986

  204·2

  129·3

  53·9

  (ii) At April 1986 prices4

  1979

  182·0

  108·6

  49·6

  1980

  181·9

  110·4

  51·9

  1981

  191·1

  118·9

  51·7

  1982

  186·2

  114·5

  49·5

  1983

  194·1

  120·5

  52·7

  1984

  200·0

  121·6

  52·1

  1985

  198·4

  122·0

  52·8

  1986

  204·2

  129·3

  53·9

  1 aged 21 years and over.

  2 aged 18 years and over.

  3 figures for 1984 onwards estimated from data for those on adult rates.

  4 the constant price estimates have been made using the Retail Prices Index.

  Owing to the size of sample used in the survey, figures for part-time males are not available, and all figures are subject to variability.

  Crime Statistics
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of Scotland if he will give the total number of recorded crimes for Scotland in each year since 1979 classified by category.

  Mr. Rifkind
  Statistics on crimes recorded by the police in Scotland are published annually in the Scottish Home and Health Department Statistical bulletin "Recorded
  33
  Crime in Scotland". Bulletins No. 2/1985, 2/1986 and 4/1987 which are available in the Library contain the information requested.

  HIDB (Grants)
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the total value of grants made by the Highlands and Islands Development Board to companies or projects in Scotland in each year since 1979 in (a) cash terms and (b) real terms on 1978–88 prices.

  Mr. Lang
  Expenditure on grants to businesses by the Highlands and Islands Development Board under its section 8 scheme is shown in the table. The board under the same scheme also makes loans on concessionary terms and takes equity shares in businesses. Under other schemes the board makes grants to research, business advisory, marketing, training and social development projects but information in the form requested on the total value of these grants is not readily available.

  Year

  Cash

  At 1987–88 prices1

  £000s

  £000s

  1979–80

  4,582

  7,969

  1980–81

  6,428

  9,431

  1981–82

  7,031

  9,391

  1982–83

  8,717

  10,869

  1983–84

  11,933

  14,237

  1984–85

  12,109

  13,849

  1985–86

  12,694

  13,665

  1986–87

  13,586

  14,203

  1 Calculated using the gross domestic product deflator taken from the Treasury "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1987–88".

  SDA (Grant Aid)
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the total numbers of applications for grant aid made to the Scottish Development Agency in each year since 1979 and the number and percentage of these which were accepted in each year;

  (2) if he will publish a table showing the total value of grants made by the Scottish Development Agency to companies or projects in Scotland in each year since 1979 in (a)cash terms and (b) real terms on 1987–88 prices.

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

  Redundancies
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of closures of factories or businesses in Scotland which have involved more than 50 redundancies in each year since 1979; and if he will give the total number of jobs lost in each of these years as a result of these closures.

  Mr. Malcolm Rifkind
  The table shows the number of closures confirmed to the Manpower Services Commission as due to occur in Scotland, involving more than 50 redundancies in each year since 1979, and the number of workers involved.
  34

  Closures involving more than fifty redundancies in Scotland from January 1979 to June 1987

  Total number of redundant workers involved in these closures

  Year

  Number of closures

  Number of workers

  1979

  24

  3,882

  1980

  84

  12,499

  1981

  66

  13,564

  1982

  60

  7,581

  1983

  61

  8,289

  1984

  38

  3,784

  1985

  39

  5,566

  1986

  37

  5,503

  19871

  16

  1,905

  425

  64,573

  Notes:

  1 To June.

  (1) Workers not made redundant but transferred to other company plants when their own plant closed are not included in the table.

  (2) The 1987 figures are provisional and include only those closures which have been confirmed as due to occur up to June 1987 and where all the redundancies have taken place by that date

  Forestry Commission (Planting Proposals)
  Dr. David Clark
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Forestry Commission consults the Nature Conservancy Council about its planting operations or planting proposals within Caithness and Sutherland; and if he will list those Forestry Commission planting proposals which have been forwarded to the Nature Conservancy Council for comment.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Forestry Commission has consulted the Nature Conservancy Council about its planting programme in Caithness and Sutherland. The properties concerned are listed below.

  Invershin

  Dyke

  Achormlarie

  Tannach Hill

  Cnoc a' Mhoid

  Sallachy

  Stroupster

  Forestry Grants Scheme
  Dr. David Clark
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those forestry grants scheme applications received by the Forestry Commission for land in Caithness and Sutherland which have been forwarded to the Nature Conservancy Council for comment; and if he will indicate the outcome where appropriate with each case.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Since 17 February 1987, when the Forestry Commission undertook to consult the Nature Conservancy Council on all planting proposals in Caithness and Sutherland, forestry grant scheme applications relating to the following properties have been forwarded to the Council for comment:—

  Yellow Moss*

  Lairg Estate

  Newport, Berriedale

  North Burn*

  Loubcroy*

  Ben Bhraggie

  Skitten

  Strathy East

  Cnoc na Main*

  Braelangwell

  Torrish

  35

  Cnoc Bacach

  Limekiln/Whitewell*

  Eriboll

  Kirkton Farm*

  Sciberscross*

  Glencalvie

  Glencalvie (Native pine)

  Achany

  Dhonnadh

  Jubilee Wood

  The Nature Conservancy Council has lodged objections to the planting proposed in the cases marked with an asterisk. In the remaining cases—with the exception of Dhonnadh and Jubilee wood on which their comments are still awaited—the council has signified its agreement to the proposals made.

  Druim Carn na Muc (Afforestation)
  Dr. David Clark
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the natural hazards, windthrow risk and soil capability for afforestation of that land at Druim Carn na Muc in Caithness which is owned by the Forestry Commission; and if he will state the estimated internal rate of return that would accrue from a plantation on this land.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There are no special natural hazards which would affect forestry on this site. The windthrow risk is assessed as class 5, which is typical for many parts of Scotland; the soil is a nutrient-rich peat, which would give a good average yield class of timber; and the estimated internal rate of return to the Forestry Commission is between 2 per cent. and 2·5 per cent.

  Community Charge
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional advice will he give to community charge registration officers as to the sale of names and addresses of people contained in the community charge register, when the sale of the names and addresses takes place without the consent or knowledge of the data subject.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend is considering what notice should be given to persons registered as liable to pay the community charges of the availability for sale of the publicly available part of the register, as provided for by section 20(4) of the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987.

  Prisons
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional revenue resources have been allocated for the administration of the new extension to Her Majesty's prison, Shotts.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Approximately £2,800,000 for 1987–88.

  Ayr Bypass
  Mr. Dunnachie
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to prevent the proposed Ayr motorway bypass from being constructed in Glasgow, Pollock; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I assume the hon. Member is referring to Strathclyde regional council's section of the proposed A77 Ayr road route. My right hon.36
  and learned Friend is at present considering objections which have been lodged against the proposals, and he will decide shortly whether to arrange for a public local inquiry to be held.

  Guinness plc
  Mr. Michael J.Martin
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to meet the chairman of Guinness plc to discuss the implications for the Scottish economy and, in particular, for employment in the Port Dundas area of the Glasgow, Springburn constituency, of the future development of the company.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend and I have met the chairman of Guinness on a number of occasions and will do so again if we judge a meeting to be appropriate. We fully recognise that the future success of the company will be beneficial to the Scottish economy in general and to the prosperity of the hon. Member's constituency in particular.

