Written Answers of 18 January 1988

TRANSPORT

  Motorways (Matrix Indicators)
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in the Official Report those motorways, or sections of motorways, that are fitted with matrix indicators which permit written messages to be conveyed on them; and what plans he has for extending this facility to all motorways.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Matric indicators are now fitted on almost all sections of motorway in England. The few remaining sections will have similar facilities as soon as practicable. The messages that the indicators currently display for incidents and occasionally for inclement weather are advice on recommended speeds and lane closures.

  Enhancements are under way to add some written text messages, within the limits of the indicator size. These include replacing the 'end of restriction' symbol with the word "End" and the automatic display (on the M25) of the word "Fog" when visibility is automatically detected to have fallen below pre-determined limits.

  Recent developments in sign technology offer the opportunity to display longer written text messages on variable message signs. These are now being used at specific locations where this ability is worth while.

  Information about the position on motorways in Wales and Scotland is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland respectively.

  Design Stage Work (Local Authorities)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the local authorities that have been allowed to bid for design stage work under section 6 of the Highways Act; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  My right hon. Friend has agreements with more than 90 local highway authorities under which they carry out design work on trunk roads as agents under section 6 of the Highways Act 1980. The authorities do not bid for this work. Standard terms and conditions for all agency agreements are negotiated nationally with the local authority associations.

  Motorboat and Yachting Accidents
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents involving(a) motorboats and (b) yachts were reported in British territorial waters in each of the past five years; and how many instances in each year were fatal.

  Mr. Portillo
  Records kept by Her Majesty's coastguard classify such incidents under the headings of(a) powered pleasure craft and (b) sailing craft. The totals
  190
  below reflect incidents occurring within the United Kingdom search and rescue region for the last five years for which information is available.

  Number of incidents

  Lives lost

  1983

  Powered pleasure craft

  621

  9

  Sailing craft

  774

  5

  1984

  Powered pleasure craft

  579

  9

  Sailing craft

  551

  23

  1985

  Powered pleasure craft

  659

  18

  Sailing craft

  720

  9

  1986

  Powered pleasure craft

  722

  27

  Sailing craft

  710

  7

  1987

  Powered pleasure craft

  738

  15

  Sailing craft

  686

  2

  Irish Sea Ferries
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether contingency plans exist to deal with serious accidents involving ferries on routes across the Irish sea; what arrangements are made to test these plans; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  Contingency plans exist at all coastguard regions to deal with serious maritime incidents, including ferry accidents in the Irish sea. The plans are frequently reviewed and tested from time to time with the full co-operation of the other emergency services including MOD, local authorities and the ferry companies.

  The plans are tested using both live scenarios and simulated exercises, the last exercise taking place on the Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire route in September 1988 and the next scheduled for Belfast-Liverpool in the spring of 1989.

  Exhaust Emissions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that exhaust emission standards agreed by the European Community are fully implemented in the United Kingdom; and what efforts are currently being made by his Department to encourage the fitting of catalytic devices to all motor vehicles sold within the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We shall be consulting in the next few months on draft regulations which will fully implement the new European Community standards in the United Kingdom.

  Catalysts are a valuable aid to achievement of these standards. We expect most new petrol engined cars over 1·4 litres that comply with the limits will use them. The standards for cars under 2 litres have also been set so as not to inhibit the further development of lean burn technology, which has the dual benefit of improving fuel economy and minimising carbon dioxide emissions.

  Aircraft Noise
  Mr. Wells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received the report of the Stansted noise preferential routes working group; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  My noble Friend Lord Brabazon has received the report and is arranging for it to be published. It should be available early next month. My noble Friend will arrange for copies to be placed in the House Libraries.

  The group endorses the present policy of concentrating aircraft along routes overflying the smallest number of people and recommends:

  (i) a change to the route which goes to the south and west of Bishop's Stortford which would move it from its present position roughly halfway back towards the line proposed by the Department in December 1987;

  (ii) no change to the other routes presently being flown but with revisions to instructions to pilots to improve track keeping on several of these routes;

  (iii) an early change to pilots' instructions, introducing a different turning point for non-jet aircraft on the Bishop's Stortford route, both to provide some relief from overflying of the town by these aircraft and to assist preparation of appropriate instructions for (i) and (ii); and

  (iv) further measures aimed at assisting better track keeping and avoiding overflying of noise-sensitive areas around Dunmow, Thaxted and St. Elizabeth's Home.

  My noble Friend is minded to accept the proposed change to the route around Bishop's Stortford. However, moving a route to relieve someone of noise means someone else will suffer. There will therefore be further public consultation and the further views of local people will be taken into account before he decides whether any substantial change should be implemented.

  My noble Friend is arranging for an exhibition of the proposals to be held as part of this consultation. The exhibition will open at Dunmow on 7 March, moving thereafter to Thaxted, Sheering and Bishop's Stortford. Full details of dates and opening times will be publicised in due course.

  Suzuki SJ Model
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about his Department's tests on Suzuki SJ models and his discussions with Suzuki and the Consumers Association.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  [holding answer 16 January 1989]: As indicated in my answer to the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Bennett) on 14 December at columm 659, the transport and road research laboratory recently completed a series of stability tests. The results have been placed in the Library of the House. These covered a range of multi-purpose four-wheel drive vehicles, not just Suzukis. The tests were part of a continuing process by the Department to understand the vehicles' handling characteristics and to contribute to international discussions.

  Results from the tests were brought to the attention of the manufacturers and the Consumers Association. The tests indicated that none of the vehicles exhibited handling characteristics which could automatically be regarded as unsafe, or that would justify the calls from the Consumers Association to ban any one model.
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  The Department is advising drivers that they should realise that multi-purpose vehicles cannot be expected to handle on road as well as modern passenger cars; that sudden and excessive steering manoeuvres should be avoided; and that seatbelts should be worn by rear seat passengers, as well as those in front seats, wherever possible.

  Manufacturers can reduce the risks of injuries to occupants through improvements to the handling and secondary safety characteristics of the vehicles and through offering clear and improved advice to owners and drivers of the limitations of their vehicles. This advice can also cover safe road driving techniques as well as advice on other aspects such as the most appropriate replacement tyres. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has been asked to provide a list of action on these lines which manufacturers are planning to take. The Department has drawn the attention of the Motor Agents Association to the need for dealers to offer clear advice to customers about the characteristics of the vehicles.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  University Salary Scales
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discretion is allowed to individual universities in determining academic salary scales.

  Mr. Jackson
  Acceptance of the salary scales for academic and related staff notified by the UGC to universities is voluntary. The salary structure for non-clinical academic and related staff provide flexibility to reward merit and special responsibilities and to counter problems of recruitment and retention. The salaries of clinical academic staff are broadly comparable with NHS doctors and dentists.

  Teachers (Salaries)
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discretion is allowed to local education authorities in determining teachers' salaries.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The 1988 school teachers' pay and conditions document gives LEAs discretion in certain circumstances over the scale point on which an individual teacher should be paid. It also allows LEAs to award incentive allowances, which may be given to teachers in shortage subjects or hard to fill posts, in relation to the assumption of extra responsibilities or in recognition of classroom excellence.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give the present salary scales for secondary school teachers.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  All qualified teachers except head and deputy head teachers are paid on a single incremental scale as follows:

  Scale point

  Salary (£)

  1

  7,920

  2

  8,235

  3

  8,547

  4

  8,859

  193

  Scale point

  Salary (£)

  5

  9,591

  6

  10,422

  7

  11,049

  8

  11,673

  9

  12,351

  10

  13,134

  11

  13,863

  A teacher may, in addition, receive one of five incentive allowances:

  Rate

  Amount (£)

  A

  801

  B

  1,200

  C

  2,400

  D

  3,201

  E

  4,401

  Source: School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document 1988

  Teachers of the Deaf
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many people need to qualify annually as teachers of the deaf, according to his Department's figures, in order to maintain the supply of qualified teachers of the deaf;

  (2) how many people who qualified as teachers of the deaf during the academic year 1987–88 were seconded under the grant-related in-service training scheme;

  (3) how many people training as teachers of the deaf in the academic year 1988–89 are seconded under the grant-related in-service training scheme;

  (4) if current training arrangements will ensure that sufficient qualified teachers of the deaf are available to teach hearing-impaired children in ordinary and special schools.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  In 1987–88, the first year of the local education authority training grants scheme, funding for those qualifying as teachers of the deaf was not identified separately from that for teachers of other special educational needs. For 1988–89, we have made separate provision through the scheme to support the in-service training of 110 specialist teachers of the deaf. With the numbers qualifying through initial training this is estimated to be sufficient to maintain the supply of qualified teachers of the deaf.

PRIME MINISTER

  International Agriculture Trade
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Prime Minister which Department has primary responsibility for representing consumers' interests in matters of international agricultural trade.

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture is responsible for all aspects of agricultural policy. He works closely with other ministers including my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who is responsible for United Kingdom policy on international trade negotiations and has overall responsibility for consumer affairs. The views 194
  of consumers and of bodies representing them are welcomed by the Government at all stages of policy formation, and consumer bodies are regularly consulted about developments in the Uruguay round of negotiations which is currently under way in the general agreement on tariffs and trade.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Prime Minister what response she made to the Manchester Trades Union Council Pensioners and Trades Unionists Association's letter concerning charges for eye tests and dental checks, the pensioners' Christmas bonus and the means testing of prescription charges.

  The Prime Minister
  The private secretary to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Health has replied on my behalf setting out the Government's policy on these matters.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Republic of Ireland (Court Cases)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Attorney-General on how many occasions witnesses have refused to travel to the Republic of Ireland to give evidence in cases where the Criminal Law Jurisdiction Act 1976 has been employed.

  The Attorney-General
  Assessment of the evidence necessary to initiate proceedings in the Republic of Ireland under the 1976 Act, and of the availability of such evidence, is a matter falling within the responsibility of the Irish prosecuting authorities.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Biological Weapons (Iraq)
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence there is concerning the development of biological weapons by Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I refer to the answer given by my noble Friend the Minister of State, Lord Glenarthur, on 3 February 1988 to Lord Kennet in another place, in which he state that as Iraq is a party to the 1972 biological weapons convention which prohibits the development or possession of biological weapons, any evidence that they might be developing such a capacity would he a matter of serious concern.

  Human Rights (Burma)
  Mr. Lester
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made on the re-establishment of human rights in Burma following recent disturbances.

  Mr. Eggar
  In statements on 9 and 20 September 1988, we deplored the shooting of unarmed demonstrators and called for greater freedom and multi-party democracy. The Twelve issued similar statements on 19 August and 23 September. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State reiterated our concern in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on 28 September.
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  In addition, aid to Burma has been suspended and dealings with the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) confined to essential business only. Further steps are under consideration.

  Mr. Lester
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Thailand over the position of refugees from Burma who are not currently being assisted by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

  Mr. Eggar
  None.

  Military Training (Burma)
  Mr. Lester
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what facilities are offered to the Burmese Government in the field of military training.

  Mr. Eggar
  None.

  Free Elections (Burma)
  Mr. Michael Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what help he is giving towards the holding of free elections in Burma; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  With our partners in the Twelve, we have made it clear—in a series of statements and EC demarches to the Burmese State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)—that a lasting solution to Burma's problems can come about only if the Burmese people's manifest desire for greater freedom and multi-party democracy is met. In addition, aid has been suspended and dealings with the SLORC confined to essential business only. Further steps are under consideration.

  Fax Facilities
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom consulates and embassies(a) have and (b) do not have fax facilities.

  Mr. Eggar
  There are:

  (a) 119 posts with fax facilities; and a further 38 posts are about to install facsimile equipment.

  (b) 70 posts without fax.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the number of countries which either currently possess chemical weapons or are likely to do so before the end of 1989 if international agreement to control or discourage the holding of such weapons is not achieved.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  It is not possible to provide a precise figure. Very few countries provide information on activity in this area. It is believed that between 15 and 20 countries either possess or are actively seeking to acquire chemical weapons.

WALES

  Water Act 1973
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list directions made by his Department to the Welsh water authority under section 30(6) of the Water Act 1973, giving the dates and the nature of each such direction.
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  Mr. Grist
  None. This section has subsequently been repealed by the Public Utility Transfers and Water Charges Act 1988.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what directions he has made under the provisions of section 31(3) of the Water Act 1973, to the Welsh water authority, at any time since the coming into force of this Act, giving the date and nature of any such directions.

  Mr. Grist
  None.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what dates since the coming into force of the Water Act 1973 he has made any regulations under section 32(2) of the Act in relation to the installation of meters.

  Mr. Grist
  There were no regulations made under section 32(2) of the Water Act 1973. This section has subsquently been repealed by the Public Utility Transfers and Water Charges Act 1988.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many applications have been made to the Welsh Office since the implementation of the Water Act 1973 for permitting a new discharge into a river in Wales; and, of these, how many have been approved and how many have been rejected.

  Mr. Grist
  Approximately 300 applications for new or altered discharges into rivers, including storm water and emergency overflows, have been received by the Welsh Office since June 1985. None has been rejected, although many have been approved with more stringent conditions than were originally sought. Prior to this, water authorities were not obliged to apply formally for consent unless specifically requested to do so by the Department and comparable figures are therefore not available.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  World Development Movement
  Mr. Mills
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the cost of answering letters enclosing printed slips sent to hon. Members and sent on to him on behalf of the current lobby by the world development movement.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Answering letters about aid is an integral part of the work of the Overseas Development Administration. To isolate the cost of answering this particular group of letters would involve disproportionate cost, but if I had to make a rough calculation I would estimate that the cost has been about the same as that of a small NGO development project financed under our joint funding scheme in a developing country.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Members' Income and Allowances
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what was the value of(a) the office and secretarial allowance and (b) the salary of hon. Members for each of the years for which figures are available, taking the latest year as 100.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The information requested is given in the tables.
  197

  Office costs allowances in actual and real terms since 1969

  Office costs allowance1

  Actual £ PA

  Real terms2 £ PA

  Real term OCA as a percentage of January 1988 OCA

  1 October 1969

  500

  2,936

  13·8

  1 January 1972

  1,000

  4,916

  23·1

  1 April 1974

  1,750

  6,722

  31·6

  1 April 1975

  3,200

  10,101

  47·4

  13 June 1976

  3,512

  9,174

  43·1

  13 June 1977

  3,687

  8,184

  38·4

  13 June 1978

  4,200

  8,679

  40·7

  13 June 1979

  4,600

  8,536

  40·1

  14 February 1980

  6,750

  11,056

  51·9

  13 June 1980

  8,000

  12,270

  57·6

  13 June 1981

  8,480

  11,683

  54·8

  13 June 1982

  8,820

  11,131

  52·3

  13 June 1983

  12,000

  14,611

  68·6

  13 June 1984

  12,437

  14,403

  67·6

  1 April 1985

  13,211

  14,399

  67·6

  1 April 1986

  20,140

  21,301

  100·0

  1 April 1987

  21,302

  21,616

  101·5

  1 January 1988

  21,302

  21,302

  3100·0

  1 April 1988

  22,588

  22,054

  103·5

  1 Formerly the Office, Secretarial and Research Allowance.

  2 At January 1988 prices (RPI).

  3 The rate of OCA in force in January 1988 was introduced on 1 April 1987.

  Parliamentary salary in actual and real terms: 1911 to date

  Parliamentary Salary

  Actual £ PA

  In Real Terms1 £ PA

  Real Term Salary as a per cent, of January 1988 salary

  1 April 1911

  400

  n/a

  —

  17 July 1937

  600

  11,071

  49·1

  1 April 1946

  1,000

  14,088

  62·4

  1 July 1957

  1,750

  15,077

  66·9

  16 October 1964

  3,250

  23,543

  104·4

  1 January 1972

  4,500

  22,121

  98·1

  13 June 1975

  5,750

  17,091

  75·8

  13 June 1976

  6,062

  15,836

  70·2

  13 June 1977

  6,270

  13,917

  61·7

  13 June 1978

  6,897

  14,253

  63·2

  13 June 1979

  9,450

  17,537

  77·8

  13 June 1980

  10,725

  16,450

  73·0

  13 June 19803

  11,750

  18,022

  79·9

  13 June 1981

  13,150

  18,117

  80·3

  13 June 19813

  13,950

  19,219

  85·2

  13 June 1982

  14,510

  18,312

  81·2

  13 June 1983

  15,308

  18,638

  82·7

  1 January 1984

  16,106

  19,158

  85·0

  1 January 1985

  16,904

  19,146

  84·9

  1 January 1986

  17,702

  18,999

  84·2

  1 January 1987

  18,500

  19,111

  84·7

  1 January 1988

  22,548

  22,548

  100

  I January 1989

  24,107

  2

  2

  1 At January 1988 prices (RPI).

  2 Not available until the January 1989 Retail Prices Index (RPI) is published in February.

  3 Pensionable rate.

DEFENCE

  Royal Navy Armaments Depot, Trecwn
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the long term future of the Royal Navy armaments depot at Trecwn, Pembrokeshire.

  Mr. Neubert
  The consultative document which promulgated our decision in principle to close the Royal Navy armaments depot at Milford Haven, referred to the need for further consideration of the future of RNAD Trecwn. I have now commissioned an in-depth Ministry of Defence study into the future role and task of the depot 198
  which will commence in late February. The final study report should be submitted to management by the summer of 1989. There will be a full consultation with the trade unions and local authorities during the review period.

  Challenger Tank
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, pursuant to his statement of 20 December 1988,Official Report, columns 283–84, he will state the dates of the intermediate milestones at which Vickers Defence Systems will have to demonstrate satisfactory progress on developing Challenger II mark 2.
  199
  Mr. Sainsbury
  The intermediate milestones referred to by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence in statement of 20 December 1988,Official Report, columns 283–4, for the Challenger II mark 2 demonstration phase, are September 1989 and March 1990, respectively.

  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the fire control system of the Challenger I will be improved to meet the same specifications as the fire control system that is planned to equip the Challenger II mark 2.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The fire control system proposed for Challenger II mark 2 will certainly be significantly superior to that currently fitted to Challenger I. Improvements to the latter are under development, but full comparability with Challenger II mark 2 could not be achieved cost effectively.

  Aldermaston and Burghfield (Programme Audits)
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, pursuant to his answer 22 of December 1988,Official Report, column 380, he will state the nature and contents of the written communication from the BNFL team carrying out the programme audit at Aldermaston and Burghfield received by the Ministry of Defence on 15 November 1985.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The communication from the BNFL team, received on 15 November 1985, confirmed the scope of the audit to be conducted.

  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many meetings were held between his officials and the BNFL team carrying out the programme audit at Aldermaston and Burghfield; and on what dates they occurred.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 15 December 1988 at column 686. Within the consultation and communication referred to therein were eight formal meetings held between 20 November and 18 December 1985.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Homosexual Offences
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many men aged between 16 and 21 years were(a) prosecuted, (b) convicted and (c) imprisoned for consensual sexual acts with other males aged 16 to 21 years in each of the years 1986 and 1987; and in the case of those imprisoned, what were the maximum, minimum and average sentences served by such men;

  (2) how many men were imprisoned in the United Kingdom in each of the years 1986 and 1987 for consensual homosexual acts with males between the ages of 16 and 21 years; and what were the maximum, minimum and average sentences served by such men.

  Mr. John Patten
  The available information, which may be incomplete, is given in the following table. This information relates to cases where the victim was aged 16 or over and it is not possible from the information held centrally to isolate cases where the victim was aged 16–20. Comparable information for Scotland and Northern Ireland is not readily available.
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  Males proceeded against for consensual homosexual acts1 England and Wales

  Year

  1986

  1987

  Offenders aged 16–20

  Proceeded against

  26

  41

  Found guilty

  21

  35

  Sentenced to custody

  21

  31

  Offenders aged 21 and over

  Sentenced to custody

  34

  32

  Maximum sentence imposed

  4 years

  5 years

  Minimum sentence imposed

  2 months

  3 months

  Average sentence imposed

  18·8 months

  18·3 months

  1 Buggery or attempted buggery with a male person aged 16 or over with consent; indecency between males.

  2 One month youth custody.

  3 One year youth custody.

  Dogs
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the representations he has received from Nottingham city council regarding legislation to make it an offence for the owner of a dog to allow it to stray; and what has been his response.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Nottingham city council has written twice about a bylaw which would make it an offence to allow a dog to stray. The council's first letter proposed the idea and the second was a response to a request for further information. Subsequently we have been engaged in consultations and will be writing again to the council shortly.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking on correspondence from Mrs. Ann Marie Parker of 43 Moor road, Strelley estate, Nottingham, regarding her son Andrew, currently in Glen Parva young offenders centre.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The governor of Glen Parva remand centre was asked to reply to Mrs. Parker's letter of 31 December and did so on 13 January.

  Rule 43 Prisoners
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the ruling that allows those sent to prison for child abuse immediately to seek to go on rule 43 when in prison.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Any prisoner may ask to be removed from association with other prisoners under rule 43. It is for the prison governor to decide, in the light of any evidence of danger to the prisoner, whether to grant such a request. We have no plans to change this procedure.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report on rule 43 prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We expect the report to be available for wider consideration within the Department during February and March and to receive proposals by April 1989.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to reduce the number of prison inmates at present in prisons in England and Wales who are on rule 43 at their own request.
  201
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  This question is among matters being considered by the prison department working group on the management of vulnerable prisoners which is expected to report shortly.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the longest period of time that a prison inmate has been on rule 43 at his or her own request.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  As far as we can ascertain without disproportionate cost, the longest current period is 21 months.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the number of(a) men and (b) women of ethnic minority backgrounds who are working in (i) the prison service and (ii) the police service in England and Wales.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  For the prison service the available information is not in the form requested and derives from a survey conducted in 1986. Of some 11,500 members of the service (including staff in headquarters and regional offices) who responded to the survey, 111 stated that they were of ethnic minority origin. The results of a more recent survey of those who did not respond are currently being analysed.

  On 30 September 1988 there were 942 male and 236 female police officers of ethnic minority background in police forces in England and Wales. There is no central record of the ethnic background of civilian police staff.

  Broadcasting
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce amendments to the existing broadcast receiving legislation to enable domestic consumers to share satellite receiving single dish aerials without seeking official approval as licensable cable services.

  Mr. Renton
  A satellite receiving system serving two or more homes (commonly known as a SMATV system) is generally a licensable diffusion service for the purposes of the Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984 and thus requires a licence from the cable authority. A system carrying only the services of an IBA DBS contractor would not, however, require a licence. We are considering the future arrangements for such systems as part of the follow-up to our recent White Paper, "Broadcasting in the '90s: Competition, Choice and Quality".

  Drink Driving
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, for each police force area in England and Wales, the number of drivers given the breath test, and the percentage where the test proved positive, in respect of(a) the 1988 Christmas period and (b) Christmas 1987.

  Mr. John Patten
  Information on screening breath tests required and results by police force area for 1987 was published in Home Office statistical bulletin 23/88, "Statistics of Breath Tests, England and Wales", copies of which arc in the Library. The official statistics for 1988 will be published later this year.
  202
  The Association of Chief Police Officers has, however, collected provisional figures for the number of screening breath tests required, and the number of positive results, in each police force area between 19 December 1988 and 1 January 1989. These are given in the following table:

  Police Force Area

  Number of Breath Tests

  Per cent. positive

  Avon and Somerset

  499

  22·6

  Bedfordshire

  361

  12·5

  Cambridgeshire

  1,919

  2·4

  Cheshire

  415

  22·4

  City of London

  189

  7·9

  Cleveland

  321

  15·9

  Cumbria

  414

  10·9

  Derbyshire

  1,041

  7·5

  Devon and Cornwall

  1,284

  17·9

  Dorset

  665

  8·6

  Durham

  172

  41·9

  Dyfed-Powys

  139

  32·4

  Essex

  1,640

  9·1

  Gloucestershire

  265

  18·9

  Greater Manchester

  4,980

  8·5

  Gwent

  1,529

  3·8

  Hampshire

  1,026

  16·6

  Hertfordshire

  544

  15·4

  Humberside

  784

  10·3

  Kent

  641

  20·3

  Lancashire

  1,293

  10·8

  Leicestershire

  886

  8·9

  Lincolnshire

  841

  7·4

  Merseyside

  370

  36·5

  Metropolitan

  10,937

  8·9

  Norfolk

  2,942

  1·1

  Northamptonshire

  772

  5·8

  Northumbria

  217

  63·1

  North Wales

  1,540

  5·9

  North Yorkshire

  470

  15·1

  Nottinghamshire

  3,214

  3·1

  South Wales

  351

  30·8

  South Yorkshire

  1,012

  11·9

  Staffordshire

  812

  14·9

  Suffolk

  406

  10·6

  Surrey

  757

  10·0

  Sussex

  941

  8·6

  Thames Valley

  2,850

  7·5

  Warwickshire

  396

  11·6

  West Mercia

  616

  19·6

  West Midlands

  1,249

  20·7

  West Yorkshire

  422

  43·1

  Wiltshire

  548

  13·3

  TOTAL

  41,706

  10·26

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Rating Revaluation
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to publish the findings of the Inland Revenue survey into the likely effects of the 1990 revaluation for the introduction of the national non-domestic rate.

  Mr. Major
  I expect that an announcement covering this point will be made shortly.

  National Savings
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the numbers of deposits of less than £5 made annually in national savings ordinary accounts.
  203
  Mr. Lilley
  Some 3·2 million deposits of less than £5 were made in the financal year 1987–88. These accounted for less than 1 per cent. of total deposits over that period.

  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total current number of national savings investment accounts.

  Mr. Lilley
  There are about 4·3 million investment accounts.

  Interest Rates
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the extra borrowing costs to industry incurred by a rise of 1 per cent. in interest rates.

  Mr. Major
  The cost to industrial and commercial companies of a one percentage point rise in United Kingdom short-term interest rates maintained for a full year is estimated to be about £400 million. The estimate is based on their holdings of financial assets and liabilities at the end of the second quarter of 1988, the latest period for which comprehensive data are available.

  Economic Model
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last reviewed the operation of the Treasury economic model.

  Mr. Major
  The performance of the Treasury economic model is continuously monitored and the relationships updated. It is also subject to periodic scrutiny by the Treasury academic panel.

ENVIRONMENT

  Factory Building
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the extent of factory building in the United Kingdom in 1988.

  Mr. Trippier
  In the first nine months of 1988 the value of factory building in Great Britain was £1,675 million at current prices. New orders in the first 10 months of 1988 are significantly higher than the same period of 1987 which should lead to higher output.

  Home Improvement Grants
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many home improvement grants were approved last year by local authorities(a) nationwide and (b) in Nottingham; and what comparable figures he has for previous years.

  Mr. Trippier
  Numbers of renovation grant approvals for private owners and tenants, by local authorities in England from 1985 to June 1988 appear in table 2.16 of "Housing and Construction Statistics, Part 2", No. 34. A copy is in the Library.

  The available information reported by Nottingham is:

  Renovations: number of grant approvals

  Conversion and improvement

  Repairs

  Intermediate

  1985

  590

  568

  65

  1986

  332

  442

  77

  19871

  248

  253

  25

  204

  Conversion and improvement

  Repairs

  Intermediate

  1988 Q1

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Q2

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1 March and September quarters only.

  Derelict Land
  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a schedule giving the address and the local authority of each of the areas of urban derelict land in Staffordshire.

  Mr. Trippier
  Information about the location of individual plots of land is not collected by the Department. Aggregate figures for derelict land in each district or borough in England have been provided to the Department by local authorities in the course of the 1988 survey of derelict land. The report of the survey is due to be published in the summer.

  Development and Conservation
  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a list of local authorities which have responded positively to his request to publish local plans setting out their policies and proposals for development and conservation; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that those local authorities which have not acted in response to PPG12 do so forthwith.

  Mr. Chope
  I am aware that many planning authorities have responded positively to PPG 12 and are starting work on preparing or updating local plans. The full impact of PPG12 will not, however, be apparent for some time, as several months are normally required for plan preparation and public participation before a plan can be formally placed on deposit.

  Though my right hon. Friend has powers of direction, I believe that the message to planning authorities should be a positive one—that it is in their own interests to ensure that local plans are prepared or brought up to date as quickly as possible.

  Housing Development
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state, for each year since 1980, the number of schemes for housing development for which he has refused planning permission on appeal and the numbers of homes involved.

  Mr. Chope
  The table gives the information recorded by the Department on planning appeals relating to housing development.

  S.36 planning appeals—housing schemes

  Scale of residential development

  Appeals decided

  Appeals dismissed

  Percentage appeals dismissed

  1984

  Major housing1

  527

  358

  68

  Minor housing2

  4,813

  3,658

  76

  Total

  5,340

  4,016

  75

  1985

  Major housing1

  685

  397

  58

  205

  Scale of residential development

  Appeals decided

  Appeals dismissed

  Percentage appeals dismissed

  Minor housing2

  6,269

  4,516

  72

  Total

  6,954

  4,913

  71

  1986–87

  Major housing1

  906

  532

  59

  Minor housing2

  6,852

  4,777

  70

  Total

  7,758

  5,309

  68

  1987–88

  Major housing1

  1,105

  708

  64

  Minor housing2

  8,942

  6,290

  70

  Total

  10,047

  6,998

  70

  Thousands

  Minor residential developments (1–9 dwellings)

  Major residential developments (10 or more dwellings)

  Decisions

  Refusals

  Per cent. refused

  Decisions

  Refusals

  Per cent. refused

  1979–80

  73·8

  24·6

  33

  9·5

  3·2

  34

  1980–81

  75·3

  25·6

  34

  9·5

  3·6

  38

  1981–82

  66·7

  19·5

  29

  9·1

  3·1

  35

  1982–83

  61·9

  15·7

  25

  7·4

  1·6

  22

  1983–84

  69·4

  17·0

  24

  8·2

  1·8

  22

  1984–85

  69·6

  18·5

  27

  8·5

  2·0

  24

  1985–86

  73·9

  20·4

  28

  9·3

  2·3

  24

  1986–87

  81·9

  24·3

  30

  10·3

  2·7

  26

  1987–88

  92·8

  29·7

  32

  11·4

  3·2

  28

  House Building
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now state the annual number of completions, for the most recent 20 year-period for which figures are available, of (i) private sector houses and flats, (ii) council and new town houses and flats and (iii) housing association houses and flats.

  Mr. Trippier
  The total numbers of dwellings completed in England between 1977 and 1987 by local authorities, new towns, housing associations and the private sector are published in table 6.1 (a) of "Housing and Construction Statistics: 1977–1987". Figures for 1969 to 1976 are published in table 56 of "Housing and Construction Statistics: 1969–1979". Figures for 1968 are published in "Housing and Construction Statistics No. 4".

  Copies of these publications are available in the Library.

  Local authority

  Number of vacant local authority dwellings at 1 April 1987

  1986–87 Total housing expenditure £ million

  Number of vacant local authority dwellings at 1 April 1988

  1987–88 Total housing expenditure £ million

  Birmingham

  2,718

  143

  2,339

  152

  Bradford

  1,490

  28

  1,262

  33

  Hackney

  3,113

  99

  2,692

  105

  Islington

  1,850

  89

  1,403

  95

  Kingston upon Hull

  1,389

  35

  1—

  1—

  Kirklees

  1—

  1—

  1,402

  33

  Lambeth

  1—

  1—

  1,156

  115

  Leeds

  1,644

  64

  1,486

  67

  Leicester

  1—

  1—

  1,220

  44

  Lewisham

  1,331

  68

  1—

  1—

  Liverpool

  6,955

  96

  5,416

  92

  Manchester

  4,847

  71

  5,166

  104

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  1,565

  41

  1,651

  49

  Newham

  2,777

  57

  1,961

  54

  North Tyneside

  1,537

  25

  1—

  1—

  Nottingham

  1,625

  49

  1—

  1—

  Oldham

  1—

  1—

  1,129

  29

  Salford

  2,221

  35

  1,993

  37

  206
  1 10 and over.

  2 Under 10 houses.

  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state, for each year since 1980, the number of schemes for housing development for which local authorities have refused planning permission and the number of homes that would have been built if planning permission had been granted.

  Mr. Chope
  The table gives information about decisions on planning applications for residential development. This does not indicate the number of dwellings permitted or refused because information about this is not collected centrally.

  Empty Housing
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list, for the most recent 20-year period for which figures are available (i) the 20 local authorities which have had the most empty council properties at the end of each year, (ii) the corresponding figures for each authority's spending on housing in(a) cash and (b) real terms and (iii) each authority's total spending in (a) cash and (b) real terms on (a) statutory functions and (b) non-statutory functions.

  Mr. Trippier
  I regret that information for the last 20 years, which is not in every case available in the form requested, could be provided only at disproportionate expense. Available figures for the last two years are given in the table.
  207

  Local authority

  Number of vacant local authority dwellings at 1 April 1987

  1986–87 Total housing expenditure £ million

  Number of vacant local authority dwellings at 1 April 1988

  1987–88 Total housing expenditure £ million

  Sandwell

  2,799

  42

  3,062

  49

  Sheffield

  3,390

  67

  2,856

  89

  Southwark

  1,952

  99

  1,910

  87

  Sunderland

  2,141

  34

  2,106

  41

  Tower Hamlets

  2,825

  84

  2,526

  95

  Wolverhampton

  1,927

  39

  1,737

  38

  1 Not among the 20 authorities with most vacants this year.

  Note: It is not possible to provide a breakdwon into statutory and non-statutory expenditure.

  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide an estimate of the number of council and new town properties which were empty at the end of each year for the most recent 20-year period for which figures are available.

  Mr. Trippier
  The available information, derived from local authorities' annual housing investment programme returns, is as follows:

  Vacant council dwellings at 1 April

  thousands

  1978

  92

  1979

  100

  1980

  100

  1981

  97

  1982

  100

  1983

  114

  1984

  113

  1985

  117

  1986

  113

  1987

  112

  1988

  103

  Note: From 1983 the figures include vacant dwellings which have been closed or acquired for demolition under the Housing Acts and, from 1987, dwellings owned by authorities outside their areas (eg overspill estates).

  Corresponding information for earlier years is not available and similar information about new town dwellings is not held centrally.

  Accommodation Rental
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish an estimate of the number of private sector flats and houses which have been withdrawn from use as rented accommodation each year for the most recent 20-year period for which figures are available.

  Mr. Trippier
  This information is not available.

  Habitat Loss Surveys
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish any information which has been made available to his Department by the Nature Conservancy Council concerning habitat loss surveys which have been commissioned by the Nature Conservancy Council from Edinburgh university since 1970.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  A confidential study commissioned by the Nature Conservancy Council in 1980 from Edinburgh university was used to produce a methodology for the national countryside monitoring scheme. The first report in this series, "Changes in the 208
  Cumbrian Countryside" was published by NCC in 1987. I will arrange for copies of this report to be placed in the Library as soon as it has been reprinted.

  Right-to-buy Legislation
  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the response time of the Leeds metropolitan district council to applications by council tenants under the right-to-buy legislation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  I have become increasingly concerned in recent months that Leeds city council, in common with many other local authorities throughout the country, have been unable to deal with the very large volume of right-to-buy applications within the statutory timescales laid down by the Housing Act 1985. Because of my concern over such delays, several measures were introduced in the Housing Act 1988 to help prospective purchasers. Future applicants may be compensated for undue delays by having their rent held by their landlord as an advance payment on the purchase price. Assistance has also been given to authorities by enabling them to use the proceeds of sales to defray their administrative costs.

  I am encouraged to learn that Leeds city council has recently increased the number of staff working on right-to-buy sales and have improved the system for dealing with applications. Efforts are being made to clear the large backlog of cases. Once this has been achieved the council is confident that normal response times will be met.

  Council Tenants (Torbay)
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has had any discussions with Torbay council about deceased persons who were council tenants and who were counted as voting in favour of the transfer of council housing.

  Mr. Trippier
  We received one letter from a tenant and Torbay borough council, about a deceased person receiving a ballot form. When the council was asked about this it reported that a joint tenant of a house had died without the surviving joint tenant notifying the council of the death. When the occurrence was brought to its attention the council duly amended the list of tenants and reduced by one the number of tenants entitled to be consulted.

  Rent Arrears (Brent)
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest figure for rent arrears
  209
  in the London borough of Brent; and what is the percentage of total rents payable that this figure represents.

  Mr. Trippier
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Marshall) on 10 November 1988, indicating for Brent as at 31 March 1988 combined arrears of rent, rates, water rates and heating service charges of approximately £16·7 million. The council has not given a separate figure for rent only, but my estimate is £ 8· 1 million representing about 47 per cent. of the 1987–88 rent roll.

  Planning Applications
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to compelling planning authorities to advise parish councils and adjacent owners of planning applications in their area.

  Mr. Chope
  Parish councils have a statutory right to be consulted on planning applications if they so wish. Local planning authorities are not required to notify the owners of adjacent property about planning applications, because those authorities are best placed to decide on appropriate publicity for particular development proposals.

  Toxic Wastes
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the current levels of imports of toxic wastes.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  It is estimated that in 1987–88 a total of 83,000 tonnes of special waste was imported into the United Kingdom. This is estimated to represent 5 per cent. of the special waste produced in the United Kingdom.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council house sales were completed in the Bolton local authority area during 1988 and each of the previous years; what revenue this accrued for the local authority; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  The latest table showing sales for each local authority for each year from April 1979 to June 1988 was placed in the Library in November 1988; since then we have received Bolton's September return which shows sales of 165 dwellings in the first six months of 1988–89. The following information is available for the capital value of dwellings sold in each year in Bolton.

  £ thousands

  1979–80

  1,733

  1980–81

  4,131

  1981–82

  2,728

  11982–83

  1,724

  1983–84

  1,961

  1984–85

  2,374

  11985–86

  2,177

  1986–87

  2,244

  1987–88

  2,596

  21988–89

  1,328

  1 First three quarters only.

  2 First half only.

  Rent Arrears
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table showing the levels of rent arrears for each month in 1987 and 1988.

  Mr. Trippier
  English local authorities report cumulative rent arrears annually; monthly figures are not available. Estimated total arrears were £226 million at 1 April 1988, compared with £195 million a year earlier, an increase of 16 per cent. Two thirds of this increase is accounted for by the 10 authorities—all Labour controlled —with the highest cumulative rent arrears as a percentage of rent roll.

  Irish Sea (Discharges)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the name and location of the sites discharging (i) cadmium, (ii) mercury and (iii) halogenated hydrocarbons into the Irish sea and the volume of those discharges in each year from 1978 to the present.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Further to my answer of 10 January, the provisions of the European Community's framework directive on the discharge of dangerous substances to the aquatic environment (76/464/EEC) prohibit the disclosure of information relating to particular undertakings acquired by my Department specifically for the purposes of transmission to the European Commission under that directive. However, much of the information requested is likely to be available on the public register maintained by the North West water authority, in whose area all of the discharges referred to occur.

  Planning Law
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects to publish proposals for the revision of planning law.

  Mr. Chope
  My right hon. Friend hopes to publish a White Paper shortly containing proposals for the future of the development plan system.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Caerphilly of 12 January, Official Report,column 745, under what circumstances the welfare of animals is a material consideration for planning decisions under article 18 of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988.

  Mr. Chope
  The welfare of animals is material to planning decisions to the extent that it is a land-use planning consideration. Article 18 of the General Development Order does not seem relevant: it lists types of planning application on which local planning authorities must consult certain bodies before granting planning permission.

  Lowermoor Water Treatment Works
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action has been taken by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution with regard to the poisoning of fish subsequent to the incident at Lowermoor water treatment works on 6 July 1988.
  211
  Mr. Ridley
  I have received reports from the South West water authority on the pollution of the rivers Camel and Allen. These have been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service and action now lies with them.

  Estate Action Schemes
  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much each local authority was allowed to borrow to carry out improvements under the estate action schemes; and what percentage of that money was allowed for providing additional heating facilities in their houses; for each of the last three years.

  Mr. Trippier
  [holding answer 13 January 1989]: The estate action provision since 1986–87 has been:

  £ million

  1986–87

  45

  1987–88

  75

  1988–89

  140

  Figures for individual local authorities on the proportion of the allocations spent on heating facilities are not readily available. The proportion of the total Estate Action allocations devoted to heating and insulation improvements and associated works is estimated at 25 per cent. in 1986–87 and 24 per cent. in 1987–88. We expect a similar proportion in the current year.

  Trent Valley Garden Centre (Planning Application)
  Dr. Hampson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now in a position to decide whether or not he will call in for determination by himself a planning application in the name of Stephen Smith of Trent Valley garden centre, Doncaster road, Gunness, Scunthorpe.

  Mr. Chope
  [holding answer 22 December 1988]: I have now directed that this application be referred to me for decision. Arangements are now being made to hold a local inquiry as soon as possible. I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as the date of the local inquiry has been fixed.

ENERGY

  Offshore Construction Industry
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the ability of the United Kingdom offshore construction industry to compete with rival industries in south east Asia.

  Mr. Parkinson
  United Kingdom companies are constantly demonstrating their ability to compete effectively both at home and in export markets.

  Electricity
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many units of electricity per person per annum are consumed in the United Kingdom, and in other northern European industrialised nations.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The average consumption of domestic electricity per person per annum in a range of northern European countries in 1986 was as follows:
  212

  Domestic consumption (GWh)

  Population (millions)

  Average consumption (KWh)

  Denmark

  8,739

  5

  1,748

  France

  89,814

  55

  1,633

  West Germany

  97,570

  61

  1,600

  England and Wales

  79,154

  50

  1,583

  Belgium

  13,835

  10

  1,384

  Holland

  16,200

  15

  1,080

  (Source of figures for domestic consumption: Handbook of Electricity Supply Statistics, Electricity Council).

