Written Answers of 20 July 1987

PRIME MINISTER

  Middle East
  Mr. Latham
  asked the Prime Minister whether she will make a statement on her most recent discussions with His Majesty King Hussein regarding a possible international conference on the dispute between the state of Israel and its Arab neighbours; and what estimate she has made of the willingness of other permanent members of the Security Council to support such a proposal.

  The Prime Minister
  King Hussein and I agreed that an international conference remains the best way to make progress and that it is important not to miss the present opportunity to take a step forward.

  The United Nations Secretary General is continuing his informal consultations with the parties and the permanent members of the Security Council on the conference proposal.

  Blowpipe Missiles
  Mr. Ron Brown
  asked the Prime Minister if she has received any representations about the supply of Blowpipe missiles to Afghanistan; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 13 July, at column 335.

  Europe (Department of State)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to create a new Department of state responsible for Europe; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Mr. David Walker
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the testimony of Colonel North that a British subject, David Walker, carried out attacks on military aircraft in Nicaragua, she will give instructions that neither David Walker nor his company KMS is to be considered for future Government contracts.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Telecommunications
  Mr. Douglas
  asked the Prime Minister what information she has as to whether the United States Government have received an assurance from their Japanese counterparts that two licences are to be issued in relation to the development of the second KDD telecommunications network; and whether she has herself received such an assurance from the Japanese Prime Minister or his Ministers.
  2
  The Prime Minister
  When I saw Prime Minister Nakasone at the Venice summit, I discussed the bid by Cable and Wireless, with its IDC partners, to obtain a licence to provide alternative international services in competition with KDD, the existing operator. Mr. Nakasone said that the Japanese Government would be prepared to consider two applications for licences.

  Mr. Michael Marshall
  asked the Prime Minister whether the conclusions drawn from Her Majesty's, Government's comparison of British and Japanese practices in the liberalisation of their respective telecommunications industries will affect the attitude of her Administration to future collaborative projects in this field.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government welcomed the changes in Japanese law in 1985 to permit liberalisation and competition in the field of telecommunications. This followed similar developments in the United Kingdom. The Government hope that the application of Japanese law will enable co-operation to develop in this sector.

  Research Development
  Mr. Sumberg
  asked the Prime Minister when the Government's response to the First Report of the Select Committee of the House of Lords on science and technology on civil research and development, Session 1986–87, will be published.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government's response to the First Report of the Select Committee of the House of Lords on science and technology is today being presented to Parliament. The Government are grateful to the Committee for its full and considered review of civil research and development. The response recognises the importance of increasing the civil share of the very substantial sums allocated to publicly funded R & D. The Government agree with the Committee that the main responsibility for investing in development rests with industry; its own role is to create a climate in which industry is encouraged to do so. Some sectors have responded and are increasing investment in R & D: others need to do more.

  The White Paper announces a strengthening of the central arrangements for improving the contribution of Government funded R&D to the efficiency, competitiveness and innovative capacity of the United Kingdom. The main steps are the collective ministerial consideration, under my leadership, of science and technology priorities, and the establishment of the Advisory Council on Science and Technology (ACOST) which will report to me. The Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development (ACARD) will be absorbed within ACOST with widened membership and terms of reference to embrace all science and technology. Public spending on science and technology will be directed towards areas of high national priority by an annual assessment of new opportunities drawing on the advice of ACOST and on the work of the new Centre for Exploitation of Science and Technology.

  The response welcomes the general thrust of the Select Committee's thinking on research councils and higher education. The Government are seeking comments on the Advisory Board for the Research Council's (ABRC) proposals for greater concentration and more purposive management of research resources as set out in "A

  3
  Strategy for the Science Base," which is published today. The White Paper also announces a review by the Department of Trade and Industry of its role in supporting and encouraging innovation in industry; and the publication today of a study by Inland Revenue and Her Majesty's Treasury officials of tax incentives for R & D spending in 10 developed countries.

EMPLOYMENT

  Expats International Ltd. (Correspondence)
  Mr. John Fraser
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment why it took his Department from 6 March to 2 June to reply to a letter from Expats International Ltd. about potential fraud by Asset Enterprises Ltd.

  Mr. Lee
  My Department's employment agency licensing office at Stanmore acknowledged the letter dated 6 March from Expats International on 17 March. An inspector visited Asset Enterprises on 1 April to investigate possible offences under the Employment Agencies Act 1973, including unlawful charging of fees to workers. The office took steps to end the illegal practices found and wrote a further letter to Expats International on 15 April informing them of the action taken. Following complaints about continuing illegal activity by Asset, the office began to gather evidence with a view to prosecution. In a letter dated 2 June it informed Expats International that Asset Enterprises had left their premises and were being investigated by the police for fraud.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the achievements of his Department in helping small businesses over the last three years; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring.

  Mr. Cope
  Overall responsibility for small firms sector was transferred to the Department of Employment on 3 September 1985. The promotion of enterprise and the exploitation of its potential for job creation have a high priority in the Department's objectives. The Department also monitors and seeks to influence relevant policies of other Departments so that they will benefit the sector. In England the regional enterprise units have been set up to represent and promote the Government's interest in enterprise and small firms at a regional and local level.

  The number of small firms in the United Kingdom has been steadily increasing. From 1980 to 1985 there was an average net increase of around 500 per week in the total stock of businesses registered for VAT. The number of self-employed people in the United Kingdom has also risen continuously in recent years, from 1·9 million in mid-1979 to 2·7 million in December 1986.

  Steps taken by the Department of Employment during the last three years specifically to help small firms are listed below:

  Advice and Information

  A major priority has been to make information and advice more accessible to small businesses and the self-employed through the small firms service, local enterprise agencies, the Manpower Services Commission's jobcentres and the publication "Action for Jobs".
  4
  The small firms service monitors performance by three main indicators as set out below, the figures refer only to England. The operation of the service in Wales and Scotland is administered by their respective development agencies.

  Inquiries

  New cases

  Counselling sessions

  1984–85

  242,101

  24,955

  34,180

  1985–86

  255,228

  25,361

  35,114

  1986–87

  280,328

  27,158

  38,210

  Local Enterprise Agency Grant Scheme

  A five year scheme of financial assistance designed to establish a network of viable self-supporting enterprise agencies was introduced on 1 April 1986. The purpose of these agencies is to provide advice and help to both the budding and the existing entrepreneur. The objective of the scheme is to encourage greater private sector support for the agencies — by matching, up to a limit, the amount of that support with Government support—and towards that end approximately £2·5 million in grants was made available in the first year to about 170 agencies. A further £2·7 million is being made available in 1987–88.

  Training

  The Manpower Services Commission has been refocusing its adult training programme at the Department's request to take greater account of small firms' training needs. Its Training for Enterprise budget has been increased from £9·0 million in 1984–85 when it assisted 7,870 people, to £11·6 million in 1985–8 6 which assisted 25,000 people and £18·6 million in 1986–87 benefiting 67,000 people. The estimate for 1987–88 provides for expenditure of £19·3 million helping 68,600.

  Enterprise Allowance Scheme

  Over the last three years the scheme has expanded rapidly and the number of entrants in each year were as follows:

  Number

  1984–85

  46,036

  1985–86

  60,036

  1986–87

  86,751

  Provision for 102,500 entrants has been made for 1987–88. The rules of the scheme were widened in 1986 to allow non-independent businesses such as franchises, agencies and distributorships to be set up with scheme support, and greater emphasis is now being placed on counselling and training for applicants. The results of a survey of applicants joining the scheme in 1984 showed that of those received the allowance for a full year 76 per cent. were still trading 18 months after start-up, and for every 100 of these businesses 91 additional jobs have been created.

  (6) Loan Guarantee Scheme

  This scheme was extended for a further three years in the 1986 Budget. The cost to borrowers through the premium payable has been reduced from 5 per cent. to 2·5 per cent. of the guaranteed amount outstanding. The guarantee covers 7 per cent. of the loan.

  In 1986–87 1,050 guarantees were issued with a total value of £40·4 million.

  (7) The Prince's Youth Business Trust
  5
  The Department has agreed to match private sector donations to the Prince's Youth Business Trust. The Department's contributions is to be used to provide loans to young people setting up in or expanding an existing business.

  (8)Health and Safety

  The Health and Safety Commission's small firms working group, chaired by an employer-nominated commissioner, has special responsibility for the interests of small firms. A number of publications aimed specifically at small firms, have been produced and distributed. The Health and Safety Executive is also preparing a general guidance handbook on health and safety problems in small businesses, which will be available shortly. In addition, inspectors receive training on the problems of small firms. In 1985–86 the factory inspectorate visited 17,650 new establishments of which they believe the majority will have been to firms with 25 or fewer employees.

  (9)Employing People

  The Department has produced a simplified guide to employment legislation for small firms' advisers, along with a model employment form and notice board kit aimed to help small firms in particular. In March the Department published a cartoon leaflet and series of fact sheets on employment law, designed to help those employing people for the first time. In addition, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has published a booklet for small firms with information on various aspects of employing people.

  (10)Performance Indicators

  The Department monitors all its schemes with a view to assessing additionality, job creation, displacement and other relevant factors. Evaluation reports on particular schemes are published where relevant. The size of the small firm sector is regularly monitored by reference to the number of such firms registered for VAT.

  Jobstart
  Mr. Leighton
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the take-up of jobstart in the London borough of Newham.

  Mr. Lee
  The information is not available in the form requested. Between 1 July 1986 and 26 June 1987, 31 applications for the jobstart allowance were accepted by the East Ham restart team which covers the boroughs of Newham, Barking, Dagenham and until October 1986, Tower Hamlets. Nationally there have been 12,666 accepted applications since the scheme began and take-up is currently running at around 400 weekly.

  YTS (Chelmsford)
  Mr. Burns
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the number of young persons on YTS in the Chelmsford local authority area in each of the last 12 months.

  Mr. Cope
  The information is shown in the following table:6

  Date

  Number of young people on YTS in Chelmsford local authority district

  31 July 1986

  576

  31 August 1986

  474

  30 September 1986

  652

  31 October 1986

  659

  30 November 1986

  643

  31 December 1986

  636

  31 January 1987

  623

  28 February 1987

  612

  31 March 1987

  591

  30 April 1987

  557

  31 May 1987

  562

  30 June 1987

  646

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Burns
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the total number of people unemployed in the Chelmsford local authority area in each month since May 1979 until the latest available date.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. Statistics of unemployment for local authority areas are derived from the ward-based system and are available only from June 1983.

  Unemployed claimants Chelmsford local authority area

  Number

  June 1983

  3,370

  July 1983

  3,491

  August 1983

  3,481

  September 1983

  3,719

  October 1983

  3,581

  November 1983

  3,627

  December 1983

  3,558

  January 1984

  3,749

  February 1984

  3,777

  March 1984

  3,737

  April 1984

  3,690

  May 1984

  3,707

  June 1984

  3,659

  July 1984

  3,947

  August 1984

  3,947

  September 1984

  4,186

  October 1984

  4,060

  November 1984

  4,065

  December 1984

  4,100

  January 1985

  4,304

  February 1985

  4,313

  March 1985

  4,177

  April 1985

  4,182

  May 1985

  4,050

  June 1985

  4,066

  July 1985

  4,215

  August 1985

  4,254

  September 1985

  4,413

  October 1985

  4,241

  November 1985

  4,224

  December 1985

  4,142

  January 1986

  4,378

  February 1986

  4,376

  March 1986

  4,294

  April 1986

  4,271

  May 1986

  4,246

  June 1986

  4,172

  July 1986

  4,260

  August 1986

  4,239

  September 1986

  4,243

  October 1986

  4,068

  November 1986

  3,897

  December 1986

  3,766

  January 1987

  3,909

  7

  Number

  February 1987

  3,792

  March 1987

  3,583

  April 1987

  3,532

  May 1987

  3,397

  June 1987

  3,281

  Mr. Frank Field
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are currently signing on in the Birkenhead constituency.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. On 11 June 1987, the number of unemployed claimants in the Birkenhead constituency was 9,016.

  Mr. Frank Field
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are currently signing on in the Wirral, South constituency.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. On 11 June 1987, the number of unemployed claimants in the Wirral, South constituency was 3,615.

  Unemployed Claimants in Greater London, 9 April 1987

  Males

  Females

  Number

  Percentage of total

  Number

  Percentage of total

  Unemployed for under 6 months

  98,260

  37·1

  49,599

  43·5

  6 months to 1 year

  49,542

  18·7

  27,437

  24·0

  1 to 2 years

  46,263

  17·4

  16,927

  14·8

  Over 2 years

  71,113

  26·8

  20,141

  17·7

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many people in London are employed in manufacturing industry for the latest date available; and how many were so employed in 1983;

  (2) how many people in London have been employed in the service industries for each of past four years.

  Mr. Lee
  The available information is as follows:

  Employees in employment in Greater London

  Manufacturing

  Service industries industries

  December 1983

  585,000

  2,696,000

  December 1984

  569,000

  2,738,000

  December 1985

  556,000

  2,784,000

  December 19861

  530,000

  2,812,000

  1 Latest available.

  Employees in employment in Greater London

  Males

  Females

  Full time

  Males Part time

  All

  Full time

  Females Part time

  All

  December 1983

  1—

  1—

  1,983,000

  988,000

  506,000

  1,494,000

  September 19842

  1,835,000

  137,000

  1,971,000

  998,000

  494,000

  1,492,000

  December 1984

  1—

  1—

  1,984,000

  1,002,000

  510,000

  1,512,000

  December 1985

  1—

  1—

  1,992,000

  1,020,000

  508,000

  1,528,000

  December 19863

  1—

  1—

  1,985,000

  1,020,000

  516,000

  1,536,000

  1 Not available.

  2 Census of employment.

  3 Latest available.

  8
  Mr. Frank Field
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are currently signing on in the Wirral, West constituency.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. On 11 june 1987, the number of unemployed claimants in the Wirral, West constituency was 4,022.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of people unemployed in London for the latest date available.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. On 11 June 1987, the number of unemployed claimants in Greater London was 361,370.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people in London, by sex, have been unemployed for (a) less than six months, (b) between six months and one year, (c) between one year and two years and (d) more than two years; and what percentage each of these groups represent of the total figure.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people, by sex, work (a) full-time and (b) part-time in London, for the latest date available and for each of the last four years.

  Mr. Lee
  Estimates of the numbers of full-time and part-time male employees in employment in regions for the period specified are available only from the September 1984 census of employment. Regional estimates of the numbers of self-employed people do not separately identify full-time and part-time employment.

  The available information is given in the following table:

  Disabled Employees (Adaptation of Premises)
  Mr. Ashley
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many grants have been given to employers to adapt their premises to meet the needs of disabled employees; and how much has been spent on this programme in each of the last five financial years.

  Mr. Lee
  The information requested is set out below, showing the number of grants given to employers and expenditure on the programme in each of the last five financial years.

  Year

  Number of grants

  Expenditure £

  1982–83

  117

  107,334

  1983–84

  170

  134,412

  1984–85

  145

  243,649

  1985–86

  165

  295,000

  1986–87

  253

  256,457

  Disabled Persons (Training)
  Mr. Ashley
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what plans he has to ensure that disabled young people eligible for YTS will not have decreased access to training programmes as a result of preference being given to those who must have places or risk losing their supplementary benefit;

  (2) how he will ensure that the quality of training places for disabled young people will be maintained at a high standard and improved against the pressure to provide a large quantity of training places.

  Mr. John Lee
  I do not anticipate that the availability or quality of places for young disabled people will be affected by the new supplementary benefit proposals.

  The Government have not yet announced how they will implement their commitment to ensure that those under 18 who choose deliberately to remain unemployed are not eligible for benefit, but they are equally committed to protecting other young people, including those who suffer from disabilities. There will he no impact on YTS opportunities for the disabled.

  Construction Workers (Training)
  Mr. Stuart Holland
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to what share of the work force in the United Kingdom construction industry was trained at employers' cost and for what training period by private contractors.

  Mr. Cope
  This information is not currently available. As part of a study of funding of vocational education and training in Britain, the Manpower Services Commission is undertaking a survey of employers' training activities. The survey will examine costs and volumes of training across all major sectors, including the construction industry. The results of the survey are expected to be available in 1988. The annual report of the Construction Industry Training Board provides financial data on training activity involving the board.

  National Dock Labour Scheme
  Dame Peggy Fenner
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he intends to take any action in the course of this Session to seek to abolish the national dock labour scheme; and if he will make a statement.
  10
  Mr. Nicholls
  There has been no change in the Government's position with regard to the scheme. I cannot speculate about the view they are likely to take over the rest of this Session.

  Job Vacancies
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of job vacancies in London for the latest date available.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. On 5 June 1987, the number of unfilled vacancies at jobcentres in Greater London was 37,801. These do not represent the total number of vacancies in Greater London. Estimates suggest that nationally about a third of all vacancies are notified to jobcentres, but an equivalent estimate for Greater London is not available.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Payroll Giving
  Sir Geoffrey Finsberg
  asked the Lord Privy Seal why the detailed arrangements for charity payroll giving, referred to in his predecessor's answer in the Official Report, 4 March, column 630, have not yet been implemented; what has been the cause of the delay; and when the scheme will become operative for hon. Members.

  Mr. Wakeham
  As I am sure my hon. Friend will appreciate, the charity payroll giving scheme is both new and detailed. It is necessary to appoint an agency or agencies to which the contributions deducted from donor's salaries will be paid for subsequent distribution to the individual charities nominated by the donors. The agency must be a charity and must have been approved for the purpose by Inland Revenue. As my hon. Friend will recognise, the agency must be carefully selected and the necessary contractual and administrative arrangements must be examined in depth before prospective donors are invited to participate in the scheme. It is hoped to introduce a scheme when the House returns after the summer recess. The £120 limit applies to the tax year as a whole.

  Widows' Pensions
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will set out in tabular form in the Official Report the percentage of pension lost, in each case, by the widows of those former Members who died between 1 March 1984 and 30 April 1987, taking into account the level of salary recommended by the TSRB in its report No. 20 and the salary actually in payment at the relevant date.

  Mr. Wakeham
  There are eight such cases. The proportion by which the pensions of the widows concerned would have been greater if the TSRB recommendation relating to Members' salaries had been implemented in full from 13 June 1983 depends mainly on the salary in payment at the time of death. Increases in that salary between 1983 and 1987 mean that, broadly speaking, the percentage gain forgone was least in the most recent cases. The following table sets out the percentage gain forgone in descending order of size.
  11

  Case

  Year of death

  Percentage

  1

  1984

  19·62

  2

  1984

  16·98

  3

  1985

  13·7

  4

  1986

  11·47

  5

  1986

  7·45

  6

  1986

  7·42

  7

  1987

  5·87

  8

  1987

  5·8

WALES

  Mentally Disabled Persons
  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what measures have been taken, or are under consideration, to ensure suitable housing for mentally disabled persons being discharged from hospital under the policy of caring in the community.

  Mr. Grist
  Responsibility for ensuring that suitable housing is provided for individuals discharged from mental illness and mental handicap hospitals rests with district health authorities and local authority social services departments, working in conjunction with other bodies such as local housing authorities, the Housing Corporation and voluntary organisations, where appropriate. We support care in the community developments with special central funding and will continue to do so.

  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many mentally disabled persons have been discharged from hospital under the policy of caring in the community; how many more he expects to be discharged during the coming years; and if he will give the figures by health authority area.

  Mr. Grist
  Information is not available in the form requested, but tables 1.19 and 4.15 of "Mental Health Statistics for Wales (No. 6, 1986)"—a copy of which is in the Library—provide an analysis of discharges from mental illness and mental handicap hospitals by category of recommended aftercare. The resident population of mental illness hospitals and units fell from 6,227 in 1970 to 4,181 in 1985. That of mental handicap hospitals and units fell from 2,490 in 1970 to 1,906 in 1985.

  Elderly Persons (Accommodation)
  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what provisions exist in each county of Wales for the inspection of nursing and residential homes for the elderly; and how many people in each case are employed in the inspection of such homes.

  Mr. Grist
  A statutory duty is placed upon health authorities and county councils in Wales to inspect regularly private nursing and residential homes, including those for the elderly. It is for each individual authority to determine the numbers of staff it employs for this purpose.

  Nursing and Residential Homes
  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average number of residents in privately owned nursing and residential homes for the elderly in Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  The latest figures available indicate that there were 4,937 residents in the 340 private and voluntary 12
  residential homes for the elderly at 31 March 1986, an average of 14·5 per home. There were 1,356 beds designated for the elderly in the 78 private nursing homes at 31 December 1985, an average of 17·4 beds per home. No information is available centrally on the occupancy of the private nursing home beds.

  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales what guidance his Department has issued on the ideal maximum number of residents at nursing and residential homes for the elderly.

  Mr. Grist
  The Department has issued no specific guidance on this matter.

  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the average cost per annum of accommodating an elderly person in (a) a private nursing or residential home and (b) a local authority owned nursing or residential home in Wales;

  (2) what is the total annual cost to public funds of accommodating those elderly people in Wales who live in private nursing or residential homes; and what were the equivalent figures for each year since 1979 at 1987 and outturn prices.

  Mr. Grist
  The information available to the Department relates only to the expenditure incurred by local authorities in providing residential homes for the elderly, and does not include expenditure by other Government Departments. No reliable comparative information is available for private nursing or residential homes. The estimated average net expenditure incurred by local authorities for accommodating elderly persons (over 65) in local authority residential homes in 1985–86 was £3,900 per head.

  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many and what proportion of the retired population of each county of Wales are accommodated in (a) local authority owned and (b) privately owned nursing and residential homes; and what were the corresponding figures for 1979.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Disabled Persons (Higher Education)
  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what guidance his Department has given to local education authorities regarding guaranteeing places in higher education to disabled persons;

  (2) what measures have been taken by his Department to encourage Manpower Services Commission projects to improve access to the colleges of the university of Wales for disabled students.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  In the recent White Paper "Higher Education—Meeting the Challenge" the Government reaffirmed its policy of providing access to higher education for all who have the necessary intellectual competence, motivation and maturity to benefit from it and who wish to do so. It remains the Government's policy, however, to leave to institutions the decision on which individual students to admit.

  With regard to the question of physical access, section 8 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 requires that provision for the needs of disabled persons shall be included in the design of universities, schools and colleges of further and higher education.
  13
  The Welsh Office has provided funds under the education support grant arrangements to encourage local authorities to purchase special equipment designed for the use of students with special educational needs. Provision was made for expenditure of £80,000 to be supported through education support grant in 1986–87 and a similar level of support is being made available in the current financial year.

  The MSC, in deciding which applicants it should select for financial support under its adult training programme, which includes the funding of adults on suitable courses in further and higher education institutions, is prepared to relax its general eligibility rules where the disabled are concerned.

  Schools (Financial Delegation)
  Mr. Gwilym
  Jones asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the Government's plans to provide financial delegation to schools.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  I am today publishing in Wales a consultation document seeking views on the Government's proposal to legislate to give all secondary schools and larger primary schools control over their own budgets. I have asked for comments to be submitted by 16 September. Copies of the document have been placed in the Library.

  Open Enrolment
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the Government's plans to provide for more open enrolment to schools.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  I am today publishing in Wales a consultation document seeking views on the Government's proposal to legislate to change the present arrangement for admissions to schools so that local education authorities and governing bodies would be required to admit pupils up to the limit of that school's available capacity. I have asked for comments to be submitted by 16 September. Copies of the document have been placed in the Library of the House.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  EC Treaties
  Mr. Spearing
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Newham, South on 8 July, Official Report, column 149, if he will state the earliest and latest dates when he expects the full amended version of the main treaties of the European Economic Community to be available from the Community Publications Office and Her Majesty's Stationery Office, respectively.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The amended version of the treaties, which will be published in all the Community languages, is expected to be available from the Community Publications Office by the end of the year. Her Majesty's Stationery Office expect to publish its edition three to four months thereafter.

  UNESCO
  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will take steps to
  14
  ensure that UNESCO is not subjected to controls or regulations concerning foreign exchange or fund transfers in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will take steps to ensure that UNESCO is immune from certain legal process in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if he will take steps to ensure that UNESCO continues to have the capacity to acquire and dispose of immovable and movable property in the United Kingdom and to receive income therefrom without tax liabilities;

  (4) if he will take measures to ensure that UNESCO retains in full its capacity for entering into contracts in the United Kingdom protecting it from future limitation by a law or an act affecting the judicial personality of bodies corporate;

  (5) when he hopes to be able to announce a decision on the granting of privileges and immunities to UNESCO comparable to those it normally enjoys in the states that are not parties to the convention on the privileges and immunities of the specialised agencies; and if he will make a statement;

  (6) if he will take steps to ensure that UNESCO has access to the same facilities in respect of communications in the United Kingdom as those accorded to foreign Governments; and if he will make a statement;

  (7) if he will introduce measures to ensure that members of the executive board, staff members, experts or other persons travelling on UNESCO business may freely enter, transit through and exit from the United Kingdom without restrictions, and may be immune from legal process in respect of acts performed by them in their official capacities; and if he will make a statement;

  (8) if he will take steps to ensure that representatives of member states of UNESCO can attend meetings convened by UNESCO in the United Kingdom without impediments or restrictions on a permanent rather than an ad hoc basis.

