Written Answers of 29 June 1987

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Security Services
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Attorney-General what has been the total cost to date in each of the past three years of legal attempts by Her Majesty's Government to prevent the publication of books and articles on British security services; and which foreign publications have been involved.

  The Attorney-General
  Over the last three years, the total cost has been about £315,000. The foreign publications concerned have been a manuscript by Mr. Peter Wright and a book "One Girl's War" by the late Joan Miller.

  Seditious Conspiracy (Prosecutions)
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  asked the Attorney-General how many prosecutions for seditious conspiracy there have been since 1957; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  None.

  Director of Public Prosecutions
  Mr. Skinner
  asked the Attorney-General what recent meetings he has had with the Director of Public Prosecutions; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  My most recent meeting with the Director of Public Prosecutions took place on 15 June 1987. Such meetings take place frequently.

  Newspapers (Appeal Costs)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Attorney-General what are the costs incurred to date by Her Majesty's Government in the current cases against The Observer and The Guardian newspapers; and if he will estimate the cost of the outstanding appeal.

  Mr. Attorney-General
  The total amount of costs expended in the current litigation with The Observer and The Guardian is £120. I cannot usefully estimate the cost of the appeal proceedings.

  "Break In: Inside the Soviet Delegation"
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Attorney-General what consideration he gave to taking legal action to prevent the publication on 25 June of "Break In: Inside the Soviet Delegation" by Bill Graham, published by Bodley Head.

  The Attorney-General
  I satisfied myself that the book contains no material whose publication by Mr. Graham would have been in the breach of any duty of confidence owed to the Crown.

  Trials (Committal Times)
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Attorney-General what was the average length of time between committal and trial in 1975, 1976, 1979, 1985 and 1986 respectively.

  The Attorney-General
  The average waiting time between date of committal from the magistrates court and start of trial in the Crown court in England and Wales was:

  weeks

  1975

  9·9

  1976

  11·0

  1979

  17·6

  1985

  14·0

  1986

  14·1

  Despite an increase of 66 per cent. in the number of committals for trial to the Crown court since 1979, the above figures show that average waiting times have been reduced from well over 17 weeks to about 14 weeks.

  Scheduled Offences (Northern Ireland)
  The Rev. Martin Smyth
  asked the Attorney-General what representations have been received by him concerning current arrangements for trying scheduled offences in the courts in Northern Ireland; what changes have been called for; and if he will list the individuals and organisations concerned.

  Mr. Tom King
  I have been asked to reply.

  I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Food Irradiation
  Mr. Atkinson
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about European Community proposals for food irradiation; and if he has any plans to ensure that treated food is labelled.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The import and sale of irradiated food in this country remains prohibited while the Government consider the advice of their independent committees, including recommendations on labelling, in the report on the safety and wholesomeness of irradiated foods, together with representations on it.

  The European Commission has not yet issued any formal proposals to harmonise national laws pertaining to irradiated foods in member states. A proposal to amend the EC labelling directive would, if adopted, require the clear labelling of irradiated foods and irradiated ingredients of food marketed in the Community.

EMPLOYMENT

  Community Programme
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give reasons for the reduction in places on the community programmes in Leicester.

  Mr. Lee
  The community programme will provide jobs for some 300,000 people in 1987–88, the same number a:3 1986–87. The programme will operate at an average level of 245,000 filled places over the year and will be focused more closely on areas of high unemployment. This has
  15
  meant some shifts in provision and Leicester now has an average filled place allocation of 2,403 places compared to 2,591 for 1986–87.

  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many reductions in community programme places have taken place in Leicestershire; and to which projects they apply.

  Mr. Lee
  At 31 March, the number of filled community programme places in Leicester was 1,879. The average level of filled places allocated for 1987–88 financial year is 1,845. Figures on the same basis for agencies and independent sponsors in Leicester are:

  Name of agent/sponsor

  Filled at 31 March 1987

  Allocated filled places 1987–88

  Leicester County Council Agency1

  410

  405

  NACRO National Agency

  139

  148

  CTF National Agency1

  156

  153

  Birstall Action Team

  26

  25

  Highfield Rangers

  30

  28

  Leicester Council of Churches

  19

  18

  University of Leicester—Community Health

  10

  8

  University of Leicester—Cultural Heritage

  18

  12

  Age Concern National Agency1

  226

  222

  Leicester City Council Agency

  203

  188

  Leicester and County Chamber of Commerce Agency

  398

  400

  National Elfrida Rathbone National Agency1

  66

  65

  Keep Britain Tidy National Agency

  7

  9

  Leicester Sound (part of Community Service Volunteers National Agency)

  9

  10

  Leicester Diocesan Board1

  27

  27

  Leicester and Rutland Trust for Nature Conservation

  27

  —

  Nirankari Advice Centre

  10

  10

  Leicester Rural Community Council Agency1

  78

  72

  Leicester Association for the Disabled

  20

  22

  Note: The projects and agencies marked 1 have places operating outside the city of Leicester. These are included in the figures quoted.

  YTS (Benefits)
  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people under the age of 18 years in Leeds, West constituency and Leeds metropolitan district council area will be affected by the proposed legislation to withhold benefit from those who refuse a YTS place.

  Mr. Lee
  No decision has yet been taken on the timing or coverage of the Government's proposals affecting supplementary benefit for young people under the age of 18, and it is not possible to give estimates of the numbers who will choose to be unemployed in the Leeds, West or Leeds metropolitan areas.

  Wage Rates
  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to introduce legislation to introduce a minimum wage in line with the Council of Europe's decency threshold; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  No. A national minimum wage would raise employers' costs and threaten jobs, including the jobs 16
  of those it was designed to help. Moreover, there is no such thing as a Council of Europe threshold for a minimum acceptable level of earnings. None has ever been endorsed either by any member state of the Council of Europe or by the governmental committee on the European Social Charter.

  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of adults in Leeds, West constituency whose wages are below the Council of Europe's decency threshold recommendations.

  Mr. Lee
  There is no such thing as a Council of Europe decency threshold recommendation on a minimum acceptable level of earnings. None has ever been endorsed either by any member state of the Council of Europe or by its governmental committee on the European Social Charter.

  Estimates of the numbers of employees by level of earnings are not available for individual parliamentary constituencies.

  Mrs. Mahon
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the extent of the low-pay problem in West-Yorkshire is in breach of the Council of Europe's European social charter.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The European Social Charter does not specify any level of earnings which should be regarded as an acceptable minimum.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of people unemployed in the Leeds, West constituency by sex and who are (a) under 25 years, (b) between 25 years and 35 years, (c) between 35 and 50 years and (d) over 50 years.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is available in the Library.

  Unemployed Claimants—Leeds, West parliamentary constituency, 9 April 1987

  Males

  Females

  Aged under 25

  1,212

  670

  25–34

  1,016

  379

  35–49

  864

  309

  Over 50

  760

  245

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Chapeltown Task Force
  Mr. Fatchett
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much money was spent by the Chapeltown task force in Leeds for the year 1986–87; what is estimated expenditure for the current financial year; and how many jobs have been created.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  During 1986–87, the task force committed £750,000 of top-up funds to support projects, funded by the public and private sectors, totalling some £2·25 million. These projects include support for

  (a) Positive Action for Training in Housing (PATH), a 12-month training scheme aimed at increasing employment opportunities in business and financial services, including housing management;

  (b) Jamaica Society Leeds, creating three employment and training programmes in the task force area, including the first employer-led YTS in that area.

  17

  (c) Community Enterprise Trust, a large project drawing together the private sector, local community, Government Departments and city council. The project involves the acquisition and refurbishment of two buildings to provide a wide range of employment and training opportunities, including enterprise training and starter units.

  (d) A development fund in partnership with the Yorkshire bank, providing small grants and loans to local businesses.

  During 1987–88, the task force is working up a number of initiatives which are expected to involve committing some £4·5 million from public and private funds, including around £1·25 million from the task force top-up funds.

  A principal aim of the task forces is to make it easier for residents in their areas to get jobs. It is not, however, possible to measure total net jobs in the task force areas with any accuracy. Any estimate would not only have to take into account new jobs specifically associated with task force projects, but also jobs associated with business start ups, jobs in firms helped by task force development funds, jobs created in agencies funded by the inner cities initiative and jobs gained by residents as a result of training courses facilitated by the initiative. We have not therefore yet attempted such an overall estimate.