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Subsidies
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has investigated the possibility of fraudulent claims for European Economic Community subsidies in connection with the recent consignment of rotten meat imported from Ireland.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  This is a matter for the Irish authorities and we have encouraged them to investigate this.

  Butter
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact on United Kingdom consumers of further European Economic Community restrictions on New Zealand butter imports.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The European Commission has made proposals on the future of imports of New Zealand butter, which were debated on 30 November. The Government believe that these proposals represent a reasonable balance between the interests involved, including those of consumers.

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 10 January,Official Report,column 520, what information is available on the distribution of European Economic Community butter under European Community Regulation 2191/81; which body is responsible for administering the distribution; how institutions apply to receive it; and what records are kept of these applications.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The scheme is administered in the United Kingdom by the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce. The board maintains registration details of 4,000 eligible institutions, of which 2,400 are currently active. Records are kept of total sales of butter under the scheme. Once registered, organisations apply to the board for monthly certificates which permit the purchase of authorised quantities of butter from suppliers. In 1988 about 20,000 certificates were issued, details of which are held by the board.

  Abattoirs
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a list of abattoirs in Britain, indicating which were inspected by his Department or its agents; how many times, and on what dates.
  213
  Mr. Donald Thompson
  In 1987, the most recent year for which figures are available, each exporting abattoir received an average of nine visits from officials of my Department and each non-exporting abattoir an average of two visits. Further details could be provided only at disproportionate cost to public funds.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a list of abattoirs in Britain, indicating which are acceptable sources for meat and meat produce exports to other countries of the European Economic Community and which are not.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I am placing in the Library of the House a list of all slaughterhouses in England and Wales which identifies those approved for the production of meat for export to other member states of the European Community.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how any enforcement actions were taken in each year since 1980 to ensure that his standards for the conduct of abattoirs are met; how many of these enforcement actions involved prosecution; and what proportion of the total number of abattoirs were subject to such enforcement actions in each year since 1980.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Enforcement of slaughterhouse hygiene legislation is the responsibility of local authorities. No records of enforcement actions are collected.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the standards and guidance given for the running of abattoirs.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The hygiene and inspection standards applicable to abattoirs in England and Wales are set out in the Food Act 1984 and the following secondary legislation:

  The Slaughterhouse Hygiene Regulations 1977 as amended SI 1977 No. 1805, SI 1987 No. 2235

  The Meat Inspection Regulations 1987 SI 1987 No, 2236

  The Fresh Meat Export (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1987 SI 1987 No. 2237

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of his Department's staff,
  full-time equivalent, were involved in the supervision of abattoirs in each year since 1980.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Officers of my Department visit all abattoirs to advise on hygiene and welfare standards and, in relation to exporting premises, to ensure that Community requirements are observed. The manpower involved, for the years for which figures are available, was:

  Years

  1983–84

  53 man

  1984–85

  52 man

  1985–86

  56 man

  1986–87

  45 man

  1987–88

  45 man

  Foxes
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research has been undertaken or commissioned by his Department relating to predation by foxes upon lambs and other farm animals; whether any such research has been published; and if he will make a statement.
  214
  Mr. Donald Thompson
  My Department has not undertaken or commissioned any research relating to specifically to predation by foxes upon lambs or other farm animals as this has not been considered to be of sufficient priority compared with the other demands on our research programme.

  Fish Farms
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidelines his Department has issued or proposes to issue concerning the siting of marine fish farms in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  My Department has issued no such guidelines. However, marine fish farms require consent from the Crown Estate Commissioners. The commissioners have introduced consultation procedures for all applications which involve a range of national and local interests including conservation bodies. Discharge, navigation and planning consents may also be required from the appropriate authorities.

  Salmonella
  Mr. Lord
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the action he is taking on salmonella in eggs.

  Mr. MacGregor
  Since the summer of 1988 we have been preparing and adopting a series of measures designed to tackle the salmonella problem at each point along the chain from poultry feedingstuffs, through the breeding flocks and hatcheries to the laying houses, and then on into the home. I am now proposing a number of further measures to reinforce the action already taken.

  To minimise the risk of salmonella in poultry feedingstuffs, my Department has doubled the rate of inspections in protein processing plants so that samples are now taken annually from 20 days production from each plant instead of 10 days production as previously. I propose shortly to bring in new statutory provisions requiring protein processors to take samples from each day's production, to have them tested at MAFF-lisled laboratories, and to notify MAFF immediately of positive results. I also propose to take powers to stop the supply of products from processing plants where salmonella is found, until action has been taken to ensure that uncontaminated products are being produced.

  New arrangements for imported animal protein are currently being introduced. These will involve a graded series of controls reflecting our previous experience of contamination levels in material from particular sources.

  To minimise the risk of infection through breeding stock, two codes of practice have been introduced for poultry breeders and hatcheries. I propose to introduce secondary legislation requiring the registration of breeding flocks and hatcheries, requiring breeders to arrange regular bacteriological monitoring of their birds and of he hatcheries, and requiring breeders to supply MAFF with veterinary certificates setting out the results of that monitoring. This legislation will also enable Ministry officers to restrict sales of poultry and hatching eggs when invasive salmonellae are found.

  For commercial laying flocks, similarly, a code of practice has been introduced. I propose now to introduce a requirement on operators to carry out regular

  215
  bacteriological monitoring, together with strengthened statutory requirements about the control of rodents, with provision for compulsory cleansing and disinfection and requirements for the hygienic handling of eggs.

  In order to underline the importance of hygienic handling of food in the home, a major education campaign will be launched early this year. This campaign is designed to reduce the incidence of food poisoning generally. Salmonella is an international problem, so I have also been consulting colleagues in Europe and the United States.

  I believe that this range of measures amounts to one of the most comprehensive programmes for dealing with salmonella in any country in the world.

  Tuberculosis
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much he has spent, or will spend, on research and development to improve the diagnosis and control of tuberculosis in cattle and wildlife, including badgers and deer for the years 1984–85 to 1988–89; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 16 January 1989]: During the current financial year, and for the past four financial years, the amounts spent on research and development to improve the diagnosis and control of tuberculosis in cattle, badgers and deer have been:

  Year

  £'000

  1984–85

  466

  1985–86

  627

  1986–87

  552

  1987–88

  602

  1988–89

  1593

  1Estimated.

SCOTLAND

  Public Relations Firms
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the private sector public relations firms which are currently employed by his Department or have been in the last three years, the projects for which they were engaged and the sum paid to each firm on each of these projects.

  Mr. Rifkind
  PR Consultants (Scotland) Ltd. of Edinburgh were appointed for the period of 1 June, 1987 to 12 September, 1988 for the purpose of marketing and organisation of the Scottish road safety campaign road show. The total amount paid to the company in respect of that period was £20,000.

  In addition, I expect shortly to be in a position to announce the appointment of public relations and marketing consultants to advise on the privatisation of the electricity supply industry in Scotland.

  Health Board Membership
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each health board the individuals, excluding chairmen, who either are or have been elected local authority members, including their political affiliations.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information in departmental records is as follows:216

  Health Board and Local Authority Members

  Political affiliation

  ARGYLL AND CLYDE HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Members

  Mr. G. McMillan, Strathclyde Region, previously Argyll and Bute District

  Labour

  Mr. R. R. Reid, Argyll and Bute District

  Independent

  Past Local Authority Members

  Mrs. E. W. Riddell, Strathclyde Region until 1986

  Liberal/SDP

  Mr. L. Capaldi, Dumbarton District until 1980

  Labour

  AYRSHIRE AND ARRAN HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Members

  Mr. R. Campbell, JP, Strathclyde Region

  Labour/Co-operative

  Mr. T. Dickie, JP, Cunninghame District

  Labour

  Past Local Authority Member

  Mrs. A. Dunbar, Cunninghame District until 1980

  Labour

  BORDERS HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Member

  Mr. A. S. Watt, Borders Region

  Independent

  Past Local Authority Member

  Mr. R. W. Jack, Roxburgh District until 1984

  Liberal/Alliance

  DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Member

  Mr. W. Service, Dumfries and Galloway Region

  Independent

  Past Local Authority Members

  Mrs. M. D. Dick-Smith, Dumfries and Galloway Region until 1986

  Independent

  Mrs. A. R. Murdoch, Stewartry District until 1988

  Independent

  Mr. G. Willacy, Annandale and Eskdale District until 1988

  Independent

  FIFE HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Member

  Mr. J. McMurdo, Fife Region

  Labour

  Past Local Authority Members

  Mr. J. S. Edmiston, Kirkcaldy District until 1980

  Conservative

  Mr. I. A. McCrone, Fife Region until 1982

  Conservative

  FORTH VALLEY HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Members

  Mr. K. Harding, Stirling District

  Conservative

  Mrs. E. D. Kennedy, Central Region

  Labour

  Past Local Authority Members

  Mr. A. B. Cruickshank, Clackmannan District until 1977

  Unknown

  Mrs. J. I. D. Isbister, Stirling District until 1984

  Conservative

  GRAMPIAN HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Member

  Mrs. R. Kemp, Grampian Region

  Liberal/Alliance

  Past Local Authority Members

  Mr. N. Donald, Gordon District until 1988

  Independent

  Mr. J. Sorrie, Grampian Region until 1986

  Conservative

  GREATER GLASGOW HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Members

  Mrs. J. E. Cameron, JP, Bearsden and Milngavie District

  Conservative

  Mrs. A. Jarvis, Strathkelvin District

  Conservative

  Mrs. M. McGarry, Clydebank District

  Labour

  Past Local Authority Member

  Mr. B. A. Maan, Glasgow District until 1984

  Labour

  217

  Health Board and Local Authority Members

  Political affiliation

  HIGHLAND HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Member

  Mrs. V. MacIver, Ross and Cromarty District

  Independent

  Past Local Authority Members

  Rt. Hon. Lord G. J. Macdonald of Sleat, Skye and Lochalsh District until 1984

  Independent

  Mr. A. I. MacDonald, Caithness District until 1988

  Independent

  LANARKSHIRE HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Member

  Mr. J. P. Robinson, Strathclyde Region

  Labour

  Past Local Authority Member

  Mr. W. J. O'Brien, JP, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth District until 1984

  Labour

  LOTHIAN HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Member

  Mr. W. B. Herald, Lothian Region

  Labour

  Past Local Authority Members

  Mrs. G. Barton, Edinburgh District until 1984

  Labour

  Dr. M McGregor, Grampian Region until 1986

  Conservative

  Mrs. W. E. Donaldson, Lothian Region until 1986

  Conservative

  ORKNEY HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Members

  Mrs. M. J. B. Crichton, Orkney

  Independent

  Mrs. J. Marwick, Orkney

  Independent

  Health board

  Present chairman

  Occupation

  Argyll and Clyde

  Mr. J. D. Ryan CBE

  Dental Surgeon

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Mr. W. S. Fyfe OBE

  Company Chairman and Business Consultant

  Borders

  Mr. J. Gibb CBE

  Retired Solicitor

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Mr. J. A. McIntyre JP

  Farmer

  Fife

  Mrs. A. H. Ferguson

  Engineer and Company Director

  Forth Valley

  Mr. L. J. M. Hynd OBE

  Retired Director and Company Secretary

  Grampian

  Mr. C. W. Ellis OBE

  Retired Senior Lecturer/Head of School of Social Studies, Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology

  Greater Glasgow

  Dr. T. J. Thomson CBE

  Retired Consultant Physician

  Highland

  Mr. J. McWilliam OBE

  Retired Rector, Lochaber High School

  Lanarkshire

  Mrs. B. M. Gunn OBE JP

  Housewife

  Lothian

  Mr. R. B. Weatherstone TD

  Formerly Company Director now Non-Executive Director

  Orkney

  Mr. J. D. M. Robertson OBE

  Company Director

  Shetland

  Mrs. F. B. Grains JP

  Housewife/Part-time National Farmers' Union Branch Secretary

  Tayside

  Mr. D. B. Grant TD

  Retired Chartered Accountant

  Western Isles

  Mrs. M. A. MacMillan

  Housewife

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give any local government elected positions held by the person who will be health board chairmen as from 1 April, including their political affiliations.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Mrs. F. B. Grains, chairman of Shetland health board, is a member (Independent) of Shetland islands council. No other chairman holds elected office in a local authority.

  Health Care International Hospital, Clydebank
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects Health Care International to secure funding for its hospital at Clydebank; and if he will make a statement.
  218

  Health Board and Local Authority Members

  Political affiliation

  SHETLAND HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Member

  Mr. W. A. Smith, BEM, Shetland

  Labour

  Past Local Authority Member

  Mr. R. R. Bentley, until 1986

  Independent

  TAYSIDE HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Members

  Mr. E. W. Cameron, OBE, Perth and Kinross District

  Conservative

  Mr. A. H. Lynch, Dundee District

  Labour

  Past Local Authority Members

  Mr. J. Campbell-Smith, Perth and Kinross until 1980

  Independent

  Mrs. S. D. R. Kydd, Tayside Region until 1986

  Conservative

  Mr. I. W. Stevenson, Tayside Region until 1986

  Conservative

  WESTERN ISLES HEALTH BOARD

  Current Local Authority Members

  Mr. A. A. Macdonald

  Independent

  Captain J. MacIntyre

  Independent

  Mr. A. Matheson

  Independent

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the current employment or, if retired, previous employment of all health board chairmen.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is as follows:

  Mr. Lang
  Health Care International has secured financial backing to take the project to its present stage. I understand that the company's financial advisers are currently structuring finance for the next stage of the development.

  Retirement Homes
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list, by local authority area, the number of approved places in(a)private,(b)voluntary And(c)local authority nursing homes for the elderly, for each year since 1980.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Nursing homes are registered by health boards. Information is therefore only readily
  219
  available by health board area. The information available centrally is given in the table. Information for years before 1986 was not collected centrally.

  Number of beds in private nursing homes and hospitals1 admitting elderly patients, by Health Board at 31 March.

  Health Board

  1986

  1987

  1988

  Argyll and Clyde

  508

  633

  2749

  Ayrshire and Arran

  450

  670

  939

  Borders

  81

  82

  254

  Dumfries and Galloway

  63

  66

  127

  Fife

  38

  45

  137

  Forth Valley

  165

  207

  351

  Grampian

  183

  360

  544

  Greater Glasgow

  478

  452

  537

  Highland

  216

  259

  365

  Lanarkshire

  231

  541

  832

  Lothian

  758

  920

  1,008

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  Shetland

  —

  —

  —

  Tayside

  132

  166

  307

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  Scotland

  3,303

  4,401

  6,230

  1 Private nursing homes and hospitals subject to the Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Act 1938 or the I Mental Health Acts 1960/1984.

  2 Data for the Princess Louise Scottish Hospital and Sir Gabriel Wood's Mariners' Home relate to 1987.

  Rent Arrears
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the levels of rent arrears for each month in 1987 and for each month in 1988.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 16 January 1989]Information on local authority, new town development corporation and SSHA rents and rent arrears is collected centrally on an annual basis at 30 September each year. Total rent arrears at 30 September 1987 amounted to £26,658,649. Information on the position at 30 September 1988 is incomplete, but returns submitted to date indicate that total rent arrears will be higher than in 1987. No information is available on rent arrears in the private sector.

  Education Reform
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when was the last time a Scottish Education Minister met the chairman of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities education committee.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 17 January 1989]: I met the chairman and the vice-chairman of the convention's education committee in February 1988.

  SSHA
  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will name the private landlords expressing an interest in ownership of houses currently controlled by the Scottish Special Housing Association; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 13 January 1989]: 1 refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Sillars) on 10 January at columns 558–60.

  Rural Areas
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the outcome of the discussions between his officials and the Highlands and Islands Development Board and the Scottish Development Agency initiated in 1984, with a view to working out practical measures of encouragement and support for rural retailers, following the report and recommendations submitted by the Scottish Consumer Council in July 1983 on consumer problems in rural areas; and what further steps he now proposes to take to ensure that some such scheme is introduced.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 13 January 1989]: Following consideration of the Scottish Consumer Council report by the Scottish Office, Scottish Development Agency and Highlands and Islands Development Board, the Scottish Development Agency introduced a scheme to assist single shops serving rural areas. This scheme offers specialist counselling services in conjunction with small local authority grants and operates in Tayside region, Dumfries and Galloway region and East Lothian district. Its extension to other areas is currently being considered. In addition to this scheme and its normal advisory services to small businesses, the agency is assisting two village projects (at Creetown and Newcastleton) aimed at attracting additional visitors. These projects, undertaken in partnership with local trade groups, involve shop front renovations and promotional activity.

  The Highlands and Islands Development Board is also willing to give assistance in the form of grants and loans and advisory and training support to shops in remote rural areas, where these meet an important community need, and provides advisory services for retail businesses in its area.

  The SDA, HIDB and SCC have recently commissioned consultants to investigate the changes in the provision of services in the parishes previously studied. It will be for the agency and the board to determine any action to be taken following completion of this study.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Strangford (New Industries)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new industries were announced by the industrial development boards in the constituency of Strangford during 1988; how many new jobs they are expected to provide; and what is the present availability of advance factory space in the constituency.

  Mr. Viggers
  While no new companies were established with the assistance of the IDB during 1988 in the constituency of Strangford, the board supported expansion plans by eight existing companies which are intended to provide 294 new jobs. The local enterprise development unit does not maintain job statistics on the basis of parliamentary constituencies; however, in 1988 it assisted 20 entrepreneurs to establish new businesses in the Castlereagh and Ards borough council areas. These together with expansion projects supported by LEDU have promoted 96 new jobs in these areas in 1988. There are no vacant advance factories at present in the constituency, but a small refurbished factory is available in Newtownards.

  Orlit Houses
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his reply on 22 December,Official Report,column 459, in which newspapers and on which dates advertisements, inviting contractors to tender for the replacement of Orlit houses at Darragh road, Comber, were published.

  Mr. Needham
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The chief executive has advised me that advertisements were placed in the Belfast Telegraph, News Letter and Irish News on 26 July 1988.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his reply on 22 December,Official Report,column 459, in which newspapers and on which dates advertisements inviting contractors to tender for the replacement of Orlit houses at Barnagh park, Donaghadee, were published.

  Mr. Needham
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The chief executive has advised me that advertisements were placed in the Belfast Telegraph, News Letter and Irish News on 13 October 1987.

  ACE
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has budgeted for the replacement of the ACE workers who will resign from the employment of Donaghadee Community Association before 1 April; what is the budget for ACE employment in Donaghadee for the next 12 months; whether he proposes to reduce ACE funding in any district during the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the future of the ACE scheme.

  Mr. Viggers
  The budget for the Donaghadee community work force ACE project for the current agreement year is £365,388. A new budget will be agreed prior to renewal of the agreement from 1 April 1989.

  I have no plans to reduce ACE funding in any district during the next 12 months. Indeed, I have recently announced additional funding of £10·274 million to allow the ACE programme to be increased to 10,000 places during the 1989–90 financial year.

  Fair Employment Act
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what statistics the Fair Employment Agency has gathered or been provided with on employment in the Post Office in Northern Ireland; and if he will place any information he has in the Library.

  Mr. Viggers
  The Fair Employment Agency is currently investigating the religious composition of the work force and the employment practices of the Post Office in Northern Ireland under section 12 of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976. Any relevant employment statistics obtained for this purpose will eventually form part of a report of the investigation, when completed, but it is not the agency's practice to disclose such information beforehand in public.

  When the report is published a copy will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff are presently provided 222
  by the Department of Economic Development to service (a)the industrial tribunals board and(b)the fair employment appeals board.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 12 January 1989]: There is no industrial tribunals board. However, the Department provides 15 staff to service industrial tribunals. These staff also service the fair employment appeals board.

  Mr. Kevin McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the annual cost over the last 10 years of(a)the Industrial Appeals Tribunal and (b)the Fair Employment Appeal Boards in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 12 January 1989]: There is no industrial appeals tribunal. However, the annual cost over the last 10 years of(a)industrial tribunals is as follows:

  Year

  Fees and expenses of president, chairman and panel members

  Departmental staff costs

  Totals

  1979–80

  64,000

  n.a.

  1980–81

  110,000

  n.a.

  1981–82

  165,000

  n.a.

  1982–83

  189,000

  n.a.

  1983–84

  203,000

  n.a.

  1984–85

  202,000

  n.a.

  1985–86

  243,000

  n.a.

  1986–87

  276,000

  129,000

  405,000

  1987–88

  273,000

  143,000

  416,000

  1988–89

  1282,000

  1170,000

  452,000

  1 Estimate.

  The figures for departmental staff costs for the years 1979–80 to 1985–86 are not readily available.

  The total cost of(b)the fair employment appeals tribunal since its establishment is £500.

  Farmers
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table in the Official Report to show his estimate of the(a)net income and(b) gross income of farmers in Northern Ireland in cash and in real terms for each year or, if more convenient, financial year since 1977.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 17 January 1989]: Information is not available in the form requested but details of a pre-tax net farm income series and of gross output are given in current prices and in real terms:

  Net farm income1

  Gross output2

  Calendar year

  At current prices £ million

  Index in real terms (Base 1985=100)

  At current prices £ million

  Index in real terms (Base 1985 = 100)

  1977

  64·4

  177

  443·0

  121

  1978

  61·1

  155

  496·1

  125

  1979

  33·5

  75

  526·4

  117

  1980

  14·3

  28

  544·6

  103

  1981

  58·0

  98

  601·2

  101

  1982

  87·8

  137

  662·7

  103

  1983

  91·2

  136

  730·9

  108

  1984

  132·7

  189

  774·5

  109

  1985

  74·5

  100

  750·4

  100

  1986

  60·9

  79

  751·8

  97

  1987

  113·8

  142

  779·3

  96

  223
  1 Net farm income measures the returns to farmers and their spouses for their own labour and management effort and on their own capital investments. It is the residual after deducting from gross output variable input costs, depreciation, interest on borrowed capital and labour costs.

  2Gross output is the value of sales of farm produce outside the agricultural sector i.e. it excludes inter-farm sales. Production grants and subsidies paid on sale are included. Also, an adjustment is made for changes in stocks of livestock and crops on farms between the beginning and the end of the year.

  A forecast net farm income figure for 1988 will be published by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland at the beginning of February 1989.

  Apprenticeships
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many individuals are currently employed under a contract of service or of apprenticeship in Northern Ireland; and of these how many are employed under a contract which normally involves employment for less than 16 hours weekly.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 12 January 1989]: The total number of employees in employment in Northern Ireland at September 1988 was 497,550. Information on the number of hous worked by these employees is not available.

HEALTH

  Radiotherapy
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has made a decision about South East Thames regional health authority's proposals for radiotherapy in mid-Kent; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I have today announced my decision to approve South East Thames regional health authority's proposal to build a new radiotherapy unit at Maidstone district hospital, costing nearly £11 million. The development of the new unit will involve the closure of two smaller units at St. William's hospital, Rochester and Pembury hospital, near Tunbridge Wells.

  I considered the proposal and two counter proposals very carefully and Ministers received three deputations as well as representations from Members of Parliament, community leaders and members of the public. I paid particular attention to concerns about standards of service, about accessibility, about the continuity of existing services and the strong local support for existing units. However, I was also guided by the recommendations of a review by my expert advisers on cancer, announced last year, on 24 February 1988 at column 251, on the organisation of radiotherapy services and the importance of having units of a sufficient size, whenever possible. In this case, I have concluded that the catchment area would best be served by a central unit at Maidstone. A central unit will bring together expertise and high technology equipment which should ensure the pest possible standard of care and this was strongly supported by the professional advice I received. Its location at Maidstone will minimise travelling time for the greatest number of people and will take full advantage of the possibilities of integrating the service with the full range of facilities available at the new DGH in Maidstone.

  Community Care
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he has taken to ensure that adequate funds are being made available to ensure that a sufficiently high level of community care exists to cater for those patients being discharged from mental hospitals;

  (2) whether he has any proposals to monitor the level of funding being made available for community care catering for those patients being discharged from mental hospitals.

  Mr. Mellor
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Goodlad) on 28 November 1988 at columns 143–44. We have no plans to monitor the level of funding being made available for community care.

  Sexually Related Diseases
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by sex and by age the number of children 16 years and under who have been examined and diagnosed for a sexually related disease in the county of South Yorkshire during the last year, showing the type of disease; what are the comparable national figures; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  We do not hold information in the form requested. The latest available data are for Yorkshire regional health authority in 1986 for syphilis and gonorrhoea only, as in the table, with England figures for comparison.

  New cases seen at genito-urinary medicine clinics—1986

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Yorkshire Regional Health Authority

  Primary and secondary syphilis under 16

  1

  0

  1

  Post pubertal gonorrhoea under 16

  8

  34

  42

  England

  Primary and secondary syphilis under 16

  2

  1

  3

  Post pubertal gonorrhoea under 16

  83

  227

  310

  source:Department of Health from SBH60

  Salmonella
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if, pursuant to his reply of 10 January to the hon. Member for East Lothian, he will list the locations of the outbreaks of salmonella food poisoning connected with eggs referred to in that answer.

  Mr. Freeman
  The following table gives a breakdown by NHS region of the reported outbreaks of salmonellosis associated with eggs to the end of October 1988. The outbreaks involved those cases listed in my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State's reply to him on 10 January at columns 612–13.

  Regional health authority (RHA)

  Number of outbreaks reported

  Northern

  4

  Yorkshire

  5

  Trent

  4

  Thames Regions

  14

  225

  Regional health authority (RHA)

  Number of outbreaks reported

  Wessex

  4

  South Western

  4

  West Midlands

  2

  North Western

  4

  Wales

  5

  Management Bulletin
  Mr. Ted Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the cost of publishing the NHS Management Bulletin;and how many have been printed.

  Mr. Mellor
  The cost of each issue is currently £3,094 for printing and £1,247 for distribution, including postage. Since the bulletin was launched in July 1986, 17 issues have been published. Approximately 12,000 copies of each issue are printed.

  Cervical Cancer (Liverpool)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes in cervical cancer screening procedures have taken place since the cervical cancer smear mistake at the Women's hospital, Liverpool, in 1987.

  Mr. Freeman
  Various changes took effect following an inquiry held by Liverpool health authority and the procedures are now in line with the national guidance in health circular (88)1, which was issued in January 1988. A copy of this circular has been placed in the Library.

  Hearing Therapists
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of hearing therapists employed by each health authority in each year since 1980 and the proportion per 100,000 population; what is his estimate of the optimum number of hearing therapists per 100,000 population; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  We do not hold centrally information in regard to hearing therapists employed by particular health authorities in specific years but I understand that 55 are now in post. The total number required will depend on needs perceived by health authorities and the way in which they organise their audiology services.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have completed training as hearing therapists in each year since 1980; what steps he has taken to ensure that the provision of trained hearing therapists is adequate to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  The following numbers of people have successfully completed training as hearing therapists since
  1980:

  Number

  1980

  10

  1981

  11

  1982

  9

  1983

  10

  1984

  9

  1985

  10

  1986

  11

  226

  Number

  1987

  11

  1988

  10

  Provision of hearing therapists was initially funded by the Department but it is now the responsibility of individual health authorities. The Department is keeping in touch with the National Health Service training authority in regard to future training provision.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of hearing aid centres employ, or use the services of, a hearing therapist; what research he has undertaken to monitor the decrease in wastage of hearing aids supplied by the National Health Service as a result of the employment of hearing therapists; arid if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  We do not hold centrally information on the numbers of hearing therapists made available by health authorities to particular hearing aid centres. No such research has been undertaken nationally.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to improve the pay and career structure of hearing therapists; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  There are at present no pay and grading arrangements specifically for hearing therapists. The pay of most of them is linked to that of senior physiological measurement technicians which is negotiated in the professional and technical B Whitley council. The general Whitley council is currently considering what formal arrangements might be made within the Whitley council system for determining the pay of this group.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to ensure the future training of hearing therapists following the abolition of the Inner London education authority; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  The hearing therapist training course at the City Literary Institute continues and the National Health Service training authority is considering future requirements.

  Brook Hospital (Neurosciences Unit)
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he now expects to make a decision on the proposed removal of the neurosciences unit from the Brook hospital, Woolwich.

  Mr. Freeman
  We hope to make a decision in the very near future.

  War Injuries (Far East)
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people receive continuing medication through the National Health Service as a result of injuries sustained whilst being Japanese prisoners of war during the second world war;

  (2) what is the annual cost to the National Health Service of the medication people receive as a result of their serving in the Far East as British or Commonwealth troops during the second world war;
  227
  (3) what is the annual cost to the National Health Service of the medication people receive as a result of injuries sustained whilst being Japanese prisoners of war during the second world war;

  (4) how many people receive continuing medication through the National Health Service as a result of their serving in the far east as British or Commonwealth troops during the second world war.

  Mr. Freeman
  I regret that this information is not held centrally.

  Cyclotron Trust
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department consulted the Co-ordinating Committee for Cancer Research before making a grant to the Cyclotron Trust; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  No, but I met representatives of the committee on 11 January.

  Lowermoor (Water Contamination)
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give further details of the terms of reference of the investigation into the incident at Lowermoor treatment works on 6 July 1988.

  Mr. Freeman
  As stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Neale) on 13 January at column 775 the terms of reference of the Lowermoor incident health advisory group are
  "to advise the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly District Health Authority on the implications for the health of the population in the Camelford area following contamination of their drinking water in July 1988".
  The Group will be asked to consider the interpretation to be place on reports of persistent symptoms and the likelihood of ill effects persisting or recurring in the long term. They will be asked also to consider whether any further monitoring or research ought to be proposed. They will not be asked to inquire into the incident at Lowermoor treatment works, which was the subject of an earlier independent inquiry set up by the board of the South West water authority and whose report was published.

  Tobacco
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's current policy towards European Community draft regulations on tar yields and tobacco labelling.

  Mr. Freeman
  We wish to maintain our well-established and effective voluntary arrangements in the areas covered by the European Commission proposals. We also believe that the labelling proposals are counter productive in being too prescriptive. Discussions on the proposals are continuing in the Council health working group.

  Household Formation
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will state for the most recent 20 year period for which figures are available the annual rate of household formation.

  Mr. Trippier
  I have been asked to reply.
  228
  We estimate that the number of households in England and Wales in 1968 was 16·2 million, and 19·5 million in 1988. This represents an approximate average net growth of about 0·9 per cent. per year.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Overseas Markets (Motor Vehicles)
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action his Department has taken to ensure access of British-made motor vehicles to overseas markets.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  My Department takes whatever action is necessary to ensure British-made motor vehicles have unhindered access to overseas markets.

  Inner Cities (Church Contact)
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what contact his Department has had with church organisations on inner city matters.

  Mr. Newton
  I met the Bishop of Willesden on 19 December to discuss joint action with the Church in the inner cities. I was able to inform him that I had just agreed to extend our financial support for "Linking-Up", a project to develop church-based action for cities in a number of task force areas. We are also working with Evangelical Enterprise, and have set up a churches liaison group. Mr. Terry Drummond, an officer of the Church Army, has been seconded to work in our Spitalfields task force.

  Building Industry (Local Labour)
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with representatives of the building industry regarding the employment and training of local labour in inner city areas.

  Mr. Newton
  I am frequently in contact with representatives from the building industry, and take every opportunity to emphasise that helping to train local people on local building projects is one important way of giving them a sense of commitment to improving their own environment as well as increasing the availability of important skills for the industry.

  Bottle Bank Scheme
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has any proposals to extend the bottle bank scheme to increase the proportion of United Kingdom recycled glass.

  Mr. Atkins
  On 2 July 1986 a conference was held on glass recycling at which a commitment was made by the glass industry, packaging industry, supermarkets, local authorities and central Government to work towards doubling the number of bottle banks over a five-year period. Progress is being made towards meeting this target.

  Machine Tool Industry
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last met representatives of the machine tool industry; and what was discussed.
  229
  Mr. Atkins
  I attended the annual dinner of the Machine Tool Trades Association on 16 November 1988. On that occasion the discussion was of a general nature.

  Whisky (South Korea)
  Mr. John Townend
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on current restrictions on the importation of Scotch whisky into the republic of South Korea; and what progress the Government is making in persuading the Government of that country to remove these restrictions.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  We continue to press the Korean authorities on all appropriate occasions, both bilaterally and through the European Community, to remove Korean restrictions on the import of Scotch whisky. The issue was high on the agenda at recent United Kingdom-Korea trade policy talks, when the Korean side proposed certain steps towards liberalisation. These are welcome, but not enough.

  British-made Products
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what powers he has to encourage the purchase of British-made products.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The greatest encouragement to buy British is the availability of competitive British goods and services. My Department's policies are geared to helping businesses achieve this.

  Manufacturing Investment (North-West)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will state the level of investment in manufacturing industry in the north-west in constant prices for the latest year for which figures are available, as a percentage of 1979.

  Mr. Atkins: 1 refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Corporate Affairs on 19 October 1988, at column 953 of the Official Report.

  Fibre Optic Network
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consultations he has had on research and development on educational applications of a broadband fibre optic network.

  Mr. Forth
  Various aspects of this issue have been considered and in some cases supported by my Department over the last few years. Most recently PA Consulting Group were asked to comment on the area of education and broadband technology when reporting on "The Evolution of the United Kingdom Communications Infrastructure". Its report is available in the Library of the House.

  Manufacturing Output
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the latest figures he has for the output of manufacturing industry; and what were the comparable figures for 1974 and 1979.

  Mr. Atkins
  In the three months to October 1988 the output of manufacturing industry averaged 116·4, based 230
  on 1985 equal to 100, its highest-ever level. The comparable figures for the same three months in 1974 and 1979 were 109·9 and 103·6 respectively.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the latest figures he has for manufacturing output.

  Mr. Atkins
  Manufacturing output in the three months to October 1988 is provisionally estimated at 116·4, based on 1985 equal to 100. Manufacturing output is at its highest ever level.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster by how much the output of manufacturing industry has increased since 1979.

  Mr. Atkins
  In the three months to October 1988 the output of manufacturing industry was 10 per cent. higher than the 1979 average level. Manufacturing output is at its highest ever level.

  Single Market
  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many inquiries his Department has now received from those requesting information about the effects of the single market in 1992; and what proportion of these have come from firms in the north-west.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  A total of 160,000 requests for information have been received since the Europe-Open for Business" campaign was launched in March 1988. Requests from firms in the north-west totalled nearly 13,000.

  Inner City Regeneration
  Mrs. Maureen Hicks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what contact he has had with private sector organisations involved in inner city regeneration.

  Mr. Newton
  I have frequent contacts with a wide range of private sector organisations. The Government welcome the increasing role being played by business and industry in the regeneration of the inner cities.

  Japanese Markets
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received regarding access for British firms to Japanese markets.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The Government attach great importance to Britain's trade with Japan. Representations on market access are received from British companies from time to time and, where appropriate, we take them up vigorously with the Japanese authorities, both directly and through the European Commission.

  Export Promotion
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on progress on recent initiatives in export promotion.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  We have completed the export services review foreshadowed in the White Paper "DTI-the department for Enterprise". Its constituent parts are detailed in the written reply given on 17 January by myself to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Knapman) at columns 106–108.

  Manufacturing (Productivity)
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the latest figures he has for the productivity of manufacturing industry; and what were the comparable figures one year ago.

  Mr. Atkins
  Productivity in manufacturing industry, as measured by output per person employed, in the three months to October 1988 averaged 121·2, based on 1985 equal to 100. This is an increase of nearly 7½ per cent. on the average level of 113·0 in the same three months of 1987.

  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the productivity growth in manufacturing industry in(a) Britain and (b) other major industrialised countries.

  Mr. Atkins
  Since 1980 manufacturing productivity, as measured by output per head, has grown faster in the United Kingdom than in all other major industrialised countries. Over the previous two decades the United Kingdom was at the bottom of the league. Between 1980 and 1987 the annual average growth rate in percentage terms was:

  Per cent.

  United Kingdom

  5·3

  United States of America

  4·1

  Japan

  2·3

  Germany

  2·0

  France

  2·5

  Italy

  3·7

  Canada

  3·2

  Source: OECD, IMF, CSO.

  Overseas Companies
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many overseas companies have set up operations in Britain over the past year.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  According to the latest figures known to the Invest in Britain Bureau, during the first three quarters of 1988, 260 inward investment decisions were made to locate in the United Kingdom. These include the establishment of a new business, expansion or acquisition of an existing business and involvement in joint venture.

  Cordless Telephones
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to announce the award of the licences for the next generation of cordless telephones.

  Mr. Atkins
  My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry expects to make an announcement shortly.

  Overseas Investment
  Mr. Janman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many jobs have been created or safeguarded by overseas investment since 1979.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The following are the Invest in Britain Bureau figures for the numbers of jobs expected to be created or safeguarded, by inward investment projects, for each year since 1979 to 1987 and for the first three quarters of 1988. The figures are based upon information provided by the companies themselves.
  232

  Year

  New jobs

  Safeguarded jobs

  1979

  14,310

  n/a

  1980

  18,662

  1981

  16,417

  1982

  10,529

  1983

  15,546

  15,257

  1984

  27,102

  19,294

  1985

  15,584

  18,721

  1986

  16,274

  10,760

  1987

  19,914

  17,015

  11988

  18,805

  11,978

  1January to September 1988.

  British Shipbuilders
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last met the chairman of British Shipbuilders; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Newton
  I last met the chairman of British Shipbuilders on 12 January. We discussed matters of current interest to the corporation.

  Newspaper Distribution
  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received from newsagents about recent developments in newspaper distribution; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  My Department has received a number of representations from newsagents about recent developments in newspaper distribution. They have been referred to the Director-General of Fair Trading who is monitoring such developments.

  Exports
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the current rate of growth of United Kingdom exports.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  On a seasonally adjusted basis total export volume in the three months ended November 1988 is provisionally estimated to have been 32 per cent. higher than in the previous three months.

  Commercial Vehicles
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on(a) the market share and (b) export performance of the British-based commercial vehicle manufacturing industry.

  Mr. Atkins
  In 1988 British commercial vehicle manufacturers took 60 per cent. of the United Kingdom market. In the first 11 months of 1988 they produced over 76,000 vehicles for the export market, compared with some 56,000 vehicles in the corresponding months of 1987.

  European Space Industry
  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last had discussions about space policy with his counterparts in the European space industry.

  Mr. Atkins
  Department of Trade and Industry Ministers have periodic contacts with their European
  233
  counterparts on space matters. Most recently my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry was in touch with Dr. Riesenhuber, the Federal German Technology Minister, on the issue of the European Space Agency science programme. It was subsequently possible to reach agreement in ESA on this question.

  Communications Satellites
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has as to how many United Kingdom manufactured communications satellites are now orbiting the earth.

  Mr. Atkins
  Nine, on the basis of satellites with a still operable payload.

  "The Infrastructure for Tomorrow"
  Dr. Bray
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the communications steering group report "The Infrastructure for Tomorrow".

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the MacDonald report on a national wide-band cable network.

  Mr. Newton
  The communications steering group, sometimes referred to as the Macdonald committee, was established in the spring of 1987 to advise DTI Ministers on prospective developments of the electronic communications infrastructure of the United Kingdom.

  My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry received the group's report in the summer 1988 and it was published on 15 December 1988 as a contribution to the discussion about the United Kingdom's future communications infrastructure needs. We are grateful to the members of the group for their work.

  Balance of Trade Deficit
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the balance of trade deficit in manufactured goods.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  In the first 11 months of 1988 the provisional estimate of the seasonally adjusted deficit on trade in manufactured goods was £13·5 billion.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the current level of deficit in the balance of trade; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The current account is provisionally estimated to have been in deficit by about £13.4 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in the first 11 months of 1988.

  Internal Market
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he next expects to attend a meeting of the European Economic Community Council of trade and industry ministers to discuss further steps in the creation of the internal market.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Corporate Affairs plans to attend the next meeting of the Internal Market Council to be held on 27 February.
  234

  Regional Aid
  Mr. Robert Hicks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many projects have been supported by regional aid over the past year.

  Mr. Atkins
  In 1988, the Department of Trade and Industry made 1,330 offers of regional selective assistance and 470 offers of regional enterprise grant, and approved 6,820 projects under the revised regional development grant scheme. In addition, payments under the original regional development grant scheme were made in respect of some 330 projects. All these figures are provisional.

  Enterprise Initiative
  Mr. Ward
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many applications have so far been received for the consultancy support under the enterprise initiative.

  Mr. Forth
  As my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State announced yesterday on the first anniversary of the enterprise initiative, response to the consultancy initiatives has been excellent from across the whole range of small and medium sized business. I am pleased to say that over 17,000 applications for assisted consultancy have been received.

  Post Office Counter Services
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last met representatives of the Post Office Users Council to discuss the restructuring of Post Office counter services.

  Mr. Forth
  No meetings have been held with representatives of the Post Office Users Council for Scotland to discuss the restructuring of Post Office counter services.

  Mr. Franks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he next intends to visit Barrow-in-Furness.

  Mr. Atkins

  Debt Problems
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what means his Department is using to monitor the scale of personal and family debt problems; what is his latest estimate of the scale of such problems and what is his policy on the provision of advice and
  counselling for people with debt problems.

  Mr. Newton
  My Department has access to information on debt problems from a variety of sources. Under section 1(2) of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 the Director-General of Fair Trading has a statutory duty to advise on social and commercial developments relating to the provision of credit. I have carefully considered the views expressed by the Director-General from time to time, for example in the introduction to his most recent report to Parliament.

