Written Answers of 30 October 1987

ENERGY

  Elderly Persons (Home Heating)
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy what advice his Department makes available to elderly people to try to ensure cost-effective heating of their homes.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  My Department's energy efficiency office produces a range of publications which provide information to householders, including the elderly, on the cost-effective energy efficiency measures which they can take to improve their homes. Advice is also available to the public on the free Monergy hotline telephone service number 0800–234–800. In addition, the office supports the community insulation projects which provide a free or low-cost insulation service and advice for elderly and other householders on low incomes.

  BNF Sellafield
  Mr. Flynn
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list each occasion since April 1986 on which a Minister in his Department had made a statement encouraging members of the public to visit British Nuclear Fuels Sellafield nuclear complex.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) on 24 July 1987 at column 519.

  Mr. Flynn
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his reply on 24 July, Official Report, column 517 on how many occasions and for what length of time Euratom inspectors have been present at British Nuclear Fuels plc Sellafield nuclear site since March 1986.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have nothing to add to my reply of 24 July, at column 517.

  Plutonium
  Mr. Flynn
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South, (Mr. Mullin) Official Report, 24 July, column 517 whether plutonium from Calder Hall and Chapel Cross Military Magnox reactors is kept segregated from safeguarded plutonium stocks in a separate building.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) on 24 July at column 517.

  Mr. Riddick
  asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is now in a position to publish further information on plutonium in line with recommendation 13(b) of the Sizewell report.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  In the light of discussions between my Department, the AEA, BNFL and the generating 444
  boards, I have decided to publish information concerning the production of plutonium from United Kingdom civil reactors on an annual basis from 1986–87 onwards. Work on collating the information is in hand and we will publish it as soon as possible.

ENVIRONMENT

  Pollution
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he will take to the conference next month of Environmental Ministers from all North sea states to (i) limit industrial discharges into the marine environment, (ii) stop all sea dumping and incineration, (iii) phase out the discharging through pipelines of heavy metals, radio-nuclides organochlorines and other chemicals known to affect the food chain and (iv) test for more chemicals than Her Majesty's Government presently do; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I am giving detailed consideration to the issues that will be considered in London later this month at the second international conference on the protection of the North sea, including some of those mentioned by the hon. Member. I cannot prejudge the United Kingdom's final negotiating position at the conference nor predict what the outcome will be.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Mans
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what transition arrangements will be made when the community charge is introduced in 1990.

  Mr. Howard
  The Government are considering their proposals for transitional arrangements in the light of recent representations.

  Mr. Alan
  Williams asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the charitable status of manses will be maintained under his proposed community charge; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  When the community charge is fully in force, no domestic property will pay rates. The question of charitable status will not therefore arise.

  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to the reply of 26 October, Official Report, columns 37–38, he will give a source for the sample survey data on which the projections in the answers on regional gainers and losers in respect of the poll tax are based.

  Mr. Howard
  The information is taken from the family expenditure surveys for 1981 to 1984 inclusive.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Flynn
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report the titles of papers on the sea disposal of nuclear wastes submitted by his Department to the London dumping convention in October 1987; and if he will place copies of all such reports in the Library.

  Mr. Moynihan
  In common with other contracting parties to the London dumping convention, the United Kingdom submitted to the October 1987 meeting a
  445
  response to a questionnaire on nuclear matters framed at the 1986 convention meeting. A copy of this questionnaire and the United Kingdom response have been placed in the Library. The response refers to a number of documents, including the "Report of the Independent Review of Disposal of Radioactive Waste in the North East Atlantic" (the Holliday report, 1984), and the "Assessment of Best Practicable Environmental Options (BPEOs) for Management of Low and Intermediate Level Solid Radioactive Waste" (DOE, 1986). Both of these documents are already in the Library.

  Water Authorities
  Mr. Cousins
  asked the Secretary of State for Environment if he will list the water authorities engaging senior management staff on performance related contracts in the financial year 1986–87; what was the number of personnel involved; and what was the average bonus paid out in each water authority area for the financial year 1986–87.

  Mr Moynihan
  This information is not held centrally.

  British Coal Houses
  Mr. Barron
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Housing Corporation regarding the purchase of British Coal houses.

  Mrs. Roe
  On 30 September my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning met representatives of British Coal and the Housing Corporation to discuss the progress of negotiations between British Coal and the housing associations interested in purchasing certain blocks of British Coal houses in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. I understand that these negotiations are continuing.

  Mr. Barron
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make additional finance available to enable housing associations to purchase British Coal houses.

  Mrs. Roe
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so.

  Storm Damage
  Mr. Warren
  asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what categories of buildings owned by county councils and district councils are not eligible for financial assistance for their repair following the recent hurricane; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  Buildings suffering damage which is insurable under normal building insurance policies would not qualify under the scheme of special financial assistance to local authorities announced by my right hon. Friend on 21 October.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Development Policy
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implications for overseas development policy of the decisions taken at the latest meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
  446
  Mr. Chris Patten
  Britain's aid policy, particularly on major issues such as developing-coutry debt and structural adjustment, is entirely consistent with decisions taken at recent IMF-IBRD meeting.

  Third World
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his Department has for supporting education, specifically for women, in the Third world.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  About £140 million a year is provided from the aid programme for supporting education. A substantial poportion is spent on education within developing countries and benefits both sexes.

  Some £50 million of the total is currently spent on training in Britain. We are exploring the reasons for the low number of nominations of women or training awards and are making a major effort to increase the number receiving awards for the 1988–89 academic year and beyond. We also support less formal education specifically for women. Examples include aid for Pakistan's Open University, which is particularly helpful to women who cannot leave home for education, and recruitment of women for training as agricultural extension workers in Nepal.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Education Reform
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what response he has received from the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation to the consultation paper on the proposals for a national curriculum; and what consideration he proposes to give to it:

  (2) what response he has received from the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation to the consultation paper on the proposals for grant-maintained schools, admission of pupils to maintained schools and financial delegation; and what consideration he proposes to give to it.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Copies of these responses, along with all responses received other than those from individuals, have been placed in the Library. We are giving very careful consideration to the points which the Royal Association has made.

  Inspectors' Reports (Publication Dates)
  Mr. Alton
  asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what date in each of the last six years his Department published Her Majesty's inspectors' report on local education authority provision and the quality of education.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The annual expenditure report by Her Majesty's inspectors has been published on the following dates in the last six years:

  5 April 1982; 20 July 1983; 6 June 1984;

  23 May 1985; 21 May 1986 and 21 July 1987.

WALES

  Conductive Education
  Mr. Barry Jones
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a grant to the University of Wales for a five-year evaluation by a research team to assess the effectiveness of conductive education and to monitor how well it transposes from Hungary to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The University of Birmingham will be carrying out research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of conductive education and monitoring how well it transposes from Hungary to the United Kingdom and I see no purpose in a second such project. Both my right hon. Friend and I will be taking an interest in the research and will consider particularly its relevance to children in Wales

  Nursing Homes
  Mr. Ron Davies
  asked the Secretary of state For Wales if he will provide a detailed breakdown of publicly-funded subsidies to private residential establishments and nursing homes by local authority in Wales for each of the last five years, together with the estimates for 1987.

  Mr. Grist
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave him on Monday 26 October 1987, at columns 25–27. I have also written to him today.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Raffan
  asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he proposes to make any changes to his Department's cash limits in the current year.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Yes. The cash limit on class XVII, vote 2 is being increased by £11,251,000 to £66,214,000. This increase relates to the grant-in-aid for the Welsh Development Agency and is necessary to cover the cost to the agency of taking on the residual industrial assets of the Cwmbran development corporation. As a consequence, there will he a corresponding reduction to the cash limit for WO/LA 1 of £1 1,251,000 to £353,747,000.

  The cash limit on class XVII, vote 9 is being increased by £85,000 to £38,785,000. This increase covers the additional cost to the Department arising from the transfer of NHS audit staff from the DHSS. There is a corresponding reduction in the cash limit for class XV, vote 5.

  The cash limit on class XVII, vote 10 is being increased by £22,675,000 to £953,289,000. This increase takes account of additional block grant payable in respect of teachers' pay, together with payments and abatements in grant in respect of previous years in the light of out-turn expenditure information. The adjustments to block grant will be subject to the approval of the requisite supplementary rate support grant reports by the House.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  "The Times"
  Mr. Warren
  asked the Attorney-General if he will prosecute The Times newspaper for publishing, on Friday 23 October, details of the Royal Navy nuclear deterrent base facilities in Scotland: and if he will make a statement.
  448
  The Attorney-General
  No. I understand that the release of the material contained in the article in The Times on 23 October was authorised.

PRIME MINISTER

  Commonwealth Conference
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  asked the Prime Minister what cost to public funds arose as a result of her return from Vancover to the United Kingdom at the end of the Commonwealth conference.

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, North West (Mr. Banks) on 22 October, at column 847.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Prime Minister when Her Majesty's Government propose to implement those sections of the Disabled Persons (Representation Services and Consultation) Act 1986 which offer some assistance for mentally handicapped school leavers, their parents, and carers.

  The Prime Minister
  My hon. Friend the Minister for the Disabled hopes to make an announcement shortly about the implementation of sections 5 and 6 of the Act.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Armed Robberies
  Mr. Steel
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the percentage of armed robberies for the years 1979 to 1986 which involved unregistered guns;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the number of armed robberies for the years 1979 to 1986.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The available information for England and Wales relates to the number of offences of robbery recorded by the police in which firearms were reported to have been used and is published annually in table 3.1 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales", the latest issue of which, Cm. 233, for 1986, was published on 29 October 1987. In 1986, 2,651 such robberies were recorded, compared with 1,038 in 1979; however, the proportion of all robberies in which firearms were used remained at about 9 per cent. during this period. The police do not record the number of firearms recovered which were shown to have been used in crime, nor the proportion of these which were subsequently found to have been illegally held.

  Prisoners (Transfers)
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to transfer Irish prisoners in gaols in England, Scotland and Wales to prisons nearer their homes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Beggs
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he plans to extend his policy which enables prisoners in England and Wales to serve sentences in a prison near their family and relatives so that Northern Ireland prisoners on the mainland can be transferred to Northern Ireland prisons to complete their sentences.
  449
  Mr. John Patten
  Under the Criminal Justice Act 1961 sentences inmates may be transferred at their own application between United Kingdom jurisdictions. In dealing with requests from inmates in England and Wales for transfers to Northern Ireland, the Department, in consultation with the Northern Ireland Office, considers each case on its merits, applying publicly stated criteria covering such matters as the length of the sentence remaining to be served, the inmate's current behaviour, and his or her history and background.

  Transfers of sentenced prisoners to the Republic of Ireland will not be possible unless and until the Republic takes powers to hold prisoners sentenced in another jurisdiction.

  Applications for transfers from inmates held in Scottish prisons fall to be dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

  Exclusion Orders
  Mr. Mullin
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all those who were the subject of exclusion orders between November 1974 and the present day, giving the date on which the order was made.

  Mr. Hurd
  No. Statistics on exclusion orders made under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Acts 1974, 1976 and 1984 are published quaterly in statistical bulletins published by the Home Office. I do not consider it right or fair to the individuals concerned for me to publicise their names without their permission.

  Grants
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many section 11 grants he has approved in each of the last five years; how many applications he has refused; and how many are awaiting decision, categorised by (a) Waltham Forest, (b) London and (c) nationally and sub-categorised by whether they relate to (i) social services, (ii) education and (iii) other purposes.

  Mr. John Patten
  The available information is as follows. It is expressed in terms of numbers of posts applied for.

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  11987

  Posts approved

  1,188

  856

  898

  786

  124

  Posts refused

  2—

  2—

  2—

  723

  428

  1 1 January—23 October

  2 Information not available.

  Application currently under consideration are:

  Area

  Education

  Social Services

  Other

  Total

  Waltham Forest

  16

  22

  2

  30

  London (including Waltham Forest)

  176

  60

  28

  164

  England and Wales (including London)

  1631

  223

  124

  978

  1 An application for posts for part-time staff covering 4,000 hours a year is also under consideration.

  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he accepts that provision for second generation immigrants with similar problems to first generation immigrants is eligible for section 11 grant approval, and if he will make a statement.
  450
  Mr. John Patten
  Applications for section 11 grant are considered in accordance with the criteria set out in Home Office circular No. 72/1986. This makes clear that the scheme covers not only those born in another country of the Commonwealth, however long they have resided in the United Kingdom, but also their immediate descendants.