  Mr. Eggar
  The United Kingdom is a party to the convention on the privileges and immunities of the specialised agencies of the United Nations, and, pursuant to its terms, has undertaken to apply its provisions in respect of most of the specialised agencies of which it is a member. Our record in this respect is better than that of many other countries. Effect is given to the convention in United Kingdom law by Orders in Council under section 1 of the International Organisations Act 1968. The principal order is the Specialised Agencies of the United Nations (Immunities and Privileges) Order 1974 (S.I. 1974/1260). The Act only allows such orders to be made in respect of organisations declared by order to be organisations of which the United Kingdom is a member.

  When we ceased to be a member of UNESCO, the order ceased to have effect in respect of that organisation; and we therefore no longer had the legislative powers to apply to UNESCO the terms of the specialised agencies convention. We accordingly notified the Director-General of UNESCO on 13 December 1985, and also the Secretary-General of the United Nations, that the United Kingdom intended to withhold from UNESCO the benefits of the said Convention.

  In the light of concern subsequently expressed by UNESCO, the head of the UNESCO observer section of our embassy in Paris wrote to UNESCO on 17 March 1986 to clarify our reasons in detail and to assure the organisation that in our opinion the practical

  15
  consequences for UNESCO and its staff would in fact be minimal. To avoid any possible misconceptions, he drew particular attention to the following points:

  (i) Whilst in theory the withholding of privileges and immunities would render inapplicable to UNESCO exemption from foreign exchange control regulations, in fact the United Kingdom does not operate foreign exchange controls.

  (ii) Although it is possible that in some cases secretariat officials who have income liable to United Kingdom tax may not enjoy quite the same degree of tax relief as hitherto, it is unlikely that any British citizens working for UNESCO will be regarded as resident in the United Kingdom for tax purposes, and for this reason such individuals will not be liable to tax on their salaries from UNESCO. Furthermore, even if there were any UNESCO officials who are resident in the United Kingdom for tax purposes, they will, under certain conditions, be able to claim exemption from tax on their earnings where their duties of employment are performed either wholly or partly outside the United Kingdom.

  (iii) The withholding of privileges and immunities will not, in general, make it more expensive for UNESCO to purchase goods in the United Kingdom. In practice, any goods exported from the United Kingdom are not liable to value added tax. Our understanding is that the volume of equipment purchased by UNESCO in the United Kingdom for use in the United Kingdom itself is extremely limited. In any case, in the United Kingdom the supply of goods and services incidental to the provision of education, training or retraining is, subject to certain conditions, exempt from value added tax.

  At the same time we assured UNESCO that we had publicly confirmed our willingness to consider any particular issues or cases where it could be shown that withdrawal of privileges and immunities could be an obstacle to any continuing co-operation which UNESCO may wish to have with bodies in the United Kingdom. The secretariat has not so far drawn any such cases to our attention.
  16
  At its May 1986 session UNESCO's executive board invited the Director-General to initiate negotiations with the United Kingdom:
  "with a view to securing from that State an assurance that UNESCO will be granted the privileges and immunities the Organisation normally enjoys in States that are not parties to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialised Agencies".

  I wrote to the Director-General of UNESCO on 11 July 1986 suggesting that this matter be pursued by the secretariat and the Head of our UNESCO observer section. Many of UNESCO's member states are not themselves parties to the convention and I added that as a first step it would be helpful if she could be informed precisely what is meant by the phrase used by the executive board.

  On 7 April our observer received a letter from the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO proposing an arrangement based on the provisions of the headquarters agreement between the United Kingdom and the International Maritime Organisation. On 15 May 1987 the head of our UNESCO observer section informed UNESCO that we do not consider this an appropriate parallel and repeated our request for clarification of the phrase used by the executive board in its decision, that is,
  "the privileges and immunities the Organisation normally enjoys in States that are not parties to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialised Agencies".
  We await a reply.

  It is noteworthy that in a press release issued by UNESCO on 19 June it commented as follows:
  "Negotiations between UNESCO and the UK are going forward satisfactorily. They concern questions arising from the UK withdrawal from the Organisation, the costs of maintaining observer status, conditions of UK contributions to certain UNESCO activities and the diplomatic privileges and immunities of UNESCO and its personnel when in the UK. Mr. Michel de Bonnecorse UNESCO's Deputy Director-General, who is personally in charge of these negotiations, stated at a press conference held on 5 June that these talks were taking place in a cordial and apolitical atmosphere which he was sure would lead to positive results."

  While we stand ready to consider any practical difficulties which arise for UNESCO and its staff arising from the absense of privileges and immunities, we are not prepared to amend our domestic legislation for the benefit of an organisation of which we are no longer a member.

  Middle East
  Mr. Latham
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's ambassador in Kuwait sought any meeting with Mr. Yasser Arafat on 12 July in Kuwait to discuss Mr. Arafat's rejection of the proposed international conference on the middle east; and whether he will make a statment.

  Mr. Mellor
  No.

  Zambia
  Mr. Latham
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the response which he has received from the Government of Zambia regarding the blocking of funds lawfully due to British subjects formerly resident in Zambia, but now living in the United Kingdom; and what further action he intends to take on this matter.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The Zambian authorities are committed to honour their obligations to remit blocked personal remittances when foreign exchange flows in to the country improve. We continue to remind the Zambian authorities of these obligations and to draw to their attention the hardship which the delay in repatriation of funds can cause in individual cases.

  Mr. David Walker
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has received any representations from the Nicaraguan Government relating to Colonel Oliver North's testimony that a British subject, David Walker, carried out attacks on military aircraft in Nicaragua; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  No such representations have been recieved from the Nicaraguan Government. Mr. Walker's company, KMS, is a private company registered in Jersey. Allegations that we authorised KMS involvement with the contras are totally unfounded. Information concerning the alleged involvement of KMS has come to us through the Congressional investigation. We are not responsible for KMS and cannot answer for its actions.

  Mohammad Jamail Khan
  Mr. Madden
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why Mohammad Jamil Khan, a 10-year-old Pakistan national, has not been issued with a visa to visit his uncle in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  Mohammad Jamil Khan was issued with a visit visa on 20 July 1987.

  Pankajbhai Bhagubhai Patel
  Mr. Madden
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Pankajbhai Bhagubhai Patel is to be issued with a visa by the British post in Bombay to join his wife in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Eggar
  Mr. Patel will be issued with a visa on the satisfactory completion of medical clearance, which is in hand. It is hoped to issue the visa this week.

THE ARTS

  North West Arts Association
  Mr. Butler
  asked the Minister for the Arts what information he has as to the percentage by which resources have risen for the North West Arts Association since 1979.

  Mr. Luce
  Between the period 1979–80 to 1986–87 North West Art's resources have increased by some 54 per cent. in real terms.

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Alton
  asked the Minister for the Arts (1) if he will list the grants made by him to the national museums on Merseyside, and constituent institutions, in every year since their inception; and if he will break the figures down by whether they are for capital costs, operating costs, or for purchases;

  (2) how much of his Department's expenditure on museums has been set aside for the replacement of the Greater London council and metropolitan authorities grants to museums in every year since the Greater London council and metropolitan authorities were abolished; which institutions have benefited; and by how much;

  (3) what the total expenditure by his Department on museums and galleries has been in every year since 1976–77; and, within the totals, what sums have been allocated to (a) the national museums, (b) the Museums and Galleries Commission, and (c) the remainder.

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

CIVIL SERVICE

  Recruitment
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many people have been recruited into the Home Civil Service in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Luce
  The information is as follows:

  Home Civil Service: Non-industrial staff

  Year

  Numbers of entrants

  1977

  57,354

  1978

  64,684

  1979

  48,623

  1980

  48,620

  1981

  32,390

  1982

  30,997

  1983

  30,658

  1984

  40,928

  1985

  46,964

  1986

  148,561

  1 Provisional.

  Source: Civil Service Statistics (annual publication).

  Departmental Staff (Statistics)
  Mr. Frank Field
  asked the Minister for the Civil Service if, for each Government Department, he will give the numbers of officials at assistant secretary level and above who have been educated privately; what percentage of each grade in each Department these figures represent; and how these figures compare with those for 1980–81.
  19
  Mr. Luce
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 July 1987]: This information is not held centrally.

ENERGY

  Hinkley Point (Reactor)
  Mr. Flynn
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has as to the Central Electricity Generating Board's plans to build a pressurised water reactor at the site at Hinkley Point.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Following consent by the Secretary of State for Energy to the Sizewell B power station, the CEGB announced that it intended to submit an application for the construction of a further PWR at Hinkley Point later this year. As yet no such application has been received by my Department.

  Sellafield Reprocessing Plant
  Mr. Flynn
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy what meetings he has had with representatives of the European Commisssion concerning the implementation of nuclear safeguards of the Sellafield reprocessing plant.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  In reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Penrith and the Border (Mr. Maclean) my right hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr. Walker) said on 4 June 1986, at columns 594–595, that consultations on an inspection regime to cover the mixed civil/non-civil areas at Sellafield had been completed. Following the completion of these consultations various meetings have been held between my officials and officials of the European Commission on the detailed implementation of safeguards procedures at Sellafield.

  Nuclear Safety
  Mr. Frank Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's information programme funded by his Department provides details on the number of occasions Her Majesty's Government have invited operational safety (OSART) teams from the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit the United Kingdom in support of the nuclear facility safety programme;

  (2) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority information programme funded by his Department provides details on the number and outcome of successful prosecutions brought against British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. for contravention of its operating licence;

  (3) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority nuclear information programme provides details on the annual investment made since the programmes of construction began on both the Magnox and advanced gas-cooled reactor;

  (4) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority public information programme provides details on the annual research and development costs of Magnox and advanced gas-cooled reactor programme;

  (5) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority public information programme provides details on the number of occasions, with reasons, for the withdrawals from nuclear safeguards of nuclear materials covered by safeguards;

  (6) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority public information programme provides details
  20
  on the number of incidents reported since February 1977 in regard to each United Kingdom civil nuclear facility recorded by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate;

  (7) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority public information programme provides details on the sources and quantities of uranium imported for the civil nuclear programme;

  (8) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority public information programme provides details on the texts of the contracts presently in being between British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. and its foreign partners;

  (9) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority public information programme provides details on the specific uses to which all plutonium arising from the electricity board nuclear reactors has been put in the United Kingdom or abroad since the first fuel was reprocessed at Sellafield for each respective reactor;

  (10) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority public information programme provides details on the number of visits and resultant reports of Euratom and the International Atomic Energy Authority safeguards inspectors who have visited all United Kingdom nuclear facilities since safeguards agreements were concluded to cover them;

  (11) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority public information programme indicates whether any financial support was made available to objector groups which presented evidence to the Thorp, Windscale, Sizewell B pressurised water reactor and Dounreay EDRP public inquiries, respectively; and if he will make a statement;

  (12) whether the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority public information programme will provide any previously unpublished information on civil nuclear matters relating to commercial considerations, national security or cost of provision restriction.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Details of the UKAEA public information programme are a matter for the authority. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Magnox Nuclear Reactors
  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether his Department has carried out studies into the efficiency of the filtration system for gaseous discharges from Magnox nuclear reactors; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  [pursuant to his reply, 10 July, c. 288]: My Department has not carried out studies into the efficiency of filtration systems and gaseous discharges from Magnox reactors.

  However, certificates of authorisation granted under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 set an upper limit to the amount of radioactivity which may be released and, in addition, require that Mannox operators employ best practical means to minimise releases. In part this is achieved by the use of appropriate filtrations and the CEGB carries out regular checks on the efficiency of the filters used in its Mannox reactors. The NII would, as part of its inspections, monitor these checks.

  Electricity Industry Staff (South Africa)
  Mr. Boateng
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has concerning the loan of United Kingdom electricity supply industry staff to ESCOM in South Africa.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 July 1987]: This is a matter for the Electricity Council. I will ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

VERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Developing Countries (Debt Repayment)
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the developing nations which, in the last year, have imposed debt repayment ceilings as a proportion of export earnings.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The clearest cases are Peru, Sudan and Zambia.

  Aid Programme
  Mr. Wood
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he is doing to increase public awareness of the British aid programme.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The ODA will be publishing before Parliament rises its latest annual review together with the annual reports from its scientific units. These reports provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the British aid programme in 1986. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  In May we published a new, illustrated guide to the aid programme, "British Aid", together with a wallchart for schools. The demand for "British Aid", particularly from schools, has been unprecedentedly high. It has therefore been reprinted.

  India
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has received during the last 12 months concerning the level of aid to India.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  I have answered three questions and received three letters from right hon. and hon. Members.

  Aid (Voluntary Agencies)
  Mr. Squire
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to increase official aid funding through the voluntary agencies.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The voluntary agencies provide appropriate and very cost-effective aid to some of the poorest communities in the developing world. Our financial support for them has increased considerably in recent years. Decisions about next year's spending have yet to be made, but I look forward to being able to offer substantial support in the future.

  Tanzania
  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance Her Majesty's Government have provided to Tanzania in support of its economic reform programme.
  22
  Mr. Chris Patten
  After Tanzania reached agreement with the International Monetary Fund last August we made an initial pledge of £25 million, all for fast disbursing balance of payments support. When I visited Tanzania in March I committed a further £25 million for development projects, the railway sector and, subject to the reform programme being maintained, for additional balance of payments support.

  Women (Third World)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new proposals he intends to institute with regard to training and education for women in the Third world.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We are encouraging aid-recipient Governments to nominate more women for training under our aid programme. We are also commissioning independent research into the constraints which limit nominations. When I know the results of these initiatives, I will decide whether further actions are necessary.

  Overseas Civil Service (Pensions)
  Mr. Stanbrook
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the cost of allowing for war service in the pensions of members of the Overseas Civil Service; and how the estimate is calculated.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We estimate that the cost could be perhaps £5 to £6 million a year. The estimate is based on a sample of Colonial Service pension files. In some instances, information on war service was missing or incomplete. The estimate, therefore, is subject to a significant margin of error.

  UNICEF (Immunisation Programme).
  Mr. Chapman
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the financial commitment of other nations to the UNICEF global immunisation programme in comparison with that of Her Majesty's Government.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Her Majesty's Government gave over £5·3 million to the global immunisation programme, putting the United Kingdom fourth in the league of donors. I shall publish full details of the comparative figures in the Official Report.

  The following is the information:

  UNICEF global immunisation programme—1985–1987

  Donor

  Amount (US$)

  Italy

  41,240,121

  Canada

  19,737,944

  Sweden

  13,738,892

  United Kingdom

  8,076,328

  United States

  3,500,000

  Norway

  1,925,000

  Australia

  239,865

  Netherlands

  204,554

  Nigeria

  143,503

  Burma

  40,702

  Note: Some figures are approximate.

  Source: UNICEF.

  Health Care and Community Rehabilitation (Third World)
  Mr. Rowe
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to encourage the development of primary health care and community rehabilitation in Third world countries.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We spend about £38 million a year on health and population assistance. In future, we shall be giving more emphasis to the development of primary health care programmes, which reach the most vulnerable and needy sections of the community.

  Homeless Persons
  Mr. Alton
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's support for the international year of shelter for the homeless.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  To mark the year the Government have made special financial contributions to the relevant United Nations special fund and to support the British IYSH Trust.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Kingdom investment in the United Nations international year of shelter for the homeless; what new grants for shelter-related projects he has announced in 1987; and what percentage of his Department's budget has gone on aid to shelter-related projects in each year from 1977.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  To mark the year the Government are contributing £70,000 to the special fund run by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements which supports the shelter programme. We have similar contributions in mind in future years. In addition, the Government have made £44,000 available this year to help meet the costs of the British IYSH Trust. We are also financing the publication of three books—an "Urban Projects Manual", "Shanty Upgrading", and "Housing and Culture after Earthquakes"—providing valuable guidance in these fields for developing countries.

  Information on grants and on the percentage of the budget spent on shelter-related projects is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Education Projects
  Mr. Kirkwood
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase funding for development education projects.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  In addition to the ODA's grants of £100,000 to the Centre for World Development Education (CWDE) and £6,000 to Scottish Education and Action for Development in this financial year, I am always willing to consider requests for funding other carefully selected development education projects taking into account work already done, particularly by CWDE.

  The widespread distribution to schools of our new booklet "British Aid" constitutes a major development education initiative this year.

  Minister's Speech (Printing Costs)
  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost to his Department of printing, publishing and distributing the speech of the Minister for Overseas Development, the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Patten) entitled "Idealism and Self-Interest: Britain's Aid Programme" delivered to the Royal Institute for International Affairs at Chatham House on 18 March.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  It costs £303·60 to reproduce 1,000 copies of this speech in booklet form.

  Overseas Aid
  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by what absolute figure and by what percentage the 1987–88 estimate for overseas aid falls short of achieving the United Nations' target for official development assistance of 0·7 per cent. of gross national product.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The United Nations target is based on net official development assistance, which differs in various ways from public expenditure planning figures for the aid programme, and for which estimates for 1987–88 are not available. In 1986, the latest year for which figures are available, net official development assistance fell short of the target by £1,430 million or 55 per cent.

  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of Her Majesty's Government's expenditure on overseas aid is spent directly through United Kingdom-based organisations; and if he will name those organisations and the amount spent through each during the last year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Most bilateral aid grants, apart from those made from the country programmes, are spent through United Kingdom based organisations, and amounted to 13 per cent. of the gross aid programme in 1985–86. The main organisations are listed in table 3 of "Statistics of the British Aid Programme by Financial Year" and in the ODA's "Report on Research and Development", both of which are in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of Her Majesty's Government's overseas aid is spent through European Community aid programmes.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  In 1986 the proportion was 16 per cent. of gross public expenditure on aid.

  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures his Department has taken to ensure that Her Majesty's Government's overseas aid programme does not support projects which are potentially damaging to the environment.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The environmental implications of all and projects are examined before approval. Policy guidelines and check lists exist to assist in this process. Our apporach is set out in more detail in a booklet "The Environment and the British Aid Programme" published earlier this year. Copies are available in the Library of the House.
  25
  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total amount spent by Her Majesty's Government on aid to overseas countries in each year since 1979 both at 1987 and outturn prices.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Gross public expenditure on aid in current and in constant 1986 prices — (the latest available)—was as follows:

  £ million

  £ million

  Current prices

  Constant prices

  1979

  939

  1,617

  1980

  966

  1,387

  1981

  1,184

  1,525

  1982

  1,085

  1,297

  Contributions at otturn prices (£ million)

  1986 prices (£ million)

  Year

  General Fund

  Special Appeals

  Total

  General Fund

  Total

  1979

  15·800

  1·582

  7·382

  10·0

  12·7

  1980

  4·300

  0·691

  4·991

  6·2

  7·2

  1981

  5·900

  1·456

  7·356

  7·6

  9·5

  1982

  5·900

  0·083

  5·983

  7·1

  7·2

  1983

  6·000

  0·069

  6·069

  6·8

  6·9

  1984

  6·000

  0·025

  6·025

  6·6

  6·6

  1985

  6·300

  2·100

  8·400

  6·5

  8·7

  1986

  6·500

  0·238

  6·738

  6·5

  6·7

  1987

  27·000

  25·000

  212·000

  36·7

  311·5

  1 Special increase to mark International Year of the Child.

  2 Pledged.

  3Estimates.

  Information at 1987 prices is not yet available.

  Agricultural Development
  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what measures are being taken to ensure that agricultural research institutes in the United Kingdom contribute to the support for agricultural development overseas; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will list the research projects funded through Her Majesty's Government's overseas aid budget which are being carried out in co-operation with agricultural research establishments in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  In meeting the requirements of developing countries, the ODA seeks help from the scientific community in the United Kingdom and particularly the agricultural research institutions and universities which have the necessary research capacity and expertise.

  Much research is undertaken and advice provided by the ODA's own scientific units — the Land Resources Development Centre and the Tropical Development and Research Institute. There are close links between these and United Kingdom research institutions and joint work is carried out. The ODA also commissions research and development in the agricultural sector at numerous agricultural research institutions in the United Kingdom. Institutions may submit proposals for funding to the ODA as a result of overseas contacts made by them and these are considered by a projects committee twice a year. Worthwhile projects are included in the ODA's portfolio.

  A list of research projects carried out in co-operation with agricultural—not including forestry and fisheries—research establishments in England, Scotland and Wales,
  26

  £ million Current prices

  £ million Constant prices

  1983

  1,174

  1,336

  1984

  1,318

  1,441

  1985

  1,316

  1,355

  1986

  1,358

  1,358

  UNICEF
  Mr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was Her Majesty's Government's financial contribution to UNICEF in each year since 1979 both at 1987 and outturn prices.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The information at outturn prices and 1986 constant prices is as follows:

  as at 1 July 1987, follows. It illustrates the wide range of research currently funded from ODA research and development funds.

  We have increased our research budget in 1987–88 by about 20 per cent. for renewable natural resources. The ODA is currently assessing in some detail United Kingdom institute capability to assist developing countries.

  Additionally, there are a number of linkages between agricultural institutions in developing countries and those in the United Kingdom which are funded by the ODA either by core fund contributions to the United Kingdom institutions or by the commissioning of work using bilateral funds.

  (a) England

  Research Project and Administering Body

  Downy Mildew on Millet.—University of Reading.

  Tamsat (Tropical Agricultural Meteorology using Satellite and Other Data).—University of Reading.

  Varietal Differences in Root Systems in Relation to Crop Improvement in Dryland Areas.—University of Reading. Studies on Rice Protoplasts for Plant Genetic Manipulations. —University of Nottingham.

  Study of Virus of Vegetatively Propagated Tropical Food Crops and Production of Virus-Free Planting Material. — Institute of Horticultural Research (formerly Glasshouse Crops Research Inst.).

  Adaptation of Lentils, Faba Beans and Barley to different Environments and Cropping Seasons. — University of Reading.

  Ergot in Millet.—Imperial College, London.

  Wide Crosses Maize Sorghum. —Plant Breeding institute, Cambridge.

  Wheat Wide Crossing Techniques for Wheat and Related Species.—Plant Breeding Institute, Cambridge.

  Rice Nematodes. — Commonwealth Institute of Parasitology.

  27

  Microclimatology of Millet and Groundnut.—University of Nottingham.

  Research to Increase Salinity Resistance in Rice. —University of Sussex.

  Investigation of Dwarfing Genes. — Plant Breeding Institute, Cambridge.

  Biology and Distribution of American Pathotypes/Races of Halo-blight on Phaseolous Vulgaris. —National Vegetable Research Station.

  In-breeding and Potato Seed Production.— University of Birmingham.

  Exploitation of Natural Insect Resistance in Phaseolus Vulgaris.—University of Durham.

  Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus. — Rothamsted Experimental Station.

  Development of Spraying Systems to Integrate Chemical with Biological Control on Tropical Food Crops. — Imperial College.

  Project to Produce a Self-Supporting Wing Bean Plant.—Southampton University.

  Residual Effects of Phosphate Fertilisers.— University of Reading.

  Evaluation of Eradication as a Disease Control Measure with Particular Reference to Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus. —Institute of Horticultural Research (East Mailing).

  Characterisation of Resistance and Tolerance Mechanisms against the Parasitic Angiosperm Striga Hermonthica. —University College, London.

  Responses of Tea to Irrigation and Fertilizer. — Silsoe College (Cranfield Institute of Technology).

  Biochemical Identification of Important Meloidogyne Species, R.E.S. and Southampton University.—Rothamsted Experimental Station-Southampton University.

  Specific Formulation of Herbicides for Tropical Grass Control. — Imperial College of Science and Technology (Silwood Park).

  Fastidious Pathogens.—Rothamsted Experimental Station. Drought Tolerance of Barley Genotypes.—Plant Breeding Institute.

  Statistical Methods for Intercropping. — Rothamsted Experimental Station.

  Nitrate Mobility of Acid Soils of the Humid Tropics. University of Reading Department of Soils Sciences. Control of Plant Parasitic Nematodes with Pasteuria Penetrans.—University of Reading.

  Resistance of Cowpea to Striga Gesnerioides.—University College and Birbeck College, London.

  Taxonomy of South Pacific Scale Insects.—Commonwealth Institute of Entomology.

  Control of Rottboellia Exaltata with Microbial Pesticides.

  —Long Ashton Research Station.

  Resistance of Cowpea to Striga Gesnerioides and Alectra Vogelii.—Long Ashton Research Station (LARS).

  Nitrogen Fixation in Phaseolus Vulgaris. — Wye College (University of London).

  Methodology for Retrieval of Information and Assessment of Data from Past Research on Cotton in Alglophone Africa.

  —Liverpool Cotton Research Corporation. Mycorrhiza-agroforestry in Semi-Arid (50-50 AgricultureForestry).—Institute of Terrestrial Ecology.

  Genetic Improvement of Tea.—Wye College (University of London).

  Smut Infection of Millet. — Wye College (University of London).

  Land Information Management. — Commonwealth Association of Surveying and Land Economy.

  Performance and Stability of Variety Mixtures. — Plant Breeding Institute, Cambridge.

  Development of Evaluation Techniques for R & D Management in the Carribean. — Commonwealth Secretariat (Commonwealth Science Council).

  Phenotypic Variation and Cytological Delimitation in Azolla Lam.—Portsmouth Polytechnic.

  Assessment and Improvement of Cotton Fibre Quality. — International Institute for Cotton (I.I.C.)

  Population Ecology of Heliothis Armigera in Smallholder Crops, with Emphasis on its Natural Enemies.—C.A.B.I. Institute of Biological Control.