  My Department has also been informed of the results of

  235
  the survey on the use of credit which was commissioned by the Office of Fair Trading and was published in August 1988. Information on debt problems is available from sources such as major organisations of lenders, the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, the National Consumer Council and Familybase. The information available suggests that while a significant number of individuals have encountered debt problems, from a variety of causes, the proportion of users of consumer credit who encounter such problems remains small.

  A great deal of advice and help on debt problems is provided free of charge by citizens advice bureaux. The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) and Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) are funded by my Department. Their budget in the current financial year is £9·365 million. They have been encouraged to seek additional funding money advice services from the finance industry and already money has been pledged for four

  Industrial Scholarships
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what advice is provided by his Department to firms contemplating offering industrial scholarships and other incentives to those going on to further and higher education.

  Mr. Forth
  Advice to firms contemplating various kinds of link with higher education, including sponsorship, will be included in a guide to good collaborative practice which the Department, in conjunction with the Council for Higher Education, will be publishing later this year.

  Nissan
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the export of vehicles manufactured by Nissan UK to the European Economic Community.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  My right hon. and noble Friend has recently received a letter from the Commission stating its view that, in the present state of Community law, there would be no justification, as far as the free circulation of goods is concerned, for treating Nissan UK production differently from other cars produced in the Community. United Kingdom-built Nissan cars are currently being distributed without obstruction in all their EC markets, and I trust that, in the light of the Commission's statement, exports will continue to go ahead smoothly.

  Confederation of British Industry
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last met representatives of the Confederation of British Industry; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Newton
  I last met the CBI on 24 November when
  I spoke at its conference on business opportunities in urban regeneration.

  Standard Industrial Trade Classification
  Mr. Favell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many of the standard industrial trade classification divisions within manufactured trade are currently(a) in surplus and (b) in deficit.
  236
  Mr. Atkins
  Of the 35 divisions within sections 5–8 of the standard international trade classification (which correspond to manufactures), for the 10 months to October 1988, 12 are in surplus and 23 in deficit.

  Society of British Aerospace Companies
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last met representatives of the Society of British Aerospace Companies; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. Atkins
  I last met representatives of the Society of British Aerospace Companies on 14 December 1988. We discussed export opportunities for the industry.

  Life Assurance Policies
  Mr. Butterfill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has received the new Securities and Investment Board disclosure rules relating to the sale of life assurance policies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The Securities and Investments Board has not published any new disclosure rules relating to the sale of life assurance policies. I have, however, received a copy of the consultative document "Life Assurance and Unit Trust Disclosure: the regime for 1990" published by the SIB on 14 December 1988. It will be for the SIB to draw up rules in the light of this consultation. Any such rules will be subject in the usual way to the competitive scrutiny by the Director General of Fair Trading and the Secretary of State provided by the Financial Services Act.

  Central Selling Organisation for Diamonds
  Mr. Nelson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many complaints the Office of Fair Trading has received this year about the activities of the Central Selling Organisation for Diamonds operating in London; when he will be replying; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  I understand that the Office of Fair Trading has received two complaints about the activities of the Central Selling Organisation for Diamonds. These are matters for the Director-General of Fair Trading to consider under the competition legislation for which he is responsible.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the number of businesses registered for value added tax in(a) 1978 and (b) 1988 in the City of Durham district; and how many deregulations took place in 1988.

  Mr. Atkins
  Reliable estimates are not available before 1979. At the end of that year the total number of businesses registered for value added tax in the City of Durham district was 1,222. The latest reliable estimate is 1,368 for the end of 1987; there were 118 deregistrations during that year.

  Footwear Imports
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether he will meet with his European counterparts to discuss what action can be taken to deal with the level of imports of footwear from South Korea;
  237
  (2) whether he will introduce measures further to restrain imports of footwear from South Korea.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The Commission is currently carrying out a Community-wide investigation into imports of footwear from South Korea and Taiwan. We shall need to see the Commission's findings and recommendations before deciding our position. I have no plans, at this stage, to discuss this issue with my European colleagues.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received from Millers Footwear of Cockermouth on the level of South Korean imports into the United Kingdom of South Korean footwear.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I have not received any representations from the company on this subject.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the arrangements that exist in each member country of the European Community for controlling imports of footwear from South Korea.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  As far as we are aware, the following restrictions exist on South Korean exports to particular member states:

  France voluntary restraint arrangements on most types of footwear

  Italy voluntary restraint arrangements on most types of footwear

  Portugal certain quantitative restrictions: the details are not known

  Spain certain quantitative restrictions: the details are not known

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will meet with representatives of the British Footwear Federation to discuss the level of imports of footwear from South Korea.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I met two MP's and representatives of the footwear industry, including the British Footwear Manufacturers' Federation, in February 1988 to discuss footwear imports from the Far East. We have had no request for a further meeting with the federation. This might be appropriate when we know the EC Commission's findings and recommendations following its current investigation of footwear imports from Taiwan and South Korea.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider the introduction of selective aid to the footwear industry to alleviate the damage to employment arising from the level of imports from South Korea of footwear.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Regional selective assistance is available for eligible investment projects in the assisted areas undertaken by firms of all sizes in the footwear and

  United Kingdom exports of meat and meat preparations

  Volume in thousand metric tonnes Value in £ million

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Volume

  Value

  Volume

  Value

  Volume

  Value

  Volume

  Value

  Volume

  Value

  EEC

  283·7

  433·9

  267·2

  403·0

  268·5

  422·9

  267·4

  446·0

  309·7

  536·3

  North America

  0·3

  0·4

  0·2

  0·4

  0·2

  0·3

  0·2

  0·5

  0·5

  1·2

  Rest of the World

  57·7

  61·4

  79–8

  87·6

  64·6

  74·2

  83·5

  75·5

  68·1

  88·4

  238
  other sectors. Also, my Department's enterprise initiative offers eligible firms a nationwide self-help package to improve management practice.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he would set up a footwear imports review group to evaluate the effect of South Korean imports into the United Kingdom on the British footwear industry.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I have no plans to set up a review group for this purpose. The results of the investigation being undertaken by the EC Commission will be studied closely by my Department and the trade associations concerned.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what evidence he has as to the diversion of South Korean footwear from the American market to European markets due to a fall in the value of the dollar.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Total exports of footwear by Korea have increased by 140 per cent. in United States dollar terms since 1985. The proportion taken by the United States of America has declined from 73 per cent. to 63 per cent. while the shares taken by the EC and the rest of the world have increased. It is not clear how much of this change is due to exchange rate movements and how much to other factors.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what impact he expects Her Majesty's Government's strategy for the exchange rate to have on the level of footwear imports into the United Kingdom from South Korea.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  It is not Government policy to depreciate the exchange rate to try to maintain competitiveness. Restraint of unit costs, which is in industry's own hands is the key to improved competitiveness. In fact, the South Korean won appreciated by 10 per cent. against sterling between the first and second halves of 1988.

  Meat Exports
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the volume and value in current and standard prices of meat exports, other than live animals, in each year since 1983, distinguishing between exports to the European Economic Community, North America and elsewhere.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Exports of meat and meat preparations for 1983–87 by volume and value (which is only available in current prices) are given in the following table:
  239
  Source: Overseas Trade Statistics.

  Notes: EEC includes all Member States as at 1 January 1989 throughout;

  Value on a fob basis;

  Meat and meat preparations defined as Standard International Trade Classification Revision 2 Division 01.

  Internal Market Council
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the Internal Market Council held on 21 December.

  Mr. Maude
  The Council, at which I represented the United Kingdom, reached agreement on 32 individual measures which contribute towards completion of the single market. This has brought the total number of single market measures agreed under the Greek Presidency to more than 50.

  Important decisions reached by the Council included the final adoption of directives on the mutual recognition of higher education diplomas; trade marks; construction products; and a package of three directives relating to food law harmonisation (on quick-frozen foodstuffs, food additives and materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs). It also reached agreement on common positions on directives on the official inspection of foodstuffs; two directives to cut barriers to trade in pharmaceutical products (blood products and radiopharmaceuticals); and on the safety of machines under the Commission's "new approach" to technical harmonisation.

  On the initiative of the United Kingdom the Council invited the Commission to bring forward a paper on the subject of barriers to takeovers in member states. It also discussed the proposal for an EC merger regulation.

  At the Council Germany withdrew its reserve on the Italian plan for state aid to its steel industry.

  Television Licensing
  Mr. Grylls
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will make a statement about future activities of the Television Licensing Organisation (TVLO).

  Mr. Newton
  I have given my consent under section 61(2) of the British Telecommunications Act 1981, to a subsidiary of the Post Office, Barton House Services Ltd., contracting to provide subscription management and monitoring services on behalf of the Post Office's TV licensing organisation to organisations providing satellite TV services. This will enable the Post Office to complement its current TV licensing activities and to use TVLO's expertise and resources in taking advantage of the new opportunities offered by the Government's framework for broadcasting which was set out in the White Paper "Broadcasting in the 90s: Competition, Choice and Quality," CM 517, November 1988. Any service provided by TVLO in this respect will be on a strictly commercial contractual basis and without any cross-subsidy from the services it performs for Government in respect of TV licensing itself.

  House of Fraser
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the investigations into the purchase of the House of Fraser.

  Mr. Newton
  On 29 September my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 240
  announced his intention to publish the report of the inspectors as soon as circumstances permit and on 25 November he announced his decision not to refer the takeover to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. As the hon. Member will be aware both these decisions are the subject to proceedings for judicial review and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on these matters at this stage.

  Foam-filled Furniture
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the consumer safety implications of the use of sprays marketed for the purpose of treating covers on flammable foam-filled furniture to make such furniture less flammable.

  Mr. Forth
  [holding answer 17 January 1989]: Most of the spray fire-retardant treatments for furnishings now on the market can be quite effective, but they have limitations. The effectiveness depends on the amount taken up and this in turn depends on the fibre of which the fabric is made. Whilst a cotton fabric will absorb the requisite amount of fire retardant in water solution, the same fabric with a stain resistant finish may not, nor will many synthetic fibre fabrics. The feel of the fabric may be affected by the presence of the fire retardant salts. Because these treatments are water based they can be removed by spillage or by sponging. Treatment of the cover fabric will not affect the flammability of the foam. In consequence, use of such sprays to treat curtains is likely to be more reliable than treatment of furniture. Thorough and even treatment is required to ensure effectiveness, and in this respect professional treatments may be more reliable than do-it-yourself products.

  There is now greater public awareness than formerly of the fire risks of furniture and furnishings. But for some years to come the furniture in most people's homes will not be made to the requirements of the new regulations. So people are likely to show increased interest in spray fire-resistant treatments. This makes it very important that they should not be misled about the effectiveness of such treatments, and we look to the trade to ensure that their instructions are adequate and their claims accurate.

  Iran
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what restrictions are at present imposed on exports to Iran; and what restrictions are imposed by other members of the European Economic Community.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  [holding answer 17 January 1989]: Licences are required for export to Iran of goods which are subject to control under the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1987 (S.I., 1987, No. 2070), as amended.

  Applications for such licences are examined in particular against the guidelines on the export of defence equipment to Iran and Iraq announced to the House by my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary on 29 October 1985, (Official Report, Vol. 84, column 454). The Guidelines are being kept under constant review in the light of the ceasefire and developments in the peace negotiations.
  241
  There is no common EC policy on sales of controlled goods to Iran, and I am unable to comment on the national export policies of other EC member countries.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensioners
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many retirement pensioners (i) aged 65 to 79 years and (ii) aged 80 years and over both pay income tax and receive housing benefit.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The latest available information is as
  follows:

  (i) 130,000

  (ii) 30,000

  Source: Family Expenditure Survey 1986.

  Notes:

  1.Based on the "Impact of the reformed structure of Income Related Benefits" published in October 1987 and adjusted to take account of the 1988 Budget.

  2.Married and unmarried couples count as one unit.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what number and what proportion of pensioner households are in receipt of (i) occupational pension payments, (ii) income support, (iii) housing benefit and (iv) income support and housing benefit.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 5 December 1988]: The latest information, taken from the family expenditure survey, indicates that in 1986 approximately 3·4 million (50 per cent.) pensioner tax units' were in receipt of occupational pension payments. The May 1988 Quarterly Statistical Enquiry indicates that approximately 1·7 million pensioners2 were in receipt of income support. The latest information for housing benefit is for autumn 1987 when the estimated total number of pensioner households3 in receipt of benefit was 3·8 million which included 1·3 million who were also receiving supplementary benefit. Up to date information is not available to enable income support or housing benefit recipients to be shown as a
  proportion of all pensioners households.

  1 A pensioner tax unit—a single person of pensionable age, or a married couple where the head is of pensionable age.

  2 Pensioners receiving income support are defined as those in receipt of a pensioner premium.

  3 A pensioner household—a single household of pensionable age or a married couple where at least one of the partners is of pensionable age.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated full-year revenue effect in 1988–89 and 1989–90 of(a) abolishing the upper earnings limit for employees' national insurance contributions, (b) allowing personal allowances against such contributions and (c) (a) and (b) together.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The estimated full year revenue effects are as follows:

  1988–89 £billion

  1989–90 £billion

  (a)

  +1·50

  +1·65

  (b)

  -4·85

  -5·15

  (c)

  -3·35

  -3·50

  These estimates assume that—
  242

  (i) The lower and upper earnings limits are retained for the purpose of assessing contracted-out contributions so that contracted-out rebates are unaffected.

  (ii) Employers' secondary contributions are not subject to personal allowance.

  (iii) Personal allowances are not transferable, and consist of the single person's allowance (in 1988–89 £2,605) except for married men who are all assumed to be entitled to married man's allowance (in 1988–89 £4,065).

  (iv) Lower rates of contribution (5 per cent. and 7 per cent. compared with the standard NIC rate of 9 per cent.) are retained for the lower paid earning in excess of personal allowances.

  Community Care Grants and Loans
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the percentage of the cash budget paid to date to claimants using the two Doncaster social security offices seeking assistance from community care grants; what percentage of claims have been refused; what percentage of claimants were recommended to apply for social security loans; what percentage of the loan budget has been spent; what percentage of the national budgets have been spent to date; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Information on the numbers of applicants for social fund loans and grants processed and awarded, listed by local office, including information on budget allocations and expenditure, is available from the details held in the Library.

  Information is available on the social fund application form to assist people in deciding whether to apply for a grant or a loan. Social fund officers are also available to provide additional information and help with form completion, but they do not recommend applicants to apply for loans in preference to grants. Upon receipt of an application the social fund officer will determine whether a grant or loan is appropriate.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if, pursuant to his answer of 20 December,Official Report, column 214, he will state the number of officers and their grades who are carrying out the investigation into benefit fraud in Doncaster; and what has been the cost to date.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Three officers of Departmental grade LOI are currently involved in the investigation into benefit fraud in Doncaster. The cost to date has been about £18,000. The benefit savings yield to date is £56,974 gross.

  Reduced Earnings Allowance
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in the Easington constituency, by ward, receive reduced earnings allowance at present, how many will receive reduced earnings allowance after April 1989; and what are the current amounts paid in reduced earnings allowance and the amounts expected to be paid out in reduced earnings allowance after April 1989.

  Mr. Scott
  Easington is served by Peterlee and Seaham local offices, although their boundaries are not coterminous with the constituency; information by ward is not available. At 12 January, 1,471 people were receiving reduced earnings allowance from the Peterlee office and
  243
  686 from Seaham. I regret that information relating to wards and the amounts of benefit paid could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what criteria are used in assessing levels of reduced earnings allowance; what effect the receipt of other benefits, including invalidity benefit, has on the level of reduced earnings allowance; what plans there are to change such criteria; and if these changes have been advertised.

  Mr. Scott
  Entitlement to reduced earnings allowance arises where an industrial accident or disease causes disablement of at least 1 per cent. and a person's capacity to earn is reduced as a result. The level of benefit is calculated by comparing pre—and post-disablement earnings and is subject to a maximum of £26·88 a week at today's rates; it is not affected by receipts of other benefits. There are no plans to change the criteria for assessing the level of benefit. Information about the allowance is available in the Department's leaflet on industrial injuries disablement benefit.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what safeguards are being introduced for those people who currently receive reduced earnings allowance, especially those on other social security benefits, when the proposed ending of the reduced earnings allowance takes place;

  (2) how the proposed ending of the reduced earnings allowance will affect people over retirement age; and whether safeguards are being incorporated to ensure that retired persons do not lose out as a result of the April 1989 changes.

  Mr. Scott
  People in receipt of reduced earnings allowance who are of pensionable age and who retire on or after 10 April will no longer be entitled to the allowance. The vast majority of them will become automatically entitled to a new benefit, retirement allowance, which will be paid at 25 per cent. of the former entitlement to reduced earnings allowance. Retirement allowance will be uprated annually in line with prices. Beneficiaries of reduced earnings allowance who retire before 10 April will retain their entitlement, although the rate will not be reviewed. No special safeguards are being introduced. The change removes the long-standing and widely recognised anomaly by which compensation for loss of earnings can continue beyond retirement when earnings would normally have ceased in any case, and takes effect on retirement, when most people expect a reduction in their income.

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether, pursuant to his answer of 21 December to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, North East,Official Report, column 308, he will make it his policy to ensure that all statements in his Department's official publications are objective and factual.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I have nothing further to add to that reply.
  244

  Income Support
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average time for adjudicating decisions on reduced income support cases arising from leaving a job without reason in the Nottingham area.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I regret that the information requested is not collected. However, in the four Nottingham offices—Castlegate, David lane, Shakespeare street and Station street—the average clearance time for all income support claims in the months April to November 1988 (the latest available figure) has been provisionally calculated as 5·2 days.

  Mr. Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cash figure included in the April 1988 income support rates to represent the average water rate payment by an income support claimant.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  No specific amount is included in the income support rates for April 1988 for the payment of water rates.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he is now in a position to provide information on the number of single parent families in receipt of family credit.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  At the end of November, approximately 98,000 lone parent employees received family credit. No information is available about how many lone parents were among the 20,000 recipients of family credit where the parent was in self-employment.

  Retirement Homes
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many places in residential homes for the elderly are supported by payments from his Department; what is the cost; and if he will provide the equivalent figures for each year since 1980.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Payments by the Department of Social Security are not made for the purpose of supporting places in residential homes. Income support is available to help individuals with insufficient resources of their own to meet their fees in independent residential care and nursing homes.

  The table sets out the number of people in independent homes receiving income support (formerly supplementary benefit), and the estimated annual cost, for each year since 1980. Information specifically about residential homes for elderly people is not available.

  Supplementary Benefit (Income Support from April 1988) to people in independent residential care and nursing homes

  Number of claimants (000s)

  Estimated expenditure (current prices (£ million)

  December 1980

  13

  18

  December 1981

  13

  23

  December 1982

  16

  39

  December 1983

  26

  104

  December 1984

  42

  200

  December 1985

  70

  348

  245

  Number of claimants (000s)

  Estimated expenditure (current prices £ million)

  February 1986

  90

  459

  May 1987

  117

  671

  May 1988

  147

  878

  Benefits (North-East)
  Mr. Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are receiving income support, and how many of these are under the age of 25 years, from each office at Wallsend, North Shields and Saxon house, Newcastle upon Tyne.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The number of people in receipt of income support by local office is:

  Number

  Wallsend

  7,787

  North Shields

  10,183

  Newcastle East (Saxon house)

  14,269

  Source: Manual count of cases in action. The data are provisional and subject to revision.

  I regret that information is not available on the number of these claimants who are under the age of 25 years.

  Mr. Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are receiving grants and loans, and how many are under the age of 25 years, from each office at Wallsend, North Shields and Saxon house, Newcastle upon Tyne.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Information on the numbers of applications for social fund loans and grants processed and awarded, listed by local office, including information on budget allocations and expenditure, is available from the details held in the Library.

  Separate statistics on the numbers of applicants under the age of 25 years are not collected. I regret, therefore, that this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Transitional Payments
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for transitional payments more than two months old are now outstanding(a) for south Somerset and (b) for the United Kingdom as a whole.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The transitional payments unit processes applications as soon as the necessary information is received from the relevant local authority. A number of cases have not been processed because the inquiry forms have not been returned by local authorities. There are 70 inquiry forms, which have been outstanding for over two months, with South Somerset district council. Information on inquiries outstanding for over two months, in the United Kingdom as a whole, is not readily available.

  Young People (Care)
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has studied the recent report produced 246
  by Barnardo's entitled "I Can't Go Back To Mum And Dad"; and if he will make a statement about the effect of recent social security changes on young people leaving care who cannot return to their families.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  We have studied the Barnardo's report closely. We are monitoring the effects of the reformed social security system on all client groups, including the youngsters covered by this report. Once this monitoring has been completed we shall decide what, if any, action is needed.

  Unemployment Benefit
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in receipt of unemployment benefit have been unemployed for(a) less than two weeks, (b) between two weeks and six months and (c) for over six months, at the latest available date.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The table shows the number of people in receipt of unemployment benefit analysed by duration of their current spell of unemployment. The figures relate to May 1988, the latest date for which they are available.

  Duration of current spell of unemployment

  Number of claimants

  less than 2 weeks

  12,683

  between 2 weeks and six months

  380,653

  more than six months

  242,480

  Source: 5 per cent. sample.

  Retirement Age
  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what proposals he has for the equalisation of the retirement age for men and women under the state pension schemes; what progress is being made towards their implementation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Proposals for the equalisation of state pension age continue to be under consideration. Negotiations have begun on the EC directive completing the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in statutory and occupational social security schemes.

  Agency Benefits Unit
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the average time and the range of times which it takes the agency benefits unit to process claims from patients seeking help with National Health Service charges; whether separate details are available in respect of dental claims; and whether there are any proposals to make the claim form AG1 shorter.

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the average time taken by the agency benefits unit to complete and return form AG1; if he has any plans to improve this situation; and why dentists are not informed about the decision reached.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 13 January 1989]: In the five weeks ending 9 December 1988 claims were, on average, cleared within six working days; 50·8 per cent. of claims were cleared within five working days and 91·4 per cent. within 10 working days. Since 5 December, a further

  247
  21 staff have been recruited for the agency benefits unit. Furthermore, the completion of claim form AG1 is being monitored with a view to improving its effectiveness. Form AG1 is used to claim help with the whole range of NHS charges. Claims in respect of dental charges are not separately identifiable.

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Widow's allowance

  average number of beneficiaries (thousands)

  36

  37

  34

  34

  33

  32

  31

  30

  30

  expenditure (£ million)

  142

  140

  126

  120

  107

  106

  103

  97

  97

  Widowed mother's allowance

  average number of beneficiaries (thousands)

  123

  119

  117

  114

  110

  105

  100

  93

  88

  expenditure (£ million)

  340

  308

  296

  2296

  2287

  2283

  2268

  2248

  2239

  Death grant (by calendar year) awards (thousands)

  583

  593

  593

  591

  597

  600

  1600

  601

  1600

  expenditure (£ million)

  35

  30

  25

  24

  23

  22

  21

  21

  20

  Maternity grant

  awards (thousands)

  622

  659

  654

  1640

  653

  662

  1700

  694

  1560

  expenditure (£ million)

  35

  30

  25

  23

  21

  22

  22

  20

  16

  1 Estimates

  2 Records of expenditure on widowed mother's allowance include amounts of additional pension payable.

  Mr. Brian Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list by local authority area the number of approved places in(a) private, (b) voluntary and (c) local authority residential homes for the elderly, for each year since 1980.

  Mr. Roger Freeman
  The information readily available over the period relates to the number of places for elderly and younger physically handicapped people in local authorities own homes and places registered in private and

  Number of places in residential care homes for the elderly and for younger physically handicapped people as at 31 March 1987 (provisional)

  Local authority

  Places in local authority homes

  Places in voluntary homes1

  Places in private homes1

  Total places in all homes1

  Northern Region

  9,297

  1,019

  4,531

  14,847

  Cleveland

  1,494

  104

  367

  1,965

  Cumbria

  1,672

  127

  1,245

  3,044

  Durham

  1,883

  137

  560

  2,580

  Northumberland

  852

  173

  564

  1,589

  Gateshead

  649

  52

  107

  808

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  886

  228

  393

  1,507

  North Tyneside

  509

  63

  738

  1,310

  South Tyneside

  511

  10

  194

  715

  Sunderland

  841

  125

  363

  1,329

  Yorkshire Humberside

  14,465

  1,749

  9,854

  26,068

  Humberside

  2,325

  187

  2,625

  5,137

  North Yorkshire

  2,004

  821

  2,893

  5,718

  Barnsley

  698

  0

  243

  941

  Doncaster

  748

  77

  345

  1,170

  Rotherham

  677

  16

  73

  766

  Sheffield

  1,813

  44

  282

  2,139

  Bradford

  1,425

  93

  1,418

  2,936

  Calderdale

  702

  32

  438

  1,172

  Kirklees

  1,163

  43

  534

  1,740

  Leeds

  2,165

  382

  709

  3,256

  Wakefield

  745

  54

  294

  1,093

  North Western Region

  17,347

  4,673

  15,337

  37,357

  Cheshire

  2,134

  775

  1,083

  3,992

  Lancashire

  3,985

  691

  6,768

  11,444

  Bolton

  706

  74

  405

  1,185

  Bury

  462

  392

  181

  1,035

  Manchester

  1,842

  233

  700

  2,775

  Oldham

  671

  0

  528

  1,199

  Rochdale

  608

  0

  329

  937

  Salford

  831

  201

  194

  1,226

  248
  Margaret Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he will publish in the Official Report the figures given in his answer on social security benefits on 7 December, Official Report, column 182, at 1988 prices.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The information is as follows:

  voluntary homes under the Registered Homes Act 1984. the information for the years ending 31 March 1981 to 1986 is published in "Residential Accommodation for Elderly and Younger Physically Handicapped People: All Residents in Local Authority, Voluntary and Private Homes Year ending 31 March 1981 to Year ending 31 March 1986 England", a copy of which is available in the Library. The provisional information for year ending 31 March 1987 is given in the table.
  249

  Local authority

  Places in local authority homes

  Places in voluntary homes1

  Places in private homes1

  Total places in all homes1

  Stockport

  637

  36

  588

  1,261

  Tameside

  459

  83

  319

  861

  Trafford

  521

  122

  613

  1,256

  Wigan

  824

  16

  216

  1,056

  Knowsley

  222

  0

  63

  285

  Liverpool

  1,441

  719

  496

  2,656

  Sefton

  705

  1,075

  1,816

  3,596

  St. Helens

  316

  84

  92

  492

  Wirral

  983

  172

  946

  2,101

  West Midlands Region

  11,768

  2,289

  9,483

  23,540

  Hereford and Worcester

  1,207

  417

  2,131

  3,755

  Shropshire

  1,128

  31

  1,360

  2,519

  Staffordshire

  2,147

  370

  1,740

  4,257

  Warwickshire

  918

  372

  885

  2,175

  Birmingham

  2,509

  747

  1,358

  4,614

  Coventry

  677

  45

  601

  1,323

  Dudley

  563

  42

  581

  1,186

  Sandwell

  909

  0

  158

  1,067

  Solihull

  324

  166

  82

  572

  Walsall

  697

  0

  261

  958

  Wolverhampton

  689

  99

  326

  1,114

  East Midlands Region

  9,210

  1,732

  6,652

  17,594

  Derbyshire

  2,116

  431

  1,717

  4,264

  Leicestershire

  2,159

  423

  1,066

  3,648

  Lincolnshire

  1,437

  203

  1,778

  3,418

  Northamptonshire

  1,309

  337

  1,004

  2,650

  Nottinghamshire

  2,189

  338

  1,087

  3,614

  Thames/Anglia Region

  14,426

  5,344

  11,791

  31,5611

  Bedfordshire

  1,145

  172

  754

  2,071

  Berkshire

  1,158

  635

  1,060

  2,853

  Buckinghamshire

  1,029

  874

  507

  2,41(1

  Cambridgeshire

  1,378

  316

  942

  2,636

  Essex

  3,389

  1,168

  2,565

  7,122

  Hertfordshire

  1,753

  826

  1,318

  .3,897

  Norfolk

  1,896

  514

  2,738

  .5,148

  Oxfordshire

  1,183

  340

  476

  1,999

  Suffolk

  1,495

  499

  1,431

  3,425

  Inner London Region

  6,785

  2,173

  874

  9,832

  Camden

  578

  206

  71

  855

  Greenwich

  560

  0

  109

  669

  Hackney

  523

  137

  0

  660

  Hammersmith

  461

  106

  16

  583

  Islington

  651

  58

  32

  741

  Kensington

  300

  249

  51

  600

  Lambeth

  702

  302

  172

  1,176

  Lewisham

  790

  18

  237

  1,045

  Southwark

  682

  300

  0

  982

  Tower Hamlets

  441

  125

  0

  566

  Wandsworth

  568

  636

  186

  1,390

  Westminster

  529

  36

  0

  565

  City of London

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Outer London Region

  9,156

  4,392

  4,655

  18,203

  Barking

  379

  0

  38

  417

  Barnet

  544

  1,003

  534

  2,081

  Bexley

  437

  5

  45

  487

  Brent

  437

  159

  72

  668

  Bromley

  475

  646

  330

  1,451

  Croydon

  608

  320

  698

  1,626

  Ealing

  599

  389

  302

  1,290

  Enfield

  550

  56

  354

  960

  Haringey

  457

  360

  140

  957

  Harrow

  412

  134

  396

  942

  Havering

  514

  0

  303

  817

  Hillingdon

  505

  96

  57

  658

  Hounslow

  473

  136

  5

  614

  Kingston upon Thames

  253

  18

  370

  641

  Merton

  262

  165

  165

  592

  Newham

  616

  109

  24

  749

  Redbridge

  481

  174

  231

  886

  Richmond upon Thames

  353

  434

  85

  872

  Sutton

  338

  176

  299

  813

  Waltham Forest

  463

  12

  207

  682

  250 251

  Local authority

  Places in local authority homes

  Places in voluntary homes1

  Places in private homes1

  Total places in all homes1

  Southern Region

  13,658

  7,759

  26,655

  48,072

  Dorset

  1,380

  673

  4,256

  6,309

  Hampshire

  2,854

  962

  5,850

  9,666

  Isle of Wight

  316

  126

  1,253

  1,695

  Kent

  2,807

  1,226

  2,525

  6,558

  Surrey

  2,016

  1,845

  1,962

  5,823

  East Sussex

  1,491

  1,527

  5,465

  8,483

  West Sussex

  1,602

  1,135

  4,086

  6,823

  Wiltshire

  1,192

  265

  1,258

  2,715

  South Western Region

  8,077

  2,844

  16,276

  27,197

  Avon

  2,538

  829

  2,295

  5,662

  Cornwall

  1,044

  251

  2,621

  3,916

  Devon

  2,217

  1,035

  8,929

  12,181

  Gloucestershire

  1,164

  480

  1,058

  2,702

  Somerset

  1,114

  249

  1,373

  2,736

  England Total

  114,189

  33,974

  106,108

  254,271

  1 Includes homes exempt from registration under Section 1(5)(j) of the Registered Homes Act 1984.

EMPLOYMENT

  Hotels (Standards)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to introduce minimum statutory standards for hotels.

  Mr. Lee
  No. Government regulation in this area would be costly. Bureaucratic, and unresponsive to the changing needs of the hotel industry and its customers. The national tourist boards are developing a voluntary classification scheme which has attracted widespread support. Consultations with the industry on the future shape of the scheme are continuing.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment by how much unemployment has fallen in inner city areas over the past year.

  Mr. Lee
  The number of unemployed claimants in inner city areas has fallen by almost 21 per cent. from 1,015,098 to 806,466 in the year to November 1988.

  The comparison is affected by the change in the coverage of the unemployment count from September 1988, due to the new benefit regulations for young people aged under 18.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will meet the director of the Unemployment Unit to discuss the calculation of accurate unemployment totals; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so and is satisfied that the official unemployment totals calculated by the Department of Employment are accurate.

  Mr. Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest estimate of the number of vacancies for skilled and semi-skilled workers in the Greater London area.

  Mr. Lee
  Information is not available in the form requested. However, a survey conducted in June 1988 which revealed around 150,000 vacancies in total in 252
  London, identified skilled and semi-skilled manual vacancies separately. The results have been published by this Department in a report, "The London Labour Market", a copy of which is in the Library.

  Business in the Community
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to meet representatives from Business in the Community to discuss future plans for local enterprise agencies.

  Mr. Lee
  I recently met representatives of Business in the Community to discuss the opportunities for local enterprise agencies arising from the White Paper "Employment for the 1990s" published on 5 December. Officials of my Department are having more detailed discussions with Business in the Community and local enterprise agency directors, and I will be speaking on the subject in April at a conference of local enterprise agency chairmen organised by Business in the Community.

  Construction Industry
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to seek to improve the safety record in the demolition section of the construction industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  New regulations are being prepared which provide for the management and co-ordination of health and safety on multi-contractor sites, increase the number of safety supervisors in smaller companies and amend the site notification procedure to identify sites where there are high risk activities. The introduction of regulations which would make the wearing of safety helmets compulsory on construction sites is also planned.

  In addition to concentrating on the inspection of the more hazardous activities in the industry such as demolition and roofwork, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors will also be paying more attention to the quality of site management and its ability to manage health and safety.

  Inspectors will be looking at the level of training and supervision that has been provided and the precautions that have been taken to control the risks posed by demolition activities and will continue to draw attention to

  253
  HSE published guidance on this subject. They will pursue their inquiries and any enforcement action to the highest levels in companies which do not measure up to the standards expected of them.

  YTS
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he proposes to make any changes in the YTS in 1989–90.

  Mr. Cope
  The Government want to ensure that more trainees are able to gain vocational qualifications on completion of YTS training to enable them to get jobs. We want YTS to set an example of training based on achievement of standards of performance. YTS will therefore increasingly encourage the achievement of nationally recognised vocational qualifications and managing agents with particularly successful records. Paperwork will be simpler.

  The Government's guarantee of an offer of a suitable place to all young people under 18 who do not have a job remains unchanged.

  From April 1989, a new five-tier system of premium grants for special training will come into effect. These grants, payable over and above the basic YTS grant, will provide a more sensitive and selective approach to the funding of special training for groups of young people with particular needs. Each of the five levels of payment will have a value of £500 per filled place per year, giving a maximum of £2,500.
  254
  There are to be no other changes in YTS funding. or of the first and second year trainee allowances. These decisions reflect the Government's policy of ensuring suitable provision for young people with special training needs, while encouraging employers to contribute an increasingly larger share of the costs of YTS training.

  Loan Guarantee Scheme
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the future of the loan guarantee scheme.

  Mr. Cope
  I have recently announced the continuation of the loan guarantee scheme which was due to end on 31 March this year. In addition, the maximum loan available will be increased from £75,000 to £100,000.

  There continues to be a demand for the LGS from firms that could not otherwise raise finance. On average in 1988, 180 loans per month were authorised. The survival rates of LGS borrowers have improved throughout the period that it has operated. We shall continue to keep under review the level of use of the scheme and whether firms could have obtained finance without using the LGS.

  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of technical and vocational education initiative pupils stay on until 18 years of age.

  Mr. Cope
  In England and Wales, 21 per cent. of pupils who entered TVEI pilot projects stayed on until 18 in 1987; and 22 per cent. in 1988. In Scotland, where many pupils complete their highers at the age of 17, 13 per cent. of pupils stayed on until 18 in 1988.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Computers
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what funding is given to the study of the psychology of the interface between computers and human operators, with a view to redesigning computers; and what representations he has received from Science and Engineering Research Council and Natural Environment Research Council on this topic.

  Mr. Jackson
  A variety of work is carried out on the human-computer interface, although not all of it is applicable to the redesigning of computers. The Science and Engineering Research Council has spent some £11·5 million on collaborative research into studies of the interface between computers and human operators over the five years of the Alvey programme. The Medical Research Council is supporting research on the psychology of the interface between computers and human operators, at its applied psychology unit and the MRCESRC social applied psychology unit. In 1986–87, the funding on this research was £0·51 million. The economic and social research council has supported research costing in total about £0·25 million over the last three years, largely in support of the cognitive science and information technology initiative. We have received no formal representations from these councils.

  Medical Research Council
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response he has given to the request from DM Rees, secretary of the Medical Research Council, that the Medical Research Council budget should he increased from £140 million to £180 million.

  Mr. Jackson
  My right hon. Friend has not received a request from the Medical Research Council for such an increase in its budget.

  Medical Research
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his assessment of the costs in real terms of the funding of medical research in 1985, 1986 and 1987.

  Mr. Jackson
  The Government fund medical research through the science budget. The allocations—at 1987–88 constant prices—for 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88 are as follows:

  £ million

  1985–86

  131·3

  1986–87

  133·8

  1987–88

  139·8

  Additionally, there is funding through the UGC block grants to universities. Precise attribution to medical
  462
  research is not possible, since universities' research activities cannot be clearly distinguished from other activities including teaching. The latest notional figures for medical research—1987–88 constant prices—are:

  £ million

  1985–86

  157·9

  1986–87

  161·6

  1987–88

  162·0

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of the Medical Research Council Alpha programme he funded in 1987; and what percentage he hopes to fund in 1988.

  Mr. Jackson
  I understand from the Medical Research Council that, in the last award year 1986–87, 63 per cent. of alpha-rated project grant applications were awarded; it is for the council to decide what resources it wishes to allocate to grants in the award year 1987–88.

  AIDS
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied with the level of funding into the spread of the human immuno deficiency virus in heterosexuals.

  Mr. Jackson
  The Medical Research Council is supporting research on the spread of human immunodeficiency virus in heterosexuals. Funds for this research come in part from my Department and in part from the Health Departments. The MRC is planning additional work in this area for which it is seeking extra funds. In addition to allocations already announced, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has agreed to provide £700,000 in 1988–89 for the MRC's programme of research on the spread of HIV. The Economic and Social Research Council is additionally to launch a programme of research into the social and behavioural aspects of HIV; this programme will concentrate on heterosexual behaviour. United Kingdom researchers also collaborate with scientists working on the problem in other parts of the world.

  CERN (Report)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's response to the Abragam report on CERN; and what is the likely timing of key meetings during 1988.

  Mr. Jackson
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedfordshire, North (Sir T. Skeet) on 17 December 1987 at column 634. The Abragam report on CERN will be considered at the Council meetings on 23/24 June 1988 and 13/14 October 1988. Discussion will also take place at meetings of subordinate committees before and between these dates.

  Ozone Hole
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give an assessment on the progress of(a) British, (b) international and (c) Falkland Island based research into the ozone hole.

  Mr. Jackson
  The following is the current position:
  463
  a. British Research

  The seasonal ozone depletions in the Antarctic were first identified from regular measurements of ozone column amounts undertaken by the British Antarctic survey, now part of the Natural Environment Research Council. Measurements began in 1957. In 1987, with assistance from the Chemical Manufacturers Association (USA), and the Department of the Environment, the survey undertook a programme of ozone measurements using balloon borne instruments. Profiles of the ozone layer were obtained daily from the British research station `Halley', on the Brunt ice shelf. Between altitudes of 14 and 18 km, a reduction of 97 per cent. in the ozone present took place between 15 August and 13 October 1987.

  Apart from this BAS research, modelling studies of Antarctic ozone are being undertaken by the Meteorological Office, and by the Department of physical chemistry, university of Cambridge. Laboratory studies of reactions of the chlorine monoxide radical are being undertaken by the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell.

  The Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory of the Science and Engineering Research Council has relevant collaborative projects with American institutions.

  b. International Research

  The United States has mounted three major investigations into the Antarctic ozone depletions. Ground-based measurements of the abundances of the various chemical constituents were under-taken at McMurdo station in 1986 and 1987. In August and September 1987, extensive measurements were made from two aircraft based at Punta Arenas, Chile, flying into and underneath the 'ozone hole'. Preliminary results indicate that chlorine compounds are largely responsible for the depletions. Discussion of the full results is planned for May 1988. Laboratory and theoretical studies are being undertaken at many research centres throughout the United States.

  Field programmes are also being undertaken by New Zealand, Japan, West Germany and the USSR. Other nations have relevant laboratory or modelling programmes.

  There have been several meetings devoted to discussion of the Antarctic ozone depletions, and all have been marked by a spirit of international co-operation.

  Attention is now being given to the possibility of an 'ozone hole' over the Arctic and a research programme has recently been announced in West Germany.

  c. Falkland Islands upper-air observations

  The Meteorological Office makes routine radio-sonde ascents, in support of air operations. Since mid-1987 the data obtained has been made available to the global meteorological network. Research specific to the ozone problem is not undertaken.

  Marine Sciences (Redundancies)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has had from Hugh Fish, chairman of the Natural Environment Research Council on compulsory redundancies within two years in Natural Environment Research Council laboratories, related to the marine sciences; and if he will make a statement.
  464
  Mr. Jackson
  Mr. Fish wrote to my right hon. Friend on 4 September concerning, inter alia, the future funding of the Natural Environment Research Council. I understand that, at its next meeting on 21 January, the Natural Environment Research Council will consider priorities within its programmes, including marine science, and the staffing implications of those priorities. The Council hopes that any staff reductions can be achieved without recourse to compulsory redundancy.

  Education Reform Bill
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children he expects to be eligible for a special education school under the Education Reform Bill.

  Mr. Dunn
  It is for each LEA to determine its own policy in respect of children with special educational needs. Each LEA makes its own decisions on school placements for children with special educational needs in the light of the consultations which lead up to the statement of the school provision they use. My right hon. Friend does not expect any significant change in the numbers of children attending special schools as the result of the Education Reform Bill.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many special education schools he estimates will exist once the Education Reform Bill has been fully implemented.