  McKinnon's Knitwear
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has had on the current ownership of Mackinnon's Knitwear at Coatbridge; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  I understand that the Mackinnon's Knitwear Company at Coatbridge is currently still owned by Dawson International plc. However, I believe that the Coblecrook dyeing works at Alva has been sold by Dawson International plc to Mr. David Hodgson of David Hodgson Ltd. also in Alva. Approximately 107 of the 160 jobs at Coblecrook will be preserved.

  Lead Plumbing
  Mr. Ron Davies
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of properties in Scotland with lead plumbing; and what proportion of the total this represents.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The information is not held centrally.

  Ferry Service (Tenders)
  Mr. Macdonald
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the difference in cost between the lowest tender for the new Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to serve South Uist, Barra, Coll and Tiree and the successful tender from the Appledore Ferguson yard.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Details of tenders submitted are confidential, for commercial reasons.

  Western Isles (Road Equivalent Tariff)
  Mr. Macdonald
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what would be the extra cost of introducing a road equivalent tariff to the Western Isles; by how much it would reduce fares for commercial and private users; and when he now expects to introduce road equivalent tariff.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This information is not available. There are no plans to introduce a road equivalent tariff, for the reasons given by the then Secretary of State for Scotland in his statement to the House on 21 February 1984 at column 697–698.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  City Technology Colleges
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state those features of the curriculum proposed for city technology colleges which will differ from or be additional to his proposed core curriculum for the comparable age group in other secondary schools.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  City technology colleges will be independent schools outside the scope of statutory provisions for the national curriculum but they will be required as a condition of grant to implement the substances of the national curriculum. The time allocated to the foundation subjects will also enable city technology colleges to develop distinctive characteristics and they will be expected to use this opportunity to give special emphasis to the teaching of science and technology.

  Ravensbourne College of Art and Design
  Mr. Mullin
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received concerning the charging by Ravensbourne college of art and design of mandatory levies of up to £150 per course to pay the cost of equipment for students taking B/TEC HND courses in communications engineering and design; and what is his policy with regard to such levies.

  Mr. Dunn
  None. The charging of such levies is a matter for determination by the individual institution.

  Conservative Central Office (Correspondence)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether his Private Office composed and typed replies to letters received regarding ministerial business on Conservative Central Office headed paper during the general election; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  Replies on Conservative Central Office headed paper were handled by Central Office or by my political adviser.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Retirement Pension
  Mr. Stanbrook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the real value of the state retirement pension, expressed as a percentage of the value of the pension payable in 1978–79, for each subsequent year.

  Mr. Scott
  The real value of basic retirement pension, expressed as a percentage of its value in November 1978, is as follows for each subsequent year:

  Date of increase

  Real value in November 1987 terms

  Single

  Married couple

  per cent.

  per cent.

  November 1979

  101·8

  101·8

  November 1980

  102·9

  102·9

  November 1981

  100·2

  100·1

  November 1982

  104·6

  104·6

  November 1983

  103·4

  103·5

  November 1984

  103·6

  103·6

  38

  Date of increase

  Real value in November 1987 terms

  Single

  Married couple

  per cent.

  per cent.

  November 1985

  105·1

  105·1

  July 1986

  104·5

  104·5

  April 1987

  102·1

  102·2

  London Hospitals (Infectious Outbreaks)
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the effect on London hospitals of the outbreak of the infection of multi-resistant staphylococcus aureus; and what steps are being taken to deal with this problem.

  Mrs. Currie
  Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has spread widely throughout hospitals in London and to a lesser extent elsewhere. In 1986, MRSA was reported by 170 hospitals participating in a national survey. A large proportion of reported cases are in North East Thames RHA where a working party has been looking at the problem and further recommendations are now being considered.

  The effect of an outbreak on a hospital include the isolation of infected patients; restrictions on the transfer of patients between hospitals; possible restrictions on routine admissions and the swabbing of all staff.

  Preventive measures include the maintenace of high standards of hygiene for both patients and staff and the thorough cleaning of infected wards. Infection control nurses have an increasingly vital role to play in the maintenance of hygiene standards and avoidance of cross-infection through effective liaison with all levels of hospital staff, including the organisation of training programmes for health care workers.

  A national survey of M RSA is in continual progress. This survey, conducted jointly by the division of hospital infection of the public health laboratory service and the communicable disease surveillance centre, makes its results available to microbiologists allowing them to know whether patients and staff transferred to their hospitals come from areas where M RSA is prevalent.

  Guidance on the control of multi-resistant staphylococcus aureus is available. The joint public health laboratory services/DHSS hospital infection working group has produced draft guidance on hospital infection in general. This document is presently out for consultation.

  A copy of a fact sheet on MRSA was placed in the Library on 28 April 1987.

  Local Office (Newham)
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent changes there have been in the service offered to the public at the Woodgrange Park road, Newham office of his Department; how many hours (a)a day and (b) a week the office is currently open; what alternative arrangements have been made for claimants.; and if he will make resources available for the restoration of a full service.

  Mr. Portillo
  From the beginning of the year, public opening hours at Woodgrange Park office have been reduced intermittently from the normal 9.30 to 3.30 pm. From 10–20 June callers to the office were seen by appointment only, with an effective system to identify and admit instances of special need. These restrictions in the
  39
  service were caused by trained staff vacancies and industrial action by some staff. Since then with the assistance of additional staff from regional reserve resources, normal opening hours have been maintained. The exception to this was 25 and 26 June when the office was again closed as part of a national campaign of industrial action. The regional reserve staff currently working at this office will be retained until an additional 24 permanent posts, recently added to the office's complement, are recruited and trained.

  Conceptions
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what date he expects the figures for 1985 relating to the number of conceptions in England and Wales by age of the mother to be made available.

  Mrs. Currie
  No date has yet been set for the publication of these statistics but it is expected that they will be published during August or September.

  Contraceptives (Minors)
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if, on the forthcoming publication of the figures for 1985 relating to the number of conceptions in England and Wales by age of the mother, he will review the current policy concerning the prescription of contraceptives to minors without parental consent;

  (2) if, in view of the recent report by Sheffield health authority that the drop in attendances at family planning clinics by children aged under 16 years during the period in 1985 when it was deemed illegal to prescribe contraceptives to minors without parental consent did not lead to any increase in the number of births or abortions in that age group, he will reassess his policy on the prescription contraceptives to minors.

  Mr. Newton
  Policy is kept under review in the light of all the relevant factors and new information which becomes available, including such studies as that conducted in Sheffield.

  Motor Neurone Disease Association
  Mr. McCrindle
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what grants have been made available by his Department to the Motor Neurone Disease Association since 1983; whether consideration is being given to the long-term funding of research into motor neurone disease; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  In 1986 the Department awarded the Motor Neurone Disease Association a three-year grant at £10,000 per year under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 in support of its patient care services. In 1984–85 the association was given a grant of £6,000 towards the cost of a computer.

  The main Government-funded agency for the promotion of medical and related biomedical research in this country is the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant-in-aid from the Department of Education and Science. I understand that the council is currently carrying out research into this disease and is always prepared to consider further soundly based scientific proposals for funding through its grants scheme in competition with other applications.

  Foreign Visitors (Surgery)
  Mr. McCrindle
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many foreign visitors received non-urgent surgery in hospitals in the United Kingdom in each of the past eight years; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what consideration has been given to restricting non-urgent surgery to British patients and imposing full charges on non-British patients who contracted their disease abroad; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Information on the nationality of patients treated in National Health Service hospitals in England is not collected centrally. (Information for the rest of the United Kingdom is a matter for my right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Wales and Northern Ireland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.)

