Written Answers of 8 July 1987

TRANSPORT

  British Rail (Punctuality)
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he proposes to take to ensure that British Rail meets the punctuality targets set for it (a) nationally and (b) in the London Midland region.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It is for British Rail to take the necessary steps to meet its punctuality targets. The chairman has assured me that the national targets can be achieved within the resources available. I have not set targets regionally.

  Helicopter Safety
  Mr. Bruce
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he proposes to take to introduce electronic monitoring of key components for commercial helicopters following the sheriff's report at the fatal accident inquiry into the crash of a Chinook off Shetland in November 1986; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Civil Aviation Authority, which is statutorily responsible for civil aviation safety, tells me that there is no available electronic monitoring equipment capable of detecting the type of fault that occurred in the tragic accident to the Chinook helicopter before failure. Health and usage monitoring systems are now being developed for helicopters as part of a major programme of research into helicopter safety. The research is being funded jointly by the CAA, the United Kingdom Offshire Operators Association and the Departments of Transport and Energy. Operational trials of HUMS are being undertaken in conjunction with Bristow Helicopters, Smiths Industries and Westland Helicopters using a Bristow's AS 332L Super Puma based at Aberdeen in its normal commercial role in support of the oil industry.

  Toll Charges
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all estuarial crossings in the United Kingdom where a toll is charged together with the amount charged in each case.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The following tables list the tolls charged on estuarial crossings in England, Scotland and Wales. There is no tolled estuarial crossing in Northern Ireland.

  Toll charges at estuarial crossings in the United Kingdom

  Charge

  ENGLAND

  Severn Bridge (M4)

  (i)

  3 wheeled Motor Cycle or vehicle not included in Category (ii)

  50p

  140

  Charge

  (ii)

  Goods Vehicle with unladen weight over 30 cwt, or vehicle carrying more than 16 passengers

  £1.00

  Dart ford Tunnel (A282)

  (i)

  Motor Cycles

  20p

  (ii)

  Motor Cars

  60p

  (iii)

  Light goods vehicles and coaches over 30 cwt unladen with 2 axles

  £1.00

  (iv)

  Heavy vehicles over 2 axles and special vehicles

  £1.60

  Trailers charged same toll as towing vehicle

  Mersey Tunnel (A41/A533)

  (i)

  Motor Cycles

  20p

  (ii)

  Cars and light vehicles, up to 7½ tonnes gross weight

  50p

  (iii)

  Coaches and vehicles over 7½ tonnes gross weight

  £1.20

  Humber Bridge (A15)

  (i)

  Motor Cycles

  60p

  (ii)

  Cars and light vans up to 30 cwt capacity

  £1.20

  (iii)

  Light vans 30 cwt–3 tons

  £2.40

  Mini buses 8–16 passengers

  (iv)

  Heavy commercial vehicles over 3 tons:—

  2 axles

  £5·20

  3 axles

  £6·60

  4 or more axles

  £8·00

  (v)

  Buses and coaches over 17 passengers

  £5·20

  Tyne Tunnel (A1)

  (i)

  Motor Cycles

  10p

  (ii)

  Vehicles not exceeding 30 cwt unladen weight or up to 16 passengers

  40p

  (iii)

  Heavy vehicles, or for more than 16 passengers

  80p

  Tamar Bridge (A38)

  (i)

  Horses and Carts

  10p

  (ii)

  Vehicles up to 3·5 tons gross weight or licensed to carry up to 8 people

  40p

  (iii)

  Vehicle over 3·5 tons gross weight or for more than 8 people

  2 axles

  90p

  3 axles

  £1·35

  4 or more axles

  £1·80

  Trailers charged same toll as towing vehicle

  Itchen Bridge (A3025)

  (i)

  Motor Cycles and Invalid Carriages

  10p

  (ii)

  Cars, Light Vans, Vehicles not exceeding 1 ton unladen weight

  Peak hours

  30p

  Off peak hours

  20p

  (iii)

  Buses, vehicles with unladen weight of 1–3 tons

  40p

  (iv)

  Heavy commercial vehicles with 2 axles

  £1·60

  (v)

  Other Heavy vehicles

  £15

  SCOTLAND

  Erskine Bridge (A898)

  (i)

  Motor Cycles

  10p

  (ii)

  Vehicles up to 1,525 kg unladen weight

  30p

  (iii)

  Scheduled Buses

  50p

  (iv)

  Goods vehicles over 1,525 kg or coaches carrying more than 16 passengers

  80p

  Forth Bridge (A90)

  (i)

  Vehicles not exceeding 1,525 kg unladen weight

  40p

  (ii)

  Buses for more than 12 passengers

  70p

  (iii)

  Vehicles over 1,525 kg unladen weight

  £1·00

  Tay Bridge (A92)

  (i)

  Motor Cycles

  10p

  141

  Charge

  (ii)

  Motor Cycles with Side-Car, vehicles not exceeding 1,525 kg unladen weight

  30p

  (iii)

  Scheduled Buses

  30p

  (iv)

  Goods vehicles exceeding 1,525 kg unladen weight and other vehicles

  75p

  WALES

  Cleddau Bridge (A477)

  (i)

  Horses, Horse drawn vehicles, 1–2 wheel trailers excluding caravans. Motor Cycles 3 Wheelers

  25p

  (ii)

  Vehicles up to 2 tons unladen weight, minibus with up to 15 seats

  50p

  (iii)

  Caravan, 4 wheeled trailers, drawn by vehicles in Category (ii)

  50p

  (iv)

  Vehicles greater than 2 tons unladen weight, buses with over 15 seats

  £1·00

  (v)

  Caravans, 4 wheeled trailers, drawn by vehicles in Category (iv)

  £1·00

  Road Accident Statistics
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many people have been killed in hit-and-run car accidents on Merseyside in each of the past five years;

  (2) what information he has as to how many persons have been injured by hit-and-run car accidents on Merseyside in each of the past five years.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  It is customary to refer requests for road accident information within a local area to the authority holding the data. Road safety in local areas is the responsibility of the local highway authorities. I suggest that the hon. Member contacts the Merseyside police authority for the information.

  M6 (Thornbridge Viaduct)
  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to offer compensation to householders whose homes have been covered in dirt and dust during the shotblasting work on the Thornbridge viaduct of the M6 motorway.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Department's standard conditions of contract require contractors to be insured against third party claims. The contract for the re-painting of Thornbridge viaduct is a standard one and the contractor has circulated local residents with a local telephone number to contact if they have grievances to report.

  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the cost of the painting contract on the Thornbridge viaduct of the M6 motorway; and when he expects the work will be completed.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  This contract was awarded last May to Colebrand Contracting Ltd. in the sum of £473,092 and is due for completion in October 1987.

  British Airports Authority
  Mr. Haselhurst
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a further statement about the privatisation of the British Airports Authority.

  Mr. Channon
  This morning up to 500 million ordinary shares in BAA plc have been offered for sale. The issue has been fully under-written at the finest rates ever achieved for a privatisation—an average of 0·0531 per cent. Up 142
  to 260 million shares are being offered to the general public, including BAA employees and pensioners, at a fixed price of £2·45 per share. 115 million shares have been placed firm with financial institutions at the fixed price and 125 million shares have been provisionally placed with institutions. These provisionally placed shares will be subject to clawback to satisfy successful tender applications made by individuals and institutions. Successful tender applications will be accepted at the price tendered, and normally in full.

  Prospectuses and fixed price and tender application forms will be published in a number of national newspapers on Friday 10 July and Sunday 12 July. Everyone who has registered with the BAA Share Information Office will be sent a mini-prospectus containing the application forms. Prospectuses and application forms will also be available from 10 July at all United Kingdom branches of Midland Bank, Clydesdale Bank and Northern Bank, certain principal branches of other banks and a number of stockbrokers. Applications must be received by 10 am on Thursday 16 July. Copies of the prospectus will be placed in the Library of the House on 10 July.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Multiple Personal Injury Actions
  Mr. Tom Arnold
  asked the Attorney-General what representations he has received proposing that in multiple personal injury actions raising issues of great complexity and high legal costs, the courts should have power to recommend that appropriate test cases should he funded by the state.

  The Attorney-General
  I have received one letter, and the Lord Chancellor has received a small amount of correspondence, relating to multiple personal injury actions, but there have been no representations in the terms of this question.

  Gazumping
  Mrs. Peacock
  asked the Attorney-General whether he is considering some form of legally binding contracts for offers to purchase houses to prevent the current spread of the practice of gazumping.

  The Attorney-General
  The Law Commission's report on "Subject to Contract" agreements (Law Com. No. 65, published in 1975) concluded that legislation to impose civil or criminal liability for "gazumping" would be counter productive. The Government hope that buyers and sellers of houses and flats will give favourable consideration to the pre-contract deposit agreement recommended by the Conveyancing Standing Committee in January last.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Parkhurst Prison
  Mr. Barry Field
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to bring A and D wings at Parkhurst prison, Isle of Wight, back into use; how long these wings have remained unused; why they are

  143
  unused; why, and when, they were rewired; what was the cost of rewiring them; when and why these wings were reroofed; and what was the cost of reroofing them.

  Mr. John Patten
  A and D wings have been out of use since a roof top demonstration in March 1979. Damage caused by this demonstration necessitated immediate repair of the roof to prevent rapid deterioration of the whole building. These repairs, which cost £80,000, were completed in July 1979. The vacation of the wings at that time gave the opportunity to undertake electrical work which had already been planned; this work cost about £100,000.

  Since the essential repair work was completed, plans for the use of A and D wings have changed and designs have been prepared for a long-term redevelopment scheme which involved their complete modernisation, including the provision of association facillities and integral sanitation. This scheme is now at an advanced stage and will be implemented as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the wings are unused because they are structurally unsound.

  Computerised Criminal and Immigration Records
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed international link-up of computerised (a) criminal and (b) immigration records; what assessment he has made of the implications of the United Kingdom system of data protection for the operation of the proposed international link-up; and what information he has on the compatibility of the definitions of terrorism used by the different countries involved.

  Mr. Renton
  I am not aware of any proposals for an international link up of computerised criminal or immigration records.

  Visas
  Mr. Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visas have been refused, curtailed, or revoked for personnel who work in the Iranian office complex at 4 Victoria street, London S.W.1.

  Mr. Renton
  The office complex at 4 Victoria street, London SW1, houses a number of separate Iranian undertakings. The activities of these offices are monitored closely, and while no action has yet been taken of the kind to which the hon. Member refers, as with any foreign national applying to come to or remain in the United Kingdom, Iranians working there will continue to be expected to meet the requirements of the immigration rules.

  Immigration
  Mrs. Peacock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of immigrants into the United Kingdom this year have been sponsored by people living within Batley and Spen.

  Mr. Renton
  The information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Political Refugees
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of political refugees in the United Kingdom from Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria at the most recent available date.

  Mr. Renton
  In the eight years between 1979 and 1986 the numbers of nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria granted refugee status in the United Kingdom were about 5,220,440, 130 and 30 respectively. Figures for earlier years are not available. It is not known how many of those granted refugee status have remained in this country.

  Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987;

  (2) which ferry operators have been penalised under the provisions of the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act;

  (3) whether his Department has made an estimate of the cost to ferry operators installing the passenger checking procedures necessary to enable them to comply with the provisions of the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) on how many occasions penalties have been imposed under the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act since it came into force.

  Mr. Renton
  The Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987 received royal assent on 15 May 1987, and made carriers liable to charges from 5 March. Up to 26 June notice of liability had been issued in about 1,500 cases; this number will he reduced if carriers are able to show that the charge should not be made in particular cases. Notices of liability have been issued to a substantial number of airlines and ferry operators. Comprehensive details are not readily available. No estimate has been made of the cost to operators of complying with the new legislation. The majority of ferry passengers arc, however, British citizens, others with the right of abode in the United Kingdom, or EC nationals, all of whom require only the briefest of checks to confirm their status.

  Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  Mr. John Mark Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the workings so far of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 with regard to overnight detainees at police stations.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 provides the police with power to detain without charge persons suspected of an offence. The period of detention is restricted to a maximum of 24 hours or, in the case of serious offences, 36 hours. persons are detained overnight they must be permitted a period of eight hours rest and provided with refreshment. After charge, a person who is detained in police custody must be brought before a magistrate's court as soon as practicable, in accordance with section 46 of the Act. All detained persons have a right to consult a solicitor and the 24-hour duty solicitor scheme aims to ensure that, for persons who wish to do so, a solicitor may be consulted outside normal working hours.
  145
  I am not aware of the Act having created any problems with regard to the overnight detention of suspects in police stations, but if my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind I shall look into it if he lets me have the details.

  Crime (Use of Knives)
  Mr. Winnick
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding possible legislation on the sale of knives intended for offensive and criminal purposes.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have received a number of representations from the police representative organisations, police consultative groups, local authorities, hon. Members and members of the public about the availability of offensive weapons, including knives. Some have suggested that curbs should be placed on their sale. We are committed to bringing forward proposals on the sale of offensive weapons which have no legitimate uses.

  Detention (Statistics)
  Mr. John Morris
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the average term served by those released from detention during Her Majesty's pleasure during the last five and 10 years respectively.