  Mr. Dunn
  The provision of special schools is not for my right hon. Friend; it is a matter for local determination by each individual LEA. My right hon. Friend sees no reason to believe that the number of special schools will change as a result of the implementation of the Education Reform Bill.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many classroom teachers were consulted about the Education Reform Bill.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Copies of the consultation papers issued by the Department of Education and Science were sent to all the national teachers' organisations. In addition, copies were freely available from the Department. Many teachers were among the 20,000 respondents who have sent in comments.

  GCSE
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much extra finance is being made available for implementing the general certificate of secondary education curriculum.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  For the start of the GCSE courses in September 1986, the Government provided directly for some £30 million expenditure on books, equipment and in-service training in England. Our expenditure plans allow for a further £115 million to be spent in the financial year 1987–88, and up to £104 million to be spent in 1988–89, on non-teaching costs and in-service training associated with the introduction of the GCSE. In addition, the Government have provided some £1 million in assistance to the GCSE examining groups in England in the years 1984–85 to 1987–88, mainly to help provide training for teachers and examiners.

  Schoolteacher Vacancies
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has as to how many(a) primary and (b) secondary schoolteacher vacancies have been unfilled for (i) six months or more or (ii) a year or more in each local education authority.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Information in the form requested is not available. The table shows the numbers of previously advertised vacancies for full-time permanent appointments to maintained secondary schools, still unfilled by permanent appointment at 15 January 1987.

  Teacher vacancies in maintained secondary schools January 1987

  Local Education Authority

  Vacancies

  Barking

  19

  Barnet

  50

  Bexley

  21

  Brent

  35

  Bromley

  52

  Croydon

  17

  Ealing

  14

  Enfield

  35

  Haringey

  19

  Harrow

  10

  Havering

  27

  Hillingdon

  10

  Hounslow

  8

  Kingston

  7

  Merton

  9

  Newham

  56

  Redbridge

  14

  Richmond

  16

  Sutton

  14

  Waltham Forest

  4

  Birmingham

  79

  Coventry

  14

  Dudley

  13

  Sandwell

  14

  Solihull

  18

  Walsall

  15

  Wolverhampton

  15

  Knowsley

  10

  Liverpool

  5

  St. Helens

  5

  Sefton

  2

  Wirral

  27

  Bolton

  2

  Bury

  0

  Manchester

  23

  Oldham

  5

  Rochdale

  5

  Salford

  23

  Stockport

  7

  Tameside

  15

  Trafford

  2

  Wigan

  0

  Barnsley

  5

  Doncaster

  11

  Rotherham

  1

  Sheffield

  28

  Bradford

  14

  Calderdale

  7

  Kirklees

  17

  Leeds

  154

  Wakefield

  40

  Gateshead

  5

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  19

  North Tyneside

  12

  South Tyneside

  0

  Sunderland

  8

  Isles of Scilly

  2

  ILEA

  381

  Avon

  35

  Bedfordshire

  38

  466

  Local Education Authority

  Vacancies

  Berkshire

  0

  Buckinghamshire

  49

  Cambridgeshire

  8

  Cheshire

  31

  Cleveland

  0

  Cornwall

  16

  Cumbria

  22

  Derbyshire

  79

  Devon

  41

  Dorset

  3

  Durham

  5

  East Sussex

  16

  Essex

  50

  Gloucestershire

  6

  Hampshire

  57

  Hereford & Worcester

  19

  Hertfordshire

  44

  Humberside

  28

  Isle of Wight

  0

  Kent

  91

  Lancashire

  57

  Leicestershire

  61

  Lincolnshire

  29

  Norfolk

  21

  North Yorks

  2

  Northamptonshire

  7

  Northumberland

  0

  Nottinghamshire

  59

  Oxfordshire

  8

  Shropshire

  2

  Somerset

  14

  Staffordshire

  38

  Suffolk

  24

  Surrey

  36

  Warwickshire

  12

  West Sussex

  23

  Wiltshire

  42

  Clwyd

  2

  Dyfed

  8

  Gwent

  3

  Gwynedd

  9

  Mid Glamorgan

  34

  Powys

  0

  South Glamorgan

  0

  West Glamorgan

  13

  Financial Delegation
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has yet received the report by management consultants on financial delegation to schools; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  The report on "Local Management of Schools" by Coopers and Lybrand Associates is being published today. I welcome the report as an important document. It contains encouraging evidence of the benefits of financial delegation, and valuable advice on the practical steps needed to implement the Government's policies on financial delegation, as embodied in the Education Reform Bill now before the House. The report will be studied carefully by my Department, and deserves to be read by all those with an interest in this field.

  I am sending copies to all local education authorities in England and to other interested bodies. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is doing likewise in Wales. I have placed copies in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give the most recent figures for the
  467
  number of young people going on into sixth forms or other further education establishments for (a) England and Wales, (b) the Inner London education authority, (c) Croydon, (d) Kingston upon Thames, (e) Brent and (f) Sheffield; and if he will give each as a total and as a percentage of the total year group for each area.

  Mr. Dunn
  [holding reply 11 January 1988]: The number and percentage of 16 and 17-year-olds in full-time

  Academic year 1986–87

  16 year olds

  17 year olds

  Nos. (000s)

  As a percentage1 of age group

  Nos. (000s)

  As a percentage1 of age group

  England

  293·6

  46

  205·9

  31

  ILEA2

  11·7

  51

  7·7

  31

  Croydon LB2

  1·9

  49

  1·3

  31

  Kingston-upon-Thames LB2

  0·9

  62

  0·6

  40

  Brent LB2

  1·7

  65

  1·2

  43

  Sheffield MDC2

  3·2

  40

  2·2

  27

  1 The number of 16 and 17 year olds expressed as a percentage of the total number of 15 year olds in maintained secondary schools one or two years earlier respectively.

  2 Students in Further Education colleges have been reallocated to their normal area of residence and included in the calculation for that authority. Pupils in schools are classified to the LEAs where the schools are situated.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  "Crockford's Clerical Directory"
  Mr. Chapman
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, what was the cost to the Church Commissioners of publishing Crockford's Clerical Directory for 1985–86; and what is the anticipated cost for the 90th edition, relating to 1987–88.

  Mr. Alison
  Production costs are shared by the Church Commissioners and the Central Board of Finance. The 1985–86 directory cost £82,000 and revenue from sales and advertising was £96,000. The cost of the 1987–88 edition is expected to be about £80,000 and sales should exceed this.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of extending the 27 per cent. small companies rate of corporation tax to the first £100,000 of profits of every company or, as the case may be, group, so that on no profits does the marginal tax rate exceed the 35 per cent. standard rate.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Of the order of £70 million at the rates due for the 1987–88 financial year.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with respect to the small companies rate of corporation tax(a) when the £100,000 lower limit and £500,000 upper limit for marginal relief were last changed, (b) what the respective limits would be for 1988–89, on present forecasts of inflation, if they were indexed for inflation since the date they were last changed, and (c) what would be the cost of increasing the limits to those figures.
  468
  education at maintained secondary schools and further education establishments in the academic year 1986–87 in each specified local education authority and in England are given below. Pupils in independent schools have been excluded from the answer. Information for Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The limits were last changed in 1983 — in respect of the financial year 1982–83. If indexed in line with changes in the RPI, they would become approximately £130,000 and £650,000 for 1988–89. The cost of indexation would be approximately £75 million in a full year at current levels of company income.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has as to the relationship between income tax levels and tax yields in the United Kingdom and in other countries.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The relationship between income tax levels and tax yields is a complex one, and may be affected by changes in the levels of employment, the distribution of income and the level of economic activity over a period of time. Figures for the level of taxes and income tax thresholds for the United Kingdom and a number of other OECD countries are given in the annual publication by the Inland Revenue of "International comparisons of direct tax on employment income"; tax yields are given in "Revenue statistics of OECD member countries", which is published annually by OECD. Both publications are available in the Library.

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average income tax paid per household in 1979 and in 1986–87 in(a) current prices, (b) 1979 prices and (c) 1987 prices.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 18 December 1987]: Information is available only for income tax liabilities of tax units, ie single people and married couples. The figures for 1978–79 are from the survey of personal incomes of that year; 1986–87 information is based on a projection of the 1984–85 survey of personal incomes and is therefore provisional.
  469

  Average1 income tax liability per tax unit1

  Current prices

  Constant prices3

  (As percentage of average income)

  1978–79 prices

  1986–87 prices

  £ per annum

  Per cent.

  £ per annum

  £ per annum

  1978–79

  960

  20·1

  960

  1,850

  1986–87

  2,000

  18·2

  1,040

  2,000

  1 Based on 21·5 million taxpaying tax units in 1978–79 and 20·5 million taxpaying tax units in 1986–87.

  2 Counting married couples as one and combining their income.

  3 By reference to movements in the retail prices index.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current yield from value added tax on standard rated supplies in the construction industry; and if he will estimate the net additional revenue in a full year from the imposition of value added tax at the standard rate on new construction other than housing.

  Mr. Lilley
  It is estimated that the yield from value added tax on building improvements and alterations will be around £1,250 million in 1987–88. It is estimated that the new additional revenue in a full year from the imposition of value added tax at the standard rate on new construction other than housing would be about £350 million at 1987–88 prices. Because of the uncertainties involved in estimating the effects of such a change on the construction sector, the estimate should be taken as no more than an indicator of the order of magnitude.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the additional revenue which would accrue to the Treasury in a full financial year if value added tax were levied(a) on industry and commerce on the supply of water and sewerage services, (b) on information services other than those intended directly for the public or for the production of zero-rated products, (c) on the construction of buildings for industrial and commercial use and in the community and civil engineering sectors and (d) on supplies of fuel and of protective boots and helmets in so far as they are not supplied to the final consumer at the current uniform value added tax rate; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 14 December 1987]: It is estimated that the net additional full year revenue at 1988–89 prices of imposing value added tax at the standard rate of 15 per cent. would be:

  £ millions

  (a) Sewarage services and water for industry

  negligible

  (b) Information services other than those intended directly for the public or for the production of zero-rated products

  negligible

  (c) Construction of buildings for industrial and commercial use

  350

  (d) Fuel and Power to industry

  25

  (e) Protective clothing and footwear to employers

  negligible

  These estimates provide only a broad indicator of the likely order of magnitude.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will arrange to publish and place in the Library the relevant parts of the 1952 notes between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States of America which exempted maintenance and equipment contracts for United States forces in Britain from value added tax.
  470
  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 14 January 1988]: The 1952 exchange of notes to which the hon. Member refers was published as Command Paper No. 8497 in March of that year. A copy is in the Library.

  Forestry
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received concerning the reform of forestry taxation policy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  As is customary at this time of year, my right hon. Friend has received a number of representations on a wide range of subjects.

  Productivity
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much productivity has increased in the United Kingdom since 1979.

  Mr. Major
  In the third quarter of 1987, output per head in the whole economy was 19 per cent. higher than in 1979. In the three months to October 1987 manufacturing output per head was 41 per cent. higher than in 1979.

  Cross-border Banking
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has received to date from the European Commission as to European Community proposals for cross-border banking activities and securities business; what the response of Her Majesty's Government has been; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lilley
  I understand that the European Commission has adopted a proposal for a directive on banking to put to the Council of Ministers. The directive deals with the conditions on which a bank authorised in one member state would be able to set up in or provide a range of core banking services into another member state on the strength of its home country authorisation. There have been preliminary discussions in a Commission working group, which the United Kingdom attended, but we have not yet seen the final proposals. They will be put before Parliament in the normal way.

  Job Creation
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, further to his answer of 28 October 1987, he will provide his estimate of the short-run effect over a live-year period upon jobs created for the expenditure or £1 billion in(a) defence spending, (b) public transport,

  471
  (c) construction, (d) health and (e) education, based on the current Treasury model and current underlying assumptions.

  Mr. Major
  It has not been the practice to publish estimates of the economic effects of changes in public expenditure.

  Payroll-Giving Scheme
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants are now making charitable donations through the payroll-giving scheme.

  Mr. Brooke
  In most Departments, the necessary forms are in the process of being made available to staff, but the information asked for is not yet available.

  Government Data Network
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what commitments and estimated costs Her Majesty's Government have incurred as a result of the signing of the memorandum of agreement to proceed with the Government data network; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  No commitments to the consortia bidding for the Government data network have been incurred by Her Majesty's Government as a result of the signing of the memorandum of agreement. A decision on whether or not to proceed to contract will be taken after tenders have been evaluated.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guarantees are provided for the security of confidential information(a) belonging to Government Departments and (b) held on individuals in the proposal for the Government data network to be managed privately; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  It is not planned to transmit classified information across the proposed Government data network. Data will be protected against corruption and unauthorised access while in transit. User Departments are responsible for all their data, and would be responsible for providing any additional protection for sensitive information.

  BP Shares
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) on what day his Department made contact with the Kuwaiti Investment office to discuss purchases of BP shares;

  (2) with which representatives of the Government of Kuwait and representatives of the Kuwaiti Investment offices his Department discussed the operation of BP share purchases.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, met the Kuwaiti authorities during the visit to Kuwait from 20 to 23 December 1987.

  London City Airport
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many customs officers are involved in duties at London City airport.

  Mr. Lilley
  There are 12 customs officers involved on duties at London City airport.

  Personal Equity Plans
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to change the treatment for capital gains tax purposes of losses incurred in the disposal of shares held in a personal equity plan.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  It has always been the Government's intention that, provided a personal equity plan is kept in being for the minimum qualifying period of between one and two years, investments may be switched from one qualifying share to another without creating either a capital gains tax liability or an allowable loss. However, the Inland Revenue has now received legal advice which suggests that, contrary to this intention, losses from disposals of shares held in a plan may be allowable for capital gains tax purposes.

  The Government therefore intend to include a proposal in the 1988 Finance Bill ensuring that a disposal of shares in a personal equity plan which is kept in being for the minimum qualifying period cannot create an allowable loss for capital gains tax purposes.

  If enacted, the proposal will apply to any disposal made on or after today of shares held in a personal equity plan.

  Privatisation
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost to the Exchequer in each of the privatisation flotations undertaken by Her Majesty's Government since 1980 of the underwriting(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) elsewhere.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 18 December 1987]: The cost of underwriting in each of the privatisation flotations and residual shares sales since 1980 is as follows:

  £ million

  Company name

  Year

  United Kingdom offer

  Overseas offer

  Total

  British Aerospace

  1981

  2·42

  —

  2·42

  Cable and Wireless

  1981

  3·92

  —

  3·92

  Amersham International

  1982

  1·08

  —

  1·08

  Britoil

  1982

  8·49

  —

  8·49

  Associated British Ports

  1983

  0·34

  —

  0·34

  British Petroleum

  1983

  6·95

  —

  6·95

  Cable and Wireless

  1983

  3·61

  —

  3·61

  Associated British Ports

  1984

  0·81

  —

  0·81

  Enterprise Oil

  1984

  6·08

  —

  6·08

  Jaguar

  1984

  4·83

  —

  4·83

  British Telecom

  1984

  57·88

  25·99

  83·47

  British Aerospace

  1984

  6·13

  —

  6·13

  Britoil

  1985

  6·03

  1·60

  7·63

  Cable and Wireless

  1985

  7·57

  —

  7·57

  Brtish Gas

  1986

  52·33

  17·72

  70·05

  British Airways

  1987

  6·78

  2·90

  9·68

  Rolls Royce

  1987

  10·89

  —

  10·89

  BAA

  1987

  13·60

  0·24

  13·84

  British Petroleum

  1987

  41·99

  30·60

  72·59

  Notes:

  1. Figures shown are exclusive of VAT.

  2. Figures do not include underwriting costs for shares offered by the company in the 1985 British Aerospace and 1985 Cable and Wireless sales. These costs were wholly borne by the company.

  In most of the privatisations and residual share sales costs were shared with the company. Details of the cost sharing agreements negotiated for each sale are not held centrally.

  Privatisation
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the money spent on the advertising of privatisation sales, for each sale since 1979.

  Mr. Norman Lamont [holding answer 18 December 1987]: The total expenditure on advertising for recent privatisation and residual share sales is as follows:

  £m

  British Telecom

  (1984)

  11·7

  Britoil

  (1985)

  3·1

  Cable and Wireless

  (1985)

  3·1

  British Aerospace

  (1985)

  1·8

  British Gas

  (1986)

  11·5

  British Airways

  (1987)

  5·8

  Rolls Royce

  (1987)

  3·0

  BAA

  (1987)

  8·5

  British Petroleum

  (1987)

  23·1

  Notes

  (1) Advertising costs associated with these sales were shared with the companies concerned. Details of the cost sharing arrangements negotiated for each sale are not held centrally.

  (2) Figures include expenditure on corporate advertising, offer for sale advertising and advertising agency fees.

  (3) The BP figure is an estimate. Final costs to be confirmed.

  (4) Advertising costs for earlier share sales are not held centrally.

  Family Income and Allowances
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate, on the same basis as the

  Increase in income after tax (£ per week) compared with indexation in 1988–89 for married man with two children

  Multiple of Average Earnings1

  ½

  ¾

  1

  1½

  2

  5

  10

  Increase derived from:

  (a) 1p cut in basic rate

  0·46

  1·07

  1·69

  2·91

  3·60

  3·60

  3·60

  (b) 5 per cent. increase in income tax thresholds

  0·99

  0·99

  0·99

  0·99

  3·90

  10·69

  10·69

  (c) Increase in child benefit

  (i) £3·40 per week2

  6·80

  6·80

  6·80

  6·80

  6·80

  6·80

  6·80

  (ii) £2·15 per week3

  4·30

  4·30

  4·30

  4·30

  4·30

  4·30

  4·30

  1 Average earnings assumed to be £244·7 per week, an increase of 6·5 per cent. on 1987–88 in line with the assumptions used by the Government Actuary for reviewing National Insurance contributions (paragraph 3.02 of the Autumn Statement 1987).

  2 Assuming no change in income support rates.

  3 Assuming a corresponding change in income support.

  Income and Taxes
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing, for each decile of persons, households or tax units (i) the average annual income and the amount

  Households ranked by Gross Income, 1985

  Decile Groups

  Bottom

  2nd

  3rd

  4th

  5th

  6th

  7th

  8th

  9th

  Top

  (i) (£ per year)

  Gross income

  2,401

  3,447

  4,618

  6,294

  8,160

  10,029

  12,049

  14,491

  17,950

  28,218

  Income tax1

  4

  49

  119

  425

  794

  1,094

  1,518

  1,985

  2,799

  5,380

  National Insurance contributions

  6

  11

  50

  196

  390

  547

  698

  866

  1,048

  1,358

  Domestic rates2

  131

  171

  221

  292

  337

  369

  389

  445

  465

  577

  Indirect taxes

  491

  691

  988

  1,308

  1,568

  1,847

  2,029

  2,492

  2,796

  3,865

  474
  ready reckoner published in the Autumn Statement, the effect on a one-earner, two-child family of spending in 1988–89 the same sum on (a) a one penny cut in the basic rate of income tax, (b) raising income tax thresholds above their indexed levels and (c) raising child benefit, assuming (i) no change in income support rates and (ii) corresponding changes in income support rates.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 17 December 1987]: The effects of the proposed changes on a one earner, two child family vary according to the level of income of the family. The table contains information based on direct revenue or expenditure cost in a full year at forecast 1988–89 levels for selected, specimen levels of earnings. Each of the measures would cost £1·4 billion in a full year at 1988–89 levels of income—ie, the full-year figure underlying the first-year cost of a 1p cut in the basic rate of income tax, £1·25 billion, shown, in the Autumn Statement.

  The income tax changes compared with the 1987–88 tax regime indexed to 1988–89 according to the statutory provisions under the same assumptions about price movements as were used in the Autumn Statement. The income tax calculations assume that all personal allowances and higher-rate thresholds would increase by the same percentage and disregard any changes in social security income-related benefits to which the family may be entitled. It has also been assumed that the only tax relief or allowance available to the married couple is the married man's allowance and that the wife has no earnings.

  thereof paid in (a) direct taxes, (b) indirect taxes and (c) household rates and (ii) the percentage of annual income such payments represent for each decile.

  Mr. Major
  [holding answer, 13 January 1988]: The information requested is given in the table in respect of 1985, the latest year for which estimates are available. The unit of analysis is the household and gross income represents income from all sources.
  475

  Decile Groups

  Bottom

  2nd

  3rd

  4th

  5th

  6th

  7th

  8th

  9th

  Top

  (ii) (percentages of gross income)

  Income tax1

  0·2

  1·4

  2·6

  6·8

  9·7

  10·9

  12·6

  13·7

  15·6

  19·1

  National insurance contributions

  0·2

  0·3

  1·1

  3·1

  4·8

  5·5

  5·8

  6·0

  5·8

  4·8

  Domestic rates2

  5·5

  5·0

  4·8

  4·6

  4·1

  3·7

  3·2

  3·1

  2·6

  2·0

  Indirect taxes

  20·4

  20·0

  21·4

  20·8

  19·2

  18·4

  16 8

  17·2

  15 6

  13·7

  1 Net of tax relief at source on mortgage interest and life assurance premiums.

  2 Net of the rate rebate element of housing benefit.

  Source: CSO estimates based on the 1985 Family Expenditure Survey.

  Revenue Collection
  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he intends to take to ensure that tax collection offices are adequately staffed to obviate second applications and final demand notices being sent to taxpayers in error.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 14 January 1988]: Tax collection offices are complemented according to the work they are required to do, and I have no reason to believe that these offices are inadequately staffed. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that errors in the issue of applications for tax is a widespread problem, but if the hon Member has evidence to the contrary I will look into the matter.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) second application and (b) final demand notes for income tax payments have been sent out by the Inland Revenue in error during the last 12 months.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 14 January 1988]: Statistics on the number of second applications or final demand notes issued in error are not available.

  Tax Allowances
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representation he has received seeking the abolition of the married man's income tax allowance; and what response he has made.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 14 January 1988]: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer continues to receive a wide range of correspondence on this subject. Replies have referred to the Green Paper, "The Reform of Personal Taxation", which outlined a possible new system of independent taxation of husband and wife with a standard personal tax allowance transferrable between spouses, and to the fact that we are now exploring the possibility of a halfway house to the Green Paper approach.

  Jobs Dispersal
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to commission a further report on the dispersal of Civil Service jobs, in the light of the improvements in communication, information technology and the transport network, since the Hardman report was first published.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 15 January 1988]: The programme of dispersal announced in 1979 is nearing completion. The Government are preparing and will announce in due course a policy to succeed it. This policy
  476
  will reflect the factors mentioned by the hon. Member and the potential benefits to the Civil Service and to the localities concerned of siting work in areas where labour supply conditions and costs are favourable.

  EC (Payments)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the net payment made to the EEC by the United Kingdom Government for 1987.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 15 January 1988]: I regret that the outturn figure is not yet available.

THE ARTS

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Minister for the Arts, whether he will publish in the Official Report the attendance figures for 1987 reported by the national museums and galleries in England for which he is responsible, broken down into the individual institutions but comprising their outstations, with figures in each case of the percentage increase or decrease on the attendance figures for 1986; and whether, in the case of such museums or galleries as charge for admission, he will in addition specify the number of tickets sold.

  Mr. Luce
  I will reply substantively to the hon. Member as soon as information on 1987 attendance figures at the national museums and galleries is available.

  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Minister for the Arts, pursuant to his answer of 14 December 1987,Official Report, column 376, whether (a) the sales of items from the national museums to which he refers took place by public auction in the United Kingdom and (b) the identities of the vendors of these items were specified in the relevant sale catalogues.

  Mr. Richard Luce
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a)

  (b)

  Institution

  Items sold by public auction in the United Kingdom

  Identities of vendors specified in relevant sale catalogues

  British Museum

  Yes

  Yes

  British Museum (Natural History)

  No

  Not applicable

  National Maritime Museum

  No

  Not applicable

  Victoria and Albert Museum

  Yes

  No

  The British museum (natural history) sold a set of nine Victorian bound volumes of fern specimens from New

  477
  Zealand in December 1987. Due to the specialised nature of the collection, the volumes were offered to selected individuals known to have an interest in the subject.

  The national maritime museums sold a duplicate chart of the Orkney Islands (c. 1946) to Thames Television in January 1987, and a microscope to the Whipple museum of the history of science, Oxford in December 1987. This item had been on loan to the museum for some time.

  Objects in Lieu of Tax
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Minister for the Arts whether he will specify the allocations made to public institutions in the United Kingdom during the half year ended 31

  Items Allocated since 1 July 1987

  Item

  Conditions or Wishes Expressed

  Recipient Institution

  Chattels at Hagley Hall

  Conditional

  City of Birmingham District Council, to remain in situ at Hagley Hall

  Still life painting by Breughel

  Wish expressed—to go to National Galley

  Castle Museum, Norwich

  Two still life paintings by Van der Ast

  Wish expressed—to go to National Gallery

  Temple Newsam House, Leeds

  Derby Commemorative Jug

  Wish expressed—to go to Temple Newsam House, Leeds

  Temple Newsam House, Leeds

  "Deux Pierreuses" by Toulouse-Lautrec

  Unconditional

  National Museum of Wales

  Two paintings by Bellotto

  Wish expressed—to go to City of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

  City of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

  "Weeping Woman" by Picasso

  Conditional

  Tate Gallery

  Items Awaiting Allocation

  Item

  Conditions or Wishes expressed

  Date of Acceptance

  Portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence

  Conditional on its remaining in situ at Sledmere House

  9 April 1986

  Portrait by Sir William Beechey

  Conditional on its remaining at Norton Conyers

  23 July 1986

  Clark Archive

  Wish expressed—to go to Tate Gallery

  14 July 1987

  Ten portrait miniatures

  Wish expressed—to go to Victoria and Albert Museum

  26 November 1987

  Portrait of John Gray of Carntyne by Sir Henry Raeburn

  Wish expressed—to go to a museum or gallery in Scotland

  3 December 1987

  A press notice covering this information has been issued today.

  Works of Art (Export Licences)
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Minister for the Arts whether he will list the items for which the issuing of export licences was withheld on the recommendation of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art during the half year ended 31 December 1987, specifying in each case the valuation and whether an item was eventually exported or retained, with particulars in the latter event of the acquiring institution; whether he will list any items for which licences have been withheld but the final disposal of which is not yet decided, specifying in each case(a) the valuation and (b) the relevant time limit; and whether a

  Description of item

  Valuation

  Outcome

  £

  Painting 'Self Portrait as St. Matthew' by Sir Anthony van Dyck

  430,000

  Decision deferred for 4 months until 16 November 1987. Licence granted

  George II Centrepiece by David Willaume and Anne Tanqueray

  —

  Decision deferred for 6 months until 16 January 1988, with a review after 3 months. Purchased by Temple Newsam House, Leeds

  Sketchbook by J. M. W. Turner

  1,050,000

  Decision deferred for 3 months until 16 October 1987. Licence granted following review of situation after one month

  478
  December 1987 of individual works of art and museum objects pre-eminent for national, scientific, historic or artistic interest which have been accepted in satisfaction of inheritance tax or capital transfer tax, together with information, where applicable, as to conditions or wishes expressed in the matter of allocation by testators or executors; whether he will list the works of art and museum objects which are still awaiting allocation, with the respective dates of their acceptance in satisfaction of inheritance tax or capital transfer tax; and whether a press notice will be issued from the Office of Arts and Libraries covering the information given in his reply.

  Mr. Luce
  The information is as follows:

  press notice will be issued from the Office of Arts and Libraries covering the comprehensive information given in his reply, in accordance with past practice.

  Mr. Luce
  My right hon. and Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry accepted my recommendation following consideration by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art to defer making for a specified period a decision on an export licence application in respect of the items listed. The valuation has been omitted in one case when the owner wished it to remain confidential. Details of the items listed were given in press notices issued at the time the Secretary of State decided to accept the recommendation; however, a further press notice will be issued.
  479

  Description of item

  Valuation

  Outcome

  £

  Drawing 'The Martyrdom of St. Justina' by Veronese

  623,250

  Decision deferred for 6 months until 9 March 1988, with review after 2 months

  Drawing 'The Ramparts near the Bulwark beside the St. Anthoniespoort' by Rembrandt

  1,426,250

  Decision deferred for 6 months until 13 March 1988. Licence granted following review of the situation after 2 months

  Roman marble portrait bust of the Empress Livia

  156,100

  Decision deferred for 3 months until 13 December 1987. Purchased by the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  Drawing 'The Madonna del Popolo' by Barocci

  1,784,000

  Decision deferred for 6 months until 12 April 1988. Licence granted following review of situation after 2 months

  Drawing 'The Death of St. Peter, Martyr' by Pordenone

  567,500

  Decision deferred for 6 months until 9 March 1988. Licence granted following review of situation after 2 months

  A German giltwood throne armchair

  23,415

  Decision deferred for 4 months until 13 December 1987. No decision has yet been reached as to whether a licence should be granted

  Silver Plaque 'The Adoration of the Shepherds' by Paulus Van Vianen

  475,000

  Decision deferred for 4 months until 12 February 1988

  Drawing 'A Farmhouse with a Dovecote and a Hayrick among Trees' by Rembrandt

  557,500

  Decision deferred for 6 months until 12 April 1988. Licence granted following review of situation after 2 months

  The Clifford Family papers relating to 'The Secret Treaty of Dover' c.1670

  317,775

  Decision deferred for 6 months until 12 April 1988

  Pair of 18th century carved wood and gilded sarcophagus shaped wine coolers

  120,000

  Decision deferred for 4 months until 18 April 1988, with review after 6 weeks

  Pair of Regency mahogany chairs of 'Klismos' shape

  40,000

  Decision deferred for 3 months until 12 January 1988. Chairs purchased by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum

  Mid-Victorian ebony and ivory inlaid display cabinet of concave semi-circular shape

  20,070

  Decision deferred for 3 months until 21 February 1988

  Album of designs for 'Objects de Vertue' relating to Charles Ouizille and Pierre Francois Drais c. 1750–1795

  50,625

  Decision deferred for 4 months until 4 April 1988

  Painting 'The finding of Moses' by Nicolas Poussin

  7,250,000

  Decision deferred for 6 months until 21 May 1988, with review at 1 month

  Plaster model for the monument to Archbishop Tillotson by Joseph Wilton

  275,000

  Decision deferred for 4 months until 4 April 1988

  Pair of slap soled ladies shoes

  21,185

  Decision deferred for 3 months until 4 March 1988

  Pair of paintings 'Classical Landscapes' by Jakob-Philip Hackert

  900,000

  Decision deferred for 3 months until 18 March 1988

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Family Courts
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Attorney-General what representations he has received from the Family Court Campaign since 11 June 1987; and what meetings have taken place, or are planned, with representatives of that campaign.

  The Attorney-General
  There is no record of any representations having been made since 11 June 1987 by the Family Courts Campaign. No meetings have taken place or are planned with representatives of the campaign.

  State Security
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Attorney-General what account Her Majesty's Government take of the length of time which has elapsed since the original publication of material by current or former members of the security services in deciding whether(a) to seek injunctions restraining further publication of the same material in a different form or in a different medium and (b) to apply for an account of profits against the original author and publishers; and if he will make a statement.
  481
  The Attorney-General
  The Government take such account of that factor as is appropriate in all the circumstances.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the legal actions initiated by his Department since 1979 with a view to preventing in whole or in part the publication or broadcasting of newspapers articles or radio or television programmes.

  The Attorney-General
  Since 1979, with the Attorney-General acting in his capacity as nominal plaintiff on behalf of the Government or as a law enforcement officer representing the public interest, the following actions have been initiated, directed specifically to restraining in whole or part the publication of particular articles in newspapers or periodicals or the broadcasting of particular radio or television programmes:

  Attorney-General v New Statesman (1986)

  (Ambassador's valedictory dispatch)

  Attorney-General v BBC (1987)

  (My Country Right or Wrong)

  Attorney-General v Channel 4 (1987)

  (Court Report—The Birmingham 6)

  Attorney-General v Observer and Sunday Times (1988)

  (Cavendish)

  On the other relevant actions against the media, I refer the hon. Member to my answer to his other question of today.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Attorney-General (1) whether he intends to prosecute under section 2 of the Official Secrets Act Mr. Rodney Dennys for revealing information which is officially secret to Mr. Anthony Cave Brown for use in his book "The Secret Servant"; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) whether he intends to prosecute under section 2 of the Official Secrets Act Sir James Easton for revealing information which is officially secret to Mr. Anthony Cave Brown for use in his book "The Secret Servant"; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) whether he intends to prosecute under section 2 of the Official Secrets Act Sir Patrick Reilly for revealing information which is officially secret to Mr. Anthony Cave Brown for use in his book "The Secret Servant"; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) whether he intends to prosecute under section 2 of the Official Secrets Act Colonel Felix Cowgill for revealing information which is officially secret to Mr. Anthony Cave Brown for use in his book "The Secret Servant"; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  Any evidence submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions tending to establish that an offence under that section may have been committed will be considered.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Attorney-General whether he intends to seek an injunction against the publishers Michael Joseph to prevent the publication of the book "The Secret Servant" by Anthony Cave Brown; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  The matter is under consideration.

  "Spycatcher"
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list all the legal actions initiated by his Department in connection with the publication of Mr. Peter Wright's book "Spycatcher" and the cost in each case.

  The Attorney-General
  The list of the proceedings, with the approximate amount of costs expended to date in legal fees and travelling and subsistence where relevant, is as follows:

  CIVIL PROCEEDINGS FOR BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY

  AUSTRALIA:
  Attorney-General v. Heinemann (Australia) and Wright
  Legal fees: £460,000. Travelling and subsistence: £65,000.

  NEW ZEALAND:
  Attorney-General v. Wellington Newspapers and Others
  Legal fees: £68,000. Travelling and subsistence: £13,000.

  ENGLAND AND WALES:
  Attorney-General v. Guardian, Observer and Sunday Times
  Legal fees: £41,500.

  HONG KONG:
  Attorney-General v. South China Morning Post
  Legal fees: £1,200.

  PROCEEDINGS FOR CRIMINAL CONTEMPT OF COURT
  Attorney-General v. Independent
  Legal fees: £8,100.
  Attorney-General v. Sunday Times (including for injunction to restrain threatened contempt)
  Legal fees: £750.
  Attorney-General v. Sunday Telegraph; News on Sunday;
  London Daily News; Evening Standard
  Legal fees: £250.

  Prosecution Policy
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Attorney-General (1) what is his policy on the prosecution of persons who claim the protection of a prerogative right of the Crown in cases where an infringement of the criminal law is alleged to have occurred;

  (2) if he will make it his policy to prosecute any person employed by the Government who is alleged to have committed a criminal offence.

  The Attorney-General
  The relevant criteria are set out in the code for Crown prosecutors, which is issued pursuant to section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985.

DEFENCE

  Safariland Lodge, Lake Naivasha, Kenya
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the 50m extension to the jetty at the Safariland lodge on Lake Naivasha, Kenya, built by soldiers of the First Battalion, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, during their stay in the area in November 1987; and who paid.

  Mr. Freeman
  The materials were provided by the Safariland lodge. The jetty was built by soldiers of the First Battalion, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, who volunteered to undertake the task during one of their rest periods. No costs were incurred by defence votes.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the dinner for the band of the First
  483
  Battalion, the Royal Highland Fusiliers and their friends at the Safariland lodge on Lake Naivasha in Kenya on the weekend of 21 November 1987; and who paid.

  Mr. Freeman
  The dinner for the band of the First Battalion, the Royal Highland Fusiliers and two members of the unit responsible for administering the camp at Lake Naivasha was proposed by the Safariland lodge. No costs were incurred by defence votes.

  First Battalion, Royal Highland Fusiliers (Kenya Visit)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the purpose of the visit by the First Battalion, the Royal Highland Fusiliers to Kenya in November 1987; how long they stayed; what was the cost; and who paid.

  Mr. Freeman
  The battalion deployed to Kenya on a major overseas training exercise from 20 October 1987 to 3 December 1987. The in-country cost of the exercise was about £170,000 and was met from defence funds.

  Trident
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Smith) on 11 January,Official Report, column 69, when the arrangement came to an end whereby the purchase of the Trident missile system would be at an exchange rate of $1·50 to the pound sterling.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The dollar cost in the Trident estimate announced to Parliament each year by my right hon. Friend is given at the exchange rate used in recosting the current defence long-term programme. The estimate of £9,265 million, announced in January 1987, was thus based on an exchange rate of $ 1·50 to £1 sterling. The cost of dollar expenditure in the United States is governed by the exchange rate prevailing at the time of puchase of those dollars.

  Home Defence Exercises
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what role 3 Commando Brigade will play in the district home defence exercises to be held from September to November;

  (2) what role 5 Airborne Brigade will play in the district home defence exercises to be held from September to November;

  (3) what is the maximum number of (a) military personnel and (b) brigades due to participate in the district home defence exercises to be held from September to November;

  (4) if United Kingdom-based infantry brigades taking part in the district home defence exercises to be held from September to November will participate in exercises in military districts other than their own.

  Mr. Freeman
  Of the four home defence brigades, three will participate in their own district exercises, while 5 Airborne Brigade will give some exercise support to Southeast district and Wales. The aggregate number of troops participating in nine separate exercises at various times over a nine week period is aproximately 60,000. No district will have more than 6,500 troops in the field in any one day.
  484
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the wartime headquarters of the United Kingdom commanders-in-chief committee will be activated during the district home defence exercises to be held from September to November;

  (2) if the wartime headquarters of United Kingdom land forces will be activated during the district home defence exercises to be held from September to November;

  (3) on what date planning was commenced for the series of military district home defence exercises to be held in the United Kingdom from September to November; and what changes have taken place in the proposed level of command of the exercises since then;

  (4) what is the collective title given to the series of military district home defence exercises to be held from September to November.

  (5) if a district home defence exercise will be held in Northern Ireland this autumn; and if he will make a statement;

  (6) if a district home defence exercise will be held in Scotland this autumn; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Between September and November this year, there will be military home defence exercises in all military districts except Northern Ireland. Planning commenced in July 1986 following the home commanders in chief's endorsement of the United Kingdom field army commander's policy for home defence exercises which instructed district commanders to hold district exercises in 1988. There is no collective title since these will be separate exercises under the independent command of the appropriate general officer commanding. There have been no changes to the proposed level of command since planning began and there are no plans to activate war headquarters at Headquarters United Kingdom Land Forces or for the United Kingdom commanders in chief committee.

  SSIXS Equipment
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many United Kingdom-owned and United Kingdom-operated SSIXS shore terminals in Britain(a) have been installed and (b) are planned.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  A number of United Kingdom-owned and operated RN SSIXS satellite communications systems have been installed ashore; the need for further such systems is kept under regular review. It would not be in the national interest to reveal precise numbers.

  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Clackmannan on 7 December 1987,Official Report column 88, what weapon systems other than Royal Navy submarines have been fitted with SSIXS equipment.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 11 January 1988 at column 64.

  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Royal Navy Trident submarines will be fitted with the SSIXS system.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It is not the policy to reveal the precise equipment fit of Royal Navy Trident submarines.

  Defence Contracts
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, pursuant to his answer of 26 November 1987,Official Report, column 281, he will give the names of the companies under investigation for alleged fraud in connection with defence contracts.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No. It would be inappropriate to provide this information whilst police inquiries are continuing.

  Army Equipment Exhibition
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will itemise all the estimated costs to be incurred by his Department in relation to the British Army equipment exhibition from 26 June to 1 July in Aldershot.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  All additional costs incurred in relation to the British Army equipment exhibition are recovered from the companies participating in it.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel will be on duty at the next British Army equipment exhibition in Aldershot.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Some 750 military personnel will be on duty in support of the British Army equipment exhibition 1988.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if any firepower and mobility demonstrations are planned in conjunction with the next British Army equipment exhibition at Aldershot; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  In conjunction with the 1988 British Army equipment exhibition, there will be mobility demonstrations but no firepower demonstrations.

  British Nuclear Test Programme (Report)
  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he received the National Radiological Protection Board's report on those members of Her Majesty's Forces who were the victims of the British nuclear test programme; and when he expects it to be published.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I expect to receive the final report of the NRPB into the mortality and cancer incidence in the United Kingdom participants in the United Kingdom atmospheric nuclear weapon tests and experimental programmes very shortly. I understand that the NRPB intends to publish the report towards the end of the month.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Simon Armstrong
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons Simon Armstrong, general manager, has asked to resign from the Falkland Islands Development Corporation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  As the Falkland Islands Development Corporation has already explained, Mr. Armstrong has asked to he transferred from the Falkland Islands because of an irreconcilable conflict of personalities within the local administration.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Recycled Paper
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he has any proposals for measures to increase the quantity of recycled paper used in the House.

  Mr. Wakeham
  I refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 12 November last at c. 298, when I indicated that the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee will be reconsidering the use of recycled paper in the House in the near future.

  Mineral Waters
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Lord President of the Council (1) if he will take steps to ensure that the mineral waters sold by the Refreshment Department are fully British owned, fully meet the requirements of the Natural Mineral Water Regulation 1985 and conform to European Community directive No. 80/778; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what information he has as to which of the natural mineral waters it is proposed to sell in the House do not meet the requirements of EC directive No. 80/778; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The Catering Sub-Committee is shortly to decide which mineral waters are in future to be provided for sale in the House; and I am sure that in reaching its conclusions it will take account of the requirements of the regulations and the EC directive.

  Scottish Standing Committee
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what information he has as to the number of occasions since 1958 on which hon. and right hon. Members representing constituencies outside Scotland have been nominated to serve on the First or Second Scottish Standing Committee.