  Biological Control of Mikania Micrantha in SW Pacific Countries.—C.A.B.I Institute of Biological Control.

  28

  Strategies for Control of S. Littoralis.— Imperial College London.

  Post Harvest Changes in Tropical Fruits. University of Nottingham.

  Nutritional Value of Cassava.—University of Nottingham. Thearubigen produced in Tea Fementations.—University of Reading.

  Fungi in Rice and Cereal Grains.—University of Oxford. Evaluation of Storage Life of Cassava.—Wye College.

  Post Harvest Losses in Maize. — Rural Investment Overseas, London.

  Distribution of Aflatoxin in Groundnut Cake. Portsmouth Polytechnic.

  Oviposition Behaviour in Adults of Heliothis.—University of London.

  Post Harvest Ripening, Bananas and Plantains. —University of Reading.

  Susceptibility of Heliothis to Insecticides. — University of Reading.

  Phytoalexon Production and its effect on Aflatoxin Production.—University College London.

  Mycotoxins of Fungi which Colonise Sorghum. University College London.

  Heliothine Pests of Millet. — British Museum (Natural History).

  Brown Planthopper-Rice.—Kings College, London.

  Brown Planthopper Outbreaks Forecasting. — Imperial College Silwood Park

  Degradability of Straw.—Wye College.

  A. niger in Stored Onions.—National Vegetable Research Association.

  Rural Rapeseed Processing.—University of Reading.

  Anthracnose caused by Colletstrichen sp. — University of Kent.

  ELISA techniques for Alternaria Mycotoxins.—Portsmouth Polytechnic.

  Aflatoxin in Spices.—Portsmouth Polytechnic.

  Pesticides on Terrestrial Invertebrates.—Wye College. Aflatoxin content of Cottonseed Products.—Wye College. Identification of Sumulium Species. — University of Southampton.

  Development of Brown Planthopper Model.—Queen Mary College London.

  Lactic Fermentation: Cassava.—University of Nottingham. Tropical Fruit Storage and Ripening. University of Nottingham.

  Evaluation of Taro and Cassava Starch. — University of Nottingham.

  Quality Storage during Storage and Processing. —University of Nottingham.

  Research into Marketing of Fruit and Vegetable in UK.—University of Reading.

  A. niger on Stored Onions (extention). — National Vegetable Research Association.

  Analysis of National Food Security requirements. — Wye College.

  Resistance to Bruchnids in P. vulgaris. — University of Durham.

  Quality evaluation of Processed Tropical Crops. — South Bank Polytechnic.

  Agricultural Marketing Systems.—Wye College.

  Genetics of Phosphine Resistance.—University of Reading. Heat Species Identification, Asian Livestock. — Food Research Institute, Bristol.

  Control of Anthracnose Infection.—University of Kent.

  Yeast Bioassay for Analysis of Mycotoxins. — Thames Polytechnic.

  (b) Scotland

  Hard Setting and Crusting Behaviour of Alfisols Aberdeen University/IITA.—Aberdeen University.

  Evaluation of Mycorrhizal Inocula in Crops Growing in Semi-Arid Areas.—University of Dundee.

  Groundnut Rosette Disease. — Scottish Crop Research Institute, Dundee.

  Field Survey and Structure/Physiology Study of Tree Legume Modulation (50-50 Agriculture-Forestry). — University of Dundee.

  Whitefly—Transmitted Viruses Affecting Tropical Crops.— Scotish Crop Research Institute (Dundee).

  29

  Impact of Pesticides in the Tropics.—University of Aberdeen.

  Palatability of pea forage.—Royal Veterinary College.

  (c) Wales

  Salt Tolerance in Wheat and Other Associated Abiotic Stresses.—University College of North Wales.

  Study of Resistance to Thermal Stress in Tropical Cereals. —Welsh Plant Breeding Station (WPBS).

  Control of Heliothis.—University College Cardiff.

  Biosystematics of Heliothis.—University College Cardiff.

  Impact of Natural Enemies of Brown Planthopper. — University College Cardiff.

  Migratory ability: Moth Pests.—University College North Wales.

  Migration of African Armyworm. — University College North Wales.

TRANSPORT

  Waterloo Station (Channel Tunnel)
  Mr. Holland
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the estimates respectively of (a) British Rail and (b) Eurotunnel of the additional number of passengers in the peak summer period who will be using Waterloo station as a terminus for Channel fixed link traffic in 1993 and 2003.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Eurotunnel's estimates of Channel tunnel through rail passenger traffic do not distinguish between Waterloo and other United Kingdom locations. British Rail's consultants, who concluded that the road and underground systems would be able to accommodate the Channel tunnel traffic at Waterloo, based their assessment on 50,000 extra day time passengers in 1993 rising to 59,000 in 2003.

  British Rail (Fares Policy)
  Mr. Ron Davies
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that British Rail's fares policy is consistent with the objectives set for the board by the Government.

  Mr. Channon
  Yes.

  Mr. Murphy
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to issue new objectives to British Rail concerning fares policy.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  No.

  Mr. Boyes
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the British Railways Board's implementation of Government objectives on fares as explained in the letter of the Secretary of State, on 21 October 1986, to the chairman of the board; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  In general, yes.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy on the use of higher fares to limit demand for rail services; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It is for the board to set fares taking account of its costs and the fares charged by its competitors.

  Drink-Driving
  Mr. Stern
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if lie has any plans to seek to reduce the permitted blood-alcohol level for driving at which prosecution is triggered; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Channon
  With more than half of all drinking and driving offenders convicted at around twice the existing limit our key objective must be to secure increasing compliance with the law as it stands.

  British Airports Authority
  Mr. Watts
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the privatisation of British Airports Authority plc.

  Mr. Channon
  The sale of shares in BAA plc has been a resounding success. 2·47 million applications have been received for the fixed price offer, for a total of 2,135 million fixed price shares. Applications for up to and including 1,000 shares will be allocated 100 shares at £2·45 each. No allocation is being made in respect of applications in excess of 1,000 shares. Eighty-seven per cent. of applicants will receive some shares.

  The tender offer has been about six times subscribed. I shall announce further details of the tender offer on Wednesday 22 July.

  Lorry Ban (London)
  Mr. Bidwell
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has recently met members of the London borough transport committee on lorry bans; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No. We are aware of their views. General discussions might be seen as prejudicing the Secretary of State's particular decisions in settling disputes between boroughs on the lorry ban.

  London Underground
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet the chairman of London Regional Transport to discuss current problems on the London Underground.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  My right hon. Friend meets the chairman of London Regional Transport at regular intervals, most recently on 15 July, and is kept fully informed of developments. The Underground is carrying record numbers of passengers. The board recognises that this success is creating its own problems. LRT plans to invest £280 million this year, of which the majority is designed to improve conditions on the Underground.

  British Rail (Procurement Policy)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he next intends to meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss procurement policy.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  As the hon. Gentleman is aware, the British Railways Board's chosen policy is for competitive procurement. This has been accepted by Ministers. The implementation of this is a matter for the board.

  Ardley (Motorway Services Area)
  Mr. Baldry
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the present position with regard to proposals to construct a motorway service area at Ardley; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Following objections by the district council, our proposal has been referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. He also has before him appeals by private developers for two other sites. It is now for him to decide what arrangements to make for hearing representations on these proposals.

  London Boroughs (TSG)
  Mr. Gerald Bowden
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many London boroughs currently receive transport supplementary grant for major road building.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Twenty-three London boroughs are currently receiving TSG support for expenditure on 30 major schemes. All boroughs are receiving grant for minor works.

  West Yorkshire PTA
  Mrs. Mahon
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will allocate an additional £2·4 million to the West Yorkshire passenger transport authority for the provision of transport; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I hope to announce 1988–89 expenditure levels for all six passenger transport authorities before the House rises for the summer recess.

  Dornoch Firth (Rail Crossing)
  Mr. Maclennan
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet a deputation of hon. Members from the Highland region to discuss a railway crossing of the Dornoch Firth.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I see no point in doing so now.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many representations he has received

  Casualties: by road user type and severity: London and Great Britain: 1977 to 1986

  Great Britain

  Number of casualties

  1977

  1978

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  11986

  Pedestrians:

  71,276

  70,295

  66,714

  63,299

  60,750

  61,419

  61,674

  63,474

  61,390

  60,795

  Annual change per cent.

  -1·4

  -5·1

  -5·1

  -4·0

  1·1

  0·4

  2·9

  -3·3

  -1·0

  Pedal cyclists:

  23,453

  22,201

  23,645

  24,788

  25,306

  28,137

  30,576

  30,939

  26,998

  26,071

  Annual change per cent.

  -5·3

  6·5

  4·8

  2·1

  11·2

  8·7

  1·2

  -12·7

  -3·4

  Motor-cyclists:

  71,689

  69,733

  67,155

  70,838

  69,129

  71,920

  64,494

  63,821

  56,591

  52,085

  Annual change per cent.

  -2·7

  -3·7

  5·5

  -2·4

  4·0

  -10·3

  -1·0

  -11·3

  -8·0

  Car occupants:

  151,510

  157,875

  149,511

  143,517

  146,317

  149,888

  130,425

  143,624

  149,452

  158,897

  Annual change per cent.

  4·2

  -5·3

  -4·0

  2·0

  2·4

  -13·0

  10·1

  4·1

  6·3

  Other road user:

  30,133

  29,691

  27,488

  26,158

  23,338

  22,932

  21,415

  22,456

  23,093

  22,745

  Annual change per cent.

  -1·5

  -7·4

  -4·8

  -10·8

  -1·7

  -6·6

  4·9

  2·8

  -1·5

  All road users:

  348,061

  349,795

  334,513

  328,600

  324,840

  334,296

  308,584

  324,314

  317,524

  320,593

  Annual change per cent.

  0·5

  -4·4

  -1·8

  -1·1

  2·9

  -7·7

  5·1

  -2·1

  1·0

  1provisional.

  32
  from (a) individuals and (b) recognised organisations expressing concern that the Dornoch rail bridge project is not to proceed.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  My Department has received 38 representations from individuals and 18 from organisations specifically about the Dornoch rail bridge project.

  Air Transport (Europe)
  Mr. Steen
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will urgently meet his Spanish counterpart to discuss the Spanish Government's veto on the Community proposals for the further deregulation of air transport routes in Europe; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met his Spanish counterpart during the course of the Transport Council on 30 June and made it clear that he and his right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary were ready for urgent bilateral talks at any time. Officials have already held a first meeting, and further meetings are planned.

  Lighthouse Services (United Kingdom)
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the future of the lighthouse services in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  My right hon. Friend's predecessor received representations from the Lights Advisory Committee, which represents the shipping and port industries, about the need to contain the costs of the general lighthouse authorities and thus keep down the level of light dues. More recently the committee has proposed a review of the navigational aids provided by the authorities.

  Road Casualties (London)
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how road casualty trends in London compare with national figures.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The following is the information:
  33

  London

  Number of casualties

  1977

  1978

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Pedestrians:

  16,232

  15,845

  14,668

  13,675

  12,827

  13,090

  12,708

  13,151

  12,650

  12,498

  Annual change per cent.

  -2·4

  -7·4

  -6·8

  -6·2

  2·1

  -2·9

  3·5

  -3·8

  -1·2

  Pedal cyclists:

  3,940

  3,790

  3,987

  4,236

  4,241

  5,249

  5,124

  4,734

  4,188

  4,037

  Annual change per cent.

  -3·8

  5·2

  6·2

  0·1

  23·8

  -2·4

  -7·6

  -11·5

  -3·6

  Motor-cyclists:

  12,547

  11,660

  10,277

  10,438

  10,011

  10,988

  10,086

  9,600

  8,512

  7,894

  Annual change per cent.

  -7·1

  -11·9

  1·6

  -4·1

  9·8

  -8·2

  -4·8

  -11·3

  -7·3

  Car occupants:

  25,019

  25,453

  23,670

  22,017

  22,097

  23,082

  19,961

  21,069

  21,167

  22,021

  Annual change per cent.

  1·7

  -7·0

  -7·0

  0·4

  4·5

  -13·5

  5·6

  0·5

  4·0

  Other road user:

  6,453

  6,002

  5,444

  5,038

  4,708

  4,657

  4,446

  4,761

  4,860

  4,876

  Annual change per cent.

  -7·0

  -9·3

  -7·5

  -6·6

  -1·1

  -4·5

  7·1

  2·1

  0·3

  All road users:

  64,191

  62,750

  58,046

  55,404

  53,884

  57,066

  52,325

  53,315

  51,377

  51,326

  Annual change per cent.

  -2·2

  -7·5

  -4·6

  -2·7

  5·9

  -8·3

  1·9

  -3·6

  -0·1

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

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have received one representation since I last replied to the hon. Member on this subject on Monday 23 February 1987.

  A1 (Doncaster-Scotch Corner)
  Mr. Fallon
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the existing roadway of the A1 between Doncaster and Scotch Corner.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  A new interchange at Baldersby, near Ripon, has just been completed. A new bypass at Wetherby is being built.

  The national programme includes schemes to upgrade the remainder of the A1 between Bramham, near Leeds, to Scotch corner. Dual three-lane carriageways are proposed.

  The section of the A1 south of Bramham to Doncaster is included in a study of traffic problems to the east of Leeds. I hope to make an announcement about this during the autumn.

  Taxi and Private-hire Drivers (Safety)
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his policy towards the safety of taxi and private-hire drivers from attack by passengers; and what measures are planned to increase their safety.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have no reason to believe that this is a serious problem but if my hon. Friend has any evidence to the contrary I shall be glad to hear from him.

  Traffic Congestion (London)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to deal with traffic congestion in London; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Parts of London suffer from heavy traffic congestion. The White Paper "Safety for Roads in England 1987" (CM. 125) sets out trunk road improvements worth nearly £1 billion in London, as well 34
  as studies of areas with severe problems, traffic management schemes and other measures designed to relieve congestion. Major local road schemes costing over £300 million are currently being supported by transport supplementary grant. The Government are supporting investment in efficient and attractive public transport services which carry a large proportion of travellers in London.

  Bypasses
  Mr. Rowe
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of the total mileage of roads built since 1979 forms part of bypasses.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Bypasses and relief roads accounted for nearly 40 per cent. of the total mileage of national roads built between 1 April 1979 and 1 July 1987.

  Other road improvements which are not primarily bypasses also relieve communities of traffic.

  Air Fares Policy (Europe)
  Mr. Favell
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with fellow European Economic Community Ministers on a European air fare policy.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given earlier, today by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson).

  BR (Electrification)
  Mr. Gregory
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will advise how many electrification projects by British Rail have been approved since 1983; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Since 1983 the Government have approved six railway electrification schemes. A further eight schemes have been approved by BR.

  Air Fares (Deregulation)
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects next to meet European Economic Community Transport Ministers to discuss the deregulation of air fares.
  35
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The next meetings of the Transport Council will be on 26 October and 7 December. Details of the agenda are not yet available. We hope it will be possible for the air transport liberalisation package blocked by Spain on 30 June to be adopted at one of those meetings.

  New Road Schemes
  Mr. Neale
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the number of new road schemes accepted for support in the 1987–88 transport supplementary grant settlement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Seventy major schemes costing £1 million or more were accepted for support through transport supplementary grant in 1987–88.

  British Rail (Trackside Environment)
  Mr. Eastham
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning British Rail's management of the trackside environment, with particular regard to accumulations of rubbish; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  None. These are management matters for the British Railways Board. I understand that British Rail takes steps to clear accumulations of rubbish.

  Light Dues
  Mr. Beith
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has held with fishermen's organisations about his proposals on light dues.

  Mr. Macdonald
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the impact of the extension of light dues on fishing vessels.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Some 57 representative bodies were consulted about our proposals. Written and oral representations were made by 30 bodies, and my noble Friend, the Minister for Aviation and Shipping, received a delegation from the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, the Scottish Fishermen's Federation and the Cornish Inshore Fishermen's Federation.

  Settle-Carlisle Railway
  Mr. Waller
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received about the future of the Settle to Carlisle railway.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I continue to receive correspondence from hon. Members and the public. I am carefully considering all the points which have been put to me by them and the case for closure put to my right hon. Friend by British Rail.

  Mr. Cryer
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, pursuant to the answer of 30 June, Official Report, column 53, he will specify the complications delaying a decision on the Settle-Carlisle railway; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I am keen to end the uncertainty about this line's future quickly, but I am obliged to weigh not only British Rail's financial case and the TUCC's report on hardship, but also all other relevant issues. These 36
  include, for example, the heritage, social and economic implications of closure and require careful analysis, quantification—so far as possible—and consideration.

  Air Traffic Controllers (Staffing Levels)
  Mr. Bruce
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received from the Union of Air Traffic Controllers concerning staffing levels.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  None.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to how many orders for equipment and materials related to the construction of the Channel tunnel have been placed in Scotland and the north of England.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I understand from Eurotunnel that orders for equipment and materials related to the construction of the Channel tunnel placed with firms based in Scotland and the north of England so far total over £23 million.

  Mr. Brazier
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the promoters of the Channel tunnel project about the security of passengers using the tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Under the terms of both the Channel tunnel treaty and the concession agreement, the promoters are required to submit for approval of the two Governments any proposed designs, plans or arrangements affecting the security of the fixed link (which, of course, includes that of the passengers). As a preliminary to such submissions, officials of both Governments have held discussions with Eurotunnel; these are, of course, continuing, but I am sure that my hon. Friend will recognise that it would not be wise to make details public.

  DVLC
  Mr. McCrindle
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to visit the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre at Swansea.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Yes.

  Passenger Services (Privatisation)
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the privatisation of individual passenger services; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The Government's policy towards the railway was set out in the letter on objectives sent to Sir Robert Reid last October.

  Pensioners' Travel Passes (London)
  Mr. Cox
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to ensure that when deregulation of bus services in London is extended the present pensioners' travel passes will continue to be accepted by new bus operators.
  37
  Mr. David Mitchell
  In drawing up arrangements for the extension of bus de-regulation to London, we shall be giving close attention to the arrangements for concessionary travel.

  Concessionary Bus Travel
  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if concessionary fare and travel card passengers are taken into account when deciding if bus routes are economic.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Decisions on whether bus services can be run commercially, without subsidy, are for bus operators, who will no doubt take into account any reimbursement to which they may be entitled in respect of concessionary fare and travel card passengers, as well as their eligibility for fuel duty rebate and, where applicable, rural bus grant. Local authorities have duties under the Transport Act 1985 to formulate general policies in respect of other services they wish to secure, and in performing those duties they must have regard to the needs of members of the public who are elderly or disabled.

  Maritime Safety
  Dr. Godman
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many officers in his Department are currently engaged in duties relating to maritime safety; and how this figure compares with 1983.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  My Department's marine directorate contains 1,023 full-time staff at present, excluding staff concerned with marine pollution, ship registration and ports matters. The corresponding figure on 1 July 1983 was 1,157.

  BR (Policy Directives)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to update the letter of his predecessor to the chairman of British Railways Board, of 21 October 1986 concerning policy directives; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  No. That letter remains the current statement of the objectives the Government wish the board to pursue over the next three years.

  Eurotunnel
  Mr. David Shaw
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy that no public money will be used for subsidy to, or for lending to, or for investment in any form of share capital in Eurotunnel or any successor company prior to, during or after the construction period of the Channel tunnel.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It is already Government policy, as set out in article 1 of the Anglo-French treaty on the Channel fixed link, that the link shall be financed without recourse to Government funds or to Government guarantees of a financial or commercial nature. That commitment is reinforced by clause 2 of the Channel Tunnel Bill which, likewise, forbids the provision of Government funds or guarantees (which would include both loans and the subscription of share capital) to the concessionaires other than funds available equally to others (for example, through the use of suppliers who are in receipt of regional aid).

  British Rail
  Mr. Heddle
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the (a) gross and (b) net proceeds of sale of vacant and under-utilised land owned by British Rail sold between the end of 1979 and 31 March 1987.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I understand from the British Rail Property Board that gross and net proceeds for total sales of properties in the ownership of British Rail were £523·4 million and £454·4 million, respectively. The board does not keep separate records of the aggregate value of sales of vacant and under-utilised land.

  Mr. Heddle
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will identify and publish the exact locations of the vacant and under-utilised land still owned by British Rail as of 31 July.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  There are currently 1,235 sites covering 9,339 acres owned by British Rail on the registers of unused and underused land maintained under part X of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. The registers showing the exact location of each site are available for inspection at the principal office of the appropriate local authority. They are also available at DOE headquarters at 2 Marsham street, for all districts in England and at the Department's regional offices for the regions concerned.

  Orange Badge Scheme
  Mr. Hannam
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has completed his review of the orange badge scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We hope to make an announcement shortly on the outcome of the consultation exercise.

  Vehicles (Window Signs)
  Sir Anthony Grant
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any proposals to restrict signs affixed to vehicle windows.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Our regulations already require windows to be kept in a condition such that the driver's vision is not obscured and for the driver to have a full view of the road and traffic ahead. There are no plans to change these requirements.

  Pavement Parking
  Mr. Hannam
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the organisations which responded to his Department's consultation paper on pavement parking; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Two hundred and thirty-four organisations and local authorities responded to the Department's discussion paper on pavement parking. I am sending a list to my hon. Friend.

  In addition, there were 220 responses from individuals. We are currently examining all the suggestions and contributions we have received.

  Traffic Projections
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates are available to him of the projected levels of traffic in south-east Essex during the next five years.
  39
  Mr. Peter Bottomiey
  There are many sources and influencing factors. Essex county council also produces data on the far more extensive network of non-trunk roads. Based on population growth to 1991, traffic in Essex as a whole is expected to increase about 2 per cent. faster than the national average for that period. If my hon. Friend has a specific issue in mind, perhaps he would write to me.

  Mr. Amess
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates are available to him of the projected levels of traffic in London during the next five years.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Department's road traffic forecasts provide estimates of traffic in London. Forecasts are based on projected changes in demography and income. They indicate that demand could rise between 7 and 15 per cent. above present traffic levels during the next five years. Actual growth in traffic will be limited by the available road capacity.

  Transport Expertise
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the export of transport expertise, particularly with regard to railways, during the past year.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  United Kingdom firms have continued to be active in this field. The export of expertise includes not only consultancy services but also the transfer of technology and the training of overseas staff which often form part of railway equipment export orders. The normal range of Government support for exports is of course available to companies in the railway sector, and the Government continue to assist industry in this field wherever possible.

  Driving Tests
  Sir Anthony Grant
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the standard of the motor vehicle driving tests currently in effect; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Yes. The 50 per cent. who fail have not yet adequately demonstrated or acquired the competence to drive safely and with proper consideration for other road users necessary to qualify for a full licence. All successful condidates are encouraged to develop their driving skills further and to consider taking an advanced driving test in due course.

  Motorists (Eyesight Requirement)
  Sir Anthony Grant
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the current eyesight requirement for driving a motor vehicle; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Yes. Evidence derived from ophthalmic research and accident studies suggests convincingly that the present requirement—that drivers must be able to read a number plate from a distance of 75 ft. for characters 3½ in. high, or 67 ft. for characters 3⅛ in. high—constitutes a satisfactory standard of eyesight for safe driving.

  Motor Cyclists (Leg Injuries)
  Mr. Speed
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to secure a better standard of leg protection for motor cyclists.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Better leg protection could save many thousands of disabling leg injuries suffered by motor cyclists each year. The Department is circulating for comment a draft specification for leg protectors, based on research at the Transport and Road Research Laboratory. It covers dimensions, crush resistance and energy absorption characteristics of protectors which could be fitted to all types of motor cycle and moped. The intention is, after discussion with manufacturers and users, to produce a standard which could form the basis of a regulatory requirement for new machines.

  Mr. Speed
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information is available on the numbers of leg injuries to motor cyclists.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  In 1985, the latest year for which complete data are available, there were 57,000 reported injuries of all types to motor cyclists, including 800 deaths and 18,000 serious injuries. Although these figures show a decline over the last few years the reduction in injuries has been broadly in line with the reduction in motor cycle traffic. Half the fatal or serious casualties in 1985 were aged 19 or under.

  Leg injuries are a particular problem for motor cyclists. Examination of records for hospital in-patients in Scotland shows that lower limb injuries are involved in 30 per cent. of single-vehicle accidents and 50 per cent. of two-vehicle accidents. Unit costs for leg injuries are higher than for average serious casualties, perhaps by 50 per cent.

  Motor cyclists tend to stay longer in hospital, partly as a consequence of leg injuries: 26 per cent. stay over 10 nights, compared with only 17 per cent. of car occupants.

  Car Registrations
  Mr. Oppenheim
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the number of cars registered in (a) Amber Valley and (b) Derbyshire.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  There were 227,000 cars registered in Derbyshire at the end of December 1986. The number of cars registered in Amber Valley could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  CAA (Occurrence Report)
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether he is satisfied with the Civil Aviation Authority's discharge of its functions in relation to the mandatory occurrence reporting scheme in the light of the representations to his Department made by Mr. Allan Pring of Shetland; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what representations his Department has received since November 1986 from Mr. Allan Pring of Shetland regarding helicopter safety and the requirement to file mandatory occurrence reports;

  (3) in the light of recent representations made to him by Mr. Allan Pring, what steps were taken to improve the safety of helicopter operations at Sumburgh airport, Shetland, following the filing of a mandatory occurrence report at that airport in March 1982.
  41
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Mr. Allan Pring has written several times to the Department since November 1986. He has also had a meeting with one of the Department's officials. The points Mr. Pring has made about helicopter safety and the requirement to file mandatory occurrence reports have been brought to the attention of the Civil Aviation Authority which is wholly responsible for aviation safety. We understand from the authority that, following analysis of the mandatory occurrence report submitted at Sumburgh in March 1982, revised emergency reporting procedures for helicopters were introduced at Aberdeen and Sumburgh airports. Further consideration was given to these procedures in the light of experience gained with them and as a result improved instructions for all aircraft were introduced in May 1987. In December 1986, the authority issued a revised edition of Civil Aviation Publication No. 382, which gives information and guidance on the mandatory occurrence reporting scheme.