  Generating Set Manufacturers
  Mr. Latham
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he intends to take arising out of the concern expressed to his Department by representatives of the British generating set manufacturers about grants paid from public sources to a company based in Northern Ireland; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  I am urgently considering the concerns that have been raised and will be writing to my hon. Friend on this matter shortly.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Billinge Hospital (Maternity Wing)
  Mr. McCartney
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which patients at the Roy Hartley maternity wing of Billinge hospital situated in the Wigan health authority are being required to provide their own nappies; and what steps are being taken to ensure that the previous free supply of nappies is resumed.

  Mrs. Currie
  I understand that the Wigan health authority was one of the few health authorities without a definite policy on the matter on the provision of disposable nappies to the mothers of newborn babies. In the absence of a policy, nappies were provided for the complete period of stay in hospital.

  The change of policy means that disposable nappies are provided for the first 24 hours only, after which the parents are required to provide nappies themselves for their child. Cases of hardship are dealt with on an individual basis.

  This follows a recommendation from the midwifery sections of the English National Board that local arrangements for the supply of nappies be reviewed. The new policy is in line with the policy followed by many health authorities.

  Wigan Health Authority (Laundry Service)
  Mr. McCartney
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of difficulties experienced in the Wigan health authority with its existing laundry service, he will provide additional capital funds for the building of a new laundry facility for the health authority; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  These are matters for Wigan health authority to consider. The hon. Member may wish to address his inquiries to the chairman of that authority.

  Community Care (Griffiths Review)
  Mr. Atkinson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the terms of reference of the Griffiths review on community care; and if he will make a statement on its progress.

  Mr. Newton
  Sir Roy Griffiths was asked by the then Secretary of State in December 1986"To review the way in which public funds are used to support community care policy and to advise me on the options that would improve the use of these funds as a conribution to more effective community care".
  Sir Roy was asked to complete the review within 12 months. I understand that Sir Roy is reading, meeting and visiting widely in the course of his review, gathering ideas and views from many quarters.

  Benefits (Leeds)
  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in the Leeds, West constituency are currently in receipt of (a) supplementary benefit, (b) invalidity benefit, (c) housing benefit, (d) sickness benefit, (e) mobility allowance, and (f) maternity benefit; and how many people have received single payments in the current financial year.

  Mr. Scott
  The Leeds, West constituency is covered by two of the Department's local offices at Leeds, West and Leeds, North-West, but their boundaries are not conterminous. The table shows the number of people receiving benefit from those offices on the latest date for which information is available:—

  at 5 May 1987

  at 2 June 1987

  Supplementary Benefit

  *27,739

  —

  Invalidity and Sickness Benefit

  —

  5,549

  Maternity Benefit

  —

  379

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

  In the period from 8 April 1987 to 2 June 1987, there have been 22,209 awards of single payments.

  I regret that information about mobility allowance is not available and that the only available information on housing benefit relates to the entire Leeds city council area, and cannot be disaggregated by constituency.

  Medical Assessment (Waiting Lists)
  Mrs. Mahon
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people nationally are on waiting lists for medical assessments to enable them to move into suitable homes.
  19
  Mrs. Currie
  Information about medical assessment of people for residential or nursing home care is not collected centrally. We are not aware of significant delays in admission for this reason.

  District Health Authorities (Pay Awards)
  Mr. Meacher
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the cost to each district health authority in each year since 1982 of meeting the cost of pay awards not fully funded by central Government.

  Mr. Newton
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Disablement Services Authority
  Mr. Sims
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will announce the membership of the Disablement Services Authority.

  Mr. Scott
  My predecessor announced (10 March 1987, at column 149) that my right hon. and noble Friend, Lord Holderness, had agreed to serve as chairman of the authority, and that Professor Ian McColl had agreed to serve as vice-chairman. I am delighted to have this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to these two distinguished men for taking on this task.

  I have appointed seven further members of the authority, and I am grateful to them for accepting the challenging but worthwhile task that lies before the authority over the next few years. They are as follows :

  Mr. S. Ingham, District General Manager, York Health Authority;

  Mr. D. F. Johnson, Former Managing Director, Thorn EMI (Retail) Ltd.;

  Professor E. A. Marsland, Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham;

  Professor D. L. McLellan, Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine, Southampton General Hospital;

  Professor B. E. Tomlinson, Chairman, Northern Regional Health Authority;

  Mrs. B. Warren, Chairman, College of Occupational Therapists;

  Dr. J. Watkinson, Former Chief Executive, Otis Elevator plc.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Research Councils
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the work of his Department with the agriculture and medical research councils.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The ODA finances research of relevance to developing countries in the institutions of the Agricultural Research Council and through the Medical Research Council's tropical medicine research board.

  Immunisation Programme
  Mr. Chapman
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's contribution to the UNICEF global immunisation programme.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  In the last financial year, we gave £5·31 million for immunisation programmes in China, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Botswana. Our total contribution to UNICEF was £13·07 million.

  Brundtland Report
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's aid programme of the conclusions of the United Nation's Brundtland report entitled "Our Common Future—World Commission on Environment and Development", a copy of which has been sent to him.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The Brundtland report confirms our existing strategy, which combines the pursuit of sustainable economic growth with a concern for the environment.

  AIDS
  Mr. Key
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his Department is giving to help combat AIDS in developing countries.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Subject to parliamentary approval, we will contribute £3 million this year to the World Health Organisation's special programme on AIDS. We will also provide about £1·6 million, over three years, to the International Planned Parenthood Federation to help develop its AIDS work.

  Mr. Geraint Howells
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's estimate of the number of deaths from AIDS in Africa over the next 10 years.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  It is impossible to determine the scope of the disease in Africa because it is often under-diagnosed, facilities for testing for the disease are not yet widespread, and systems for reporting AIDS cases are in the early stages of development.

  Bangladesh
  Mr. Wells
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to change the level and range of the British aid programme to Bangladesh.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Bangladesh is now the second largest recipient of British aid. In April, we pledged a new £10 million commodity aid grant which will enable us to maintain the overall level of our aid of around £40 million in the current financial year. The programme finances technical co-operation, projects in priority sectors and the supply of essential imports. The level and scope of our aid to all countries, including Bangladesh, is kept under constant review.

  India
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much he expects to allocate as aid to India during the next 12 months.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Last financial year we spent £111 million on bilateral aid to India. In addition, we provided over £6 million from the aid and trade provision. It is too early to predict the level of spending for the current financial year. We have, however, encouraged the Indians, most recently at the meeting of the India Consortium earlier this month, to put forward further proposals to strengthen the project pipeline.

  Uganda
  Sir Anthony Meyer
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to provide further assistance to Uganda.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  At a recent World Bank meeting of aid donors to Uganda. we pledged £25 million in balance of payments support over the next two years. This is on grant terms and is linked to the maintenance by Uganda of the economic recovery programme agreed with the IMF.

  United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation
  Mr. Couchman
  asked the Secretary of State foiForeign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the choice of candidate for the position of executive director of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation when the appointment comes up for election later this year.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  I made public the Government's support for the candidature of Mr. Moise Christophe Mensah, during my speech to the Royal Commonwealth Society on 28 April.

  St. Helena (Replacement Vessel)
  Dr. Codman
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects a contract to he awarded to a United Kingdom shipyard for the construction of a replacement vessel for the St. Helena service.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Tender documents have been issued to a number of shipbuilding firms which are preparing bids for the construction of the vessel. The closing date for receipt of bids is 3 August. A contract will be awarded by the St. Helena Government as soon as possible thereafter.

  Mozambique
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions have been taken by Her Majesty's Government to relieve the situation in Mozambique.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We have committed nearly £14 million in emergency aid for Mozambique so far this year, including a pledge of up to 30,000 tonnes of cereals. In addition our share of emergency and food aid provided by the European Community this year amounts to nearly £3 million.

  Mr. Rathbone
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on British aid to Mozambique.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Our aid programme to Mozambique has increased substantially in recent years. We have committed nearly £34 million in capital aid and emergency assistance in 1987. Our aid also includes technical cooperation and training programmes; Mozambique additionally benefits from our assistance to projects sponsored by the Southern Africa development coordination conference.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Wells
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what terms the Commonwealth Development Corporation receives loans from the aid programme.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  It has been decided that from 1987–88, loans to the corporation from the aid programme should be at 3·5 per cent. interest and repayable over 25 years with a seven year grace period.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Burt
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have for future assistance to Pakistan.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We have a substantial and growing aid programme to Pakistan, concentrated in sectors to which the Government of Pakistan attach high priority.