  Mr. Wakeham
  Members representing constituencies outside Scotland have been nominated to the First or Second Scottish Standing Committees on the following occasions:

  Session

  Number of times

  1958–59

  1

  1959–60

  15

  1961–62

  7

  1962–63

  6

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSION

  Reports
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission how many reports the Public Accounts Commission has presented to the House; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Peter Hordern
  Since it was first established in 1984, the Public Accounts Commission has presented three reports pursuant to section 2(3) of the National Audit Act.

  National Audit Office
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission if he receives a copy of the National Audit Office's annual programme of work; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Peter Hordern
  The National Audit Office's programme of economy, efficiency and effectiveness reports and investigations is submitted to the Committee of Public Accounts, which advises the Commission on the National Audit Office's estimates. The Commission also considers the National Audit Office's corporate plan.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Firearms (Police Use)
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been killed or injured by police using firearms in each year since 1979; and how many of those had neither been convicted of any offence, nor were being pursued by the police in connection with any alleged offence.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The available information is as follows:

  Year

  Injuries

  Deaths

  1979

  —

  1

  1980

  4

  1

  1981

  1

  —

  1982

  3

  —

  1983

  3

  —

  1984

  5

  —

  1985

  3

  1

  1986

  1

  —

  1987

  5

  5

  TOTAL

  25

  8

  Of these, three persons who were injured, and two persons who were killed, were not being pursued by the police in connection with any alleged offence. The information relating to the number of those injured or killed who had not been convicted of any offence could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

  Firearms
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in response to his recent White Paper on "Firearms Control".

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Since the White Paper was published we have received about 900 letters from right hon. and hon. Members and about 1,500 from members of the public, secretaries of rifle and pistol clubs, shooting organisations, and a number of other bodies. They have raised a variety of points on our proposals.

  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the possible effects of his proposals in the Firearms (Amendment) Bill on British participation in international shooting events; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The only international shooting events in which British participation will be affected by the 488
  Bill are practical shooting events involving the use of full bore self-loading rifles. We have received representations from shooting organisations opposing the change concerned, but my right hon. Friend is not persuaded that the limited sporting use of these weapons justifies their continued possession by private individuals.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the basis for his estimate that the manpower effects of the Firearms (Amendment) Bill will be 80, mainly civilian, additional personnel.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is our rough assessment after consulting the police of the additional police resources required to administer the provisions of the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, mainly in relation to changes in the shotgun controls. This represents 60 civilian staff for England and Wales, and 20 for Scotland.

  Political Asylum
  Mr. Dicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many applicants awaiting a decision on their application for political asylum were released into the community during 1987; and if he will list the country of origin of those released;

  (2) how many applicants awaiting a decision on their application for political asylum have been released to sponsors or others living in Hayes and Harlington during 1987; and if he will list their countries of origin.

  Mr. Renton
  Information is not readily available in the form requested. However, during 1987 some 1,615 persons applied for asylum on arrival at Heathrow, Dover and Gatwick. Their principal countries of origin were:

  Number

  Sri Lanka

  577

  Iran

  284

  Iraq

  139

  Uganda

  161

  During 1987, 449 asylum applications were detained for periods of more than 14 days. On 31 December 1987, 59 remained in detention. Information relating to the whereabouts of those granted temporary admission is not kept centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Amusement Arcades
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Home Affairs (1) if he has any plans to amend the Gaming Act 1968 so as to restrict access to amusement arcades or centres to persons over the age of 16 years;

  (2) if he has any plans to give local authorities greater controls over the proliferation and operation of amusement arcades and centres;

  (3) if he has yet received a report of his research unit on young people's addiction to amusement machines; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report on the review of legislation pertaining to amusement machines; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  The unit is preparing a report taking account of the results of research which we have now
  489
  received. The question of legislation is among those which we shall consider when we have completed our assessment of the findings.

  Female Prison Officers
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the male prison establishments to which his Department has invited female officers to move.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In May 1977 female prison officers were invited to apply for posts at the male prison listed in column A for deployment to Crown courts to receive female offenders surrendering to bail. In November 1987 female prison officers were invited to apply for posts at the male establishments listed in column B for deployment to Crown courts as above, on searching duties and on additional tasks which do not impinge upon consideration of privacy and decency.

  Column A

  HMP Canterbury

  HMP Exeter

  HMP Leicester

  HMP Lincoln

  HMP Norwich

  HMP Swansea

  HMP Winchester

  Column B

  HMP Gartree

  HMP Lincoln

  HMP Leicester

  HMP Bedford

  HMP Shrewsbury

  HMP Wormwood Scrubs

  HMP Albany

  HMP Parkhurst

  HMP Lewes

  HMP Norwich

  HMP Long Lartin

  HMP Oxford

  HMP Gloucester

  HMP Dorchester

  HMP Bristol

  HMP Hull

  HMP Leeds

  HMP Manchester

  HMP Frankland

  HMP Wakefield

  HMP Brixton

  HMP Reading

  Winson Green Prison
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have served prison sentences of less than one week at Winson Green prison, Birmingham, since August 1987.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  According to the records held centrally, about 25 persons were initially received into Birmingham prison in the period 1 September to 30 November 1987 to serve sentences of less than one week.

  Shirley Ann Bovell
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department will answer the letter dated 15 November 1985 addressed to his right hon. and learned Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury on the subject of the admission to England of Shirley Ann Bovell, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago; and if he will make a statement.
  490
  Mr. Renton
  I regret that the relevant papers have been mislaid. I am writing to the hon. Member about this and his letter of 11 January in order that the matter may now be resolved as quickly as possible.

  Oakham Police Station
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now give a date for authorising the Leicestershire police authority to start the construction of a new police station in Oakham.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We hope to be able to give approval in November for work on the new Oakham police station to start in 1991–92.

  Official Secrets Act
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the work on finding effective, enforceable and reasonable provision to replace section 2 of the Official Secrets Act to be complete.

  Mr. John Patten
  As my right hon. Friend announced on 15 January, at columns 581–587, he hopes to lay before Parliament in June a White Paper setting out proposals for the reform of section 2.

  Deportations
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases the courts have given leave to move for judicial review of any decision to depot an individual from the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Renton
  I regret that this information is not available.

  Gaming Machines
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he now has any plans to introduce legislation to control the proliferation of gaming machines and similar devices in shopping centres and to protect young people from them; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  We shall make our views known as soon as we have assessed the findings of the research which we have recently had done on this subject.

  Firearm Certificates
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time for the issue and renewal of firearm certificates by the Metropolitan police.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that for renewals a reminder notice to certificate holders is issued 10 weeks before the date of expiry, and that the necessary administrative procedures are normally carried out within this time.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each police authority the average length of time for the issue and renewal of firearm certificates.
  491
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Neighbourhood Watch Schemes (Durham)
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has about the number of neighbourhood watch schemes in the county of Durham and in particular within the sub-divisions of Seaham and Peterlee.

  Mr. John Patten
  I understand that there are now 149 such schemes in the county of Durham with 12 in the subdivision of Peterlee and six in the sub-division of Seaham.

  London City Airport
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration officers are involved in duties at London City airport.

  Mr. Renton
  Currently one chief immigration officer and six immigration officers.

  Remands in Custody
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been remanded in custody awaiting trial for more than six months; and what percentage this is of the total number of people remanded in custody in each of the years from 1983 to 1987.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The readily available information is of the estimated length of time spent by the population of untried prisoners on 30 June since the first remand in custody, but it includes any intervening time spent on bail. These figures are published annually in "Prison Statistics England and Wales"— table 2(c) of the latest volume, 1986, Cm. 210 — copies of which are in the Library. Figures for 1987 are not yet available.

  Dogs
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has considered funding a public education programme for the purpose of highlighting the need for good dog care.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Government applaud the work done by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and by other animal welfare organisations, in promoting a responsible attitude towards animals and pet ownership. In areas where they have been appointed dog wardens can assist in promoting responsible dog ownership. We have no plans, however, to extend the use of public money for these purposes.

PRIME MINISTER

  LINK Programme
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations the Cabinet Office have had from the Medical Research Council for the LINK programme, to develop ties between academia and industry, in particular with a view to establishing co-operation between pharmaceutical companies and universities to investigate new forms of drug delivery; and if she will make a statement.
  492
  The Prime Minister
  The Cabinet Office has not received any representations from the Medical Research Council concerning the LINK programme.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list by name all non-departmental public bodies in existence on 1 June 1979 and those in existence on 31 December 1987.

  The Prime Minister
  Appendix A to the report on non-departmental public bodies (Cmnd. 7797) published in January 1980 lists by name 2,112 non-departmental public bodies in existence in September 1979. A list of the 1,643 bodies in existence on 1 April 1987 is to be found in "Public Bodies 1987", publication of which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Privy Council Office, on 2 December 1987, at column 575. Information relating to the dates requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Crown Prerogative
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the exercise of the prerogative rights of the Crown in relation to the conduct of Government employees.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Prime Minister if any actions in exercise of a prerogative right of the Crown have been taken since 1979.

  The Prime Minister
  Innumerable actions in exercise of prerogative power have been taken since 1979; these range from the signature of treaties to the grant of the royal pardon.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations Her Majesty's Government have received concerning exercise of prerogative rights of the Crown in respect of actions which could otherwise be subject to criminal proceedings.

  The Prime Minister
  None so far as I am aware.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will introduce legislation to permit a servant of the Crown to carry out a criminal act in the exercise of a prerogative right of the Crown.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Prime Minister what proposals she has for precisely defining the conditions under which the powers are exercisable under prerogatives of the Crown.

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Regional Policy
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Prime Minister how the announced changes in regional policy in "DTI — the Department for Enterprise" will affect future total Government regional spending in(a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland.

  The Prime Minister
  The White Paper "DTI — the Department for Enterprise" (Cm. 278) indicates that the
  493
  changes in regional policy do not reduce the planned level of spending on regional industrial measures. Specific information on Departments' expenditure plans for the next three years will be set out in the public expenditure White Paper to he published on 20 January.

  Nature Conservancy Council
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on co-ordination between the Secretaries of State for Scotland and the Environment in relation to their responsibilities for the Nature Conservancy Council; and if she will list the precise responsibilities of each of those Ministers in relation to the control and management of national nature reserves in Scotland and in England, respectively.

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment to the hon. Members for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham), for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell), and for Wentworth (Mr. Hardy) on 13 January 1988 at column 281. My right hon. Friend carries out these responsibilities in consultation and co-operation with his ministerial colleagues, including my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

  Mr. Hugh Gaitskell
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister whether, pursuant to her answer of 13 January,Official Report, column 270, she is prepared to arrange for the file on Mr. Hugh Gaitskell, dating from 1957, to be made available for inspection on Privy Councillor terms; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  As a matter of normal practice, I do not propose to confirm or to deny whether briefings on Privy Councillor terms are envisaged or have taken place, even in those cases where no such briefing is planned or has occurred.

  British Politicians (Files)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to her answer of 13 January,Official Report, column 270, what is her policy towards holding files in her office on British politicians; what information she has as to when this practice started; how many such files there are of this nature; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  No such policy is needed. As part of normal office procedure, files are opened on any subject arising in the course of public business for papers which may be received or generated on that subject. Such files form part of the public record and are considered for release at the appropriate time under the rules laid down.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Turkey
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implications for the United Kingdom's relations with Turkey of the human rights situation in that country.
  494
  Mrs. Chalker
  We believe that considerable progress has been made in recent years towards the restoration of human rights and democracy in Turkey. Our relations with Turkey, which is an important NATO ally, are excellent. We take every appropriate opportunity to raise the subject of human rights with the Turks. We welcome the announcement on 7 January that Turkey would sign the European convention for the prevention of torture.

  Bahrain
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Bahrain authorities about allegations of torture, ill-treatment of political prisoners and other human rights abuses in the light of the 1987 Amnesty International report, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  Her Majesty's ambassador in Bahrain has made representations at senior levels to the Bahraini authorities who are in no doubt about our views on torture and abuse of human rights. They are also aware of the legitimate interest taken by Amnesty International in these matters. A team from Amnesty International visited Bahrain in April and June 1987. They were well received and have entered into a dialogue with the Government of Bahrain.

  British Consulates (Loans)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conveniently available figures in(a) one year terms and (b) percentage terms he has available to him, demonstrating the amounts of money lent by British consulates to British citizens abroad which have not been repaid as promised; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  Figures for the amount of money lent to British nationals in distress abroad, and the amounts repaid, for the years 1975–87 are shown in the table.

  Repayment is often made by instalments over a period of months or years and does not necessarily relate to the year when expenditure occurred. Under a new scheme introduced on 1 January 1987 for on-the-spot small advances from public funds, £9,851 was lent in 1987 by British Consulates. Only £3,480 has so far been repaid.

  The continuing reduction in the amount of public money lent and the number of persons assisted reflects a general policy of self-help and the application of stricter criteria to British nationals requesting public funds for repatriation or financial assistance. They are required to demonstrate genuine destitution and a lack of other available sources of funds.
  495

  Financial assistance for repatriation

  Year

  Number of persons assisted1

  Expenditure

  Recoveries

  Percentage recovered

  £

  £

  1975–76

  4,808

  458,000

  256,034

  56

  1976–77

  2,550

  362,811

  270,303

  75

  1977–78

  2,178

  311,150

  233,549

  75

  1978–79

  2,132

  261,892

  231,630

  88

  1979–80

  1,936

  187,176

  191,101

  102

  1980–81

  1,696

  190,406

  198,187

  104

  1981–82

  1,650

  202,276

  168,882

  83

  1982–83

  1,001

  210,276

  146,231

  70

  1983–84

  527

  92,807

  126,504

  136

  1984–85

  468

  83,720

  92,660

  111

  1985–86

  443

  2189,225

  126,911

  67

  1986–87

  432

  72,662

  71,925

  99

  Totals

  19,821

  2,622,407

  2,113,977

  81

  1 It is not clear from the records but in some years this figure may include those for whom the FCO acted as a channel for private funds but not repatriation.

  2 Including funds for Aden evacuation.

  Mordecai Vanunu
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if on his recent visit to Israel the Minister of State the hon. and learned Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor) specifically raised with the Foreign Minister Israel the current trial of Mordecai Vanunu and his disappearance from the United Kingdom in 1986, the issue of nuclear weapons deployment in the region or the reported claims of Israeli nuclear weapon capability.

  Mr. Mellor
  My discussions with Mr. Peres were confidential.

  Zambia (Personal Remittances)
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made since 20 July 1987 in his contacts with the Government of Zambia regarding blocked personal remittances lawfully due to British subjects formerly resident in Zambia, but now living in the United Kingdom; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  My right hon. and learned Friend and I both raised the subject of blocked funds with Prime Minister Musokotwane of Zambia when he visited Britain in September. He regretted the situation and stated that individual cases of hardship would be considered. Mrs. Mavis Muyunda, Zambian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, reiterated this assurance to me in November last.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will list all the official delegations and Government-sponsored individuals and parties from Indonesia who visited the United Kingdom during 1987, stating in each case the purpose of the visit.

  Mr. Eggar
  The principal visits in 1987 were as follows:

  February
  Dr. Radius Prawiro, Minister of Finance; to open the new offices of Bank Negara (State Bank) in London.

  March
  Delegation from the Indonesian House of Representatives; to visit Parliament.
  496
  Professor Marsono Taroepratjeko, Vice-Rector of the Institute of Technology in Bandung; for discussions with United Kingdom academics.
  Professor Dr. Mohammed Adna, Vice-Rector of the University of Gaja Mahadah in Jogjakarta; to develop links with Universities.

  May
  Mr. Bamban Kesowo, Head of Legal Section of the Cabinet Secretariat; to discuss copyright matters.
  Mr. Rahradi Ramelan, Deputy Chairman, BPPT (Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology); to discuss science and technology with officials and companies.
  Professor Dr. Harsja Bactiar, Head of Office of Educational and Cultural Planning, Ministry of Education and Culture; for familiarisation.

  July
  Dr. B. J. Habibie, Minister of Research and Technology; for discussions with Ministers, and with United Kingdom companies involved in aircraft manufacture, shipping and heavy engineering.
  Mr. Sulema Wiriadidaja, Technical Director of P T PAL (Indonesian Shipbuilding Organisation); for discussions with United Kingdom companies.

  November
  Chief of Staff of Indonesian Army, General Tri Sutrisno; for discussions with the Chief of the General Staff.
  Professor Molejono, Rector of the University of Diponegoro at Samarang; to visit Universities.
  Professor Amran Halim, Rector of University of Stiwijaya; to visit United Kingdom Universities.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list all the occasions during 1987 when United Kingdom Government or military officials visited Indonesia, stating in each case the purpose of the visit.

  Mr. Eggar
  The principal visits in 1987 were as follows:

  April
  Mr. W. E. Mason, Deputy Under-Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture; to discuss food policy and regulations.

  May
  Vice-Chief of Defence Staff; for discussions on defence matters, as part of a South-East Asian tour.

  September
  Lord Glenarthur, Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs; for discussions with the Indonesian Government.
  497
  October
  Mr. Christopher Patten MP, Minister for Overseas Development; for discussions on the United Kingdom aid programme.
  Mr. Tim Sainsbury MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Procurement; for discussions on defence equipment matters.

  November
  United Kingdom delegation to the Anglo-Indonesian joint working group on economic co-operation.

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the United Kingdom will be officially represented at the negotiations over the future of Afghanistan.

  Mr. Eggar
  The only formal negotiations are the proximity talks which take place at Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary General's personal representative. They involve the Kabul regime and the Government of Pakistan. The United Kingdom is not represented.

  Dr. Jack Mapanje
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representation he has made to the Government of Malawi about the fate of Dr. Jack Mapanje of the English department of the University of Malawi.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We have no standing to intervene directly, since Dr. Mapanje is a Malawi citizen. The Malawian Government are however well aware of our views on detention without trial.

  Mr. Albert Flearmoy
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the fate of Mr. Albert Flearmoy, British citizen, arrested in New York last autumn.

  Mr. Eggar
  Following his arrest in New York on 21 April 1986, Mr. Flearmoy was charged with 17 others in connection with the illegal sale of arms to Iran. He was released on bail on 24 November 1986. He subsequently returned to the United Kingdom where, as far as we know, he remains.

  European Commission (United Kingdom Staff)
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to how many United Kingdom nationals are employed in the European Commission's national offices in other Community countries.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Three United Kingdom citizens are employed in press and information offices of the European Community Commission in European Community states other than the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Jorgen Hansen
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise with 498
  the European Commission the implications for its policy on the appointment of staff to senior positions in its national offices of the appointment of Mr. Jorgen Hansen to a post in its Welsh office; what is Mr. Hansen's salary; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  There is no reason to raise the appointment of the new head of the European Community Commission's press and information office in Wales with the Commission. Such appointments are an internal matter for the Commission. The salary will be £1,998 per month.

  Wildlife Conservation
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many officials in Hong Kong are employed to inspect local restaurants to ensure that endangered species of animals are not served as food;

  (2) if, pursuant to the reply of 13 January, Official Report, column 285, he will give details of the 14 seizures made in 1987 by the authorities in Hong Kong, following inspections at local restaurants;

  (3) if, pursuant to the reply of 13 January, Official Report, column 285, he will give details of the 136 seizures made in 1987 by the authorities in Hong Kong of illegally imported animals and plants;

  (4) if, pursuant to the reply of 13 January, Official Report, column 285, he will explain why only 80 restaurants were visited in Hong Kong during 1987.

  Mr. Eggar
  We are making inquiries of the Hong Kong Government and I will reply as soon as possible.

  Youth Exchange Schemes
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what is the total budget for youth exchanges between Britain and Europe; and if he will make a statement on the effect on this total of contributing to the Youth for Europe scheme;

  (2) how many people are covered by youth exchange programmes between Britain and Europe; how many schemes there are; how many of these are administered by the British Council; within the total how many places relate to each of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England; and how many places relate to each of (a) the disabled, and (b) ethnic minorities.

  Mr. Eggar
  The information requested is not readily available. I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many youth exchange places there are between Britain and Comecon countries.

  Mr. Eggar
  Britain's Government-sponsored youth exchanges are demand-led by British youth organisations. There are, therefore, no set number of places allocated each year. In 1986–87, a total of 1,902 young people were funded by Her Majesty's Government, to take part in exchanges with Comecon countries. The total grant amounted to £90,418.

ENERGY

  Home Insulation
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what estimates have been made by his Department with regard to the proportion of public expenditure designed to encourage home insulation which is technically assessed as deadweight.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  In public expenditure terms, my energy efficiency office's main scheme to promote insulation in the home is the community insulation projects, for which total Government funding, in 1987–88 is estimated at some £45 million. The projects provide a free or low-cost basic insulation service for low-income households. An independent academic study commissioned by the Department in 1985 found "no evidence of the free rider effect".

  Private Coal Mining
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has any proposals to help to expand the private coal mining industry.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  As I explained during the debate on the coalfield communities on 20 Novembe 1987 at columns 1362–3, the Government are committed to the development of a prosperous private sector for coal and are considering whether to raise the statutory limits applied to the licensed sector. If it was decided to present such proposals to the House, legislation would take time, and in the meantime I have been discussing with Sir Robert Haslam the scope for greater flexibility and transparency within existing legislation.

  Sizewell B
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what developments have taken place since April 1987 in the implementation of recommendation 13 of the Sizewell B report.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Recommendations 13(a) and 13(c) were addressed in the decision letter issued by my right hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr. Walker) on 12 March 1987, copies of which were placed in the Library of the House. As regards recommendation 13(b), I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 16 December 1987 at column 516 by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Riddick).

  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to ask the chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board to halt the development of Sizewell B pressurised water reactor pending the recruitment of a full complement of inspectors by Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I am advised by the Health and Safety Executive that the present staffing level of the NII is sufficient to discharge its responsibilities for Sizewell. Following the recent campaign to recruit more nuclear inspectors, the staffing level is increasing and is expected to reach the agreed complement of 120 inspectors by 1 April 1988.

  Heysham 2
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he plans to ask the chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Safety of Nuclear Installations and the director of Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to carry out an emergency review of the design and construction of the Central Electricity Generating Board Heysham 2 nuclear plant.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate has, as part of its normal licensing process, been reviewing and inspecting the design and construction of the CEGB's Heysham 2 nuclear plant. Following the consent of the inspectorate, fuel has been loaded into the reactors. Consent for power raising is expected when the remaining safety assessments have been cleared. There are no plans for ACSNI to look into what is essentially a routine licensing matter.

  Fast Breeder Reactor (Lyons)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has about the closure since May 1987 of the fast breeder reactor at Creys-Malville, east of Lyons, France; whether it has any implications for the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The French Government have announced that they have agreed, in principle, that Superphenix can be restarted subject to studies being done on how to load the reactor core without using the fuel storage vessel. Discussions have confirmed that there are no implications for the United Kingdom, since the Dounreay prototype fast reactor does not possess the design feature which caused the problem in Superphenix.

  Nuclear Safety
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that station managers who assume the role of emergency controller during a serious incident at a nuclear installation have sufficient time to carry out both their duty to restore the plant to a safe condition and their functions in relation to co-ordinating monitoring of a radioactivity, advising emergency services on the need for evacuation and determining whether potassium iodate tablets should be distributed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  All major nuclear sites in the United Kingdom have offsite co-ordination centres, the main purpose of which is to relieve the emergency controller at the site of the responsibility for advising on the need for offsite counter-measures. Such centres are part of the site emergency plans, which are approved by HM nuclear installations inspectorate, in whose presence they are regularly rehearsed.

  Coal Firing Scheme, Corby
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the total payments made under the coal firing scheme in the Corby development area in each year since 1980.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  There have been no payments made under the coal firing scheme in the Corby development area.

  Pit Closures
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list in the Official Report the pits closed by British Coal since 1 March 1985 and the date of closure.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The information requested is as follows:

  Colliery

  Date of closure

  Ackton Hall

  5 July 1985

  Moorgreen

  19 July 1985

  Pye Hill

  9 August 1985

  Savile

  23 August 1985

  Bedwas

  31 August 1985

  Celynen South

  6 September 1985

  Markham

  20 September 1985

  Treforgan

  30 September 1985

  Aberpergwm

  7 October 1985

  Penrikyber

  8 October 1985

  Abertillery

  9 October 1985

  Yorkshire Main

  11 October 1985

  Wolstanton

  18 October 1985

  Brenkley

  25 October 1985

  Brookhouse

  25 October 1985

  Cortonwood

  25 October 1985

  Bold

  15 November 1985

  Sacriston

  15 November 1985

  Herrington

  22 November 1985

  St. John's

  22 November 1985

  Haig

  26 November 1985

  Fryston

  6 December 1985

  Garw

  13 December 1985

  Emley Moor

  20 December 1985

  Bates

  25 February 1986

  Horden

  28 February 1986

  Glasshoughton

  28 March 1986

  Polkemmet

  10 June 1986

  Whitwell

  27 June 1986

  Whitwick/South Leicester

  4 July 1986

  Kinsley

  11 July 1986

  Comrie

  19 September 1986

  Tilmanstone

  21 October 1986

  Hucknall/Babbington

  31 October 1986

  Ledston Luck

  31 October 1986

  Cadeby

  7 November 1986

  Nantgarw

  7 November 1986

  Birch Coppice

  28 November 1986

  Cwm

  28 November 1986

  Bersham

  12 December 1986

  Whittle

  9 January 1987

  Newstead

  20 March 1987

  Wheldale

  16 October 1987

  Nostell

  23 October 1987

  Snowdown

  23 October 1987

  Woolley/Redbrook

  22 December 1987

  Nuclear Installations
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the nuclear installations constructed within 100 miles of the western coastline of Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on their safety.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The following civil nuclear installations are situated within 100 miles of the western coastline of Great Britain:

  CEGB

  Hartlepool

  Heysham

  Berkeley

  Oldbury

  Hinkley Point

  Trawsfynydd

  Wylfa

  502
  SSEB

  Hunterston

  Torness

  Amersham International

  Amersham

  Harwell

  Cardiff

  UKAEA

  Dounreay

  The Harwell Laboratory

  Atomic Energy Establishment—Winfrith

  Windscale Nuclear Laboratories

  Springfields Nuclear Laboratories

  BNF plc

  Sellafield

  Calder Hall

  Drigg

  Capenhurst

  Springfields

  Chapelcross

  Other sites

  Rolls Royce and Associates Ltd.—Derby

  Rolls Royce Nuclear—Derby

  Vickers Barrow

  Universities Research Reactor—Risley

  ICI—Billingham

  Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre —

  East Kilbride

  These installations have an excellent safety record and reflect the rigorous standards of safety which are maintained.

  Alternative Energy Sources
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy at what level of energy cost long-shot renewable energy technology becomes a viable prospect for the purposes of his Department.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The original aim of the Department's renewables research and development programme, which was initiated in 1974, was to assess the potential contribution that all the renewable technologies could make to United Kingdom energy supply. That objective was largely achieved by 1985, and the broad aims of the Department's programme now are to encourage the uptake of those renewable technologies that have been shown to be commercially attractive and to increase our understanding of the economics of those that are "promising but uncertain". Technologies which are now classed as "long-shot technologies" have in most cases already been the subject of considerable R and D investment during the first phase of our work in this area. They have been classed as "long-shot technologies" because on all reasonable expectations about future fuel prices and about the minimum likely cost of exploiting the energy source once the technology has been developed, they are not expected to make an economic contribution to our future energy supply—under a wide range of economic scenarios—and on the time scale considered (2030).

  A watching brief is maintained on all the "long shots" and if, as a result of new ideas or new information, it is judged that a particular technology could possibly make an economic contribution it would be reclassified as "promising but uncertain". As yet, this has not happened. Regular reviews of both the economic and technical potential of all the renewable technologies are carried out as part of our programme. The latest of these reviews was

  503
  carried out in 1987 as part of a comprehensive appraisal of United Kingdom energy research, development and demonstration. This appraisal was published as energy paper 54, copies of which are in the Libraries of the House.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) how many workers are employed in(a) public and (b) private mines and opencast sites in the north-east area of British Coal;

  (2) if he will list the names and locations and levels of productivity in (a) private and (b) public opencast and licensed mines in the north-east area of British Coal.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Comprehensive information in the form requested is not readily available. I will, however, ask the chairman of the British Coal Corporation to write to the hon. Member.

  Sexual Harassment
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his Department's policy on sexual harassment at work; whether guidance on reporting complaints has been issued to all staff; how many complaints have been reported in the past five years; and what disciplinary action has been taken.

  Mr. Parkinson
  The Civil Service policy on sexual harassment is set out in the programme of action to achieve equal opportunities for women in the Civil Service which was published by the Cabinet Office (Management and Personnel Office) in 1984. Sexual harassment at work is not tolerated and is dealt with as a disciplinary matter through the usual Civil Service complaints procedure.

  Guidance on reporting complaints of sexual harassment has been issued to all staff in my Department.

  One complaint has been reported in the past five years. This was substantiated and a formal reprimand was given to the offending officer.

  Combined Heat and Power
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what progress has been made in promoting combined heat and power schemes since the Energy Act 1983; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Since 1983, the Government have provided £750,000 towards the costs of further studies on major urban CHP schemes by consortia in Belfast, Edinburgh and Leicester. The Leicester consortium has published a report on its findings and has formed a company, Leicester Energy Limited, to take the work forward. Reports from Belfast and Edinburgh are expected shortly.

  Under the Department's energy efficiency demonstration scheme, £3 million has been committed to the support of 22 industrial and commercial projects. My Department has also provided £102,000 under the energy efficiency survey scheme, which provides grants of up to a maximum of £10,000 towards 50 per cent. of the costs of employing independent consultants for feasibility studies of non-domestic CHP schemes.

  Private Electricity Generation
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the change in total output from 504
  private electricity generators in the United Kingdom since 1983; and whether his Department has made any assessment of the likely changes in the future.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  From 1983 to 1986, the total output from private electricity generators in Great Britain increased from 12.8 terawatt hours to 13·7 terawatt hours. The Government intend to stimulate competition and encourage private generation in privatising the electricity supply industry.

  Electricity Meters
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what progress is being made in replacing domestic prepayment electricity meters with token-operated meters by the electricity boards; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  This is a matter for the electricity supply industry. I have asked the chairman of the Electricity Council to write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

  Fuel Disconnections
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what has been the percentage change in the number of domestic households disconnected for nonpayment of electricity bills in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland, (d) England, (e) each of the standard English regions and (f) Northern Ireland between 1979 and 1987;

  (2) how many domestic households' electricity supply was disconnected for non-payment of electricity bills in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland, (d) Northern Ireland, (e) England and (f) each of the standard English regions during the last year for which figures are available; what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979; and in each case what percentage of all domestic users these figures represent.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  This is a matter for the electricity supply industry. I have asked the chairman of the Electricity Council to write to the hon. Member with the information requested in respect of England and Wales. Electricity disconnections in Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland respectively.

  Plutonium
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list in the Official Report the dates of all statements made over the past six months by him outside Parliament on the past and future uses of civil origin plutonium; and if he will place a copy of the text of each such statement in the Library.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Neither I nor my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made any special statements on this subject.

  Media Statements
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his practice towards responding to statements or accusations made on television, radio or in the Press on those areas for which his Department has responsibility.
  505
  Mr. Parkinson
  I consider carefully any statement that comes to my attention and make any appropriate response.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list any occasions since May 1979 when Ministers in his Department have made statements in Parliament, or answered parliamentary questions, arising from information on nuclear energy matters broadcast on television or radio, or published in the Press.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Statements made to the House have reflected important developments in Government policy, matters of interest expressed by Members or areas of obvious public concern.

  Electricity Costs
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has as to the average increase in the cost of electricity for domestic consumers, for each year since 1975, in(a) the Federal Republic of Germany, (b) France, (c) Italy, (d) Holland and (e) Sweden; and what are the figures for the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The reply of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, East (Mr. Prescott) on 18 November included information about increases in the average price of electricity for domestic consumers in the United Kingdom since 1974. I will ask the chairman of the Electricity Council to provide the further information the hon. Member seeks.

  CEGB Sites (Access)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will direct the Central Electricity Generating Board to ensure access with prior permission by the public to its nuclear power station sites.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The CEGB already actively encourages visits by members of the public to all its nuclear power station sites.

  NUM President (Election)
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement about the facilities which British Coal is giving to the National Union of Mineworkers for the election of its president; and in which areas they are being provided.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  This is a matter for the management of the British Coal Corporation, and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Miners' Welfares
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the closure of Hucknall and Linby miners' welfare, announced on 26 December 1987; and what is his policy on subsidising miners' welfares in Nottingham.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  This is a matter for the trustees of the Hucknall and Linby miners' welfare.

  Brae C Field, North Sea
  Mr. MacDonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to authorise the development of the Brae C field in the North Sea.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  It is not my practice to comment on the timing of any eventual approval of specific development plans being considered by my Department.

EMPLOYMENT

  Departmental Responsibilities
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report those areas of his departmental responsibility which extend to Scotland.

  Mr. Fowler
  Except as detailed here, all my departmental responsibilities extend to Scotland. On Scottish employment and training matters, I act in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland who is responsible for approving the plans of the Manpower Services Commission for its programmes in Scotland and who answers questions on the operation of MSC and employment programmes in Scotland. My right hon. and learned Friend has ministerial responsibility for the small firms service in Scotland and for tourism in Scotland.

  Official Overseas Visits
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what official overseas visits Ministers in his Department have made over the last five years.

  Mr. Fowler
  A total of 25 official overseas visits were made by Ministers in my Department during the period January 1983 to December 1987, excluding short-term visits made specifically to attend conferences held by international bodies, eg. EC, OECD, ILO.

  Details are as follows:

  Dates

  Country visited

  19 July-29 July 1983

  Netherlands

  23 September-28 September 1983

  France

  1 October-7 October 1983

  United States of America

  17 October-20 October 1983

  Federal Republic of Germany and Germany

  20 November-22 November 1983

  Federal Republic of Germany

  25 September-5 October 1984

  Hong Kong and Japan

  11 December-8 February 1984

  France

  7 February-8 February 1985

  Italy

  3 July-5 July 1985

  Republic of Ireland

  25 August-3 September 1985

  Federal Republic of Germany/Switzerland/Denmark

  15 November-20 November 1985

  United States of America

  11 December-15 December 1985

  Hong Kong and China

  Wages Council Regulations (Infringements)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of state for Employment how many companies were prosecuted for infringement of Wages Council Regulations(a) in Clwyd and (b) in Wales in 1986.
  507
  Mr. Nicholls
  In 1986 there were no prosecutions in Wales for offences under wages council legislation. In 1987, one employer in Clwyd was prosecuted. There were no other prosecutions in Wales.

  Deptford Skill Centre
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much accommodation is available at the Deptford skill centre; how much of this is currently in use for training activities; and how much is currently unused.

  Mr. Cope
  The accommodation at Deptford skill centre comprises 10,154 sq m. The training workshops total 8,478 sq m, of which 6,408 sq m are currently in use and 2,070 sq m are unused. The use of space varies with courses on offer at any particular time.

  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the courses currently offered at the Deptford skill centre, indicating the take-up on each.

  Mr. Cope
  As at 11 January, the latest date for which figures are available, the information requested was as follows:

  Course

  Places Available

  Places Occupied

  Bricklaying

  28

  26

  Carpentry and Joinery

  28

  27

  Group Electronics

  36

  30

  Heavy Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

  10

  8

  Kitchen Fitting

  12

  11

  Light Fabrication and Welding

  8

  4

  New Technology Access

  48

  38

  Painting and Decorating

  12

  11

  Plastering

  14

  13

  Plumbing

  10

  10

  Silk Screen Printing

  12

  10

  Work Related Skills and Assessment

  36

  26

  Total

  265

  222

  There was no recruitment for a period of three weeks over Christmas; hence some shortfall between places available and places occupied.

  Low Earnings
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many(a) full-time males on adult rates, (b) full-time females on adult rates and (c) full-time employees on adult rates earned (i) £110 per week or less and (ii) £120 per week or less, in England and each of the standard English regions, during the last year for which figures are available; and what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Lee
  Information on the distribution of earnings by regions is published, for males and females separately, in table 113 of part E of the annual reports of the new earnings survey, copies of which are available in the Library for the years requested including 1987. The same information is not available for all employees prior to 1984 but the data from 1984 onwards are as follows:508

  Full-time employees on adult rates of pay whose earnings were not affected by absence

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Percentage earning less than £110 per week

  South East

  21·2

  17·1

  13·1

  10·1

  East Anglia

  31·0

  24·5

  19·4

  16·2

  South West

  32·0

  26·1

  21·4

  18·4

  West Midlands

  30·2

  25·5

  21·1

  17·2

  East Midlands

  31·8

  26·9

  22·0

  18·2

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  30·9

  25·2

  21·4

  17·4

  North West

  30·5

  24·7

  20·2

  16·6

  North

  31·0

  25·5

  21·3

  17·0

  England

  27·1

  22·2

  17·9

  14·4

  Percentage earning less than £120 per week

  South East

  28·1

  23·0

  17·9

  14·3

  East Anglia

  38·7

  31·8

  25·6

  21·7

  South West

  39·4

  33·3

  27·9

  24·0

  West Midlands

  37·5

  32·1

  26·7

  22·6

  East Midlands

  39·5

  34·5

  28·3

  24·1

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  38·4

  32·0

  27·8

  23·6

  North West

  37·8

  32·3

  26·5

  22·4

  North

  38·4

  32·7

  27·3

  22·3

  England

  34·4

  28·9

  23·6

  19·6

  Safety
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will impose a statutory maximum of 80 dB for exposure to noise at workplaces when he introduces the forthcoming noise regulations.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I expect the Health and Safety Commission to make proposals for new regulations on noise at workplaces, in the light of comments on its draft proposals published recently in a consultative document.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the extent of denial of the statutory right of safety representatives to paid leave from work to attend approved courses and to carry out their duties.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The safety representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 provide for safety representatives to present a complaint to an industrial tribunal in the event of an employer's failure:

  (i) to permit a safety representative to take time off from work to carry out his functions under the regulations or to undergo training; or

  (ii) to pay a safety representative in accordance with the requirements of the regulations in the course of such time off.

  The number of applications registered by industrial tribunals on these matters in the past five years is as follows:

  Applications

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  (i) Failure to Permit Time Off

  7

  6

  4

  4

  2

  (ii) Failure to Pay for Time Off

  13

  4

  2

  1

  1

  Total

  20

  10

  6

  5

  3

  Information on the results of these applications could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in view of the hazard in shipyards
  509
  of dangerous staging; he will bring this work under the same controls as apply to scaffolding in the construction regulations.

  Mr. Nicholls
  No. The existing provision in the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Shipbuilding and Ship-Repairing Regulations 1960 adequately provide for hazards in shipyards arising from the use of staging.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to ensure that advice booklets on workplace hazards are made more widely available and at a cost working people can afford.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Health and Safety Executive actively seeks every opportunity to publicise its extensive range of publications and to keep prices low. It publishes many leaflets and other material on workplace hazards free of charge.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make it his policy, in providing fuller inspection of building sites, to pay particular attention to unsafe scaffolding; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  It has been, and will continue to be, the policy of the Health and Safety Executive to pay particular attention to unsafe scaffolding during the inspection of building sites.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make it his policy that the Health and Safety Executive guidance note on hazardous substances be updated annually.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I understand that the hon. Member is referring to the Health and Safety Executive's "Guidance Note EH40 — Occupational Exposure Limits". This is already updated and published annually and there are no plans to change those arrangements.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he takes to monitor the extent to which employers carry out their statutory duty to have a regularly updated safety policy for their workplace.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive examine employers' safety policies as an integral part of HSE's enforcement of health and safety legislation. When necessary, inspectors require employers to update safety policies.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is taking any measures to deal with the problem of safety on building sites where lump labour is employed.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Health and Safety Executive is currently giving priority to the control exercised by main contractors over all aspects of work carried out by subcontractors, including labour-only sub-contractors.

  Job Release
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will list the Government's expenditure on publicity for the job release scheme for each year in which it has existed;

  (2) if he will list the number of new participants in the job release scheme for each year in which it has existed.

  (3) if he will list the Government's total expenditure on the job release scheme for each year in which it has existed.
  510
  Mr. John Lee
  I am afraid that the information about expenditure on publicity for the scheme is available only at disproportionate cost. In addition some publicity on the job release scheme is impossible to separate from overall action for jobs publicity. However, the information requested on new entrants and scheme costs is set out in the tables.

  Table 1: New entrants onto the job release scheme 1976–77 to 1987–88

  Numbers

  1976–77

  9,979

  1977–78

  14,529

  1978–79

  25,643

  1979–80

  68,164

  1980–81

  24,239

  1981–82

  38,674

  1982–83

  46,134

  1983–84

  44,045

  1984–85

  14,895

  1985–86

  11,960

  1986–87

  12,046

  1987–88

  18,226

  1 April to December 1987.

  Table 2: Cost of the job release scheme 1976–77 to 1987–68

  £ million

  1976–77

  2·00

  1977–78

  15·30

  1978–79

  21·70

  1979–80

  85·40

  1980–81

  135·95

  1981–82

  134·14

  1982–83

  211·77

  1983–84

  258·20

  1984–85

  280·00

  1985–86

  187·40

  1986–87

  1109·55

  1987–88

  283·80

  1 Provisional outturn.

  2 Supply estimate.

  Ladbrokes plc
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many industrial tribunals heard in the years 1979 to 1987 inclusive involved the Ladbrokes plc group of companies.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Information on cases heard is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. The number of registered applications to industrial tribunals involving Ladbrokes plc (not including associated companies) for the period 1 April 1986 to the last available date is as follows:

  Period

  Numbers of applications

  1 April 1986 to 31 March 1987

  35

  1 April 1987 to 31 December 1987

  23

  Information for the period before 1 April 1986 is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Industrial Tribunals (Betting and Racing)
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many industrial tribunals heard in the years 1979 to 1987 inclusive involved the horse and dog racing industries and betting industries.
  511
  Mr. Nicholls
  Records of tribunal applications are not classified by industry. The information is therefore not available.