  Railway Line Management
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he proposes to respond to the proposal in the third report from the Transport Committee on financing of rail services H.C. 383, Session 1986–87, that British Rail should consider individual line management for the Cornish lines; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  We will be making a full response to this report in due course.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, when the Minister next meets the senior management of British Rail, he will raise the possibility of individual line management and promotion for areas such as Cornwall, as suggested in the third report of the Transport Committee on financing of rail services, H.C.383, Session 1986–87; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The hon. Member must await our formal response to the Select Committee's report.

  Light Aircraft Crash (Inquest)
  Mr. Barry Field
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make representations to the Belgian civil aviation authorities about the findings of the recent inquest at Gosport into the deaths of Robert Windship and Leonard Tebbutt when a light aircraft flown by an unlicensed Belgian pilot crashed into their boat on 30 April; and what action he proposes to urge upon the Belgian authorities;

  (2) if he will take steps to bring to the attention of the Civil Aviation Authority the findings of the recent inquest at Gosport into the deaths on 30 April of persons killed when a light aircraft flown by an unqualified pilot crashed into their boat; and what steps will be taken to ensure that in future only properly qualified pilots are permitted to enter United Kingdom air space.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Chief Inspector of Accidents has ordered an inspector's investigation to be carried out into this accident. The Belgian accident investigation authorities are involved in the investigation and an accidents investigation branch (AIB) report will be published once the investigation is complete. Additionally 42
  an AIB bulletin giving a summary of the circumstances of the accident will be published at the end of August. I will send a copy to my hon. Friend then.

  The Civil Aviation Authority is being kept fully informed.

  Civil Aviation Regulations
  Mr. Allen Adams
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what machinery exists and what resources are available for enforcing United Kingdom civil aviation regulations upon foreign owners and operators of aircraft using United Kingdom facilities.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Under article 33 of the Chicago convention, contracting states arc required to accept certificates of airworthiness and competence which are issued by a foreign state or its regulatory authority, in compliance with minimum standards laid down by the convention. However, under the Air Navigation Order 1985 the Civil Aviation Authority has powers to prevent any aircraft, including those on foreign registries, from flying in the United Kingdom when in an unlit condition or if to do so would be in contravention of applicable parts of the order.

  Ormskirk-Southport Road (Bypass)
  Mr. Fearn
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to create a bypass around the bottleneck on the Ormskirk-Southport road to allow greater access to Southport.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  A recent study into long-distance traffic needs in the Preston area and west of the M6 points to a need for bypasses of Ormskirk and of Scarisbrick-Pinfold. Consideration is being given to the study's conclusions.

  Mersey Barrage
  Mr. Woodcock
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what study his Department has made of whether proposals for a Mersey barrage would endanger the future of the Manchester ship canal as a commercial waterway.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  My Department is in touch with the feasibility study for a barrage through the acting conservator of the River Mersey, who is a member of the technical steering committee. The study will, among other things, make a preliminary assessment of the effects of the proposed barrage on shipping and ports in the estuary.

  A30
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked the Secretaty of Slate for Transport when he expects the conversion to dual carriageway of the A30 through Devon and Cornwall to be completed.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We plan the construction of 65 miles of dual carriageways and just under two miles of single carriageway in Devon and Cornwall. Five and a half miles of dual carriageway have recently been completed and another eight miles are under construction. A further 21½ miles is expected to start construction within the next three years. We aim to complete the remainder by the mid-1990s.

  Contaminated Soil (Storage)
  Mr. Temple-Morris
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to reply to the urgent letter from the hon. Member for Leominster of 25 June relating to the storage of contaminated soil at the RAOC regional depot at Moreton-on-Lugg, Hereford.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have now replied to this letter, and explained the delay.

  Casualty Costs
  Mr. Sheerman
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when, in the light of the submissions he has received form transport appraisal experts in support of higher casualty costs, he expects to conduct a further review of the casualty cost question.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We announced in May, following consultation with transport appraisal experts and others, that we were increasing the values of both time and accident costs. The Department is always ready to consider fresh expert evidence that would help us develop our appraisal techniques.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Arts
  Mr. Kilfedder
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on the arts per capita in Northern Ireland for the last full financial year.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Central Government expenditure per capita of the population in 1986–87 was £2·17.

  Details of local authority expenditure on the arts in Northern Ireland is not available.

  Devolution
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings are to be held with representatives of Northern Ireland political parties; and if he will discuss with them the conduct of Northern Ireland parliamentary business and the prospects for administrative devolution.

  Mr. Tom King
  I hope that talks can be held with the constitutional political parties about the future of government of Northen Ireland. I am ready to discuss any proposals which the parties may wish to put forward in that context. Exploratory discussions have begun between unionist leaders and senior officials of my Department.

  Maghaberry Prison (Strip Searches)
  Mr. McNamara
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many strip searches were made of female prisoners in Her Majesty's prison, Maghaberry, in April, May and June of 1987; if he will give the number of persons involved and the number of times each person was searched; whether any prison contraband, smuggled item or illegal correspondence was discovered in any search, indicating which items; in how many cases prisoners refused to be searched and had to be restrained while the search was being conducted; and if he will indicate the reasons for the search under each of the following headings: making a remand appearance at court; attending trial; inter-prison visit; or other reasons.
  44
  Mr. Stanley
  The information requested is as follows:

  April

  May

  June

  Total number of searches carried out

  49

  34

  22

  Total number of inmates searched

  27

  22

  14

  Number of prisoners searched once

  9

  13

  8

  Number of prisoners searched twice

  15

  7

  5

  Number of prisoners searched 3 times

  2

  1

  —

  Number of prisoners searched 4 times

  1

  1

  1

  Reason for Search:

  First admission on remand/awaiting trial

  8

  11

  2

  First admission on sentence/final discharge

  25

  13

  14

  Attending Remand Court

  4

  —

  —

  Attending Trial

  —

  1

  —

  Attending Appeal

  1

  1

  —

  Bail Court appearances

  7

  4

  —

  Going on or returning from home leave

  2

  4

  6

  Inter prison visits

  2

  —

  —

  No prohibited article was found during these searches and no prisoner refused to be searched.

  Security Statistics
  Mr. McNamara
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the security statistics for the first half of 1987 are now available, together with details of persons charged with terrorist-type offences and convictions for scheduled offences for the year.

  Mr. Stanley
  I shall reply to the hon. Member shortly.

  Emergency Legislation
  Mr. Page
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements he has made for an annual review of emergency legislation in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Tom King
  I am pleased to be able to announce that Viscount Colville of Culross has accepted my invitation to prepare an annual report on the operation of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Acts 1978 and 1987. The intention is that these reports should enable both Houses of Parliament to discharge more effectively their responsibility to scrutinise the operation of the emergency provisions legislation in Northern Ireland on the occasion of the annual debates on the continuance orders, and to determine whether any of the temporary provisions of the two Acts could be allowed to lapse.

  As the temporary provisions of both Acts will lapse on 21 March 1988 unless continued in force by order, I have asked Viscount Colville to submit his first report by 31 January 1988.

  Private Security Business
  Mr. Malins
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to bring into force the provisions of part III of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1987, concerning the regulation of private security businesses in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Tom King
  I have made an order bringing part III into force on 1 August 1987, except for sections 17 and 21 which will come into force on 1 January 1988. From the latter date it will be an offence to offer, provide or advertise security guard services without a certificate, or to pay money for security guard services to a person who does not possess a certificate.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Peter Wright
  Mr. Cryer
  asked the Attorney-General if he is to undertake any further legal actions designed to suppress Mr. Peter Wright's book on MI5; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  To enforce the duty of confidentiality owed to the Crown by Mr. Wright I shall on behalf of Ministers collectively take such steps by way of civil proceedings as appear to the Government to be appropriate.

  To protect the public interest in the due administration of justice I shall in my capacity as a law enforcement officer take such proceedings of a criminal nature as appear to me personally to be appropriate.

  Judges
  Mr. Alton
  asked the Attorney-General (1) how many retired Court of Appeal, High Court and circuit judges have returned in the last three years for which figures are available to sit as deputies or as ad hoc deputies;

  Retired Lords Justices

  Retired High Court judges

  Deputy circuit judges

  Circuit

  1986

  11987

  1986

  11987

  1985

  1986

  11987

  Midland and Oxford

  0

  0

  30

  0

  21

  11

  26

  North Eastern

  1

  19

  28

  1

  193

  101

  11

  Northern

  0

  0

  23

  0

  292

  222

  74

  South Eastern:

  London

  385

  89

  190

  51

  56

  117

  81

  Provinces

  0

  0

  0

  0

  665

  809

  282

  Wales and Chester

  0

  0

  0

  0

  51

  0

  0

  Western

  0

  0

  63

  16

  71

  140

  24

  Total

  386

  108

  334

  68

  1,349

  1,400

  498

  11st quarter.

  Mr. Alton
  asked the Attorney-General what scales of remuneration apply to retired Court of Appeal, High Court and circuit judges who return to sit as deputies or as ad hoc deputies.

  The Attorney-General
  Retired judges who return to sit as deputies are remunerated on a fixed daily fee-paid basis, as follows:

  £ per day

  Deputy Lord Justice of Appeal

  324

  Deputy High Court judge

  294

  Deputy circuit judge

  151

  Polling Registers
  Mr. Allen
  asked the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 14 July, why the Lord Chancellor will not make it his policy to make available free on request to any right hon. or hon. Member one copy of the marked polling register for his or her constituency.

  The Attorney-General
  Marked copies of polling registers are delivered to the Clerk of the Crown to ensure their safe keeping in case, within a year of the election, a question is raised as to its propriety. While the registers are
  46
  (2) how many times those retired Court of Appeal, High Court and circuit judges who return as deputies or ad hoc deputies have sat in the last three years for which figures are available; and if he will break these figures down on a geographical basis.

  The Attorney-General
  For 1985, comprehensive information is not available in the form requested. Seven retired Lords Justices sat during the year. Their sitting days, and those of retired High Court judges, were not separately recorded. 1,349 days were sat by deputy— that is, retired — circuit judges. In 1986 eight retired Lords Justices sat a total of 386 days, six retired High Court judges sat a total of 334 days, and 23 deputy circuit judges sat a total of 1,400 days. In all, these sittings represent 1·8 per cent. of all days sat by judges. In the first quarter of 1987, seven reared Lords Justices sat a total of 108 days; five retired High Court judges sat a total of 68 days, and 23 deputy circuit judges sat a total of 498 days. A breakdown of the available figures by circuits is given in the attached table.

  available during this time for public inspection without charge, for over a century fees have been chargeable for the supplying of a copy. There appear to be no grounds for a change. The cost of supplying a copy of the register to every right hon. and hon. Member would exceed £120,000.

  Publicity (Departmental Expenditure)
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Attorney-General what was the total spending by the Lord Chancellor's Department on press and public relations in 1986–87; and what is the estimated expenditure for the current year.

  The Attorney-General
  The total spending by the Lord Chancellor's Department on press and public relations in 1986–87 was £23,282. The estimated spending for 1987–88 is £29,735.

  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Attorney-General what was the total spending by the Lord Chancellor's Department television, radio and newspaper advertising and of her promotional literature in 1986–87; and what is the estimated expenditure for the current year.
  47
  The Attorney-General
  The total spending by the Lord Chancellor's Department on promotional literature etc. for 1986–87 including staff costs was £148,020. The estimated spending for 1987–88 is £140,040.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  asked the Attorney-General what representation he has received on staffing levels and rates of pay in the Crown Prosecution Service.

  The Attorney-General
  I understand that the Director of Public Prosecutions has received a number of representations about staffing levels and also about certain matters concerning pay. Many of the matters raised have now been satisfactorily dealt with; others are being actively pursued.

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General whether he proposes to take any steps to bring into line the pay of those who transferred into the Clown Prosecution Service from the County Prosecution Service, as senior crown prosecutors and those recruited as senior crown prosecutor or promoted to senior crown prosecutor from within the service.

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 8 July, c. 6]: After many months of discussion an agreement was reached between the Crown Prosecution Service and two of the three trade unions with which it had been negotiating on the subject of the relative pay of those who transferred to the service and those who were subsequently recruited or promoted. Although the third trade union, the Association of First Division Civil Servants, was not a party to the agreement, it did not oppose its implementation. To date, 88 senior crown prosecutors have benefited financially under the terms of the agreement. Consideration of further cases continues.

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General how many persons have been seconded to other areas to meet or assist in the shortfall of staff in London and elsewhere in the month of May 1987; and what has been the average cost of secondment per person in the payment of expenses.

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July, c. 6]: 54 persons were seconded in the month of May 1987, all volunteers. The average cost of secondment per person in the payment of expenses is £329 per week in London and £256 per week elsewhere.

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General how many staff who resigned from the Crown Prosecution Service are (a) chief crown prosecutors, (h)branch prosecutors, (c) senior crown prosecutors and (d) crown prosecutors, between 1 April 1986 and 30 March 1987.

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July, c. 6]: The figures are as follows:

  Crown Prosecution Service Staff: End May 1987

  Number of posts as at 30 May 1987

  Staff-in-post as at30 May 1987

  Prof

  Non-Prof

  Prof

  Non-Prof

  London/South East Region

  Inner London

  130

  278

  81·0

  189·5

  London North

  96

  167

  51·0

  143·5

  London South

  87

  129

  47·0

  117·5

  Beds/Herts

  47

  60

  25·0

  49·5

  Essex

  32

  49

  26·0

  39·0

  48

  (a) none

  (b) none

  (c) 28

  (d) 35

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General what representations he has received from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and chief constables elsewhere with regard to the performance of the Crown Prosecution Service; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July, c. 6]: I have received no such representations.

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General what steps he intends to take to attract further recruits into the Crown Prosecution Service in order to fill the vacant posts, particularly in London and the home counties.

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July 1987, c. 6]: The Crown Prosecution Service is actively seeking recruits. Each month the Civil Service Commission conducts recruitment interviews on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service for crown prosecutor posts throughout England and Wales and senior crown prosecutor posts in London. In addition, two national recruitment agencies have been approached to identify eligible staff as potential recruits to the service. The opportunity of careers within the CPS is also being brought to the attention of students and legally qualified persons by publicising the service in university journals and legal magazines. The service will also be featured in "Graduate Opportunities", an annual careers publication.

  A further measure to alleviate the shortage of lawyers in London is the offer of an allowance which would be payable to crown prosecutors, senior crown prosecutors and grade 6 officers in the area. The possibility of an extension of that allowance to certain areas around London is now being actively considered.

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

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

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July 1987, c. 5]: The required information is given in the following table which shows the number of posts and the numbers of staff in post as at 30 May 1987. "Professional" has been interpreted as meaning a barrister or a solicitor. The Crown Prosecution Service also employs members of other professions such as accountants.
  49

  Number of posts as at 30 May 1987

  Staff-in-post as at 30 May 1987

  Prof

  Non-Prof

  Prof

  Non-Prof

  Kent

  44

  61

  31·0

  49·0

  Regional total

  436

  744

  261·0

  588·0

  South West Region

  Avon/Somerset

  42

  62

  29·0

  43·0

  Devon/Cornwall

  37

  43

  29·0

  38·0

  Dorset/Hants

  66

  84

  52·0

  73·0

  Gloucester/Wilts

  27

  41

  20·0

  32·0

  Gwent/South Wales

  76

  103

  61·5

  74·0

  Sussex

  41

  52

  32·0

  42·0

  Thames Valley

  53

  74

  34·5

  60·0

  West Mercia

  32

  38

  18·5

  35·0

  Regional total

  374

  497

  276·5

  397·0

  Midlands Region

  Cambridge/Lincs

  34

  48

  26·0

  38·0

  Derbyshire

  28

  41

  19·0

  33·0

  Humberside

  25

  42

  19·0

  36·0

  Leicester/Northants

  38

  57

  21·0

  44·0

  Norfolk/Suffolk

  34

  45

  25·0

  38·0

  Nottinghamshire

  39

  54

  35·5

  44·0

  Staffs/Warwick

  41

  58

  27·0

  57·0

  West Midlands

  91

  124

  61·0

  100·0

  Regional total

  330

  469

  233·5

  390·0

  Northern Region

  Cheshire

  31

  40

  26·0

  36·0

  Cleveland/North Yorks

  46

  64

  37·0

  56·0

  Cumbria/Lancs

  66

  76

  54·0

  66·0

  Durham/Northumbria

  70

  103

  52·0

  71·0

  North Wales

  40

  54

  33·0

  45·5

  Greater Manchester

  122

  129

  83·0

  100·0

  Merseyside

  74

  107

  56·0

  105·0

  South Yorkshire

  43

  60

  33·0

  51·0

  West Yorkshire

  74

  106

  60·0

  91·0

  Regional total

  566

  739

  434·0

  622·0

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General (1) how many posts there were for the Crown Prosecution Service areas in the London area and throughout England and Wales as at 30 May 1986 for (a) professional and (b) non-professional personnel;

  (2) how many persons were in post in each Crown Prosecution Service as at 30 May 1986 in (a) professional and (b) non-professional posts.

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July, c. 5–6]: The required information is given in the following table which shows the number of posts and the number of

  Crown Prosecution Service staff: end May 1986

  Number of posts

  Staff in post

  Professional

  Non-professional

  Professional

  Non-professional

  Greater Manchester

  93

  102

  78

  93·0

  Merseyside

  72

  89

  56

  97·0

  Northumbria/Durham

  56

  75

  46

  61·0

  South Yorkshire

  39

  43

  38

  43·0

  West Midlands

  84

  101

  68

  105·5

  West Yorkshire

  70

  86

  64

  81·0

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General how many persons are in post as (a) chief crown prosecutors,
  50
  staff in post as at the end of May 1986 for those Crown Prosecution Service areas which were fully operational at that date. During the early months of the Crown Prosecution Service operation, there was considerable movement of staff between areas. As a result, staff in post records at area level on a specific date may not be completely reliable.

  "Professional" has been interpreted as meaning a barrister or a solicitor. The Crown Prosecution Service also employs members of other professions, such as accountants.

  (b) branch prosecutors, (e) senior crown prosecutors and (d) crown prosecutors, indicating how many are male and female.
  51
  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July, c. 6]The numbers are as follows:

  (a) 31

  (b) 89

  (c) 436

  (d) 626

  Figures as to how many of these post holders are male and how many are female are not kept and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General (1) whether he proposes to set up specialised training courses for solicitors employed by the Crown Prosecution Service in juvenile cases;

  (2) whether he proposes to continue the policy of having specialist lawyers to deal with juvenile prosecutions in England and Wales;

  (3) how many Crown Prosecution Service areas have specialist lawyers or departments to deal with juvenile prosecutions; and how many people are so employed in each area in England and Wales.

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 7 July, c. 85]: Specialised training courses for CPS lawyers, whether solicitors or barristers, engaged in juvenile cases were set up last year. Since then seven courses have been held centrally and 161 CPS lawyers, from all 31 Areas of the CPS, have attended. In addition, some areas have conducted training courses on a local basis in order to increase the number of specialist lawyers available. Such courses have aimed to replicate the objectives of the centrally-held courses. Future training needs are being reviewed.

  The CPS continues to recognise the special considerations affecting juvenile cases, and the need to ensure that laywers responsible for them are fully aware of such considerations.

  All 31 areas of the the CPS have in post a specialised lawyer or lawyers. The number of lawyers so designated in each Area is as follows:

  Number

  Avon and Somerset

  6

  Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire

  3

  Cheshire

  8

  Cleveland/North Yorkshire

  9

  Derbyshire

  2

  Devon and Cornwall

  6

  Dorset/Hampshire

  7

  Essex

  5

  Gloucestershire/Wiltshire

  2

  Greater Manchester

  6

  Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire

  3

  Humberside

  2

  Kent

  9

  Lancashire/Cumbria

  3

  Leicestershire/Northamptonshire

  3

  London (Inner)

  10

  London (North)

  9

  London (South and Surrey)

  6

  Merseyside

  16

  Norfolk/Suffolk

  North Wales/Dyfed Powys

  5

  Northumbria/Durham

  7

  Nottinghamshire

  5

  South Wales/Gwent

  8

  South Yorkshire

  3

  Staffordshire/Warwickshire

  1

  Sussex

  4

  Thames Valley

  8

  52

  Number

  West Mercia

  2

  West Midlands

  8

  West Yorkshire

  11

  The number of specialist lawyers in an area and the extent to which specialisation is reflected in the internal arrangements for handling juvenile cases is determined by a variety of local factors.

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

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July. c. 6]: An intensive, in-service, two weeks' course, which includes a significant element of practical training in advocacy skills, was introduced into the Crown Prosecution Service last year. The course is intended for all lawyers new to the service, whether solicitors or barristers. Six courses have been held and 138 lawyers have attended so far. Future courses have been planned up until next summer and will continue to be run at regular intervals to meet the needs of new staff.

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

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July. c. 6]: In cases which are committed for trial all decisions regarding the sufficiency of evidence or otherwise requiring legal expertise are taken by a Crown prosecutor. Administrative staff work closely with lawyers in the preparation of such cases, and are responsible for the actual physical compilation of the committal papers; they follow clearly laid down routines and are at all times subject to the ultimate direction of a Crown prosecutor.

  Administrative members of staff who are involved in such work range in grade from administrative assistant to senior executive officer. They have the normal range of qualifications required for employment as civil servants.

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

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July, c. 6]: The average weekly cost during the period 1 April 1987 to 30 June 1987 was as follows:

  £

  Inner London

  32,085

  Outer London North

  20,258

  Outer London South and Surrey

  10,119

  Remainder of England and Wales

  209,354

  Total England and Wales

  271,816

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

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 6 July, c. 71]: I am acutely conscious of the need to supply case papers to agents as early as possible. The matter is kept under constant review and all appropriate methods of modern communication are utilised in the endeavour to ensure that this is achieved.

  Land Registry
  Mr. Boateng
  asked the Attorney-General whether he has any plans to open the Land Registry to public inspection.

  The Attorney-General
  The Government will make a decision on the proposals contained in the Law Commission's report No. 148 on opening the land register when it has completed its consideration of the representations received.

  Mr. David Walker
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Attorney-General if he will draw to the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions the evidence given under oath by Colonel Oliver North that a British subject, David Walker, carried out attacks on military aircraft in Nicaragua.

  The Attorney-General
  The Director of Public Prosecutions is already aware of newspaper reports published in this country of Colonel North's evidence.

  Family Law Reform Act 1987
  Mr. Ashley
  asked the Attorney-General when he expects the necessary resources to become available to bring into force the Family Law Reform Act 1987.

  The Attorney-General
  Bringing part 11 of the Family Law Reform Act 1987 into force will require considerable expenditure in terms of staff costs and legal aid, for which resources will not be available until after 1988. Other plans and priorities will determine when resources can be made available thereafter, but the Lord Chancellor will keep the matter under close review.

  The Lord Chancellor hopes to bring the rest of the Act —which does not involve the expenditure of significant resources— into force by early 1988.

  Offences against the Person Act 1861
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Attorney-General how many prosecutions there have been since 1957 under section 9 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861; and, in each case, what was the name of the defendant or defendants and the outcome of the prosecution.

  The Attorney-General
  Section 9 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 gives British courts jurisdiction to try the offences of murder and manslaughter where those offences have been committed on land outside the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. Persons brought to justice in this country by virtue of this section are charged with murder or manslaughter under Common Law. The 54
  Director of Public Prosecutions does not compile records of those cases in which offences of murder or manslaughter committed abroad have been tried in this country, and figures cannot be ascertained without incurring disproportionate cost. However, I have been informed that it is not uncommon for such cases to come before the courts.

  Foreign Enlistment Act 1870
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Attorney-General how many prosecutions there have been since 1957 under the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870; and, in each case, what was the name of the defendant of defendants and the outcome of the prosecution.

  The Attorney-General
  No prosecutions under the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 have been brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions since 1957.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Extradition
  Mr. Stanbrook
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will propose that a simple backing-of-warrants system should apply for the purposes of extradition between member states of the European Community.

  Mr. John Patten
  If enacted, the Criminal Justice Bill would allow the United Kingdom to accede to the Council of Europe convention on extradition. This is a well-established and effective instrument which enables extradition requests to be made on the basis of relatively simple documentation. We therefore see no need for any special and different arrangements within the European Community.

  Official Secrets Act
  Mr. Winnick
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government will seek to amend section 2 of the Official Secrets Act.

  Mr. Hurd
  We have no such proposals at present.