  In April I had discussions in London with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Mohammad Khan Junejo, and we agreed that the future programme would focus on irrigation and land drainage, agricultural development, power supply, primary health care (including population, welfare and water supply and sanitation) and education. Particular efforts will be made to direct assistance to benefit the rural poor.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Shersby
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the aid Britain is planning to provide to Indonesia.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Allocations totalling £21 million have been agreed for two projects for financing from the 1986 £140 million concessional loan to Indonesia. It is intended that the blance of £119 million will be allocated over the coming year to a number of projects which are already under negotiation. In addition, expenditure on technical co-operation, financial aid and debt relief is expected to exceed £10 million in the present financial year.

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the value of the aid Her Majesty's Government gave to Afghanistan between 1985 and 1987.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We have no bilateral aid programme to Afghanistan, though we provide humanitarian assistance for Afghan refugees, mainly through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and British and international voluntary agencies. The amounts provided for Afghan refugees in Pakistan in 1985–86 and 1986–87 were £4·47 million and £4·8 million respectively, and to Afghan refugees in Iran £0·1 million and £0·2 million. The British share of European Community aid to Afghan refugees was estimated at £1·11 million in 1985 and £2·49 millions in 1986.

  Tuvalu
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has

  23
  been made in establishing an international trust fund to provide Tuvalu with revenue to meet its recurrent expenditure.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  An agreement to establish the trust fund was signed in Suva on 16 June by representatives of the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, Tuvalu and the United Kingdom. A copy was laid before the House on 25 June. After ratification, we intend to make a contribution to the fund of 8·5 million Australian dollars, approximately £3·86 million at current rates of exchange.

  Aid Programme
  Mr. Salmond
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department has any target date for increasing United Kingdom overseas aid to match United Nations guidelines as a percentage of gross domestic product.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The Government accept in principle the UN target of 0·7 per cent of GNP for official development assistance but are not committed to a timetable for achieving it. We have achieved the UN target of 1 per cent. for official and private flows combined in evey year since 1979, except 1985.

  Mr. Bowis
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the amounts of net official development assistance, and net official and private flows combined, that the United Kingdom provided to developing countries in 1986, as a percentage of gross national product.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  In 1986, Britain provided net official development assistance equivalent to 0·32 per cent. of GNP. For net official and private flows combined the provisional estimate is 1·34 per cent. of GNP.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Wembley Conference Centre (Policing)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Metropolitan Police Commissioner as to how many police officers were on duty inside the Wembley conference centre on 7 June; what was the total cost involved; and who was responsible for the costs.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the Commissioner that none of the 111 officers assigned to duties in connection with this event was deployed inside the Wembley conference centre.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to how many police officers were involved in security operations surrounding the Prime Minister's visit to the Wembley conference centre on 7 June; how much the operation cost; what was the contribution made by the Conservative party; and how many people were arrested.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that 111 police officers were assigned to duties in connection with the Prime Minister's visit to the Wembley conference centre. The additional cost to the Metropolitan Police was about 24
  £2,000. As is always the case with such operations, no charge was made to the organisers of the event. No arrests were made arising directly from the event.

  Mr. Alex Lawrie
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the search of the house in Cheltenham of Mr. Alex Lawrie of GCHQ; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  No. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis will, when his inquiries are complete, report to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

  Amusement Arcades
  Mr. Fatchett
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government have any plans to impose a legal duty upon owners of amusement arcades to prohibit persons under the age of 16 years from entering.

  Mr. John Patten
  We have begun a research project examining the extent of the use which young people make of amusement machines in arcades and other places, whether there are signs that they become addicted to playing the machines found there and whether there is evidence of machines leading to anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour. It is hoped that this and other research, will be completed by early next year. We will then take a view on whether there should be a change in the law.

  Crime (Clear-up Rates)
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for how many years clear-up rates for crime have been centrally collected; and if he will give the figures for the national clear-up rate for each year for which figures are available up to 1986.

  Mr. John Patten
  Clear-up rates have been published in the Command Paper "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, 1950" and in the corresponding volumes for subsequent years up to 1985. The 1950 volume included figures for 1938, 1948, and 1949, and the 1986 figure is published in a Home Office statistical bulletin issue number 4/87 (table 5).

  Indictable Offences
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give figures for the proportion of offenders convicted of indictable offences who were sentenced to immediate custody for each year since 1957.

  Mr. John Patten
  Information for 1975 to 1985 is published in "Criminal Statistics; England and Wales, 1985" (Cm. 10) at table 7.4. Information for years prior to 1975 is as follows. Statistics for 1986 are not yet available.

  Percentage of offenders sentenced for indictable offences at all courts given immediate custody

  England and Wales 1957–74

  Year

  Percentage sentenced to immediate custody

  1957

  17·3

  1958

  17·3

  25

  Year

  Percentage sentenced to immediate custody

  1959

  17·6

  1960

  16·8

  1961

  16·5

  1962

  16·6

  1963

  16·1

  1964

  15·8

  1965

  15·6

  1966

  14·6

  1967

  13·4

  1968

  13·0

  1969

  13·3

  1970

  14·2

  1971

  13·9

  1972

  13·3

  1973

  12·1

  1974

  11·8

  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of offenders convicted of indictable offences received community service orders, probation orders and fines, respectively, in 1986.

  Mr. John Patten
  Information for 1985 and earlier years is published in "Criminal Statistics; England and Wales, 1985" (Cm. 10) at table 7.4. Statistics for 1986 are not yet available.

  Prisons
  Mr. Bermingham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional new prisons were announced between April 1986 and March 1987.

  Mr. John Patten
  Four additional new prisons were announced between April 1986 and March 1987. Under the prison building programme, three prisons have been completed and 17 are under construction or at the design stage.

  Kidnap Insurance
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will institute an inquiry into the incidence of senior police officers seeking appointments, prior to their retirement, to the board of, or as consultants to, Control Risks, a firm specialising in kidnap insurance, with a view to establishing whether this practice is in the public interest.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to prohibit serving or retired police officers from taking up appointments to the board of, or as consultants to, commercial organisations specialising in kidnap insurance; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No.

  Passports Applications
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on staff shortages at the passport office in Glasgow in relation to delays in passport applications.

  Mr. Tim Renton
  Delays in dealing with passport applications at the Glasgow passport office have been 26
  caused by industrial action rather than staff shortages. There are 108 staff in post, 25 above the normal permanent complement and seven more than the number in post at the end of June last year (temporary staff are recruited each year to deal with the seasonal rise in demand). Since 15 April this year, 393 man days have been lost at the Glasgow passport office through strike action over Civil Service pay.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Freshwater Biology
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to implement the commitment to environmental research, with particular reference to freshwater biology, expressed in their response to the World Conservation Strategy report, contained in the document, "Conservation and Development — The British Approach"; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  The Natural Environment Research Council has responsibility for planning, encouraging and carrying out research on the natural environment. It is funded by my Department through grant in aid from the science budget, and by other Departments and other customers for specific pieces of work. Within the resources available to it, the council has to determine the allocation to freshwater biology and other priority areas. The council's plans for research in the area of conservation are given in section 4D of its 1987 corporate plan, copies of which are in the Library. Paragraph 4.31 concerns freshwater studies, but such studies are also included in other aspects of the council's work.

  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what priority Her Majesty's Government attach within their overall research programme to research into freshwater biology, with particular reference to river management, pollution assessment and nature conservation; how this priority is reflected in the current and projected level of funding from Government sources for this area of research; what representations he has received about the level of funding; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  Research into freshwater biology, with other environmental issues, is among a range of priority areas funded from within the resources available. Forty letters on this matter have been received from right hon. and hon. Members and a further 50 from members of the Freshwater Biological Association, the staff of its laboratories and the general public.

  Teachers (Vetting)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidelines he has issued to local authorities about the use, before they consider any applicant for a teaching post, of police vetting and of the disclosure in writing of any criminal convictions, bind-over orders or cautions.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  In July 1986, a circular was issued jointly by the Home Office, the Department of Health and Social Security, the Welsh Office and the Department of Education and Science on "Protection of Children: Disclosure of Criminal Background of those with access
  27
  to Children". It gave guidance to local authorities on new procedures for checking with local police forces the possible criminal background of those who apply or move to work with children. The circular was only issued after wide consultation with bodies representing local authorities, unions, parents, voluntary organisations and educational institutions. A copy was placed in the Library of the House.