  It is residence in the United Kingdom, rather than citizenship or nationality, which is the basis of eligibility for free NHS treatment. Under regulations effective since October 1982, anyone not ordinarily resident is liable to charges for hospital treatment unless covered by a reciprocal health care agreement or other specific exemption.

  Hospital Treatment (Fees)
  Mr. McCrindle
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consult insurance companies on lifting the seven-day statutory period for claims for fees for emergency treatment by hospitals; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Under section 155 of the Road Traffic Act 1972, an emergency treatment fee is payable by the person using the vehicle in respect of each individual given emergency treatment immediately following a road traffic accident. The fee may be claimed by a doctor attending the scene of an accident or by a hospital, and section 156 of the Act requires that it be requested within seven days of the treatment being given.

  The Government intend to introduce legislation to abolish the emergency treatment fee payable to hospitals at the earliest convenient opportunity.

  Pupils (Work Experience)
  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider introducing help towards travelling costs for school pupils taking part in work experience whose parents are in receipt of supplementary benefit.

  Mr. Portillo
  It is not the purpose of the supplementary benefits scheme to help with educational expenses, including those arising from participation in a work experience scheme. I understand the matter of such expenses is covered in Department of Education and Science circular 7/74 and Welsh Office Circular 135/74 which fall within the responsibilities of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and Science and for Wales.

  Ethnic Minorities (Languages)
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of (a) Asian men and (b) Asian women (i) in Leicester and (ii) in the United Kingdom speak little or no English.
  41
  Mr. Portillo
  I regret that these figures are not available.

  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many interpreters are available in offices of his Department (a) in Leicester and (b) in the United Kingdom in areas where there is a significant ethnic minority population.

  Mr. Portillo
  DHSS offices do not employ interpreters as such, but most offices with catchment areas containing significant ethnic minority populations do have staff ready to use skills in ethnic minority languages to help claimants who have little or no English and have no one to help them. No record is maintained of numbers who do this. Leicester offices have staff proficient in Asian languages and ready to help in this way.

  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what leaflets other than the "Which Benefit?" guide are available to ethnic minority claimants seeking to exercise their rights in respect of social security benefits.

  Mr. Portillo
  "Which Benefit?" is the only social security leaflet nationally produced in Asian languages.

  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will take steps to ensure the effective distribution of information concerning benefits translated into ethnic minority languages.

  Mr. Portillo
  The leaflet "Which Benefit?", which describes the whole range of social security benefits is published in six Asian languages. These are Bengali, Chinese, Gujerati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. It is planned to produce a Turkish version in 1988. There is insufficient demand for other forms or leaflets in these or other minority languages to justify national production.

  On their own initiative a few local and regional offices have produced additional advice and information in ethnic minority languages. Local information officers continuously liaise with ethnic minority communities to supplement this.

  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will take steps to ensure training for appropriate staff of his Department concerning the need for proper explanation to people from ethnic minorities who have language difficulties concerning their rights.

  Mr. Portillo
  The Department's staff training branch is currently developing a training course to be entitled "Service to the Multi-Racial Community". In addition to focusing the attention of staff on attitudes towards people from ethnic minorities and discussing racism, the course, of two-day's duration, will examine the problems of communication encountered by people of minority backgrounds, especially those of Afro-Caribbean and Asian origin.

  The course which in its development has built on the experience the Department gained from earlier training exercises in this field, will be available in the autumn of 1987. Whilst no language training as such is provided for our staff, financial assistance is readily available under the further education and external training schemes for those staff who wish to further their personal interest or development by learning a modern language, as it is, of course, for a wide range of other subjects.

  Clients with little or no command of English are encouraged to enlist the help of friends, relatives or
  42
  voluntary agencies in pursuing their claims. Many DHSS offices whose catchment areas contain sizeable ethnic minorities do maintain lists of staff willing and able to use second language skills to help claimants in difficulties.

  Departmental Pamphlets
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total cost of providing pamphlets in: (a) the English language and (b) minority languages to inform actual or prospective applicants for social security benefits of their rights, during the last year for which records are available; and what is the estimated cost in 1987.

  Mr. Portillo
  In 1985–86 (the last year for which figures are available) £1,237,469 was spent on production of English language leaflets. £28,531 was spent on reprints of leaflets in six Asian languages. In 1987–88 the budget for social security leaflet production is £5,465,000. It is planned to spend about £120,000 on new editions of minority language leaflets. All figures are for nationally produced leaflets only.

  Breast Milk Substitutes
  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what consultations have taken place with the British Medical Association about the advertising of breast milk substitutes; what was the outcome; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what plans are there to bring the United Kingdom voluntary code on breast milk substitutes into line with the World Health Organisation's code, "WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes"; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) what are the enforcement responsibilities of the United Kingdom code monitoring committee with regard to breast milk substitutes; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) what guidelines exist on advertising of breast milk substitutes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The aim and principles of the World Health Organisation code as far as infant formulae are concerned are secured in the United Kingdom by the Food Manufacturers Federation's code, which includes advertising guidelines, the health Circular HC(83)13 and the FMF monitoring committee. We understand the committee is currently preparing a report for Government and when it is received we shall consider whether changes to the present arrangements are necessary. The relevant BMA committees were consulted before the present arrangements were established.

  Kidney Stones (Treatment)
  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will name those district health authorities which have the new machines for treating patients with kidney stones by means of lasers, rather than by use of surgery; and how many machines his Department are planning to purchase in this financial year.

  Mrs. Currie
  The names of district health authorities which use lasers to treat kidney stones are not recorded centrally. A different form of treatment, known as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, uses shock waves to disperse kidney stones. This service is being developed on
  43
  a regional basis and it is for regional health authorities to plan their purchases of lithotripters. We are, however, aware that within the National Health Service, lithotripters are in use in the West Lambeth and South Manchester health authorities. A machine is being installed in Sheffield.

  Supplementary Benefit (Appeals)
  Mr. Atkinson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the backlog in the number of appeals to the local supplementary benefit tribunal serving the Bournemouth area.

  Mr. Scott
  The Bournemouth social security appeal tribunal covers the Department's Bournemouth and Poole local offices. The number of appeals awaiting action at these offices has decreased from 207 on 10 February 1987 to 82 on 30 June 1987.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Fatchett
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has made any assessment of how many low-income families in (a) the Leeds, Central constituency and (b) the Leeds metropolitan district council area will be worse off when the new family credit is introduced.

  Mr. Portillo
  I regret that it is not possible to make estimates on such a localised basis. On the illustrative assumptions in the technical annex to the White Paper "Reform of Social Security" (Cmnd 9690), family credit would be expected to reach about double the number of families now helped by family income supplement, and in all but a few families the amount of family credit payable would be greater than FIS. For the overall effect of the social security changes on the disposable income of working families (on the illustrative assumptions) I refer the hon. Member to tables 12(ii) of the technical annex.

  Mr. P. J. Johnson
  Mr. Terry Fields
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when his Department intends to reply to correspondence from Mr. P. J. Johnson of 40 Gloucester Road, Liverpool 6, a constituent of the hon. Member for Liverpool, Broadgreen, which was dispatched on 16 January; when his Department intends to reply to correspondence from Mr. P. J. Johnson which was dispatched, by recorded delivery, on 18 May; if he will return documents included in correspondence to Mr. P. J. Johnson; and if he will make a statement.