  Electoral Registration
  Mr. Allen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps were taken between 1979 and 1987 to increase the level of electoral registration; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We are fully committed to improving the accuracy of the electoral register and to ensuring that all those eligible to vote are able to do so. Proposals for improving the accuracy of the register were discussed in chapter 1 of the Government reply (Cmnd. 9140) to the Home Affairs Select Committee's report on the Representation of the People Act (HC32). Since that reply was published in January 1984, the Home Office has taken a number of steps to give effect to these objectives. Six seminars have been held with groups of registration officers from different regions of England and Wales; these seminars were widely welcomed and produced a valuable interchange of ideas. A code of best practice has been issued to registration officers—and subsequently revised in the light of comments received—to encourage
  55
  them to re-examine and improve their methods of compiling the register. The electoral registration form, form A, has been redesigned to make it more attractive, and easier to understand and complete. A video aimed at teenagers has been produced explaining the registration and voting procedures in a simple and entertaining way; and it has been distributed to all registration officers and local education authorities for use in schools, colleges and youth clubs. In addition, notices have been produced in Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Greek and Turkish, which explain the importance of filling in form A and checking the draft register to ensure one's name is included. More recently the Department commissioned a survey into the effectiveness of electoral registration procedures; it has now been published and we are looking carefully at its findings and recommendations; copies have been sent to each electoral registration officer in England and Wales.

  In addition to these specific measures, the Home Office runs an annual publicity campaign aimed at encouraging all eligible people to register as electors.

  Economic League
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the report of his inquiry into contacts between the police and the Economic League will be available to right hon. and hon. Members.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The findings of the police inquiry were summarised in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East (Mr. Brown) on 30 June. It is not the practice to make available reports of inquiries of this nature.

  Prevention of Terrorism
  Mr. Chris Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals excluded under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Acts 1974, 1976 or 1984 and who attended an interview with the Metropolitan police as part of the representations in the review of their order subsequently had a new exclusion order made against them.

  Mr. Hurd
  Fifty people are recorded in Home Office records as having had interviews with the Metropolitan police as part of a review of an exclusion order made in Great Britain under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Acts 1974 or 1976. In 16 of these cases a fresh exclusion order was made or the existing one was not revoked.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a person, examined under article 4 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Supplemental Temporary Provisions) Order 1984 and subsequently held beyond the 12-hour initial period on grounds of reasonable suspicion, is subject to the same rights and safeguards awarded to an individual detained under section 12 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984.

  Mr. Hurd
  Yes.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what opportunity will be available to an excluded individual to make representations to the Home Office if the police apply for a new exclusion order
  56
  under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984 to be issued against the person when the previous order expires.

  Mr. Hurd
  When someone is excluded for the first time, or a fresh exclusion order is made against them, under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984, he or she will be told how their order will be reviewed, and how, at the time of the review, they may make representations. People excluded under that Act will also be contacted near the time the order against them is due to expire, and invited to make representations to the Home Office.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (a) how many persons making representations following their exclusion under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Acts 1974, 1976 or 1984 were offered an interview with a Home Office adviser at a venue other than at Castlereagh holding centre, (b) where those venues were and (c) how many of those declined to attend.

  Mr. Hurd
  Only under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984 have people who make representations against an exclusion order following their removal from Great Britain or the United Kingdom had the right to an interview with a Home Office adviser.

  (a) In 14 of the 21 cases in which such interviews have taken place or been arranged following representations against exclusion orders made in Great Britain under that Act, the person excluded has been offered an interview at Castlereagh RUC station (which is a separate building from Castlereagh holding centre). In the remaining seven cases interviews were offered at other places.

  (b) These other places were Commonwealth house, Belfast; Her Majesty's prison Maze; British embassy, Dublin; and Dungannon RUC station.

  (c) None.

  Durham Prison
  Mr. McNamara
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details on a monthly basis of the number of body searches, cell searches and cell changes and strip searches carried out on each of the category A prisoners being held at Her Majesty's prison, Durham, for May and June of 1987.

  Mr. John Patten
  Records are not kept of the occasions when rub-down searching or "frisking" is carried out in prisons. Such searching is a routine security measure in prison establishments as it is in other circumstances — for example, at airports.

  For reasons which the hon. Member will understand, it is not the practice to disclose detailed information about security arrangements such as that requested about the frequency of cell searches and cell changes.

  Comprehensive records of strip searches are available only in respect of category A women prisoners, of whom there were three in Durham prison during May and June. One of these prisoners was subject to a strip search on three occasions, and another on five occasions, in each month; and the third on seven occasions in May and on two occasions in June.

  Passports
  Mr. Onslow
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he is making, during the current go slow by passport office staff, to provide for the addition of children's names to their parent's passports where there is an urgent need for this.

  Mr. Renton
  Every effort is being made to give all applications for passport services the appropriate priority. If an application for the addition of children's names to an existing passport is delayed and the applicant is unable to contact or call at the passport office, a British Visitor's Passport (BVP), including the children's names, can be obtained from a post office if the planned journey will be covered by a BVP. In these circumstances post offices have authority to issue BVPs valid for a limited period without production of all the documentary evidence normally required. Those who obtain BVPs in these circumstances may also qualify for a refund of the BVP fee under the special measures announced in my right hon. Friend's reply of 2 July, at columns 126–27, to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super-Mare (Mr. Wiggin).

  Further to that reply, the following additional countries have agreed to accept until 29 September 1987 travellers using uncancelled United Kingdom passports which expired within the last five years:

  Column A

  Column B

  Barbados

  Greece

  Yugoslavia

  Italy

  Spain

  The countries in column A have also agreed exceptionally and for the same period to accept travellers with BVPs; the countries in column B already accept BVPs.

  Prisoners (Police Cells)
  Mr. Cox
  s asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown by age of the numbers of (a) men and (b) women held in police cells on 3 July; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  On 3 July there were 511 male and 109 female prisoners held in police cells in England and Wales. Information on their ages is not available centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate expense.

  Mr. Loyden
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Merseyside as to what steps he intends to take to deal with overcrowding in detention cells in the Bridewells police station and as to the latest information for the extent of the overcrowding;

  (2) what has been the effect of limiting the number of detained prisoners at Risley remand centre on the overcrowding of detention cells in the Bridewells police station, Merseyside.

  Mr. John Patten
  I am informed that on 16 July 37 prisoners were held in the Bridewells police station. Merseyside police provide temporary accommodation for prisoners already in their charge when Risley remand centre cannot accept them due to overcrowding. Risley is currently holding over 800 male and 130 female prisoners.

  The police provide the best conditions that they can under these circumstances but we are well aware that
  58
  facilities may leave much to be desired. The measures which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 16 July are designed to alleviate the present situation nationally. In the particular case of Merseyside, measures in hand to provide facilities for remand prisoners at Liverpool and Preson prisons should provide the necessary relief in the medium and longer term.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Foulkes
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to ensure protection of British subjects involved in terrorist activities in other countries.

  Mr. Hurd
  It is for our police to ensure that terrorists are apprehended and brought to justice whenever and wherever they commit a terrorist act. At the Venice economic summit in June, Heads of State or Government, reaffirmed the principle established by relevant international conventions of trying or extraditing according to national laws and those international conventions, those who have perpetrated acts of terrorism.

  South African Embassy
  Mr. John Carlisle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the weekly cost to public funds of the continued presence of police outside the South African embassy.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a question from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 9 July 1987 at column 213.

  Mr. John Carlisle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrests since March 1986 have taken place outside the South African embassy; and what charges have been brought.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand that since the beginning of the demonstration outside South Africa house, in April 1986, there have been a total of 337 arrests. The charges have included criminal damage, assaults on the police (including one occasioning actual bodily harm), threatening behaviour, obstructing the police and obstruction of the highway.

  Prisons (Pregnant Women)
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his Department's policy towards dealing with pregnant women in Her Majesty's prisons with particular reference to the birth of their children; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the facilities for pregnant women at Risley remand centre and Askham Grange open prison.

  Mr. John Patten
  Prison standing orders require a pregnant woman to be accorded a regime which allows her to associate with other prisoners by night and day; to work normally as long as she is fit to do so; to be accommodated in a prison hospital ward or in a room with at least two other prisoners; and to be provided with special means of calling staff in case of need. Medical and other pre-natal care is provided by or under the supervision of the medical officer and the local consultant obstetrician. The medical officer is also responsible for arranging for the
  59
  confinement to take place in a suitable National Health Service hospital where the period of confinement begins during sentence. These arrangements operate at all establishments in which women are held including Her Majesty's remand centre Risley and Her Majesty's prison Askham Grange.

  Animal Welfare
  Sir Bernard Braine
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in the light of the reaction of the animal welfare community to the White Paper, Cmnd. 9571, what progress has been made in regard to further regulation of licensing procedures affecting animals other than farm livestock and wildlife, with particular reference to breeding and boarding establishments and pet shops.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  A number of animal welfare Acts were reviewed as part of the Government's deregulation exercise, reported in Cmnd. 9591 of July 1986 "Lifting the Burden". We have found no basis for any change which would lead to a lessening of the protection afforded to animals by the legislation. During the course of the review a number of suggestions were made for strengthening the legislation and its enforcement. We pay very serious regard to these measures for protecting animal welfare and we are therefore in the process of giving close and careful scrutiny to the suggestions.

  Police Stations (Leicestershire)
  Mr. Vaz
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sub-police stations have been opened in Leicestershire over the last 10 years; how many have closed; and whether he will consider allocating sufficient additional funds to the Leicestershire constabulary to enable it to open the Uppingham road police station for 24 hours a day.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Operational decisions, which include the location of stations and sub-stations, and their opening hours, are matters for the chief constable. I understand from him that three sub-police stations were closed and replaced, and a further one opened, during this period. I also understand that the opening hours—8 am to 12 midnight—of Uppingham road police station are based on his assessment of the public need.

  Police Forces (Exchange of Information)
  Mr. Gorst
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, as a matter of urgency, he will review and, if necessary, suspend the arrangements for the exchange of information in force between police forces in the United Kingdom and Sweden, in the light of the Swedish authorities having declined to give assurances that information exchanged on a police-to-police basis, the subject of a specific request from official British sources that it be not used as evidence in court proceedings, will not be so used.

  Mr. Hurd
  The police in this country decide what, if any, information to give to the police in other countries, including Sweden, to assist them in criminal investigations. It is in the public interest that such exchanges should take place, but I have asked Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary to consider whether general guidance to chief officers is needed.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Cold Water Fibrosis
  Mr. Charles Morrison
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he is giving to the threat from the disease cold water fibrosis in the light of substantial fatalities caused to the salmon stocks of Norway.

  Mr. Gummer
  I am aware that this disease, also known as hitra disease, has affected some salmon farms in Norway, with high mortalities in certain cases, particularly where there has been poor husbandry or adverse conditions. However, there is no immediate cause for concern for either farmed or wild salmon stocks in Great Britain. The Diseases of Fish Act 1937 prohibits the import of live salmon and trout to Great Britain, safeguarding against the most obvious risk of introducing diseases of salmonids. Scientists of the Fisheries Departments are in close touch with scientists in Norway about this disease and the matter is being kept under review.

  Seagoing Commercial Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list, by port, the number of seagoing commercial fishing vessels in the United Kingdom at 1 January 1973, 1 January 1983 and at the latest available date.

  Mr. Gummer
  The number of fishing vessels 40 ft in length and over based at main ports in the United Kingdom (districts in Scotland) for the dates specified are given in the following table:

  Number of United Kingdom vessels 40 ft and over by main port (district in Scotland) as at 1 January for each year

  1973

  1983

  1986

  England and Wales

  Fleetwood

  90

  71

  51

  Grimsby

  242

  216

  149

  Hull

  102

  36

  13

  Lowestoft

  108

  69

  49

  Milford Haven

  20

  26

  28

  North Shields

  55

  43

  39

  Other Ports

  514

  641

  560

  Total

  1,131

  1,102

  899

  Scotland (by district)

  Aberdeen

  4

  45

  38

  Peterhead

  62

  105

  106

  Shetland and Orkney

  80

  75

  70

  Ullapool

  17

  24

  12

  Mallaig

  32

  26

  27

  Other Districts

  805

  769

  729

  Total

  1,130

  1,044

  982

  Northern Ireland

  Total

  106

  166

  171

  United Kingdom Total

  2,367

  2,312

  2,052

  Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Kirkwood
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a White Paper setting out his strategic objectives for agriculture in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
  61
  Mr. MacGregor
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 2 July, at column 154, to the hon. Member for East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson).

  Shellfish
  Dame Peggy Fenner
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will expedite progress on determining a food standard requirement for ice glaze thickness on shellfish.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Earlier this year the Food Advisory Committee recommended in its report on coated and ice-glazed fish products, that all glazed fish products should bear an indication of net weight of fish core prior to glazing. An announcement on the Government's reaction to this and the other recommendations in the report will be made once consideration of comments received during the period of public consultation has been completed.

  EC Food Statistics
  Mr. Boateng
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he is satisfied with the arrangements for the distribution of European Economic Community food supplies;

  (2) whether he has received any representations from (a) voluntary organisations and (h) local authorities about the arrangements for the distribution of European Economic Community food surpluses;

  (3) whether he has any plans to change the arrangements for the distribution of European Economic Community food surpluses.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Short-term arrangements for the distribution of certain free foods to the most needy ended on 31 March. I have received a number of comments on the subject from voluntary organisations, local authorities and others, and I will bear these in mind should the Commission make a proposal for similar arrangements in future. There is currently no such proposal.

  Mr. Ralph Howell
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the total value of agricultural production (a) for the European Economic Community and (h) for each European Economic Community country, at the latest date for which information is available.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The information is show in the table:

  Total final agricultural production: 1985 (provisional)

  1Million ecu

  Belgium

  5,302

  Denmark

  6,659

  Germany

  26,904

  Greece

  7,842

  France

  41,062

  Ireland

  3,809

  Italy

  33,024

  Luxembourg

  163

  Netherlands

  13,636

  United Kingdom

  19,429

  Total EC10

  157,829

  Spain

  20,215

  Portugal

  2n/a

  62
  Source: Eurostat.

  1 At 1985 prices and exchange rates.

  2 The latest figure available for Portugal relates to 1981 when recorded final agricultural output was some 2,188 million ecu.

  Food Labelling
  Mr. Cryer
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in order to ensure full protection for allergic people, he will introduce legislation to ensure that food labelling requires all ingredients to be shown, including flavouring being less than 25 per cent. of the finished product: and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The Food Labelling Regulations 1984 already require that prepacked foods should carry a full list of ingredients, including additives, which perform a technological function in the final food. At present, flavourings have to be shown only by their category name. Non-prepacked foods are required to declare on a label or notice the main categories of additives present.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Divorce
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has about the number of legal proceedings for divorce involving dependent children in the last year for which information is available.

  Mrs. Currie
  The most recent calendar year for which figures are available is 1985. The number of decrees absolute granted in England and Wales to couples with at least one child aged under 16 in their family was 88,955.

  Health Authorities
  Ms. Richardson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the number of (a) women members, (b) men members, (c) women chairpersons and (d) men chairpersons on each regional health authority;

  (2) what is the number of (a) women members, (b) men members, (c) women chairpersons and (d) men chairpersons on each district health authority;

  (3) what is the number of (a) women members, (b) men members, (c) women chairpersons and (d) men chairpersons on each special health authority.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information available centrally is as follows:

  Regional Health Authorities—Members

  Men

  Women

  Northern

  11

  5

  Yorkshire

  13

  4

  Trent

  14

  3

  East Anglian

  12

  4

  North West Thames

  13

  4

  North East Thames

  12

  4

  South East Thames

  11

  5

  South West Thames

  12

  4

  Wessex

  12

  4

  Oxford

  12

  3

  South Western

  10

  6

  Mersey

  11

  3

  North Western

  11

  5

  West Midlands

  13

  4

  Totals

  167

  58

  63
  All 14 regional chairmen are male at present.

  Special health authorities—members

  Men

  Women

  The Hospitals for Sick Children

  14

  5

  National Hospital for Nervous Diseases

  16

  3

  Moorfields Eye Hospital

  15

  4

  Bethlem and Maudsley

  11

  6

  Royal Marsden

  14

  4

  National Heart and Chest Hospital

  13

  5

  Hammersmith and Queen Charlottes

  10

  6

  Eastman Dental

  11

  2

  Rampton Board

  3

  3

  Broadmoor Board

  6

  3

  Moss Side and Park Lane Board

  8

  1

  Mental Health Act Commission

  68

  24

  Central Blood Products Laboratory

  8

  —

  Prescription Pricing Authority

  11

  3

  NHS Training Authority

  17

  6

  Health Education Authority

  8

  6

  Disablement Services Authority

  7

  1

  Rural Dispensing Committee

  8

  1

  Totals

  248

  83

  The chairman of the special health authority for The Hospitals for Sick Children is a woman, the remainder are men.

  District health authorities
  Members of District Health Authorities are appointed by the relevant regional health authority and appropriate local authorities.The information requested about them is therefore not available centrally but the hon. Member could obtain it from the chairmen of the regional health authorities. There are currently 32 women chairmen of district health authorities and 155 men.

  Multiple Sclerosis (Exhibition)
  Mr. Hayward
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has considered an application for an exhibition relating to multiple sclerosis sufferers and self-help to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

  Mr. Scott
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Services Committee, arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from 23 to 27 November.

  Mr. Ben Rose
  Mr. Fraser
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the hon. Member for Norwood will receive a reply to his letter addressed to the Department of Healthand Social Security at 6 Camberwell New road concerning Mr. Ben Rose of Millbrook Road, London S.W.9.

  Mr. Portillo
  I understand that the manager of the office at 6 Camberwell New road replied to the hon. Member on 15 July.

  Data Network (Departmental Integration)
  Mr. Michael Marshall
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what preparations have been made to date, and what actions are planned in the next six months, to facilitate the integration of his Department's data systems and databases into a wider network of the type envisaged by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency's Government data network service requirement.
  64
  Mr. Portillo
  The Department has no current plans to integrate its systems and databases into a wider network. The suitability of a Government data network for internal departmental use is currently being assessed. Should this option be chosen, it is expected that the facility will be used, with appropriate safeguards to protect confidentiality, to transfer information relating to income tax deductions and taxable national insurance benefits, currently exchanged on magnetic tape, to the Board of the Inland Revenue.

  Government Data Network
  Mr. Michael Marshall
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what conclusions were drawn in the course of preparatory studies undertaken in relation to the proposed Government data network, about the potential cost savings that might be made by allowing suitable data to be transferred between his Department and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise;

  (2) what conclusions were drawn in the course of preparatory studies undertaken in relation to the proposed Government data network, about the potential cost savings that might be made by allowing certain data other than that concerning income tax deductions and taxable national insurance benefits, to be transferred between his Department and the Inland Revenue.

  Mr. Portillo
  Detailed costings have not been undertaken as there are no proposals for the exchange of such information.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Leighton
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the turnover of staff in Department of Health and Social Security benefit offices (a) in inner London and (b) nationally in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

  Mr. Portillo
  The following figures give the total number of local office staff leaving the Department, for all reasons, nationally and in inner London, during the period 1 September 1986 to 31 March 1987. These numbers are then expressed as a percentage of the total local office staff in post at 1 September 1986.

  I regret that the information requested is not available for a twelve month period.

  Total Staff in post

  Total leavers

  Half year per cent.

  National

  64,291

  3,354·0

  5·22

  Inner London(offices where inner London weighting is in payment)

  6,284

  545·5

  8·68

  Terrence Higgins Trust
  Mr. Allen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received regarding the funding of the Terrence Higgins Trust; and what action he proposes to take on the matter.

  Mr. Newton
  We have received an application for funding for 1987–88 from the Terrence Higgins Trust which we are now considering. We have made interim payments of £50,000 to the trust and expect to be in a position to decide its final allocation very soon.

  Repetitive Strain Injury
  Mr. Shersby
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research is being funded by his Department into the nature and treatment of repetitive strain injury and tenosynovitis.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Department looks to the Medical Research Council, which is funded by the Department of Education and Science, to meet its biomedical research needs. The M RC is not currently supporting research into these conditions nor has it been asked by the Department to do so.

  The Health and Safety Executive, which is funded by the Department of Employment, is supporting a study at the Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, into occupational factors associated with upper limb repetitive strain injuries.

  The University of Surrey is carrying out a study into the use of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic tool for muscular skeletal disorders, which is relevant to tenosynovitis.

  AIDS
  Mr. Butler
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimates his Department has made of the number of persons likely to be infected with AIDS in the United Kingdom in 1992 on the basis of (a) current plans and policies and (b) a policy of compulsory confinement of infected individuals.

  Mr. Newton
  It is not possible, with our current knowledge, to make reliable estimates of the likely numbers of AIDS cases in 1992.

  Fraudulent Claims
  Mr. Chris Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the total cost of fraudulent claims for (i) retirement pensions, (ii) child benefit, (iii) supplementary benefit and (iv) unemployment benefit.

  Mr. Portillo
  No reliable estimate is available of the total cost of fraudulent claims for social security benefits.

  In-patients (Treatment Waiting Time)
  Mr. Galbraith
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing the total average waiting time for National Health Service in-patient treatment in each surgical specialty in each hospital in England and Wales.

  Mr. Newton
  I am sorry, I cannot give the hon. Member the information he seeks. The sample numbers held centrally are too small for reliable estimates to be made of average waiting time for admission to individual hospitals.

  Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information is available to his Department on (a) vacancy rates for medical laboratory scientific officers and (b) how National Health Service pay and benefit levels for medical laboratory scientific officers compare with those available for similar positions in the private sector.
  66
  Mr. Newton
  Firstly, information on vacancies for medical laboratory scientific officers is not collected centrally. Secondly, a direct comparison of the rates of pay and benefit levels of medical laboratory scientific officers employed in the NHS with those available in the private sector is not possible since the requirements and responsibilities of posts will differ widely.

  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the percentage change in (a) the basic pay and (b) the take-home pay of medical laboratory scientific officers since 1979 (i) in money terms, (ii) deflated by the retail price index and (iii) in relation to national income levels.

  Mr. Newton
  Information in the form requested is not available. The increase in basic pay of a basic grade medical laboratory scientific officer since 1979 is as follows:

  1 April 1979 £

  1 April 1986 £

  per cent increase cash

  per cent increase in real terms1

  Minimum of Scale

  3,606

  6,368

  76·6

  +5·2

  Maximum of Scale

  5,157

  8,986

  74·2

  +3·8

  1Based on July Retail Price Index.

  In addition to basic pay, many medical laboratory scientific officers receive additional payments for being on-call or standby, and for calls to the laboratory. Present average earnings of full-time staff are estimated to be about 23 per cent greater than basic pay.

  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what grounds medical laboratory scientific officers are categorised as ancillary staff.

  Mr. Newton
  I am not aware of any such categorisation. Medical laboratory scientific officers remain part of the professional and technical staffs group.

  Edinburgh Social Security Appeals Tribunal
  Mr. Home Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the maximum time between hearings by the Edinburgh social security appeal tribunal and the dispatch of that tribunal's written decisions; if he will make a statement on the employment of temporary and permanent staff at that office; if he is satisfied with the performance of the Edinburgh office; and if he intends to take any action to ensure that claimants' cases are resolved more quickly.

  Mr. Portillo
  The administration of social security appeal tribunals is the responsibility of the President of Social Security and Medical Appeal Tribunals, His Honour Judge Byrt, QC. The hon. Member should write to him about the staffing and performance at the Edinburgh Social Security Appeal Tribunal Clerk's office.

  Mixed Sex Wards
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information is available to his Department on the number of mixed sex wards; and how this has changed since 1979 (a) in relation to geriatric wards in mental hospitals, and (b) in general.
  67
  Mrs. Currie
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Bow and Poplar (Mrs. Gordon) on 16 July.

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Walters
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider reviewing the treatment of invalid care allowance in the supplementary benefit scheme, in order to allow a payment for the services provided by carers rather than an income maintenance benefit.

  Mr. Scott
  Invalid care allowance is an income replacement benefit designed to help replace the income of people who have given up the opportunity of full-time paid employment to look after a severely disabled person. Supplementary benefit is also an income replacement benefit, and is intended to bring up to a prescribed level any other income a person might have. In such a scheme regard must be paid to any income that is intended for everyday maintenance, and invalid care allowance is intended for this purpose. To ignore invalid care allowance in assessing entitlement to supplementary benefit, therefore, would be to make double provision from public funds.

  Clinical Waste
  Mr. Raison
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he requires that a private contractor burning clinical waste at a National Health Service hospital and acting under control of the hospital staff should have a licence under the Control of Pollution Act 1974.

  Mrs. Currie
  Health authorities are expected to establish working practices in accordance with the requirements of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. They should consider taking legal advice before entering into agreements with private contractors. The nature of these agreements will determine the need for a licence.

  Overseas Pensioners
  Sir John Farr
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the cost of paying the latest increase in United Kingdom pensions in a full year to British pensioners in Canada.

  Mr. Scott
  The latest annual figures available are based on November 1985 rates. The increases in pensions paid in July 1986 and April 1987 are not based on a full year and are therefore unrepresentative.

  Nevertheless, we are hoping to carry out an exercise in the next few months to estimate the cost of paying the April 1987 increase to pensioners in Canada and I shall let my hon. Friend have a further reply as soon as the figures are available.

  Consultant Contracts
  Mr. Meacher
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to transfer consultant contracts from regional health authorities to district health authorities.

  Mr. Newton
  We have no plans to transfer consultants' contracts to district health authorities.