  Nursery School (Halifax)
  Mrs. Alice Mahon
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received about the proposed closure of the only nursery school in Halifax; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Dunn
  None. I understand from Calderdale local education authority that proposals for the future of the Ling Bob nursery school are currently being discussed at local level.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Waterside Hospital, Derry
  Mr. Hume
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement outlining what plans he has for the replacement of Waterside general hospital in Derry.

  Mr. Needham
  The Western health and social services board has set in hand initial preparatory work on a scheme for the replacement of Waterside hospital. This proposal will enable the board to carry out the recommendation of the Northern Ireland Hospital Advisory Service and to replace entirely unsatisfactory accommodation for geriatric patients. An investment appraisal will be required, and when this is completed, a scheme, which is expected to cost about £2·5 million, will be admitted to the capital development programme.

  Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry
  Mr. Hume
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement outlining what plans the Government have regarding the improvement of provision at Altnagelvin hospital in Derry.

  Mr. Needham
  The Western health and social services board has submitted outline proposals for a range of improvements at Altnagelvin hospital. These proposals, which are estimated to cost about £5 million, will facilitate the board's strategy for the development of acute hospital services in its area. The board has already set in hand initial planning work and the preparation of an investment appraisal which is required for schemes of this size. Subject to a satisfactory outcome to this exercise, the scheme will be admitted to the capital development programme.

  Shorts (Surface-to-air Missiles)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funds he has given to Shorts of Belfast in relation to the development of surface-to-air missiles.

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

  Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will place in the Library minutes of the proceedings of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference and papers prepared by its secretariat;

  (2) what views and proposals have been put forward within the Anglo-Irish Agreement by the Government of the Republic since 15 November 1985; and what has been the response of Her Majesty's Government to these proposals;

  (3) on how many occasions since 15 November 1985 the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference has met; what were the dates and locations of such meetings; and from what Department's Ministers and officials attending such meetings came.

  Mr. Tom King
  There have been 10 full ministerial meetings of the conference, and two more of which I and the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Ireland were cochairmen. Joint statements, issued after each meeting, and placed in the Library, set out details of their dates and locations, those who attended, and the subjects discussed.

  As is customary with communications between Governments, it has not been our practice to make public further details of the discussions, or of papers passed through the secretariat, but I am of course willing to discuss all issues of Government policy with the elected representatives of any of the constitutional political parties in Northern Ireland, including those that have been discussed at the Intergovernmental Conference, or are identified in a joint statement as being for discussion at a future meeting.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the cost so far to public funds of the secretariat of the Anglo-Irish intergovernmental Conference; how many civil servants are employed there; what functions they perform; and on which Vote this expenditure falls.

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

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what ways the Anglo-Irish Agreement has contributed to peace, stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland since 15 November 1985.

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

  Road Fund Licence (Fines)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland in the last three years for which figures are available have been imprisoned for not paying a fine imposed by a court for failure to display a road fund licence; and what information he has as to how many such fines are outstanding at present.

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

PRIME MINISTER

  Blowpipe
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister (1) what machinery exists to monitor the efficacy of end-users' certificates in relation to the export of Blowpipe missiles to Afghanistan;

  (2) if she will specify the circumstances in which Her Majesty's Government insist on the inclusion of transfer clauses in arms sales agreements with United States governmental agencies or citizens; and if she will list each such occasion since 1 January 1985 and the weapon system involved in each case;

  (3) if she will list each country or person in respect of which Her Majesty's Government have authorised the supply of Blowpipe surface-to-air missiles, if she will specify the steps taken in each case to ensure that the missiles did not fall into unauthorised hands; and what information she has as to whether any Blowpipe missiles have been passed on by their authorised recipients in breach of the relevant end-user certificates.

  The Prime Minister
  It has been the practice of successive Administrations not to comment on matters of this kind.

  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister what information Her Majesty's Government have about the use of Blowpipe missiles in Nicaragua and as to the sources, direct or indirect of those weapons.

  The Prime Minister
  I am advised that there is no evidence of the presence or use of Blowpipe missiles in Nicaragua. The United States Government have assured us that there are no Blowpipe missiles in Contra hands and that they have no intention to supply them.

  Peter Wright
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister if she will now make a statement on progress of Her Majesty's Government's case in the Australian courts in relation to Peter Wright's memoirs.

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the hon. Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick ) by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General on 29 June 1987.

  Mr. Colin Wallace and Mr. Fred Holroyd
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister if she will now refer to the Security Commission the cases of Mr. Colin Wallace and Mr. Fred Holroyd, the circumstances of their resignations from Crown Service, and any payments made to them then or subsequently by the Government.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Zircon Satellite
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister if she will establish an inquiry into the circumstances of the publication of information on the Zircon satellite and the search of the BBC premises in Glasgow in February.

  The Prime Minister
  I am advised that the police investigation which started in January is continuing, and the matter is being considered by the Director of Public Prosecutions. I have no plans for any inquiry.

  Cervical Cancer Tests (Liverpool)
  Mr. Parry
  asked the Prime Minister what representations she has received from the Liverpool community health council concerning errors made by the Liverpool area health authority on cervical cancer smear tests; what reply she has sent; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  To date, I have received no representations on this matter from either of the two Liverpool community health councils.

  EEC Scientific Research Programme
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister what proposals she has to give Her Majesty's Government's support to the European Economic Community scientific research programme for the next five years.

  The Prime Minister
  The United Kingdom is considering this matter and has not yet replied to the presidency's request for agreement to the European Community's framework programme for research and development for 1987–1991.

  Westland PLC (Correspondence)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Prime Minister if she will publish in the Official Report, the letter to her from the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 12 April concerning her role in the affair of the Law Officer's letter in relation to Westland plc, together with her acknowledgment in reply; why the hon. Member has not yet received a substantive reply; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The hon. Gentleman wrote to me about the question he had tabled for oral answer on 30 April 1987. In my reply to his supplementary question I said that I had nothing to add to the many, many answers on that matter that I had given in statements and in replies to questions. That remains the position.

DEFENCE

  Afghanistan (Missiles)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the collaboration between the United States of America and Her Majesty's Government in sending surface-to-air missiles to Afghanistan.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No.

  Nuclear Submarine Reactors
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his policy on disposal sites for decommissioned nuclear submarine reactors.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  : No decisions have been taken about the disposal of reactor compartments from decommissioned nuclear submarines. If it were necessary to develop a site for their disposal, the House would be informed. Normal planning procedures would apply to a proposal for such a development.

  Alconbury
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken regarding the incident at

  31
  Alconbury air base on 20 August 1986 involving Mr. John Bugg and the Ministry of Defence police concerning rights of way at Alconbury.

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department has no knowledge of any incident taking place at RAF Alconbury on 20 August 1986. If the hon. Member would care to write to me giving further information, I will have the matter investigated.

SCOTLAND

  Teachers (Vetting)
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines he has issued to local authorities in Scotland about the use, before they consider any applicant for a teaching post, of police vetting and of the disclosure in writing of any criminal convictions, bind-overs and cautions.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  None. Separate circulars will be issued shortly to social work and education authorities and to health boards setting out new procedures which it is hoped will be introduced early in 1988 to apply to all prospective employees who have substantial access to children. In the case of teachers, it will be for the General Teaching Council for Scotland to consider previous convictions when determining fitness to teach before admission to its register of teachers.

  Ballachulish Bridge
  Sir Russell Johnston
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how long repair work has been in progress at the Ballachulish bridge; whether this work was necessitated by a mistake in the original construction; how long the work will take; what it will cost; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The work to which the hon. Member refers is routine maintenance involving the treatment and repainting of the steel members above the bridge deck : it has not been necessitated by any defect in the original construction of the bridge. The work started last June; was suspended in December because of adverse weather conditions; recommenced around the end of March; and is now on the point of completion. The estimated cost of the work is £250,000. It is intended to repaint the steel beams below the bridge deck next year.

  Halibut
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much the Highlands and Islands Development Board has spent on the breeding of halibut; what is his policy in promoting the fish farming of halibut; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  Since 1980–81 the HIDB has contributed £197,000 towards research into the cultivation of halibut. The Government have encouraged this research, which is mainly being done by the Sea Fish Industry Authority. Recent results are promising and it is hoped that within a few years a pilot project will be ready for commercial assessment.

TRANSPORT

  Fares Policy
  Mr. Pike
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what response his Department has made to EEC proposals relating to policy on fares in the EEC.

  Mr. John Evans
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the EEC Transport Commissioner on policy towards fares in the European Economic Community.

  Mr. Stott
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the European Economic Community Transport Commissioner on policy towards fares within the European Economic Community.