  Immigration
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the criteria for refusing entry at British ports to individuals who have obtained valid entry clearance visas; how many have been refused entry on arrival since the introduction of the current system; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Renton
  I refer the hon. Member to paragraph 13 of the "Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules" (HC 169), laid before Parliament on 9 February 1983.

  Since visa requirements are extended to citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ghana and Nigeria, the number of such citizens who have been refused entry at Heathrow, Gatwick and Dover while in possession of a valid entry clearance (up to 24 October) is as follows:

  Numbers

  India

  36

  Pakistan

  93

  Bangladesh

  49

  Ghana

  69

  Nigeria

  79

  Total

  326

  Civil Defence
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what would be the cost of current proposals for nuclear civil defence (i) London and (ii) nationally, and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Civil defence planning under the Civil Defence Act 1948 relates to measures to mitigate the effect of any hostile attack by a foreign power, whatever form it may take. Separate costings for nuclear aspects are not made.

  In London, the principal responsibility for civil defence planning rests with the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority, whose preliminary estimate for civil defence expenditure as a whole for 1987–88 was 1·5 million. Total programmed expenditure on civil defence in the United Kingdom during 1987–88 is £105 million.

  Fire Risk Categorisation Reviews
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he gives in respect of fire risk categorisation reviews.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Home Office fire service circular No. 4/1985, of which a copy is in the Library, commended to fire authorities the report on fire cover standards of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council. The report recommended that fire authorities should review the categorisation of fire risk in their area and provided guidance on how the fire risk of areas should be assessed. Fire authorities were advised that Her Majesty's inspectors of fire services would be ready to offer advice on application of the guidance, and such advice has been given.

  DNA Tests
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when it is proposed that DNA tests will be available for all seeking right of entry to Britain on the Indian subcontinent; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Renton
  DNA tests have been commercially available since 1 June from Cellmark Diagnostics. It is open to any person who commissions such as test to submit the results in support of his immigration application, if he so chooses. In addition, the Government are carrying out a trial using the technique in a small sample of cases, so that the general acceptability and feasibility of its use in immigration work can be assessed. The trial is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

  Hacking
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any proposals to make hacking—unauthorised entry into a computer or communications system—a criminal offence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  The Law Commission is examining the adequacy of the existing criminal law to cover misuse of computers. We will consider whether legislation is needed in the light of its advice.

  Nationality
  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been refused naturalisation under the British Nationality Act 1981 on the basis of either unsound mind or not being of good character.

  Mr. Renton
  Between July 1986 and September 1987, three applications for naturalisation as British citizens have been recorded as refused on the ground that the applicant was of unsound mind. Earlier figures are not readily available.

  Between January 1983 and September 1987, 1,244 applications for naturalisation as British citizens have been recorded as refused on the ground that the applicant was not of good character.

  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the steps being taken to inform people who are currently in prison, long-stay hospitals and homes for the disabled of their rights to register as British citizens under the provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981 before the deadline of 31 December.

  Mr. Renton
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question by the hon. Member for St. Helens, South (Mr. Bermingham) on 21 October at column 779.

  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many women are eligible for registration as British citizens on grounds of marriage under the provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981;

  (2) how many people living in Britain are eligible to register as British citizens by 31 December under the provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981;

  (3) how many people have registered to date as British citizens under the provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981; and what proportion of the total number eligible this represents;
  452
  (4) how many people living in the London borough of Lewisham are eligible to register as British citizens by 31 December under the provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981.

  Mr. Renton
  The number of people entitled to apply before 31 December 1987 for registration under sections 7 and 8 of the British Nationality Act 1981 cannot be accurately estimated.

  From 1983 to 1986 inclusive, some 112,000 adults have been registered as entitled on grounds of marriage to a British citizen or of long residence in the United Kingdom. Provisional figures for 1987 show there to have been some 24,000 registrations on this basis up to the end of September.

  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases have people been refused registration as a British citizen under the provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981; and on what grounds.

  Mr. Renton
  Figures relating to the refusal of British citizenship alone are not readily available but between January 1983 and September 1987, 7,485 registration applications for British citizenship, British Overseas citizenship and British subject status were refused on the grounds either that the Secretary of State was not satisfied that the applicants had met the statutory requirements or that he did not think it appropriate to exercise his discretion to register them.

  Ms. Ruddock
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to ensure that people who are eligible to register as British citizens under the British Nationality Act 1981 are fully informed of this right in time to make their application by the deadline of 31 December.

  Mr. Renton
  A free information leaflet "Your Right to British Citizenship", was published in 1986. It is available in seven languages. At the same time, a poster drawing attention to the leaflet was published and has been widely distributed to advisory and community organisations. We followed this up this year by publicising the leaflet in selected local and ethnic minority newspapers in March and September in an advertisement drawing attention to the 31 December 1987 deadline.

  Offensive Weapons
  Mr. Stern
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those religions and religious occasions which he proposes will be exempt from his proposed changes in the law relating to the carrying of offensive weapons.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We propose in the Criminal Justice Bill to make it an offence for a person to have a bladed or sharply pointed article in a public place without good reason or lawful authority. It will be a defence for a person charged with the offence to prove that he has such an article with him for religious reasons.

  Schools-Police (Relations)
  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the report from the working party of teachers and police representatives on ways of improving relations between schools and the

  453
  police; what response he has made; and if he will make it his policy that the working party's recommendations should be made available to local police forces.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  My right hon. Friend has received a copy of the report, which we regard as a welcome demonstration of co-operation between teachers and the police over police involvement in schools. We are still considering a response to the report together with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science.

  Prison Kitchens
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the number of random hygiene inspections of prison kitchens made by Government environmental health officers in each of the last five years, indicating the percentage of total prison kitchens which each figure represents;

  (2) if he will list the number of occasions in each of the last five years when, as a result of random hygiene inspections, kitchen standards were found to be below the standard elsewhere applied through the Food Hygiene (General) Regulation 1970; and which prisons were involved.

  Mr. John Patten
  The arrangement for environmental health officers from the Department of Health and Social Security to conduct random hygiene inspections of prison kitchens was introduced only last year. A five-year profile cannot yet be provided.

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government will take steps to secure the removal of Crown immunity of prison kitchens from inspection by local authority environmental health officers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  The prison service has its own internal arrangements for inspecting prison kitchens and there are no plans to make far-reaching changes. Inspections are considered to be of a standard equivalent to those that

  Proportion of persons initially received into Prison Department establishments in England and Wales as untried prisoners in 1985 and 1986 who were known to have been found not guilty or not proceeded against: by ethnic origin

  Percentage

  Ethnic origin

  Year of receptions

  White

  West Indian Guyanese African

  Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi

  Chinese Arab Mixed origin

  Other, not recorded (including refusals)

  All persons

  1985

  3·6

  7·4

  6·3

  4·8

  5·8

  4·1

  19861

  3·9

  7·5

  7·2

  6·8

  4·2

  4·4

  1 Provisional.

  Young Persons (Analgesics)
  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  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 the incidence of young people, from Scotland in particular, providing false information to doctors in order to obtain analgesics for non-medical purposes; what action the police take in such cases; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that it is not 454
  would otherwise be carried out by local authority environmental health officers. The arrangements do not preclude calling on local authority environmental health officers for advice, if necessary.

  Life Sentences
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are currently serving life sentences in England for offences other than murder; and how many of these are of Irish nationality.

  Mr. John Patten
  The recording of nationality on the records held centrally for citizens of the Republic of Ireland is not completely reliable because it depends upon the information provided by the prisoner. On 31 August, 520 prisoners were serving life sentences for offences other than murder in prison department establishments in England and Wales, of whom about 15 were recorded as citizens of or born in the Republic of Ireland.

  Trial Statistics
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide statistics showing the respective proportions of black, Asian and white defendants acquitted during 1985 and 1986 by courts in England and Wales following remands in custody until trial.

  Mr. John Patten
  The available information is given in the following table. However, the figures are to an unknown extent too low because for a substantial proportion of the untried prisoners the outcome of the court proceeding was not known—10 per cent. for the 1985 data and 19 per cent. for the 1986 data. Further analysis by ethnic origin of remand prisoners was published in "The ethnic origins of prisoners: the prison population on 30 June 1985 and persons received, July 1984-March 1985." (Table 16 of Home Office Statistical Bulletin 17/86.)

  possible to assess how many young Scots are obtaining prescriptions in this way. The Metropolitan Police are working closely with their colleagues in other forces and with the Drugs Inspectorate on this problem; and they will take appropriate action when circumstances allow. The situation is being carefully monitored.

  Data Protection
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make it his policy that all future disclosures of personal data from his Department's

  455
  computer in Newcastle to the security services be covered by a certificate signed by him under section 27 of the Data Protection Act.

  Mr. Portillo
  I have been asked to reply.

  I can confirm that the requirements of section 27 of the Data Protection Act will be followed in respect of any request for personal data for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Public Bodies (Women's Representation)
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many women are member of public bodies, the members of which are appointed by Ministers; and what proportion these women represent of the total membership of those bodies.

  Mr. Luce
  Figures for appointments by Ministers to public bodies as of 1 April 1986 are to be found in "Public Bodies 1986" published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Some 8,923 of these appointments were women, representing 19 per cent. of the total. Figures for 1987 will be published later this year.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  EC (Exports)
  Mr. John Marshall
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how the growth in British exports to the EEC compares with the growth of British trade over the past 10 years.

  Mr. Butcher
  In the 12 months ended September 1987, the value of United Kingdom exports to the other countries of the European Community was three and a quarter times that in the same period in 1976–77; United Kingdom exports worldwide were two and a half times their value 10 years ago.

  Spirituous Beverages
  Mr. Sims
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what further action he has taken to secure the removal of discrimination in rates of value added tax levied on spirituous beverages in Greece since 1 January.

  Mr. Maude
  Following strong representations by the Government about the discriminatory VAT rates in Greece, the European Commission has commenced infraction proceedings against the Greek Government in the European Court.

  Mr. Sims
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps have been taken to seek the removal of discrimination in rates of alcohol tax and value-added tax, as well as in alcohol tax deferment provision, applicable to spirituous beverages in Portugal since 1 January 1986.

  Mr. Maude
  We have made several representations to Portugal and to the European Commission about the elements in the Portuguese tax regime which discriminate against imported products. As a result, significant improvements have been made in the Portuguese legislation, which removed the main tax discrimination against imported spirits. We are continuing to press the European Commission for further action.

  Trade Marks
  Mr. Mills
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many trade mark registrations were filed in 1979, 1983 and 1987.

  Mr. Maude
  The number of applications for the registration of trade marks filed in the years mentioned were as follows:

  Number

  1979

  19,328

  1983

  22,100

  1987

  25,778

  The figure for 1987 relates to the period to the end of September and includes applications for the registration of service marks.

  Patents
  Mr. Mills
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many patent registrations were tiled in 1979, 1983 and 1987.

  Mr. Maude
  The number of patent applications filed at the United Kingdom Patent Office in the years mentioned were as follows:

  Number

  1979

  44,666

  1983

  34,691

  1987

  23,014

  In addition, applications designating the United Kingdom were filed at the European Patent Office as follows:

  Number

  1979

  10,402

  1983

  28,602

  1987

  28,014

  The figures for 1987 relate to the period to the end of September.

  Alvey Programme
  Mr. Warren
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the reasons for the delay in announcing the successor programme to the Alvey programme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Butcher
  The report's recommendations are being considered as part of our review of the priorities, in the field of research and development, for the Department of Trade and Industry. I will make a statement as soon as possible.

  Rover Group
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on Rover Group's plans to dispose of its interests in Ashok Leyland and Ennore Foundries.

  Mr. Hind
  asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on Rover Group's plans to dispose of its interest in Ashok Leyland and Ennore Foundries.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Rover Group announced on 26 October that it had agreed to sell Land Rover Leyland
  457
  International Holdings, the holding company for its Indian interests, to the Hinduja/Iveco Group. These interests comprise 39·04 per cent. of the commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland Ltd. and 59·09 per cent. of Ennore Foundries Ltd.