  Liverpool Royal Infirmary
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the site of the former Liverpool royal infirmary has been cleared of asbestos; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Benefits
  Mr. Frank Field
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the number of (a) claimants and (b) dependants who are unemployed and drawing supplementary benefit in the Birkenhead constituency;

  (2) what is the number of (a) claimants and (b) dependants who are unemployed and drawing supplementary benefit in the Wirral, West constituency;

  (3) what is the number of (a) claimants and (b) dependants who are unemployed and drawing supplementary benefit in the Wirral, South constituency.

  Mr. Portillo
  Information is not available in the precise form requsted. The constituencies of Birkenhead, Wirral, South and Wirral, West are each served by Birkenhead, North and Birkenhead, South local offices but the boundaries are not conterminous.

  The number of unemployed people claiming supplementary benefit at these offices on 5 May 1987, the latest available figures, is as follows:

  Number

  Birkenhead, North

  7,223

  Birkenhead, South

  4,478

  Information is not kept locally about the numbers of claimants' dependants.

  Dr. David Clark
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will continue to allow young people of 16 to 18 years old who choose a 21-hour course of further education as an alternative to the YTS to qualify for supplementary benefit.

  Mr. Scott
  The Government intend to implement the manifesto commitment to withdraw benefit entitlement from people in this age group who choose to remain unemployed and we shall be bringing forward legislation in due course to achieve this. The detail of the change is still being considered and it would be inappropriate at this stage to comment on this particular aspect.

  Derriford Hospital, Plymouth
  Miss Fookes
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if there has been any change in the timetable for the planned expansion of Derriford hospital, Plymouth, announced by his Department in February, especially with regard to the start date;

  (2) if he will make a statement about the prospects for a maternity unit at Derriford hospital.

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

  Pathologists, Torbay
  Mr. Steen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will agree to meet representatives of the

  69
  department of pathology at Torbay hospital, together with Dr. Laurence Hayek, consultant at the Torbay hospital, and Tony Boyce. chairman of the Torbay health authority, and the hon. Member for South Hams, to discuss the current situation among pathologists, as requested in the hon. Member for South Hams' letter of 7 July.

  Mr. Newton
  I am considering my hon. Friend's request and will he replying to him shortly.

  Single Payments
  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he has given to the effects on disabled and mature students dependent on single benefits of changes to the single payment regime; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The changes made to the Single Payments Regulations in August 1986 have not affected the ability of disabled students to qualify for single payments. Like any other claimants, they can be considered for help if they are entitled to weekly supplementary benefit. The regulations — particularly in relation to furniture, bedclothes, and clothing—provide specifically for those claimants who are chronically sick or disabled. Mature students, who can generally claim benefit only during the long vacation, have to qualify then for single payments on the same basis as other fit claimants under pension age.

  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many disabled and mature students are dependent on single benefits for bedding and heating; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  I regret that I am unable to supply the information required, as the existing statistics on the number of single payment claims for bedding and heating do not identify students as a separate claimant group.

  Transplant Surgery
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations on transplant his Department has received from the National Society for Transplant Surgery; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Four letters were received in the Department from the chairman during April giving information about the society, and a further letter was received in May asking for an assurance that the Department would recognise the legal validity of the society's donor cards. The legality of the document would be a matter for the courts and the chairman was informed that such an assurance could not therefore be given.

  Hospitals (Manchester)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what will be the effect of the outcome of the South Manchester health authority's meeting on 16 July relating to cuts in spending on staffing levels at the Christie, Wythenshawe and Withington hospitals; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the future of hospital services in south Manchester for lung cancer, cardiothoracic and vascular patients in the light of the South Manchester health authority's meeting on 16 July relating to cuts in spending in the years 1987–88 and 1988–89;
  70
  (3) in how many recent cases patient care has suffered in south Manchester's hospitals in consequence of inadequate staffing levels; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Responsibility for managing health services within South Manchester is the responsibility of South Manchester health authority which has enjoyed substantial real growth in resources in recent years. The right hon. Member may therefore wish to address his enquiries to the chairman of that authority.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will visit south Manchester to discuss with the district health authority and representatives of hospital staffs there the impending cuts in expenditure of £5·9 million in the period up to 31 March 1989.

  Mrs. Currie
  South Manchester health authority has enjoyed 7 per cent. real growth in revenue expenditure since 1982–83. My hon. Friend and I have visited Manchester often to see examples of how health services in the city have benefitted. Planning the use of these resources in South Manchester up to 1989 and beyond is the responsibility of the district health authority in conjunction with the regional health authority. These two bodies are in routine regular contact on these matters.

  Elderly People (London)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of elderly people in London who were in receipt of supplementary pension for 1986; and what was the figure for 1983.

  Mr. Portillo
  The Greater London area is served for supplementary pension purposes by 66 local offices of the Department, but their boundaries are not conterminous.

  The number of people in receipt of supplementary pension at those offices at May 1986 and May 1983 was:

  Number

  7 May 1986

  239,403

  10 May 1983

  235,713

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

  London
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in London are currently in receipt of (a) supplementary benefit, (b) family income supplement and (c) housing benefit.

  Mr. Portillo
  This information is not available in the precise form requested.

  The Greater London area is served for supplementary benefits purposes by 66 of the Department's offices but their boundaries are not conterminous. The total number of people claiming benefit from those offices, as at 5 May 1987, the latest available information, was 764,206. Source: 100 per cent. count of cases in action.

  Information about people claiming family income supplement in the London area is not available.

  The total number of people in receipt of rate rebates in the London area—comprising Inner, Outer and the City of London — as at 3 July 1987, the latest available information was 861,086. Source: Sum report of Local Authority returns for 1987–88.
  71
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the infant mortality rate in London for 1986; and what was the comparable figure in 1983.

  Mrs. Currie
  The provisional infant mortality rate—deaths under one year of age per 1,000 live births—for the Greater London council area for the year 1986 is 9·1. The corresponding figure for 1983 is 9·4.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total number of bed losses in National Health Service hospitals in London for each of the past five years; and, of these, how many were acute beds.

  Mrs. Currie
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Motor Cyclists (Injuries)
  Mr. Sheerman
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide details of (a) the annual cost to the National Health Service, (b) the percentage of emergency orthopaedic admissions and (c) the average length of stay in hospital for the treatment of (i) serious injuries suffered by pedestrians and (ii) serious injuries suffered by motor cyclists.

  Mrs. Currie
  I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

  Child Benefit
  Sir Brandon Rhys Williams
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to uprate the amount of child benefit fully to compensate for the change in the retail price index since the date of the last increase; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  We have no plans to depart from the policy of successive Governments which has been to determine the rate of child benefit as a part of the annual social security uprating exercise. The universal nature of child benefit places a substantial burden on all taxpayers and the rate at which it is paid must be assessed in the light of total expenditure on social security and the specific need for a balanced programme of financial support for families.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  VAT
  Mr. Morley
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had in the European Economic Community Council of Ministers concerning the imposition of value added tax on public transport fares.

  Mr. Wilson
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy towards proposals for the harmonisation of value added tax across the European Economic Community by 1992, as it affects transport matters; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Dunnachie
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had concerning the harmonisation of value added tax in the European Economic Community by 1992 and its implications for public transport fares; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. George Howarth
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy on the charging of value added tax on transport fares.
  72
  Mr. Dixon
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had concerning the imposition of value added tax on bus and rail fares.

  Mr. Brooke
  The Economic and Finance Council has not yet had an opportunity to discuss the Commission's proposals for the approximation of value added tax. The Prime Minister has made it clear that the United Kingdom could not accept proposals that threaten to change our capacity to zero rate what we want to zero rate.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations he has had on the case to be presented by Her Majesty's Government at the European Court of Justice on 15 September in response to the case initiated by the European Economic Community Commission on the levying of value added tax on new housebuilding, electricity, gas and protective clothing.

  Mr. Brooke
  The Government have received representations from a large number of interested parties; full weight has been given to the views expressed in preparing the United Kingdom's defence to the European Commission's case.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the achievements of his Department in helping small businesses over the last three years; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring.

  Mr. Major
  The Government's economic policy is designed to maintain a vigorous economy in which business and enterprise can flourish. Specific measures helpful to small businesses have been introduced in each of the last three Budgets. These include:

  1985 Budget

  self employed benefit from continuing reduction in Class 2 NIC and tax relief on half Class 4 NIC;

  NIC restructuring;

  extension of business expansion scheme (BES);

  reform of capital gains retirement relief, extension of indexation, relief for long term holdings;

  VAT threshold increase in line with inflation, extension of bad debt relief;

  abolition of development land tax;

  unincorporated businesses share benefit of real increase in income tax thresholds.

  1986 Budget

  small companies' corporation tax (CT) rate reduced to 29 per cent.;

  unincorporated businesses benefit from basic rate cut to 29 per cent. and indexation of tax thresholds;

  BES extended and targeting improved;

  Inheritance tax exemption for lifetime gifts;

  VAT registration and deregistration thresholds increased broadly in line with inflation;

  Enterprise allowance scheme expanded;

  Employee share schemes: improved access for unquoted family companies, employee controlled companies, worker co-operatives;

  Loan guarantee scheme extended and premium halved.

  1987 Budget

  Small companies' CT rate reduced to 27 per cent.;

  unincorporated businesses benefit from income tax basic rate cut to 27 per cent. and indexation of the tax threshold; package of measures to lighten VAT burden on small businesses including: cash and annual accounting for businesses with turnover up to £250,000; registration threshold increased to £21,300 and period in which

  73
  businesses obliged to register extended to 30 days, simpler schemes to he more widely available for small and medium sized retailers;

  standstill in fuel duties and most vehicle excise duty rates; BES changes to reduce effect of investment bunching in last quarter of tax year;

  small companies' capital gains charge reduced to 27 per cent. with advance corporation tax offset against liability on gains;

  ceiling for capital gains retirement relief increased to £125,000;

  Inheritance tax (IHT) business relief increased from 30 per cent. to 51) per cent. for minority holdings over 25 per cent. in unquoted companies; IHT threshold increased; new simplified occupational pension schemes will help small employers set up own schemes.

  The success of the Government's policies to improve the climate for small businesses is indicated by the rate of net business startups which, on the basis of VAT registration, averaged around 500 per week between 1980 and 1985.

  Intestacy
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give for each of the past five years the value of estates of those dying intestate and the number of such estates.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I regret that the information requested is not available centrally. Information recorded in connection with inheritance tax does not distinguish the estates of those dying intestate. However, the numbers of grants of letters of adminstration issued in each of the last five years in England and Wales to the estates of intestates are shown below. The drop in the numbers in recent years probably reflects the increase in 1984 from £1,500 to £5,000 of the limit below which assets may be dealt with without the production of a grant.

  Numbers

  1982

  90,320

  1983

  90,173

  1984

  83,492

  1985

  72,922

  1986

  64,458

  No figures are available to indicate the size of these estates, nor the number of intestate estates for which there are no applications for letters of administration.

  Civil Servants (Hours of Work)
  Mr. Grocott
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average weekly hours worked by civil servants (a) in 1964, (b) in 1974 and (c) in the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Brooke
  Information is available only in respect of conditioned hours worked by the majority of full-time civil servants. These are as follows:

  Gross weekly hours (including meal breaks) worked by Non Industrial staff

  Net weekly hours (excluding meal breaks) worked by Industrial staff

  Year

  London

  Elsewhere

  19641

  42

  43

  42

  1974

  41

  42

  40

  1987

  41

  42

  39

  1 From 1 October.

  74
  Average weekly net conditioned hours for part-time staff are estimated at 22 in 1975 and 1987. Earlier figures are not available.

  Economic and Finance Council Meeting
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Economic and Finance Council meeting on 13 July.

  Mr. Brooke
  This meeting was held in Brussels. I represented the United Kingdom.

  The Council carried out its second quarterly review of the economic situation in the Community. It was agreed that there was no need to change the economic policy guidelines contained in the annual economic report adopted last December.

  Spain and Portugal reiterated their concern about the impact on them on the Council's decision to delay reimbursement to member states of losses incurred on the disposal of butter stocks. The Council took note of their views.

  The Council agreed to a United Kingdom request for a derogation from the sixth VAT directive relating to cash accounting for small businesses. The derogation will apply for a transitional period until the Council adopts a Community wide scheme. The Council will review the position after three years.

  Child Minding (Tax Relief)
  Mr. Shersby
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the cost to the Exchequer of introducing tax relief for working mothers for the cost of child minding; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Kensington (Sir Brandon Rhys Williams) on 13 Jul) 1987, at column 351–2.

  Members' Income
  Mr. Grylls
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to enable Members of Parliament, with various interests outside Parliament from which they earn income, to elect to be self-employed as regards the whole of their income including parliamentary salary; and if he will make a statement.

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

  Income Tax
  Mr. Frank Field
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a distributional analysis of all income tax reductions since 1979 (a) taking the gains to the top 1 per cent., top 2 to 5 per cent., top 6 to 10 per cent., top 11 to 20 per cent., top 21 to 30 per cent., top 31 to 50 per cent., bottom 50 per cent., points in the income distribution, giving the number of tax units for each group, the reduction in income tax for each group compared with 1978–79, and the average per tax unit, and (b) taking the gains to those with total income under £5,000, £5,000 to £10,000, £10,000 to £15,000, £15,000 to £20,000, £20,000 to £30.000, £30,000 to £40,000, £40,000 to £50,000, over £50,000, giving the number of units

  75
  paying tax and the reduction in income tax compared with 1978–79, giving both the amount for each income group and the average per tax unit.

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

  Coinage
  Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will ensure that a panel of registered blind people and the Royal National Institute for the Blind are consulted about any proposed change in the design of United Kingdom coins and that the polygon shape of the 50p piece will be retained to distinguish it by touch from any other coin.

  Mr. Brooke
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will take careful note of the views of the blind before decisions are taken about the future of the coinage. The Royal Mint's recently published pamphlet on the future of the coinage will shortly be available in braille. While the replacement of the existing 50p coin cannot be ruled out at this stage, a survey conducted by Nottingham university suggests that most people would like to see it retained.

  Unemployment (Cost)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual cost, in taxes forgone and national insurance, and in extra social security payments, of the number of unemployed people in London for the latest date available.

  Mr. Major
  I regret that regional figures for benefit expenditure on the unemployed are not available. It is not possible to estimate the revenue forgone.

  European Commission Budget
  Mr. Wheeler
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the European Commission's latest cash position and the implications for the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Brooke
  The European Commission estimated that its spending obligations in July would again exceed available revenues under the budget for 1987.

  The Commission has therefore requested member states to advance from August into July the payment of own resources other than VAT in accordance with article 10(2) of Council Regulation 2891/77; a similar advance was made last month. The Government are satisfied that this request is within the vires of Article 10(2) and accordingly made an advance payment today, 20 July, of £147 million from the Consolidated Fund under section 2(3) of the European Communities Act 1972. The payment of levies and duties on 20 August will be reduced by the amount of the advance.

  The Commission has also informed us that it has had to overdraw its accounts with member states in July in accordance with article 12(2) of Council Regulation 2891/77.
  76
  The amount involved for the United Kingdom is expected to be of the order of £206 million. The Government are meeting this obligation from the Consolidated Fund in accordance with section 2(3) of the European Communities Act 1972. Repayment of drawings made under this facility will be made by deduction from subsequent own resources payments. Neither of these facilities involves increasing the total amounts which the Community is authorised to spend during 1987. There is therefore no net addition to public expenditure.

SCOTLAND

  War Criminals (Extradition)
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many requests have been received by the Lord Advocate since 1957 for assistance in procuring the extradition from Scotland of suspected war criminals; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  None, so far as can be ascertained. Any such request would be treated on its merits in accordance with extradition law.

  Caterpillar Tractor Company Ltd.
  Dr. Reid
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what meetings he intends to have with the management of Caterpillar Tractor Company Limited about the disposal of financial and other assets.

  Mr. Lang
  The disposal of the assets of the Caterpillar plant at Uddingston is a matter for the company. My Department is in touch with the company about its liability for the repayment of grant paid in respect of particular equipment.

  Pension Fund Assets
  Dr. Reid
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received any representations about calling for amendment of Scottish law governing the disposal of surplus pension fund assets in major Scottish companies.

  Mr. Lang
  No.

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Buchan
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list (a) his Department's total expenditure on museums and galleries in Scotland in every year since 1976–77, (b) expenditure on the national galleries of Scotland, the national museum of antiquities, the royal Scottish museum and the national library, aportioned as between capital costs, current costs and purchase grants, (c) expenditure on the Scottish museums council, and (d) any other expenditure on museums in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is set out in the table below.
  77

  Scottish Education Department Direct expenditure on museums and galleries

  £000

  Financial year

  1976–77

  1977–78

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Royal Scottish Museum1

  Current

  859

  921

  972

  1,215

  1,619

  1,764

  1,857

  1,951

  2,125

  3,100

  3,808

  Purchase Grant

  100

  100

  142

  185

  240

  254

  330

  347

  349

  591

  623

  National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland1

  Current

  252

  280

  328

  428

  545

  600

  605

  626

  747

  —

  —

  Purchase Grant

  50

  50

  71

  92

  120

  128

  165

  173

  175

  —

  —

  Scottish Heritage Fund2

  —

  —

  —

  390

  507

  424

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Local Museums Purchase Fund

  45

  45

  64

  83

  108

  114

  167

  175

  184

  210

  220

  National Galleries of Scotland

  Current

  533

  547

  625

  805

  1,172

  1,322

  1,415

  1,444

  1,535

  1,604

  1,682

  Purchase Grant

  290

  298

  527

  684

  891

  941

  1,211

  1,265

  1,274

  1,439

  1,517

  National Library of Scotland

  Current

  809

  852

  988

  1,090

  2,119

  2,286

  2,203

  2,273

  2.611

  2,779

  3,177

  Purchase Grant

  167

  167

  237

  308

  400

  424

  546

  573

  578

  665

  730

  SED Funds to Property Services Agency for new build and maintenance of the above national institutions buildings

  Capital3

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1,724

  1,932

  4,061

  5,516

  5,074

  Current

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1,094

  1,290

  1,377

  2,117

  2,056

  Scottish Museums Council

  60

  100

  125

  145

  165

  200

  253

  268

  286

  408

  440

  TOTAL4

  3,165

  3,360

  4,079

  5,425

  7,886

  8,457

  11,570

  12,317

  15,302

  18,429

  19,327

  1The Royal Scottish Museum and the National Museum of Antiquities amalgamated to become the National Museums of Scotland on 1 October 1985.

  2 The Scottish Heritage Fund was included in individual purchase grants from 1 April 1982.

  3The Property Services Agency figures are not available for the early years.

  4This total does not take account of over £8 million given as direct grant to Glasgow district council to assist building the Burrell gallery; payments started in 1979.

  Forfar Bypass
  Mr. Bill Walker
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures have been introduced to monitor accidents at the junctions on the new Forfar bypass; if he has received a report on the serious accident which took place there on Wednesday 15 July; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Accident levels on Scottish trunk roads are regularly monitored, and the Forfar bypass will automatically be included. A safety audit of the road was carried out before the opening of the bypass. This involved representatives from the Scottish Development Department's Road Safety Advisory Unit, the police and engineers connected with the project. All were satisfied with the standard of the road. I have asked for a report on the circumstances which gave rise to the accidents. It is, however, for the police to investigate individual accidents and to take appropriate action.

  Local Authority Housebuilding
  Mr. Holland
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the share respectively of (a) public direct labour schemes and (b) private contractors' schemes in local authority housebuilding in Scotland for the years 1985 and 1986.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply by my predecessor on 20 March, at column 654.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the proportion of children aged three and four who in 1986–87 were in receipt of nursery education in (a)each local education authority area and (b)Scotland as a whole.

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

  Western Islands Council
  Mr. Macdonald
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make additional resources available to the Western Islands Council to enable it to mitigate the effects of the anticipated staff shortage in 1987–88 at the Nicolson Institute; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  It is up to local authorities to choose their own expenditure priorities within the resources available. Western Isles Islands Council's current expenditure guideline for 1987–88 is 1·7 per cent. above its assessed need, 6·3 per cent. above its budget in 1986–87 and 7·8 per cent. above its guideline in that year.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  ILEA (Resignations and Retirements)
  Mr. John Marshall
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many head teachers have resigned or taken premature retirement from the Inner London education authority since 1981.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Information in the form requested is not available. Between March 1981 and March 1985, 137 head teachers aged under 60 left full-time teaching service in the Inner London education authority without transferring to another teaching post in the public sector in England and Wales.

  Research
  Mr. Wilkinson
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of University Grants Committee funding is spent on science undergraduate teaching and on scientific research.

  Mr. Jackson
  Disaggregated information on science undergraduate teaching is not available. Universities' total expenditure on scientific research and development is estimated to have been £563·5 million in 1984–85.

  Four-term School Year
  Mr. Latham
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to hold discussions with representatives of the Council of Local Education Authorities regarding the introduction of a four-term school year; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mr. Dunn
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to hold discussions with the Council of Local Education Authorities on the topic. The Government are aware of the interest currently being shown in the four-term year, but have noted that the need for change does not command universal support within the education service. Such a change would be a major one, with implications well beyond education.

  League for the Exchange of Commonwealth Teachers
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if his Department has considered an application for an exhibition relating to the work of the League for the Exchange of Commonwealth Teachers to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Services Committee, arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 9 November to Friday 13 November, 1987.

  Teachers
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if teachers appointed to a scale Il post from 1 January 1988 could be appointed at the same level as at 1 October 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The intention is that scale 2 will not exist as from 1 October 1987. From that date all teachers will be appointed to the main scale for teachers in accordance with the provisions then in force.

  Head Teachers (Wythenshawe)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he will be replying to the letter sent to him on 18 June by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe, enclosing a report from infant and junior school head teachers in Wythenshawe.

  Mr Dunn
  Inquiries are being made of the local education authority and my right hon. Friend expects to reply shortly.

  Marine Technology Research Unit, Bangor
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the future of the marine technology research unit at University College of North Wales, Bangor, and on its future level of funding.

  Mr. Jackson
  I am not aware of any distinct marine technology research unit at the University College of North Wales, Bangor, or of any uncertainty about the future of research in marine science there, but if the hon. Member would care to write to me with more information, I should be glad to look into the matter.

  Children (Special Education Needs)
  Mr. Hannam
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to increase parental choice of schools for parents of children with special educational needs.

  Mr. Dunn
  Parents of all children attending maintained primary and secondary schools, including children with special educational needs, will be able to benefit from our plans for increasing parental choice.

  Mr. Ashley
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has for extending and improving the quality of teacher training for those who teach children with special educational needs.

  Mr. Dunn
  The Government are committed to providing the highest quality of training for specialist teachers of children with special educational needs. The change to an entirely in-service specialist training should improve the education of children with special educational needs by ensuring that newly-qualified specialist teachers have received a high level of both general and specialist teacher training. On 1 April my right hon. Friend introduced a new scheme to support expenditure by local education authorities on training teachers and other related professionals. The scheme helps authorities to organise in-service training more systematically so as to meet both national and local training needs and priorities. The national priority areas for 1987–88 and 1988–89 include training to meet the special educational needs of pupils with learning difficulties in schools.

  Expenditure incurred by local authorities in this area will he supported by grant at a rate of 70 per cent. up to limits set by my right hon. Friend, and expenditure beyond that is eligible for further grant at a rate of 50 per cent.

  Mr. Ashley
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what plans he has to ensure that funding arrangements for schools which receive grant aid from central Government will not result in discrimination against those children whose special educational provision may require more space or equipment or more intensive teacher involvement;

  (2) what plans he has for ensuring the continuation of provision for children with disabilities in those schools which opt out of local education authority control.

  Mr. Dunn
  It is proposed that a grant maintained school would receive the same level of funding from the Secretary of State as it would have done from the local education authority had it not opted out. The Government intend to issue shortly a consultative document which will give details of the possible shape and nature of the scheme.

  Disabled Persons (Higher Education)
  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance his Department has given to local education authorities regarding guaranteeing places in higher education to disabled persons.

  Mr. Jackson
  It is for higher education institutions, which are responsible for their own academic affairs, including the selection of students, to keep their practice in providing for students with disabilities under review. The Department has issued no guidance. The report "Catching-Up?", published by the National Bureau for
  81
  Handicapped Students this year, following a DES-sponsored survey of public sector provision for special educational needs, gives useful information on current practice.

  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what financial assistance has been extended to universities and other institutions of higher education to ensure improved facilities for disabled students; and which universities and institutions have benefited from such assistance.

  Mr. Jackson
  The University Grants Committee allocates resources between universities in the form of block grants and does not earmark moneys for particular services such as those to students with special educational needs. Other institutions receive their funds from their maintaining authority. Information on the extent to which UGC or local authority funding may provide for improvements in facilities for students with special needs is not available centrally. It is for institutions themselves to determine what facilities are needed to meet the special needs of those students which they propose to admit.

  Curriculum
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will set out in the Official Report the criteria he has laid down for the working parties on different curriculum areas.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend announced the setting up of the science and mathematics working groups on Friday 10 July, at columns 283 and 284, and copies of the groups' terms of reference and membership have been placed in the Library. Similar arrangements will be made for the setting up of subsequent working groups.

  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration is being given to the needs of gifted children in preparing the new national curriculum.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The working groups being established for each foundation subject will he asked to recommend attainment targets and programmes of study which are challenging and appropriate for the whole ability range. Our proposals are designed to help all pupils including the most able to progress as far and as fast as is right for them.