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

  Conductive Education
  Mr. Nellist
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the application for assistance towards the cost of a four-year evaluation of the conductive education project being established in Birmingham by the National Foundation for Conductive Education was received by his Department; how much financial assistance is being sought; what meetings have been held with the national foundation; when it is anticipated a decision will be reached; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  the application by Birmingham university for assistance towards the cost of evaluating the four-year conductive education project being established in Birmingham was received in this Department on 2 March 1987. The original provisional estimate amounted to £245,200 with the proviso that this would need to be increased to allow for the increase in academic salaries. A revised estimate of £325,857 was received on 1 July. Officials from the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Health and Social Security had previously met the director of the National Foundation for Conductive Education on 23 January 1987 to discuss the evaluation project. A decision on the application will be made as soon as possible.

  Kidney Patients
  Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many kidney patients on
  46
  average requiring dialysis are now being treated per million of the population; and if he will publish the figures for each of the regional health authorities.

  Mrs. Currie
  According to provisional information provided by the European dialysis and transplant association, the number of patients receiving dialysis treatment per million population in each regional health authority on 31 December 1986 was as follows:

  Patients per million population

  Region

  Patients

  Northern

  158·1

  Yorkshire

  116·1

  Trent

  153·4

  East Anglian

  110·5

  North West Thames

  103·8

  North East Thames

  179·7

  South East Thames

  1 105·1

  South West Thames

  Wessex

  66·8

  Oxford

  113·1

  South Western

  124·9

  West Midlands

  117·9

  Mersey

  96·5

  Northern Western

  126·3

  1 Regions have arrangements for shared service.

  These figures should be treated with caution because patients do not always receive dialysis in the region fin which they reside. Patients with a functioning transplant are excluded.

  The statistics imply an average figure for England of 122·4 patients per million population receiving all forms of dialysis on 31 December 1986: the corresponding figure for the whole of the United Kingdom was 1209.

  Patient Costs
  Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average cost of treating a patient on the National Health Service; and if he will break the figure down in terms of hospitalisation, drugs, surgery and general medical care.

  Mrs. Currie
  I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Women
  Ms. Richardson
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the main needs of women in the policy areas within the sphere of his Department's activities; what has been done to identify and quantify these needs and to monitor services delivery; what consultation is carried out with women to ensure their views are adequately represented; and what training is given to his staff to raise their appreciation of the needs of women.

  Mr. MacGregor
  I refer the hon. Member to the section on agriculture and food in the review of the forward-looking strategies for the advancement of women published recently by the ministerial group on women's issues. This section discusses the position of women in these areas and various ways in which my Department and others are giving help. Consultation takes place in my Department with a wide range of interested bodies
  47
  including women's organisations, and training is given to my staff which, as appropriate, takes account of the position of women.

  Food Exports (Radioactivity)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what British food exports have been returned to Britain over the past 12 months as a result of unacceptable levels of radioactivity, listing the quantities and the value of each product; and if he will make it his policy to reduce the maximum acceptable level within the United Kingdom to 600 becquerels a kilo.

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

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Women's Needs
  Ms. Richardson
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the main needs of women in

  Number of entries on 30 June 1987

  Maximum in last 12 months

  Minimum in last 12 months

  1. Stolen and suspect vehicles

  437,450

  437,450

  381,482

  2. Vehicle Owners

  35,384,795

  38,146,538

  34,612,382

  3. Chassis (Engine numbers)

  711,873

  711,873

  646,343

  4. Fingerprints

  3,751,499

  3,751,499

  3,672,707

  5. Fingerprints scene of crime

  6,930,988

  6,930,988

  6,621,971

  6. Criminal Names

  5,164,206

  5,164,206

  5,126,840

  7. Wanted/missing persons

  99,341

  107,093

  98,008

  8. Disqualified drivers

  326,173

  326,173

  313,498

  9. Convictions

  1,872,045

  1,872,045

  1,239,405

  10. Major Investigations

  376,868

  376,868

  119,646

  11. Crime Pattern Analyses

  13,896

  14,199

  11,904

  Telephone Tapping
  Mr. Steinberg
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to respond to inquiries from right hon. and hon. Members as to whether named constituents are subject to telephone tapping; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  Anyone who believes that the interception of his or her telephone communications has been authorised may apply to the Tribunal established under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 for an investigation.

  I shall continue the longstanding policy of successive Governments never to cofirm or deny whether interception has been authorised in any particular case, irrespective of whether interception has been authorised or not.

  Trans-frontier Television and Broadcasting
  Sir Dudley Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the latest progress achieved in formulating a Council of Europe Convention on trans-frontier television and broadcasting.

  Mr. Renton
  Six meetings have been held in Strasbourg since March to discuss the formulation of the Convention and good progress is being made. The relevant interests in the United Kingdom are currently being consulted on the latest draft text before discussions resume at the beginning of September.
  48
  the policy areas within the sphere of his Department's activities; what has been done to identify and quantify these needs and to monitor services delivery; what consultation is carried out with women to ensure their views are adequately represented; and what training is given to his staff to raise their appreciation of the needs of women.

  Mr. John Patten
  I shall reply as soon as possible.

  Police National Computer
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the current number of entries, and the maximum and minimum number of entries, for each index of the police national computer over the last year.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The current number of records and the maximum and minimum number of records in the year to 30 June 1987 for each substantive index of the police national computer are as follows:

  Although there are still a number of issues to be resolved, we are hopeful that agreement can be reached on a final text before the end of the year.

  Parliamentary Boundary Commission
  Mr. Arnold
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has about the timetable of work of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I will reply as soon as possible.

  Korea
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications have been made for visas to enter the United Kingdom from the People's Republic of Korea in each of the past eight years; and how many were granted.

  Mr. Renton
  I regret that the information requested is not available.

  Foreign Visitors
  Mr. McCrindle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce a requirement that all foreign visitors should have to give a written undertaking when applying for a visa that they are free from disease; and if he will make a statement.
  49
  Mr. Renton
  No. Entry clearance officers already have the power to refer for medical examination any applicant for entry clearance who:—

  (a) intends to remain in the United Kingdom for more than six months;

  (b) mentions health or medical treatment as a reason for his visit;

  (c) appears not to be in good health; or

  (d) appears to be mentally or physically abnormal

  Entry clearance officers also have discretion, which the immigration rules require them to exercise sparingly, to refer for examination in any other case.

  Isle of Man Free Port
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he was informed by the Isle of Man Government of the proposals by a South African company to operate in the Isle of Man free port site; what observations he made on the proposal; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) whether he was consulted by the Isle of Man Government on the proposals by a South African company to develop on the Isle of Man free port site; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Isle of Man authorities informed Her Majesty's Government in January 1987 of the possibility of a United Kingdom subsidiary of a South African company operating in the free port. The Isle of Man authorities were informed that there was no reason why the use of the free port by the company concerned for the purpose of its operations would be contrary to United Kingdom policy.

  The Isle of Man authorities have given clear assurances that under no circumstances would any arrangements be entered into which would run counter to United Kingdom policy regarding restrictive measures on trade with South Africa, and we are satisfied that they have established for this purpose appropriate legal and administrative controls over the use of the free port.