  Mr. Michael
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the European Economic Community Transport Commissioner on policy towards fares within the European Economic Community.

  Mr. Alex
  Carlile asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made towards liberalising European air fares.

  Mr. Channon
  At last week's Transport Council, there was unanimous agreement to a package of measures, including fares liberalisation. Regrettably, however, adoption of the measures is being held up by Spanish refusal to accept the inclusion of Gibraltar. The presidency is making strenuous efforts to find ways of getting the package adopted and we are co-operating fully with them. A further Transport Council is planned for tomorrow.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what advice on fare levels has been issued by his Department to public industries.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Responsibility for determining fares lies with individual transport industries. Guidance was provided to British Rail and London Regional Transport in the published objectives we have set the chairmen.

  Road Markings (Oxfordshire)
  Mr. Baldry
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on representations he has received from Oxfordshire county council concerning road markings at trunk road box junctions.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  None on the national criteria.

  East London Road Assessment Studies
  Mr. Corbyn
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to be able to report on the latest stage of the east London road assessment studies.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We are currently considering the comments on the draft terms of reference for the second stage of the four London assessment studies. I hope to announce the final terms next month.

  Lorry Weights
  Mr. Cryer
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the harmonisation of lorry weights throughout the European Economic Community.
  33
  Mr. Channon
  The United Kingdom has won a derogation from the EC directives which set overall and axle weight limits for five and six-axle lorries. So we can maintain our present weight limits. The Community has not adopted weight limits for smaller lorries. No proposals to do so are under discussion.

  British Rail (Fares)
  Mr. Eastham
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy towards fare levels on the railways.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It is the hoard's responsibility to determine fares. In Network SouthEast we have asked it to take greater account of the costs of provision and improvements in quality.

  Manchester Airport (Rail Link)
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made with the rail link to Manchester airport.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Applications from the passenger transport authority for Government and EEC grants towards the cost of the link are being considered.

  Rear Seat Belts
  Mr. Janner
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will introduce legislation requiring compulsory wearing of rear seat belts.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  : Not at present. All new cars registered from 1 April this year must be fitted with rear seat belts and/or child restraints. Our aim is to increase the voluntary use of restraints and voluntary fitting in cars which do not already have them. We will continue to press home the message that the use of seat belts saves lives.

  Disabled Access Taxis
  Mr. Amess
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from Essex Federation of Taxis regarding disabled access taxis.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I am not aware of any representations from the federation on this subject.

  England-Scotland (Road Links)
  Mr. David Marshall
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for improved road links between England and Scotland.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  It is the Government's intention to upgrade the A74 between the M6 and the M74 to motorway standard. This is primarily a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland with whom I maintain close co-ordination on the need for road improvements on routes between our countries.

  Severn Tunnel
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the chairman of British Rail concerning the future of the Severn tunnel junction.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  None. This is a matter of management for British Rail.

  Dartford Bridge
  Dr. Twinn
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many people will be employed on the construction of the Dartford bridge.

  Mr. Channon
  The new bridge between Thurrock and Dartford will generate about 5,000 man years work. Over half the work will be in steel and steel fabrication jobs in Scotland and the north-east. The Bill to authorise construction was reintroduced on Friday last.

  A1(M) (Northbound Interchange)
  Mr. Fallon
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will estimate the cost of building a northbound interchange on the A1(M) to link with the Darlington bypass to the south of Darlington.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No schemes have been investigated for the provision of a northbound interchange to the south of Darlington and no estimate of cost is available. An interchange would be costly and would include a large structure to cross the existing motorway

  British Rail
  Ms. Walley
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has about the net cost to British Rail of the rationalisation of clerical and administrative staff.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The details of such schemes are a management matter for the British Railways Board. Bui: I understand that they are designed to reduce net costs.

  A41 (Bypass)
  Mr. Page
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress is being made towards the construction of the Berkhamsted-Hemel Hempstead-Kings Langley (A41) bypass.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We have made good progress and expect to publish the remaining orders shortly.

  British Rail (Electrification)
  Mr. Madden
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he next intends to meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss proposed electrification schemes.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  My right hon. Friend will be meeting the chairman of British Rail on 1 July, He will be happy to discuss any new proposals the chairman may wish to raise.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Wells
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he has in hand to improve road safety.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Safer travel is a key objective of the Department's activities. This is reflected in the wide range of matters covered in the roads White Paper last April. Looking to the future, we have just completed a review of road safety with a view to directing available resources towards the most effective possible measures—existing and potential, national and local — for the
  35
  reduction of casualties. Road safety must be everybody's concern. An immediate target for action is the drinking driver. I gave details of the Department's latest campaign on drinking and driving to the hon. Member for Houghton and Washington (Mr. Boyes) earlier today.

  Greenock Container Terminal
  Dr. Godman
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions have taken place between his Department and the Clyde Port Authority regarding the proposed closure of the Greenock container terminal.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  : The authority has kept my officials informed of impending developments and has discussed with them and with officials of the Department of Employment, Government grant towards severance payments to registered dock workers. My noble Friend the Lord Brabazon of Tara has corresponded with the chairman of the authority, at the hon. Member's request, about the authority's decision.

  Motorway Noise and Lighting
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations his Department has received from (a) Theydon Bois and (b) elsewhere in the Epping Forest constituency regarding additional measures against the annoyance of motorway noise and lighting.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The most recent representation we received about motorway disturbance in the Epping Forest constituency, is the one my hon. Friend made in a letter dated 21 April to me enclosing correspondence from the Epping Forest M11/M25 Impact Group. I replied on 15 May.

  London Regional Transport
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the chairman of London Regional Transport; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  My right hon. Friend expects to meet Sir Keith Bright on 3 July to discuss a range of matters.

  Motor Vehicle Licence Duty (Evasion)
  Mr. Stern
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans further to reduce evasion of motor vehicle licence duty; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We are determined to maintain the momentum of the enforcement drive. We have just introduced new powers to help stiffen the penalties against evaders. A full programme of intensive local campaigns run in conjunction with the police has been arranged for 1987–88. Computer terminals giving direct access to DVLC's records are being installed in all local enforcement offices to improve efficiency and speed up the processing of cases.

  Merchant Shipping
  Sir David Price
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will specify the measures which the Government intend to introduce to assist the merchant shipping industry.
  36
  Mr. David Mitchell
  A merchant shipping Bill will he introduced which will seek to implement three proposals. These are: assistance with industry's training costs, and with travel costs incurred in crew changeovers in distant waters, and the establishment of a Merchant Navy Reserve. These measures will help ensure the availability of trained British seafarers in n emergency. In the interests of maritime safety, the Bill will also revise the law on ship registration, including categorisation of the shipping registers of the dependent territories.

  Air Traffic Controllers
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to increase the current level of staffing of air traffic controllers.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The level of staffing of air traffic controllers is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. We are confident that the authority will continue to employ sufficient air traffic controllers to ensure the safety of traffic flying over the United Kingdom and at the airports where it is responsible for navigation services.

  Bypasses
  Mr. Greg Knight
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many bypasses there are in the forward programme for road construction.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  There arc over 170 bypass or relief road schemes in the road programme, 20 of which are currently under construction.

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

  Ferries (Safety)
  Mr. Alton
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action his Department is taking to improve ferry safety.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson) earlier today.

  Light Dues
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what alteration he intends to make in the level of light dues in response to representations on the subject.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The rates of light dues for 1987–88, effective since 1 June (in respect of certain fishing vessels) and since 1 April (in respect of other vessels) were set by my right hon. Friend after consultation with the industries concerned and taking full account of the points made in representations to him. I do not intend to make any alterations to them in the current financial year, but in 1988–89 I will consider such changes as may be appropriate at that time.

  Drink-Driving
  Mr. Maples
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport, what measures are being taken to discourage drinking and driving.
  37
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  1,100 people died last year as a result of drinking and driving. A key element in doing something about this appalling waste must be public attitudes. That is why we have given particular emphasis to getting across the facts and the consequences. The campaign we are launching tomorrow together with a wide range of organisations is part of a sustained approach to convey to all concerned that drinking and driving simply do not mix.

  Bus Services (London)
  Mr. Fry
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he will announce the total deregulation of bus services in London, together with the splitting up and privatisation of London Regional Transport.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It remains our intention to extend the deregulation of local bus services to London in due course. There are no plans for a comprehensive privatisation of London Regional Transport.