  Mr. John Patten
  The average time spent under sentence by persons detained during Her Majesty's pleasure in Prison Department establishments in England and Wales was between six and six and a half years for those first released on licence in the years 1977 to 1986 and in the years 1982 to 1986.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Staff Statistics
  Mr. Forth
  asked the Member representing the House of Commons Commission what are the current salaries and numbers in post of the principal grades of servants of the House of Commons.

  Mr. Beith
  The following table gives numbers in post and current salary scales of House of Commons staff in grades equivalent or related to Civil Service grades 1 to 7 inclusive:

  Numbers of staff in post

  Equivalent Civil Service grade

  Salary scale 1 April 1987

  1

  Grade 1

  *64,739

  2

  Grade 2

  *43,264–45,349

  12

  Grade 3

  *33,725–36,852

  4

  Grade 4

  31,672–33,235

  23

  Grade 5

  26,204–29,680

  1

  House of Commons Pay Spine U (equivalent to 98 per cent, of Civil Service Grade 5)

  25,709–29,116

  14

  Grade 6

  20,251–26,800

  1

  House of Commons Pay Spine Z (95 per cent. Grade 6)

  19,312–25,533

  4

  House of Commons Pay Spine ZA (93 per cent. Grade 6)

  18,936–25,027

  4

  House of Commons Pay Spine ZE (83 per cent. Grade 6)

  17,037–22,493

  45

  Grade 7

  16,392–21,757

  * All rates include inner London weighting of £1,465 per annum except in the case of those grades asterisked to whom no such weighting is payable.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Vietnam
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the current relations of Her Majesty's Government with Vietnam; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Member for mid-Sussex (Mr. Renton), the them Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 11 June 1986 at column 240. Vietnam's occupation of Cambodia and poor human rights record continues to inhibit our relations.

  Libya
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there are any plans to establish diplomatic relations with Libya.

  Mr. Mellor
  No.

  Albania
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there are any plans to establish diplomatic relations with Albania; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  In 1980 we offered to establish diplomatic relations with Albania without preconditions. That offer remains open, but unfortunately the Albanians have not yet taken it up.

  Vanuatu
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek to dismiss the high commissioner to Vanuatu.

  Mr. Eggar
  No.

  Hong Kong
  Dame Jill Knight
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about the reaction in Hong Kong to China's expressed intentions for the future of the colony, following the recent condemnation by a Peking Foreign Ministry official of attempts to introduce democratic elections; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. and learned Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Adley) on 1 July at column 118. I understand that the Chinese official concerned has publicly stated that his remarks were misreported.

  Dr. Marek
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest number of representations that have been received by the survey office in Hong Kong in response to the recent Green Paper, "The 1987 Review of Developments in Representative Government"; and how many have been (a) written and (b) oral.

  Mr. Eggar
  Up to noon on 8 July 1987, the survey office had received 910 representations on the Green Paper entitled "The 1987 Review of Developments in Representative Government." Of these, 899 were written and 11 oral.

  European Council (Copenhagen)
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to the role envisaged for the president of the European Commission and the second member of the Commission, respectively, at the forthcoming European Council at Copenhagen; and by what means proposals they place before the Council will be scrutinised and debated by the House.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The president of the European Commission and a second member of the Commission will attend the next European Council in Copenhagen as provided in article 2 of the Single European Act which entered into force on 1 July. Commission proposals for submission to the Council will be deposited in Parliament in accordance with the standing arrangements for scrutiny by the House.

  Treaty of Rome
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to publish a revised edition of the treaty of Rome, as amended by the Single European Act treaty, together with the preamble of that treaty and its other provisions.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Now that the Single European Act has entered into force, the European Community publications office are finalising a consolidated text of all the basic Community treaties as amended by the Single European Act. As soon as this is available HMSO will publish its own version.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present relations between Her Majesty's Government and Indonesia.

  Mr. Eggar
  We enjoy good relations with Indonesia. These were strengthened by the visit to London this month of the Indonesian Minister for Research and Technology, Dr. Habibie.

  Schoolchildren (Overseas Trips)
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take to seek to stop French immigration authorities singling out individual schoolchildren, travelling on school trips with collective passports, and demanding individual identification where they appear to be of foreign origin.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We are always ready to investigate specific cases where British travellers overseas appear to have suffered undue inconvenience and, where approproate, to take them up with the authorities concerned.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Burt
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Sri Lanka about the continuing disturbances there; and if he will make a statement.
  148
  Mr. Eggar
  We have frequent contacts with Ministers of the Government of Sri Lanka both here and in Colombo. My right hon. and learned Friend discussed the present situation with the Sri Lankan Finance Minister on 19 June, and my noble Friend the Minister of State has recently received the Ministers of National Security and of Lands and Land Development. All reiterated the Sri Lankan Government's commitment to continue to seek a political settlement.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Women's Needs
  Ms. Richardson
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the main needs of women in the policy areas within 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. Stanley
  In April 1987 the United Kingdom Government produced a co-ordinated response to the "Forward Looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women" (FLS) which was adopted by consensus at the Nairobi conference held at the end of the United Nations Decade for Women. This document responds to the recommendations and observations on all aspects of policies for the advancement of women made in the FLS and includes information on monitoring and consultation. The Northern Ireland Office contributed to this reply.

  Women's representative organisations in Northern Ireland are regularly consulted during the preparation of legislation and their views are taken into account.

  The Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments are responsible for a wide range of public services in Northern Ireland and staff in those services are given appropriate training to ensure their efficient delivery. Where it is relevant to the function in question, the training is designed to help staff appreciate the needs of women in keeping with the needs of all special interest groups.

THE ARTS

  Provincial Galleries
  Sir David Price
  asked the Minister for the Arts what progress he has made in arranging for individual objects of superlative artistic merit from the various national collections to be shown in selected provincial galleries on a trial basis.

  Mr. Luce
  I am concerned to increase public access to the collections of our museums and galleries and regard touring exhibitions as an important means of getting objects to parts of the country where they might not otherwise be seen. I have welcomed the initiative of the Museums and Galleries Commission in setting up a scheme to encourage such exhibitions and have commended to them my hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh's suggestion of exhibitions built around one or two outstanding items.

WALES

  A55 (Gasworks Waste)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether any dumping of gasworks waste from either of the two gasworks demolished for the A55 Expressway has taken place on the Delph landfill site, Plas Bennion, Acrefair.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  A quantity of sand was removed from the site of a former gasworks at Conwy Morfa and was deposited at the Delph landfill site, Plas Bennion, Acrefair. I understand that the local authority which is responsible for the site has inquired into the nature of this material, but the results are not yet known.

  Sheep
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the present state of the sheep industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The sheep industry in Wales has benefited considerably from the EC sheepmeat regime, and the breeding flock has been increasing by 2 to 3 per cent. annually. Producers in Wales benefit from the sheep variable premium scheme for finished lambs—worth £22·7 million in 1986–87, and from the sheep annual premium scheme on breeding ewes worth £37·9 million in 1986–87. In addition hill livestock compensatory allowances on sheep totalled 19·8 million in Wales in 1986.

  Development Bodies (Finance)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table giving the total annual budget of the Welsh Development Agency in each year from 1979–80 to 1987–88 at 1987–88 prices, and on the same basis, total annual expenditure.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The information is as follows:

  Welsh Development Agency Spending: 1979–80 to 1987–88

  £ million

  1987–88 prices1

  Gross annual budget2

  Gross expenditure

  1979–80

  107·8

  108·8

  1980–81

  136·2

  129·2

  1981–82

  141·7

  117·8

  1982–83

  106·0

  94·9

  1983–84

  77·1

  80·6

  1984–85

  82·2

  90·6

  1985–86

  68·1

  71·8

  1986–87

  76·3

  76·2

  1987–88

  86·5

  —

  1 Adjusted using the GDP deflator.

  2 Finalised annual budgets which reflect in year adjustments.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table giving the total annual budget of the Development Board for Rural Wales, Mid Wales Development, in each year from 1979–80 to 1987–88 at 1987–88 prices, and on the same basis, total annual expenditure.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The gross initial budget provision and the subsequent levels of gross expenditure for the 150
  Development Board for Rural Wales at June 1987 prices, based on the gross domestic product (market prices) deflator, are as follows:

  £ million 1987–88 prices

  1Gross budget provision

  1Gross expenditure

  1979–80

  16·0

  16·0

  1980–81

  9·9

  9·8

  1981–82

  13·5

  11·2

  1982–83

  12·9

  11·9

  1983–84

  13·0

  11·3

  1984–85

  13·3

  13·4

  1985–86

  13·4

  13·6

  1986–87

  13·4

  213·1

  1987–88

  13·5

  313·5

  1Figures exclude finance charges arising from repayment of advances under the National Loans Fund.

  2Provisional.

  3Estimated

  Mr. Barry Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the value of assets sold by (a) the Welsh Development Agency and (b) the Development Board for Rural Wales in each of the years since 1979.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the annual accounts of the Welsh Development Agency and the Development Board for Rural Wales for the years up to and including 1985–86, which are in the Library of the House. For 1986–87, for which accounts have not yet been finalised, the estimated value of assets sold by the WDA is £14·6 million and for the DBRW is £1·7 million.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish, for each parliamentary constituency, the amounts spent on (a) industrial investments, (b) factory construction and (c) environmental improvements by the Welsh Development Agency in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The WDA does not maintain details of expenditure in the form requested.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish, for each parliamentary constituency, the amounts spent on (a) industrial investments and (b) factory construction by the Development Board for Rural Wales, Mid Wales Development, in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The Development Board for Rural Wales has no powers to undertake equity investment in companies. That is the responsibility of the Welsh Development Agency and figures are not available in the form requested. For each parliamentary constituency which falls in whole or in part within the territory of the Development Board for Rural Wales expenditure on factory construction was as follows:

  £000s

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Brecon and Radnor

  635

  833

  980

  680

  Ceredigion and Pembroke North

  1,412

  1,259

  915

  1,202

  Meirionnydd Nant Conwy

  375

  258

  442

  205

  Montgomery

  1,274

  2,387

  3,383

  4,364

  Beach Pollution
  Mr. Barry Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is proposing to take to reduce the level of pollution on beaches in Wales following the recent survey conducted by the Coastal Anti-Pollution League.

  Mr. Grist
  Action to improve the quality of Welsh bathing waters and thereby reduce the level of pollution on Welsh beaches is a matter for the Welsh water authority. The authority's "Plan 86" noted the need for expenditure up to £70 million to ensure that those bathing waters recognised under the EC bathing water directive comply with the required standards of the directive.

  Nurse Training
  Dr. Marek
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales how much was spent on nurse training in the last four years; how much he estimates will be spent in the year 1987–88; and what are the corresponding figures at constant prices.

  Mr. Grist
  The information requested is as follows:

  Year

  Actual expenditure

  Constant price at 1987–88

  £ million

  £ million

  1983–84

  24·940

  25·237

  1984–85

  26·671

  26·976

  1985–86

  25·802

  26·080

  1986–87

  126·312

  126·587

  1 Estimated.

  For the financial year 1987–88 it is estimated that the actual expenditure will be £29·5 million. For each year, actual expenditure is made up from two figures. The first is expenditure by the Welsh National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting on salaries of nurse teachers and other training costs. The second is salaries, national insurance and superannuation costs for learners, paid by health authorities. The salary costs do not take account of the service contributions made by learners during training, which vary according to the particular course and the school of nursing. There is additional, but not separately identified, expenditure on informal teaching costs (teaching provided by qualified staff to learners during clinical placements) and on maintenance and contributions in lieu of rates in respect of schools of nursing.

  Teachers (Pay)
  Mr. Raffan
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements he is making to pay local authorities additional resources in respect of the teachers' pay award for 1986–87.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I am today laying before the House of Commons the Welsh Rate Support Grant Supplementary (No. 2) Report 1986–87, which makes provision for additional expenditure by local authorities and for additional rate support grant in respect of the pay award to teachers for 1986–87.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Overseas Service Aid Scheme
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Overseas
  152
  Development Administration lists of OSAS appointments and addresses of appointees in any Commonwealth country are in any way (a) classified or (b) subject to any restriction on circulation to the general public.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Details of those serving under the overseas service aid scheme are not regarded by the ODA as classified. The Government do not circulate lists of officers, nor disclose their private addresses, to the general public. There are a number of associations of aid-financed officers who are, of course, free to circulate lists to their members, and their addresses, according to their own rules and policies.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Sugar
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the cost to the European Community of subsidising exports of sugar in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The total cost of export refunds on Community sugar was as follows:

  £ million

  1982

  415·0

  1983

  444·7

  1984

  694·9

  1985

  795·5

  1986

  802·3

  This cost was met partly by production levies charged on Community sugar.

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the total cost to the European Community of the sugar regime, and the amounts received from levies on sugar beet farmers, in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The information requested is as follows. Levy revenue is raised both from production levies paid by sugar manufacturers, who in turn may pass up to 60 per cent. of the cost on to beet growers, and storage levies charged on first-hand sales of Community quota sugar in order to meet the cost of storing Community sugar.