  Following the completion of the sale of Land Rover Leyland International Holdings the Government will accept no further responsibility for ensuring that the obligations of Land Rover Leyland International Holdings, Ashok Leyland and Ennore Foundries are met.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Income Tax
  Sir Brandon Rhys Williams
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the marginal cost of paying child benefit to all those families who currently pay income tax but whose income tax paid is less than the amount of child benefit received; and what is the outgoing on child benefit which is paid to families not liable for income tax.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  For 1987–88 it is estimated that the difference between child benefit received and income tax paid by those families who pay income tax and whose income tax is less than the amount of child benefit they receive is about £200 million. Families who are not liable to income tax are estimated to receive about £1,200 million in child benefit in 1987–88.

  Women Employees
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many women now occupy posts in (a) the administrative grade of the Civil Service and (b) the executive grade of the Civil Service; and what proportions these represent of the total number of civil servants employed in those higher grades.

  Mr. Brooke
  The information as at 1 January 1987 is as follows:

  Grade level1

  Number of women

  Percentage

  Open Structure

  1,800

  8

  Executive

  55,300

  27

  Administrative2

  182,900

  66

  1 Broadly equivalent grades based on a comparison of salary scales.

  2 Formerly known as Clerical grades.

  Mortgage Interest Relief
  Mr. John Marshall
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate in how many cases mortgage tax relief is given to more than one individual in respect of the same mortgage.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I assume that my hon. Friend is interested in the number of unmarried sharers who receive mortgage interest relief on a shared loan. Although firm information is not available, it is tentatively estimated that about 500,000 single people are involved in multiple borrower mortgages in respect of around 250,000 properties.

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will give the average mortgage interest
  458
  tax relief per person in (a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom in each year from 1977 to 1987, repriced for inflation;

  (2) if he will give the average mortgage interest tax relief per person in (a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom in each year from 1977 to 1987.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Estimates for the years 1977–78 to 1982–83 have been derived from the result of the survey of personal incomes and are given in the table.

  Following the introduction of MIRAS in April 1983, estimates of the average value of mortgage interest tax relief in Scotland cannot be extracted from Inland Revenue records. Estimates of the amounts attributable to Scotland can be derived from the family expenditure survey (FES) but, as the sample size for the FES is relatively small, it is not possible to derive a robust estimate of the trend in the average amount received by mortgagors in Scotland after 1982–83. For 1983–84 onwards, the table therefore shows figures only for mortgagors in the whole of the United Kingdom.

  FES data for 1983 to 1985 suggest that average mortgage interest tax relief per mortgagor in Scotland was about 15 per cent. higher than the average for the United Kingdom.

  Average mortgage interest tax relief per mortgagor

  Scotland

  United Kingdom

  Outturn prices

  11987–88 prices

  Outturn prices

  11987–88 prices

  £

  £

  £

  £

  1977–78

  200

  440

  190

  415

  1978–79

  220

  440

  200

  400

  1979–80

  270

  470

  245

  425

  1980–81

  370

  550

  335

  500

  1981–82

  385

  515

  350

  470

  1982–83

  390

  485

  350

  440

  1983–84

  n/a

  n/a

  365

  440

  1984–85

  n/a

  n/a

  450

  515

  1985–862

  n/a

  n/a

  565

  605

  1986–872

  n/a

  n/a

  550

  570

  1987–883

  n/a

  n/a

  565

  565

  1 Revalued with respect to the Retail Prices Index.

  2 Provisional.

  3 Forecast.

  n/a Not available.

  Personal Income
  Mr. Meacher
  asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage increase in real personal disposable income during the years 1957 to 1964, 1964 to 1970, 1970 to 1974, 1974 to 1979, 1979 to 1983, and 1983 to 1987; and what was the average annual percentage increase for each of these periods.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The information requested is given in the table. Data for 1987 are not yet available so the growth in real personal disposable income for the period 1983–86 is given instead.

  Growth in real personal disposable income

  Average annual growth rate

  per cent.

  per cent.

  1957–1964

  30·5

  3·9

  1964–1970

  13·0

  2·1

  459

  Growth in real personal disposable income

  Average annual growth rate

  per cent.

  per cent.

  1970–1974

  16·0

  3·8

  1974–1979

  11·2

  2·1

  1979–1983

  2·1

  0·5

  1983–1986

  10·0

  3·2

  Source Central Statistical Office.

  Figures for annual average growth rates for real personal disposable income over time periods from 1948 to 1986 are published in table 15.13 of the 1987 edition of "United Kingdom National Accounts " (the CSO Blue Book).

EMPLOYMENT

  Community Programme
  Mr. Battle
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will meet representatives of Leeds city council to discuss the council's managing agency for the community programme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  I shall he happy to consider a meeting once I am informed of any points of concern about the managing agency which the Leeds city council may have.

  Training Commission Managing Agencies
  Mr. Alex Carlisle
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will place in the Library a list of the names and addresses of Training Commission managing agencies.

  Mr. Cope
  A list of managing agents for the new job training scheme is available in the Library. National lists of managing agents for YTS and the community programme are not currently available. Such lists are being prepared and copies will be placed in the Library in clue course.

  Manufacturing Industry (Barnsley)
  Mr. Patchett
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were employed in manufacturing industries in the Barnsley, East constituency in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Cope
  The available employee estimates for constituencies are from the September 1981 and 1984 censuses of employment. An industry breakdown is not available for the earlier year, but the latest estimates indicate that there were 3,500 employees employed in manufacturing industries in the Barnsley, East constituency at September 1984. The figure excludes the self-employed.

  Note: The constituency is defined in terms of ward boundaries as at 1981.

  Coal Industry (Injuries)
  Mr. Patchett
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report the number and nature of major injuries in the mining industry for each of the last five years.
  460
  Mr. Cope
  The number of major accidents reported to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Mines and Quarries occurring in the mining industry is as follows:

  Year

  All Coal Mines

  Mines Other than Coal

  1982

  865

  17

  1983

  824

  31

  1984–851

  378

  29

  1985–86

  732

  32

  1986–87

  982

  23

  1 Covers a 15-month period (January 1984 to March 1985) during which time there was a major industrial dispute. It is not comparable with previous calendar year data.

  The introduction of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations on 1 April 1986 widened the coverage of the major injury category. Major injury accident figures from 1986–87 are therefore not directly comparable with those for earlier years.

  It is not possible to list the nature of these injuries without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Job Training Scheme
  Mr. Leighton
  asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many participants there are on the job training scheme;

  (2) how many participants have successfully completed a job training scheme course; and what qualifications they received.

  Mr. Cope
  By 25 September 1987, 22,111 people were receiving training on the new job training scheme.

  As the scheme was launched nationally only last April, information on the number of participants who have successfully completed a job training scheme course and what qualifications they received is not yet available.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Pesticides
  Mr. Ron Davies
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress to date of the Government's safety review of pesticides.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Since the early 1960s the Advisory Committee on Pesticides has carried out major reviews of pesticides or classes of pesticides. Some of these are described in the 1984 and 1985 reports of the committee, copies of which are in the Library of the House. This work continues and will be summarised in the committee's further annual reports.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what staff and financial resources are presently devoted to the Government's safety review of pesticides.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  It is not possible to give accurate figures without disproportionate cost. Some 50 scientists are currently employed by my Department and the Health and Safety Executive on the evaluation of pesticides including those under review. In addition, members of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and its scientific sub-committee also contribute to reviews.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Benefits
  Sir Brandon Rhys Williams
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the saving in a full year due to the fact that family credit and housing benefit will be means-tested rather than income tested; whether this figure will represent a real reduction in the total value of privately owned capital of the same amount; and how many persons will be affected.

  Mr. Portillo
  I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the introduction of a capital cut-off of £6,000, and a notional tariff income for those with capital of between £3,000 and £6,000, into the family credit and reformed housing benefit schemes next April. We estimate that approximately £80 million will be saved, almost entirely from housing benefit as a result of treating capital in this way rather than taking into account the actual income it generates as happens at present.

  What effect the changes have on the total value of privately owned capital will depend on the individual behaviour of those affected. On the basis of information about income from capital in recent family expenditure surveys, which may not be wholly reliable, we estimate that some 2 million households will be affected in some way by the changes. This figure, which again mainly represents housing benefit recipients, includes those with smaller amounts of capital which will, of course, be treated more favourably under the new rules.

  Sir Brandon Rhys Williams
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish figures showing the change in the number of families with children that would be entitled to family credit and to housing benefit in 1988–89 if child benefit (a) is increased in line with current earnings, (b) is increased in line with the Lawson-Rooker-Wise formula, or (c) remains at its present figure.

  Mr. Scott
  It is estimated that(a) about 10,000 more families with children would be entitled to family credit than would have been the case if child benefit was increased in line with the movement in the retail prices index in the year ending September 1987, and (b) over 15,000 more families with children would be entitled to family credit than would have been the case if child benefit was increased in line with the increase in earnings over the same period.

  In housing benefit, it is estimated that very few more families with children would be entitled to housing benefit than if child benefit was increased under either of the other two formulae.

  Income Support
  Mr. Wareing
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he last had discussions with disabled people's organisations about the likely effects upon disabled people of the proposed income support scheme; which organisations were involved; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  I discussed the income support scheme with representatives of the disability organisations on 30 September and have subsequently replied to their alternative proposals. I have placed a copy of my letter in the Library.
  462
  Mr. Frank Field
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the total annual cost of income support (a) in total and (b) minus the addition covering the 20 per cent. allocation for rates.

  Mr. Scott
  On the basis of the rates announced to the House by my right hon. Friend in his statement on 27 October at columns 179–81, the estimated cost of income support in 1988–89 would be £8,570 million. Excluding the 20 per cent. contribution to rates, the figure would be £8,290 million.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the total cost of the increases in income support to compensate for the exclusion of 20 per cent. of rates from housing benefit on the figures in his statement of 27 October.

  Mr. Scott
  On the basis of the rates announced in my right hon. Friend's statement to the House on 27 October at columns 179–81, the total cost (including the cost of additional payments of income support, housing benefit and family credit) would be £372 million.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set out in the Official Report the calculation by which he estimated that £1·30 and £1 represent the average new liability to rates of claimants of income support; and what is his estimate of how many claimants face a liability (a) above that average and (b) below that average.

  Mr. Scott
  The figures are based on statistical samples of the rates liability of existing claimants of supplementary benefit uprated to reflect the expected liability of income support claimants in 1988–89. We estimate that slightly under half of income support claimants will face a liability above their relevant average and slightly more than half will face a liability below that average.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what compensation through income support to single mothers under 18 years he has provided for the exclusion of 20 per cent. of rates from housing benefit.

  Mr. Scott
  The proposed rates of benefit for all claimants under the age of 18 contain no element to compensate them for their 20 per cent. contribution to rates in recognition of the fact that the vast majority of this age group on income support have no rates liability. However, under the transitional protection arrangements, all supplementary benefit claimants receiving a rate rebate in respect of week commencing 4 April 1988 will, for the purpose of any benefit income to be protected, have included in that income, for transitional protection purposes from 11 April 1988, either £ 1, if a single claimant under age 25, or £1·30 in other cases (including single mothers under 18).

  Mr. Robin Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a table for rates of income support showing (a) the illustrative figures in the annex to the 1985 White Paper, (b) the illustrative figures uprated by the retail prices index since then, (c) the illustrative figures uprated by the Rossi index, (d) the amount by client group provided to compensate for the exclusion of 20 per cent. of rates from housing benefit and (e) the provisional figures for income support in his statement of 27 October.