  Polish War Veterans
  Mr. Fatchett
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will waive the naturalisation fee for those Polish war veterans who wish to become British citizens; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Renton
  No: it is reasonable to expect those who wish to become British citizens to pay for the cost of dealing with their applications, and concessions to one group would only increase the costs to others.

  Woodlands Crescent, Knutsford
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department plans to sell its four remaining properties in Woodlands crescent, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire; and for how long and why they have been empty.

  Mr. John Patten
  There are at present five empty prison staff quarters in Woodlands crescent, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire, two of which are surplus to operational requirements. One of the two properties has been sold, subject to contract, and the other is about to be placed on the market. These surplus properties have remained empty since 1982 but had been retained in the expectation that they would be required for use by staff at 50
  Her Majesty's Youth Custody Centre, Thorn Cross. Of the remaining three properties, which have been empty since May this year, one has been allocated and the other two await allocation to prison staff.

  Captain Simon Hayward
  Mr. Gorst
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received any request from the Swedish defence lawyer appointed to represent Captain Simon Hayward to provide evidence only available from official British sources that could assist him in the defence of his client; and if he will give an assurance that any such evidence held by police or other authorities in the United Kingdom and material to proving the innocence of Captain Hayward, in the event of charges being preferred against him, will not be withheld or suppressed.

  Mr. Douglas Hurd
  We have no record that such a request has yet been received in the Home Office. The release of information held by the police or other authorities in this country is a matter for those authorities to decide. It is normal practice for the police forces of member countries of Interpol to make available to each other evidence which might assist the conduct of a criminal investigation.

  Juries (London Area)
  Sir Dudley Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis into allegations that there is a gang in Great Britain, particularly in the London area, which has funding of at least £1,000,000 and which brings illegal pressure to bear on jurors selected to serve on court cases of a serious nature.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis that the police have no evidence that such a gang exists.

  Insider Dealing
  Mr. Cryer
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to provide increased penalties for insider dealing involving mandatory prison sentences for serious offences; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  Clause 42 of the Criminal Justice Bill will raise the maximum penalty for insider dealing from two to seven years' imprisonment. We do not intend to make imprisonment mandatory, however, or otherwise to interfere with the courts' discretion in sentencing, which enables them to take account of all the aggravating or mitigating factors in a particular case.

ENVIRONMENT

  Community Charge
  Mr. Allen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his best estimate of the average pyment of the poll tax to be levied upon each adult in Nottingham in each of the years (a) 1990, (b) 1991 and (c)

  Mr. Howard
  Since the new system will not come into effect until 1990, it is not possible to say what the level of
  51
  the community charge in Nottingham will be when it is introduced. However, I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) on 29 June, at column 44.

  Mr. Heddle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what amendments he proposes to introduce following the introduction of the community charge to existing legislation which bases levels of compensation upon gross or rateable values; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  Alternative methods of assessing statutory compensation payments which are currently based on rateable or annual value are under consideration. Non-domestic rateable values will of course continue.

  Dog Wardens
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to how many local authorities employ dog wardens; and how many dog wardens are employed in each case.

  Mr. Moynihan
  This information is not collected by the Department, but I understand that the joint advisory committee on pets in society estimates that some 200 local authorities in Great Britain currently operate dog warden services. No reliable information is available as to how many dog wardens are employed in each case.

  Parish Councils
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to extend the powers of parish councils, particularly in planning.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  No.

  Greenwich (Inner Area Programme)
  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department received the London borough of Greenwich's bid for the 1987–88 inner area programme; what approvals have so far been given and at what annual cost; what projects remain to be approved and at what annual cost; and when he expects to announce decisions on the remaining projects.

  Mr. Trippier
  The bid was received on 1 December 1986. Subsequently there have been consultations with Greenwich and other Government Departments. Approval has been given to continuing commitments arising from the traditional urban programme and other designated district arrangements at a cost of £799,000 in 1987–88. Decisions are outstanding on 12 projects costing in total £743,000 in 1987–88. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Inner Area Programme
  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the inner area programme bids received from each of the inner London boroughs for 1987–88 indicating which have been approved and the date of approval.

  Mr. Trippier
  The information is shown in the following table.
  52

  Borough

  Provisional Inner Area Programme Allocation 1 £ million

  Bid Received

  Date of Approval

  £ million

  Greenwich

  1·5

  1·5

  2

  Hackney

  10·8

  13·9

  2

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  5·0

  7·9

  2

  Haringey

  2·0

  3·2

  10 April 1987

  Islington

  10·0

  17·6

  2

  Kensington and Chelsea

  1·25

  1·2

  29 April 1987

  Lambeth

  12·8

  20·8

  31 March 1987

  Lewisham

  1·5

  1·5

  22 April 1987

  South wark

  1·75

  3·5

  31 March 1987

  Tower Hamlets

  4·5

  9·3

  2

  Wandsworth

  4·5

  6·5

  2

  1 Announced by Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs and Construction on 30 January 1987; see Official Report, 30 January.

  2 Approvals have been given to continuing commitments from 1986–87 on these inner area programmes

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he now has for the disposal of nuclear waste.

  Mr. Moynihan
  As my right hon. Friend made clear in his statement on I May, it is now for UK NIREX Ltd. to come forward with proposals for the development of a deep multi-purpose facility for the disposal of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste.

  Planning Appeals
  Mr. Redwood
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning appeals have been submitted to his Department in each of the years 1984, 1985 and 1986 in respect of planning applications that have been turned down by the Wokingham district council; and how many planning appeals in each of those years have resulted in the decision of Wokingham district council being overturned.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The number of planning appeals received from the Wokingham district council area in 1984, 1985 and 1986 is given in the table together with the number of planning appeals that were allowed in each of those years.

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Appeals received

  79

  104

  105

  Appeals allowed

  20

  27

  35

  Local Authorities (Rates and Precepts)
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list in descending order all English local authorities on the basis of the percentage change in their local rate or precept from 1981–82 to 1987–88, showing in each case the percentage change in current expenditure in the same period;

  (2) if he will list in descending order all English local authorities on the basis of the percentage change in their current expenditure from 1981–82 to 1987–88, showing in each case the percentage change in the local rate or precept in the same period.
  53
  Mr. Ridley
  I have today placed the information in the House of Commons Library.

  Tenanted Housing
  Mr. Allen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list any request for disposals of tenanted housing, other than to sitting tenants, awaiting his consideration for special consent.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The only outstanding applications for consent to dispose of tenanted housing are by Ashford borough council, for disposal of the freehold of two flats, and by the London residuary body, for the disposal of the freehold of eight flats.

  Local Authorities (Grant-related Expenditure)
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in descending order, using their 1987–88 budgets, all English local authorities on the basis of the percentage above or below their grant-related expenditure assessments for 1987–88.

  Mr. Ridley
  I have today placed the information in the House of Commons Library.

  Urban Development Grants
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many projects to date are covered by urban development grants; how much public expenditure is involved in the current financial year; and how much is committed thereby in future years.

  Mr. Ridley
  A total of 242 projects have been approved for urban development grant to date. The total public expenditure on these projects is estimated at £124 million, of which £65 million had been incurred up to the end of 1986–87. Of the remaining £59 million, it is estimated that £25 million will be incurred in the current financial year.

  Non-domestic Rates
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the total of non-domestic rates paid to local authorities in Great Britain in each year from 1974–75 to 1987–88.