  Year

  Gross expenditure

  Total levy revenue

  £ million

  £ million

  1982

  692·7

  393·7

  1983

  772·1

  556·1

  1984

  952·7

  687·0

  1985

  1,061·1

  621·8

  1986

  1,117·9

  1

  1 Not available.

  Food Exports (Radioactivity)
  Mr. Illsey
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the value of all foods and food products returned to the United Kingdom from other countries due to unacceptable levels of radiation, since the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mr.
  153
  Griffiths) on 6 July. This information is not available and there is no statutory requirement for exporters to furnish details of any returned consignments.

  The British Government have made it clear that they regard the level of 600 Bq/kg adopted for Community imports from third countries as unduly restrictive and are supporting moves to establish more scientifically based levels in future EC emergency regulations.

  Green Pound
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the gap between the green pound and the pound sterling in the beef sector following the devaluation of the green pound in December 1986;

  (2) what is the gap between the green pound and the pound sterling in the beef sector as a result of the decisions taken by the Council of Ministers on 30 June 1987.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The United Kingdom MCAs applying in the beef sector immediately before and after the green rate devaluations taking effect on 5 January and 6 July 1987 were:

  5 January

  6 July

  per cent.

  per cent.

  Before

  -23·6

  -15·1

  After

  -18·4

  -10·6

ENERGY

  Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board, the South of Scotland Electricity Board and the Atomic Energy Authority on correction of temporary defects in advanced gas-cooled reactors.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have had a preliminary discussion with the chairman of the CEGB at which he explained some of the operational problems being experienced with the board's advanced gas-cooled reactors. Since these are operational matters, I shall ask him to write to the hon. Member. Questions about the South of Scotland Electricity Board are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

  Flue Gas Desulphurisation
  Dr. David Clark
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what studies the Central Electricity Generating Board has performed to assess the environmental impact of the operation of various systems of flue gas desulphurisation; if he will list those systems which have already been investigated by the board and those which it still intends to investigate; and when he or the board intends to publish the results of these studies;

  (2) on what date the Central Electricity Generating Board commenced investigations into the environmental impact of various systems of flue gas desulphurisation for use at coal-fired power stations; and if he will outline the criteria which the board have applied in its studies;

  (3) what studies the Central Electricity Generating Board has performed to investigate the environmental impact of the operation of (a) the limestone/gypsum and
  154
  (b) the Wellman-Lord systems of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) for Drax B power station; what investigations have been performed by the board in these areas; what results have been yielded; and what is currently the board's favoured option for FGD at Drax B.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  These are matters for the Central Electricity Generating Board and I shall ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

EMPLOYMENT

  Co-operatives
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action his Department has taken to encourage the development of co-operatives.

  Mr. Cope
  Co-operatives can benefit from a number of schemes introduced by the Government to help and encourage small businesses, such as the loan guarantee scheme and the enterprise allowance scheme. In addition, the National Co-operative Development Agency. which is sponsored by this Department, seeks to stimulate the growth of co-operatives by providing help and advice to co-operatives and to people wishing to set up such enterprises. The number of co-operatives has increased from 300 in 1980 to more than 1,500 at present.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Research and Development
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has about the amount of research for British industry currently being conducted at universities in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Jackson
  In 1984–85 (the latest year for which figures are available) universities in the United Kingdom received £47·7 million from industry in the form of research grants and contracts. This compares with £147·5 million from the research councils, £64·3 million from Government Departments and £57·2 million from United Kingdom-based charitable bodies. I am sure that industry would benefit from taking greater advantage of what the universities have to offer.

  City Technical Colleges
  Mr. Hill
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in talks with industry for the financial support of a city technology college in Southampton.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend has as yet received no proposals to establish a city technology college in Southampton. If there is support in industry and in the local community for doing so he would be pleased to consider any proposals which are put forward.

  Nursery Education
  Ms. Gordon
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he intends to take to extend pre-school education to ensure that a place is available for all three to five-year-olds whose parents require it.

  Mr. Dunn
  It is for local education authorities to determine the scale and nature of their educational provision for the under-fives in the light of their own
  155
  priorities and assessment of local needs. The Government's plans for expenditure on education allow for provision attributable to under-fives to continue in real terms within broadly the same totals as today. Both participation rates and the actual numbers of under-fives in school are currently the highest ever.

  Grammar Schools
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many of the proposals from local education authorities for secondary school reorganisation currently before him involve the closure of grammar schools.

  Mr. Dunn
  My right hon. Friend is currently considering six proposals under section 12 of the Education Act 1980 which involve the closure of grammar schools.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Batiste
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many civil servants are employed by his Department in (a) London and the south-east, (b) the south-west, (c) the midlands and (d) the north of England; and what is the budgeted expenditure of his Department for the current year in each of these regions.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The Department employs about 1,200 staff at its London headquarters and 600 at its Darlington office. Seventy-five are employed at the University Grants Committee, also in London. The remaining 600 Department of Education and Science staff mainly Her Majesty's inspectors of schools and their support staff, are based at small divisional and local offices throughout the country. Provision in the Supply Estimates for the Department's gross running costs in 1987–88 is £58·336 million, but it is not possible to break this figure down by location.

  Fleckney Primary School
  Sir John Farr
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in the light of the failure of the Leicestershire education authority to provide facilities at the two sites of Fleckney Church of England (Controlled) Primary School for children to partake of packed lunches, as required under section 22 of the Education Act 1982, he will take steps to resolve the matter forthwith.

  Mr. Dunn
  My right hon. Friend is satisfied, on the basis of inquiries made by his officials, that the Leicestershire education authority is doing everything possible to ensure that facilities are restored at the school.

  University Grants Committee (Court Costs)
  Mr. McNamara
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has granted any additional funding to the University Grants Committee to enable it to finance expenses incurred by universities in contesting test cases in the courts; and which universities and colleges have received undertakings from the University Grants Committee that such litigation will be underwritten by the grants committee.

  Mr. Jackson
  No additional funds have been provided by the Government for this particular purpose. The UGC 156
  told universities in 1982 that, in appropriate circumstances, it would be ready to make a contribution towards damages and costs arising from court proceedings in connection with redundancy. This remains its policy.

  A-level Examinations (Specialisation)
  Mrs. Peacock
  asked the Scretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the early specialisation entailed by the present system of A-levels.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The Government are concerned to broaden the curriculum of A-level students without diluting academic standards. They have announced the introduction in September next of a new examination course, Advanced Supplementary level. The new courses should increase the range of options open to A-level students and give them new opportunities to continue the study to A-level standard of subjects which contrast with or complement their main field of study. The first examinations will be held in summer 1989.

  Village Schools
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the criteria his Department has laid down as to the minimum number of (a) pupils, (b) teachers and (c) facilities acceptable for the maintenance of a rural village school.

  Mr. Dunn
  My Department has made no such stipulations. Circular 3/87, issued on 6 May, referred to the general principles proposed in the White Paper "Better Schools" concerning the size thresholds at which schools of different types can economically deliver a satisfactory curriculum, but acknowledged that there may be some localities where for geographic and other reasons smaller schools need to be maintained.

  Geological Surveying
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has received the report of the study group chaired by Sir Clifford Butler into geological surveying; if he intends to publish the report; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has received Sir Clifford Butler's report from the chairmen of the Advisory Board for the Research Councils and of the Natural Environment Research Council, who have recommended that it be published. Accordingly, the report is being published today and copies are being placed in the Library of the House. A number of the recommendations fall to be considered by the Government and my Department is consulting other Departments concerned. My right hon. Friend will make a further statement when these consultations have been completed.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Civil Servants (Salaries)
  Mr. Forth
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many United Kingdom civil servants currently enjoy salaries in excess of (a) £18,500 per annum, (b) £21,500 per annum and (c) £24,000 per annum.
  157
  Mr. Brooke
  Based on staff numbers at 1 October 1986 and the revised pay rates effective from 1 April 1987, it is estimated that there are 18,400 non-industrial staff in the home Civil Service whose basic pay is in excess of £18,500 per annum, 9,100 in excess of £21,500 per annum and 7,500 in excess of £24,000 per annum. Figures for the Northern Ireland Civil Service cannot be provided on precisely the same basis but would add about 5 per cent. to the numbers in each of the three categories.

  Regional Pay
  Mr. Redwood
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his Department has considered using London weighting style allowances as a form of regional pay; and what recent studies have been conducted by his Department into housing costs and labour market pressures affecting public sector workers within and outside the boundaries for payments of London weighting allowances.

  Mr. Brooke
  In addition to London weighting the Civil Service pay arrangements already permit variation in pay rates, according to the locality of the office, through special pay additions. Other recent developments have ben the new agreement with the Institution of Professional Civil Servants on flexible pay, and changes in the financial package offered when civil servants move location, which now takes more account of variations in house prices across the country.

  The Treasury and the MPO monitor relevant developments and their effect on recruitment and retention. Proposals are under consideration to address problems of recruitment and retention where they exist in London, the south-east and other particular areas.

  Privatisation (Shareholders)
  Mrs. Peacock
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of shareholders now owning shares in companies privatised since 1979 are (a) current or (b) former employees of that company.

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

DEFENCE

  NATO—Warsaw Pact (Air Forces)
  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Government have changed their assessment of the relative superiority of the air forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Warsaw pact, given the change between paragraph 6, annex A of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1986" and paragraph 4, annex A of the current year.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  These two paragraphs are to be taken in different contexts. Paragraph 6 of annex A of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1986 (Cmnd. 9763-I)" is concerned with the modernisation programmes of NATO's air forces which make an essential contribution to countering the Warsaw pact armoured threat. The equivalent paragraph in the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1987 (Cmnd. 101-I)" is paragraph 10 of annex A. Paragraph 4 of annex A in this year's statement is part of a commentary on the balance of 158
  conventional forces, which indicates that NATO aircraft face greater numbers of Warsaw pact aircraft, a situation unaltered from previous years.

ENVIRONMENT

  Rates
  Mr. Michael Brown
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will detail the percentage contributed to total non-domestic rates for England and Wales from (a) commercial properties, (b) industrial properties and (c) other premises.

  Mr. Howard
  Following is the available information for 1987–88:

  Composition of non-domestic rate income in England and Wales

  Per cent.

  Commercial properties

  52

  Industrial properties

  29

  Other premises

  19

  House of Commons (Maintenance)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what sums have been allocated in each of the last seven years for expenditure on fixtures, fittings, and equipment in the Vote Office, Table Office, Library, Chamber, Committee Rooms in the Commons and the Commons Dining Rooms, separately.

  Mr. Chope
  The Property Services Agency, including the Crown Suppliers, is responsible for providing furniture and fittings to agreed standards, and some equipment for the Palace of Westminster. The total value of purchases on these items for the parliamentary estate is currently some £400,000 per annum. Expenditure is not recorded separately for each of the areas identified by the hon. Member.

  Housing Investment Programme
  Mr. Allen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the Nottingham housing investment programme bids and the allocation each year since 1979 at constant 1987 prices.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The position has changed since 1979, in that local housing authorities nationally now fund more than half their capital expenditure from capital receipts, rather than from housing investment programme allocations made by the Department.

  The proposed capital programme shown by authorities in their HIP submissions cannot therefore be compared directly with their HIP allocations.

  Since 1979 the final HIP allocations made to Nottingham city council, and their total capital expenditure on housing, have been as follows:

  1987–88 prices

  HIP allocation

  Expenditure

  £ million

  £ million

  1979–80

  42·959

  41·890

  1980–81

  29·211

  29·687

  1981–82

  21·900

  26·381

  1982–83

  24·778

  30·831

  159

  1987–88 prices

  HIP allocation

  Expenditure

  £ million

  £ million

  1983–84

  18·985

  32·845

  1984–85

  17·355

  32·449

  1985–86

  15·056

  27·027

  1986–87

  13·466

  239·701

  1987–88

  111·091

  1 Initial HIP allocation.

  2 Estimated by the authority on form HIP2 in July 1986.

  Commission for the New Towns
  Mr. Hind
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to increase the funds made available to the Commission for the New Towns in order to enable it to increase its advertising budget.

  Mrs. Roe
  My right hon. Friend does not provide any funds for the commission's publicity budget; the commission generates sufficient income to cover this and the majority of its expenditure on other activities. It is in the first instance a matter for the commission to assess the levels of expenditure which are required to carry out its responsibilities.

  Coal-fired Power Stations
  Dr. David Clark
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies his officials have undertaken or commissioned into the environmental impact of various flue gas desulphurisation systems for use at coal-fired power stations; what systems have been investigated; and what results and conclusions have been yielded.

  Mr. Ridley
  At the request of my Department, the Fellowship of Engineering is preparing an extensive report on individual process and abatement technologies applicable to stationary and mobile sources of pollution arising from the combustion of fossil fuels, including all the main flue gas desulphurisation processes.

  The study, which includes an appraisal of the process costs, operating experience, material requirements and ease of by-product disposal, is nearing completion and I expect it to be available for publication in the autumn.