  Dock Workers
  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many permanent registered dock workers in each year from 1980 to 1986 have been dismissed by their employer for an offence justifying summary dismissal under the disciplinary provisions of the dock labour scheme; and how many of these men have been reinstated by order of local dock labour boards and appeal tribunals;

  (2) how many permanent registered dock workers in each year from 1980 to 1986 have been suspended from work without pay under the disciplinary provisions of the dock labour scheme; and how many of these suspensions have been reduced in severity and how many totally withdrawn upon appeal to local dock boards;

  (3) how many registered employers employing permanent workers have gone out of business in the years 1975 to 1986; how many registered dock workers they employed; how many of these dock workers were then allocated by the National Dock Labour Board to other employers; and how many of these employers had no work for them.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The information is not readily available in the form required without considerable and detailed research at local board level.

  Mr. Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment which ports give preference to the sons and other relatives of dock workers already in employment when recruiting registered dock workers through the National Dock Labour Board to ports covered by the dock labour scheme.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Ports currently known to be giving preference to relatives of dock workers already in employment when recruiting registered dock workers through the national dock labour scheme are as follows:

  Middlesbrough

  Hartlepool

  Hull

  Goole

  Grimsby

  Immingham

  Wisbech

  Yarmouth

  Lowestoft

  Ipswich

  Aberdeen

  Dundee

  Burntisland

  Newcastle

  North Shields

  Sunderland

  Mr. Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average age of registered dock workers(a) in each port and (b) for all ports covered by the dock labour scheme.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The average age of registered dock workers in each of the scheme ports, as reported in the last available annual age group survey in July 1986, was as follows:512

  Average Ages

  Port

  1986

  (1985)

  Newcastle

  50·3

  (49·3)

  North Shields

  44·9

  (44·1)

  South Shields

  47·3

  (46·5)

  Blyth

  50·0

  (50·4)

  Sunderland

  42·3

  (43·7)

  Seaham

  52·3

  (52·7)

  Middlesbrough

  42·9

  (42·4)

  Hartlepool

  46·6

  (46·7)

  Hull

  50·4

  (49·8)

  Goole

  50·8

  (50·9)

  Grimsby and Immingham

  Comm.fish

  42·4

  (42·1)

  45·4

  (44·4)

  Boston

  52·7

  (52·1)

  Wisbech

  56·6

  (55·2)

  King's Lynn

  49·8

  (49·4)

  Yarmouth

  45·1

  (47·0)

  Lowestoft

  41·3

  (41·6)

  Ipswich

  49·1

  (48·2)

  London

  48·7

  (48·2)

  Rochester

  40·6

  (40·3)

  Sittingbourne

  41·7

  (43·7)

  Sheerness

  46·5

  (45·7)

  Southampton

  45·5

  (45·3)

  Poole

  41·0

  (40·3)

  Weymouth

  46·6

  (47·1)

  Plymouth

  42·9

  (42·9)

  Fowey

  47·5

  (46·5)

  Par

  48·8

  (47·8)

  Charlestown

  34·0

  (33·0)

  Falmouth

  45·3

  (44·3)

  Penzanc

  41·7

  (42·0)

  Bristol

  39·7

  (40·4)

  Sharpness

  41·2

  (42·7)

  Gloucester

  54·8

  (53·8)

  Newport

  44·2

  (44·8)

  Cardiff

  42·7

  (43·0)

  Barry

  43·7

  (42·8)

  Port Talbot

  51·4

  (51·2)

  Swansea

  48·7

  (49·5)

  Liverpool and Birkenhead

  47·1

  (47·2)

  Garston

  43·3

  (42·7)

  Salford

  48·3

  (46·5)

  Ellesmere Port

  46·5

  (46·2)

  Runcorn

  43·1

  (42·2)

  Weston Point

  44·6

  (-)

  Fleetwood

  42·9

  (41·9)

  Whitehaven

  45·4

  (44·4)

  Workington

  44·3

  (43·3)

  Silloth

  38·5

  (36·0)

  Barrow

  46·5

  (45·5)

  Ayr

  48·1

  (47·1)

  Ardrossen

  50·2

  (49·2)

  Hunterston

  39·1

  (38·1)

  Greenock

  41·8

  (40·8)

  Glasgow

  46·7

  (46·0)

  Aberdeen

  Comm. fish

  46·5

  (45·9)

  42·6

  (42·6)

  Dundee

  46·0

  (45·7)

  Mathil

  47·0

  (46·0)

  Kirkcaldy

  56·0

  (55·0)

  Burntisland

  49·3

  (48·3)

  Grangemouth

  41·6

  (40·7)

  Leith

  52·7

  (51·9)

  The average age for registered dock workers at all dock labour scheme ports in this annual age group survey was 46·3 years.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the average under-employment of registered dock workers in ports covered by the dock labour scheme in each year for the period 1967 to 1986, after taking account of sickness and holidays, expressed as a percentage of the national register.
  513
  Mr. Nicholls
  The average under-employment of registered dock workers in ports covered by the dock labour scheme in each year for the period 1967 to 1986, after taking account of sickness and holidays, expressed as a percentage of the national register is as follows:

  Year

  Average Under-Employed

  Average National Register

  Percentage Under-Employed

  1967 (37 weeks)

  5,173

  60,144

  8·6

  1967 (15 weeks)

  3,649

  57,505

  6·3

  1968

  3,340

  56,563

  5·9

  1969

  3,964

  52,732

  7·2

  1970

  2,336

  46,912

  5·0

  1971

  4,790

  45,491

  10·5

  1972

  3,137

  41,247

  7·6

  1973

  1,938

  34,509

  5·6

  1974

  3,303

  34,582

  9·6

  1975

  4,951

  33,638

  14·7

  1976

  3,632

  31,062

  11·7

  1977

  2,605

  29,470

  8·8

  1978

  3,802

  28,680

  13·3

  1979

  3,460

  26,898

  12·9

  1980

  4,103

  24,492

  16·8

  1981

  3,828

  21,022

  18·2

  1982

  2,018

  16,788

  12·0

  1983

  1,744

  14,631

  11·9

  1984

  1,669

  13,403

  12·5

  1985

  1,814

  12,193

  14·9

  1986

  1,354

  11,168

  12·1

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what were the maximum severance payments available to registered dock workers in each year from 1972 to 1986 in the ports covered by the dock labour scheme.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The relevant figures are:

  £

  1971–74

  12,330

  1975–76

  5,250

  1977

  7,000

  1978

  27,000

  1979

  8,500

  1980

  10,500

  1981

  16,000

  1982–83

  22,500

  1983

  22,500

  1984

  25,000

  1985

  25,000

  1986

  325,000

  1 £4,000 for a limited period 1972–73.

  2 £8,500 in London only.

  3 £35,000 agreed under special schemes in London and Liverpool.

SCOTLAND

  Further and Higher Education
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his plans to encourage wider access to further and higher education in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The White Paper "Higher Education: Meeting the Challenge" (Cm. 114, April 1987) stated the Government's objective to increase participation rates in higher education and invited institutions to respond accordingly. We need to increase participation 514
  both by encouraging more young people to stay on at school and gain entrance qualifications for higher education and by making it easier for those who leave school early to progress to higher education through the further education system.

  With the prospect of a marked decline over the next few years in the size of the under-21 age group, many higher education institutions in Scotland have begun to seek to increase participation by those without the normal entrance qualifications for higher education courses, including mature students. Recent figures suggest that about 6,000 entrants a year, or about one quarter of the total entrants to higher education in Scotland, are aged over 21.

  My Department is encouraging closer collaboration between the further and the higher education sectors, particularly directed at identifying best practice and encouraging students capable of progression to higher education who may have left school without normal entrance qualifications. The growing use of the Scotvec national certificate will help in this.

  Progression from further to higher education will be made easier by better articulated courses at certificate, diploma and degree level, to allow credits to be earned and accumulated at one level and transferred and recognised at the next. This will also make part-time study easier for those in employment who wish to progress to degree level. It will also make it easier to for those who fail to complete a course at a higher level to leave with some recognised qualification at a lower level.

  Forestry Commission
  Mr. Warren
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the total Government investment at current prices in the Forestry Commission since 1958; and what is the value of the assets of the commission today.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Since 1958, Government investment in the forestry enterprise operations of the Forestry Commission has amounted to £1,527 million at current prices. The assets of the enterprise at 31 March 1987 were valued at £1,730 million.

  Ex-Offenders (Employment)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any proposals for using Manpower Services Commission schemes for enhancing the employment prospects of ex-offenders.

  Mr. Lang
  Ex-offenders along with others benefit from the wide range of Government training and employment measures. Specific provision is made within schemes such as YTS, new job training scheme and the community programme to cater for the needs of ex-offenders.

  Icelandic Electricity (Imports)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on recent talks between the South of Scotland Electricity Board and the Icelandic ambassador to the United Kingdom concerning prospects for importing electrical power by cable from Iceland; and what consideration has been given by his Department to any such imports of Icelandic electricity.

  Mr. Lang
  I am aware that there has been some speculation about the possiblility of importing electricity
  515
  from Iceland by submarine cable, but I have no knowledge of any discussions with the Scottish electricity boards and I have received no firm proposals. However, I understand that the Icelandic Minister of Industry is planning to visit Scotland shortly and that the question of exporting electricity to the United Kingdom may be among the topics he wishes to explore.

  Ibrox Park Stadium
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last made an official visit to a Glasgow Rangers football match at Ibrox park stadium; whether he has received any report from the Strathclyde police concerning crowd control arrangements at Ibrox park; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend has not been invited to the stadium. He has not received a report from Strathclyde police on crowd control arrangements there, nor does he see a need to ask for one.

  Administration of Justice
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of reports submitted by the police to procurators fiscal were marked "no proceedings" by reason of resources not being available to deal with them within the judicial system, in each fiscaldom in Scotland in respect of each full year since 1984 and in 1987 up to the date for which information is available.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This information is not available.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many reports submitted by the police to procurators fiscal were marked for no proceedings in each fiscaldom in Scotland in respect of the years 1984, 1985 and 1986 and to the most recently available date in 1987.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The figures are set out in the table. Only the figures for January to November inclusive are available for 1987.

  Number of cases marked no proceedings

  Offices

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Aberdeen

  413

  1,539

  4,366

  3,412

  Airdrie

  484

  306

  432

  459

  Alloa

  230

  239

  234

  222

  Arbroath

  271

  278

  206

  174

  Ayr

  966

  1,473

  1,395

  1,274

  Banff

  83

  153

  169

  133

  Campbeltown

  84

  124

  78

  85

  Cupar

  223

  238

  255

  203

  Dingwall

  133

  211

  241

  218

  Dornoch

  137

  94

  99

  60

  Dumbarton

  561

  826

  924

  786

  Dumfries

  167

  353

  315

  264

  Dundee

  1,335

  1,338

  797

  791

  Dunfermline

  828

  1,178

  1,429

  1,121

  Dunoon

  192

  155

  251

  178

  Duns

  95

  104

  123

  116

  Edinburgh

  25,238

  29,551

  29,746

  10,545

  Elgin

  613

  573

  812

  726

  Falkirk

  835

  1,490

  1,834

  1,470

  Forfar

  75

  74

  136

  77

  Fort William

  138

  185

  186

  245

  Glasgow

  7,760

  9,736

  10,824

  18,248

  Greenock

  552

  1,440

  1,590

  973

  Haddington

  1,008

  655

  715

  798

  Hamilton

  1,750

  1,666

  1,914

  1,987

  516

  Number of cases marked no proceedings

  Offices

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Inverness

  708

  755

  967

  806

  Jedburgh

  188

  182

  182

  137

  Kilmarnock

  2,320

  1,547

  1,435

  1,270

  Kirkcaldy

  985

  1,064

  1,163

  1,364

  Kirckudbright

  117

  110

  92

  73

  Kirkwall

  67

  86

  80

  69

  Lanark

  221

  172

  162

  172

  Lerwick

  216

  137

  57

  91

  Linlithgow

  347

  390

  382

  366

  Lochmaddy

  21

  7

  17

  10

  Oban

  229

  207

  155

  134

  Paisley

  2,191

  2,537

  3,044

  2,061

  Peebles

  49

  52

  49

  49

  Perth

  1,801

  2,166

  1,696

  1,506

  Peterhead

  219

  327

  411

  468

  Portree

  56

  91

  127

  64

  Rothesay

  109

  93

  111

  70

  Selkirk

  196

  273

  325

  295

  Stirling

  380

  459

  537

  614

  Stonehaven

  108

  175

  387

  223

  Stornoway

  47

  74

  83

  62

  Stranraer

  204

  335

  211

  165

  Tain

  215

  164

  226

  229

  Wick

  142

  198

  258

  182

  TOTALS

  55,307

  65,580

  71,228

  55,045

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many trials in each court in Scotland were adjourned due to pressure of business, in each year since 1984 and up to the most recent date in 1987 for which information is available.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many witnesses were cited for cases which adjourned without any proceedings in(a) Edinburgh sheriff court, (b) Glasgow sheriff court, (c) Hamilton sheriff court and (d) Dunfermline sheriff court in October 1987.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The table shows in the first column the total number of witnesses cited to summary trials in the sheriff courts listed and in the second column the numbers of those witnesses whose citations were cancelled in time to save their attendance at court.

  Number of witnesses cited to court in which trial was adjourned

  Number of witnesses whose citations were cancelled prior to trial

  Edinburgh

  1,150

  554

  Glasgow

  778

  594

  Hamilton

  329

  292

  Dunfermline

  88

  8

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Lord Advocate will make available to Parliament, on an annual basis, statistics collected by the Crown Office relating to the administration of criminal justice in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Statistics relating to the administration of criminal justice in Scotland are collected and published by the Secretary of State for Scotland.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of rape, reported to procurators fiscal by the police, were marked for no further proceedings in 1987.
  517
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  These figures are not centrally held and cannot be obtained except at disproportionate cost. However, of the 206 cases involving allegations of rape which were reported to the Crown Office in 1987, no proceedings were instructed in 70 cases.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any proposals to transfer the administration of the district courts to the Scottish Courts Administration, and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no proposals to alter the terms of the

  Persons called to trial in District Courts in Scotland

  11975

  1976

  1977

  1978

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Berwickshire

  72

  100

  73

  98

  63

  73

  78

  59

  66

  125

  139

  228

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  137

  234

  211

  231

  235

  256

  293

  280

  350

  432

  352

  267

  Roxburgh

  197

  339

  277

  332

  314

  267

  324

  290

  425

  418

  338

  284

  Tweeddale

  79

  144

  111

  103

  115

  61

  107

  59

  81

  55

  60

  106

  Clackmannan

  224

  297

  270

  290

  283

  341

  359

  484

  609

  782

  744

  798

  Falkirk

  743

  1,525

  1,538

  1,499

  1,572

  1,530

  1,618

  1,667

  1,950

  2,188

  2,117

  2,487

  Stirling

  440

  753

  551

  1,016

  677

  551

  852

  899

  1,063

  997

  1,214

  1,368

  Annandale and Eskdale

  61

  92

  121

  101

  104

  118

  122

  172

  243

  354

  332

  585

  Nithsdale

  128

  303

  318

  189

  184

  316

  376

  503

  754

  886

  873

  1,061

  Stewartry

  24

  37

  52

  44

  5

  12

  58

  67

  59

  97

  14

  32

  Wigtown

  128

  166

  147

  182

  240

  198

  148

  195

  145

  304

  411

  430

  Dunfermline

  329

  663

  511

  670

  695

  828

  1,304

  1,292

  1,831

  1,297

  811

  1,002

  Kirkcaldy

  648

  834

  658

  644

  630

  856

  971

  1,390

  1,087

  1,978

  1,805

  1,733

  North East Fife

  121

  190

  254

  261

  208

  242

  251

  225

  433

  583

  563

  545

  City of Aberdeen

  1,657

  2,978

  3,046

  3,118

  3,584

  3,429

  4,421

  3,668

  4,004

  3,644

  4,153

  4,171

  Banff and Buehan

  248

  385

  333

  347

  410

  366

  585

  706

  713

  732

  791

  1,056

  Gordon

  131

  261

  185

  205

  263

  235

  231

  181

  407

  462

  396

  407

  Kincardine and Deeside

  120

  243

  207

  216

  303

  393

  401

  327

  399

  666

  706

  608

  Moray

  232

  676

  735

  702

  758

  665

  924

  584

  868

  772

  829

  859

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  91

  174

  130

  182

  167

  212

  208

  137

  142

  240

  184

  159

  Caithness

  51

  210

  290

  208

  288

  294

  279

  218

  201

  148

  185

  191

  Inverness

  700

  1,141

  719

  684

  1,125

  1,078

  1,013

  785

  890

  1,085

  1,046

  1,251

  Lochaber

  49

  101

  123

  188

  238

  239

  284

  263

  232

  233

  280

  246

  Nairn

  38

  89

  48

  66

  89

  82

  111

  132

  95

  140

  107

  176

  Ross and Cromarty

  292

  306

  297

  367

  344

  364

  418

  428

  430

  618

  658

  677

  Skye and Lochalsh

  51

  53

  51

  42

  45

  44

  69

  51

  77

  72

  80

  100

  Sutherland

  —

  12

  61

  66

  50

  57

  76

  61

  —

  —

  78

  76

  East Lothian

  554

  879

  496

  671

  588

  652

  695

  661

  909

  746

  644

  872

  City of Edinburgh

  7,290

  8,976

  8,170

  8,457

  8,351

  9,065

  9,762

  10,378

  10,630

  10,841

  6,987

  6,089

  Midlothian

  531

  1,105

  756

  711

  766

  765

  727

  643

  930

  1,017

  880

  1,020

  West Lothian

  595

  951

  1,364

  1,318

  1,252

  1,809

  1,615

  1,677

  2,710

  3,231

  2,268

  2,960

  Argyll and Bute

  491

  709

  821

  822

  659

  661

  714

  788

  809

  758

  942

  721

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  130

  151

  126

  122

  214

  175

  202

  157

  166

  160

  126

  190

  Clydebank

  453

  822

  797

  1,077

  961

  1,098

  1,464

  1,193

  1,326

  1,159

  707

  884

  Clydesdale

  155

  381

  315

  370

  316

  395

  466

  416

  471

  730

  919

  1,190

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  251

  422

  504

  419

  581

  606

  830

  554

  547

  567

  571

  744

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  363

  407

  239

  206

  120

  219

  223

  464

  417

  471

  441

  481

  Cunninghame

  960

  1,457

  1,095

  1,002

  1,199

  1,211

  1,230

  2,050

  1,923

  2,453

  2,217

  2,492

  Dumbarton

  639

  1,164

  943

  1,002

  1,030

  1,097

  974

  1,097

  1,222

  1,154

  1,119

  1,120

  East Kilbride

  499

  800

  801

  798

  828

  1,200

  1,125

  1,016

  784

  1,087

  1,110

  1,229

  Eastwood

  233

  276

  148

  187

  133

  197

  176

  160

  218

  228

  160

  173

  City of Glasgow

  17,457

  27,376

  22,982

  24,653

  28,700

  31,162

  32,444

  29,598

  33,301

  31,295

  35,598

  31,868

  Hamilton

  1,305

  2,010

  1,229

  789

  1,239

  1,663

  2,170

  2,295

  2,209

  1,848

  2,228

  2,080

  Inverclyde

  2,699

  3,986

  3,219

  3,380

  3,485

  3,502

  3,469

  3,499

  3,190

  2,946

  2,058

  1,673

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  583

  571

  506

  472

  713

  771

  886

  926

  1,219

  1,222

  1,095

  1,176

  Kyle and Carrick

  482

  800

  660

  629

  992

  1,044

  1,447

  1,445

  1,902

  1,496

  1,423

  945

  Monklands

  1,230

  2,393

  2,192

  2,366

  2,222

  1,903

  3,239

  2,260

  2,190

  1,640

  1,893

  2,050

  Motherwell

  2,326

  3,183

  2,678

  2,781

  2,959

  3,177

  4,312

  4,374

  3,359

  3,216

  3,270

  3,291

  Renfrew

  1,773

  2,946

  2,401

  2,442

  2,779

  2,699

  2,593

  2,171

  2,923

  2,718

  2,692

  1,576

  Strathkelvin

  373

  478

  358

  714

  707

  985

  89tf

  850

  759

  896

  789

  1,224

  Angus

  514

  748

  572

  575

  496

  518

  894

  950

  848

  1,057

  1,087

  1,155

  City of Dundee

  2,140

  3,748

  3,575

  3,629

  3,791

  3,939

  5,345

  4,898

  4,488

  4,637

  5,071

  5,390

  Perth and Kinross

  561

  1,137

  1,063

  1,052

  934

  1,084

  1,255

  1,312

  1,307

  1,532

  1,375

  1,118

  Western Isles

  47

  80

  135

  188

  196

  157

  156

  145

  125

  90

  53

  90

  Court not known

  —

  12

  2

  —

  2

  1

  —

  15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Scotland Total

  51,625

  80,274

  69,464

  72,883

  79,202

  84,862

  95,184

  91,115

  98,436

  98,503

  96,989

  94,704

  1 District Courts were introduced on 16 May 1975, to replace the Justice of the Peace Courts and Burgh (or Police) Courts.

  518
  District Courts (Scotland) Act 1975, under which the administration of district courts is a function of district and islands councils.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases and persons were dealt with by each district court in Scotland in each year since 1975.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The available information, which relates to persons dealt with by the district courts, is given in the table:
  519
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of reports submitted by the police to procurators fiscal were marked no proceedings in each fiscaldom in Scotland in each of the years 1984, 1985, and 1986 and to the most recently available date in 1987.

  Proportion of Reports marked No Proceedings

  Offices

  1984 Per cent.

  1985 Per cent.

  1986 Per cent.

  1987 Per cent.

  Aberdeen

  2·8

  9·0

  25·0

  25·9

  Airdrie

  6·2

  3·8

  4·8

  5·0

  Alloa

  9·2

  9·0

  9·6

  8·9

  Arbroath

  11·0

  10·9

  8·3

  8·3

  Ayr

  13·2

  17·2

  15·7

  14·5

  Banff

  9·1

  15·1

  15·0

  12·9

  Campbeltown

  11·9

  13·3

  9·3

  11·0

  Cupar

  10·1

  9·9

  10·7

  8·6

  Dingwall

  8·8

  12·3

  13·0

  13·7

  Dornoch

  21·4

  14·0

  15·6

  11·1

  Dumbarton

  7·9

  10·0

  11·0

  9·8

  Dumfries

  2·3

  4·2

  3·7

  3·4

  Dundee

  9·5

  8·6

  5·1

  6·0

  Dunfermline

  14·0

  19·1

  21·4

  18·3

  Dunoon

  12·3

  10·2

  16·9

  12·2

  Duns

  12·8

  12·2

  14·5

  12·6

  Edinburgh

  43·5

  48·3

  49·4

  26·4

  Elgin

  15·7

  15·1

  19·8

  17·8

  Falkirk

  10·4

  17·8

  19·9

  17·0

  Forfar

  2·7

  2·2

  4·3

  2·4

  Fort William

  11·5

  14·5

  15·3

  18·5

  Glasgow

  10·8

  12·9

  14·7

  25·4

  Greenock

  8·3

  20·9

  23·8

  14·9

  Haddington

  31·4

  19·2

  19·5

  21·4

  Hamilton

  9·3

  8·2

  8·5

  8·9

  Inverness

  11·8

  11·5

  13·6

  13·4

  Jedburgh

  13·1

  11·1

  12·4

  8·8

  Kilmarnock

  20·7

  13·0

  12·2

  10·9

  Kirkcaldy

  13·5

  13·0

  14·1

  16·0

  Kirkcudbright

  12·7

  9·9

  8·7

  5·8

  Kirkwall

  11·3

  13·5

  12·3

  11·7

  Lanark

  10·2

  6·8

  5·0

  3·9

  Lerwick

  24·5

  16·3

  7·2

  11·3

  Linlithgow

  5·0

  5·2

  5·2

  5·0

  Lochmaddy

  9·7

  2·9

  5·6

  4·9

  Oban

  15·3

  14·4

  12·5

  12·6

  Paisley

  19·0

  20·5

  25·1

  17·9

  Peebles

  8·0

  7·1

  6·7

  6·7

  Perth

  22·6

  26·4

  21·2

  17·6

  Peterhead

  9·9

  14·9

  16·0

  20·0

  Portree

  11·4

  15·6

  17·9

  12·9

  Rothesay

  18·0

  19·6

  26·4

  16·2

  Selkirk

  12·0

  15·5

  18·0

  15·2

  Stirling

  7·9

  8·1

  8·4

  10·3

  Stonehaven

  4·2

  5·6

  11·6

  9·4

  Stornoway

  5·7

  11·0

  10·1

  9·3

  Stranraer

  9·4

  16·0

  10·5

  8·0

  Tain

  14·9

  12·1

  14·9

  17·0

  Wick

  12·7

  16·3

  17·4

  18·2

  TOTALS

  16·8

  18·5

  19·9

  17·0

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will publish in the Official Report the attendance figures for 1987 reported by the national museums and galleries in Scotland, broken down into the individual institutions but comprising their outstations, with figures for each case of the percentage increase or decrease on the attendance figures for 1986.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is as follows:
  520
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The figures are set out in the table below. Only the figures for January to November inclusive are available for 1987.

  1987

  Percentage change since 1986

  National galleries of Scotland

  524,261

  - 1·102

  National museums of Scotland

  547,395

  + 17·26

  The national galleries of Scotland comprise the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The national museums of Scotland comprise the Royal Museum of Scotland buildings at Chambers street and Queen street, Edinburgh, the Scottish Agricultural

  521
  Museum, the Scottish United Services Museum, the Museum of Flight and the Shambellie Museum of Costume.

  Low Earnings
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) full-time males on adult rates, (b) full-time females on adult rates and (c) full-time employees on adult rates earned (i) £110 per week or less and (ii) £120 per week or less, in Scotland during the last year for which figures are available; and what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Lang
  Estimates of the numbers of full-time employees on adult rates by the level of their earnings are not available. The table gives information about the distribution of gross weekly earnings for some full-time employees. The source is the "New Earnings Survey", which is conducted by the Department of Employment and covers a 1 per cent. sample of employees who are members of PAYE schemes. The corresponding figures for years prior to 1984 are not readily available. The percentages for male employees and for female employees are given in table 114 of the "New Earnings Survey" part E reports, available in the Library of the House.

  Full-time employees on adult rates whose earnings for the survey pay-period were not affected by absence

  Scotland

  Percentage with gross weekly earnings

  less than £110

  less than £120

  April

  1984

  32·2

  39·4

  1985

  26·8

  34·4

  1986

  22·1

  28·9

  1987

  18·3

  24·6

  Note: These figures are subject to sampling errors, and cannot be assumed to apply to all full-time employees because they do not cover, for example, private domestic servants, those who are not on adult rates, and those who are not members of PAYE schemes.

  Milk Quotas
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many dairy farmers in Scotland do not produce milk up to their allocated quota; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  In the 1986–87 quota year 1,702 dairy farmers in Scotland produced less than their allocated quota, the majority falling short by less than 5 per cent.

  Although producers are advised by the milk marketing board to maximise use of their quota, ultimately this is a matter for the individual. At the end of each quota year unused quota is utilised mainly to offset the supplementary levy liability of over-quota producers and thereby provides an important element of flexibility within the system. In the two years prior to 1986–87 the availability of unused quota ensured that no supplementary levy was paid by producers in Scotland.

  Drink Offenders
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many offenders with drink problems were diverted from prosecution in the criminal justice system to 522
  such service as social work or psychiatric assistance or to a designated place or similar facility in 1985–86; and what steps are currently being taken to increase this number.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This information is not available.

  Hypothermia
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of hypothermia and cold-related deaths in(a) the Dundee area and (h) the Tayside area in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 17 December 1987.

  Rate Support Grant (Tayside)
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the rate support grant paid to Tayside regional council in each of the financial years since 1978 expressed in(a) cash terms and (b) rent terms expressed in 1986–87 prices; and what percentage of total spending in each year this represents.

  Mr. Lang
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Tayside

  RSG cash

  RSG 1986–87 cost terms

  Percentage of relevant expenditure

  £'000s

  £'000s

  1978–79

  63,874

  124,271

  63

  1979–80

  74,105

  123,358

  63

  1980–81

  88,525

  124,297

  61

  1981–82

  96,813

  123,801

  59

  1982–83

  100,607

  120,014

  56

  1983–84

  106,211

  121,127

  56

  1984–85

  104,637

  114,300

  53

  1985–86

  112,401

  115,788

  54

  1986–87

  114,743

  114,743

  51

  1987–88

  124,784

  119,697

  51

  Notes:

  1. The figures for the years 1978–79 to 1983–84 are final. Those for 1984–85 to 1987–88 will be varied following the next rate support grant order. The figures reflect selective and general abatement of grant, except that for 1987–88 no adjustment has been made for grant penalties since they will be restored for authorities which bring their expenditure down to guidelines on outturn.

  2. The GDP deflator has been used to convert RSG to 1986–87 prices. The expenditure figures used in the final column are those for relevant expenditure including loan charges.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount of rate support grant for education paid to Tayside regional council in each of the financial years since 1978, expressed in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms, expressed in 1986–87 prices; and what percentage of total spending in each year this represents.

  Mr. Lang
  Rate support grant is paid in support of a authority's income generally. It is not attributable to particular services.

  Scottish Development Agency
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what, at 1988 prices, has been the level of Government subvention to the Scottish Development Agency in each year since its establishment.
  523
  Mr. Lang
  The information requested is given in the table:

  1 million 1987–88 prices

  1976–77

  29·7

  1977–78

  91·8

  1978–79

  107·3

  1979–80

  112·6

  1980–81

  117·0

  1981–82

  101·6

  1982–83

  125·5

  1983–84

  105·2

  1984–85

  90·0

  1985–86

  101·6

  1986–87

  93·0

  1987–88

  94·9

  As Government expenditure on the SDA is expressed in net terms, the figures are not illustrative of total agency resources over the years. This also partly explains the variations between years.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Acrylic Yarn
  Sir John Farr
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the import duty on Turkish high bulk acrylic yarn entering the United Kingdom; and what are the duties British spinners have to pay on exporting high bulk acrylic yarn to that country.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Turkish high bulk acrylic yarn is imported into the United Kingdom free of all import duties.

  All imports to Turkey are current subject to the following:
  Municipal tax — 15 per cent. of applicable import duty
  Customs charges (incl stamp tax) — 2 per cent. approximately of cif value
  Stamp duty—8 per cent. of cif value
  Import premium—6 per cent. of cif value
  Wharf dues—5 per cent. of the sum of the cif value plus import duty, municipal tax and stamp tax on customs declarations.

  In addition imports of acrylic yarn are liable to:
  Import duty—10 per cent. of cif value
  Housing fund contribution—US$ 100 per tonne.

  World Trade (GATT)
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has as to what percentage of world trade takes place within general agreement on tariffs and trade rules and what percentage outside them.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  There are 95 full contracting parties to GATT, including most of the world's major trading nations. Economists estimate that these countries account for somewhat more than 80 per cent. of the world trade in goods. By implication, about 20 per cent. of such trade involves countries outside the general agreement. While the United Kingdom is steadfast in its adherence to GATT rules many contracting parties are, regrettably, in breach both of the rules themselves and of the rollback and standstill commitments. Accordingly, the percentage of trade taking place on a genuinely open basis will be much smaller. A principal objective of the new Uruguay round 524
  of multilateral trade negotiations is to bring about a higher level of conformity among the signatories to the general agreement.

  Sexual Harassment
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his Department's policy on sexual harassment at work; whether a guidance on reporting complaints has been issued to all staff; how many complaints have been reported in the past five years; and what disciplinary action has been taken.

  Mr. Maude
  The Civil Service policy on sexual harassment, followed by my Department, is set out in the programme of action to achieve equal opportunities for women in the Civil Service which was published by the Cabinet Office (Management and Personnel Office) in 1984. Sexual harassment at work is not tolerated and is dealt with as a disciplinary matter through the usual Civil Service procedures. A notice to all departmental staff has been issued informing them of the Department's policy and of the procedures for making a formal complaint; and a reference to the notice is included in the Department's personnel management policy statement, an individual copy of which is held by every member of staff.

  There have been three complaints reported in this Department in the past five years. In two of the cases, inquiries uncovered insufficient evidence to support the bringing of disciplinary charges. In the third case, charges were brought, and the officer was found guilty, reprimanded and posted to another office.

  Registers of Shareholders
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proposals he has to ensure that registers of shareholders clearly indicate the owners of companies and the extent of their ownership; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maude
  Provision already exist for all those with interests in shares to disclose their interests when they reach 5 per cent. Companies also have powers under the Companies Act, 1985, to inquire into the ownership of interests in shares whatever the size of the holding. Disclosure made under these provisions must be recorded by companies in a register of interests in shares. I am not persuaded at present that there is a need to make major changes to these provisions. The Government intend, however, to issue a consultative document in order to seek views on whether improvements are possible.

  Corby (Fibre Optics)
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the total payments made of investment support for the fibre optics and optoelectronics industries in the Corby travel-to-work area in each year since 1980.

  Mr. Butcher
  No payments have been made.

  Estate Agents Act 1979
  Mr. Sean Hughes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what, since its inception, has been the total cost of administering the Estate Agents Act 1979, together with the main headings of cost;
  525
  (2) what are the total numbers employed responsible for the administration of the Estate Agents Act 1979 since its inception;

  (3) what have been the numbers in each year since its inception of banning orders and warnings in respect of the Estate Agents Act 1979.

  Mr. Maude
  The administration of the Estate Agents Act 1979 is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading and I have asked the director general to write to the hon. Member.

  EEC (Imports from East Germany)
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what was the value of goods and services imported into the European Economic Community from East Germany in the last year for which figures are available;

  (2) what was the value of goods and services imported into the European Economic Community from eastern bloc countries in the last year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Data on services transactions with Eastern Bloc countries are not available. Figures on visible trade are in the following table.

  EC Imports1 from East Germany and Eastern Bloc Countries

  Million ECU

  From German Democratic Republic

  From Eastern Bloc Countries

  Twelve months to May 1987

  4,554

  26,268

  1 Includes trade conducted under the Inner German Trade Agreement.

  1 ECU = approximately £0·70.

  Source: Eurostat Monthly External Trade Statistics.

  West Germany (Imports)
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will list what information he has on the value of goods and services imported into West Germany from East Germany;

  (2) if he will list what information he has on the value of goods and services imported into West Germany from Eastern bloc countries.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Data on services are not available. Figures for visible trade are in the following table:

  Federal Republic of Germany Imports1

  Twelve months ending August 1987

  From:

  million DeutschMarks

  million ECU's

  German Democratic Republic

  6,601

  3,178

  Eastern Bloc

  22,372

  10,769

  1 Includes trade conducted under the Inner German Trade Agreement.

  Source: Federal Republic Germany National Statistics.

  CEGB (Transmission System)
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects punblication of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry into the operation of the transmission system of the Central Electricity Generating Board.
  526
  Mr. Maude
  The report was published and announced to Parliament on 26 June 1987 at columns 7 to 8.

  Landlords (Resale of Electricity)
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Ducy of Lancaster what measures are being undertaken to eliminate dishonest practices in relation to the resale of electricty by landlords; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maude
  I intend shortly to make regulations, under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, which will require landlords to give tenants itemised bills showng both the selling price and the statutory maximum price of electricity and gas resold. We shall be consulting interested parties on the details of the draft regulations.

  National Girobank
  Mr. Harry Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what consultations he is undertaking in relation to the future of Girobank; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Butcher
  We consult the Post Office on a systematic basis each year about the future of Girobank in the light of its corporate plan and take up particular issues from time to time with the chairman.

  Departmental Corporate Image
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total cost of launching his Department's new corporate image; and how this breaks down between signs, stationery, vehicle logos and any other identifiable sub-categories of expenditure.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Corporate and Consumer Affairs gave to the Member for Sheffield, Central on 14 January to a similar question.

  Radio (Abuse)
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what measures is he taking to reduce the use of obscene or offensive language by users of citizens band, private mobile, marine and similar radio.

  Mr. Butcher
  I am concerned about the misuse of radio in this way. Users of radio especially open access services such as CB or services on shared-channels should know that they can cause offence and distress to others who may be listening. I am tabling before Parliament the Wireless Telegraphy (Content of Transmission) Regulations 1988, which will make it a specified offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts to use obscene, offensive or threatening language on radio. Authorised broadcasting is excluded because similar provisions are being contemplated in an extension to the Obscene Publications Act.

TRANSPORT

  Drivers (Eye Tests)
  Sir Anthony Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make regulations requiring periodic eye tests for all persons holding a driving licence; and if he will make a statement.
  527
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No. Current legislation already places the responsibility on motorists to meet, at all times when driving, a standard of visual acuity equivalent to an ability to read a vehicle number plate from a distance of 75 ft for characters 3½ in high or 67 ft for characters 3⅛ in high. The number plate test is one that motorists can take for themselves at any time and can be readily used by the police for enforcement purposes. Motorists who have any doubts about their ability to satisfy the test should consult any optician for further advice.

  Drivers are required to inform the DVLC if they become aware of an eyesight condition which affects their ability to drive. Some 60 such cases are referred to the centre each day for investigation; where necessary, arrangements are made for specialist eyesight examinations.

  Research studies have not identified poor eyesight as a significant factor in accidents. There is no evidence to suggest that the present arrangements are failing to meet the requirements of road safety.

  1979 per cent.

  1980 per cent.

  1981 per cent.

  1982 per cent.

  1983 per cent.

  1984–85 per cent.

  1985–86 per cent.

  1986–87 per cent.

  1987–88 per cent.

  Traffic income including reimbursement for concessionary fares

  73·9

  71·4

  64·1

  62·8

  60·1

  65·6

  63·8

  66·3

  71·2

  Other income

  1·8

  1·8

  2·8

  2·5

  2·7

  3·1

  3·8

  4·4

  5·1

  Ratepayer subsidy

  24·3

  26·8

  33·1

  34·7

  37·2

  31·3

  21·3

  19·2

  15·6

  Exchequer contribution

  11·1

  10·1

  8·1

  £

  £

  £

  Ratepayer subsidy per 1,000 passenger miles (at constant 1986·87 prices)

  184·27

  100·10

  76·80

  London Regional Transport
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what has been the level of ratepayers' subsidy to London Regional Transport per thousand passenger journeys at constant 1986–87 prices for each year since 1979;

  (2) what has been the proportion of total income of (a) ratepayers' subsidy and (b) fares income to London Regional Transport for each year since 1979.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It is not possible to attribute subsidy between ratepayers and taxpayers prior to 1985–86, since much of the latter's contribution was by means of rate support grant and transport supplementary grant to the GLC which, as block grants, are not hypothecated. The figures otherwise requested are:

  Underground (Train Doors)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, further to his answer of 7 December 1987,Official Report, column 64, about the opening of underground train doors while the train is in motion, the investigation by London Underground Limited to which he refers has been completed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The investigation by London Underground Limited into one of the incidents has not yet been completed but they have already indicated that they have taken appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence of the two incidents on the Central line. New rolling-stock built for one-person operation has an interlock which prevents the doors from being inadvertently opened whilst the train is in motion. Similar provision has been incorporated where technically possible into rolling-stock which has been converted for one-person operation but LUL have been unable to find a reasonable or practical means of preventing the train doors of the other, older stock from being opened in error by train crews who, if they misoperate the doors, are dealt with under the disciplinary code.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of heavy goods vehicles weighed by(a) his Department and (b) local authorities in each of the last three years for which statistics are available were found to be overweight; what proportion of those resulted in prosecution; and what was the average fine.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Following is the information.

  Proportion of vehicles weighed found to be overloaded

  Proportion of overloaded vehicles prosecuted

  Average fine

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  £

  DTp

  1984

  20

  38

  153

  1985

  19

  39

  158

  1986

  20

  43

  151

  Local authorities

  1984

  30

  30

  165

  1985

  36

  35

  197

  1986

  31

  32

  187

  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he is taking to promote research into the effects on roads and road safety of the overloading of heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what action he proposes to take to encourage better heavy goods vehicles design so as to reduce wear and tear on the road system; and what estimate he has made of the scope for savings in road repairs by this means.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The TRRL's research programme includes work on the relationship between the design of heavy goods vehicles, their axle loads and the forces imposed on roads and bridges. It is too early to say what design changes this may lead to and what effect this may have on road maintenance expenditure. The incidence 530
  of lorry overloading and the effects on road wear have been estimated. Research on lorry safety is aimed at improvements to the lorry in all conditions of load.

  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the effectiveness of existing enforcement procedures concerning the overloading of heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No.

  Over 100,000 heavy goods vehicles will be check-weighed during the current year. Constant efforts are being made to increase the effectiveness of the resources available for enforcement by the use of new technology.

  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the adequacy of existing penalties to deter heavy goods vehicles operators from overloading their vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No.

  The level of fines imposed on drivers and operators of overloaded heavy goods vehicles is a matter for the courts, taking into account the particular circumstances of each case. The maximum fine provided by the law does not at present constrain the courts from imposing an adequate penalty. Overloading convictions can also be taken into account by the licensing authorities in deciding whether to take action in respect of an operator's licence.