  Mr. Ridley
  The informaion is as follows:

  Total rates paid by non-domestic ratepayers in Great Britain

  £ billion

  1974–75

  2·0

  1975–76

  2·6

  1976–77

  2·8

  1977–78

  3·1

  1978–79

  3·4

  1979–80

  4·0

  1980–81

  5·0

  1981–82

  6·1

  1982–83

  6·9

  1983–84

  7·2

  1984–85

  7·6

  1985–86

  8·2

  1986–87

  9·2

  1987–88

  9·8

  Departmental Communications
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish (a) the circulars, (b) the
  54
  circular letters, (c) the statutory instruments and (d) other communications sent to all authorities, or all authorities in a class, by his Department in England in each year from 1 April 1981 to the present date.

  Mr. Ridley
  Copies of statutory instruments and numbered circulars issued by my Department since 1 April 1981 are available in the Library. I shall write to the hon. Member with a list of circular letters issued by my Department, and will arrange for that list to be placed in the Library. Details of other communications to all local authorities could only be produced at disproportionate cost.

  Regional Development Fund
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the number of applications made to his Department by local authority enterprise boards for grants from the European regional development fund.

  Mr. Ridley
  No applications have been received from local authority enterprise boards for European regional development fund grants since 1980. However, under the main fund regulation we have received a total of three applications from enterprise trusts and enterprise agencies.

  Derelict Land
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report for each of the metropolitan district council areas (a) the total acreage and (b) the proportion of all land designated as derelict at the latest available date.

  Mr. Ridley
  The information is given in the following table. The figures in column(b) are based on information available at 1 April 1982, the date of the last survey of derelict land in England. The figures shown in brackets represent the proportion of derelict land which is considered to justify reclamation.

  A further survey of derelict land is planned for April 1988.

  Metropolitan District Council

  (a) Council area (acres)

  (b) Proportion of land which is derelict

  Greater Manchester

  Bolton

  34,572

  2·8 (2·7)

  Bury

  24,511

  4·8 (4·8)

  Manchester

  28,720

  2·5 (2·4)

  Oldhara

  34,871

  2·5 (2·3)

  Rochdale

  39,306

  1·4(1·1)

  Salford

  23,942

  4·0 (3·3)

  Stockport

  31,153

  1·0(0·9)

  Tameside

  25,510

  2·5 (2·5)

  Trafford

  26,129

  1·7(1·4)

  Wigan

  51,461

  6·4 (6·4)

  Merseyside

  Knowsley

  24,065

  1·6(1·6)

  Liverpool

  27,819

  5·7 (5·7)

  St. Helens

  32,201

  3·5 (n/a)

  Sefton

  36,325

  1·2(1·2)

  Wirral

  38,420

  1·7(1·7)

  Tyne and Wear

  Gateshead

  35,373

  2·9 (2·9)

  Newcastle Upon Tyne

  27,643

  1·2(1·2)

  North Tyneside

  20,700

  3·2 (3·2)

  South Tyneside

  15,711

  3·0 (3·0)

  55

  Metropolitan District Council

  (a) Council area (acres)

  (b) Proportion of land which is derelict

  Sunderland

  33,962

  3·2 (3·2)

  West Yorkshire

  Bradford

  90,572

  0·9 (0·8)

  Calderdale

  89,851

  1·0 (0·9)

  Kirkless

  101,294

  1·3(1·2)

  Leeds

  138,911

  1·4(1·1)

  Wakefield

  82,336

  1·8(1·8)

  South Yorkshire

  Barnsley

  80,048

  1·2(1·1)

  Doncaster

  143,698

  0·5 (0·4)

  Rotherham

  69,877

  0·9 (0·8)

  Sheffield

  90,785

  0·5 (0·4)

  West Midlands

  Birmingham

  64,822

  0·9 (0·9)

  Coventry

  23,845

  0·9 (0·9)

  Dudley

  24,202

  5·9 (5·99)

  Sandwell

  21,150

  2·8 (2·8)

  Solihull

  44,495

  0·2 (0·2)

  Walsall

  26,266

  4·1(4·0)

  Wolverhampton

  17,000

  3·6 (3·6)

  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the amount of derelict land grant made available to individual local authorities for each year since 1979, and where appropriate split these into class A and class B grants.

  Mr. Ridley
  I shall answer this question shortly.

  Local Authority Expenditure
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish for each authority selected for rate limitations in 1987–88, the percentage increase or decrease in its 1987–88 budgeted total expenditure compared with its original 1986–87 budget.

  Mr. Ridley
  The information, based on 1986–87 expenditure data used for the purposes of the rate limitation report 1986 and the latest 1987–88 budget figures supplied by authorities to my Department, is as follows:

  Percentage

  Basildon

  -0·2

  Brent

  -1·6

  Brighton

  -14·2

  Camden

  + 3·9

  Gateshead

  + 2·3

  Greenwich

  -11·7

  Hackney

  + 6·9

  Haringey

  -7·6

  Hounslow

  -8·0

  Islington

  + 0·2

  Lambeth

  -9·2

  Lewisham

  +4·9

  Middlesbrough

  + 0·4

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  -3·8

  Newham

  + 3·4

  North Tyneside

  -0·9

  Sheffield

  -4·6

  Southwark

  -0·4

  Thamesdown

  -4·4

  Tower Hamlets

  +0·6

  Community Charge (Ministers of Religion)
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has received concerning special provision under the proposed community charge for ministers of religion;

  (2) whether he intends to make special provision under the community charge for ministers of religion.

  Mr. Howard
  I shall answer these questions shortly.

  Callywhite Lane Industrial Estate
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what requests he has received to meet a deputation from firms, councils and others directly affected by the underground fire burning on Callywhite lane industrial estate in Dronfield, Derbyshire to discuss ways and means by which his Department will assist in overcoming this emergency.

  Mr. Trippier
  In addition to the hon. Member's request to my right hon. Friend to meet a deputation to discuss this matter, we have received similar requests from the right hon. Member for Chesterfield (Mr Benn) the former hon. Member for Derbyshire, North-East, Mr. Ellis, industrialists on the estate, solicitors acting for landowners, the North-East Derbyshire district council and the Dronfield town council.

  Churches and Charities (Local Government Finance)
  Mr. David Atkinson
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements are envisaged for churches and charities under the proposed reform of local government finance.

  Mr. Howard
  So far as non-domestic properties are concerned the existing exemptions and reliefs from rating will continue broadly unamended. This will apply to properties such as churches and other places of public worship, church halls, sheltered workshops and charity shops. Institutions, such as convent schools, will be apportioned as between non-domestic and domestic parts. Existing reliefs will he availble in respect of the non-domestic parts.

  Those individuals who live in properties owned by churches or charities will be treated in the same way as all other individuals, that is those under 18—or over 18 and in full-time schooling—will not be liable for the community charge, nor will patients resident in hospitals, homes for the elderly and other similar caring institutions. Students will pay 20 per cent. of the community charge. Those on low incomes will be eligible for rebates of up to 80 per cent. of the community charge. Benefit entitlements will be increased to assist those on the lowest incomes in paying the 20 per cent. contribution.