  Cars (Emissions)
  Dr. David Clark
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will provide a table of information outlining nitrogen oxide emissions in grams per kilometre for average cars in service performing standard test cycles using 95 RON petrol, according to (a) the ECE 15–04 urban test cycle and (b) at constant speeds of 90 kilometres per hour and 120 kilometres per hour for the following: (i) the current conventional spark ignition engine with carburettor, (ii) the July 1985 Luxembourg agreement for combined nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, (iii) United States 1983 standards and (iv) California 1989 standards;

  (2) if he will provide a table of information containing estimates of reductions in nitrogen emissions, additional vehicle production costs and fuel penalty for the following technical systems of exhaust emission control for average cars in service performing standard test cycles using unleaded 95 RON petrol: (a) the current conventional
  160
  spark ignition engine with carburettor, (b) the July 1985 Luxembourg agreement for combined nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, (c) the United States 1983 standards and (d) California 1989 standards.

  Mr. Ridley
  Information on vehicle emission control costs and performance in the terms set out in the hon. Member's questions is currently being analysed by international experts, including delegates from the United Kingdom, for the Executive Body for the Convention of Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. I would expect the Executive Body to approve the final report for publication at its next session in November this year and I will ensure a copy is placed in the Library of the House at the earliest opportunity.

  London Docklands Development Corporation
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report the general criteria used by the London Docklands Development Corporation to value the land it has for sale; at what stage of negotiation with any purchasers the corporation is bound by agreements, or previously determined formulae; and to what extent any such formulae take account of increased land values.

  Mr. Trippier
  The general criteria are that when the London Docklands Development Corporation sells land it must obtain a certificate from an independent valuer that the price is not below current market value and, if that is unobtainable, it must seek specific consent from the Department to the disposal of land at a lower price.

  The corporation becomes bound when contracts become unconditional and the point at which this happens will depend upon the nature of the agreement and on its precise terms.

  Spectrum Arena, Birchwood
  Mr. Hoyle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply of 1 July, Official Report, column 99, what is the value of the Spectrum Arena in Birchwood; how long the Spectrum Arena has been empty; and if the Spectrum Arena will be available to Warrington borough council under similar terms to other disposals of community-related assets of development corporations.

  Mrs. Roe
  The Spectrum Arena was closed on 30 June last year. I cannot say how much the development corporation would be prepared to accept for a sale of the arena, without prejudicing its bargaining position. The corporation would consider any reasonable offer from the council.

  Radon Gas
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his proposals for legislation to prevent the construction of buildings susceptible to the build-up of radon gas.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The building regulations already provide sufficient powers to regulate the construction of new buildings. The regulations are supported by approved documents which give guidance on how to comply with
  161
  regulations. The Department is working on guidance to be included in the approved documents on measures which may need to be taken in areas where radon is a problem.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what work is still being done and how many people are still employed on the site of Fulbeck which was earlier being considered for nuclear dumping;

  (2) what work is still being done and how many people are still employed on the site of Elstow which was earlier being considered for nuclear dumping;

  (3) what work is still being done and how many people are still employed on the site of South Killingholme which was earlier being considered for nuclear dumping;

  (4) what work is still being done and how many people are still employed on the site of Bradwell which was earlier being considered for nuclear dumping.

  Mr. Moynihan
  All four sites are in the final stages of reinstatement in accordance with the conditions in the special development order. The total labour force working on all four sites on 7 July was 11; this number varies from day to day as work progresses.

  Birmingham Urban Development Agency
  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now set a deadline for the submission by Birmingham city council of its proposals for an urban development agency in Birmingham.

  Mr. Trippier
  No. The city council and its partners are now appointing consultants to prepare a development strategy for east Birmingham which I understand could be complete in September. This is a constructive move forward.

  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out the dates when Ministers in his Department have had meetings with Birmingham city council about the proposed urban development agency.

  Mr. Trippier
  My right hon. Friend met the city council on 30 July and 8 December 1986 and proposes to meet it again shortly to discuss its proposals for an urban development agency.

  Council Tenants
  Mr. Boateng
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research his Department is carrying out on the effect on council tenants to transfer their existing tenancy to a private landlord on the quality of management and maintenance of rented property in London, particularly as regards the level of vacancy and the physical condition of the property.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  [pursuant to his reply, 7 July 1987]: Under our policies, council tenants will be able to judge for themselves which landlord, council or other, offers them the best quality of housing management and maintenance services and to act accordingly.

  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to submit for further review the price agreed by the London Docklands Development Corporation and the developers of Canary wharf; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  I shall answer this question shortly.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  NHS (Expenditure)
  Mr. Forth
  asked. the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the National Health Service per capita expenditure for each region of the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Newton
  National Health Service per capita expenditure for each of the English regional health authorities, including estimates of the expenditure on the family practitioner services in each region, is set out in the table. Expenditure in Scotland and Wales is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Wales.

  Region

  Expenditure per capita (£)

  Northern

  287·88

  Yorkshire

  284·10

  Trent

  264·82

  East Anglian

  267·88

  North West Thames

  300·15

  North East Thames

  328·44

  South East Thames

  308·83

  South West Thames

  291·97

  Wessex

  270·30

  Oxford

  244·08

  South Western

  286·68

  West Midlands

  278·18

  Mersey

  295·82

  North Western

  308·52

  England total

  292·28

  Notes:

  (1) Derived from the summarised accounts for 1985–86 of Regional Health Authorities, London Post-Graduate Special Health Authorities and Family Practitioner Committees.

  (2) On basis of population estimates for mid-1985. (These population figures do not fully reflect relative need for health care in each Region).

  Hospital Staffs (East Cumbria)
  Mr. Martlew
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the turnover in the number of domestic staff at the east Cumbria hospitals since these services were privatised; and what they were for the preceding year;

  (2) what is the sickness rate for the domestic staff at the east Cumbria hospitals since these services were privatised; and what were the figures for the preceding year.

  Mr. Newton
  This information is not held centrally. The hon. Member may wish to write to the chairman of East Cumbria health authority for the information he requires.

  NHS (Staff Recruitment)
  Mr. Redwood
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration his Department has given to the effect of the boundaries for outer London weighting allowance on the recruitment of skilled staff for health service jobs elsewhere in the south-east.

  Mr. Newton
  The boundaries within which London weighting allowances are payable are a matter for negotiation between the Management and Staff Sides of the London weighting consortium of the General Whitley Council.
  163

  Induced Births
  Mrs. Wise
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about the proportion of births which are started by artificial induction and the proportion which are accelerated; and what are the current trends.

  Mrs. Currie
  The estimated proportions of deliveries in National Health Service hospitals which were artificially induced or in which labour was accelerated are given in the table. The information is derived from a nominal 10 per cent. sample of cases recorded by the Maternity Hospital In-Patient Enquiry.

  Deliveries assisted by Artificial Induction or Accelerated Labour Percentages—England

  Year

  Induction

  Accelerated labour

  11979

  21·8

  10·8

  11980

  20·2

  11·1

  1982

  18·7

  11·1

  1983

  18·8

  11·7

  1984

  17·4

  11·8

  1985

  17·6

  12·1

  1England and Wales.

  Figures for 1981 are not available.

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mrs. Wise
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many married women have become eligible for invalid care allowance since Mrs. Jackie Drake won her case on this; and if he is satisfied with the rate of take-up.

  Mr. Scott
  The steps we have taken to publicise the extension of invalid care allowance to married women have produced a substantial response. At 3 July, the latest date for which information is available, over 118,500 claims had been received from married women, of which about 64,000 have been successful and some 34,000 are awaiting decision.

  Out-of-School Provision
  Ms. Primarolo
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that the present level of out-of-school provision meets the need of working parents and their children.

  Mrs. Currie
  Out of school provision is primarily a matter for parents but many local authorities provide schemes. The Department has for many years recognised the needs of working parents and families under stress by providing funding to the National Out of School Alliance, a voluntary body which stimulates the development of out of school schemes.

  Ante-natal Care and Confinement
  Ms. Primarolo
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to allow women the freedom to choose local facilities for ante-natal care and confinement.

  Mrs. Currie
  We have commended to health authorities the three reports from the Maternity Services Advisory Committee which offer advice on good practice in maternity care. The report on ante-natal care emphasises 164
  the need for careful assessment, reflecting the mother's views, needs and wishes in determining the plan for care at all stages in the pregnancy.

  Maternity Facilities
  Ms. Primarolo
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards the nature and degree of centralisation of maternity facilities.

  Mrs. Currie
  The second Maternity Services Advisory Committee report encourages women to have their babies in a hospital offering the full range of services necessary to cope with any emergencies. It is for health authorities to determine locally how best to implement this policy.

  Maternity Grant
  Ms. Primarolo
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women claimed maternity grant in the last month of availability in Bristol; and what is the best estimate of the number of women who have had social fund payments for maternity in the first month of availability in Bristol.

  Mr. Portillo
  The numbers of claims for maternity grant received at the Department's local offices in Bristol between 6 March 1987 and 5 April 1987 are as follows:

  Office

  Number

  Bristol Central

  70

  Bristol East

  180

  Bristol Horfield

  41

  Bristol South

  116

  Bristol West

  71

  The numbers of Social Fund payments for maternity expenses made by Bristol local offices between 6 April 1987 and 5 May 1987 are as follows:

  Office

  Number

  Bristol Central

  16

  Bristol East

  24

  Bristol Horfield

  14

  Bristol South

  15

  Bristol West

  10

  Mr. Frank Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many maternity grants were claimed and how many were awarded during the month of March.

  Mr. Portillo
  Information is not readily available in the precise form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Between 4 March 1987 and 31 March 1987, the Department's child benefit centre at Washington received, from local offices, 9,036 maternity grant claims.

  During the same period 7,738 maternity grants were awarded but that figure will include some awards for claims received before 4 March 1987.

  Benefit Fraud Investigation
  Mr. Martlew
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether one of the special benefit fraud investigation teams will be operating in Carlisle in the near future.

  Mr. Portillo
  There are no plans to deploy one of this Department's benefit fraud teams in the Carlisle area in the near future.

  Abortions
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of abortions carried out in each year since the passing of the Abortion Act 1967 for the following reasons: (a) rape and (b) danger to the life of the mother.

  Mr. Newton
  The available information is shown in the table. Prior to 1987, it is not possible to identify reliably all those notifications of abortions which mention rape. Arrangements are being made in order to provide this information for current and future abortions.

  Number of notifications of abortions carried out under the Abortion Act 1967, residents and non-residents, in emergency in order to save the life of the pregnant woman, England and Wales, 1968–1986

  Year

  Number

  1968

  16

  1969

  14

  166

  Year

  Number

  1970

  10

  1971

  10

  1972

  10

  1973

  7

  1974

  3

  1975

  6

  1976

  1

  1977

  3

  1978

  5

  1979

  3

  1980

  4

  1981

  5

  1982

  7

  1983

  3

  1984

  9

  1985

  5

  1986

  2

  Health Education Authority
  Mr. Kirkwood
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many staff of the former Health Education Council are currently employed by the Health Education Authority, in numbers and as a proportion of total Health Education Authority staff.

  Mrs. Currie
  Forty-nine, representing 96 per cent. of the authority's permanent staff. The authority is currently recruiting additional staff to fill existing vacancies and in preparation for assuming control of the national health educational programme on AIDS.

  Cancer Screening
  Mrs. Peacock
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of local health authorities have an adequate recall system for smear testing.

  Mrs. Currie
  Ninety per cent. of health authorities report that they have adequate recall systems for cervical cancer screening. Several other authorities have systems covering part of the district. In the remaining areas a number of individual general practices operate their own recall system.

  All health authorities should have implemented computerised call and recall systems by next spring.

  Single Payments
  Mr. Frank Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the rate of awards of single payments per thousand claimants of (a) supplementary pensions and (b) supplementary allowances, both nationally and for each of the local offices of his Department in Stockton, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Eston and Redcar;

  (2) what were the numbers of single payments claimed, and the numbers and value of single payments awarded, both nationally and for each of the offices of his Department in (a)Stockton, (b)Hartlepool, (c) Middlesbrough and (d)Eston and Redcar during each month from August 1985 and up to the latest month for which figures are available, under each of Regulation 7, Regulations 9 and 10, Regulation 12, Regulation 27 and Regulation 30 as shown by the "Annual Statistical Enquiry";

  (3) what were the total numbers of single payment claims and the numbers and value of single payments awarded, both nationally and for each of the offices of his Department in (a)Stockton, (b)Hartlepool, (c)Middlesbrough and (d)Eston and Redcar, during each month from August 1985 up to the latest complete month for which figures are available;

  (4) what is the average amount per single payment awarded to claimants of (a)supplementary pension and (b)supplementary allowances, both nationally and for each of the local offices of his Department in (i) Stockton, (ii) Hartlepool, (iii) Middlesbrough and (iv) Eston and Redcar.

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

  Mr. Frank Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many single payments under regulation 8 of
  168
  the Supplementary Benefit Payment Regulations were claimed and how many were awarded during the month of March.

  Mr. Portillo
  The information requested is not available on a monthly basis and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the numbers and value of single payments awarded (a) nationally and (b) for each of the offices of his Department at (i) Stockton, (ii) Hartlepool, (iii) Middlesbrough and (iv) Eston and Redcar, under regulation 28 of the Supplementary Single Payment Regulations, during the 12-month period ended 11 August 1986.