  Mr. Scott
  The information requested is as follows:
  463

  Income Support

  Technical Annex to the 1985 White Paper

  Uprated by

  Compensation for 20 per cent. rates contribution

  Proposed Rate

  RPI

  Rossi

  Personal Allowances

  16–17 single

  18·2

  19·57

  19·38

  —

  19·4

  18–24 single

  24·00

  25·81

  25·56

  1·00

  26·05

  25+ single

  30·6

  32·91

  32·59

  1·30

  33·4

  couple

  48·00

  51·63

  51·12

  1·30

  51·45

  Premiums

  Family

  5·75

  6·18

  6·13

  —

  6·15

  Lone Parent

  3·45

  3·71

  3·67

  —

  3·70

  Pensioner—single

  10·00

  10·76

  10·65

  —

  10·65

  Pensioner—couple

  15·25

  16·4

  16·24

  —

  16·25

  Over 80—single

  12·25

  13·18

  13·05

  —

  13·05

  Over 80—couple

  17·45

  18·77

  18·58

  —

  18·60

  Sick/disabled single

  12·25

  13·18

  13·05

  —

  13·05

  Sick/disabled couple

  17·45

  18·77

  18·58

  —

  18·60

  Children

  Age under 11

  10·10

  10·86

  10·76

  —

  10·75

  Age 11–15

  15·10

  16·24

  16·08

  —

  16·10

  Privatisation
  Mr. Allen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, if he has any plans to put further National Health Service services out to tender; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  We encourage health authorities to give careful consideration to any possibility of securing greater cost-effectiveness in the provision of National Health Service services, noting that competitive tendering has already generated annual savings of over £100 million for redeployment within the service.

  Mr. Meacher
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the patient-orientated tasks being considered for privatisation and which were referred to in documents considered at a meeting of district general managers at the North-West regional health authority on 24 September.

  Mr. Newton
  I understand the occasion was a routine private meeting of North Western health authority general managers at which, among other items, the scope for developing the region's successful competitive tendering programme was discussed. The existing programme has already released some £8·5 million for direct patient services. The hon. Member may wish to pursue his detailed inquiries with the chairman of the North Western regional health authority.

  Equal Opportunities
  Ms. Richardson
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is (a) the proportion of working time allocated to his departmental equal opportunities officer for equal opportunities duties, (b) the other duties carried out by the department equal opportunities officer, (c) the proportion, and the amount, of the departmental budget allocated to equal opportunities work, (d) the number of occasions when the departmental equal opportunities officer meets equal opportunities officers from other Government Departments each year, (e) the guidelines issued to departmental training officers and equal opportunities officers to promote the use of section 47 of the Sex Discrimination Act and (f) what action has been taken to facilitate job share, part-time working and parental leave.
  464
  Mr. Portillo
  The departmental equal opportunities officer (DEOO) is the focal point for equal opportunities awareness within the Department. Central guidance is routed through him and all personnel are made aware of the importance of equal opportunities policy and practice through departmental circulars and instructions.

  (a) It is not possible accurately to measure the amount of time spent by the DEOO on equal opportunities work. However, the DEOO has a full-time deputy and support staff.

  (b) Other duties carried out by the DEOO are personnel and administration and these often overlap with equal opportunities work.

  (c) There is no specific budget for equal opportunities work. However, a budget of approximately £8,000 was set aside for the current financial year to cover travel, subsistence and printing. In addition, those responsible for implementing equal opportunities work, for example personnel and training officers, make provision for this in their budgets.

  (d) Meetings of DEOOs are held at least once a year. In addition, ad hoc meetings, seminars and working groups are held throughout the year on particular subjects.

  (e) No specific guidance is issued. A programme of action for women, "Equal Opportunities for Women in the Civil Service", has been agreed with trade unions and has led to running a course, "Women in Management".

  (f) Job share and part-time working are encouraged and publicised in departmental circulars and leaflets. Maternity leave of up to one year is routinely allowed and paternity leave is currently under consideration by Treasury. Sympathetic consideration is also given to the provision of special leave to cope with domestic difficulties such as sickness and school holidays, and this facility is publicised to staff in manuals and instructions.

  Severe Weather Payments
  Mr. Kirkwood
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement outlining the details of the scheme in the current year to govern the payment of severe weather allowances.

  Mr. Scott
  The current scheme for exceptionally cold weather payments is set out in the Supplementary Benefits (Single Payments) Amendment Regulations 1986 [SI 1986 No. 1961].

  For this winter we plan to make it easier for claimants to get help during repeat periods of exceptionally cold weather. We intend to provide that, where a successful

  465
  claim is made in respect of one period of exceptionally cold weather, that claim will remain valid in respect of subsequent periods of cold weather during the winter. At the same time we will be correcting a number of technical errors in the description of areas covered by particular weather stations. This will not change the links between local offices and weather stations themselves. Regulations to make these changes will be laid before the House shortly.

  Schizophrenia
  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how much was spent in each health region in each of the last five years on the care and treatment of patients suffering from schizophrenia; and what percentage each figure was of total expenditure on (a) mental and (b) all health services;

  (2) what is the current annual cost overall per patient to the National Health Service in each health region of the care and treatment of patients with a main diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses.

  Mrs. Currie
  I am sorry I cannot give my hon. Friend the information he seeks as it is not collected; health authorities do not analyse mental illness costs by diagnosis.

  Whipps Cross Hospital
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will agree to fund phases 2 and 3 of the proposed new development at Whipps Cross hospital; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  We gave approval in principle in June of this year to phase 1 of the redevelopment of Whipps Cross hospital including a new out-patient department, operating theatres and wards. The scheme will receive 35 per cent. capital support from the Department under arrangements to assist in the extra cost to health authorities of providing teaching facilities. The Department will consider submissions about future phases of the redevelopment when they are received from the health authorities concerned.

  AIDS
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given to general practitioners about whom they should refer to Family Planning Clinics for the provision of contraceptive appliances free of charge on prescription, to help restrict the spread of AIDS; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The "Handbook of Contraceptive Practice", issued by the Department to all general practitioners and other doctors working in family planning, refers to the value of condoms in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted disease; and to their availability from a range of sources including family planning clinics. The handbook is currently being revised by the Royal Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of General Practitioners to include specific references to AIDS.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services over what period of time the number of known AIDS sufferers in England and Wales is currently doubling.
  466
  Mr. Newton
  At the present time, the number of cases of AIDS reported to the communicable disease surveillance centre from England and Wales is doubling every 10 months.

  Departmental Budget
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much his Department's single payments budget is underspent proportionally in the current finance year in each of the previous five years.

  Mr. Portillo
  There is no budget for expenditure on single payments which are determined in accordance with regulations.

  Data Access (Fees)
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his Department's policy towards fees for subject access under the terms of the Data Protection Act; how many register entries his Department has; and what would be the total cost to a data subject seeking access to personal data held under all register entries.

  Mr. Portillo
  There is no charge for information held on social security records or for information held on health and personal social services records. In respect of health and personal social services information held by regional and district health authorities (boards in Scotland) and social services' departments of local authorities, it has been left to each authority to determine whether or not to charge for access. The policy for the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys is to give subject access free of charge. The Department has 33 registered entries and the OPCS 42.

  Pensions
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing the capital limits for supplementary pensions for each year since 1980, in cash terms and in real terms, using 1980 as a base year and the change in the retail price index over that period.

  Mr. Portillo
  The information is provided in the following tables.

  Supplementary Benefit Capital Limit

  Date1

  £

  November 1980

  2,000

  November 1981

  2,000

  November 1982

  2,500

  November 1983

  3,000

  November 1984

  3,000

  November 1985

  3,000

  July 1986

  3,000

  April 1987

  3,000

  1 Dates of uprating of benefits.

  £2,000 limit in November 1980 expressed in real terms1 2

  Period

  £

  November 1980 to November 1981

  2,239

  November 1980 to November 1982

  2,379

  November 1980 to November 1983

  2,494

  November 1980 to November 1984

  2,618

  November 1980 to November 1985

  2,761

  November 1980 to November 1986

  2,807

  November 1980 to November 1987

  2,930

  467
  1 Based on the movement in the retail price index (all items) between dates shown.

  2 Increase in retail price index (all items) for period November 1980 to April 1987=46·5 per cent.

  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are currently receiving retirement pension payments by means of automatic credit transfer to a bank or building society account.

  Mr. Portillo
  About 1·25 million. About 31 per cent. of newly retiring pensioners choose this method of payment.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each year since 1973 the value of the basic state pension (a) at 1987 prices and (b) as a percentage of average male earnings.

  Mr. Scott
  The information requested is in the table. Column(c) shows the basic retirement pension for a couple as a percentage of average net earnings for a married male manual worker without children.

  Basic retirement pension since October 1973 at April 1987 prices and as a percentage of net average male manual earnings

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  Retirement pension (couple)

  Value at 1987 prices

  Percentage of net earnings

  £

  £

  October 1973

  12·50

  51·93

  41·3

  July 1974

  16·00

  58·57

  47·3

  April 1975

  18·50

  57·55

  46·7

  November 1975

  21·20

  59·04

  49·1

  November 1976

  24·50

  59·34

  50·6

  November 1977

  28·00

  60·00

  50·8

  November 1978

  31·20

  61·88

  48·9

  November 1979

  37·30

  63·02

  48·4

  November 1980

  43·45

  63·66

  49·7

  November 1981

  47·35

  61·96

  50·9

  November 1982

  52·55

  64·72

  53·1

  November 19831

  54·50

  64·02

  51·3

  November 1984

  57·30

  64·14

  49·6

  November 1985

  61·30

  65·06

  49·9

  July 1986

  61·95

  64·67

  47·8

  April 1987

  63·25

  63·25

  45·7

  1 There is a small discontinuity between the figures for November 1982 and November 1983 caused by a change in the method of calculation of average earnings.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the rates for the basic state pension and other long-term national insurance benefits at April 1988 if the uprating formula of the 1975 Act had been applied in every year since 1979.

  Mr. Scott
  The Social Security Act 1975 required pensions and other long-term benefits to be increased by the higher of the increase in either prices or earnings, but did not provide a formula for the period over which the increase was to be measured or to take effect, nor any requirement to measure the increase either historically or on a forecast basis. Moreover, the Secretary of State was given freedom to estimate the changes in prices and earnings as he saw fit. In view of the discretion inherent in the original wording of the 1975 Act, which was interpreted in different ways during the 1970s, it is not possible to give an accurate estimate of what pensions would be in April 1988 on this basis.

  If retirement pension had however been increased in line with the movement of earnings between November 1978 and September 1986, the end of the uprating period
  468
  for the April 1987 uprating, a single person's retirement pension would have been £43·70 in April 1987 and a couple's pension £69·90. It is not yet possible to provide comparable figures for April 1988.

  Pensioners (Standing Charges)
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to assist pensioners with the payment of standing charges on domestic services.

  Mr. Portillo
  The normal weekly rates of supplementary benefit provide for normal day-to-day living expenses, including standing charges on domestic services. We believe it is right to concentrate available resources on those most in need, through the supplementary benefit scheme.

  "The Unkindest Cut of All"
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will be taking any action in regard to the report entitled, "The Unkindest Cut of All", from the disabilities study unit, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  I am grateful to the right hon. Member for sending me a copy of this report. I have not yet had a chance to study it. When I have done so, I will vv rite to him.

  Drug Addicts
  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the incidence of doctors prescribing analgesics to drug addicts for non-medical purposes; what steps his Department takes to control such practices; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The Department has no information which would enable an assessment to be made of the extent of any such prescribing.

  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has powers under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to prohibit, by direction, a practitioner whom he finds has been prescribing controlled drugs in an irresponsible manner from prescribing some or all controlled drugs.

  Any case of alleged irresponsible prescribing can be referred to the General Medical Council which can take action against a doctor whom it judges to have acted unethically.

  The Department's regional medical officers are able to offer advice to general practitioners within the NHS and can alert them if there is evidence that a particular drug is being misused.

  Supplementary Benefit
  Mr. Frank Field
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the cost savings arising from the abolition of the existing supplementary benefit scheme, taking account of the effect of the statutory uprating which was due this November.

  Mr. Scott
  In public expenditure terms, we estimate that expenditure on income support and the social fund (excluding payments for maternity and funeral expenses) will be £290 million higher in 1988–89 than if the existing supplementary benefits scheme had continued with rates
  469
  increased in the usual way. The statutory date for upratings was fixed at April by the Social Security Act 1986.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Robin Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the reduction in expenditure in a full year from increasing the rent taper of housing benefit from 60 per cent. to 65 per cent.; and how many claimants will lose entitlement to housing benefit as a result.