  Community Charge
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the likely cost to local authorities of collecting a community charge as opposed to domestic rates; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  [pursuant to his reply, 1 July 1987, c. 100]: Our preliminary estimate is that the cost of collecting the community charge may be, broadly, up to

  57
  twice the cost of collecting domestic rates. However, much depends on individual local authorities. The introduction of a wholly new system offers the opportunity for a reappraisal of existing practices, with the aim of reducing unit costs—for example, by the wider use of direct

DEFENCE

  Plutonium
  Mr. Benn
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence from where plutonium exported to the United States for military use since May 1979 came; and whether there are any plans for future exports of plutonium for military use under the 1959 amendment of the 1958 UK-US mutual defence agreement on atomic energy.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  On the export of plutonium to the United States, I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Goodlad) to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Thomas) on 19 November 1984 at column 25, which quoted several earlier replies, including that given by my hon. Friend the Member for Chertsey and Walton (Sir G. Pattie) to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 25 April 1984 at column 506, which may now he updated to read, "during the past 16 years". On the second part of the right hon. Member's question, I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashdown) on 19 February 1985 at columns 406–7.

  Warsaw Pact
  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence in what conventional force categories the Government consider the Warsaw pact to have serious or overwhelming superiority.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Member to annex A and paragraphs 108 and 109 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1987" (Cmnd. 101-I).

  Trident Submarines
  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has considered equipping the Trident submarines with C4 and D5 warheads should the INF talks be concluded successfully.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The decision made on 11 March 1982, announced at columns 975–7, to purchase the Trident D5 missile rather than the C4 missile remains the basis of the United Kingdom Trident programme and is unrelated to the progress of current negotiations on INF.

  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the yield of Trident warheads is intended to be greater than that of the modernised Chevaline warheads.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment on the yield of British nuclear warheads. However, as the essay "The Minimum Deterrent" which appears on pages 39 to 42 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1987" makes clear, Trident, when introduced into service, will represent no more than a minimum deterrent.

  Cruise Missiles
  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether, following the nuclear planning group meeting at Stavanger, he has held further discussions on the possibility of basing air-launched cruise missiles at Fairford, Lakenheath or Upper Heyford or on whether these bases will be used to host planes carrying air-launched cruise missiles;

  (2) whether, following the nuclear planning group meeting at Stavanger, he has held further discussions on the possibility of basing sea-launched cruise missiles at Holy Loch and other United States bases in Britain.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It remains NATO policy to maintain the minimum forces necessary for deterrence. The NATO Alliance continually assesses its nuclear capability and makes whatever adjustments are necessary to maintain deterrence, taking account of arms control proposals and other developments. Various possible adjustments are under consideration within NATO on a confidential basis.

  Chemical Weapons
  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, following the United States congressional vole stipulating that at least one ally should store binary chemical weapons before existing stocks are removed, the Government have been approached by the United States to be that ally.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  No. The position remains as set out in the essay on chemical weapons and arms control in chapter 2 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1987" (Cmnd. 101).

  Neutron Weapons
  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will publish in the Official Report information on whether British troops have been trained for the use of neutron weapons or have participated in exercises requiring this training.

  Mr. Freeman
  No British units have been trained in the use of enhanced radiation weapons, nor have they participated in exercises requiring this training.

  Ballistic Missiles
  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the Government have revised their view of the necessity for anti-tactical ballistic missile defence in anticipation of a successful conclusion to the INF talks.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The progress of the INF talks will, of course, be taken into account in the evaluation of the threat from tactical ballistic missiles. The current NATO studies, in which the United Kingdom is participating, are. examining the threat from conventional missiles and possible counters to this, and there is no reason to discontinue them.

  Low-flying Training
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to alternatives to low flying over land as methods of training service pilots.
  59
  Mr. Freeman
  The RAF training programme already uses simulators as much as possible. However there are limits to their training value as they cannot simulate all aspects of flying. Low-flying training is therefore necessary to give pilots full experience in realistic conditions, and this generally needs to be over land as there is very limited training value in flying over flat and featureless areas of ocean.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the military value of low-flying exercises over land.

  Mr. Freeman
  Low-flying training and exercises over land are essential to enable the RAF to master the necessary techniques to fulfil its tasks whilst avoiding detection by enemy radar.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications for public support for the services of the disturbance from low-flying training exercises.

  Mr. Freeman
  We recognise public concern about the disturbance which can be caused by low-flying military aircraft, and do our best to minimise such disturbance, but we do not believe that this issue detracts from the generous public support given to the armed forces.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are taken to warn the public about imminent low-flying exercises.

  Mr. Freeman
  It is not practicable to provide advance notice about routine low-level flying, since such training is conducted on a day-to-day basis, as weather and other considerations allow. Advance warning is however given to hon. Members, the Press and organisations such as the National Farmers' Union about major training exercises.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many pilots have been disciplined for breaching low-flying regulations in each year since 1979; and what was the nature of the discipline.

  Mr. Freeman
  Very few complaints reveal irresponsible breaches of the low flying regulations and therefore formal disciplinary action is infrequent. Between 1979 and 1986 there was one case of a pilot being court-martialled, two of pilots being fined and five of pilots being summarily disciplined for offences that fell short of courts-martial. Less severe infringements are dealt with by informal procedures and details are not available.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints were made with regard to low-flying exercises in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Merionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Thomas) on 22 April,Official Report column 584. The 1987 figure for complaints about low-flying training to the end of May is 1,418.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will set up an inquiry to evaluate the cost effectiveness of low-flying training exercises in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  To maintain an efficient and cost-effective modern air force, there is no substitute for thorough training, including adequate training for pilots 60
  at low level. Exercises in which forces are co-ordinated, sometimes with other NATO forces, as they could be in any future conflict, are a necessary part of this training. Major low-flying exercises also enable us to test our air defence capability.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will institute a ban on low flying in the national parks pending the results of the inquiry into the most recent accident involving a Jaguar and a Tornado aircraft.

  Mr. Freeman
  No. The regulations governing the low-flying system are kept continuously under review and altered as necessary. When the board of inquiry has reported on the reasons for the accident these will be taken into account in our continuing review of safety procedures.

  RAF Pilots
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many trained pilots have ended their service with the Royal Air Force in the five years following the completion of their training in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Freeman
  The number of trained pilots who have ended their service with the Royal Air Force in the five years following the completion of their training in each year since 1979 was:

  Number

  FY 79–80

  7

  FY 80–81

  4

  FY 81–82

  4

  FY 82–83

  3

  FY 83–84

  7

  FY 84–85

  7

  FY 85–86

  6

  FY 86–87

  13

  These figures include pilots who left voluntarily, were discharged or died.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many pilots have been lost in each of the last 12 years in military and training aircraft accidents.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer the hon. Member to the annual "Statements on Defence Estimates" which include each year information on personnel killed in service aircraft accidents.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many fully trained pilots were employed in each of the services in each of the last 12 years.

  Mr. Freeman
  The numbers of fully trained pilots employed in each of the services since 1976 are:

  RN

  Army

  RAF

  1976

  1

  742

  4,346

  1977

  1

  731

  3,965

  1978

  1

  696

  3,688

  1979

  1

  643

  3,501

  1980

  510

  627

  3,439

  1981

  536

  646

  3,423

  1982

  560

  664

  3,424

  1983

  610

  659

  3,440

  1984

  622

  657

  3,447

  1985

  626

  650

  3,425

  1986

  673

  652

  3,426

  1987

  690

  650

  3,420

  61
  1 Prior to 1980 manpower figures for the RN were not kept in such a way as to enable trained and under training pilots to be identified separately.