  Mr. Portillo
  The information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Maternity Expenses (Claims)
  Mr. Frank Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many social fund claims for maternity expenses were made and how many were awarded during the month of April.

  Mr. Portillo
  Figures are not available for April only. During the period 6 April 1987 to 5 May 1987, 16,148 claims for social fund maternity payments were made. During that same period, 11,249 awards were made.

  Death Grant
  Mr. Frank Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many death grants were claimed, and how many were awarded, during the month of March.

  Mr. Portillo
  Information on claims for death grant is reported on a strict four-weekly basis and not for calendar months.

  The number of claims for death grant in the period which includes March is as follows:

  Period

  Number of Claims

  11 February 1987–10 March 1987

  51,472

  11 March 1987–7 April 1987

  48,554

  Information is not reported on the number of death grants awarded.

  Severe Weather Assistance
  Mr. Frank Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to assist vulnerable people during periods of exceptionally severe weather once the present arrangements for severe weather payments are abolished in April 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) on 3 July at column 186.

  State Pensions
  Mr. Winnick
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has for each European Economic Community country as to the percentage of average wages paid in state pensions; and what is the figure for the United Kingdom.
  169
  Mr. Scott
  Most European Community countries pay pensions linked to an individual's own contributions and earnings between set limits. Pension levels may therefore vary widely from pensioner to pensioner, and no comparison with national average wages is feasible. Differences in social security schemes and in the availability of other forms of help for pensioners also mean that pension levels alone are an inadequate indicator of pensioner living standards in different countries. In the United Kingdom the basic pensions for a single person and a married couple at April 1987 were respectively worth 29·8 per cent. and 45·3 per cent. of net average male manual earnings (1). Receipt of graduated pension and state earnings-related pension would increase that percentage. In terms of total net income, pensioners' incomes in 1985 (latest available date) were 60 per cent. of the total average net income of those in full-time work.(1) provisional figures

  Mr. Winnick
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the amount paid in sterling equivalent in state pension to the retired in the other European Economic Community countries; and what is the amount currently paid out in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 7 July.

  Mr. Winnick
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the percentage increase which has taken place in other European Economic Community countries in the last eight years in the married and single person's state retirement pensions.

  Mr. Scott
  Most European Community countries adjust state retirement pensions in line with the movement in prices. The percentage increase in pension rates paid therefore depends largely on the rate of inflation in each country. For more detailed information on the uprating method and timetable used in individual countries, I refer the hon. Member to section IV of the Department's publication, "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the European Communities (Position at 1 January 1986), a copy of which is in the Library.

  Nurse Training
  Dr. Marek
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much was spent on nurse training in the past four years; how much he estimates will be spent in the year 1987–88; and what are the corresponding figures at constant prices.

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

  Organ Transplants
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his policy on infant organ transplants.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Conference of Royal Colleges and their Faculties in Great Britain is producing guidance on transplantation from and into neonates. Pending the establishment of valid guidelines, the conference recommended an immediate moratorium on all transplants from and into infants up to the age of one month. On 10 February 1987 the Department's chief medical officer 170
  wrote to all regional medical officers endorsing this recommendation and asking that it be brought to the attention of cardiac surgeons and other clinicians with an interest.

  Family Income Supplement
  Mr. Sayeed
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many civil servants are in receipt of family income supplement.

  Mr. Scott
  Some 2,000 non-industrial civil servants (0·4 per cent. of the total work force) are currently estimated to be receiving family income supplement, of whom fewer than 300 are employed by this Department.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Insider Dealing
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he has taken on information so far received from the inspector appointed by him to inquire into insider dealing at the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Mr. Maude
  Inspectors were appointed last December to investigate possible unlawful insider dealing involving information relating to the exercise of functions under the Fair Trading Act 1973 of the Secretary of State, the Director General of Fair Trading or the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

  My Department is keeping the Director of Public Prosecutions, who would be responsible for any prosecution in this case, informed of its progress, but has not taken any other action on information received from the inspectors.

  North Devon
  Mr. Speller
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will seek powers to enable him to restore development or assisted area status to north Devon; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  I am not persuaded that there is a case for change in the boundaries of the assisted areas map which were established only two and a half years ago.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the deficit on manufacturing trade with European Economic Community countries in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and what was the export-import ratio in manufactures in that period.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  In the 12 months to March the deficit was E9·7 billion on the balance of payments basis. The ratio of exports to imports was 72 per cent.

  Mr. Loyden
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he next intends to meet the Trades Union Congress to discuss investment in manufacturing industry.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I have no present plans for a meeting with the TUC on this subject. But I will study with interest any views on investment in manufacturing industry which it lets me have.
  171
  Mr. Caborn
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much was invested in manufacturing industry in Yorkshire and Humberside in 1986–87.

  Mr. Atkins
  The data for 1986 and 1987 are not available. Manufacturing investment in Yorkshire and Humberside in 1985 is estimated to be £680 million.

  Mr. Knox
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the most recent figure for output in manufacturing industry; and how this compares with the figure for the same month 13 years ago.

  Mr. Atkins
  My hon. Friend will appreciate that monthly data can be erratic especially when comparisons are made with 1974 when output was affected by the three-day week. However, since the trough of the recession in 1981, manufacturing output has increased by over 16 per cent. to reach a level of 108·1 in April 1987, based on 1980 equal to 100. This was about 6 per cent. lower than the level of output in April 1974.

  Mr. Morgan
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he next intends to meet the Confederation of British Industry to discuss the trade deficit in manufactured goods.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  My colleagues and I meet the CBI from time to time. I have no plans for a special meeting on this subject.

  Mr. Roy Hughes
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much was invested in manufacturing industry in (a) Wales and (b) England in 1986–87.

  Mr. Atkins
  The requested investment data for Wales and England for 1986 and 1987 are not available. The latest available data are for 1985. For this year net capital expenditure1 in manufacturing industry in Wales is estimated to be £563 million. The corresponding figure for England is £7,111 million.

  1Excludes expenditure on assets leased from the financial industries.

  Source:Annual Census of Production 1985.

  Mr. Cryer
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give the current balance of trade in manufactured goods between the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

  Mr. Morley
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the size of the current deficit in the balance of trade in manufactured goods.

  Mr. Blair
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the current level of the deficit on manufactured trade.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  In the first four months of 1987 there was a deficit on trade in manufactures of £1·2 billion.

  Mr. Ernie Ross
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he intends taking to support manufacturing industry.

  Mr. Atkins
  We shall continue to pursue policies conducive to enterprise and expansion through lower inflation and sustained economic growth. We are also implementing a range of policies designed to help industry become more flexible and competitive, including the promotion of competition, including a reduction in the role of the state through privatisation; the reduction in the amount of red tape facing business; an emphasis on 172
  training and improving the links between industry and education and selective financial support to encourage industrial competitiveness, innovation and exports.

  Mr. Fatchett
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans his Department has to review manufacturing industry in the inner cities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Government are continuing to develop the measure 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.

  Mr. Hardy
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to ensure that manufacturing industry is developed within the South Yorkshire area.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Government are applying measures to create the right climate in which industry generally can prosper. Under the Government's regional policy, the whole of south Yorkshire has assisted area status. This provides access to a range of regional incentives for industrial development from both the United Kingdom Government and the European Community.

  Mr. Pike
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what five sectors of the manufacturing industries have suffered the worst deterioration in balance of trade since 1979.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  [pursuant w his oral reply, 8 July 1987]: Following are the five best sectors, excluding oil extraction and financial services:

  SIC Group

  364

  Aerospace Equipment

  251

  Basic Industrial Chemicals

  257

  Pharmaceutical Products

  256

  Special Industrial and Agricultural Products

  424

  Spirit Distilling

  Brittany Ferries (Ferry Order)
  Mr. Millan
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what has been the outcome of his representations to the European Commission on the placing of a ferry order by Brittany Ferries with a French shipbuilding yard.

  Mr. Atkins
  The European Commission is actively investigating offers of aid made to secure this order. As a result of our representations, the Commission has informed the French authorities that any aid for the Brittany Ferries order must comply with the new shipbuilding directive and that no aid may be given without the Commission's approval.

  Northern Region
  Mr. Fallon
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will estimate the amount of industrial support given to the northern region since 1983.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The amount of industrial support given to the northern region by way of regional grant and assistance from my Department since 1983 is £625 million. Industry in the region has also received support directly and indirectly from many other Government programmes.
  173
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which industrial sectors he estimates as the major growth areas in the northern region.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Over the ten-year period 1975 to 1985, the industrial sectors which have grown faster than any others in the northern region have been financial and business services, and distribution, hotels and catering. Their contributions to the region's total output during the period grew from 6·2 per cent. and 11·3 per cent. respectively in 1975 to 9·5 per cent. and 12·1 per cent. in 1985.

  Japan
  Mr. Fry
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has been able to obtain from Japanese Government sources the size of individual quotas granted to Japanese importers of British leather and leather goods; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  No, we have not. We regard the operation of the Japanese quota system for leather and leather goods as highly unsatisfactory, and the European Commission has recently agreed to take up the matter with the Japanese Government.

  Mr. Cox
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on future trade policy with Japan.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The Government remain seriously concerned at Japan's low propensity to import. We will continue to press Japan bilaterally and through the Community to open her markets further and to implement overdue structural and macro economic changes.

  Mr. Chapman
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on progress in ensuring United Kingdom goods and services have equal access into Japan as Japanese goods and services into the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  We are continuing to press for better access to Japan for British goods and services. In the financial area, the recent bilateral consultations on access made good progress. But in all sectors, we still look to Japan for further measures to make her markets as open as those of the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Andrew MacKay
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on trade with Japan.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Government remain concerned at Japan's low propensity to import. We will continue to press Japan bilaterally and through the Community to open her market further and to implement overdue structural and macro economic changes.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will take steps to discuss with the Japanese Government the level of tax levied on imports of Scotch whisky.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  As a result of United Kingdom pressure the European Community has, after unsatisfactory negotiations with the Japanese Government, taken 174
  Japan's discriminatory tax and duties on alcoholic drinks to the GATT. We expect the GATT panel's report towards the end of August.

  Research and Development
  Mr. Michael
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the current level of research and development funding by his Department.

  Mr. Darling
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the current extent of research and development funding by his Department.

  Mr. Strang
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his latest estimate of the likely level of expenditure on research by his Department in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Butcher
  In this financial year my Department expects to spend £412 million on support for R and D. This represents an increase of 70 per cent. on the spend incurred in 1979–80.

  Dr. Bray
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the Government will now agree to the European Community framework programme of research and development.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement made in the House by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 1 July and the answer provided by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 1 July at column 108, as amended at columns 160–161 on 2 July. In order not to hinder work on agreed programmes, we have agreed that spending could continue at present levels over the five years of the framework programme.

  Insurance Brokers Registration Council
  Mr. McCrindle
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has received any recent communication from the Insurance Brokers Registration Council.

  Mr. Maude
  Last month the Department received a copy of the council's 1986 audited accounts together with a copy of its draft report for that year.

  Regional Aid
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his Department's total budget for regional aid to industry for the current financial year; and what was the corresponding sum for 1979–80 at current prices.

  Mr. Atkins
  In the Department's budget for 1987–88 £208 million gross is provided for regional aid to industry in England. Expenditure in 1979–80 for regional aid in England amounted to £517 million at 1987 prices.

  Responsibility for regional aid to industry in Wales falls to the Welsh Office.

  Mr. Forth
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give, for each region of the United Kingdom, for each of the last 10 years, the expenditure on regional aid and assistance.

  Mr. Atkins
  The information requested is as follows:
  175

  Expenditure at current prices

  £ million

  Region

  1977–78

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  41986–87

  Northern

  152·8

  159·6

  147·8

  146·3

  176·3

  159·3

  127·5

  122·2

  94·4

  135·5

  North West

  65·8

  88·5

  86·7

  131·3

  157·9

  122·4

  101·4

  101·6

  85·9

  125·3

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  30·8

  37·6

  32·1

  52·2

  61·8

  52·9

  35·5

  41·9

  34·3

  38·7

  East Midlands

  2·7

  4·3

  4·2

  4·5

  8·6

  13·6

  17·6

  10·1

  8·3

  10·5

  West Midlands3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5·5

  9·8

  South West

  8·6

  9·5

  10·7

  11·5

  14·8

  16·2

  11·9

  13·7

  11·8

  20·7

  Scotland

  134·8

  148·2

  117·9

  182·8

  220·1

  370·9

  222·4

  184·5

  204·7

  241·6

  Wales

  88·9

  106·1

  104·3

  170·8

  198·2

  181·7

  113·5

  141·1

  132·1

  144·3

  Great Britain2

  488·8

  606·1

  519·0

  705·9

  853·6

  917·0

  629·8

  615·0

  577·0

  726·4

  Northern Ireland

  71·9

  115·4

  109·4

  145·8

  115·2

  146·8

  103·0

  137·5

  154·8

  129·1

  United Kingdom

  560·7

  721·5

  628·4

  851·7

  968·8

  1,063·8

  732·8

  752·5

  731·8

  855·5

  Notes:

  1All figures are gross and include payments to nationalised industries.

  2 The Great Britain total does not always equal the sum of the component parts due to the inclusion of items which cannot he broken down to the regional level and to rounding.