  Schools (London)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools in the (a) Inner London education area and (b) London area were built before 1914; and what percentage of the total number of schools in each group this represents.

  Mr. Dunn
  The Department does not hold this information.

  Education Bill (Consultation Papers)
  Mr. Fatchett
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he plans to publish further consultation papers in relation to the proposed Education Bill; what subjects will be covered; and what will be the periods for consultation.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The Government have published consultation papers on the arrangements for collective worship and on our proposals for more open enrolment.
  82
  We are today publishing a consultation paper on financial delegation to schools, to be followed by others on charges for school activities, grant-maintained schools, the national curriculum, the Government's proposals to allow inner London boroughs to take on the responsibilities of local education authorities; and in due course probably certain other issues. Like those already published, these further papers will seek comments by the early autumn.

  School Meals (London)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children in London are in receipt of free school meals; and what percentage of the total number of London children in schools this represents.

  Mr. Dunn
  The total number of free school meals taken in Greater London on the day of the school meals census in October 1986 was 159,224, or 19·9 per cent. of the total number of pupils present. Information about individual local education authorities is contained in the report on the census, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Research Councils
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will publish the Advisory Board for the Research Councils' strategic advice on the science base; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  The Advisory Board for the Research Councils' discussion document, "A Strategy for the Science Base", is being published today. It is an important contribution to the development of policy in this area, and I am grateful to Sir David Phillips and the members of the board for their valuable advice.

  As announced in Cmnd. 9849 last year, the Government's policy is to maintain and enhance the strength and quality of the science base. We seek to increase the returns to the nation from the public investment in scientific research, through greater concentration and selectivity, better targeting, closer links with industry, and more purposive management of research effort in the Research Councils and higher education. Many of the ABRC's recommendations are designed to meet these objectives.

  Copies of the discussion document are being distributed widely to the higher education and scientific communities and other interested bodies. I am inviting their views and comments on the Board's recommendations by 31 October. In the light of these consultations the Government will announce its own conclusions on future policies for the science base and how these will be given effect.

  School Budgets
  Mr. Pawsey
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the Government's plans to delegate to schools control over their budgets.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  I intend to bring forward legislation:

  (a) to ensure that parents and the community know on what basis the resources available to schools arc distributed in their area and how much is being spent on each school;

  83

  (b) to give the governors of all county and voluntary secondary schools, and of larger primary schools, freedom to take expenditure decisions which match their own priorities, and the guarantee that their own school will benefit if they achieve efficiency savings.

  I am today publishing a consultation paper which explains the Government's proposals in detail. I should be glad to receive comments on it by 16 September 1987. Copies of the paper have been placed in the Library.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Jaguar Cars
  Mr. John Marshall
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has about the level of investment, the trend in the value of exports and the trend in the number of people employed by Jaguar plc since it was privatised.

  Mr. Atkins
  Information from Jaguar plc shows the following picture since privatisation of the company in 1984:

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Capital investment (£m)

  38·1

  57·2

  93·9

  Export sales (£m)

  408

  503

  619

  End-year employment

  9,700

  10,800

  12,000

  As regards future trends, the company has announced its intention to invest a further £1,000 million over the next six years; plans to continue to increase its export sales; and forecast that employment will reach around 13,000 by the end of this year.

  Consumer Protection Act 1987
  Mr. Fraser
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when part 1 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 will come into force; and when consultation on the code of practice and proposed regulations under part III of the Act will be resumed.

  Mr. Maude
  I expect to be able to announce the implementation dates for those sections of the Act dealing with safety issues very soon. I hope that a revised draft of the code of practice on price indications and any draft regulations under part III of the Act will be available for public consultation in the autumn.

  Furniture (Code of Practice)
  Mr. Holt
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consultations were held within the European Economic Community before the issuing of the new code of practice to the domestic furniture industry.

  Mr. Maude
  No consultations were held within the European Economic Community before the issue of a consultation document on the code of practice approach on extension of regulations. Within the United Kingdom the document was circulated widely to fire prevention authorities, consumer organisations, enforcement authorities and others as well as to the furniture manufacturers and their suppliers of component materials.

  If and when this code of practice is built into draft regulations we shall notify the EC Commission as required by directive No. 189/83 on the provision of information on technical standards and regulations.
  84
  Mr. Holt
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what criteria were used to establish the new code of practice for the furniture industry.

  Mr. Maude
  As my predecessor informed the House on 1 July 1986, at columns 467–68, the terms of reference of the working party asked to prepare a code of practice were"to develop a standard or code of practice which would give worthwhile progress in fire resistance qualities in upholstered furniture and could be called up in enforceable regulations".

  Mr. Holt
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what arrangements are being made to monitor the effects of the new code of practice for the furniture industry.

  Mr. Maude
  The draft code of practice has only recently been issued for consultation, and is not yet in force. The Government accept the importation of monitoring the effect of safety regulations. Thus reports on the effects of the Upholstered Furniture (Safety) Regulations 1980, made under the Consumer Safety Act, were provided by the enforcement authorities.

  I shall give careful consideration in due course to how the effects of new safety regulations for upholstered furniture can best be monitored.

  Mr. Holt
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) how many meetings were held between furniture manufacturers and Ministers prior to the issuing of the new codes of practice; and how many meetings have been arranged for the next six months;

  (2) what plans he has to discuss the problem of fires involving furniture ignited by cigarettes, cigars, pipes, matches and electricity with the furniture industry.

  Mr. Maude
  My predecessor, my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard), held one meeting with the British Furniture Manufacturers Federation on 22 January 1986. There have been no meetings with Ministers since and none is yet planned for the next six months. Officials of the Department have frequent meetings with furniture manufacturers, and I am always prepared to meet representatives of that (or any other) sector of industry when matters of importance concerning consumer safety legislation are under review.

  Furniture (Imports)
  Mr. Holt
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the total value of furniture imports at 1986 equivalent prices in (a) 1970, (b) 1979, (c) 1983, (d) 1984, (e) 1985 and (f) 1986; and what were the equivalent figures for production of United Kingdom manufactured furniture.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Information at 1986 equivalent prices for previous years is not available. United Kingdom furniture production figures for 1970 are not available. Imports of furniture, as defined by the standard international trade classification, division 82; and, United Kingdom furniture production figures, as defined by the standard industrial classification, activity headings 3166, 4671 and 4836 for the years(a) to (f) are shown in the following table: (1986 import figures are provisional)

  85

  £ million

  Year

  Imports

  United Kingdom production

  1970

  15·6

  n.a.

  1979

  253·8

  2,180

  1983

  490·4

  2,470

  1984

  591·6

  2,710

  1985

  662·8

  2,960

  1986

  776·0

  3,210

  Source: Imports — Overseas Trade Statistics United Kingdom production—DTI.

  n.a. not available.

  Mr. Dolt
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much furniture by value at 1986 prices has been imported from Third world and far east countries in each of the years 1974, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Information by value at 1986 prices is not available for previous years. There is no recognised country grouping designated "Third World". Imports of furniture, as defined in the standard international trade classification, division 82, from the "Other Developing Countries" group, Japan and China for the years requested was as follows:

  £ million

  1974

  7·0

  1979

  16·1

  1983

  35·1

  1984

  35·0

  1985

  28·8

  1986

  37·8

  Note:1986 figures provisional.

  Source:Overseas Trade Statistics.

  Postal Conventions (Soviet Violations)
  Mr. John Marshall
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations the Government have made to the Russian postal authorities about their frequent violations of international postal conventions.

  Mr. Butcher
  The Post Office and my officials take every opportunity to express concern to Soviet postal authorities in international postal fora about the non-delivery of mail addressed to Soviet citizens, and the Post Office continues to pursue with them all individual cases brought to its attention.

  Research and Development (Funding)
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the current level of funding for research and development in co-operation with other European Community countries.

  £

  Sub-Saharan Africa

  Latin America

  Imports

  Exports

  Imports

  Exports

  Raw materials (Section 2)

  145·4

  16·3

  79·2

  3·1

  Manufactured goods (Sections 5·8)

  135·4

  713·4

  130·6

  313·8

  Food (Section 0)

  274·7

  19·9

  103·0

  17·5

  Source: Overseas Trade Statistics.
  86
  Mr. Butcher
  A framework programme for research and development in the European Community over the period 1984 to 1987 provides funding of 3·75 billion ecu (about £2·6 billion). The 1987 Community budget includes 1·040 billion ecu (about £0·7 billion) for research and development.

  Negotiations for a further framework programme for the years 1987–1991 are nearing completion. This is expected to include provision of 5·2 billion ecu (about £3·6 billion) which includes 1·08 billion ecu (about £0·8 billion) for programmes already decided. A further 0.4 billion ecu (about £0·3 billion) will be subject to satisfactory agreements on the funding of the overall Community budget.

  Printing and Publishing (Exports)
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the amount of exports by printing and publishing companies in the past five years.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Information on individual companies is not available. United Kingdom exports of printed matter, as defined in the standard international trade classification revision 2 (SITC R(2)), item 892.0 for the past live years was as follows:

  £

  1982

  538·5

  1983

  594·3

  1984

  726·7

  1985

  785·7

  19861

  797·1

  1Provisional.

  Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will make a statement on the level of trade with sub-Saharan Africa in (a) raw materials, (b) manufactured goods, (c) foods and (6) high technology;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the level of trade with Latin America in (a) raw materials, (b) manufactured goods, (c) food and (d) high technology.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Information on trade levels in high technology is not available within cost limits.

  United Kingdom trade with sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America for the first four months of 1987 in categories (a) to (c) is as follows:

  Pharmaceuticals
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the level of pharmaceutical exports to Third world countries in each of the past five years.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  There is no recognised country grouping designated "Third World". Trade with the "Other Developing Countries" group in each of the past five years was as follows:

  United Kingdom exports of pharmaceutical products to "Other Developing Countries"

  £ million

  1982

  157·0

  1983

  153·1

  1984

  146·0

  1985

  174·4

  1986

  163·4

  Notes: (1) Pharmaceutical products defined as SITC Division 54.

  (2) 1986 figures provision.

  Source: Overseas Trade Statistics.

  Japanese Investment
  Sir Anthony Grant
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to encourage investment in the United Kingdom by Japanese industry and commerce; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Invest in Britain Bureau in my Department is responsible for encouraging Japanese investment into all parts of the United Kingdom. The bureau undertakes a programme of seminars in Japan, inward missions and other promotional work backed up by the production of brochures and magazines. In addition, the five English regional development organisations receive grant-in-aid from my Department for programmes of inward investment promotion on behalf of the north-east, north-west, Yorkshire and Humberside, west midlands and Devon and Cornwall. These programmes, together with those of bodies in other parts of the United Kingdom, have helped maintain the United Kingdom as the preferred location for Japanese inward investment into Europe.

  Textile and Clothing Imports
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent representations he has made to the United States' Government and Congress concerning the effect on the EEC of the Textile and Apparel Trade Bill which proposes global quotas on all textile and clothing imports.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  When he was in Washington in March, the previous Secretary of State made clear to the Administration and to members of Congress the United Kingdom Government's strong opposition to the Textile and Apparel Trade Bill.

  Trade Names
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it remains his policy to provide without charge the name and address of the owner of a particular trade name in a given class of trade mark to inquirers by telephone or letter.
  88
  Mr. Butcher
  This information is currently provided without charge. If demand were to increase to the point when it made a significant demand on resources, I should have to consider the imposition of a charge to cover costs.

  Regional Selective Assistance (South-West)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the number and value of regional selective assistance applications processed, respectively, at Plymouth for the south-west assisted area, and at Bristol for the Forest of Dean, in each of the last three years.

  Mr. Atkins
  The number of regional selective assistance cases appraised by the Department's offices in Bristol and Plymouth over the past three years is as follows:

  1985

  1986

  1987(to date)

  Bristol

  18

  17

  9

  Plymouth

  21

  21

  16

  The value of grant offered over the same period is as follows:

  £000

  1985

  1986

  1987 (to date)

  Bristol

  1,366

  3,175

  1,129

  Plymouth

  1,614

  1,709

  721

  Note: The figures for Bristol include Devon and Cornwall cases appraised by Bristol-based staff.

  Semiconductors
  Sir Ian Lloyd
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has on the number of companies or other organisations in the United Kingdom which are currently capable of producing direct random access memory semiconductor devices in the 256K, 1 megabit, 4 megabit and 16 megabit categories, respectively.

  Mr. Butcher
  I am aware of one company that is establishing manufacture of 256 kilobit dynamic random access memories (DRAM) in the United Kingdom and which has plans to produce 1 megabit DRAMs.

  Higher density devices of 4 megabit and 16 megabit capacity are not yet in volume production anywhere in the world.

  Sir Ian Lloyd
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the current levels and expected trends of imports of direct random access memory semiconductor devices in the 256K, 1 megabit, 4 megabit and 16 megabit categories, respectively.

  Mr. Butcher
  These devices are not separately identified in the trade statistics and it is not our practice to make projections of future levels of trade in particular commodities.

  Sir Ian Lloyd
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many new semiconductor fabrication plants have been built within the United Kingdom in the years 1984, 1985 and 1986, respectively; and what total level of investment has been involved.

  Mr. Butcher
  I am informed that new semiconductor plants completed in recent years within the United Kingdom were as follows:
  89

  Number

  1984

  2

  1985

  1

  1986

  3

  In addition, two other facilities were under construction in 1986 for completion in 1987. The total level of investment in these eight facilities is approximately £230 million.

  Sir Ian Lloyd
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many synchrotran orbital radiation devices are now being employed in semiconductor fabrication plants within the United Kingdom; and what circuit widths have been attained.

  Mr. Butcher
  None.

  Sir Ian Lloyd
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his Department has carried out an analysis of the implications for the United Kingdom of the findings of the United States Congressional defence science hoard task force on semiconductor dependency, with particular reference to the second phase of the Alvey programme.

  Mr. Butcher
  No, although the paper will contribute to the Department's views on semiconductor activity in the United Kingdom.

  Newspaper Distribution
  Mr. Holland
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the issue of the impending wholesaler concentration of newspaper distribution.

  Mr. Maude
  No. The Director General of Fair Trading is aware of certain proposals to rationalise the wholesale distribution of newspapers in London and is considering whether action is appropriate under the competition legislation for which he is responsible.

  British Airways (Share Dealings)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will institute inquiries into dealings in the shares of British Airways between 1 July and 12 July.

  Mr. Maude
  The stock exchange insider dealing group looks at all unusual share price movements, and refers appropriate cases to my Department for consideration whether further investigation should be made. It is not the normal practice to reveal which cases are under such consideration by my Department.

  Telecommunications Projects (Pacific Basin)
  Mr. Michael Marshall
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether any communication has been received from the United States Government or others regarding the possible effects on other planned international telecommunications projects in the Pacific region of the procrastination of the Japanese Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications over the licensing arrangements for its new KDD network.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Cable and Wireless has expressed to Her Majesty's Government its concern over the delay 90
  in the licensing of competitive services to KDD, the existing operator. This delay is holding up the planned construction of the north Pacific cable. We certainly hope that an early and satisfactory outcome is reached and we are continuing to monitor the position closely.

  British Airways and British Caledonian
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what date and at what time his Department was first informed of the proposed merger between British Airways and British Caledonian.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  My Department became aware of the possibility of a merger between British Airways and British Caledonian about a week before the proposal was made public. The proposed merger is being considered by the Director General of Fair Trading, who has a duty to advise the Secretary of State whether the matter should be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. For reasons of commercial confidentiality and in order to maintain the independence of the Director General of Fair Trading, we do not disclose the details of contacts which we or the Office of Fair Trading may have had with other parties.

  Joint Textile Committee
  Mr. Madden
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received on the proposed abolition of the joint textile committee run by the National Economic Development Council; and it- he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  None.

  Press and Public Relations (Expenditure)
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the total spending by the Department of Trade and Industry on press and public relations in 1986–87; and what is the estimated expenditure for the current year.

  Mr. Butcher
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 July 1987]: The total spending on the running costs of the Department's information division and BOTB's publicity unit for 1986–87 was £1·7 million. Provision has been made for estimated expenditure of £1·9 million in the current year.

DEFENCE

  Defence Exports Services Organisation
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give details of the Defence Exports Services Organisation operations for each of the years 1979 to 1986 including (a) the total number of staff of the Defence Exports Services Organisation and their gradings, (b) the countries visited by Defence Exports Services Organisation staff and the dates of the visits. (c) the equipment exports agreed and (d) the value of exports to each country expressed in constant 1986–87 prices.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It is not the practice to give details of countries visited by Defence Export Services Organisation staff or of individual exports to particular countries. Statistics of United Kingdom defence sales by broad geographic regions are set out in volume 2 of the
  91
  "Statement on the Defence Estimates". Detailed figures of Defence Export Services Organisation staff are not available from 1979 and could be provided only at disproportionate time and effort. The total numbers at 1 April 1983 and 1 April 1987 were 353 and 251, respectively.

  Official Visits Abroad
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing countries visited by the Secretary of State for Defence since May 1979 with the dates and the visits and daily lists of engagements.

  Mr. Younger
  Since May 1979, Defence Secretaries have made official visits abroad as follows:

  Countries visited

  1979

  22 to 22 July

  Germany

  15 to 18 July

  United States of America

  15 to 16 October

  Germany

  13 to 14 November

  The Netherlands

  10 to 12 December

  Belgium

  1980

  25 to 27 February

  Germany

  22 to 31 March

  China and Hong Kong

  11 to 13 May

  Belgium

  4 to 6 June

  Norway

  18 to 19 September

  Germany

  23 to 24 October

  Belgium

  8 to 10 December

  Belgium

  1981

  26 February

  Germany

  10 to 13 March

  United States of America

  23 March to 1 April

  Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain

  6 to 8 April

  Germany

  11 to 13 May

  Belgium

  20 to 21 June

  United States of America

  23 June

  Belgium

  30 November

  The Netherlands

  14 to 16 December

  Belgium

  1982

  1 to 2 February

  Italy

  22 to 25 March

  United States of America

  26 April

  Germany

  5 to 7 May

  Belgium

  16 to 29 September

  Indonesia, India, Diego Garcia, Brunei and Singapore

  29 November to 1 December

  Belgium

  1983

  22 to 23 February

  Germany

  21 to 23 March

  Portugal

  31 March to 1 April

  Germany

  31 May

  Belgium

  2 to 3 June

  Belgium

  14 June

  Belgium

  21 July

  France

  2 September

  Greece

  12 to 14 September

  United States of America

  21 September

  France

  17 to 18 October

  Turkey

  26 to 30 October

  Canada

  8 to 9 November

  Germany

  5 to 7 December

  Belgium

  1984

  26 to 27 January

  Italy

  29 January to 2 February

  Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

  13 to 16 February

  Sweden and Norway

  92

  Countries visited

  2 to 4 April

  Turkey

  10 April

  Germany

  10 to 11 May

  Sweden

  15 to 17 May

  Belgium

  6 June

  France

  20 June

  France

  9 July

  Spain

  14 September

  Belgium

  21 September

  Holland

  11 to 13 October

  Italy

  23 to 25 October

  Jordan and Egypt

  26 to 27 October

  Italy

  2 November

  Germany

  22 to 23 November

  The Netherlands

  29 to 30 November

  France

  3 December

  Belgium

  1985

  18 January

  Germany

  19 to 23 February

  United States of America

  25 to 27 March

  Luxembourg

  2 April

  France

  22 to 23 April

  Germany

  7 May

  Belgium

  11 to 15 May

  Falkland Islands

  16 to 17 May

  Italy

  21 to 23 May

  Belgium

  4 to 5 June

  Denmark

  16 July

  Germany

  21 to 23 July

  United States of America

  27 September to 2 October

  Oman

  28 to 30 October

  Belgium

  5 to 13 November

  Burma, Malaysia and Singapore

  13 to 14 November

  Italy

  2 to 3 December

  Belgium

  1986

  5 to 6 March

  Norway

  12 March

  Italy

  19 to 21 March

  Germany

  27 to 28 April

  Spain

  5 to 7 May

  Saudi Arabia

  21 to 22 May

  Belgium

  9 to 10 June

  Greece

  23 to 28 June

  United States of America

  1 July

  France

  31 July to 3 August

  United States of America

  16 to 17 September

  Germany

  13 to 14 November

  Luxembourg

  21 November

  France

  22 to 27 November

  Jordan and Oman

  5 to 6 December

  Belgium

  1987

  10 to 17 January

  Falkland Islands

  30 to 31 January

  Germany

  7 to 10 February

  Cyprus and Saudi Arabia

  16 to 18 February

  United States of America

  9 to 10 March

  France

  22 March to 2 April

  Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore

  22 to 27 April

  Cyprus and Turkey

  13 to 14 May

  Norway

  17 June

  France

  21 to 22 June

  Spain

  30 June

  Germany

  More detailed information can be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  Procurement Division
  Dame Peggy Fenner
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if any inquiry has been carried out into the efficiency of the procurement division of his Department; and if he will make a statement.
  93
  Mr. Sainsbury
  The efficiency of the Procurement Executive is kept under continual review not least by the Public Accounts and Defence Committees on behalf of the House of Commons. I refer my hon. Friend also to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hastings and Rye (Mr. Warren) by my predecessor on 24 February at column 216. The study mentioned in that reply has just been completed and is being submitted to Ministers.

  Army Cataloguing Authority
  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has yet reached a decision about the possible re-location of the Army cataloguing authority from Woolwich to Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Army cataloguing authority moved from Woolwich to St. Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent, earlier this month. There is no intention at present, therefore, of moving it to Glasgow.

  Security Forces (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, pursuant to the statement of 7 July, Official Report, column 258, by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney), he will specify the nature, scope and dates of the investigations carried out since 1979 into allegations by Mr. Colin Wallace and Mr. Fred Holroyd concerning the conduct of the security forces in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Freeman
  The allegations made by Mr. Holroyd in 1983–84 about alleged criminal activities by the security forces in Northern Ireland have been investigated by the RUC. In December 1984 the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland concluded that the evidence did not warrant the initiation of criminal proceedings against any person, nor did he feel that any further investigation was necessary. There has also been an investigation and committee of inquiry—the former led by Sir George Terry in 1982 and the latter by Judge William Hughes in 1984—into various aspects of events at the Kincora boys' home about which statements were made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 4 February 1986,Official Report. columns 98–99, and by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 18 January 1984, Official Report, column 319. Mr. Wallace was given every opportunity, which he failed to take, to attend both the investigation and the committee of inquiry.

  In addition to these formal investigations, a number of hon. Members have raised matters concerning Mr. Holroyd and Mr. Wallace with Ministers. These have also been fully investigated. I have, therefore, nothing further to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor), on 3 March 1987, at column 577.

  RAF Boulmer
  Mr. Beith
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has any plans to remove the search and rescue service from RAF Boulmer.

  Mr. Freeman
  There are no current plans to remove the search and rescue service from RAF Boulmer.

  Exercises
  Mr. Fisher
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those exercises which have taken place during the past five years at (a) RAF Stafford, (b) RAF Swynnerton, and (c) Ministry of Defence property at Royal Cottage outside Longnor, Staffordshire.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The information requested is not held centrally, and could not be provided except at disproportionate cost, particularly in view of the extensive use of the Swynnerton training area by the armed forces generally.

  Mr. Fisher
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence, further to the statement by the hon. Member for Kettering on 15 July (Mr. Freeman), whether he will list the officials of (a) Staffordshire county council or (b) Staffordshire Moorlands district council who were informed by his Department about the exercises involving radioactive contaminants; and on what dates such discussions took place.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It is our practice, followed in all cases, to inform officials of external authorities as appropriate before each exercise involving the use of radioactive materials. It is not our practice to comment on specific details of such exercises, since such details are classified.

  Armed Forces Training (Radioactivity)
  Mr. Chapman
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give comparative examples to underline the level of radioactivity in materials used in armed forces training, pursuant to the reply of the hon. Member for Ketteiring (Mr. Freeman) to the supplementary question asked by the hon. Member for Chipping Barnet following the private notice question on 15 July.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The very low level of radioactivity of the materials used, and the stringent protective measures we take, are such that the radiation dose experienced, by any individual involved in such a nuclear accident exercise will be less than one twentieth of the dose from a routine chest X-ray; or less than one two thousandth of the normal, annual unavoidable dose from background radiation in the natural environment.

  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which his Department uses radioactive dust for training purposes; what safeguards exist to ensure that personnel do not receive dangerous dosages; and whether these methods are still employed in training.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I have nothing to add to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces on 15 July at columns 1129 to 1135. I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given today to my hon. Friend the Member for 'Chipping Barnet (Mr. Chapman).

  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many service men have taken part in exercises involving the use of radioactive dust; and at what locations;

  (2) what exercises are currently taking place in relation to nuclear weapons accident training.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  A very small proportion of our extensive programme of exercises to ensure the
  95
  effectiveness of the MOD nuclear accident response organisation involves the use of the very low level radioactive materials mentioned by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces on 15 July, at column 1129. This programme of exercises includes small-scale unit level exercises, command post exercises to test call-out procedures, and full-scale accident exercises, and involves a range of MOD units and establishments and, where appropriate, external authorities. It is not our practice to give details of such exercises, the numbers of personnel involved nor locations.