  Mr. Portillo
  The reduction in expenditure in a full year from increasing the housing benefit taper from 60 to 65 per cent. is estimated at £46 million. We now estimate that some 60,000 households will lose all entitlement to rent rebates or allowances as a result of this change.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Robin Cook
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what level of child benefit would be necessary at April 1988 to maintain its real value as at April 1979; and what is the reduction in expenditure in a full year achieved by the failure to maintain that value.

  Mr. Scott
  Until the April 1988 retail prices index is available, the rate of child benefit needed to maintain its April 1979 value will not be known. If its April 1979 value was expressed in April 1987 terms and then uprated by 4·2 per cent. (the latest available RPI movement, between September 1986 and September 1987), the level of child benefit would be £7·80 which would represent a total additional net cost of around £220 million a year.

  Kidney Stones (Treatment)
  Mr. Rooker
  asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why there are no shock-wave machines for the treatment of patients with kidney stones in the west midlands region.

  Mrs. Currie
  [pursuant to her reply, 21 October 1987, c 808]: Shock-wave treatment (lithotripsy) for patients with kidney stones is a relatively new technique. We have made it clear that we expect it to develop eventually into a regional service but it is for health authorities to decide whether, and if so when, to install a machine which is likely to cost between £500,000 and £1 million, depending on the equipment chosen. Several are already in operation or will shortly become operational elsewhere in the country and it is open to clinicians in the west midlands to refer patients to centres where the treatment is available.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Aged and Disabled People
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  asked the Seretary of State for Northern Ireland how many ACE funded posts have been created to assist the aged or disabled in their own homes.

  Mr. Viggers
  Information is not available in the form requested. However, in 1986–87 1200 ACE workers were employed in projects to assist the elderly, the physically disabled and the mentally ill in institutions, in community provision and in their own homes.

  Electricity Disconnections
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many domestic electricity disconnections were carried out in the years 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86 and 1986–87 due to indebtedness.

  Mr. Viggers
  Precise figures of domestic disconnections are not readily available, but the total numbers of disconnections for debt effected during the years concerned were 1148, 1599, 1858 and 2619, respectively. These figures include a very small number of commercial disconnections.

  Harland and Wolff
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action the Government are taking to assure the future of shipbuilding operations at Harland and Wolff.

  Mr. Viggers
  The future of shipbuilding operations at Harland and Wolff is dependent on the company's ability to secure orders on a commercial basis. Government financial support for merchant ship orders is available within the framework of the EC VI directive on aid to shipbuilding.

  Schizophrenia
  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how much was spent by his Department in each of the last five years on the care and treatment of patients suffering from schizophrenia; and, what percentage each figure was of total expenditure of (a) mental and (b) all health services;

  (2) what is the current annual cost overall per patient to his Department's health and social security budget of the care and treatment of patients with a main diagnosis of schizophrenic psychoses.

  Mr. Needham
  The expenditure of the health and social services boards is not analysed in such a way as would enable the information requested to be separately identified.

  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list for each of the last five years in Northern Ireland how many people discharged from mental illness hospitals, after a main diagnosis of schizophrenic psychoses, having been proved vulnerable boarders, subsequently became voluntary boarders.

  Mr. Needham
  This information is not available.

  Mentally Ill People
  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidance his Department gives to mental illness hospitals on the retention of patients whose condition is unlikely to improve; and what is the current policy of each hospital in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Needham
  No guidance is given. The treatment of patients in psychiatric hospitals is a matter of clinical judgment.

  Residential Care
  Mr. McGrady
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many residential homes have been registered and opened in the following areas since 1983 (i) Down unit

  471
  of management, (ii) Newry and Mourne unit of management (County Down only) and (iii) Banbridge unit of management (in the electoral wards of Bannside, Kateshridge, Dromore South, Dromore North, Quilly, Garran and Croob); what arc the capital and running costs of such homes; and how they compare with health board operated accommodation; and how many people are in (a) private residential care and (b) health board residential care.

  Mr. Needham
  Since 1983, a total of 14 private residential homes providing 161 places have been newly registered by health and social services boards in the areas specified. The capital and running costs of private residential homes are not known and comparison with similar costs for statutory homes is not therefore possible. Information on the numbers of residents of private homes is not held but it is known that registered private residential homes (including voluntary homes) provide a total of 266 places in these areas. On 31 December 1986, the latest date for which figures are available, 344 people were accommodated in nine statutory residential homes which provide a total of 374 places in the same areas.

  MacBride Principles
  Mr. McNamara
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what has been the cost to public funds to date of briefing lobbyists in the United States of America on Her Majesty's Government's attitude to the campaign on the MacBride principles;

  (2) what has been the cost to public funds to date of briefing politicans in the United States of America on Her Majesty's Government's attitude to the campaign on the MacBride principles;

  (3) what has been the cost to date to the British embassy in Washington and British consulates in the United States of America of Her Majesty's Government's opposition to the campaign on the MacBride principles in the United States of America;

  (4) what has been the cost to date to his Department and Her Majesty's Government's campaign of opposition to the campaign on the MacBride principles in the United Kingdom and the United States of America;

  (5) how many officials have been involved to date in work directly related to the campaign on the MacBride principles in the United Kingdom and the United States of America;

  (6) what have been the legal costs to date of the Government's opposition to the campaign on the MacBride principles in the United Kingdom and the United States of America;

  (7) what has been the cost to date to the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland of the Government's opposition to the campaign on the MacBride principles in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

  Mr. Viggers
  The explanation of Government policy and achievements in the field of fair employment in Northern Ireland is one of a range of closely related tasks, shared among the Northern Ireland Office, Northern Ireland Departments and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including diplomatic posts overseas. It would be disproportionately expensive to seek to isolate the costs, and other details, of this one specific aspect of their activities.
  472
  Mr. McNamara
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many documents have been published in the United States in relation to Her Majesty's Government's campaign on the MacBride principles.

  Mr. Viggers
  None. However a number of publications reflecting the development of Government policy in relation to fair employment in Northern Ireland are available in the United States, including the following:

  Guide to the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976

  Equality of Opportunity in Employment in Northern Ireland: Future Strategy Options: A Consultative Paper

  Fair treatment for All

  Religious Equality of Opportunity in Employment Guide to Effective Practice.

  Captain Hayward
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Captain Hayward, currently in prison in Sweden, was attached to a Special Air Service unit involved in the murder of three unarmed youths in Strabane; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I have been asked to reply.

  It is not our policy to discuss the activities of special forces or to confirm or deny whether any individual is or was attached to the special forces.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Asia
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign arid Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government support Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's proposals to keep Asia free from outside military presences and make the Indian ocean a zone of peace: arid if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  We support in principle the creation of an Indian ocean zone of peace, and regularly participate in meetings of the United Nations ad hoc committee on the Indian ocean in New York. The security situation in the region, for example in the Gulf and Afghanistan, prevents the establishment of such a zone at this stage.

  Rarotonga Treaty
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will explain Her Majesty's Government's attitude to the 1985 Rarotonga treaty which aims to restrict the testing, deployment or use of nuclear weapons in the south Pacific; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  As my hon. Friend the then Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Sussex (Mr. Renton) told my hon. Friend the Member for York (Mr. Gregory) on 20 March, we give careful consideration to the protocols to the south Pacific nuclear-free zone treaty (the treaty of Rarotonga). Having taken full account of our security interests in the region and more widely, the views of our allies and the regional states themselves, the texts of the treaty and protocols and the announced policy of the Soviet Union, we have concluded that it would not serve our national interest to become party to the protocols to the treaty.
  473
  At the same time, we remain ready as a matter of policy to respect the intentions of the regional states as set out in protocol I. In other words, we have no intention of testing, manufacturing or basing nuclear weapons on Pitcairn, the only territory under our jurisdiction within the area covered by the treaty.

  Further, with respect to proctocol II, we reaffirm the British undertaking given in 1978 to non-nuclear weapon states which are parties to the NPT or equivalent commitments, not to use nuclear weapons against such states except in the case of an attack upon the United Kingdom, its dependent territories, its armed forces or its allies by such a state in association or alliance with a nuclear weapon state.

  Third, in respect of protocol III, we note that we have no intention of conducting nuclear tests in the south Pacific.

  Mr. Mordechai Vanunu
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representation he has made to the Israeli Government about the kidnap and trial of Mr. Mordechai Vanunu; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  In reply to our representations after Mr. Vanunu's disappearance the Israeli Government gave a formal assurance that Mr. Vanunu left this country of his own volition. We have no reason to doubt this assurance. We have made no representations about the conduct of the trial.

  Israel (Nuclear Missiles)
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement indicating Her Majesty's Government's view on the development by the Israeli Government of its Jericho II nuclear missiles.

  Mr. Mellor
  We saw press reports in July of the test-firing of a Jericho II missile by Israel. We are concerned about the introduction of any new long-range missile into the middle east, particularly if it is nuclear capable.

  South Africa
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement indicating Her Majesty's Government's view on the production of a nuclear device by the South African Government.

  Mr. Mellor
  We have no evidence of the production of a nuclear device by the South African Government. We would view the production of such a device by any non-nuclear weapon state with very grave concern. We have consistently urged the South African Government to accede to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. We welcome the recent South African statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency that they are now willing to negotiate accession to the treaty. This would oblige them to place all their nuclear facilities and materials under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.

  Deportations (Israel)
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representation he has made
  474
  to the Israeli authorities about that Government's deportation of Arabs and Palestinians; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  We have repeatedly made clear to the Israeli authorities our view that deportation of residents from the Occupied Territories in contrary to international law. On 28 December 1986, the Foreign Ministers of the Twelve issued a statment in protest at the deportation of Mr. Akram Haniyya.

  Nuclear Power Station (Daya Bay)
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the construction errors in the nuclear power station being built at Daya bay, 30 miles from city centre in Hong Kong.

  Mr. Eggar
  Construction work on the second layer of the unit 1 reactor raft of the Daya bay plant was suspended in mid-September following the discovery that a number of reinforcement bars for the first and lowest of the five concrete layers (316 out of a planned total of over 14,500) had inadvertently been omitted. The joint venture company responsible for the project is considering remedial action to ensure that the finished construction will still comply with all the safety requirements of the original design. We are satisfied that all the parties involved attach the utmost importance to considerations of safety, and to the need to make certain that these are not compromised.

  Data Protection
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy towards fees for subject access under the terms of the Data Protection Act; how many register entries his Department has; and what would be the total cost to a data subject seeking access to personal data held under all register entries.

  Mr. Eggar
  In common with other Government Departments, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (including the Overseas Development Administration) does not propose to charge its employees (including successful job applicants and former civil servants) in its capacity as employer for routine and reasonable access to any personal record. In addition, the Overseas Development Administration has decided to extend this subject access to all personal records maintained on current and retired technical co-operation officers, current and retired supplemented staff, overseas pensioners and prospective employees under bilateral and multilateral technical co-operation schemes. There will, however, be a charge of £10 each in respect of all other applications from members of the public. This fee has been set in accordance with Treasury guidelines on recovery of costs.

  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has eight register entries, and the Overseas Development Administration one register entry.

  The cost to any members of the public of a single search on each register entry where they might appear as subjects would be £80.

  Heysel Stadium Disturbance (Trial)
  Mr. Loyden
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs what arrangements have been made to observe the trial of the Heysel stadium defendants in Brussels.

  Mr. Eggar
  Staff resources permitting, an official from Her Majesty's embassy in Brussels will attend any trial as an observer.

  Malta
  Mr. David Nicholson
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has yet met the Maltese Minister for Foreign Affairs; what progress has been made in strengthening United Kingdom economicai, commercial, cultural and educational links with Malta; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  My right hon. and learned Friend and I held talks with Dr. Tabone, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malta, on 23 October. They covered all aspects of our bilateral relations, including areas mentioned by my hon. Friend. We are considering how best we can strengthen those links.

  Council of Ministers
  Mr. Fallon
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The usual forecast was deposited in the House earlier today. At present eight meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for November.

  The Development Council on 9 November will consider draft guidelines on the following subjects: the evaluation of aid; issues relating to women in development; the need to take account of environmental factors in aid; and the Community's aid programme to Asia and Latin America in 1988. The Council will discuss the economic situation in sub-Saharan Africa and will consider a Commission proposal for establishing a special Community programme to assist certain highly indebted, low-income countries in that region. The Council will also consider reports by the Commission on the following subjects: the implementation of the Community's programme to combat AIDS in developing countries; the co-financing by the Community of projects with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); and the food aid framework regulation.