  3The figures relate to expenditure in the TTWAs designated as assisted areas on 29 November 1984. Expenditure totalling £400,000 in the period 1977–78 to 1982–83 is included in the figures for east midlands in respect of Oswestry TTWA which ceased to be an assisted area on 1 August 1982.

  4Figures for 1986–87 arc provisional estimates.

  The items included in the expenditure are regional development grants and regional selective assistance, expenditure on land and factories by the English Industrial Estates Corporation, the Scottish and Welsh Development Agencies, the Development Board for Rural Wales, and the Highlands and Islands Development Board. Northern Ireland has a different range of financial incentives available and the items included in the expenditure have been restricted to aids similar to the main forms of regional preferential assistance; these are selective financial assistance currently payable under part III of the industries Development (Northern Ireland) Order 1982, general assistance (capital) grants payable under part IV of the order, and land and factories expenditure.

  National Economic Development Council
  Mr. McAllion
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he next intends to meet the National Economic Development Council to discuss research and development funding.

  Mr. Butcher
  I have at present no plans to do so.

  Plymouth and Cornwall
  Mr. Robert Hicks
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proposals he intends making to stimulate job creation in the Plymouth and south-east Cornwall area designed to offset employment opportunity losses at Her Majesty's dockyard, Devonport; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  In recognition of the problems existing in the area, the Government have proposed to the European Commission that the Plymouth travel-to-work area should retain the intermediate area status agreed by the Commission for the three-year period to November 1987.

  Inner Cities
  Mr. Adley
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what new proposals he intends to institute in order to encourage private sector investment in the inner cities; and if he will make a statement.
  176
  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 private sector investment in the inner city.

  Queen's Speech
  Mr. Thurnham
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received about proposals in the Queen's Speech for which he has responsibility; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I have received a large number of representations on the inner cities and these I am considering in relation to my Department's developing policy responsibilities. The Bill to reform the law of copyright and other intellectual property will he based on the proposals in the 1986 White Paper "Intellectual property and Innovation" (Cmnd. 9712). It will reflect our consideration of representations made on the White Paper and on the departmental committee report and the three Green Papers which preceded it.

  HOTOL
  Mr. Atkinson
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement of progress on the development of HOTOL.

  Mr. Butcher
  The current proof-of-concept studies on HOTOL are expected to continue into 1988. It is too early to predict the conclusions of these studies, but both companies have recently been able to report promising progress on both the revoluntary engine concept and on the vehicle design.

  Industrial Development
  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps are taken to ensure adequate regional balance in the pattern of industrial development;

  177
  and if he will seek to amend the Industry Acts in order to provide greater incentives for balanced regional development of new manufacturng industry.

  Mr. Atkins
  I refer the hon. Member to the White Paper "Regional Industrial Development" (Cmnd. 9111) which sets out the Government's policy towards the regions, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Electronics and Information Technology
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Government funded research and development support in relation to targets for eliminating United Kingdom trade deficits in the electronics and information technology industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Butcher
  Our R and D support for the United Kingdom electronics and IT industries is directed to improving its technological capacities and international competitiveness, and not towards specific targets for trade performance.

  Rover Group
  Mr. Tim Smith
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he plans to sell the Rover Group to the private sector.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The long-term aim of both the Rover Group board and the Government is to return the company to full private ownership, but we have no specific plans at present.

  Regional Development Grant
  Mr. McWilliam
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what sum was spent on regional development grant in 1986–87 in the north; and what sum he expects to spend in 1987–88.

  Mr. Atkins
  Provisional figures for payments of regional development grant in the northern region in 1986–87 are £102·1 million, of which £79·5 million was for outstanding payments under the old RDGI scheme and £22·6 million for payments under the new RDGII scheme.

  Estimates for future expenditure are not broken down by region: the actual distribution will depend on the level of demand. The 1987–88 provision for RDGs in England, as set out in the Supply Estimates, is £108·5 million in gross terms, of which £43·2 million is for RDGI payments and £65·3 million for RDGII.

  Mr. Allen McKay
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what sum was spent on regional development grant in 1986–87 in Yorkshire and Humberside; and what sum he expects to spend in 1987–88.

  Mr. Atkins
  Provisional figures for payments of regional development grant in the Yorkshire and Humberside region in 1986–87 are £27·1 million, of which £18·2 million was for outstanding payments under the old RDGI scheme and £8·9 million for payments under the new RDGII scheme.

  Estimates for future expenditure are not broken down by region: the actual distribution will depend on the level of demand. The 1987–88 provision for RDGs in England,
  178
  as set out in the Supply Estimates, is £108·5 million in gross terms, of which £43·2 million is for RDGI payments and £65·3 million for RDGII.

  Mr. John Evans
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what sum was spent on regional development grant in 1986–87 in the north-west; and what sum he expects to spend in 1987–88.

  Mr. Atkins
  Provisional figures for payments of regional development grant in the north-west region in 1986–87 are £101·3 million, of which £82·9 million was for outstanding payments under the old RDGI scheme and £18·4 million for payments under the new RDGII scheme.

  Estimates for future expenditure are not broken down by region: the actual distribution will depend on the level of demand. The 1987–88 provision for RDGs in England, as set out in the Supply Estimates, is £108·5 million in gross terms, of which £43·2 million is for RDGI payments and £65·3 million for RDGII.

  Merseyside
  Mr. Wareing
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he plans to take to prevent further factory closures in Merseyside.

  Mr. Atkins
  We shall continue the policy of providing the climate in which industry can prosper. This is the control of inflation and measures to achieve a more flexible and competitive economy.

  British Shipbuilders Ltd.
  Dr. Godman
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent discussions have taken place between his Department and British Shipbuilders Ltd. regarding orders for new vessels.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  We continue to work closely with British Shipbuilders in its quest for new orders.

  Balance of Payments
  Mr. Yeo
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his latest forecast for the outturn of the balance of payments for 1987.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his financial statement and Budget report forecast a deficit on current account of £24½ billion in 1987. In fact the figures for the first four months show a surplus on the current account of £0·8 billion. A new forecast will be contained in the autumn statement.

  Business Overheads
  Mr. Favell
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has as to how business overheads in the north compare with those in the south.

  Mr. Atkins
  Information is not available to permit a comparison in the form requested.

  Generating Set Equipment
  Mr. Latham
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last held a meeting with representatives of the manufacturers of generating set equipment; and what action has been taken as a result.
  179
  Mr. Atkins
  I have not met representatives of the manufacturers of generating set equipment but am aware of their concerns, about which I have written to my hon. Friend.

  Inner-city Programme
  Mr. George Howarth
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much more will be spent in 1987–88 on his inner-city programme in the north-west.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  During 1986–87 only one inner city task force was operational in the north-west, in the Moss Side and Hulme area of Manchester, but I announced new task forces in Preston and Rochdale in April. Expenditure by the three north-west task forces in 1987–88 will depend upon the timing, scale and quality of the projects which come forward. These and other task forces will also build on the initiative's success in attracting private sector resources and in improving the effect of Government programmes on the skills motivation and job opportunities of inner-city residents.

  High Technology
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to assist United Kingdom high technology companies to compete more effectively aganst overseas competitors.

  Mr. Butcher
  My Department provides support for both the application and the development of high technology and in 1987–88 plans to spend £412 million in support of industrial research and development and the promotion of innovation, collaboration, technology transfer and best practice.

  Merchant Shipping (Intervention Fund)
  Mr. Robert Hughes
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will now review the criteria for qualification for intervention fund support for merchant shipping orders.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Our policy towards yards privatised as naval yards is that intervention fund assistance for merchant orders will be considered only in exceptional circumstances based on the necessary maintenance of defence capacity. I am not persuaded that this policy should be modified in any way. The whole purpose of intervention fund assistance has been to ease the gradual reduction of excess capacity in merchant shipbuilding in this country. As the remaining merchant shipyards are still facing huge difficulties in finding new orders, I see no reason to subsidise an increase in capacity in the merchant sector.

  Textile Industry
  Mr. Madden
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to meet the Trade Union Congress textile committee to discuss the state of the textile industry.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I have no plans to do so at present, but my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade has agreed to a request for a meeting with members of the TUC economic committee and textiles, clothing and footwear committee in connection with the GATT multilateral trade negotiations.

  Privatisation
  Mr. Nellist
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many officials in his Department are currently working on privatisation proposals.

  Mr. Butcher
  About 24; but most of these spend more time on other work.

  Motor Vehicles and Components
  Mr. Hoyle
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to reduce the deficit on trade in motor vehicles and auto components.

  Mr. Atkins
  We intend to continue with our policies to improve the international competitiveness of the United Kingdom motor industry. In particular, we are encouraging the multinational manufacturers to continue to improve their sourcing of vehicles and components from within the United Kingdom.

  Pit Bull Terriers
  Miss Fookes
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will take steps to ban the import of pit ball terriers in the light of information already supplied to him by the hon. Member for Plymouth, Drake.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  No. Because of the difficulties in distinguishing between bull terriers specifically bred for fighting and other bull terriers it would not he possible to enforce an import embargo. Furthermore, such action would be contrary to our international trading obligations, unless the domestic sale and commercial breeding of like dogs was similarly controlled.

  Space Policy
  Mr. Michael Marshall
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the Government's response to proposals received from the British National Space Centre relating to future United Kingdom space policy.

  Mr. Butcher
  The Government are considering the proposals received from the British National Space Centre on future United Kingdom space policy and hope to come to a decision soon.

  Trade Statistics
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the latest annual figures for each of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985 and 1986 for the (a) deficit in manufactured trade between Britain and Japan, (b) deficit in manufactured trade between Britain and the European Economic Community, (c) deficit in manufactured trade between members of the European Community and Japan and (d) deficit in manufactured trade between West Germany and Britain, expressed in £ sterling.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The information is in the following table.
  181

  Balance of Trade in Manufactures1

  £ billion

  United Kingdom Trade with

  EC (12)

  Japan

  EC (12)

  Federal Republic of Germany

  Trade with Japan

  1970

  —

  0·6

  -0·1

  -0·3

  1975

  -0·4

  0·1

  -0·7

  -1·9

  1980

  -1·3

  -1·2

  -2·0

  -5·9

  1985

  -3·3

  -10·1

  -6·1

  -11·7

  1986

  -4·1

  -11·2

  -6·9

  -15·8

  Source: Eurostat.

  1 Standard International Trade Classification Divisions 5 to 8.

  Note: For consistency all data taken from Eurostat and converted to sterling using annual ecu/£ conversion factors. The United Kingdom data will not correspond exactly with United Kingdom sources because of differences in trade definitions.

  Manchester Airport (Rail Link)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what reply he is sending to the recent approach made to him by the chairman of the Greater Manchester passenger transport authority concerning both the rail link to Manchester airport and light rapid transport project; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  [pursuant to the reply, 7 July 1987, c. 79]: These are both projects which are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. He will be taking the lead in replying. I understand that before reaching any decision on either of the projects he will, amongst other considerations, be taking account of any benefits they will produce towards inner city regeneration and regional development in consultation with my Department and others concerned.

SCOTLAND

  Council Houses
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the number of local authority homes in each Scottish local authority area which were considered to be in need of repair in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The information requested is not held centrally. However, the 1986 housing plan checklists include figures for the numbers of local authority houses requiring major repairs, which, for this purpose, comprise works like extensive repairs to the structure or fabric of dwellings to overcome problems such as structural instability, water penetration, inadequate thermal or sound insulation or condensation. The figures are shown in the table.