  Transport Act 1985
  Ms Primarolo
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what studies have been undertaken by his Department to assess the effect of the Transport Act 1985.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  : The Department's Transport and Road Research Laboratory is engaged in a series of national, area and case studies on the effects of the Act. A copy of its first report, published in January, is available in the Library of the House. Further reports are expected shortly.

  Aircraft Noise
  Mr. Higgins
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he proposes to take to reduce nuisance from aircraft noise.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The ban of non noise-certificated jets on the UK register from 1.1.86 has been successful in environmental terms. It will be followed by a similar ban of foreign-registered noisy jets from the beginning of next year. We are now turning our attention to the next generation of jets, the so called "chapter 2" types, and with our partners in Europe, examining ways in which they too might be gradually phased out, starting in the mid 1990s.

  The Secretary of State has used his powers to designate Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports for noise regulation purposes.

  The Government have thus placed restrictions on the number and type of aircraft movements at specified hours at night at these airports. They have also made regulations to concentrate aircraft movements immediately after takeoff from those airports on defined paths, chosen to avoid, as far as possible, major built-up areas. Responsibility for routes further away from airports rests with the Civil Aviation Authority.

  At Heathrow and Gatwick, the Government have imposed maximum noise limits for aircraft taking off, by day and by night. Such limits will be introduced at Stansted as the airport develops.

  The restrictions on aircraft movements at night at these airports apply until March 1988. The Government are considering what restrictions on such movements should
  38
  apply thereafter. As stated in the 1986 White Paper on airports policy, they do not propose to ban all night flights at these airports.

  In consultation with the British Airports Authority, as it then was, the Government made noise insulation grant schemes at Heathrow and Gatwick whereby the authority paid grants to insulate living accommodation where the occupants were seriously troubled by aircraft noise. The most recent schemes ended in March 1985. The Government are reviewing the schemes and will consider corrective action if the objectives of the schemes have not been met. This review has not yet been completed. The Government will consider further whether insulation grants at designated airports should be extended to schools and hospitals, or at least to those parts where the work is particularly sensitive to aircraft noise. It will be some time before Her Majesty's Government will be able to decide, after consulting BAA and other interested parties, whether such schemes would be practicable or cost effective.

  It is intended that a noise insulation grants scheme similar to those at Heathrow and Gatwick will be introduced at Stansted when passenger numbers reach 2 million passengers per year.

  BAA already monitors noise in the vicinity of Heathrow and Gatwick and is working with the Department of Transport in the development of new systems for monitoring noise and track-keeping in the vicinity of those airports. It is intended that similar systems will be introduced at Stansted.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  World University of the Air
  Sir Brandon Rhys Williams
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what study his Department has given to the project for a world university of the air as a development of the BBC external services and the Open University; and if he will make it his policy to propose that the project should be sponsored by the EEC as an extension of the Lomé convention.

  Mr. Eggar
  We are aware of the potential opportunities offered by satellite broadcasting. We are considering these carefully. There is currently no provision in the grants in aid of the BBC external services for a world university of the air project. We shall consider whether this could be pursued under EC sponsorship.

  Chile
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what purpose General Matthei of Chile came to the United Kingdom in June 1987; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's discussions on arms sales with him.

  Mr. Eggar
  General Matthei visited the United Kingdom privately in June 1987. No official discussions were held.

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will specify the United

  39
  Nations resolutions which form the basis of the United Nation's Secretary General's efforts to find a solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

  Mr. Eggar
  There have been eight such United Nations General Assembly resolutions since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, setting out the principles for a negotiated political settlement. The most recent (41/33 of 20 November 1986) was adopted by 122–20–11.

  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's help to (a) the Islamic Party of Yunis Khalis and (b) Field Commander Abdul Haq in Afghanistan.

  Mr. Eggar
  We admire the courageous efforts of the Afghan people to resist brutal foreign occupation. Our invitations to Yunis Khalis and Abdul Haq to visit Britain reflected our support of the right of the Afghan people to self-determination. Since 1980, we have given £45 million of humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees through British and international relief agencies.

ENVIRONMENT

  Residuary Bodies
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details of the specific matters raised at the 18 meetings held between Ministers and the London residuary body since 1 May 1986; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  Matters discussed at meetings between Ministers and the LRB since 1 May 1986 were those relevant to the LRB's functions under the Local Government Act 1985.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made by each of the residuary bodies in respect of the disposal of county halls for the former Greater London council, West Yorkshire county council, Greater Manchester county council, Merseyside county council, Tyne and Wear and West Midlands county council.

  Mr. Chope
  Contracts have been exchanged for the sale to the Greater Manchester passenger transport executive of the freehold of the Greater Manchester county hall annex. The West Yorkshire residuary body has accepted an offer, subject to contract, from Wakefield district council for the freehold of county hall, Wakefield. Residuary bodies are continuing to market their respective interests in the other county halls.

  London Marathon
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much has been paid or is due from the London marathon to his Department in respect of the 1987 London marathon.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Net costs are as follows:

  1987

  £880·00 (still to be charged).

  Thamesmead
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current position in respect of the transfer of Thamesmead to the Thamesmead trust.
  40
  Mrs. Roe
  The transfer would have taken place by 18 May, following the issue on 11 May by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State of a direction under section 65 of the Local Government Act 1985, but for the fact that the London borough of Camden challenged the validity of the direction. The consequent judicial review was heard between 17 and 22 June and we are now awaiting judgment which is expected early in July.

  Housing Investment Programme
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the housing investment programme allocations made to each London borough, metropolitan district and non-metropolitan district in each of the years from 1978–79 to 1987–88, expressed in constant 1987–88 prices.

  Mr. Ridley
  A table listing the housing investment programme allocations made for all housing authorities in England for each of the years 1978–79 to 1987–88 at 1987–88 constant prices has been placed in the library.

  Since 1981–82 local authorities have been able to supplement their allocations by expenditure financed from capital receipts. Nationally, over half of local authorities' capital expenditure in 1987–88 is expected to be financed from capital receipts.

  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total of all housing investment programme bids for 1978–88 submitted by English housing authorities; and what were the comparable figures for each year since 1978–79.

  Mr. Ridley
  In their housing investment programme submissions local authorities set out their proposals for their total capital expenditure programme in the relevant year. The figures are therefore intended to cover not only expenditure financed from allocations, but the very considerable amount of expenditure financed from other sources. The totals of proposed programmes for the years 1978–79 to 1987–88 have been as follows:

  Proposed programmes1

  £ million (cash)

  1978–79

  3966

  1979–80

  3870

  1980–81

  4580

  1981–82

  3700

  1982–83

  3475

  1983–84

  3559

  1984–85

  4481

  1985–86

  4868

  1986–87

  5416

  1987–88

  5752

  1 excludes non-prescribed expenditure.

  Housing
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list for each housing authority in England the latest figures for the number of dwellings classed as difficult to let, indicating the percentage this figure represents of the authority-owned stock; and what are the changes in these figures since April 1986;
  41
  (2) if he will list in descending order the numbers of dwellings owned by each English local housing authority, as at 1 April 1987, showing the comparable figure for 1 April 1986;

  (3) if he will list for each housing authority the latest figures for (a) the number of unfit dwellings, (b) the number of dwellings fit but lacking basic amenities and (c) the number of non-standard dwellings in need of renovation, indicating in each case the percentage of total stock affected and the percentage change from the same date in 1986.

  Stock of rented dwellings: England

  Thousands of dwellings

  Rented from :

  LAs and NTs

  HAs

  Private owners and other tenures1

  Total rented stock

  April 1961

  3,339

  4,424

  7,763

  December 1966

  4,016

  3,683

  7,699

  December 1967

  4,145

  3,569

  7,714

  December 1968

  4,267

  3,455

  7,722

  December 1969

  4,390

  3,354

  7,744

  December 1970

  4,506

  3,202

  7,708

  December 1971

  4,587

  3,122

  7,709

  December 1972

  4,605

  3,013

  7,618

  December 1973

  4,635

  2,911

  7,546

  December 1974

  4,743

  2,811

  7,554

  December 1975

  4,872

  2,707

  7,579

  December 1976

  4,990

  277

  2,342

  7,609

  December 1977

  5,096

  310

  2.237

  7,643

  December 1978

  5,157

  337

  2.139

  7,633

  December 1979

  5,187

  362

  2,042

  7,591

  December 1980

  5,171

  389

  1,952

  7,512

  December 1981

  5,117

  411

  1,876

  7,404

  December 1982

  4,952

  432

  1,799

  7,183

  December 1983

  4,837

  451

  1,726

  7,014

  December 1984

  4,755

  474

  1,656

  6,885

  December 1985

  4,677

  493

  1,587

  6,757

  December 19862

  4,606

  507

  1,516

  6,629

  March 19872

  4,579

  509

  1,498

  6,586

  Note: For statistical purposes the stock estimates are expressed to the nearest thousand, but should not be regarded as accurate to the last digit.