  Aircraft (Training Exercises)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will list all military aircraft based in the United Kingdom over the last 12 years, including North Atlantic Treaty Organisation aircraft, involved in training exercises over the United Kingdom mainland.

  Mr. Freeman
  During this period, a large number of aircraft have been based in the United Kingdom, including much of the Royal Air Force and many aircraft of our NATO allies. To compile the information requested would involve disproportionate cost and effort.

  Jaguar Aircraft
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest cost of a Jaguar aircraft in each of the specifications being supplied to the services.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No new Jaguars have been delivered to the RAF since 1978 but the cost adjusted to current prices would be between £5·5 million and £6 million depending on variant.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Jaguar aircraft have been involved in accidents during the last 12 years; and how many were irreparably damaged and on what dates.

  Mr. Freeman
  Since 1 June 1975, there have been 135 serious Jaguar accidents. In these, 49 aircraft sustained irreparable damage on the following dates:

  5 February 1976

  2 July 1976

  15 September 1976

  17 September 1976

  14 December 1976

  25 February 1977

  14 June 1977

  29 July 1977

  21 March 1978

  27 April 1978

  25 July 1978

  1 November 1978

  26 March 1979

  22 June 1979

  18 July 1979

  23 November 1979

  10 December 1979

  28 May 1980

  17 July 1980

  12 February 1981

  14 April 1981

  1 June 1981

  17 July 1981

  6 August 1981

  21 October 1981

  18 November 1981

  2 April 1982

  25 May 1982

  11 June 1982

  13 September 1982

  29 September 1982

  7 March 1983

  19 April 1983

  16 June 1983

  22 June 1983

  19 September 1983

  7 February 1984

  12 July 1984

  22 August 1984

  62

  1 April 1985

  9 July 1985

  7 October 1985

  27 November 1986

  17 June 1987

  24 June 1987

  Tornado Aircraft
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest cost of a Tornado aircraft in each of the specifications being supplied to the services.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The latest estimated costs at 1986–87 average outturn prices for the two versions of the Tornado are:

  £ million

  Tornado F Mk 2 (air defence variant)

  17·5

  Tornado GR1 (strike)

  18·0

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Tornado aircraft have been involved in accidents during the last 12 years; and how many were irreparably damaged and on what dates.

  Mr. Freeman
  Since entering service with the RAF, there have been 37 serious Tornado accidents. In these, 12 aircraft sustained irreparable damage on the following dates:

  27 September 1983

  28 October 1983

  6 February 1984

  12 July 1984

  18 July 1984

  8 November 1984

  12 December 1985

  2 December 1986

  10 December 1986

  30 March 1987

  3 June 1987

  17 June 1987

  Directorate General of Quality Assurance
  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what sites are currently being considered for the headquarters of the directorate general of quality assurance; and when he expects the final decision to be announced.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I cannot yet add to my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member on 3 April 1987, which was that the further appraisal of the future accommodation needs of the directorate general of defence quality assurance is still in progress.

  Surface-to-air Missiles (Afghanistan)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence why he will not make a statement on the collaboration between the United States of America and Her Majesty's Government in sending surface-to-air missiles to Afghanistan.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Successive Administrations have not felt obliged to answer questions of this kind.

  Challenger Tank
  Mr. Speed
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans currently exist to improve the fighting capability of the Challenger tank.
  63
  Mr. Sainsbury
  The capabilities of our tank fleet are kept under constant review. A number of equipment enhancements are currently in hand. A new thermal imaging and observation sight is presently being fitted to all Challenger tanks. New developments now well under way include a new gun, together with its improved ammunition and elevation gearbox, improved computer sighting system and new target acquisition and solid state electronic gun control systems.

  Trident
  Mr. Allen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 1 July, Official Report, column 114 to the hon. Member for Nottingham, North why he is unwilling to indicate the nature and extent of the penalty clauses operative in the event of cancellation of the Trident programme.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  There are no penalty clauses attached to the Trident programme.

  HMS Onyx
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what official visits have been paid to foreign ports by the diesel submarine HMS Onyx since 1 January.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  HMS Onyx visited Las Palmas, Spain in March 1987, and is currently visiting Valparaiso, Chile.

  Chile (Navy Vessel Visits)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what visits have been paid by Royal Naval vessels to ports in Chile since 1 January.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Visits have been made by Her Majesty's ships to Chilean ports on the following occasions since 1 January 1987:

  HMS Herald—February 1987

  HMS Minerva, RFA Bayleaf—May

  HMS Onyx—July 1987

  O Class Submarines
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the export of O class submarines to non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation member countries.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Any such sale would be subject to the normal export licensing procedure. All applications for permission to export defence equipment take full account of political strategic and security interests.

  AV-8B Aircraft
  Mr. George
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the AV-8B aircraft, in the light of the United States House of Representatives Armed Service Committee's decision to withdraw funding for the programme.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  A decision on the future of the AV-8B aircraft is a matter for the United States Government.

  Mr. George
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he or his officials have had with officials of the Department of Defence in the United States of America and with members of the United States Congress
  64
  on the future of United States-United Kingdom collaboration in aircraft production, in the light of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee's decision to end funding of the AV-8B programme.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  My noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Ministry of Defence officials have had a variety of discussions with the United States Department of Defence and members of the United States Congress about what would be the implications for transAtlantic collaboration in general and for the particular programme of collaboration on the procurement of the AV-8B for the United States Marine Corps and the Harrier GR Mk 5 for the Royal Air Force if a decision were to be taken to end funding of AV-8B production. Congressional consideration of this matter is of course not yet complete.

  Mr. George
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many AV-8B aircraft have been ordered; what are the planned delivery dates; and what contingency plans exist for their disposal in the event of the cancellation of the programme by the United States Congress.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  These are matters for the United States Government; but I understand that orders for 328 AV-8B aircraft (including trainers) are planned, that 86 aircraft have been delivered to date and that the delivery of the remainder should be completed by the mid-1990s.

  Defence Equipment (United States of America)
  Mr. George
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the value of imports of defence equipment from the United States of America for each of the last six years, together with the corresponding figures for United Kingdom defence exports to the United States of America.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It has not been the practice of successive Governments to publish detailed figures for our defence trade with individual countries. The annual defence balance of trade ratios agreed with the United States for each of the last six years, United States: United Kingdom are:

  Ratios

  1980–81

  2·0:1

  1981–82

  2·0:1

  1982–83

  1·9:1

  1983–84

  2·1:1

  1984–85

  1·9:1

  1985–86

  1·5:1

  Thorn-EMI Factory, Bulwell
  Mr. Allen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the reasons for and the effects upon the United Kingdom's defence of the closure of the Thorn-EMI factory in Bulwell, Nottingham, a principal supplier of nerve gas detection equipment to his Department.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [pursuant to his reply, 1 July 1987, c. 114]: Subject to the satisfactory fulfilment of their contractual obligations to the Department, closures of sites by defence contractors are entirely a matter for the commercial judgment of the companies themselves. We expect no difficulty in finding alternative sources of

  TERRITORIAL SEA LIMITS IN NATO MEMBER STATES
  TERRITORIAL SEA LIMITS IN NATO MEMBER STATES
  NORTHERN IRELAND: UK SUBVENTION 1986 AND 1987
  NORTHERN IRELAND: UK SUBVENTION 1986 AND 1987