  Dwellings requiring major repair in 1986

  Local Authority

  Number of dwellings requiring major repair

  SCOTLAND

  153,746

  Berwickshire

  0

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  0

  Roxburgh

  1,040

  Tweeddale

  274

  Clackmannan

  3,706

  182

  Local Authority

  Number of dwellings requiring major repair

  Falkirk

  14,708

  Stirling

  360

  Annandale and Eskdale

  0

  Nithsdale

  0

  Stewartry

  0

  Wigtown

  0

  Dunfermline

  181

  Kirkcaldy

  40

  North East Fife

  217

  Aberdeen

  2,091

  Banff and Buchan

  1,200

  Gordon

  376

  Kincardine and Deeside

  0

  Moray

  1,372

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  0

  Caithness

  145

  Inverness

  380

  Lochaber

  108

  Nairn

  0

  Ross and Cromarty

  549

  Skye and Lochalsh

  0

  Sutherland

  206

  East Lothian

  1,218

  Edinburgh

  5,357

  Midlothian

  0

  West Lothian

  6,200

  Argyll and Bute

  2,000

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  0

  Clydebank

  4,667

  Clydesdale

  8,640

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  102

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  1,371

  Cunninghame

  17,794

  Dumbarton

  3,215

  East Kilbride

  0

  Eastwood

  66

  Glasgow

  48,803

  Hamilton

  0

  Inverclyde

  6,000

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  457

  Kyle and Carrick

  75

  Monklands

  0

  Motherwell

  4,600

  Renfrew

  1,910

  Strathkelvin

  1,119

  Angus

  234

  Dundee

  11,810

  Perth and Kinross

  621

  Orkney Islands

  0

  Shetland Islands

  534

  Western Isles

  0

  NHS (Waiting Lists)
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the total number of people on National Health Service waiting lists in each specialty and in each health board in Scotland for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I refer the hon. Member to section 6 of the 1979–85 editions of "Scottish Health Statistics", copies of which are available in the Library. Estimated data for Shetland health board for the years 1979 to 1983 (which were not included in the published tables) are shown in table I. Information relating to 1986 is shown in table II. The increases in 1982 and 1983 reflect the effect of industrial action. Lists tend to overstate the numbers of patients waiting for treatment since they include duplicated entries and patients who no longer need treatment.
  183

  Table I

  Shetland Health Board

  All Specialties

  General Surgery

  Geriatric Long Stay

  1979

  277

  230

  47

  1980

  207

  172

  35

  TABLE II

  Waiting List: by specially and Health board at 30 September 1986 (Provisional)

  Number

  Specialty

  Scotland

  Argyll and Clyde

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Borders

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Fife

  Forth Valley

  Grampian

  Greater Glasgow

  Highland

  Lanarkshire

  Lothian

  Orkney

  Shetland

  Tayside

  Western Isles

  All Specialties

  80,732

  6,527

  4,862

  325

  3,205

  5,468

  2,558

  9,969

  17,866

  3,040

  6,249

  14,189

  50

  142

  6,214

  68

  Acute Specialties

  71,848

  6,490

  4,643

  295

  3,189

  5,122

  2,299

  9,232

  14,588

  2,790

  5,736

  11,647

  —

  101

  5,648

  68

  General surgery

  20,351

  3,358

  831

  95

  1,612

  1,778

  824

  1,133

  2,869

  605

  2,906

  2,425

  —

  101

  1,801

  9

  Orthopaed surgery

  13,120

  811

  1,563

  178

  258

  941

  697

  1,249

  2,248

  728

  853

  2,137

  —

  —

  1,437

  —

  E.N.T. surgery

  14,786

  1,004

  948

  —

  497

  1,392

  145

  2,943

  2,445

  495

  856

  2,734

  —

  —

  1,327

  10

  Ophthalmolgy

  5,102

  651

  160

  —

  50

  173

  100

  965

  1,166

  207

  65

  1,311

  —

  —

  254

  —

  Urology

  5,740

  —

  382

  —

  —

  307

  169

  550

  2,817

  —

  514

  757

  —

  —

  244

  —

  Orthodontics

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Oral surgery

  1,926

  —

  152

  —

  192

  —

  —

  264

  325

  126

  93

  595

  —

  —

  178

  1

  Rest Dent

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  General Medical

  1,273

  40

  8

  9

  11

  13

  11

  307

  587

  44

  —

  164

  —

  —

  77

  2

  Dermatology

  125

  5

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  25

  61

  18

  —

  4

  —

  —

  9

  —

  Rehabilitat Med

  12

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  12

  —

  Convalescence

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Respiratory Med

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Paediatric Surgery

  1,303

  —

  —

  —

  —

  48

  22

  184

  674

  —

  —

  277

  —

  —

  98

  —

  Paediatric Med

  311

  —

  14

  —

  —

  12

  —

  22

  53

  197

  —

  12

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Gynaecology

  7,751

  621

  582

  13

  569

  458

  331

  1,574

  1.343

  375

  446

  1,207

  —

  —

  204

  24

  G. P. Acute

  13

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  1

  3

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  Acute Mixed

  22

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  22

  Other

  12

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  12

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sup-Area Specs

  5,554

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  271

  2,588

  189

  74

  1,973

  —

  —

  459

  —

  Neurosurgery

  222

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  44

  56

  —

  —

  64

  —

  —

  58

  —

  Cardiothor Surg

  568

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  22

  400

  —

  74

  72

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Plastic Surg

  4,497

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  167

  1,965

  173

  —

  1,803

  —

  —

  389

  —

  Neurology

  160

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  16

  101

  —

  —

  34

  —

  —

  9

  —

  Radiothcraphy

  107

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  22

  66

  16

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  Spinal Paral

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Obstet Specs

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Special Obstets

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  G.P. Obstetrics

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  L-Stay Specs

  1,555

  37

  78

  30

  16

  111

  57

  233

  163

  59

  189

  403

  50

  41

  88

  —

  Geriatric Asses

  981

  23

  —

  5

  16

  102

  57

  233

  163

  4

  189

  148

  —

  —

  41

  —

  Geriatric L.S

  527

  14

  78

  25

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  17

  —

  255

  50

  41

  47

  —

  Young Chro Sick.

  47

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9

  —

  —

  —

  38

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Psyc. Specs

  1,698

  —

  141

  —

  —

  230

  154

  233

  527

  —

  250

  144

  —

  —

  19

  —

  Mental Illness

  733

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  154

  1

  218

  —

  250

  104

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Psyche-geriatric

  931

  —

  141

  —

  —

  211

  —

  228

  309

  —

  —

  23

  —

  —

  19

  —

  Child Psyc

  33

  —

  —

  —

  —

  12

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  17

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Adolescent Psyc

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mental Handicap

  77

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  48

  —

  —

  2

  —

  22

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Special Cats.

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Communic Dis

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  S.C.B.U.

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  I.T.U.

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  A and E

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Clinic Genetics

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Source: Information Services Division.

  Form ISD(5)1

  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing (a) the total average waiting time for National Health Service in-patient treatment in each specialty in Scotland in each year since 1979 and (b) the average waiting time for all specialties in Scotland in each year since 1979.

  Year of Discharge

  Specialty

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  General Surgery

  74

  69

  65

  56

  88

  73

  66

  Orthopaedic Surgery

  118

  111

  120

  114

  146

  129

  123

  ENT Surgery

  112

  113

  108

  102

  138

  131

  118

  184

  All Specialties

  General Surgery

  Geriatric Long Stay

  1981

  204

  169

  35

  1982

  186

  154

  32

  1983

  125

  104

  21

  Mr. Rifkind
  The mean waiting times (in days) for all in-patient treatment up to 1985 (the latest year for which statistics are available) were as follows:
  185

  Year of Discharge

  Specialty

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  Ophthalmology

  97

  94

  90

  96

  129

  111

  97

  Urology

  89

  69

  67

  63

  79

  70

  67

  Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine

  74

  62

  58

  72

  107

  110

  78

  General Medicine

  22

  19

  21

  21

  20

  19

  19

  Dermatology

  26

  20

  21

  27

  35

  28

  23

  Rehabilitation Medicine

  13

  16

  9

  10

  10

  10

  9

  Respiratory Medicine

  7

  5

  8

  7

  6

  7

  7

  Paediatric Surgery

  101

  87

  80

  90

  135

  108

  96

  Paediatric Medicine

  48

  37

  38

  42

  49

  36

  30

  Gynaecology

  68

  56

  50

  47

  76

  54

  47

  GP

  93

  73

  69

  82

  79

  71

  59

  Neurosurgery

  54

  51

  38

  49

  54

  35

  37

  Cardiothoracic Surgery

  77

  69

  63

  54

  44

  52

  33

  Plastic Surgery

  182

  177

  165

  133

  177

  130

  139

  Neurology

  32

  25

  28

  33

  31

  29

  24

  Radiotherapy

  21

  21

  19

  18

  18

  17

  14

  Geriatric Assessment

  28

  25

  26

  24

  24

  20

  20

  Geriatric Long Stay

  44

  39

  38

  40

  40

  40

  32

  Young Chronic Sick

  36

  44

  46

  45

  86

  45

  169

  All Specialties

  80

  73

  71

  65

  95

  80

  72

  Community Charge
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the estimated level of the personal community charge in each regional and district council area in Scotland that would be required in the current financial year if the Abolition of Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act were in force.

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

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received from churches about the implications of the community charge for their finances; and whether he has any plans to exempt churches from the community charge.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend has received 32 representations from church organisations and individual churches about the implications of the community charge for churches and their finances.

  As an essential element of the Government's proposals to replace domestic rates by a community charge system, ministers of religion and their adult families, like other adults aged 18 and over, will be required to pay the personal community charge. The present reliefs available to churches in respect of non-domestic rates will continue.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many individuals have written to him to express reservations about, or opposition to, the implementation of the community charge in Scotland in 1989;

  (2) if he will list in the Official Report the names of all organisations which have written to him to advise him of reservations about, or opposition to, the implementation of the community charge in Scotland in 1989.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend has received 966 representations from individuals and 240 from organisations on rating reform since the publication of the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" (Cmnd. 9714). Many representations include comments in favour of some of the proposals and against others. It is not therefore possible to provide the information in the form requested. The following organisations have commented on the proposals.
  186
  Local Authorities

  Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)

  Regional Councils

  Borders

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Fife

  Grampian

  Highland

  Lothian

  Strathclyde

  Tayside

  District Councils

  Angus

  Argyll and Bute

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  Berwickshire

  Caithness

  Clydebank

  Clydesdale

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  Dumbarton

  Dundee City

  Edinburgh City

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  Glasgow

  Inverclyde

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  Kincardine and Deeside

  Midlothian Moray

  Motherwell

  North East Fife

  Renfrew

  Roxburgh

  Stewartry

  Stirling

  Strathkelvin

  Sutherland

  Wigtown

  Island Councils

  Orkney

  Shetland

  Western Isles

  Community Councils

  Aithsting and Sandsting, Shetland

  Avich and Kilchrenan, Argyll

  Bearsden North

  Bridge of Allan

  Burra and Tronda, Shetland

  187

  Croy

  Cumbernauld

  Cumbrae

  Delting, Shetland

  Fetlar, Shetland

  Girdle Toll and Bourtreehill (Irvine)

  Govan

  Gulberwick, Quarff and Cunningsburgh, Shetland

  Helensburgh

  Knightswood

  Lenzie

  Lerwick, Shetland

  Loanhead

  Northmavine, Shetland

  Pittenweem and District

  Sandness and Walls, Shetland

  Sandwick, Shetland

  Stepps Stoneyburn

  Unst, Shetland

  Uphall

  West Ardnamurchan

  Westfield (Cumbernauld)

  Ratepayer Organisations and Tenants' Associations

  Aberdeen City Centre Association

  Association of Metropolitan Authorities

  Ayr and District Ratepayers' Association

  Castle Park Residents' Association

  Clarkston and Busby Ratepayers' Association

  Cross Stobs/Boylestone Ratepayers' Committee (Glasgow)

  Esk Place Tenants' Association (Dalkeith)

  Federated Associations of Owner-Occupiers of Glasgow

  Federation of Scottish Ratepayers

  Garscadden Tenants' Association (Glasgow)

  Helensburgh and District Ratepayers' Association

  Lower Woodburn Tenants' Association (Dalkeith)

  Muirend and Netherlee Residents' Association (Glasgow)

  Murrayburn Tenants' Association (Edinburgh)

  National Union of Ratepayers

  Ratepayers Action Group Executive—Lothian (RAGE)

  Renfrew Owner-Occupiers' Association

  Sandyhills Owner-Occupiers' Association (Glasgow)

  Scottish Federation of Owner-Occupiers

  Wakefield Ratepayers' Association

  Wester Hailes Representative Council

  Willowbank Action Group

  Political Parties and Groups

  Clydesdale Conservative Association

  Dunfermline West Conservative Association

  Edinburgh Central Liberal Association

  Labour Party (Scottish Council)

  North Cunninghame Conservative Association

  Scottish Conservative and Unionist Association (Central and Southern Area Council)

  Scottish Liberal Party

  Scottish National Party

  Scottish National Party (Rates Action Group)

  Social Democratic Party

  South Aberdeen Conservative Association

  Stirling District Council Conservative Group

  Professional Bodies

  Association of Valuation Office Valuers

  British Association of Social Workers (Scottish Committee)

  Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (Scottish Committee)

  Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

  Institute of Cost and Management Accountants

  Law Society of Scotland

  Rating Officers' Guild

  Rating Surveyors' Association

  Rating and Valuation Association

  Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Scottish
  188
  Branch)

  Scottish Assessors' Association

  Scottish Universities Joint Committee on Valuation and Rating

  Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (Scottish Branch) (SOLACE)

  Trade Unions and Trades Councils etc.