  Weighbridges
  Mr. Spencer Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many dynamic weighbridges have been installed by his Department; how many more are planned, and when they will be installed.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Fifty eight of the Department's weighbridge sites are equipped with dynamic axle weighers and two with static weighbridges. Another 25 enforcement sites are planned for implementation over the next three years.

  Onslow Village
  Mr. David Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the rising volume of traffic noise for residents in the Onslow village area, adjacent to the A3 at Guildford; what studies he has made of this increase in noise volume; and what steps his Department plans to take to offset the environmental noise pollution involved.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  In addition to representations by my right hon. Friend, two residents of Onslow village have written to the Department about traffic noise in the last 12 months.

  We are investigating the noise levels and the possible benefits of barriers at certain locations on this section of the A3. It is too soon to say whether noise protection is feasible or can be justified.

  Muroroa (Nuclear Weapons Testing)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the United Kingdom merchant shipping industry about the risks from radioactivity arising from nuclear weapons testing around the Muroroa atoll; what advice his Department gives to shipping intending to navigate in adjacent waters; and if he will make a statement.
  531
  Mr. David Mitchell
  No representations have been received from United Kingdom shipowners. Warnings to shipping about the risks from radioactivity arising from nuclear weapons' testing around the Muroroa atoll are contained in nautical publications Nos. 62 and 62s, "Pacific Island Pilot Volume III, 10th Edition 1982" and its "Supplement No. 2" respectively published by the Hydrographer of the Navy. Carriage of nautical publications by United Kingdom registered ships is mandatory under the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Nautical Publications) Rules 1975.

  In the event of risk from nuclear tests, following prior information from the French authorities, daily radio warnings, in English, are transmitted to shipping throughout the area by the New Zealand co-ordinator for Navarea XIV of the worldwide navigational warning service adopted by the International Maritime Organisation.

  Heavy Lorries
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if in the light of the report of the National Audit Office on the regulation of heavy lorries, he will take steps to ensure that(a) everything possible is being done to encouage the use of lorry designs which have less adverse effects, (b) further studies are carried out in conjunction with the local authority associations to establish the full extent of the problem, (c) further research is carried out into whether enforcement procedures are effective and (d) steps are taken to increase the deterrent effect of penalities for overloading to include the suspension or revocation of the transport operator's licence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I refer the hon. Member to the transcript of this Department's oral evidence to the Committee of Public Accounts (HC 170-(i)). It would not be appropriate for me to comment further until the Committee has made its report.

  East London River Crossing
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive the report of the public inquiry into the east London river crossing; and when he plans to publish his decision on its recommendations.

  Mr. Channon
  The inspector's report has just been received. It is not yet possible to say when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I will be able to publish our joint decision on this scheme.

  London Regional Transport (Sale of Dwellings)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the number of dwellings built by London Transport, or its predecessors, for occupation by its employees, and, of that number, how many have been sold by London Regional Transport or its subsidiaries.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  When London Regional Transport was formed in June 1984, it inherited 950 residential units. Since then, 790 have been disposed of. Of the remaining 160, the sale of a further 17 is currently in hand. Information about the housing stock held by LRT's532
  predecessors is not readily available, but it is thought by LRT that the number of acquisitions and disposals between 1947 and 1984 was relatively small.

  London Regional Transport (Bus Services)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the appropriate route mileage of bus services operated under the aegis of London Regional Transport which at current service levels(a) provides a surplus of revenue over running costs, (b) requires subsidy from other services and (c) is currently operated under contract where the contractor is a recipient of funds.

  Mr. Mitchell
  The latest information available is that in LRT's annual business plan 1988–89:(a) (b) LRT forecast that 169 million bus miles have been operated during 1987–88 on their local services within Greater London. 154 million bus miles are in respect of services operated by London Buses Ltd., which has a forecast overall trading deficit of £125 million in 1987–88. It is not possible to say what proportion of the services currently provide a surplus of revenue over running costs.
  (c) LRT forecast that by the end of 1987–88 the annual equivalent of some 30 million bus miles will be operated under contracts involving payments to the operator. These include contracts secured by London Buses Ltd. in competitive tendering.

  Humber Bridge Authority (Debt)
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about his discussions with the Humber Bridge Authority concerning the settlement of their debt.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I met representatives of the Humber bridge board on 18 November 1987 to discuss their proposals for dealing with the outstanding debt. They proposed that tolls, which were lower in real terms than when the bridge opened, should be increased and that their value should be maintained in real terms in the future. I said that the Government would be prepared to write off so much of the accumulated debt as could not reasonably be recovered from realistictolls. The board confirmed on 2 December that tolls would be increased with effect from 1 January 1988 to the maxima permitted by the Humber Bridge Tolls Order 1979 Confirmation Instrument 1980 (SI 1980 No. 1137) and that the board would also promote a new tolls order to authorise the further increases they had proposed.

  The proportion of bridge debt to be written off will be determined once the outcome of the procedures for making the Order is known. The amount will depend on projection of income and expenditure prepared at that time.

  Transport and Road Research Laboratory
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a list of the current work programme of the Transport and Road Research Laboratory in the area of enforcement of overloading and excessive driving hours in the road freight industry.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Transport and Road Research Laboratory research programme on the enforcement of heavy goods vehicle weight regulations consists of the following projects:

  On-board axle weighers

  Assessment of new enforcement weighing techniques

  Assessment of weighpads for enforcement

  533

  Enforcement pre-selection

  Monitoring the extent of overloading

  Use of automatic methods to improve lorry management planning and enforcement.

  There is no work on enforcement of the drivers' hours regulations in the current TRRL research programme.

  Manchester Light Rapid Transport System
  Mr. Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has reached a decision on the financing of the proposed Greater Manchester light rapid transit system; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now make a statement on the funding of Manchester's light rapid transit system.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have concluded that, on the basis of the assessments which have been made, private sector participation in the construction and operation of this proposed system could bring useful benefits and could best be achieved by inviting bids from private sector promoters to build and operate the system on the basis of a public sector contribution towards the capital cost. The system would however be owned by the Passenger Transport Executive. The next stage of a project on these lines would entail working up an invitation for tenders from the private sector and, subject to a satisfactory response to such an invitation, I can see no present reason why a grant under section 56 of the Transport Act 1968, at a level determined depending on the details of the proposal, should not be made available at the appropriate time. I am today so informing the Greater Manchester passenger transport authority and I shall keep the House informed of progress.

  Pedal Cyclists
  Sir Anthony Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to introduce on-the-spot fines for pedal-cyclist offences on the same basis as those applying to motor vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I have been asked to reply.

  We are reviewing the operation of the extended fixed penalty system, in consultation with other interested parties, and intend to consider, among other things, the range of offences that might be covered by the scheme.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES & FOOD

  Cereals
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current amount of cereals in European Economic Community stores.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  A note setting out the volume of intervention stocks in the European Community on the latest available dates, which includes figures for cereals, is deposited in the Library of the House and is updated monthly.

  Milk Quota
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has to the transfer between counties in England and Wales of milk quota in each year since 1984.
  534
  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Records of quota transfer in England and Wales are maintained by the Milk Marketing Board on behalf of the Ministry. Data are kept on the basis of MMB regions rather than by county. The following table shows net quota transfers between regions:

  Wholesale quota transfers by Milk Marketing Board region

  million litres

  Net gain/loss

  MMB region

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–881

  Northern

  —

  +4 (0·3)

  -5 (0·3)

  -1·6 (0·1)

  North Western

  -1

  +6 (0·2)

  +13 (0·5)

  +9·8 (0·4)

  Eastern

  —

  -2 (0·5)

  -2 (0·5)

  -3·8 (1·2)

  East Midlands

  —

  -3 (0·5)

  +2 (0·4)

  +4·2 (0·7)

  West Midlands

  +1

  — (—)

  +8 (0·6)

  +0·7 (0·1)

  North Wales

  —

  -2 (0·4)

  +1 (0·1)

  +0·6 (0·1)

  South Wales

  +1

  — (—)

  -17 (1·7)

  -6·7 (0·7)

  Southern

  +1

  -2 (0·3)

  +1 (0·2)

  -4·5 (0·8)

  Mid West

  -2

  +1 (0·1)

  +1 (0·1)

  +1·4 (0·1)

  Far West

  +1

  — (—)

  +3 (0·2)

  +2·7 (0·2)

  South East

  -1

  -2 (0·3)

  -5 (0·8)

  -2·8 (0·5)

  Figures in brackets indicate percentage of total quota in region (not available for 1984).

  1 April to October 1987.

  Non-Civil Servant Advisers
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list his non-civil servant advisers, giving their present main employment and their field of expertise.

  Mr. MacGregor
  I receive advice from the Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies which are listed in "Public Bodies 1987". I consult a wide range of interests and experts as appropriate. I do not retain at present any non-civil servant advisers. I hope shorly to be in a position to announce the appointment of a special adviser within my Department.

  Milk
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make further amendments to the Milk (Special Designation) Regulation to require universal pasteurisation of milk in England and Wales, in the light of the recent communicable disease report showing the comparative incidence of disease associated with milk and dairy products in England and Wales as compared with Scotland.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Sales of untreated milk are already subject to strict controls. The incidence of milk-borne disease associated with such sales is kept under review but I do not consider that these figures require a change in our existing policy, which seeks to achieve a balance between the health risks associated with untreated milk and the need to preserve consumer choice.

  Mineral Water
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to amend the Natural Mineral Water Regulations 1985 so as to bring them in line with the standards set in European Community Directive No. 80/778.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The Natural Mineral Waters Regulations 1985 implement Council Directive 80/777/EEC on the exploitation and marketing of natural
  535
  mineral waters. It would not be appropriate to amend the regulations in the way suggested because officially recognised natural mineral waters are specifically excluded from the scope of Council Directive 80/778/EEC.

  Fisheries Council
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what dates, since 18 December 1987, there have been meetings of the EEC Fisheries ministerial Council.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  There have been no meetings of the EC Council of Fisheries Ministers since 18 December 1987.

  Weil's Disease
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many rivers in the Chelmsford constituency are contaminated with Weil's disease.

  (2) what action his Department is taking to minimise the dangers to human life caused by Weil's disease; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Edwina Currie
  I have been asked to reply.

  I shall let my hon. Friend have replies as soon as possible.

WALES

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are unemployed in Clwyd and in Wales.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  On 10 December 1987 the numbers of unemployed claimants in Clwyd and in Wales were 19,117 and 146,119 respectively.

  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the latest unadjusted figures for unemployment in(a) Newport, (b) Gwent and (c) Wales; and if he will give the equivalent figures for 1979 or the most nearly comparable basis.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  On 10 December 1987 the numbers of unemployed claimants in Newport district, Gwent and Wales were 7,909, 22,915 and 146,119 respectively. Unadjusted figures for 1979 are not available on a basis that enables a valid comparison to be made.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many persons are unemployed in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  On 10 December 1987 there were 146,119 unemployed claimants in Wales, 27,427 fewer than a year earlier—a fall of 2·3 percentage points. During 1987 Wales experienced the biggest annual fall in unemployment since the second world war.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total number of employees in employment in Wales; and what is the corresponding figure for 1979.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  There were 1,036,572 employees in employment in Wales in September 1979 and 874,900 in September 1987.

  Tree Planting
  Mr. Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about his Department's policies for encouraging tree planting in the Principality.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  As my hon. Friend is aware I am anxious to encourage tree planting throughout the Principality. There are a range of measures we are taking in Wales; the valleys initiative, urban programme, Forestry Commission grant schemes, proposed farm woodland scheme and Coed Cymru — "Save Welsh Wildwoods" all promote amenity or commercial tree planting and/or conservation of existing woodlands.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the latest waiting list figures for hospital treatment in(a) Clwyd and (b) Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  At 31 March 1987 there were 5,959 people waiting for in-patient treatment in hospitals in Clwyd. The equivalent figure for Wales was 41,396.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish figures showing the numbers of people waiting for treatment in March 1978 and March 1987; and if he will break this down by regional health authority and district health authority.

  Mr. Grist
  The information, which relates to all specialties, is given in the table:

  District Health Authority

  Waiting for treatment as an in-patient

  Waiting for a first out-patient consultation

  March 1978

  March 1987

  March 1978

  March 1987

  Clwyd

  3,571

  4,959

  4,187

  8,352

  East Dyfed

  1,941

  2,335

  3,200

  5,189

  Gwent

  6,404

  7,705

  10,438

  11,749

  Gwynedd

  2,128

  1,971

  2,885

  4,309

  Mid Glamorgan

  10,467

  8,483

  12,050

  16,911

  Pembrokeshire

  1,411

  2,510

  1,348

  2,291

  Powys

  78

  36

  88

  640

  South Glamorgan

  5,521

  7,876

  12,007

  14,381

  West Glamorgan

  3,880

  5,521

  12,254

  14,142

  Wales

  35,401

  41,396

  58,457

  77,964

  I think, however, that the hon. Gentleman should be aware that by March 1979 the position as compared with March 1978 had substantially deteriorated. In the year from 31 March 1978 to 31 March 1979, the number of in-patients on waiting lists increased from 35,401 to 39,527.

  It is also very important in the context of these figures to recognise the degree to which the number of patients cared for by the NHS has substantially increased between 1978 and 1987. In the 1977–78 financial year 342,470 in-patients were treated and 417,332 new out-patients were seen in Wales. The equivalent figures for 1986–87 were 435,621 and 508,984—increases of 27·2 per cent. and 22 per cent. respectively.

  Education Expenditure
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the level of central Government spending on education in Wales since 1979.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  In real terms, direct central Government spending on education has increased from £5
  537
  million in 1979–80 to £12 million in 1987–88. Spending by local education authorities has increased from £769 million to £862 million in the same period.

  Mrs. Clywd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was(a) central Government and (b) local authority spending on education, including higher education expressed per household, for 1979 and for 1986–87 at (i) current prices, (ii) 1979 prices and (iii) 1987 prices.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  [holding answer 14 January 1988]: The relevant information covering expenditure by the Department and by local authorities in Wales is as follows:

  1979–80 £

  11986–87 £

  Central Government expenditure per household in Wales

  (i) cash

  3·46

  9·49

  (ii) at 1979–80 prices

  3·46

  5·70

  (iii) at 1987–88 prices

  6·00

  9·89

  Local authority expenditure per household in Wales

  (i) cash

  572·85

  917·89

  (ii) at 1979–80 prices

  572·85

  551·29

  (iii) at 1987–88 prices

  994·12

  956·88

  1 Provisional.

  Between 1979–80 and 1986–87 gross local authority expenditure actually increased by about 3 per cent., from £963·7 million to £990·7 million (at 1987–88 prices). The number of separate households in Wales has increased by some 7 per cent., from 969,400 in 1979 to 1,035,300 in 1986 due to larger numbers of young and elderly people living alone; over the same period the number of school pupils in Wales has fallen by some 13 per cent. and the amount spent per pupil has risen by 27 per cent.

  Expenditure on the university of Wales falls outside my area of responsibility.

  Consultant Referrals
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many patients resident in Wales have been referred by their consultants to a hospital in England for surgery and have subsequently been discharged home without the surgery being performed.

  Mr. Grist
  This information is not available centrally. However, should the hon. Gentleman wish to write to me about any particular case I shall arrange for the necessary investigations to be made.

  Health Authorities (Funding)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to add to the published £46 million allocation in 1988 to Welsh health authorities in order to fund the nurses', and other pay awards and to reduce the capital burden carried by the Gwent area health authority.

  Mr. Grist
  The cash increases which I have announced for authorities in 1988–89, together with the resources available from cost improvements and income generation, should be sufficient to meet the current forecast of pay and price inflation next year and provide for further service development.

  Rate Rebate
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the latest estimate for the number of people in receipt of 100 per cent. rate rebate in Wales.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  About 200,000.

  Hospitals (Repairs)
  Mr. John
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assessment of the state of repair of hospitals in South Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  District health authorities are directly responsible for keeping their hospitals in an acceptable state of repair. They are required to follow estate management guidance issued by the Welsh Office and encouraged to spend a minimum of 7·5 per cent. of their total financial resources on the maintenance of plant and buildings. Capital allocations to district health authorities for their discretionary use will rise by nearly 21 per cent. next financial year compared to this year and thus should greatly assist their programmes of estate maintenance and rationalisation.

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what meetings he has held during the past two months with the chairmen of health authorities in Wales; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of such discussions.

  Mr. Grist
  My right hon. Friend and I have met the Welsh health authorities chairmen's committee and the chairman of Gwynedd health authority during the past two months. We have also had separate meetings with the chairman of Mid Glamorgan health authority. These meetings made a valuable contribution to the continuing dialogue between the Government and health authorities in Wales.

  Free Food
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on the distribution of food under the European Community free food distribution scheme in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Since the announcement on 12 January 1988 by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, about the application in the United Kingdom of the European Community free food scheme, I have received no representations on the distribution of such food in Wales.

  National Health Service
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the state of the National Health Service in Wales.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  My recently announced plans for further increases in expenditure next year will take NHS spending in Wales to £1,173·1 million. That represents a real terms increase of over 39 per cent. since 1978–79 which means that expenditure upon the NHS in Wales stands at record levels in both cash and real terms. This, together
  539
  with the introduction of improved management arrangements are the drive for increased efficiency, has led to increased numbers of staff, major improvements in services and an increased emphasis on health promotion. Wales has an expanding health service and will continue to have one.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received in support of the introduction of the poll tax in Wales.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  During the period of consultation on the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" more than twice as many individuals who responded were in favour of the community charge as were against it.

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the progress of the Cardiff Bay development corporation.

  Hospital

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Clwyd District Health Authority

  HM Stanley

  2,042

  2,044

  2,101

  2,113

  2,121

  2,121

  2,300

  2,441

  Maelor General

  2,080

  2,205

  2,098

  2,069

  2,089

  2,191

  2,159

  2,253

  Chirk

  53

  58

  52

  —

  40

  38

  31

  32

  Catherine Gladstone

  32

  25

  8

  11

  13

  14

  7

  7

  Colwyn Bay Maternity

  48

  37

  26

  11

  20

  9

  3

  —

  Chatsworth House

  99

  58

  54

  53

  41

  16

  18

  —

  Ruthin

  30

  9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Dyfed District Health Authority

  West Wales General

  1,509

  1,505

  1,409

  1,403

  1,274

  1,292

  1,397

  1,307

  Bronglais General

  588

  549

  526

  592

  534

  538

  550

  558

  Cardigan and District

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Amman Valley

  155

  140

  160

  118

  118

  108

  —

  —

  Gwent District Health Authority

  Nevill Hall

  1,071

  1,067

  1,218

  1,336

  1,295

  1,362

  1,407

  1,378

  County

  1,376

  1,424

  1,203

  1,023

  819

  923

  979

  854

  Royal Gwent

  3,450

  3,444

  3,077

  3,040

  3,146

  3,359

  3,443

  3,516

  Gwynedd District Health Authority

  St. Davids

  2,303

  2,335

  2,418

  2,183

  2,250

  2,249

  2,165

  2,299

  Bryn Beryl

  27

  20

  11

  10

  14

  7

  12

  19

  Dolgellau and Barmouth

  62

  62

  54

  65

  55

  69

  49

  32

  Tywyn

  23

  16

  12

  15

  18

  18

  17

  11

  Gors Maternity

  45

  45

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mid Glamorgan District Health Authority

  Princess of Wales

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  411

  1,867

  Bridgend General

  1,585

  1,747

  1,606

  1,631

  1,710

  1,673

  1,324

  —

  Maesteg General

  175

  151

  141

  97

  68

  76

  76

  43

  East Glamorgan General

  1,818

  1,984

  1,912

  1,968

  1,952

  2,187

  2,067

  2,226

  Llwynypia

  454

  400

  358

  296

  182

  180

  170

  61

  Merthyr General

  —

  478

  617

  940

  1,021

  1,115

  1,020

  1,007

  ST Tydfils

  807

  425

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Aberdare General

  823

  963

  1,156

  778

  873

  743

  923

  827

  Caerphilly and District Miners

  1,317

  1,463

  1,377

  1,358

  1,354

  1,367

  1,396

  1,268

  Powys District Health Authority

  Brecon War Memorial

  195

  192

  189

  192

  206

  187

  227

  214

  Llandrindod Wells

  60

  71

  71

  66

  61

  68

  67

  60

  Builth Cottage

  50

  51

  28

  56

  44

  26

  48

  51

  Knighton

  53

  47

  61

  69

  50

  66

  55

  58

  Machynlleth and District

  12

  18

  16

  23

  18

  22

  21

  9

  Llanidloes and District

  25

  36

  34

  30

  35

  36

  32

  33

  Victoria Memorial

  115

  124

  116

  110

  111

  95

  98

  88

  Montgomery Infirmary

  102

  96

  78

  98

  90

  78

  63

  75

  South Glamorgan District Health Authority

  540
  Mr. Grist
  The corporation has made significant progress in respect of liaison with local authorities and other public bodies, consultation on planning matters, approval of initial projects, negotiations on land acquisitions, preliminary work to establish a comprehensive regeneration strategy and has commissioned or approved studies into the technical, economic and environmental impact of a barrage across the mouth of Cardiff bay.

  Obstetric Units
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report a list of each obstetric unit for each area health authority showing for each year since 1979, the number of deliveries.

  Mr. Grist
  The table gives the total number of births (live and still) in each maternity unit in Wales.
  541

  Hospital

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  University Hospital of Wales

  2,764

  2,898

  2,870

  2,818

  2,860

  2,798

  2,969

  3,106

  St. Davids

  2,603

  2,740

  2,612

  2,670

  2,763

  2,799

  2,855

  2,910

  West Glamorgan District Health Authority

  Mount Pleasant

  1,701

  1,588

  1,813

  1,491

  1,686

  1,705

  1,621

  381

  Gorseinon

  308

  241

  188

  226

  160

  162

  110

  88

  Morriston

  1,543

  1,672

  1,508

  1,840

  1,799

  1,769

  2,104

  3,315

  Neath General

  1,836

  2,008

  1,831

  1,747

  1,711

  1,641

  1,693

  1,762

  Pembrokeshire District Health Authority

  Withybush General

  1,295

  1,305

  1,436

  1,473

  1,397

  1,421

  1,415

  1,396

  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will indicate for each obstetric unit in Wales whether there is an in-service training programme for(a) trainee anaesthetists; (b) non-consultant anaesthetists; (c) midwives and (d) supporting staff.

  Mr. Grist
  Information on in-service training at each obstetric unit in Wales for the staff groups referred to is not held centrally. On a national basis, all anaesthetics posts established for junior medical staff in the training grades are designed to include appropriate training in neonatology and paediatric intensive care, and there is a statutory requirement for practising midwives to attend a refresher course every five years.

  I understand that at the all-Wales level, the University of Wales college of medicine also provides courses for career grade non-consultant anaesthetists.

  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will indicate for each obstetric unit in Wales whether the anaesthetic equipment includes(a) anaesthetic machine, (b) difficult intubation kit, (c) a DC defibrillator, (d) anaesthetic gas scavenging facilities, (e) an automatic pulmonary ventilator with disconnect alarm and (f) refrigerator for the storage of drugs;

  (2) if he will indicate for each obstetric unit in Wales whether there is (a) an ECG monitor with recorder, (b) an inspired oxygen concentration meter, (c) an automatic blood pressure measuring device, (d) an end tidal carbon dioxide meter, (e) a peripheral nerve stimulator, (f) apparatus for measuring central venous pressure, (g) pulse aximeter, (h) blood storage refrigerator, (i) pressure infusion bags, (j) a blood warming device, (k) blood filters, (l) neonatal resuscitation equipment that includes a temperature measuring device; and neonatal equipment for maintaining the temperature of the neonate;

  (3) if he will publish in the Official Report a list of each obstetric unit for each area health authority in Wales; and if he will indicate for each unit (a) whether there is a designated consultant anaesthetist whose duties include the organisation of an obstetric anaesthetist service and ensuring that the health authority is fully aware of any deficiencies in this service, (b) whether there is a consultant anaesthetist on-call and readily available on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis, (c) whether suitable facilities for the storage of blood exists, (d) whether a quantity of group O Rh-ve blood is held, (e) whether there exists a 24 hour on-request epidural service, (f) whether an anaesthetic audit is undertaken; and (g) whether the equipment required in the labour suite and the obstetric theatre include an emergency electricity supply.

  Mr. Grist
  These are matters of operational policy for the health authorities concerned and I suggest that the hon. Gentleman writes to the district general managers.

  Staff Statistics
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the percentage change in the number of administrative staff in the National Health Service in Wales since 1979.

  Mr. Grist
  Between September 1979 and September 1987 there was a 13·9 per cent. increase in the whole-time equivalents of all administrative and clerical staff in the NHS in Wales.

  National Museum of Wales
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will publish in the Official Report the attendance figures for 1987 reported by the National Museum of Wales, comprising its outstations, with the percentage increase or decrease on the attendance figures for 1986.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  A total of 1,041,290 people visited the National Museum of Wales during 1987, an increase of 46 per cent. on the attendance figures for 1986.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish, by district health authority, regional health authority and special health authority lists showing the average daily number of beds available in 1979 and 1986 for all specialties and for acute specialties.

  Mr. Grist
  The information is given in the table:

  All specialties

  Acute specialties1

  1979

  1986

  1979

  1986

  Clwyd

  3,052·5

  2,769·1

  1,420·5

  1,337·2

  East Dyfed

  2,098·2

  1,758·2

  761·8

  694·9

  Gwent

  3,882·6

  3,508·8

  1,517·9

  1,388·7

  Gwynedd

  1,569·5

  1,629·9

  686·2

  718·7

  Mid Glamorgan

  4,943·4

  4,498·4

  1,915·8

  1,813·5

  Pembrokeshire

  466·4

  473·0

  245·7

  266·6

  Powys

  1,265·5

  1,014·4

  292·2

  221·0

  South Glamorgan

  3,583·7

  3,460·3

  1,864·9

  1,751·0

  West Glamorgan

  2,594·3

  2,574·1

  1,428·3

  1,448·0

  Wales

  23,456·1

  21,686·2

  10,133·3

  9,639·7

  1 All specialties excluding geriatrics, younger disabled, obstetrics, GP Maternity, mental illness, mental handicap, adolescent psychiatry, mental illness children, psychogeriatric and elderly mentally infirm.

  I remind the hon. Gentleman that bed numbers by themselves are no indicator of the level of health care. The crucial indicator is the number of patients treated, which increased by 24 per cent. between 1979 and 1986.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the outcome of the policy review undertaken on the Welsh language following the public consultation which concluded on 31 March 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Delyn (Mr. Raffan) on 10 December at column 215.

  Houses (Disrepair)
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many homes in each district authority area in Wales are considered to be in a serious state of disrepair; what proportion of the total housing in each area they represent; and what were the corresponding figures for each year since 1979;

  (2) how many homes in each district authority in Wales are considered to be unfit; what proportion of the total housing stock they represent in each area; and what were the corresponding figures for each year since 1979.

  "Right to buy" purchases by housing association tenants

  Housing association

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  Cymmer Corrwg

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Hafod

  —

  —

  4

  8

  12

  12

  20

  11

  Muir Group

  —

  —

  6

  5

  1

  —

  1

  2

  Wrexham and District

  —

  —

  3

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wales and West

  —

  —

  4

  22

  28

  29

  25

  14

  Second Cathays

  —

  —

  5

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Adamsdown

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  1

  —

  2

  Derwent

  —

  —

  —

  5

  1

  4

  1

  —

  Newydd

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  4

  Gwalia

  —

  —

  —

  7

  3

  2

  3

  3

  Western Permanent

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  23

  12

  —

  Secondary Housing Association for Wales

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  4

  1

  —

  British Airways

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7

  3

  —

  Second Bromford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  North Britain

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Bro Myrddin

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  United Kingdom

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Care in the Community
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimates his Department has made of the additional housing needs of handicapped and vulnerable people through the implementation of care in the community; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  Such estimates are a matter for local determination by housing authorities, district health authorities and local authority social services departments working together and in collaboration with other interests such as housing associations and voluntary organisations, and the representatives of those needing housing.

  Housing Corporation (Expenditure)
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the Housing Corporation's total expenditure in Wales during 1986–87 and in each year since the Corporation's establishment, both at 1987 and actual prices.
  544
  Mr. Grist
  Reliable estimates of the number of dwellings considered to be unfit or in a serious state of disrepair in each local authority district will not be available until the publication of the 1986 Welsh house condition survey.

  House Purchase
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many homes have been bought by the tenants of each of the housing associations in Wales in each year since the inception of right to buy legislation.

  Mr. Grist
  A total of 313 dwellings have been bought by housing association tenants since the inception of "right to buy". Details are given in the table. During the same period, about 2,400 additional sales took place under such schemes as co-ownership, improvement for sale, leasehold schemes for the elderly, home ownership schemes for tenants of charitable housing associations, and shared ownership schemes.

  Mr. Grist
  Total expenditure by the Housing Corporation in Wales since 1974–75 (when it was established on its present basis) is given in the table:

  Expenditure

  1987–88 prices

  1974–75

  3·2

  11·6

  1975–76

  4·7

  13·6

  1976–77

  10·1

  25·8

  1977–78

  18·0

  40·4

  1978–79

  22·1

  44·8

  1979–80

  24·5

  42·5

  1980–81

  28·9

  42·3

  1981–82

  33·3

  44·4

  1982–83

  46·4

  57·7

  1983–84

  48·8

  58·0

  1984–85

  43·4

  49·4

  1985–86

  43·6

  46·8

  1986–87

  51·5

  53·7

  A44 (Aberystwyth to Rhayader)
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any further plans to improve the A44 trunk road between Aberystwyth and Rhayader in the current year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  Improvements are planned at Capel Bangor and the Llangurig junctions. Their timing will depend on the completion of statutory procedures and availability of financial resources.

  Earnings
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) full-time males on adult rates, (b) full-time

  Full-time employees on adult rates of pay whose earnings were not affected by absence—Wales (Percentage at April each year)

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Percentage with weekly earnings less than:

  £110

  £120

  £110

  £120

  £110

  £120

  £110

  £120

  Full-time males on adult rates

  19·1

  25·7

  14·4

  20·3

  12·3

  16·9

  9·7

  14·0

  Full-time females on adult rates

  77·9

  84·6

  49·9

  60·8

  43·8

  53·4

  36·2

  46·0

  All full-time employees on adult rates

  31·2

  39·0

  25·4

  32·9

  22·3

  28·5

  18·0

  24·0

  Patients (Conveyance)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidance his Department gives to health authorities in Wales concerning the conveyance of patients to and from hospital by public transport.

  Mr. Grist
  Guidance is provided in Welsh health circular (77)4. Some patients are able to have their travelling expenses paid. The procedure for this is explained in DHSS leaflet H11.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the lack of ambulance facilities to convey patients to and from hospitals in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  A few representations on behalf of patients not in medical need of ambulance transport but without easy access to public transport, were received from community health councils and local authorities in Gwynedd during the period of public consultation on the criteria proposed by Gwynedd health authority for the transport of non-emergency patients. Gwynedd health authority was aware of these representations and the ambulance service has reacted sympathetically to individual cases of difficulty.

  Ambulances
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the number of ambulances operated per 1,000 inhabitants in each health authority area in Wales; and what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979;

  (2) what is the total number of ambulances operated by each of the Welsh health authorities; and what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Grist
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent changes have been made in the provision of ambulance services for patients and hospitals in Gwynedd.
  546
  females on adult rates and (c) full-time employees on adult rates earned (1) £110 per week or less and (ii) £120 per week or less, in Wales during the last year for which figures are available; and what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Information relating to male and female workers and all employees on adult rates for the years 1984 to 1987 is given in the table. Data for the period prior to 1984 are not available for all employees; but figures relating to male and female worker are published as table 114 of part E of the annual new earnings surveys, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mr. Grist
  Gwynedd health authority is responsible for the provision of the ambulance service in Gwynedd. To improve the service to those in medical need the authority has recently published for the information of the public, doctors and hospitals, the criteria upon which the provision is based. A special financial allocation has been made to the authority to enable it to purchase five specialised ambulances for conveying patients from Gwynedd to hospitals in Liverpool for radiotherapy and limb fitting.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are being undertaken by his Department to improve ambulance facilities in rural areas in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  It is the responsibility of individual health authorities to assess the need for and manage the ambulance service in rural areas of Wales.

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many homes in each district authority area in Wales are owned by housing associations.

  Mr. Grist
  This information is not held centrally at present. The Housing Corporation is working to establish a data base on housing association stock by district council area.

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether his Department lays down any guidelines to health authorities in Wales on the minimum requirements to be contained in consultation documents issued to the public on proposed hospital closures in their area; whether such documents are discussed with his Department before being published; and whether, in cases where such
  547
  documents are found to be faulty, misleading or inadequate, he will insist on further consultation before coming to his own decision on proposed hospital closures.

  Mr. Grist
  Guidelines for the content of consultation documents in respect of proposed hospital closures are set out in Health Service planning paper 5, "Procedure for Consultation on the Closure and Change of Use of Health Buildings". I am placing a copy in the Library of the House. There is no requirement to discuss consultation documents with the Welsh Office before publication. If my right hon. Friend considered such a document to be faulty, misleading or inadequate in a way that might be prejudicial to proper consultation, it is likely that further consultation would be required.

  Bridges (Safety)
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what reports he has received on the safety of bridges in Dyfed as a result of the October floods; what estimates have been made of the cost of repairing these bridges; and whether extra resources will be made available by his Department for this work.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  We have received no detailed reports from Dyfed county council about bridge safety nor any estimates of repair costs. I remain prepared to consider any representation from the county council about particular problems arising from the flooding in October, as I indicated in my reply to the right hon. Gentleman on 12 November.

  Speech Therapists
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he is taking to remedy deficiencies in the pay and career structure of speech therapists in Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  A new pay and grading structure for speech therapists has been introduced with effect from 1 January 1988. The management side of the Scientific and Professional Staffs Council believes that this will bring considerable benefits to the speech therapy profession.

  Member's Question
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now reply to the question tabled on 17 December 1987 for answer on 11 January by the hon. Member for Gower on Welsh Office circular 44/87.

  Mr. Grist
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to him on Thursday 14 January 1988.

  Circular 44/87
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if, in the light of the formal public circulation of his Department's circular 44/87 and its subsequent withdrawal, and of its submission as evidence by both parties in the public inquiry held at the Guildhall, Swansea, relating to proposed executive houses at Murton lane, Newton, Swansea, he will now formally recover jurisdiction and determine this inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances of the distribution of circular 44/87 and on its status.

  Mr. Grist
  As I have already explained to the hon. Gentleman my right hon. Friend sees no reason to recover 548
  jurisdiction from the appointed inspector. Copies of a document which appeared to be an updated version of circular 30/86 have been received by some local authorities. No further circular on this subject has been issued and circular 30/86 continues in force.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the number of general practitioners in(a) Torfaen, (b) Gwent and (c) Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  At October 1986, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the numbers of unrestricted principals were 45, 236 and 1,549 respectively.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Fire Hydrants (Portaferry)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when was the last survey of fire hydrants in the Portaferry turnout area; what assessment he has made of(a) the adequacy of the number of fire hydrants in this rural area and (b) sufficiency of the existing two diameter water mains for fire hydrants; if he has any plans to improve either the water mains or number of fire hydrants in this area; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  A survey of fire hydrant requirements in the Portaferry area is currently being conducted by the Fire Authority for Northern Ireland. The survey, which is expected to be completed by the middle of this year, will examine the adequacy of the number of existing hydrants and the sufficiency of existing water mains and will make recommendations.

  Union Flag
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Tower Hill hospital, Armagh city hospital, health and social services offices, the Mall, Armagh, and the Agriculture Department offices, The Mall, Armagh, are in possession of standing instructions for the flying of the Union flag on all appropriate dates; why the Union flag was not flown at these four public buildings on 25 December 1987; whether the flying of the Union flag in Armagh city has been discussed at the Anglo-Irish ministerial conference; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stanley
  The requirement to fly the Union flag on those prescribed dates relevant to Northern Ireland applies only to central Government offices. There is no requirement therefore for it to be flown on Tower Hill hospital, Armagh city hospital and the Southern health and social services offices in the Mall in Armagh. Due to an oversight the Department of Agriculture Drainage Office in the Mall, Armagh, did not fly the Union flag on 25 December 1987. The Department has reminded its staff of the requirement.

  As to the right hon. Gentleman's question about the Intergovernmental Conference, joint statements issued after each meeting, copies of which are placed in the Library, set out matters that have been discussed. We do not make public any further details of conference proceedings.

  Pupils (Religious Denomination)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether each new pupil enrolling in a controlled secondary school is requested by the school principal to make known his religious denomination.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Every school is required by law to keep a register containing, amongst other particulars, the religious denomination of each pupil.

  Radioactivity (Monitoring)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the extent of radioactivity monitoring in the Irish sea; and if he will make a statement on the implications for fish stocks in the Irish sea of the construction of nuclear installations on the west coast of Great Britain.

  Mr. Needham
  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food carries out extensive monitoring for radioactivity in the aquatic environment around the British Isles including the Irish sea. The results are published annually and placed in the Library of the House. These sources show that radiological levels pose no risk to fish stocks.

  Proposals for nuclear installations go through a stringent consent procedure before construction is authorised and the effect on fishstocks is an important factor in the decision. Radioactive discharges from nuclear installations are controlled by authorisation issued by the appropriate Government Departments. The effects of such discharges on the flora and fauna of the Irish sea are among the matters considered by the authorising Departments in establishing the permitted limits.

  Traffic Flow (Carrickfergus)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any plans to improve the traffic flow along the shore road between Carrickfergus and Whiteabbey, County Antrim.

  Mr. Needham
  Yes. The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has proposals in its major works programme to improve the section of single carriageway from the entrance to the university of Ulster to Ravenhill.

  Free EC Food
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements and support he will provide to assist the distribution of free EEC foods to the needy in Ulster in 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  The implementation of the new EC scheme for distributing surplus food to the most needy announced on 12 January 1988 by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will operate in Northern Ireland. Butter and beef will be available in response to specific applications received from charitable or non-profit-making organisations which meet appropriate conditions.

  Quantities will be limited to amounts specifically authorised by the European Commission within the finance available. Designated organisations will be eligible to receive contributions within the terms of the EC regulation towards their administrative and transport
  550
  costs. Commission rules also provide for arrangements to be made with individual processors for a proportion of product handled to be retained by the processor as payment.

  Ulster Museum
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will publish in the Official Report the attendance figures for 1987 reported by the Ulster museum, comprising its outstations, with the percentage increase or decrease on the attendance figures for 1986.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  In 1987 267,700 people visited the Ulster museum and the Armagh county museum, a decrease of about 8 per cent. on the attendance figure for 1986.

  Meningitis
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of meningitis there are currently in hospitals in Northern Ireland, what consultations he has had with health authorities in Great Britain about the present meningitis outbreaks; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  There were eight patients in hospitals in Northern Ireland suffering from meningitis on 13 January 1988. This figure can fluctuate daily. There is no known connection between any of the present cases. There has been no significant change recently in the incidence of the disease in the Province and there is no evidence to link any of the existing cases with the recent outbreaks in England and Wales. My officials have been maintaining close contact with their counterparts at the Department of Health in London on this matter and this will continue.

  Matrimonial Proceedings
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in the Official Report those changes he is making in the Draft Matrimonial Proceedings (Northern Ireland) Order following the representations he has received.

  Mr. Stanley
  I cannot at present add to the reply that I gave the right hon. Member for Strangford (Mr. Taylor) on 3 December at column 692.

  Elected Representatives
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in the Official Report the individual members of each delegation with which the Government met to canvass views before issuing their discussion paper, "Elected Representatives and the Democratic Process in Northern Ireland", identifying the political party, local council or other organisation, if any, from which each individual came.

  Mr. Needham
  The affiliations of the various delegations who met me were listed in my reply of 4 November to the hon. Member at column 791. It would not be appropriate to publish the names of the individual members of those delegations without their permission.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will arrange for his letter to the hon. Member for Bradford West, dated 11 January, to be published in the Official Report.

  Mr. Stanley
  Yes. My letter is below.

  "In reply to your Questions:
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he expects the investigations or allegations against the Royal Ulster Constabulary, about which he last wrote to the honourable Member for Bradford West on 23rd June, to be concluded; and if he will make a statement.
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when Mr. Chan Hok Chun was deported from the United Kingdom how many times he was interviewed by police officers in relation to allegations made against Royal Ulster Constabulary officers and others in Belfast; and if Mr. Chan Hok Chun has been asked to supply any further information since he was deported.
  I replied that I would write to you.
  The RUC have informed me that Mr. Chan Hok Chun was deported to Hong Kong on 30 June 1987 and that he has not been asked to supply any further information since his deportation. With regard to the number of times Mr. Chan has been interviewed by police you will recall that Nick Scott told you on 6 April 1987 (Hansard Col. 115) that Mr. Chan had been interviewed by officers from the Royal Ulster Constabulary but that the extent, direction and control of that investigation and any subsequent proceedings are matters for the Chief Constable and the Director of Public Prosecutions. I understand the papers relating to the police investigation arc with the Director of Public Prosecutions and a direction regarding charges is awaited. It is not therefore possible to say when the investigations into the allegations against the Royal Ulster Constabulary will be concluded. Any matters of internal police discipline arising from the investigations must await the outcome of any criminal proceedings."