  Mrs. Golding
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if there was any consultation with the National Radiological Protection Board or any other monitoring authority before his Department's use of radioactive material for armed forces training; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  My Department has always liaised with the appropriate Departments with environmental and radiological responsibilities in the use of radioactive material in the training and exercising of MOD personnel, including with the National Radiological Protection Board since its inception in the early 1970s.

  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether a maximum number of training exercises involving exposure to radioactivity has been set for members of Her Majesty's forces;

  (2) whether continuing medical checks are carried out on the service personnel who participated in Exercise Senator in 1981; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) whether regular medical checks have been carried out on service personnel who have been involved in training exercises at RAF St. Athan, involving exposure to radioactivity; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) whether any estimate has been made of the cumulative dosage of radioactivity received by service personnel engaged in training at RAF St. Athan between 1970 and 1985.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Radioactive material is used only in the training and exercising of members of units and establishments involved in the MOD nuclear accident response organisation where there is compelling training advantage to be gained. The material involved is of very low levels of radioactivity, and its use is subject to stringent safety controls. There is therefore no hazard to the individuals involved or to the general public. This, and the fact the exercises using such materials take place at infrequent intervals, means that there is no requirement to conduct a long-term monitoring programme, nor to set a limit on the number of such exercises in which MOD service and civilian personnel may participate.

  Service men are, of course, subject to regular, routine medical checks throughout their period of service. However, any individual who may have participated in such exercises in the past who is concerned about his or her health may contact the Ministry of Defence, and we will arrange for another medical check to be made.

  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 1 August 1986 radioactivity has been released into the atmosphere in the course of training exercises.
  96
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It is not our practice to comment on the use of such materials in specific exercises or over specific periods.

  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, pursuant to the statement of 15 July by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Kettering (Mr. Freeman), he will list in the Official Report the cost to date of the nuclear weapons accident training manoeuvres in each year to the latest date.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Costs of nuclear accident training exercises are borne by the units and establishments involved, and are not normally identified separately from other related expenditure.

  Nuclear Accident Response Organisation
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the objectives, operation and staffing of his Department's nuclear accident response organisation;

  (2) what liaison exists between his Department and (a) the United States of America and (b) other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries in the organisation of nuclear weapons accident training.

  Mr. Cryer
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the precise objectives of the nuclear accident response organisation, the number of people employed, the qualifications of the managers, the links with similar United States organisations and the date when it was established.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The aim of the MOD nuclear accident response organisation is to ensure, in conjunction with appropriate civil agencies, an effective response to safeguard the general public and MOD personnel in the unlikely event of an emergency involving defence nuclear materials. As well as staff in MOD headquarters, it draws upon a range of skills from units and establishments across the armed forces and Ministry of Defence in order to meet the particular circumstances of an accident. It maintains close links with other interested agencies, including those in the United States and other NATO countries, involving joint training and exercises where appropriate. Safety arrangements to deal with a range of accidents have existed for as long as the MOD has used nuclear material.

  Mr. Cryer
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions the nuclear accident response organisation has simulated accidents to American nuclear weapons in Britain; what reports have been made; if the reports will be placed in the Library; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It is our practice not reveal specific details of exercises involving the nuclear accident response organisation. Reports on nuclear weapon accident exercises are classified and cannot be made public. There is, however, good liaison between the United Kingdom and United States nuclear accident response staffs, including joint training and exercises.

  Uranium
  Mr. Boateng
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there has been any change in the source of supply of uranium for (a) Polaris since 1979 and (b) Trident; and if he will make a statement.
  97
  Mr. Sainsbury
  It would not be in the national interest to give these details.

  Mr. Boateng
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now make it his practice to answer parliamentary questions relating to the adequacy of the uranium in the United Kingdom nuclear stockpile to fulfil all defence needs over the next decade; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No. It has been the longstanding practice of successive Governments not to disclose information of this nature.

  Nuclear Emergency Team, St. Athan
  Mr. Alan Williams
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the basing of the Royal Air Force's nuclear emergency team at St. Athan involves the storage of nuclear waste or radioactive material to be used in the training of this team.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment specifically on the storage of defence nuclear material.

  Exercise Senator
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether monitoring for the presence of radioactivity took place on the land adjacent to the area owned by his Department on which Exercise Senator took place in 1981; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Appropriate monitoring is carried out during and after exercises involving the use of radioactive material by the MOD nuclear accident response organisation, to ensure that there is no possibility of hazard to the general public.

  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel were involved in Exercise Senator in 1981.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It is not the practice to discuss details of particular exercises.

  Warrant Officer Ross
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 13 July, Official Report, column 298, on what date in 1984 Warrant Officer Ross commenced his terminal leave; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Warrant Officer Ross commenced his terminal leave on 11 September 1984 and retired from the Royal Marines on 9 October 1984.

  RAF Bases (Fire Service)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all Royal Air Force bases in the United Kingdom which operate a 24-hour-a-day fire service.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The total number of RAF bases in the United Kingdom which operate a 24-hour-a-day fire service, either for flying operations or for domestic purposes or both, is 65. The bases are:

  Abingdon

  Ash

  Aldergrove

  Barkston Heath

  98

  Bawdsey

  Manston

  Benson

  Marham

  Binbrook

  Neatishead

  Boulmer

  Newton

  Brawdy

  Northolt

  Brize Norton

  North Coates

  Buchan

  North Luffenham

  Carlisle

  Oakhanger

  Chilmark

  Odiham

  Chivenor

  Pitreavie

  Church Fenton

  Quedgeley

  Coltishall

  Rudloe Manor

  Coningsby

  Saxa Vord

  Cosford

  Scampton

  Cottesmore

  Sealand

  Cranwell

  Shawbury

  Finningley

  Spadeadam

  Fylingdales

  Stafford

  Halton

  Staxton Wold

  Henlow

  Swinderby

  High Wycombe

  St. Athan

  Honington

  St. Mawgan

  Hullavington

  Upavon

  Kemble

  Valley

  Kinloss

  Waddington

  Leeming

  Wattisham

  Leuchars

  West Drayton

  Linton on Ouse

  West Raynham

  Lossiemouth

  Wittering

  Lyneham

  Wyton

  Machrihanish

  Exercise Purple Warrior
  Mr. Wilson
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the proposed locations of the amphibious landings and parachute assault landings in Galloway, Arran and Kintyre during Exercise Purple Warrior in November in the current year; how many troops will be involved in each of these landings; what type of aircraft will be involved in Exercise Purple Warrior, listing the numbers of each type; whether there will be any United States military participation in Exercise Purple Warrior; if he will provide details of the facilities being made available to Warsaw treaty organisation observers at Exercise Purple Warrior; what is the estimated cost of Exercise Purple Warrior; if he will list the names of all properties on and over which Exercise Purple Warrior will be conducted, indicating the owner of the land in each case; and if he will list the nature, location and extent of any planned live firing during Exercise Purple Warrior.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  [pursuant to his reply, 16 July 1987]: I refer the hon. Member to the text of an MOD press release, a copy of which I am placing in the Library. There is nothing to add to that press release at present, but details of all exercises are subject to adjustment as preparations continue and I shall let the hon. Member know in clue course if there are material changes.

ENVIRONMENT

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the achievements of his Department in helping small businesses over the last three years; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring.
  99
  Mr. Trippier
  The Department has introduced a number of measures, many of which are part of the deregulation initiative described in Cmnds. 9571, 9794 and "Encouraging Enterprise". In particular we have:

  allowed for the introduction of simplified planning zones in the Housing and Planning Act 1986;

  modernised the use classes order to allow a wider range of changes of use of buildings to take placde without planning permission;

  enabled time limits to be set for planning appeals determined by the written representations procedure and to disregard representations made after a date specified for each appeal and published details of steps to be taken to speed up planning appeals involving inquiries;

  brought back into use or disposed of unused public land on the land registers—the amount has increased from 6,700 acres in 1984 and 10,700 acres in 1985 to 12,000 acres in 1986.

  set up and funded two pilot "one stop shops" in partnership with Nottingham city and Blackburn district councils, providing a single advice point within each local authority, to help small firm inquiries;

  provided that specific planning permission is no longer needed for certain extensions to industrial and warehouse buildings except in environmentally sensitive areas;

  published "A Step by Step Guide to Planning Permission for Small Businesses";

  published circular 2/86 "Development by Small Businesses" urging local planning authorities to be helpful in dealing with small firms' planning applications and adopt a common-sense approach to enforcement;

  introduced simpler and more flexible building regulations covering England and Wales including inner London.

  the Development Commission spending increased from £22·1 million in 1984–85 to £27·5 million in 1986–87. Over the last three years the commission has provided 1,176,668 sq ft of advance factory space, over 1.000 redundant building grants and 160 factories in partnership with local authorities. COSIRA has advised 27,413 separate rural firms and arranged through the private sector and its own funds nearly £38 million worth of loans;

  provided £35·4 million over the last three years through the urban programme (UP) for starter, enterprise or other small units;

  this expenditure led to the creation of about 10,300 jobs over the last two years. In addition to this, direct grants and loans to firms by local authorities receive support under the UP: in 1986–87 £9·8 million was provided.

  provided various forms of indirect support for firms through the UP:

  highway access works to assist development: £6·2 million in 1986–87;

  site preparation works to assist development: £6·6 million in 1986–87;

  general environmental works to assist development: £14·4 million in 1986–87;

  support for general advisory services, for example, local enterprise agencies, business advice centres: £5·1 million in 1986–87; and
  100
  business promotion, for example, trade fairs, tourism: £5 million in 1986–87.

  The effect of these measures and programmes on small firms cannot always be separately identified. However, a study in June 1985 into the economic component of the UP found that the great majority of the firms affected by and benefiting from UP supported projects are small manufacturing firms either indigenous to the inner city area or starter firms. Ninety two per cent. of those firms occupying UP funded units employ fewer than 10 people as do 64 per cent. of those using advisory services and 66 per cent. of those firms receiving direct support.

  Home Insulation
  Mr. Heddle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to make a statement extending the 90 per cent. home insulation grant to all householders in receipt of supplementary or housing benefit following his announcement on 19 December 1986, Official Report, column 757.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  A further announcement will be made in due course.

  National Mobility Scheme
  Mr. Heddle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he takes to monitor the progress of the national mobility scheme; and if he will list the powers available to him to ensure that all local authorities use their best endeavours to ensure that the scheme operates to maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The progress of the national mobility scheme, the performances of local authorities and other bodies participating in it, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the national mobility office which monitors and promotes it are matters for the National Mobility Steering Committee in which my Department plays a full part together with representatives of the local authority associations, and of other participating bodies. The scheme is voluntary, and my right hon. Friend has no powers over the activities of the participating authorities and bodies in this respect. However, since authorities have reported for 1986–87 the highest ever number of moves under the scheme, 9,058, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the current arrangements, together with the wholehearted support which the local authority associations give to the scheme, provide the appropriate framework for ensuring authorities' effective and efficient participation.

  Private Rented Sector
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the current state of the private rented sector.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The current state of the private rented sector is unsatisfactory. The sector has an important role in increasing choice and job mobility, yet it has declined from 57 per cent. of the housing stock before the war to only 8 per cent. today. We intend to introduce legislation to deregulate new private lettings, building on the existing assured tenancy and shorthold letting schemes. This will stimulate new investment by combining reasonable returns for landlords with statutory protection for tenants. These changes will not affect existing tenants.

  Water Authorities
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to issue advice to water authorities concerning the practice of enclosing advertising copy from private health insurance groups with their employees' wage packets; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The matter referred to by the hon. Member is a matter for individual water authorities. My right hon. Friend has no plans to issue any advice.

  Nugee Report
  Mr. John Mark Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on progress regarding his consideration of matters raised in the Nugee report.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 implements the main findings of the Nugee report. I hope to bring it into effect during the autumn.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Raison
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of local government spending in England is at present provided by the domestic rate; and what proportion he anticipates will be provided by the proposed community charge.

  Mr. Howard
  Net domestic rate income accounts for about a quarter of local authority total expenditure in England. The Green Paper "Paying for Local Government", Cmnd. 9714, assumed that the community charge would raise a similar proportion. The precise proportion will be a matter to be determined nearer the time.

  Housing Statistics
  Mr. Ashley
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what proportion of new housing starts by local authorities in England in each of the last eight years has been (a) wheelchair housing and (b) mobility housing;

  (2) what proportion of new housing starts by housing associations in England in each of the last eight years has been (a) wheelchair housing and (h) mobility housing.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The information reported is as follows:

  Dwellings for the chronically sick and disabled, England Percentages of all dwellings started for:

  Local authorities and new towns

  Housing associations

  Wheelchair per cent.

  Mobility per cent.

  Wheelchair per cent.

  Mobility per cent.

  1979–80

  1·2

  11·5

  1·0

  13·5

  1980–81

  1·3

  13·3

  0·4

  1·3

  1981–82

  1·3

  8·2

  0·2

  0·9

  1982–83

  1·0

  9·5

  0·3

  0·5

  1983–84

  1·3

  8·1

  0·3

  1·0

  1984–85

  1·6

  5·8

  0·8

  1·8

  1985–86

  1·2

  7·2

  0·3

  1·6

  11986–87

  1·2

  6·3

  0·4

  1·5

  1 Provisional.

  Mr. Ashley
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many (a) improvement grants and
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  (b) intermediate grants have been given by local authorities in England in each of the last eight financial years towards the cost of house adaptations required by disabled people;

  (2) what proportion of (a) improvement grants and (b) intermediate grants given by local authorities in England in each of the last eight financial years have been for house adaptations required by disabled people.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The numbers reported are as follows:

  Grants paid to private owners and tenants for disabled person's dwellings, England

  Improvement

  Intermediate

  Number

  Percentage of all improvement grants

  Number

  Percentage of all inter-mediate grants

  1979–80

  1,262

  2

  704

  9

  1980–81

  1,810

  3

  858

  10

  1981–82

  2,857

  6

  977

  6

  1982–83

  6,276

  10

  1,494

  7

  1983–84

  11,638

  13

  2,177

  8

  1984–85

  12,399

  17

  2,714

  10

  1985–86

  14,288

  29

  2,309

  9

  1 1986–87

  16,617

  36

  1,978

  10

  1 Provisional.

  Mr. Wigley
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many of the houses designated as unfit in Wales, Scotland, England and each of the English regions are lived in by pensioner households; and what proportion of those living in such housing pensioners represent;

  (2) how may pensioners in Scotland, Wales, England and each of the English regions live in housing which has been designated as unfit; and, in each case, what proportion of the total number of pensioners in each area that number represents.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I will answer this question shortly.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total number of households in London who do not live in self-contained accommodation.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  In the 1981 census, 126,000 of the 2,657,000 households usually resident in Greater London were in accommodation which was not self-contained.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total number of houses in need of substantial repairs in (a) the private sector and (b) The public sector in London, at the latest date for which figures are available.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Information is not available in the form requested. The number of dwellings which are unfit, fit but lacking basic amenities, and others needing major renovation are provided by local authorities in their annual housing investment programme returns. Figures as at 1 April 1986 for London, including estimates for any missing or incomplete returns, are as follows:

  Thousands

  Private sector

  Public sector

  Unfit dwellings

  163·0

  46·8

  103

  Private sector

  Public sector

  Dwellings fit but lacking basic amenities

  55·6

  28·9

  Non-Substandard dwellings in need of repairs of over £4,200

  235·7

  218·3

  Note: "Public sector" includes housing association dwellings.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of households currently living in overcrowded accommodation in London, for the latest date available.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Information on the number of households living at densities of more than one person per room is provided by authorities in their housing investment programme returns. Latest available figures for London are for 1 April 1986 and show 99,000 households at densities up to 1·5 persons per room and 40,000 at higher densities.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total number of homeless persons in London, as accepted by local authorities; and what is the total number of people currently living in bed-and-breakfast accommodation in London.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  "Local authorities' action under the homelessness provisions of the 1985 Housing Act: England. Results for first quarter 1987. Supplementary tables", which is available in the Library, contains the numbers of households accepted under these provisions by the London boroughs and the numbers in bed and breakfast accommodation at the end of March.

  Smith Houses
  Mr. Vaz
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to provide funds to Leicester city council to repair and, if necessary, repurchase Smith homes in Leicester; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Leicester city council was notified last December of its housing investment programme allocation for 1987–88; local authorities are normally expected to be able to meet expenditure on housing defects grants or repurchase from within their normal housing programme resources. £14 million extra HIP resources were set aside nationally for authorities facing particularly high HDA obligations in relation to the rest of their capital programmes. We considered Leicester's application carefully but concluded that no further allocation was justified, given stronger competing claims by other authorities.

  Bathing Areas
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the possibility of legal proceedings being instituted against the proposed privatised water authorities for failure to comply with directive 76/160/EEC on the water quality standards of designated bathing areas.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The 'bathing water' directive (76/160/EEC) is addressed to the member states. It would 104
  be for Her Majesty's Government to respond to any legal proceedings the Commission might bring concerning the application of the directive in the United Kingdom. Privatisation of the water industry will not change this.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received representations from the Commission of the European Communities about a possible European Court of Justice action against the United Kingdom Government or the responsible water authorities for failing to comply with directive 76/160/EEC on the water quality standards of designated bathing areas.

  Mr. Moynihan
  There have been requests from the Commission for information in respect of individual bathing waters which have been the subject of representations to the Commission. We have responded to these requests.

  Panel System Buildings
  Mr. Porter
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress made by the Building Research Establishment in its study of the structural adequacy and durability of large panel system properties.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Building Research Establishment is today publishing an information paper summarising the findings and recommendations of its forthcoming major report on the structural adequacy and durability of large panel system (LPS) dwellings. The report itself will be published early next month. I am arranging for copies of both documents to be placed in the Library.

  The BRE has investigated a wide range of large panel systems, and studied reports prepared by local authorities and consultants. They have concluded that the quality and condition of the precast concrete components are comparable with those used in other buildings of that period; no LPS buildings were found to be structually unsafe. However, BRE recommend that all such buildings should be individually appraised by their owners, especially as there have been variations from original designs. The report explains how this might be approached.

  I am sure local authorities, other public bodies and indeed private owners of these properties will find the report's guidance helpful, especially in reaching decisions on future repair and maintenance needs. Lending institutions and their surveyors and valuers should likewise find that the material in the report will be useful to them.

  Copies of the information paper are being sent to local authorities in England, their associations and to the professional institutions. The report itself will be distributed early next month. My hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are taking similar action in respect of their areas.

  Thamesmead
  Mr. Evennett
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement regarding the transfer of Thamesmead from the London Residuary Body to Thamesmead Town.
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  Mr. Waldegrave
  [pursuant to his reply, 15 July, c. 534]: I have today directed the London Residuary Body, under section 65 of the Local Government Act 1985, to transfer Thamesmead to Thamesmead Town by 27 July 1987.

  The financial terms for the transfer are designed with the twin objectives of enabling the company to remain viable and protecting the interests of London ratepayers.

  Because the financial position of the company depends critically on the number of sales to sitting tenants and of vacant dwellings which it can achieve, it will make an initial payment to the LRB of £2·5 million but will pay a proportion of the receipts from sales thereafter. The company will therefore have an incentive to maximise sales and so to maximise the price paid to the LRB.

  I have placed a full description of the financial and other terms in the Library of the House.

  I should like to congratulate the residents of Thamesmead on choosing to run their own affairs independently of any public sector control. I wish them, the locally elected board members, staff and their chairman Clive Thornton every success in completing and managing their town.

  Water Pollution
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to implement the recommendations made by the Environment Committee in May 1987 that there should be national timetabled water quality objectives in order to bring about a steady rate of improvement in polluted rivers and estuaries.

  Mr. Moynihan
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 July 1987]: Forthcoming legislation to establish a national rivers authority will include provision for a comprehensive statutory system of quality objectives in line with the Government's consultation proposals of April 1986. This will take full account of the detailed recommendations of the Environment Committee in its recent report, to which the Government hope to reply shortly after the summer recess.

  Canary Wharf
  Mr. Heddle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reasons have been given to the London Docklands Development Corporation as to why the master building agreement in respect of the Canary Wharf was not signed by Mr. G. Ware-Travelsted on (a) the original date of 28 February stipulated by the London Docklands Development Corporation, (b) 90 days after the London Docklands Light Railway Bill received Royal Assent, 18 march 1987, as confirmed to the London Docklands Development Corporation by Mr. Ware-Travelsted's chief executive, and (c) on other dates stipulated by the London Docklands Development Corporation since then; and if he will make a statement on the present state of negotiations between the London Docklands Development Corporation and (i) Mr. WareTravelsted and (ii) any other party.

  Mr. Ridley
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 July 1987]: I can now inform the House that the master building agreement between the London Docklands Development Corporation and the developers of Canary Wharf was signed later that day, together with the agreement with London Regional Transport relating to the extension of the docklands light railway. This development will bring
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  to docklands new investment and jobs on a massive scale, and represents a major success for the London Docklands Development Corporation and our urban development corporation policy.

  Furniture, Fittings and Equipment
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, pursuant to his answer of 8 July, Official Report, column 160, he will list separately the purchases of furniture, fittings and equipment for the year 1986–87.

  Mr. Chope
  In 1986–87 approximately 1,200 orders were issued for the purchase of one or more items of furniture, fittings or equipment by the Parliamentary Works Office, including The Crown Suppliers. As already stated, expenditure is not recorded separately in the form requested, and I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on Wednesday 8 July, at column 160.

  Ealing
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take measures to seek to reduce the spending of Ealing council; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The block grant system provides an incentive for local authorities to keep their spending under restraint. My right hon. Friend may also select the highest spending authorities for rate limitation and he intends to make an announcement on that before the summer recess.

  Local Authorities (Tendering)
  Mr. John Mark Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received seeking the inclusion of professional services including architectural and engineering services within the ambit of those services for which local authorities will have to seek tenders within the terms of the Local Government Bill.

  Mr. Chope
  I shall answer this question shortly.

  Richmond Terrace
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total available floor space of the rehabilitated and new building works in Richmond Terrace in Whitehall between Richmond Terrace and Derby Gate; when it will be ready for occupation; who will occupy it; and what is the estimated total cost.

  Mr. Chope
  The total available floor space in the Richmond Yard development is 158,000 sq ft and it will be completed later this year. As I announced on 17 March, the majority of the space will be used as the new headquarters accommodation of the Secretary of State for Social Services. The remainder of the accommodation will be occupied by Cabinet Office, Welsh Office and inland Revenue. The current estimate of cost of construction and the fitting out is £36 million.

  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what archaeological work was carried out during the building works in Richmond Terrace and in Whitehall between Richmond Terrace and Derby Gate; and what artefacts were found.

  Mr. Chope
  The detailed information is not readily available and I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Direct Labour Organisations
  Mr. Holland
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to what share of the work force in direct labour organisations involved in local authority construction was trained; at what cost; and for what average period of time in the United Kingdom for the most recent available year.

  Mr. Chope
  The Department does not collect this information.

  Councils (Freedom of City)
  Mr. Speller
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to the reply of 15 July, if he will seek powers to allow councils which do not have the status of a city or royal borough to confer their freedom upon persons or upon units of the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  All districts which have been granted by royal charter the status of city, borough or royal borough have the power to confer honorary freedom. The freedom of the borough has traditionally been a right to participate in privileges conferred by royal charter. I see no reason to break this link.

  Inner Area Programmes
  Ms. Armstrong
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will explain the criteria for selecting those local authorities invited to submit inner area programmes.

  Mr. Trippier
  In assessing priority areas for the urban programme in 1987–88 the following factors were taken into account:

  Unemployment

  The scale, rate and concentration of residential unemployment, including information on long term and youth unemployment at ward level.

  Census information:

  Selected census indicators of economic, social and housing stress, showing the scale, intensity and concentration of deprivation.

  Dereliction:

  Information from the 1982 derelict land survey.

  Population:

  Towns over 30,000.

  In addition to these specific factors, account is taken of the local and regional economic context.

  Rate Capping
  Mr. Summerson
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department intends to announce which local authorities have been selected for rate capping.

  Mr. Chope
  My right hon. Friend intends to make his announcement before the summer recess.

  Publicity (Departmental Expenditure)
  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total spending by his Department on television, radio and newspaper advertising and other promotional literature in 1986–87; and what is the estimated expenditure for the current year.

  Mr. Ridley
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 July 1987]: During the financial year 1986–87 my Department, including the Property Services Agency, spent £338,000 on newspaper advertisements (other than on recruitment, tendering and statutory notices) and £825,093 on promotional literature. There was no advertising on television and radio.

  The estimated figure in 1987–88 on advertising in all media — a breakdown is not possible at this stage— is £117,500 and £1,019,750 for other promotional literature.

  Mr. Dobson
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total spending by his Department on press and public relations in 1986–87; and what is the estimated expenditure for the current year.

  Mr. Ridley
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 July 1987]: During the financial year 1986–87 my Department, including PSA, spent a total of £2,929,174 on press and public relations against an estimated expenditure of £3,601,956. In 1987–88 expenditure is estimated at £3,757,100.

  Endangered Species
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will add Bombus Terrestis, Bombus Lapidavius and Apius Mellifera to the list of endangered species; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ridley
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 July 1987]: No. Bombus Terrestis, Bombus Lapitarius and Apis Mellifera are common bee species and are not threatened with extinction. Accordingly, the Nature Conservancy Council has not recommended further protection for these species under the quinquennial review of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Government are, however, well aware of the beneficial contribution that bees can make to the environment.