  The Energy Council will meet on 13 November and will consider the Council's recommendation on new and renewable sources of energy including the possible establishment of a special group on commercial aspects, draft Council conclusions on environmental costs borne by the refining industry, and a proposed directive on the energy efficiency of buildings. Ministers will also consider the outlook for greater efficiency in the use of electricity in the Community.

  The Economic and Finance Council meets on 16 November. The Council may discuss Commission proposals on the next stages of capital market liberalisation; the 7th VAT directive on the treatment of second hand goods; the 18th VAT directive which abolishes certain transitional derogations from the provisions of the Community's basic VAT law (the 6th
  476
  VAT directive); the Commission's package of tax proposals to remove fiscal barriers to trade in the Community and the UCITS collective investment schemes directive.

  The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 16–17 November to discuss agricultural stabilisers, income aids and pre-pensions. Internal market items may also be discussed.

  The Foreign Affairs Council meets on 23–24 November. Discussions will include European Community-United States trade relations; the possibility of a trade and economic co-operation agreement between the EC and the Gulf Co-operation Council; the future financing of the Community, and GATT article XXI V.6 negotiations with Japan.

  The Fisheries Council is expected to meet on 24 November to discuss amendments to market regulations, guide prices and a report on third-country fisheries relations.

  The Internal Market Council on 30 November will discuss a number of measures relevant to the completion of the single market.

  The Research Council will meet on 30 November. The provisional agenda anticipates the formal adoption of three individual research programmes, namely RACE, (R&D in advanced communications technologies in Europe) (1987–1991), a research and development programme in the field of science and technology for development (1987–1990) and a programme of research and development in the field of medical and public health (1987–1989). It is also expected that the Council well approve a common position on the following research programme proposals: ESPRIT II; the proposed revisions to both the BRITE programme (industrial technologies) and the radiation protection programme. Discussion on the proposals for the next multi-annual programme of the Community's joint research centre (JRC) will also take place and there may be a first discussion on the fusion programme. A proposal for a Council regulation in the health care field of information technology and telecommunications will also be discussed.

  Foreign Compensation
  Mr. Sackville
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made in implementing the Foreign Compensation (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (Distribution) Order.

  Mr. Eggar
  Excellent progress is being made. Of the 4,582 bond claims submitted to the Foreign Compensation Commission 3,265 (71·3 per cent.) had already been registered by 9 October; 304 claims (6·6 per cent.) had been withdrawn by the claimants; 204 claims (4·5 per cent.) had been refused registration because the claims did not meet the terms of the order and 810 claims (17·7 per cent.) remained to be registered (or rejected). Of the 2,308 property claims, 1,667 claims had been matched against claims on the register of Russian claims; 641 claims are currently unmatched, although some of these could turn out to be valid.

  As a result my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State has directed that the Foreign Compensation Commission should on 30 October make an interim payment of 10 per cent. of the value assigned to a bond to all persons whose claim in respect of a bond

  477
  had been registered on 9 October and that a like payment should be made as soon as possible thereafter to those whose claims in respect of bonds were registered after 9 October. This is the most substantial interim payment ever made by the Foreign Compensation Commission.

  Evaluation of property claims, where the Commission must exercise its judicial discretion, is more complex. But the Commission is making every effort to expedite the process with the objective of making a final payment to all claimants in 1989.

  Loans

  Nominal value of bond

  Payment

  (a) Foreign Public Loans

  6 per cent. State Mortgage Loan 1892

  Gold Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  5 per cent. Bulgarian State Gold Loan 1902

  Gold Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  5 per cent. Bulgarian State Gold Loan 1904

  Gold Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  4½ Bulgarian State Gold Loan 1907

  Gold Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  4½ Bulgarian State Gold Loan 1909

  Gold Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  6½ Bulgarian State Loan 1923

  Franch Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  7 per cent. Settlement Loan 1926 Sterling issue

  Pounds Sterling 100

  Pounds Sterling 40

  US dollar issue

  US dollars 500

  US dollars 35

  7½ Stabilisation Loan 1928 Sterling issue

  Pounds Sterling 100

  Pounds Sterling 40

  US dollar issue

  US dollars 500

  US dollars 35

  French issue

  Poincaré Francs 2,500

  French Francs 175

  (b) Foreign Public Guaranteed Loans

  5 per cent. Bulgarian Loan 1896

  Gold Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  5 per cent. Loan Municipality of Sofia 1906

  Gold Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  5 per cent. Loan Municiipality of Varna 1907

  Gold Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  4½ Loan Municpality of Sofia 1910 and so in proportion for bonds of other denominations.

  Gold Francs 500

  French Francs 35

  Copies of the offer and the appropriate form of acceptance may be obtained from the paying agent: National Westminster Bank plc, Stock Office Services, National Westminster House, Station Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH 10 1JE.

  The offer remains open for acceptance until 15 October 1989.

TRANSPORT

  Road Schemes (London)
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the increased support for London boroughs for minor road schemes since 1979.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Support for minor road schemes in London was not itemised separately before the change to the transport supplementary grant system in 1985–86. Since then support for minor works, including urban traffic control, through the grant has increased from £5 million in that year to £10 million in 1986–87 and £16 million in the current financial year.

  Motorway Service Areas
  Mr. Richard Shepherd
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all motorway service areas which give direct access on to local roads.

  Bulgaria
  Mr. David Nicholson
  asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is now the position in respect of bond claims by United Kingdom nationals against the Government of Bulgaria.

  Mr. Eggar
  The British Government and the Bulgarian Government signed an agreement on 16 September relating to final repurchase of certain bonds of foreign public loans of the Principality of Bulgaria and the Kingdom of Bulgaria held by United Kingdom nationals.

  In accordance with the agreement the Bulgarian Government have nominated the National Westminster Bank to repurchase from persons who were United Kingdom nationals on 16 September 1987 the following bonds at the following rates:

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  All 42 motorway service areas in England are accessed by customers direct from the motorway apart from Aust, Exeter, Ferrybridge, Gordano and South Mimms, which are reached from other roads. Those accessed direct from the motorway, apart from Anderton and Washington, also have rear accesses to local roads for authorised users including service, staff and emergency vehicles.

  Traffic Statistics
  Mr. Warren
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will publish the 1987 monthly road traffic statistics to date observed on the A259 between St. Leonards on sea and the county border between East Sussex and Kent, indicating the monitoring points:

  (2) if he will publish the 1987 monthly road statistics to date on the A21 trunk road indicating the monitoring points.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  An analysis and publication of the results of the 1987 census counts on the A259 and A21 cannot be done until the year's census work is completed.

  The results of the 1985 census on a map and the 1986 on computer print-out are available on request.

  Buses
  Mr. Darling
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has about the numbers of bus routes

  479
  operated by (a) private bus operations and (b) public sector and local authority owned operators running either in whole or in part after 7 pm and which are not subject to any payments from a local authority.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The number of registered services not receiving any subsidy from local authorities and operating after 8 pm is as follows:

  Number

  PTCs owned by District and Regional Councils

  476

  PTCs owned by metropolitan PTAs

  678

  NBC and former NBC subsidiaries

  1,301

  SBG

  370

  Private sector

  561

  Information on evening services is available only for services operating after 8 pm rather than 7 pm.

  Fares (VAT)
  Mr. Ron Davies
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he next proposes to meet representatives of the Association of County Councils to discuss the implications for public transport policy of value added tax levels on fares.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have no plans to do so.

  Rail Electrification
  Mr. Dalyell
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with British Rail the current options for electrification of the east coast line as between the Wisburyn-Linlithgow-Glasgow line and the Wisburyn-Fauldhouse Shotts-Glasgow line; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I understand that British Rail is still assessing whether there is a case for electrifying any possible route from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Meanwhile, it would be inappropriate for me to intervene.

  Taxis
  Mr. Morley
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the number of bankruptcies of taxi firms since the Transport Act 1986.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have not information on this subject, but I am aware that the number of new entrants to the business of taxi operations vastly exceeds withdrawals and bankruptcies.

  Air Crash Inquiries
  Sir Dudley Smith
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make it his policy to call, via the United Nations and other international agencies, for all countries and airlines to publish official reports of air crash inquiries where there has been loss of life;

  (2) what steps he takes to ascertain the cause of a foreign airline accident which has resulted in the death of a British subject where the country concerned does not publish the result of the inquiry findings.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The International Civil Aviation Organisation, under the aegis of the United Nations, recommends to contracting states in its "International Standards and Recommended Practices for Aircraft Accident Investigation" that:480
  "In the interests of accident prevention, the state conducting the investigation should publish the Final Report as soon as possible".

  On those occasions when the United Kingdom has a special interest in a foreign airline accident by virtue of fatalities to British citizens, and where that state does not publish the results of its investigation, the chief inspector of accidents is able to contact the investigating authority of the state in question to facilitate the availability of information.

  Woolwich Ferry
  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the London borough of Greenwich about the need to improve the standard of service on the Woolwich ferry; and with what result.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Department is in regular touch with the London borough of Greenwich about the standard of service during the present dispute. We are expecting improvement to come from the implementation of the review of the operation of the ferry now nearing conclusion.

  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport on how many days since 1 April the Woolwich ferry has been subject to disruption; and what is the estimated number of crossings lost as a result.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Up to 28 October, there has been disruption on 205 days. About 18,100 crossings have been lost.

  Mr. Cartwright
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he receives the consultants final report on the future of Woolwich ferry; and when he intends to discuss these with the London borough of Greenwich.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We received the consultants' final report in July. Officials of the Department and the London borough of Greenwich have discussed the recommendations. I hope to meet councillors in the near future to consider the outcome with them.

  East Coast Railway Network
  Mr. McAllion
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received any request from British Rail for investment in the improvements of the east coast railway network: and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The electrification of the east coast main line between London and Edinburgh is progressing well ahead of schedule. I have received no request from British Rail for further investment.

  Glasgow Airport
  Mr. Galbraith
  asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to give grants for noise control to all houses affected by the extension of Glasgow airport; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No, this is a matter for the airport operator taking into account the views of the local authorities and communities surrounding the airport.

DEFENCE

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether preparatory work has been undertaken at sites in Britain whilst discussions with the United States Government and NATO officials about the construction of underground storage facilities for nuclear weapons has been continuing; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  No preparatory work of that kind has been undertaken.

  Trident
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the National Audit Office's report on the Trident programme.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No. A statement would be inappropriate at this time. The appropriate Ministry of Defence accounting officer will shortly be examined by the Public Accounts Committee on this report. The Committee will report in its turn. The Government will respond to this in due course.

  AWACS
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has received any recent evidence that the United States AWACS early warning and control system which Her Majesty's Government are purchasing would be vulnerable to missiles which home in on radar systems; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  While—like any aircraft—the AWACS system is not invulnerable to attack, I am fully satisfied that it will be highly survivable in performing its operational tasks. Considerable work has been done to develop appropriate tactics to reduce the aircraft's vulnerability. Its radar range is such that it can be positioned in protected airspace and still provide airborne early warning and direct friendly fighters.

  Radiation
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are made to monitor radiation levels in areas around where nuclear weapons are kept;

  (2) what arrangements have been made to monitor the release of radiation from bases operating microwave radar communications; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Routine monitoring of radiation levels is carried out at all locations where nuclear weapons are based and at which microwave communications are operated.

  NH-90 Helicopter
  Mr. Cohen
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much expenditure Her Majesty's Government incurred in the NH-90 helicopter project, abandoned earlier in the current year.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Our commitment to the NH-90 project was limited to a fixed price contract valued at £1·5 million which was the United Kingdom's share of the cost of the 482
  feasibility/predefinition study work. The experience and knowledge Westland gained in the study will be of value in other defence programmes.

  Merlin Anti-tank Mortar
  Mr. Onslow
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department has taken to evaluate the British Aerospace Merlin anti-tank mortar.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  A limited contract in support of the joint evaluation of the Merlin 81 mm anti-armour mortar bomb was placed with British Aerospace plc (Army weapons division) in July 1987. A series of demonstration firings is planned.

  Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Galbraith
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence for what purpose a nuclear test was conducted jointly with the United States of America on 16 July.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It has been the practice of successive Governments not to disclose the purposes of British underground nuclear tests. This test was required to maintain the effectiveness of our nuclear capabilities.

  Jet Pilots (Low-flying Training)
  Dr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Royal Air Force fast jet pilots are currently qualified to fly at 100 ft above ground level;

  (2) what are the weather minimums for low-flying training below 250 ft in the United Kingdom;

  (3) what consideration has been given to establishing operational low flying at 100 ft above ground level as part of the regular continuation training programme for pilots on Royal Air Force fast jet squadrons.

  Mr. Freeman
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Dr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 1977 authorisation has been given to foreign air forces to conduct low-flying training over the United Kingdom at less than 250 ft above ground level; and if he will give for each such occasion the nationality, type and numbers of aircraft involved, the dates the training occurred, the location of the training, the number of sorties flown and the purpose of the training.

  Mr. Freeman
  No foreign air forces are authorised to fly in the United Kingdom low-flying system at less than 250 ft above ground level.

  Dr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a map showing the areas in which military jet aircraft are permitted to fly at less than 250 ft above ground level.

  Mr. Freeman
  I have already described in detail to those hon. Members whose constituencies are involved the locations of the areas in which low-flying training below a level of 250 ft is authorised. The Welsh area consists of the south-west portion of Montgomery, north-west quarter of Brecon and Radnor, north-east corner of Carmarthen and eastern part of Ceredigion and Pembroke north.

  Jet Aircraft (Low Flying)
  Dr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many low-flying sorties at less than 250 ft above ground level were authorised in each year since 1974 in each one of the areas of the United Kingdom available for such flying.

  Mr. Freeman
  Before 1979 low-flying sorties below 250 ft could be authorised anywhere in the low-flying system by appropriately senior officers. Only as part of the revised United Kingdom low-flying system, introduced in 1979, was the decision taken to confine such flights to three specially designated, sparsely populated areas. The information requested is thus available only from 1979 and refers to movements into low-flying areas rather than sorties, which, on average, consist of about 2·5 movements per sortie.

  Number of movements authorised for flying below 250 ft

  Number

  1979

  787

  1980

  797

  1981

  660

  1982

  238

  1983

  1,922

  1984

  1,007

  1985

  1,153

  1986

  1,200

  Dr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the military low-level training sorties flown over the United Kingdom in each year since 1974 included authorisation to fly at: (a) 200 ft. above ground level and (b) 100 ft above ground level.

  Mr. Freeman
  The numbers of low flying training movements carried out below 250 ft., as a proportion of all-low-flying training movements, for each year since 1979 (when the revised United Kingdom low flying system was introduced) are as follows. Such flights may be authorized 484
  down to a minimum level of 100 ft. but records do not distinguish between levels within the 250–100 ft. band. Details of the military low flying training carried out below 250 ft. are not available for the period prior to 1979.

  Per cent.

  1979

  0·37

  1980

  0·35

  1981

  0·24

  1982

  0·08

  1983

  0·55

  1984

  0·31

  1985

  0·36

  1986

  0·35

  Dr. Thomas
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many days in each year since 1974 low flying in the United Kingdom below 250 ft. was authorised.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information requested is no longer available for the period before 1979, when the revised United Kingdom low-flying system was introduced. Nor could it be provided for all subsequent years without disproportionate effort. In 1986 low flying below 250 ft. was authorised on approximately 113 days.

  Devonport and Rosyth Dockyards
  Sir Hector Monro
  asked the Secretary of State for Defence what the arrangements are for meeting the redundancy costs arising from the planned reduction in work forces at Devonport and Rosyth dockyards.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Approval for expenditure in the current year to fund the redundancy costs paid by dockyard contractors will be sought in a Winter Supplementary Estimate for class 1, vote 5. Pending approval of this Supplementary Estimate by Parliament, urgent expenditure will be met by a repayable advance from the Contingencies Fund.

SCOTLAND

  Cancer
  Dr. Moonie
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide details of all validated deaths from each form of leukaemia and lymphatic cancer in those aged (a) under 21 years and (b) 21 years and over for the years 1972 to 1986 inclusive for the areas within a five mile radius of Rosyth, Hunterston and Dounreay.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is not readily available.

  Computerised Patient Administration
  Dr. Moonie
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the progress made so far with the development of a computerised patient administration system by health boards; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Health boards, and the Common Services Agency's directorate of health service information systems, have been giving priority to this subject. I hope to be in a position to make a statement very soon.

  Immunisation
  Dr. Moonie
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to improve the uptake of all childhood immunisation.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend recognises the importance of childhood immunisation and has encouraged parents by means of regular advertisements and leaflets to have their children immunised. Immunisation is not compulsory and the level of uptake depends on the interest of parents, general practitioners and health visitors.

  Health
  Dr. Moonie
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider taking action to ensure that health boards devote an adequate amount of their resources to health promotion.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend allocates resources to health boards and it is for them to use these resources in the best interest of patient care within their respective areas having regard to competing demands. We have made it clear that we regard health education and prevention as an important aspect of the work of health boards and of all professional groups who come into contact with patients.

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing, for each year since 1979 (a) the number of National Health Service inpatient beds in the Monklands, West constituency and (b) the number on National Health Service staff, in real terms of full-time equivalents.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  This information is not available centrally on a constituency basis.

  Hospitals (Waiting Times)
  Dr. Moonie
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people are waiting for orthopaedic surgery in (a) the Victoria hospital, Kirkcaldy and (b) Bangour hospital, West Lothian.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Provisional figures for 31 March 1987 show that, for in-patient treatment in the speciality of orthopaedics, there were 441 people waiting for admission to the Victoria infirmary, Kirkcaldy, and 106 waiting for admission to Bangour general hospital.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Macdonald
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of people unemployed in the Western Isles, by sex, 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. Lang
  The number of unemployed claimants is as follows.

  Western Isles constituency

  July 1987

  Age group

  Males

  Females

  Total

  Under 25

  307

  232

  539

  25 to 34

  262

  115

  377

  35 to 49

  450

  97

  547

  50 and over

  405

  65

  470

  All ages

  1,424

  509

  1,933

  This information is available in the Library.

  Mr. Doran
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all closures that have resulted in 25 or more redundancies in the Aberdeen constituency in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Lang
  The information requested cannot be provided since details of closures and redundancies confirmed by individual companies are provided to the Manpower Services Commission in confidence.

  Salmonella (Hospitals)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the origin of the recent outbreaks of salmonella poisoning at Law hospital near Lanark and the royal infirmary, Edinburgh.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Between 23 and 24 August two patients from a geriatric ward at Law hospital presenting symptoms of salmonella poisoning were transferred to Monklands district general hospital infectious diseases unit. Two different types of salmonella were identified. Both patients made a complete recovery. On 24 August 11 geriatric patients from the same ward displayed symptoms which suggested food poisoning. They were tested for infection at Law hospital but salmonella was not identified in any of the patients. They remained at Law hospital and recovered well. The ward and hospital kitchens were examined and samples of all meals (which are retained to enable analysis to be undertaken in the event of infection developing) were tested. Despite intensive investigations the sources of the infections could not be traced.

  There have been no cases of salmonella poisoning at the royal infirmary, Edinburgh, within the last year.

  Firearms
  Mr. Kirkwood
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many shotguns and handguns have been confiscated by the courts in Scotland from persons convicted of firearms offences in the past 10 years; and how the confiscated firearms were disposed of.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Comprehensive information on confiscation and disposal of firearms is not held centrally.

  Northern General Hospital (Leith)
  Mr. Ron Brown
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the recent fatalities which occurred at Leith's northern general hospital as a result of food poisoning; and if there will be a fatal accident inquiry.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Lothian health board is at present considering the findings of its own investigation into the cause of the outbreak together with the recommendations of a report on the incident prepared by the environmental health department of Edinburgh district council. I shall study both reports and I shall want to be assured that the health board is taking all possible steps to prevent a recurrence. The incident is presently under consideration by the procurator fiscal; a decision whether to hold a fatal accident inquiry rests with my noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate.

  Schizophrenia
  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of those convicted of crimes in Scotland in each of the last five years have ever been admitted to National Health Service mental illness hospitals and units with a main diagnosis of schizophrenic psychosis.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  This information is not available.

  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much was spent by his Department in each of the last five years on the care and treatment of patients suffering from schizophrenia; and what percentage each figure was of total expenditure on (a) mental and (b) all health services;

  (2) what is the current annual cost overall and per patient to his Department's health and social security budget of the treatment of patients with a main diagnosis of schizophrenic psychosis.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Health boards and local authorities and local authorities are encouraged to give high priority to the provision of services for the mentally ill but it is for these agencies to determine their own spending from their general allocations according to their perception of need. Information about spending on specific forms of mental illness is not available centrally.

  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much his Department spent on research into schizophrenia in each of the last five years; and what proportion each figure was of expenditure on the health service research programme;

  (2) what research projects his Department has landed to test the effectiveness of community care for people suffering from schizophrenic psychosis; and if he will make a statement.
  488
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Scottish home and health department is at present funding two research projects directly related to schizophrenia. Research into schizophrenia is an integral part of more widely based programmes of research into mental disorder and it is not possible to identify separately the total amount of research into schizophrenia alone.

  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people with a main diagnosis of schizophrenic psychosis were discharged from mental illness hospitals in Scotland in each of the last five years; and how many of them were taken into local authority residential care in the same year.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Information about the diagnosis of patients discharged from hospitals may be obtained from "Scottish Mental Health In-Patient Statistics", which is available in the library. Statistics are not collected centrally on the number of people suffering from specific mental illnesses who are provided with local authority residential care.

  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what funds have been specifically earmarked for the care of the mentally ill following the closure of mental hospitals in Scotland in the last year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No mental illness hospital has been closed in Scotland in the last year.

  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the provision of community care for patients suffering from schizophrenic psychosis discharged from National Health Service mental illness hospitals; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend receives representations from time to time on different aspects of providing community care but none of those made recently have related to persons discharged from hospital care provided for specific forms of mental illness We have consistently made it clear that we are committed to a policy of care in the community for such groups as the mentally ill where such care is appropriate.

  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many people discharged from hospital following a main diagnosis of schizophrenic psychosis and subsequently taken by the police under section to hospitals in Scotland have been refused admission in each of the last five years;

  (2) if he will list for each of the last five years in Scotland how many people discharged from mental illness hospitals after a main diagnosis of schizophrenic psychosis, having. been proved vulnerable, homeless, subsequently became voluntary homeless.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Goodlad
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance his Department gives to mental illness hospitals on the retention of patients whose condition is unlikely to improve; and what is the current policy of each hospital in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Decisions about the treatment of patients involve issues of clinical judgment, and central
  489
  guidance would not be appropriate. Information to answer the second part of the question is not held centrally.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Home Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in East Lothian in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection;

  (2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in East Lothian.

  Mr. Lang
  No. These are matters for the local authorities concerned.

  Redundancies
  Mr. Home Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all closures that have resulted in 25 or more redundancies which have affected people resident in East Lothian in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Lang
  The information requested cannot be provided since details of closures and redundancies confirmed by individual companies are provided to the Manpower Services Commission in confidence.

  Prisons
  Mr. Home Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the quantity and quality of prison accommodation in Scotland and on the availability of non-custodial sentences.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The design capacity of Scottish penal establishments is currently 5,600 places, a number of which—including some provided at Shotts this year—are at present temporarily out of use as a result of damage by inmates in recent incidents. The total includes some 2,300 places which have access to night sanitation or integral sanitation. Some 1,900 places were provided in the last 20 years.

  Community service and probation are the two main non-custodial disposals available to the courts. Both schemes are managed by the local authority social work departments who receive in respect of community service a specific grant from central Government towards the running costs. Probation costs are included in the rate support grant.

  During 1985, 2,982 probation and 2,733 community service orders were made. The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1987 reduced the minimum period for which a probation order can be made from 12 to six months and enabled a condition requiring an offender to pay compensation to be included in a probation order.