  Estimates are based on data from the censuses of 1961 to 1981 and those for the years before 1971 are not strictly comparable.

  1 "Private owners and other tenures" include dwellings occupied by virtue of employment whether in public or private ownership, and before 1976 included housing associations.

  2 Provisional.

  Prime Minister (Cars)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what cars are currently at the disposal of the Prime Minister; and what is the estimated cost of her new specially adapted Daimler XJ6.

  Mr. Chope
  The Prime Minister currently has one Daimler Sovereign at her disposal. A further Daimler Sovereign and a Rover 3500 SDI are allocated to the No. 10 office as fixed duty cars.

  There is no specially adapted Daimler XJ6 on order for the Prime Minister.

  Rates
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the environment if he will publish the overall average unrebated domestic rate bill paid by householders in (a) England and (b) England and Wales in each year since 1966–67.
  42
  Mr. Ridley
  The latest available figures are those for April 1986 provided by local authorities in their 1986 housing investment programme returns.

  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the total number of homes which he estimates were available to rent in England (a) from local authorities, (b) from housing organisations, (c) from other public authorities, (d) from private landlords and (e) in total in each of the years from 1957 to 1987 respectively.

  Mr. Ridley
  The available estimates are:

  Mr. Ridley
  The estimated figures are as follows :

  Average (unrebated) domestic rate bills1

  England

  England and Wales

  £

  £

  1966–67

  41

  40

  1967–68

  41

  41

  1968–69

  42

  42

  1969–70

  44

  44

  1970–71

  47

  46

  1971–72

  54

  53

  1972–73

  61

  60

  1973–74

  66

  66

  2

  1974–75

  77

  74

  1975–76

  94

  92

  1976–77

  103

  100

  1977–78

  119

  116

  1978–79

  131

  128

  43

  England

  England and Wales

  £

  £

  1979–80

  155

  152

  1980–81

  199

  195

  1981–82

  245

  239

  1982–83

  282

  276

  1983–84

  303

  296

  1984–85

  323

  316

  1985–86

  351

  344

  1986–87

  401

  392

  1987–883

  428

  419

  Notes:

  1 Average unrebated rate bills are derived from average domestic rateable values per hereditament and the average domestic rate poundages levied by local authorities.

  2 Figures up to 1973–74 arc not compatible with those for 1974–75 and later years. This is due to the change of local authorities' responsibilities in 1974, in particular the transfer of water and sewarage services from local authorities to water authorities.

  3 The figures for 1987–88 are provisional.

  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the accumulated reduction in rate support grant since 1978–79 in England at 1987–88 prices breaking down the figures between (a) 1978–79 and 1979–80,(b)1979–80 and 1980–81, (c) 1978–79 and 1981–82, (d) 1978–79 and 1982–83, (e) 1978–79 and 1983–84, (f) 19781–79 and 1984–85, (g) 1978–79 and 1985–86, (h) 1978–79 and 1986–87 and (i) 1978–79 and 1987–88.

  Mr. Ridley
  The accumulated reduction in rate support grant since 1978–89 in England at 1987–88 prices is £3,896–2 million. The figures are broken down in the way requested in the following table:

  £ million

  (a)

  535·1

  (b)

  658·0

  (c)

  1,337·5

  (d)

  2,127·9

  (e)

  2,550·2

  (f)

  2,971·4

  (g)

  3,538·7

  (h)

  3,958·6

  (i)

  3,896·2

  Notes:

  (i) For 1978–79 to 1980–81 rate support grant comprised needs and resources elements and domestic rate relief grant.

  (ii) From 1981–82, rate support grant comprises block grant and domestic rate relief grant.

  (iii) Rate support grant for the years 1978–79 to 1982–83 are final entitlements. Domestic rate relief grant for 1983–84, 1984–85 and 1985–86 are also final entitlements; those for 1986–87 and 1987–88 are first estimates. Block grant figures for 1983–84, 1984–85 and 1985–86 are entitlements after hold-back based upon provisional outturn; those for 1986–87 and 1987–88 are entitlements based on budgets.

  (iv) Figures are expressed in 1987–88 prices using the DGP deflator.

  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the amount of rate support grant paid in each of the years from 1978–79 to 1987–88, estimated, expressed in constant 1987–88 prices, to (a) each London borough, (b) each metropolitan district, (c) the Inner London education authority, (d) each of the former metropolitan counties and the Greater London council to 1985–86, (e) each non-metropolitan county, (f) each non-metropolitan district and (g) each of the metropolitan joint boards, showing also in each year the total paid to the respective classes of authorities.
  44
  Mr. Ridley
  The figures requested have been placed in the Library. The basis for payment of rate support grant was changed in 1981. Figures for 1979–80–1980–81 are therefore not comparable with later years. In particular, prior to 1981, non-metropolitan counties received needs elements only, non-metropolitan districts received resources element and domestic rate relief grant only. No RSG was paid to metropolitan counties or precepting authorities in London.

  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what, assuming the full replacement of rates by the community charge and the implementation of the proposals in Paying for Local Government" (Cmnd. 9714), for non-domestic rates and the grant system, in 1987–88 (a) for England, (b) for each class of local authority and (c) for each local authority, showing precepting authorities separately what the following items in £ per adult would be (i) the community charge without safety net, (ii) the safety net, (iii) needs grant, (iv) standard grant and (v) redistributed non-domestic rate revenue, showing also the corresponding 1987–88 domestic rate poundage and, in £ per adult, the average rate bill and local authority expenditure;

  (2) what, assuming the full replacement of rates by the community charge and the implementation of the proposals in "Paying for Local Government" (Cmnd. 9714), for non-domestic rates and the grant system, in 1987–88, what the national non-domestic rate poundage would be in England and for each authority, and the percentage difference between the actual non-domestic poundage and the national non-domestic rate poundage.

  Mr. Ridley
  I have today placed in the Library figures exemplifying community charges and non-domestic rates had the Government's proposals for the reform of local finance been fully in place in 1987–88.

  I must repeat the warning given by my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Chope) when publishing equivalent figures for 1986–87 on 1 April c. 547. These figures are not a prediction of community charges in 1990. They are based entirely on expenditure returns made by local authorities at the start of this financial year. They make no allowance for the distortion of those figures by technical accounting arrangements nor for the extent to which rates this year are being funded from balances or special funds and vice versa. They are based on 1987–88 grant levels and needs assessments, although final decisions have yet to be taken on the size and operation of the new grant arrangements and on the transition to the new system. Nor do the figures take account of the changes in local authority responsibilities foreshadowed in the manifesto, particularly the arrangements for inner London boroughs to opt out of ILEA, proposed changes to housing finance, or the impact of the extended use of competitive tendering in the more efficient provision of local services. But, above all, these figures make no allowance for changes in the level of a local authority's expenditure between now and 1990. However, they clearly illustrate the importance of high spending authorities starting now to identify economies and of those who live in those authorities insisting that they do so.

  The figures for changes in non-domestic rate poundages do not take account of the amendments for the five-year transitional period which I have already announced.
  45
  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the impact of the proposed community charge in the Leeds, West constituency, Surrey, South-West constituency and Richmond (Yorks) constituency.

  Mr. Howard
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) earlier today.

  Mrs. Mahon
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will produce exact figures to show what each adult in Halifax will pay with the introduction of the poll tax.

  Mr. Howard
  No. Since the new system will not come into effect until 1990, it is not possible to say what the level of the community charge in Halifax will be when it is introduced. However, I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) earlier today.

  Mrs. Mahon
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will pay a visit to Halifax to discuss the effect of the introduction of the poll tax.

  Water authorities: Average household bills

  Water authority

  1979–80 £. p.

  1980–81 £. p.

  Per cent.

  1981–82 £. p.

  Per cent.

  1982–83 £. p.

  Per cent.

  1983–84 £. p.

  Per cent.

  1984–85 £. p.

  Per cent.

  1985–86 £. p.

  Per cent.

  1986–87 £. p.

  Per cent.

  1987–88 £. p.

  Per cent.

  Cumulative over 1979–80 Per cent.