  Association of University Teachers (Scotland)

  Co-operative Union Ltd (Parliamentary Committee)

  Edinburgh and District Trades Council

  Inland Revenue Staff Federation

  Moray Trades Council

  NALGO—Midlothian

  NALGO—Scottish District Local Government Committee

  National Farmers Union (Scotland)

  National Union of Seamen

  NUS (Scotland)

  National Union of Tailors and Garment Workers

  NUPE (Scottish Office)

  STUC

  Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

  University of Aberdeen Students' Association

  University of Edinburgh Students' Association

  University of St. Andrews Students' Association

  Social Welfare and other Organisations

  Aberdeen Voluntary Service

  Albyn House Association

  Ark Housing Association

  Baptist Union of Scotland

  Central Council of Physical Recreation

  Child Poverty Action Group Church of the Nazerene

  Church of Scotland (Board of Social Responsibility)

  Church of Scotland (Committee on Church and Nation)

  Church of Scotland (Law Department)

  Church of Scotland (Ministry and Mission)

  Churches Main Committee

  Congregational Union of Scotland

  Council of Social Service (Stirling)

  Dr. Barnardo's (Scotland)

  Edinburgh Council of Social Service

  Erskine Hospital

  Grampian Welfare Rights Project

  Harris Council of Social Service

  Jobs Action Group, Irvine

  Methodist Church (Scotland)

  National Council of Women

  National League of the Blind and Disabled

  National Trust for Scotland

  North Edinburgh Action Group

  Pensioners Action Group

  Queensberry House Hosptial, Edinburgh

  Scottish Action on Dementia

  Scottish Age Concern

  Scottish Arts Council

  Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux

  Scottish Consumer Council

  Scottish Convention of Women

  Scottish Council for Community and Voluntary Organisations

  Scottish Council for Single Homeless

  Scottish Council of Women's Citizens' Associations

  Scottish Episcopal Church

  Scottish Library Association

  Scottish Society for the Mentally Handicapped

  Scottish Society of MENCAP (Sutherland Branch)

  Scottish Sports Association

  Scottish Sports Council

  Scottish Women's Aid

  Strathclyde Elderly Forum

  United Free Church of Scotland

  Trade Associations and other Economic Organisation

  Association of British Riding Schools

  Association of Scottish Chambers of Commerce

  Association of Scottish Self-Caterers

  189

  Ayrshire Chamber of Industry

  British Aggregate and Construction Materials Industries Association

  British Horse Society

  British Hotels, Restaurants and Caterers' Association

  British Paper and Board Industry Federation

  British Retailers' Association

  CBI (Scottish Office)

  Campaign against the Unfair Rating Burden (CURB)

  Chemical Industries Association Ltd.

  Dundee and Tayside Chamber of Commerce

  East Lothian Tourist Board

  Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

  Forum of Private Business

  Gatehouse of Fleet Chamber of Trade

  Highlands & Islands Development Board

  Kirkwall Chamber of Commerce

  Lerwick Harbour Trust

  National Association of Steel Stockholders

  National Association of Warehouse Keepers

  National Caravan Council

  National Chamber of Trade

  National Federation of Retail Newsagents

  National Federation of Self-Employed and Small Businesses

  National Federation of Self-Employed and Small Businesses (Borders Branch)

  National Federation of Site Owners

  Perthshire Chamber of Commerce

  Property Owners and Factors Association (Scotland)

  Scotch Whisky Association

  Scottish Caravan Industry

  Scottish Council Development and Industry

  Scottish Landowners' Federation

  Scottish Licensed Trade Association

  Scottish Recreational Land Association

  Scottish Tourism Action for Business

  Shetland Chamber of Commerce

  Shetland Retailers' Association

  The British Council

  UK Agricultural Supply Trade Association

  Individual Businesses and Public Bodies

  Bowfield Country Club (Renfrewshire)

  British Airports Authority

  BP

  Esso Chemicals (Mossmorran)

  Fuller Peiser (Chartered Surveyors)

  Highland Distilleries

  House of Fraser

  ICI

  Livingston Development Corporation

  Royal Highland and Agricultural Society

  Shell UK Ltd.

  Sullom Voe Terminal Association

  Educational Bodies

  Association of Camphill Communities

  Edinburgh School of Art

  Gordonstoun School

  Heriot-Watt University

  University of Aberdeen

  University of Edinburgh

  University of Glasgow

  University of Lancaster

  University of St. Andrews

  University of Strathclyde

  Prison Population
  Mr. Dewar
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the average daily population of Scottish prisons in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The figures are as follows:190

  Average Daily Population in Penal Establishments: Scotland

  Year

  Number

  1979

  4,585

  1980

  4,860

  1981

  4,518

  1982

  4,891

  1983

  5,052

  1984

  4,753

  1985

  5,273

  1986

  5,588

  Rates
  Mr. Michael Brown
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will detail the percentage contributed to total non-domestic rates for Scotland from (a) commercial properties, (b) industrial properties and (c) other premises.

  Mr. Lang
  The figures show the percentage contributed to total non-domestic rates for Scotland for 1987–88 from commercial properties, industrial properties (including freight transport) and other premises.

  Per cent.

  Commercial

  46

  Industrial and Freight Transport

  19

  Other

  35

  Mr. Michael Brown
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average non-domestic rate poundage in Scotland for 1987–88; and if he will list those local authorities with (a) the highest and (b) the lowest rate poundages in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  The average non-domestic rate poundage in Scotland in 1987–88 in 76p. The authority with the highest rate poundage is Glasgow city (91·5p) and that with the lowest is Kincardine and Deeside (51·2p).

  Mr. Michael Brown
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the estimated receipts from non-domestic rates in Scotland for 1987–88.

  Mr. Lang
  £1,260 million.

  Mr. Michael Brown
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the estimated 1987–88 total annual receipts for rates net of rebates in Scotland; and what percentage this represents of forecast local government expenditure for 1987–88.

  Mr. Lang
  The estimated.1987–88 total receipts for rates net of rebates in Scotland are £1,835·6 million. This represents 44 per cent. of forecast local government expenditure for 1987–88.

  Salmon and Sea Trout (Poaching)
  Mrs. Golding
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what success he has had in eliminating the organised poaching of salmon and sea trout; what further measures he intends to take; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  A great deal of effort is devoted to the enforcement of salmon and sea fisheries legislation by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, district salmon fishery boards, water bailiffs and the police. Fishery protection vessels, fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and shore-based staff equipped with two-way
  191
  radio telephones are deployed, with considerable success, to curb the activities of those who fish illegally. In the period from 1 January 1985 to 31 December 1985, the latest year for which figures are available at present, there were 59 and 400 prosecutions respectively for salmon poaching in the sea and in fresh water.

  Fishing for salmon by drift nets set from a boat is prohibited in Scottish waters and on 31 March 1986 orders came into effect under sections I and 2 of the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984 prohibiting fishing for salmon or sea trout with a gill net in a specified sea area off the coast of Scotland and prohibiting the carriage of monofilament gill nets in British fishing boats in Scottish inshore waters.

  The Salmon Act 1986 introduced the new offence of being in possession of salmon in circumstances where the possessor believes, or it would have been reasonable for him to suspect, that the salmon had been illegally taken. The Act also provides for the licensing of salmon dealers in Scotland, as well as in England and Wales. These provisions represent important new anti-poaching measures.

  Prisons
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what amount was spent in each Scottish prison on training. educational and cultural activity for each year since 1982.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information relating to each establishment is not readily available and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The totals for the Scottish Prison Service as a whole for the years in question are as follows.

  The heading "Education and Cultural Activity" includes the salaries of teachers employed by local authorities and working in prisons and the purchases of educational materials and items for sport and recreation; training includes materials and equipment for vocational training courses but not the salaries of departmental instructors, the comparison of whose costs is not readily available.

  Education and cultural activity1

  Training

  £

  £

  1982–83

  526,000

  323,000

  1983–84

  498,000

  340,000

  1984–85

  684,000

  357,000

  1985–86

  607,000

  352,000

  1986–87

  717,000

  413,000

  1 Reductions in expenditure in some years reflect variations in the invoicing for teachers salaries by local authorities and not reductions in the level of service.

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the numbers employed in the medical services in Scottish prisons for each year since 1982.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is as follows at 1 April in each year:192

  Medical Officers

  Prison Officer

  Nursing Sisters

  Year

  Full-time

  Part-Time

  Nursing Staff

  1982

  2

  20

  90

  2

  1983

  3

  20

  89

  1

  1984

  3

  21

  88

  1

  1985

  3

  21

  91

  1

  1986

  3

  22

  89

  1

  1987

  3

  23

  94

  —

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the numbers employed in administration in the Scottish prison system for each year since 1982.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The annual report of the Scottish Prison Service, "Prisons in Scotland", gives details of staff numbers at penal establishments in the categories of governor grades, chaplains and visiting chaplains, medical officers, office and store staff; prison officers and others. Staff at the more senior grade have roles which are both administrative and operational. The latest published report covers the year to 31 December 1985. At 31 December 1986 the equivalent numbers were:

  Number

  Governor Grades

  90

  Chaplains

  57

  Medical Officers

  26

  Office and Store

  205

  Officers

  2,640

  Others

  231

  Policy and general oversight of penal establishments is exercised by SHHD prisons group. The number of staff in post in the years 1982 to 1986 at 31 December was:

  Number

  1982

  137

  1983

  126·5

  1984

  130·5

  1985

  141·5

  1986

  139

  Prison Officers
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the numbers employed as prison officers in Scotland for each year since 1982.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The number employed as prison officers in Scotland at 31 December in each of the years since 1982 were as follows:

  Number

  1982

  2,352

  1983

  2,366

  1984

  2,466

  1985

  2,574

  1986

  2,750

  "Prison Officers" include those employed on discipline, nursing, catering, works, clerical and instructing duties.

  Crossroads Schemes
  Mr. Wilson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the level and nature of support that is available from his Department for Crossroads schemes; and what is his policy towards voluntary efforts in this field.
  193
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Funding of local Crossroads schemes by my Department is limited to two projects forming part of a wider programme embodying different examples of community care. A total of £38,630 is being paid in grant to these schemes in the present financial year, the last of the three years for which grant has been provided. An additional £21,425 is being paid this year to Crossroads (Scotland), which provides direction and support for local Crossroads projects.

  We warmly endorse the objectives underlying Crossroads schemes and the contribution they make to the provision of care in the community. Such schemes do not however fall within the established priorities for the main programme of centrally funded grants in the social work field. Some 40 Crossroads schemes are currently receiving support either from the Manpower Services Commission, from local authorities or from health boards under support finance arrangements.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the latest level of unemployment in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  Since January seasonally adjusted unemployment in Scotland has fallen by over 12,000, and in May 1987 stood at 337,100, some 2,000 lower than the previous May. Had it not been for the adverse effects of the oil price fall on oil-related activity in Scotland, the fall over the past year would have been greater.

  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to reduce unemployment in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  There has been a fall of over 12,000 in seasonally adjusted unemployment in Scotland so far this year. The Government will continue to pursue the policies of sound financial management designed to reduce inflation, and to promote investment, enterprise and increased employment. Scotland will receive her full share of places on the various national employment, enterprise and training schemes. Economic development and job creation in Scotland will also benefit from the operation of regional incentives and the activities of the Scottish Development Agency and the Highlands and Islands Development Board.

  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons under 21 years of age were unemployed in Scotland at the most recent date.

  Mr. Lang
  The information is not available in the precise form requested. On 9 April 1987 (the latest date for which information is available) there were 57,540 unemployed claimants in Scotland aged 19 and under and 74,132 aged 20 to 24.

  This information is available in the Library.

  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of long-term unemployed in Scotland at the latest date.

  Mr. Lang
  On 9 April 1987 (the latest date for which information is available) there were 146,701 claimants in Scotland who had been unemployed for more than one year.

  This information is available in the Library

  A1 (Musselborough Bypass)
  Mr. Home Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to erect a barrier in the central reservation of the dual carriageway on the Musselborough bypass section of the A1 trunk road.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Our policy is to provide safety barriers in the central reservations of all dual carriageway trunk roads and motorways in Scotland as funds permit. Priority is being given to provision on motorways.

  Nurses
  Dr. Marek
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent on nurse training in the last four years; how much he estimates will be spent in the year 1987–88; and what are the corresponding figures at constant prices.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is as follows:

  Year

  Actual Expenditure

  Constant Price3

  £ million

  £ million

  1983–84

  47·1

  53·8

  1984–85

  50·6

  55·4

  1985–86

  50·7

  52·2

  1986–87

  154·1

  54·1

  1987–88

  257·6

  55·1

  1Provisional.

  2 Estimated.

  3 Expenditure is expressed in constant 1986–87 prices using the GDP deflator.

  The figures include the salaries, national insurance and superannuation costs for learners paid by health boards, the salaries and so on of nurse teachers and support staff at colleges of nursing and midwifery and the administrative and salary costs of staff of the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland. The salary costs do not take into account the service contribution made by students during training, which varies according to the course and particular college of nursing.

  A74 (Maintenance)
  Sir Hector Monro
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many stretches of the A74 were under repair on 1 July; and if he will state the length in each case.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The following sections of the A74 were under repair on 1 July:

  Kilometres

  Strathclyde

  Northbound carriageway, Paddy's Rickle Bridge

  3

  Northbound carriageway, Glengonnar

  1

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Southbound carriageway, Beattock Village

  3

  Southbound carriageway, south of Lockerbie

  3

  Sir Hector Monro
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he will take to reduce the inconvenience through road repairs to motorists on the A74; and if he will return the road to normality by the Glasgow Fair.
  195
  Mr. Rifkind
  My Department aims to minimise disruption to traffic on the A74 by timing repair work to delays avoid the Glasgow Fair, and it is hoped that the four major repair schemes currently under way will be completed by 196
  20 July. There will, however, be some unavoidable traffic delays in the Millbank area arising from the M74 extension.

  LIFE SENTENCE PRISONERS
  LIFE SENTENCE PRISONERS
  REVERTER OF SITES ACT 1987
  REVERTER OF SITES ACT 1987
  NAVAL EXERCISES AND TERRITORIAL WATERS
  NAVAL EXERCISES AND TERRITORIAL WATERS