  Mr. Home Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the population of Scotland is in prison; how that figure compares with that in other European countries; and if he will make a statement.
  490
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  On 20 October the actual population of penal establishments in Scotland was 5,409 (approximately 106 inmates per 100,000 inhabitants in Scotland).

  Statistics for average prison population per 100,000 inhabitants for Scotland, England and Wales and European countries which are members of the Council of Europe are given in an article in "Home Office Research and Planning Unit Bulletin No. 23, 1987", a copy of which is available in the Library. This article explains the difficulties of making direct international comparisons because of differences in the legal and administrative systems from which these statistics are derived.

  Housing
  Mr. Home Robertson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses are (a) below the tolerable standard, (b) require comprehensive modernisation, (c) require major repairs and (d) are affected by dampness in the public and private sectors, respectively, in each district and islands area; and if he will estimate the cost of carrying out the necessary repairs and improvements.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Information on the number of dwellings below tolerable standard as at 31 March is submitted annually to the Department. However, not all authorities provide information by type of tenure, and not all 1987 returns have been received. The latest figures available are given in table 1.

  Information on dwellings requiring comprehensive modernisation, requiring major repairs, and affected by dampness or condensation is only held centrally for local authority stock. The latest figures available, obtained from housing plan checklists, are given in table 2.

  It is for individual housing authorities to decide what measures to take to deal with problems they identify, and to programme expenditure accordingly within the resources available to them.

  Table 1

  Houses below tolerable standard as at 31 March 19871

  Areas

  Year1

  Total number of houses BTS

  of which

  Public sector

  Private sector

  Berwickshire

  1987

  888

  0

  888

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  1987

  586

  6

  580

  Roxburgh

  1986

  400

  ..

  ..

  Tweeddale

  1985

  200

  ..

  ..

  Clackmannan

  1987

  455

  0

  455

  Falkirk

  1987

  629

  31

  598

  Stirling

  1987

  444

  9

  435

  Annandale and Eskdale

  1986

  251

  0

  251

  Nithsdale

  1987

  826

  0

  826

  Stewartry

  1987

  166

  0

  166

  Wigtown

  1987

  78

  ..

  ..

  Dunfermline

  1986

  526

  15

  511

  Kirkcaldy

  1987

  751

  0

  751

  North East Fife

  1987

  1,624

  39

  1,585

  Aberdeen2

  1987

  1,988

  2471

  ..

  Banff and Buchan

  1987

  1,674

  0

  1,674

  Gordon

  1987

  424

  0

  424

  Kincardine and Deeside

  1987

  380

  ..

  ..

  Moray

  1987

  1,250

  46

  1,204

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  1987

  253

  0

  253

  Caithness

  1987

  296

  ..

  ..

  Inverness

  1987

  591

  15

  576

  Lochaber

  1987

  139

  0

  139

  Nairn

  1987

  46

  0

  46

  491

  Areas

  Year1

  Total number of houses BTS

  of which

  Public sector

  Private sector

  Ross and Cromarty

  1987

  2,500

  0

  2,500

  Skye and Lochalsh

  1986

  650

  650

  0

  Sutherland

  1987

  521

  0

  521

  East Lothian

  1987

  871

  ..

  ..

  Edinburgh

  1987

  5,321

  0

  5,321

  Midlothian

  1987

  591

  ..

  ..

  West Lothian

  1987

  530

  0

  530

  Argyll and Bute

  1987

  4,180

  0

  4,180

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  1986

  75

  18

  57

  Clydebank

  1987

  32

  18

  14

  Clydesdale

  1987

  372

  2

  370

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  1987

  61

  0

  61

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  1987

  192

  43

  149

  Cunninghame

  1986

  183

  0

  183

  Dumbarton

  1986

  125

  13

  112

  East Kilbride

  1987

  109

  0

  109

  Eastwood

  1987

  34

  0

  34

  Glasgow

  1986

  11,452

  ..

  ..

  Hamilton

  1987

  850

  0

  850

  Inverclyde

  1986

  355

  28

  118

  Table 2

  Estimated number of Local Authority dwellings at 31 March 1986

  Areas

  1Requiring comprehensive Modernisation

  1Requiring major repairs

  Requiring treatment for

  (a) Dampness only

  (b) Condensation only

  (c) Both condensation and dampness

  (d) = (b) + (c) 2Total Condensation

  Berwickshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  1,076

  0

  0

  ..

  ..

  60

  Roxburgh

  191

  1,040

  0

  80

  370

  450

  Tweeddale

  50

  274

  0

  196

  0

  196

  Clackmannan

  2,669

  3,706

  200

  3,202

  800

  4,002

  Falkirk

  7,252

  14,702

  500

  1,000

  5,500

  6,500

  Stirling

  5,230

  360

  150

  4,065

  0

  4,065

  Annandale and Eskdale

  1,324

  0

  0

  1,224

  0

  1,224

  Nithsdale

  5,956

  0

  0

  4,058

  41

  4,099

  Stewartry

  769

  0

  0

  116

  0

  116

  Wigtown

  2,569

  0

  30

  200

  20

  220

  Dunfermline

  2,015

  181

  15

  2,312

  0

  2,312

  Kirkcaldy

  8,920

  40

  0

  0

  4,150

  4,150

  North East Fife

  1,433

  217

  200

  2,000

  20

  2020

  Aberdeen

  12,967

  2,091

  ..

  15,000

  ..

  15,000

  Banff and Buchan

  1,660

  1,200

  ..

  ..

  ..

  ..

  Gordon

  0

  376

  0

  167

  289

  376

  Kincardine and Deeside

  228

  0

  0

  380

  488

  868

  Moray

  370

  1,372

  77

  317

  0

  317

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  10

  0

  0

  100

  0

  100

  Caithness

  1,178

  145

  0

  0

  11

  11

  Inverness

  904

  380

  0

  1,000

  0

  1000

  Lochaber

  1,195

  108

  450

  962

  400

  1,360

  Nairn

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Ross and Cromarty

  489

  549

  0

  1,134

  122

  1,256

  Skye and Lochalsh

  122

  0

  0

  ..

  ..

  354

  Sutherland

  236

  206

  0

  260

  0

  260

  East Lothian

  1,606

  1,218

  34

  215

  1,688

  1,903

  Edinburgh

  7,810

  5,357

  610

  15,524

  1,120

  16,644

  Midlothian

  122

  0

  0

  840

  90

  930

  West Lothian

  6,300

  6,200

  0

  2,490

  0

  2,490

  Argyll and Bute

  964

  2,000

  500

  659

  0

  659

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  144

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Clydebank

  462

  4,667

  60

  0

  1,250

  1,250

  Clydesdale

  9,624

  8,640

  0

  ..

  ..

  1,030

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  2,245

  102

  ..

  ..

  ..

  ..

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  8,850

  1,371

  0

  0

  4,635

  4,635

  Cunninghame

  9,559

  17,794

  200

  1,578

  243

  1,821

  Dumbarton

  34,184

  3,215

  849

  1,813

  2,574

  4,387

  East Kilbride

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Eastwood

  8

  66

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Glasgow

  443,736

  48,803

  16,700

  31,500

  15,400

  46,900

  492

  Areas

  Year1

  Total number of houses BTS

  of which

  Public sector

  Private sector

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  1987

  110

  8

  102

  Kyle and Carrick

  1987

  341

  3

  338

  Monklands

  1987

  245

  0

  245

  Motherwell

  1987

  636

  183

  453

  Renfrew

  1986

  2,000

  380

  1,620

  Strathkelvin

  1987

  11

  0

  11

  Angus

  1987

  1,000

  7

  993

  Dundee

  1986

  1,470

  12

  1,458

  Perth and Kinross

  1987

  711

  0

  711

  Orkney Islands

  1987

  1,150

  6

  1,144

  Shetland Islands

  1987

  952

  0

  952

  Western Isles

  1987

  1,680

  ..

  ..

  1 Where figures relating to 31 March 1987 are not available the most recent year's figures have been shown. Figures for the private sector include owner occupied and private rented houses, while those for the public sector include local authority, new town, SSHA, HA and other.

  2 Local authority only.

  .. Not available.

  493

  Areas

  1Requiring comprehensive Modernisation

  1Requiring major repairs

  Requiring treatment for

  (a) Dampness only

  (b) Condensation only

  (c) Both condensation and dampness

  (d) = (b) + (c) 2Total Condensation

  Hamilton

  2,912

  0

  7,509

  495

  7,761

  8,256

  Inverclyde

  6,572

  6,000

  0

  3,000

  3,000

  6,000

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  7,577

  457

  0

  0

  5,689

  5,689

  Kyle and Carrick

  4,894

  75

  24

  187

  577

  764

  Monklands

  2,729

  0

  450

  550

  150

  700

  Motherwell

  5,775

  4,600

  3,500

  2,000

  2,200

  4,200

  Renfrew

  22,093

  1,910

  0

  0

  12,500

  12,500

  Strathkelvin

  2,346

  1,119

  0

  4,277

  0

  4,277

  Angus

  1,405

  234

  0

  2,480

  20

  2,500

  Dundee

  10,366

  11,810

  2,900

  10,100

  2,515

  12,615

  Perth and Kinross

  800

  621

  500

  6,213

  1,000

  7,213

  Orkney Islands

  30

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Shetland Islands

  925

  534

  549

  159

  343

  502

  Western Isles

  675

  0

  135

  860

  335

  1,195

  .. Not available

  1 There is thought to be an element of double counting between these two categories.

  2 Some authorities were unable to provide a breakdown of the condensation total as required in columns (b) and (c).

  3 Includes post-1955 non-traditional dwellings requiring partial modernisation or rewiring.

  4 Includes post-1955 non-traditional dwellings requiring partial modernisation.

  Pupils (Statistics)
  Mr. Doran
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of pupils on school rolls and the pupil-teacher ratio in (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools in the Aberdeen South constituency for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Information on schools in Aberdeen, South can be obtained from Grampian regional council.

  Education Reform
  Mr. Wray
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he will be taking to ensure that the new proposals for the opting-out of schools from local authority control will not discriminate against the children of hourly paid parents in Easterhouse and other deprived areas of Glasgow because the parents cannot afford to take time off work to become school governors.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Government have made no proposals to allow schools in Scotland to opt out of local authority control. We have proposed that there should in general be a school board for each school, and that the board would have the opportunity to become fully and closely involved in the running of the school. Parents would form a majority of the members and it is obvious that the boards will have to meet at times convenient to their members.

  Monofilament Nets
  Mr. Wilson
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many monofilament nets have been seized by geographical area, under the Monofilament Banning Order 1986.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Since the Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Carriage of Monofilament Gill Nets) (Scotland) Order 1986 came into operation on 31 March 1986 enforcement officers of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland have uplifted and 494
  retained four monofilament gill nets. Of these two were in the Clyde area, one in the Isle of Jura area and one in Luce bay.

  Rothesay Castle
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received in respect of the future of Rothesay castle; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish Development Department has received three representations from one person over the past two years about the condition of Rothesay castle. Work has recently been carried out to deal with water penetration in the great hall, and it is hoped that the consequent improvement in conditions will pave the way for improvements in visitor facilities as circumstances permit.

  Common Good Fund (Aberdeen)
  Mr. Bruce
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will give a response to representations made by the city of Aberdeen district council at a meeting with him on 17 July about the future of the city's common good fund and related matters.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend wrote in reply to the city of Aberdeen district council on 28 October 1987.

  Workers' Education Association
  Mr. Wallace
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he or any of his departmental Ministers intend to meet representatives of the Workers' Education Association Scottish Council to discuss the funding of the association.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Hood
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the complaints affecting patients on the Clydesdale waiting lists of 1984, 1985 and 1986.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Information relating to the conditions from which patients on hospital in-patient waiting lists are suffering is not available centrally on a constituency basis. No complaints about waiting lists have been received by the Secretary of State from patients in Clydesdale.
  496
  Mr. Hood
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps substantially to reduce waiting lists in Clydesdale.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I regard reduction of the length of time patients have to wait for treatment as one of the most urgent tasks facing the Health Service and I am looking urgently at the steps that can be taken to improve the situation. Health boards are already making considerable efforts to achieve reductions; the recommendations made in the recent report on the management of orthopaedic services in Scotland will assist them with their objective.