  Combined all services

  North West

  37·90

  46·80

  23·5

  54·69

  16·9

  59·86

  9·7

  63·16

  5·5

  68·25

  8·1

  77·57

  13·7

  85·19

  9·8

  91·12

  7·0

  140·4

  Northumbrian

  33·94

  41·95

  23·6

  49·19

  17·3

  56·86

  16·0

  64·52

  13·5

  75·22

  16·6

  80·38

  6·9

  84·34

  4·9

  88·63

  5·1

  161·1

  Severn Trent

  40·51

  48·99

  20·9

  56·78

  15·9

  62·44

  7·4

  64·63

  3·5

  67·88

  5·0

  76·16

  12·2

  83·55

  9·7

  89·53

  7·2

  121·0

  Yorkshire

  39·36

  49·04

  24·6

  57·21

  16·7

  65·30

  14·1

  68·78

  5·3

  72·64

  5·6

  82·30

  13·3

  90·96

  10·5

  97·72

  7·4

  148·3

  Anglian

  48·83

  63·01

  29·0

  75·08

  19·2

  82·66

  11·9

  87·80

  6·2

  93·96

  7·0

  105·98

  12·8

  116·69

  10·1

  124·03

  6·3

  15·40

  Thames

  38·62

  47·82

  23·8

  54·47

  13·9

  60·77

  13·5

  66·74

  9·8

  73·41

  7·6

  80·75

  10·0

  83·09

  2·9

  87·74

  5·6

  127·2

  Southern

  43·80

  56·60

  29·2

  67·00

  18·4

  74·40

  11·0

  79·20

  6·5

  83·84

  5·9

  93·76

  11·8

  102·78

  9·6

  109·10

  6·1

  149·1

  Wessex

  57·22

  65·44

  14·4

  72·87

  11·4

  78·49

  7·5

  81·56

  3·9

  85·59

  4·9

  95·35

  11·4

  107·09

  12·3

  114·45

  6·9

  100·0

  South West

  54·57

  66·72

  22·3

  75·22

  12·7

  81·24

  8·6

  87·96

  8·3

  93·48

  6·3

  104·59

  11·9

  110·90

  6·0

  116·08

  4·7

  112·7

  English water authorities

  41·47

  51·37

  23·9

  59·47

  15·8

  66·01

  11·11

  70·92

  7·4

  75·73

  6·8

  84·56

  11·7

  91·25

  7·9

  97·18

  6·5

  134·3

  Rents
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table showing the average level (a) of local authority rents and (b) of fair rents registered for unfurnished lettings in England in each of the years from 1979 to 1987, indicating the percentage

  Average weekly rents1 England

  Retail prices index United Kingdom—April

  Local authority (unrebated) April

  Percentage increase

  Fair rents unfurnished tenancies2 2nd half year

  Percentage increase

  £

  Over year

  Since 1979

  £

  Over year

  Since 1979

  1979

  6·41

  —

  —

  39·55

  —

  —

  1980

  7·70

  20

  20

  311·40

  22

  22

  1981

  11·42

  48

  78

  13·00

  12

  36

  1982

  13·48

  18

  110

  14·25

  9

  49

  1983

  13·97

  4

  118

  15·60

  4

  55

  1984

  14·66

  5

  129

  16·80

  5

  63

  1985

  15·54

  6

  142

  18·05

  7

  75

  1986

  16·36

  5

  155

  19·95

  3

  80

  1987

  417·22

  5

  169

  5

  4

  87

  1 Service charges, if any, are included in fair rents, but not in local authority rents.

  2 Registered rents for private regulated tenancies only.

  46
  Mr. Howard
  My right hon. Friend and I have no plans to do so. But were Ito do so, I would take the opportunity of pointing out to the voters of Calderdale that 31 per cent. of their illustrative community charge (of £259) arises directly from the overspending of the local authorities in their area. I would also urge on them the need to insist now on more economical and efficient local services.

  Water Rates
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing (a) the percentage increase in domestic water rates for each year since 1979–80 for each English regional water authority and the overall average, (b) the cumulative percentage increase since 1979–80 for each English water authority and the overall average and (c) the average domestic water rates bill per household for each year since 1979 for each English regional water authority arid the overall average.

  Mr. Ridley
  The information requested is shown in the table. The average household bills are taken from charges returns made annually to DOE.

  increase in each on an annual and cumulative basis, showing also the movement of the retail price index over that same period.

  Mr. Ridley
  The figures on local authority rents, the average rents registered by rent officers and the movements in the retail prices index are as follows:
  47
  3 England and Wales.

  4 Provisional estimate.

  5 Not available.

  The mix of properties for which rents are registered varies from year to year for a number of reasons: for example, extension of decontrol in 1981; the reduction from three to two years in the minimum period for re-registration which led to re-registrations in 1983 of rents previously registered in 1980 and 1981. Therefore, comparisons of averages for consecutive years do not properly reflect rent movements. Better estimates of rent movements are derived from previous and new registered rents for tenancies where there has been no material change in terms or in the physical condition. For properties with rents fixed in the second halves of 1979, 1982, 1984 and 1986, the estimated increases are:

  per cent, increase in period

  annualised per cent. increase

  1979 to 1982

  47

  14

  1982 to 1984

  18

  9

  1984 to 1986

  17

  8

  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the impact on local authority rents in Leeds for the current financial year of proposals to prevent rate contribution to the local authority's housing revenue account.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We have no proposals to end rate fund contributions to housing revenue accounts in the current financial year.

  Homelessness
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress being made by the University of Birmingham's centre for urban and regional studies on the research work on homelessness commissioned in February 1987 by his Department.

  Mr. Ridley
  The project is proceeding to timetable and we expect to receive the results by the end of March 1988.

  Vacant Dwellings
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the percentage of empty dwellings in (a) private sector, (b) public sector, (c) those owned and controlled by Her Majesty's Government and (d) housing associations; and if he will publish from the local authorities housing investment returns for 1 April 1987 the number and percentage of vacant dwellings in the local authority housing associations, other public sectors and the private sector giving totals for each.

  Mr. Ridley
  Local authorities' 1987 housing investment programme returns are not yet available.

  The latest estimates of vacant housing in England, based on the authorities' 1986 HIP returns, are as follows :
  48

  Vacant dwellings as a percentage of total slock at 1 April 1986—England

  per cent.

  Local authorities

  2·5

  Housing associations

  3·2

  Other public sector

  6·6

  Private sector

  4·1

  All sectors

  3·7

  The "other public sector" figures include local authorities' overspill estates, in addition to housing owned by new towns, county councils (for example police houses), Government Departments, nationalised industries and other public agencies. Many of them are vacant because of operational requirements, notably those owned by MOD and others have been acquired for demolition, for example by Department of Transport. The Government are encouraging the sale of housing which is not required, and many of those that are vacant are in the process of disposal.

  Housing associations' acquisition of dwellings for rehabilitation inflate the numbers which are vacant.

  Vacant dwellings in the private sector include those which are in severe disrepair, those undergoing renovation or awaiting demolition, those which are empty while being sold or between lettings, and those whose owners do not wish to occupy or sell them but are deterred from letting by the Rent Act.

  Urban Programme
  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the urban programme 1987–88 for Leeds will be approved.

  Mr. Trippier
  My Department is currently considering Leeds inner area programme in the light of further information about individual projects received on 11 June.

  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the total urban programme for the financial years 1978–79 to 1987–88, estimated; and if he will list the outturn urban programme grants paid to each partnership, programme and designated authority and the estimated figure for 1987–88, showing also for each authority the level of funding in each year on (a) housing subsidy receivable and (b) block grants expressed in constant 1987–88 prices.

  Mr. Ridley
  I shall answer this question shortly.

  London Residuary Body
  Mr. Tony Banks
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list each of the Government Departments currently in discussion with the London residuary body regarding grants still outstanding in respect of Greater London council activities prior to abolition.

  Mr. Chope
  My Department is in discussion with the London residuary body about the payment of outstanding Government grants for which provision has been made in the GLC's 1985–86 closing accounts. I understand from LRB that it is also in discussion with the Home Office, the
  49
  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Manpower Services Commission about various such grants.

  Housing Subsidy
  Dr. Cunningham
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the housing subsidy paid to each
  50
  London borough, metropolitan district and non-metropolitan district in each of the years from 1978–79 and 1987–88, estimated, expressed in constant 1987–88 prices.

  Mr. Ridley
  I shall answer this question shortly.

  DISABLEMENT SERVICES AUTHORITY
  DISABLEMENT SERVICES AUTHORITY