  Debt
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many state employees, or

  Housing and Planning Act 1986: S.I6 Housing Management Grants

  Name and address of organisation

  Grant terms of reference (geographical coverage)

  Grant approved for 1987–88

  Grant provisionally approved for 1988–89

  £

  £

  CDS Co-operative Housing Society Ltd., 140 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9TQ

  To inform local authorities and tenants and residents groups about TMC's and undertake feasibility studies (London and the home counties)

  31,727

  72,800

  Chisel (Co-operative Housing in South East London) Ltd., 184A Brownhill Road, London SE6 2DJ

  To promote TMC's and par-value co-ops amongst public sector tenants and provide training and management services to help tenants run such co-ops (SE London and Kent)

  7,500

  12,700

  East London Housing Association Ltd., 187A Romford Road, London E15 4JF

  To facilitate tenant control and community development along cooperative lines on a new estate in Newham (East London)

  2,085

  8,000

  Solon Co-operative Housing Services Ltd., 223A Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2JT

  To part finance the setting up of a Tenant Initiatives Unit to promote, service and support TMC's and community ownership co-operatives (NW London and adjacent home counties)

  12,900

  67,600

  Solon Wandsworth Housing Association, 49A Lavender Hill, London SW11 5QN

  To promote TMC's using a co-op worker and co-op link workers to establish dialogue with council officers and members (SW London)

  7,500

  19,200

  552
  employees of state agencies, spent all or part of their time in debt recovery under the Payments for Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971, in 1987.

  Mr. Stanley [holding answer 15 January 1988]: The number of employees in Government Departments and public bodies working on debt recovery under this legislation is as follows:

  DHSS (NI)

  Northern Ireland Electricity

  —40

  Belfast Gas

  —9 full-time equivalent

  DOE (NI)

  —120 with varying degrees of involvement

  Information on the number of employees of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive involved in this work is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Planning (Advertisements)
  Mr. McCusker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many occasions the Department of the Environment (NI) has invoked its powers under article 51 of the Planning (NI) Order 1972 in relation to the display of an advertisement in contravention of the Planning (Control of Advertisements) Registrations (NI) 1973.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 14 January 1988]: the records available indicate that since 1974 62 summonses have been issued.

ENVIRONMENT

  Housing Management
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the names and addresses of those organisations which have been given grants under section 16 of the Housing and Planning Act 1986, detailing the terms of reference of the grants and the geographic area each organisation is expected to cover.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The information the hon. Member seeks is given in the table.
  553

  Name and address of organisation

  Grant terms of reference (geographical coverage)

  Grant approved for 1987–88

  Grant provisionally approved for 1988–89

  £

  £

  Banks of The Wear CHS Ltd., 46 Falconar Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 1UY

  To provide (i) a service to tenants to help establish tenant groups, give appropriate training and assist liaison with landlords (ii) a service to landlords to bring about changes in local authority policy and practice (North East England)

  42,100

  51,300

  CHS (North West) Ltd., 79A Oswald Road, Manchester M21 1QD

  To promote TMC's in liaison with two residents associations; to improve, along with NFHC, publicity and information on TMC's supplied to local authorities and potential TMC's (Greater Manchester)

  12,700

  33,100

  Merseyside Improved Houses Special Projects Housing Association Limited, 46 Wavertree Road, Liverpool L7 1PH

  To promote and explain the role of TMC's and community based housing associations in tackling hard-to-let estates; to expand and develop the services provided by Merseyside Community Projects Advisory Service (Merseyside)

  31,500

  85,100

  Institute of Housing Regional Training Unit, 9 White Lion Street. London N1 9XJ

  To establish a pilot Regional Training Unit in Leeds to provide housing training and co-ordination of training activity (Northern England)

  37,700

  120,800

  Path (Local Authorities), 259A High Road, London N15 5BT

  To set up a scheme to train black people for housing management duties at middle and senior level in local authority housing departments (throughout England)

  31,900

  260,300

  TPAS [Tenants' Participation Advisory Service] England, c/o 20 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH

  To promote tenant involvement in housing management on local authority and other housing estates and provide training, information, consultancy and advice to tenant groups (throughout England)

  47,500

  55,000

  NACRO Crime Prevention Unit, Cranmer House, 39 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DZ

  To develop a training service as part of the National Advisory Service by appointing a training co-ordinator, and to develop the National Safe Neighbourhoods Programme (throughout England)

  45,000

  300,000

  Note: TMC—Tenant Management Co-operative.

  NFHC—National Federation of Housing Co-operatives.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list each scheme included in the Housing Corporation's 1987–88 approved development programme, which uses flexible housing association grant with private finance, to provide temporary accommodation for homeless families; how many units of accommodation each scheme will provide; when these units are likely to be available for letting; and which local authorities will have nomination rights to each scheme;

  (2) if he will list, for each scheme included in the Housing Corporation's 1987–88 approved development programme which uses flexible housing association grant with private finance, to provide temporary hostel accommodation for homeless families (a) the estimated

  Local Authority

  Number of units

  Capital Cost (£)

  HAG Proportion Percent.

  Revenue Costs (£)

  Weekly Rent £

  Haringey

  1

  80,720

  50

  3,640

  91·22

  Haringey

  1

  93,772

  50

  3,640

  105·00

  Hackney

  8

  718,170

  50

  3,640

  103·00

  Bromley

  1

  74,824

  50

  2,860

  63·00

  Bromley

  1

  66,692

  50

  2,860

  63·00

  Bromley

  1

  73,020

  50

  2,860

  63·00

  Bromley

  1

  71,014

  50

  2,860

  63·00

  Bromley

  1

  72,900

  50

  2,860

  63·00

  Bromley

  1

  69,564

  50

  2,860

  63·00

  554
  capital cost of the scheme, (b) the proportion of the scheme's estimated capital cost which will be met by flexible housing association grant, (c) the estimated revenue cost of the scheme in the first year, comprising repayment of capital, management, maintenance and an allowance for furnishing and (d) the average weekly rent which homeless families nominated to this accommodation are likely to be charged.

  Mrs. Roe
  The information is given in the table. The revenue costs do not include the cost of repaying capital, for which detailed figures are not available, but rents under this scheme are normally set at the levels necessary to cover borrowing costs and costs of future major repairs. The units are expected to become available for letting from April onwards.
  555

  Local Authority

  Number of units

  Capital Cost (£)

  HAG Proportion Per cent.

  Revenue Costs (£)

  Weekly Rent (£)

  Bromley

  1

  74,028

  50

  2,860

  63·00

  Bromley

  1

  67,576

  50

  2,860

  63·00

  Lewisham

  1

  69,436

  50

  2,860

  65·00

  Lewisham

  1

  72,738

  50

  2,860

  65·00

  Lewisham

  1

  71,612

  50

  2,860

  65·00

  Lewisham

  1

  72,142

  50

  2,860

  65·00

  Slough

  6

  402,903

  30

  1,456

  61·00

  Rushmoor

  25

  1,314,723

  30

  1,456

  52·00

  Private Tenants (Right to Buy)
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representation he has received seeking legislation under which tenants are given the right to buy houses and flats from their private landlords; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We receive occasional letters from hon. Members and members of the public asking about a right to buy scheme for private tenants. We consider that such a right would be an infringement of rights over private assets and would discourage landlords from letting property. It is open to sitting tenants to negotiate sale with their landlords. We do not intend to legislate on this.

  Radiation Monitoring
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether local authorities will be allowed direct and open access to the central database facility for the purpose of radiation monitoring in an emergency; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Local authorities with appropriate interrogation equipment will have access to regular information and advice bulletins prepared and distributed from the central database facility. In circumstances where they collect monitoring data, they will be able to enter it into the database providing that it has been collected and supplied according to specified procedures.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has as to the likely effects on average rateable values in each local authority in England if a general revaluation were to take place; and if he will publish in the Official Report the estimate for each English local authority, together with current average rateable values.

  Mr. Howard
  Forecasts of the effects of the non-domestic revaluation in 1990 by local authority area cannot be made until the necessary rental evidence has been collected and analysed by the Inland Revenue valuation office. We have no plans for a domestic revaluation before domestic rates are abolished in 1990. I therefore have made no estimate of the impact of such a revaluation at local level and do not intend to do so.

  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a list of all Acts and regulations in which gross, net annual or rateable values are included as the basis for compensation; and if he will make a statement on the alternatives he
  556
  proposes to introduce to deal with such compensation claims following the introduction of the community charge.

  Mr. Howard
  The following Acts and regulations have been identified as containing provisions which use gross, net annual or rateable values as the basis for determining compensation payments and which will be affected by the abolition of domestic rates. Proposals for alternative measures for dealing with compensation for those statutes in list A were published on 23 December 1987 in our consultation paper on the use of rateable values in housing and related legislation, copies of which I have placed in the Library. We are considering suitable substitutes for those Acts and regulations shown in list B. Provision is made in the Local Government Finance Bill to amend all these provisions by order.

  List A

  Housing Act 1985 (c. 68).

  Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (c. 56).

  List B

  Land Compensation Act 1973 (c. 26).

  Town and Country Planning Act 1971 (c. 78).

  Brine Pumping (Compensation for Subsidence) Act 1891 (c. 40).

  Housing (Payments for Well Maintained Houses) Order 1973 (SI 1973 No. 753).

  Compensation (Defence) Notice of Claim Rules 1939 (SR + 0 1939 No. 1296).

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he has made of the implications for his policy on the poll tax of the study by Professor Colin Hughes of the university of Edinburgh on the increase in house prices under a poll tax, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  Professor Hughes has commented on several occasions on the effect of abolishing domestic rates on house prices. It is not disputed that some increase in house prices is likely. The Government's estimate of the effect is contained in annex E to the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" (Cmnd 9714). While there is room for alternative views on this matter, we find Professor Hughes' estimates to be implausibly large. They give us no cause to revise our own estimate which we believe remains broadly correct.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, under the proposed community charge, once a jointly liable couple have been separated, joint debts will be carried over after separation regardless of which was previously the main wage earner.

  Mr. Howard
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Mrs. Clwyd) on 12 November 1987 at column 189.
  557
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's policy towards treating women's aid refuges as the sole or main residence of women residents for the period when they stay at the refuge; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  Most women staying in refuges do so for short periods and will remain mainly resident elsewhere. They will pay the personal community charge in respect of their main residence. Those women who have their sole or main residence in a refuge will pay the personal community charge in respect of their residence in the refuge. Women in both categories will be eligible for rebates of up to 80 per cent. according to their circumstances. Those on low incomes will receive assistance through the income support system towards their 20 per cent. contribution.

  I announced, in my answer on 2 December to my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mrs. Gorman) that women living under threat of violence will be able to register for the community charge without making their names and addresses public.

  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to place in the Library copies of the papers of the community charge working group, its implementation sub-group, and any joint circulars to local authorities that may be produced by his Department on the implementation of the Local Government Finance Bill.

  Mr. Ridley
  Any necessary joint circulars to local authorities on the introduction of the community charge, as well as practice notes, prepared by the implementation sub-group will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received seeking the exemption of disabled people being cared for in the community and their carers from the payment of the community charge; what response he has made; and will he make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 14 January 1988]: We have had a number of representations about the liability of disabled people and volunteer carers for the community charge. We do not consider that an exemption would be justified. They will be eligible for rebates of up to 80 per cent. and income support will be increased to help recipients pay the remaining 20 per cent. In addition, in recognition of their special needs, any income received by disabled people from allowances such as mobility and attendance allowances would be disregarded in calculating entitlement to rebate.

  Search and Charge Procedures
  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has about the progress so far achieved in persuading local authorities to computerise local search and charge procedures.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I understand that at least two computing systems for local authority searches are at an advanced stage of development and at least one is now being tested by two local authorities. I hope that local authorities will give serious consideration to the installation of such systems which will help them to give an improved service to home buyers.
  558
  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report the average length of time taken by each local authority in England to answer local search inquiries.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  This information is not collected centrally. However, the local authority associations provided evidence on the matter to the Government's conveyancing committee, and the committee's second report, published in January 1985, gives details. A copy of that report is in the Library.

  Rate Support Grant, Cumbria
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the cost to the Exchequer of the domestic resource equalisation component in the rate support grant settlement to the county of Cumbria in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Chope
  Within the grant total, the effect of resource equalisation is to transfer money from areas of high rateable value to areas of low rateable value. There is no cost to the Exchequer.

  North Sea Project
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the funding of the North sea project.

  Mr. Colin Moynihan
  The Government fund substantial programmes of research and monitoring by Government Departments and the research councils related to the North sea. The total level of such funding is of the order of £7 million annually, although because some of this work has relevance to the marine environment generally, it is difficult to give a precise figure for the North sea.

  The recent second international conference on the protection of the North sea endorsed the need for the development of national and international programmes to enhance our understanding of possible threats to the North sea and to improve our ability to manage this unique resource. The conference also endorsed the need for a task force to carry forward this work, and the United Kingdom offered to host its first meeting early in 1988.

  It is intended that the bulk of the United Kingdom's contribution to the scientific effort of the task force will be drawn from existing national programmes, including the NERC's North sea project. Some additional funding for the task force will, however, be necessary. My Department will shortly be bringing interested parties together to consider the setting-up of the task force.

  Urban Regeneration Grants
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money has been spent on urban regeneration grants to the latest convenient date; and how many projects were involved in the expenditure.

  Mr. Trippier
  Since urban regeneration grant was introduced, four offers of grant totalling £7·62 million have been made for projects in Manchester and Dudley. This grant is expected to attract £34·32 million of private investment into these areas. Approval in principle has been given to a project in Blackburn. Ten projects are under appraisal and a number of others are being discussed informally with the Department.

  Dog Wardens
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make extra resources available in the next financial year to local authorities for the provision of dog warden schemes in their areas; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The rate support grant report (England) 1988–89 was approved by the House on 9 December. It is for local authorities themselves to decide on the provision of individual services in the light of this and their view of local needs and circumstances and having regard to statutory obligations.

  Planning Appeal Decisions
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to his reply of 11 January,Official Report, columns 78–9, he will give the locations of those planning appeal decisions made by him since 1980, contrary to the inspectors' recommendations.

  Mr. Ridley
  The table shows the local planning authorities within whose areas planning appeal decisions were made by the Secretary of State for the Environment contrary to the inspectors' recommendations, for each year from 1984, the earliest date from which information on an individual planning authority basis is available, to 30 September 1987.

  Year and county

  Planning authority

  1984

  Berkshire

  Wokingham

  Cambridgeshire

  Peterborough

  Cheshire

  Congleton

  Essex

  Chelmsford

  Hampshire

  Hart2

  New Forest

  Rushmoor

  Lancashire

  Wyre

  Somerset

  Mendip

  Staffordshire

  Staffordshire Moorlands

  Greater Manchester

  Salford2

  West Midlands

  Walsall

  London

  Brent

  Waltham Forest

  1985

  Avon

  Woodspring

  Berkshire

  Berkshire CC

  Reading

  Windsor and Maidenhead2

  Wokingham

  Cumbria

  South Lakeland within the National Park

  County Durham

  County Durham

  Essex

  Basildon

  Leicestershire

  Hinckley and Bosworth

  Lincolnshire

  Lincoln

  Oxfordshire

  South Oxfordshire

  Suffolk

  Babergh (2)

  Surrey

  Mole Valley

  Reigate and Banstead

  Waverley (2)

  West Sussex

  Mid Sussex

  Greater Manchester

  Bolton

  Merseyside

  Knowsley

  London

  Greenwich

  Lambeth

  1986

  Avon

  Woodspring

  Berkshire

  Wokingham

  Cambridgeshire

  Peterborough

  560

  Year and county

  Planning authority

  Cornwall

  Penworth

  Essex

  Colchester

  Hertfordshire

  St. Albans (2)

  Welwyn Hatfield

  Kent

  Maidstone

  Thanet

  Nottinghamshire

  Broxtowe

  Oxfordshire

  South Oxfordshire

  Staffordshire

  Stafford

  Warwickshire

  Stratford-on-Avon

  West Sussex

  Chichester

  Horsham

  West Yorkshire

  Calderdale (2)

  London

  Brent

  Bromley (2)

  Harrow

  1987

  Avon

  Bristol

  Bedfordshire

  Luton

  Cambridgeshire

  Cambridge (2)

  Essex

  Brentwood (2)

  Castle Point

  Hampshire

  Fareham

  New Forest

  Kent

  Tunbridge Wells

  Northumberland

  Tynedale

  Nottinghamshire

  Nottingham

  Surrey

  Elmbridge (2)

  South Yorkshire

  Doncaster

  London

  City of Westminster (2)

  Note: Figure in brackets is the number of decisions in the year.

  Rented Property
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the date, place and nature of any ministerial statements prior to 11 June 1987 which local councils in the provision of dwellings for rent, as set out in the answer to the hon. Member for Walsall, North on 18 December 1987,Official Report, column 789; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Roe
  The policy was clearly set out in chapter 5 of the White paper "Housing: The Government's Proposals" (Cm 214) which was itself foreshadowed by the Conservative Party document "The Next Moves Forward" published in May 1987.

  Sport and Leisure facilities
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the response to the consultation paper on competition in the management of local authority sport and leisure facilities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  A total of 352 responses have been received to the consultation paper which invited comments by 11 December 1987. These are now being considered in detail.

  Barter Deals
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether there are any proposals to stop the formal use of barter deals by local authorities as a means of raising finance; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  My right hon. Friend has made no such proposals.

  Urban Development Corporations
  Mr. Boyes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much has been spent by each urban development corporation from the formation of the London Docklands development corporation to the latest date available, by year.

  Mr. Trippier
  Information on expenditure is contained in each urban development corporation's annual report and accounts, copies of which are laid before the House. Reports by London Docklands DC and Merseyside DC cover the period from their formation to the end of the last full financial year (1986–87). The only other corporation to spend during that period was Trafford Park DC which came into operation on 10 February 1987 and spent £31,000 in 1986–87.

  New Premises (London)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he is giving to acquiring new premises in central London for use by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The Property Services Agency constantly has under review the accommodation needs of all Government departments in central London, including the Ministry of Defence. Its aim is to meet such needs as economically as possible. Where this requires the acquisition of new accommodation from the market, negotiations are always conducted on a strictly commercial, and therefore confidential basis.

  Boxing
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to introduce the mandatory wearing of protective headwear for the sport of boxing.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The Government have no plans to introduce the mandatory wearing of protective headwear for boxers. That is a matter for the governing bodies of boxing to consider.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to improve safety precautions for those taking part in the sport of boxing.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The Government have no such plans. British boxing is already subject to stringent medical safeguards. Any further safety precautions are for the amateur boxing associations and the British Boxing Board of Control to consider.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the most common permanent and temporary injuries sustained as a result of the sport of boxing.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The most common injuries sustained in amateur boxing are of a minor nature such as bruises, sprains and cuts. Major injuries include dislocations and fractures. In England in 1987 there were 117 minor and 10 major injuries out of some 30,000 competitors actively engaged in amateur boxing. The British Boxing Board of Control does not keep records on the incidence of injuries in professional boxing, but their advice is that major injuries are rare. All boxers, both amateur and professional, are required to undergo medical examinations before a bout.

  Storm Damage
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make further funds available to the Countryside Commission in the light of the net bids made by local authorities in respect of tree damage sustained on 16 October 1987.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The Department is discussing with the Countryside Commission the need for a long-term programme of tree planting.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will carry over to 1988–89 any part of the £25 million allocated by his Department in 1987–88 for storm damage on 16 October 1987 and not paid out within the current financial year.

  Mr. Chope
  No, but parliamentary approval will if necessary be sought to adjust the main Estimates provision for 1988–89 to enable grant to be paid on all eligible expenditure.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the closing date by which claims for damages sustained on 16 October 1987 should be submitted by local authorities and others to his Department.

  Mr. Chope
  Initial claims must be with the Department by 1 March 1988. Grant on 90 per cent. of eligible expenditure will be paid on the basis of those claims. Final claims, on the basis of which grant on the remaining 10 per cent. of eligible expenditure will be paid, must be submitted via local authorities: auditors to the Department by 31 December 1988.

  Animal Virus Research Institute
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply of 13 January,Official Report, column 280, if he will give the nature and quantity of radioactive waste discharged from the Animal Virus Research Institute for the most convenient period and the manner of disposal.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Records of radioactive waste discharges are not held by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution but they are kept at the Animal Virus Research Institute. They are inspected by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to check that the discharges are within authorised limits. Waste liquids are discharged to the river Wey after treatment.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply of 13 January,Official Report, column 280, in respect of each of the organisations listed for each of the past five years (a) how much low-level radioactive waste has beeen discharged, (b) what it was, (c) how it was dispersed and (d) if any discharge has been outside authorised limits.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Records of discharges are not held by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, but they are kept by each of the organisations concerned. They are inspected by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to ensure that discharges are within authorised limits. These records show that there have been no discharges outside the authorised limits. Waste liquids are discharged into nearby rivers after treatment.

  Thames House
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans his Department has to acquire the use of Thames house, Millbank; at what cost; and under what form of tenure.

  Mr. Chope
  Office buildings in this area of Westminster are always of potential interest to the Property Services Agency in the discharge of their responsibility for meeting the accommodation needs of Government Departments. Their aim is to meet accommodation needs as economically as possible. Where this requires the acquisition of new accommodation from the market, negotiations are always conducted on a strictly commercial, and therefore confidential, basis.

  Nature Reserves
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his policy for the future ownership and management of the national nature reserves at Achanarras Quarry, Beinn Eighe, Ben Lui, Blawhirn Moss, Braehead Moss, Cairngorms, Cairsmore of Fleet, Claish Moss, Corrieshalloch, Cragbank Wood, Creag Meagaidh, Dunnet Links, Glasdrum Wood, Glen Roy, Glen Tanar, Inverpolly, Loch Druidibeg, Loch Lomond, Loch Sunart Woodlands, Morton Lochs, Rannoch Moor, Rhum, Taynish and Tetsmuir Point, and for the future control of other national nature reserves in Scotland; and what consultations he has undertaken with Scottish interests on this subject.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave on 13 January to the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) at column 281. I shall, of course, consult my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland about the outcome of the review of national nature reserves which is currently being undertaken by the Nature Conservancy Council.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies have been conducted into the long-term safety of high level liquid nuclear waste tanks at British Nuclear Fuels plc, Sellafield; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have been asked to reply.

  Studies have been completed by BNF plc on the reliability of high active waste tanks. A paper on the subject was published at the fourth European reliability data conference. I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.

  For the future the company plans to remove liquid waste from the tanks for vitrification. Construction of a vitrification plant is nearing completion.

  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what physical protection systems exist against possible terrorist attacks on the high level liquid waste tanks at British Nuclear Fuels plc, Sellafield; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have been asked to reply.

  Such systems are in place. It would not be prudent to publish details.

  Nuclear Safety
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements are in hand to ensure that local authorities would be alerted at the earliest opportunity if an emergency, involving radiation, was possibly going to affect their area.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have been asked to reply.

  All licensed nuclear sites must have detailed emergency plans in place. These plans, which are regularly tested in the presence of the NII, include procedures for alerting local authorities.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the national response plan would become operational in the United Kingdom were an accident, involving radiation, to occur inside the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedfordshire, North (Sir T. Skeet) by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 30 June 1987, at columns 65–67.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the outcome of the review of evacuation zones in relation to emergencies at nuclear plants; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashdown) by my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Goodlad) on 22 April 1987 at column 534.

  Racing (Drug Misuse)
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what information he has about the number of cases of drug misuse involving animals within the racing industry since 1979;

  (2) if he will introduce legislation to make it a criminal offence to misuse restricted drugs, particularly steroids, in the horse and dog racing industries; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if he has received any request for funds from the horse and dog racing industries to help combat the misuse of drugs on either race horses or dogs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  I have been asked to reply and will do so as soon as possible.

  Meadowhall Development, Sheffield
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment why his Department has refused to give £20 million-£30 million urban regeneration grant to the developers of the junction 34 — Meadowhall development in east Sheffield.

  Mr. Trippier
  After careful appraisal we concluded that the project was viable without assistance.

  Derelict Land (Corby)
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list in the Official Report in relation to the Corby district (a) the amount of derelict

  565
  land in the Corby district, identified in the survey of 1982, (b) the amount of derelict land which was identified as capable of justifying reclamation and (c) the amount of land in fact reclaimed since 1982;

  (2) how much Government funding has been contributed to the Corby district council for derelict land reclamation in each year since 1980; and how many acres have been reclaimed in each year.

  Mr. Trippier
  The 1982 derelict land survey identified 218 hectares (538 acres) of derelict land in the district of Corby, of which 216 hectares (533 acres) justified reclamation. Some 90 hectares (222 acres) have been reclaimed since 1982.

  Government resources have been allocated to Corby district council to allow expenditure on derelict land reclamation as follows:

  £ million

  1980–81

  0·5

  1981–82

  0·8

  1982–83

  3·1

  1983–84

  3·3

  1984–85

  3·5

  1985–86

  3·6

  1986–87

  3·8

  1987–88

  3·7

  Derelict land grant is payable to meet 100 per cent. of the eligible costs incurred by the Council on reclamation. Because of the continuous nature of land reclamation works in Corby, it is not possible to identify the area of derelict land reclaimed each year.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Psychotropic Drugs
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the annual expenditure by the National Health Service on psychotropic drugs; and how many patients per year are prescribed such drugs.

  Mr. Newton
  Information is not available on the number of patients prescribed psychotropic drugs. The table shows the number and net ingredient cost of prescriptions in England in 1986 for hypnotics, sedatives and tranquillisers, and anti-depressants:

  Number of prescriptions (millions)

  Net ingredient cost (£ million)

  Hypnotics

  13·2

  20·0

  Sedatives and tranquillisers

  11·2

  14·4

  Anti-depressants

  6·6

  26·2

  Anti-depressant and sedative-tranquilliser combinations

  0·5

  1·3

  Total

  31·6

  61·9

  Consultants
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will, during the lifetime of this Parliament, consider conducting a review of the contract system for employing consultants.

  Mrs. Currie
  We have no current plans to do so, but we do of course keep the system under review.

  Trent RHA
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what appointments he has made to the Trent regional health authority since 1979.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Secretary of State has made the following new appointments to Trent RHA since 1979:

  1980

  Mr. A. Dale.

  Mr. J. F. Pattison.

  Mr. D. C. Samworth.

  1981

  Professor R. E. Coupland.

  1982

  Sir Michael Carlisle—Chairman.

  Mrs. B. Borrett.

  Mrs. E. J. Dady.

  Councillor D. C. Jackson.

  Dr. R. A. Lawrence.

  Councillor H. Seddons.

  Dr. P. F. Sewell.

  Councillor Mrs. M. Spencer-Gregson.

  Mr. H. Wordsworth.

  1984

  Dr. J. A. Birch.

  Councillor A. J. Burton.

  Mr. J. E. Eardley.

  Professor D. S. Munro.

  Mr. M. F. Spungin.

  1986

  Councillor P. Gaul.

  Councillor A. O'Brien.

  Mrs. J. Radford.

  Councillor P. J. Regan.

  Mr. M. Varcoe.

  1987

  Mrs. N. M. Collett.

  Mr. J. Thierry.

  National Health Service Consultants
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how, pursuant to his answer of 18 December,Official Report, column 925, whole-time equivalents are calculated with respect to consultant staff; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The whole-time contract for a consultant holding one or more appointments with one or more employing authorities equals 11 notional half days or 38.5 hours and is counted as one whole-time equivalent. In the case of multiple appointments with different employing authorities, only time contracted with the authority concerned will be shown.

  Consultants known to hold "maximum part-time" contracts are counted as full-time staff (ie 11 notional half days) to reflect their substantially whole-time commitment.

  For part-time and honorary consultants the whole-time equivalent is calculated by dividing the total number of notional half days contracted for by 11.

  Obstetric Units
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will indicate for each obstetric unit in England there is an in-service training programme for(a) trainee anaesthetists, (b) non-consultant anaesthetists, (c) midwives and (d) supporting staff.
  567
  Mrs. Currie
  Training of staff is a matter for the relevant professional bodies and health authorities according to their own particular needs. This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will indicate for each obstetric unit in Wales there are drills for(a) cricoid pressure, (b) failed intubation, (c) management of severe haemorrhage and (d) cardiac arrest.

  Mr. Grist
  I have been asked to reply.

  These are matters of operational policy for the health authorities concerned and I suggest that the hon. Gentleman writes to the district general managers.

  Merit Awards
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the membership of the group making merit awards for the Liverpool and Wirral district health authorities.

  Mr. Newton
  Distinction awards are granted by the Secretary of State on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards whose members are listed in the table. The ACDA is advised by two local award committees in each region, depending on the level of award. The names of the members of the current committees for the Mersey region, which includes both Liverpool and Wirral health authority are also listed.

  Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards

  Sir Gordon Robson, CBE, FFARCS, Chairman.

  Mr. A. L. Rennie, CB.

  Professor Sir Raymond Hoffenberg, KBE, MD, PhD, PRCP.

  Professor Sir Herbert Duthie, MD, FRCS, Eng, FRCS, Ed.

  Professor C. E. Stroud, FRCP, DCH.

  Professor E. D. Williams, MD, FRCP, FRC, Path.

  Professor K. Rawnsley, CBE, FRCP, FRCPsych.

  Professor E. Rhys Davies, FRCP, PRCR.

  Professor G. R. Seward, MBBS, MDS, FDSRCS, FRCS, Ed.

  Professor K. D. Peters, FRCP.

  Professor D. K. Mason, FRCS, Glas, FRCPath.

  Professor W. J. Sharrard, MD, FRCS.

  Dr. J. Batten, MD, FRCP.

  Dr. E. Rosemary Rue, PFCM.

  Dr. Aileen K. Adams, FF, ARCS.

  Dr. A. C. Douglas, FRCP.

  Mr. I. P. Todd, MS, PRCS.

  J. A. P. Marston Esq. MA, DM, FRCS.

  G. D. Pinker, Esq. CVO, FRCS, PRCOG.

  Sir Anthony Grabham, FRCS.

  M. Burrows, Esq. FFARCS.

  R. J. Sellick, Esq. FRCS.

  D. W. Lamb, Esq. FRCS.

  Mersey Higher Awards Committee

  Professor C. F. H. Vickers, FRCP.

  Dr. Winifred J. A. Francis, FRCOG.

  M. M. Burrows, Esq. FFARCS.

  P. H. Buxton, Esq. FRCP, FRCPath.

  M. D. Enoch, Esq. FRCPsych.

  Professor R. Shields, FRCS.

  J. H. E. Carmichael, Esq. FRCR.

  Professor E. Alwyn Smith, CBE, FRCP, FRCPG, FFCM.

  R. Finn, Esq. FRCP.

  Professor R. H. T. Edwards, FRCP.

  Sir John Wakeley, BT, FRCS, FRACS.

  J. E. Utting, Esq. FFARCS.

  G. C. Turner, Esq. FRCPath.

  J. S. Madden, Esq. MB, FRCP, FRCPsych.

  J. B. Meade, FRCSI.

  Mersey Regional Awards Committee

  J. B. Meade, Esq. FRCSI.

  B. K. Brooker, Esq. MRCPsych, DPM.

  568

  J. R. Sutherst, Esq. FRCOG.

  T. B. Hales, Esq. FRCPath.

  H. Allison, Esq. FRCPath.

  K. R. Krishnan, Esq. FRCS.

  Dr. June Phillips, FFCM, DCH.

  G. P. Walker, Esq. FRCOG.

  Professor M. C. L'e Orme, FRCP.

  Dr. Jean Shackleton, FRCP.

  T. Forrest, Esq. FFARCS.

  N. E. Williams, Esq. FFARCS.

  P. Atkins, Esq. FRCS.

  C. J. E. Monk, Esq. FRCS.

  D. W. Fielding, Esq. FRCP.

  K. F. Edwardson, FRCS.

  L. D. Brock, Esq. FRCR, DMRD.

  Professor C. F. H. Vickers, FRCP.

  J. F. Kane, Esq. FRCS.

  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance is given to the committee operating the merit award system; and if he will place copies of any relevant documents in the Library.

  Mr. Newton
  There is no formal guidance issued to the Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards, the committee which recommends the allocation of awards to consultants. The ACDA receives advice from local awards committees and issues guidance to it each year outlining their duties. A copy of the ACDA's current guidance has been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list by name each consultant in(a) Liverpool district health authority and (b) Wirral district health authority who has been given a merit award; and if he will state when each award was made of what grade and what value, the specialisation of each person who has an award and amount of time each such person is contracted to work for the National Health Service.

  Mr. Newton
  No. The names of award holders are confidential, subject only to their being available in confidence to consultants generally within their region on request to the regional medical officer.

  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to review the National Health Service consultants' merit award system.

  Mr. Newton
  We have no present plans to do so.

  Patient Treatment
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the percentage change in the number of day cases in the North West regional health authority between 1978 and the latest available year;

  (2) by how many National Health Service waiting lists have changed in percentage terms between 1979 and 1986 in (a) the North West region and (b) England;

  (3) how many patients were treated in the National Health Service in Great Britain in 1986 as (a) out-patients, (b) in-patients and (c) day cases.

  Mrs. Currie
  Between 1978 and 1986 the number of day cases treated in North Western regional health authority increased by 84·4 per cent. from 68,080 to 125,564. Some of the other requested information is given in the table. Statistics for the rest of Great Britain are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
  569

  National Health Service hospitals activity

  1979

  1986

  Percentage change 1979–1986

  North Western Regional Health Authority

  Number on in-patient waiting list at 31 December

  70,192

  61,803

  -12·0

  In-patient cases treated

  509,049

  624,678

  22·7

  Day cases treated

  70,608

  125,564

  77·8

  New out-patients

  699,717

  789,043

  12·8

  Total out-patient attendances

  3,156,219

  3,644,682

  15·5

  England

  Number on in-patient waiting list at 31 December

  687,686

  676,475

  -1·6

  In-patient cases treated

  5,400,120

  6,413,789

  18·8

  Day cases treated

  592,061

  1,050,158

  77·4

  New out-patients

  7,713,465

  8,767,788

  13·7

  Total out-patient attendances

  34,099,725

  37,727,608

  10·6

  Medical and Dental Staff
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the percentage increase in medical and dental staff, whole-time equivalents, in(a) the north-west region, and (b) England, between 1978 and the latest available year.

  Mr. Newton
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  HCHS Medical and Dental Staff1at 30 September each year

  1978

  1986

  Percentage change

  England

  37,803·1

  43,248·3

  +14·4

  North Western Regional Health Authority

  3,381·0

  4,041·4

  +19·5

  1 Includes permanent paid, honorary and locum staff.

  Community Health Councils
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he has given to the abolition of community health councils.

  Mrs. Currie
  Community health councils were established to represent the interests of the public in the health service in their districts. We currently have no plans to abolish them.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what reduction there has been in in-patient waiting lists in Warrington district health authority between 1986 and 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Number of patients on in-patient waiting list in Coventry district health authority-surgical specialties at 31 December

  Hospital/specialty

  1977

  1978

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Walsgrave general hospital

  General surgery

  889

  982

  1,427

  1,484

  1,292

  1,463

  1,558

  1,465

  1,232

  942

  ENT

  657

  756

  737

  615

  411

  1,188

  1,217

  1,066

  650

  364

  Urology

  136

  180

  181

  163

  173

  311

  302

  288

  332

  499

  Thoracic surgery

  108

  121

  175

  222

  188

  120

  172

  252

  135

  182

  Neurosurgery

  130

  179

  226

  288

  348

  356

  545

  587

  454

  241

  Gynaecology

  834

  959

  1,164

  1,234

  1,160

  1,790

  1,485

  1,413

  828

  608

  Total

  2,754

  3,177

  3,910

  4,006

  3,572

  5,228

  5,279

  5,071

  3,631

  2,836

  570
  Mr. Newton
  Between March 1986 and March 1987 the number of in-patients on the waiting lists of Warrington district health authority fell by 808 from 2,672 to 1,864. During the same period the proportion of cases on t he list for more than one year fell from 41·9 per cent. to 29·2 per cent.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will publish a table for each district health authority and special health authority, showing for each the total numbers of people waiting for treatment in September 1982 compared with the numbers at March 1987, the numerical change and the percentage increase or decrease, listed with the biggest increase first and the largest decrease last;

  (2) if he will publish figures showing the numbers of people waiting for treatment in March 1978 and March 1987; and if he will break down this list by regional health authority, district health authority and special health authority.

  Mr. Newton
  I shall let the hon. Member have such information as is available centrally without incurring disproportionate costs as soon as possible.

  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give a breakdown for each of the last nine years, to the latest convenient date, by specialty, of the current waiting lists for operations at each of the hospitals in the Conventry district health authority; and what information he has as to the waiting lists, similarly tabulated, for examination.

  Mr. Newton
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: The available information is given in the table.
  571

  Hospital/specialty

  1977

  1978

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Coventry and Warwickshire hospital

  Trau and orth

  1,413

  1,752

  2,011

  1,928

  1,925

  2,153

  1,733

  1,515

  1,122

  1,082

  Oral surgery

  157

  220

  252

  247

  283

  303

  245

  266

  231

  252

  Total

  1,570

  1,972

  2,263

  2,175

  2,208

  2,456

  1,978

  1,781

  1,353

  1,334

  Gulson Hospital

  General surgery

  35

  13

  26

  117

  199

  256

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Radiotherapy

  26

  27

  24

  25

  23

  27

  16

  21

  14

  21

  Total

  61

  40

  50

  142

  222

  283

  16

  21

  14

  21

  Paybody hospital

  Ophthalmology

  598

  790

  941

  810

  902

  1,163

  1,374

  1,220

  1,153

  1,347

  Telephone Exchange for the Deaf
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions have taken place between his Department and British Telecom on the telephone exchange for the deaf; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley (Mr. Cran) on 12 January at column 243.

  Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the percentage of women medical laboratory scientific officers working in the public health laboratory service; and what are the total numbers of women so employed.

  Mr. Newton
  There were 475 women medical laboratory scientific officers employed in the public health laboratory service at 30 September 1987, representing 50·5 per cent. of all MLSOs in PHLS.

  Sexual Harassment
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his Department's policy on sexual harassment at work; whether guidance on reporting complaints has been issued to all staff; how many complaints have been reported in the past five years; and what disciplinary action has been taken.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Civil Service policy on sexual harassment is set out in the programme of action to achieve equal opportunities for women in the Civil Service, which was published by Cabinet Office (then Management and Personnel Office) in 1984. Sexual harassment at work is not tolerated and is dealt with as a disciplinary matter through the usual complaints procedures.

  The Department of Health and Social Security has brought this policy, together with guidance on complaints procedures, to the attention of all staff in a departmental circular.

  Records are not kept of any complaints which are dealt with by immediate line management but serious complaints are referred to headquarters for appropriate action. There have been six such complaints since 1983 all involving harassment of female staff. The penalties imposed were a local warning as to future conduct (two cases), formal reprimand by headquarters (one case), a reprimand plus promotion bar (one case), a reprimand, promotion bar and incremental reduction (one case) and downgrading and a repromotion bar (one case).

  Social Security Tribunals
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services in what percentage of social security tribunal cases in each year from 1980 to 1986 the claimant was represented.

  Mr. Portillo
  The tables give the information required. Prior to April 1984, appeal statistics on representation were kept only for supplementary benefit appeal tribunals. There are no comparable figures for national insurance local tribunals.

  (A) Supplementary Benefit Appeal Tribunals

  Great Britain 1980 to 1984

  (1)

  (2)

  (3)

  Year

  Appeals heard and decided

  Number represented

  Column 2 as a percentage of column 1

  1980

  49,355

  12,765

  25·9

  1981

  49,864

  13,529

  27·1

  1982

  56,084

  15,279

  21·2

  1983

  60,567

  16,827

  27·8

  19841

  16,871

  4,302

  25·5

  (B) Social Security Appeal Tribunals—all Benefits

  Great Britain 1984 to 1986

  (1)

  (2)

  (3)

  Year

  Appeals heard and decided

  Number represented

  Column 2 as a percentage of column 1

  19842

  74,542

  16,770

  22·5

  1985

  114,550

  25,728

  22·5

  1986

  125,838

  27,282

  21·7

  1 First quarter only

  2 Nine month period: April to December 1984

  Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy that appropriate capital and revenue funding needed for the development of the Royal National orthopaedic hospital at Stanmore will be forthcoming in the near future; and when a decision will be announced.

  Mrs. Currie
  Bloomsbury health authority, which manages the Royal National orthopaedic hospital, is responsible for setting the hospital's budget. The health authority has consulted publicly on an appraisal of options for the future role and location of the hospital; the results are now with the North East Thames regional
  573
  health authority for its consideration. Ministers are committed to taking the final decision on any proposals from the region for significant changes at the hospital.

  St. John Ambulance Brigade
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has considered an application for an exhibition relating to the St. John Ambulance Brigade centenary to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

  Mrs. Currie
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Services Committee, arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from 15 February 1988 to 19 February 1988.

  Nurses and Midwives
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will specify the methods used by his Department to determine the number of staff midwives in post in the National Health Service;

  (2) if he will specify the methods used by his Department to distinguish between staff nurses and midwives when collecting manpower statistics relating to employment in maternity units.

  Mr. Newton
  Computer tapes are received from regional payroll systems. Those data for staff nurses and staff midwives are then extracted by using the particular payscale and occupation code. The occupation code enables staff nurses and staff midwives employed in maternity units to be separately identified. Information to this level of detail is produced annually as at 30 September.

  Medical Research Council
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what response he has given to the request from the Medical Research Council for £700,000; and for what purposes such a sum will be used.

  Mr. Newton
  I have agreed to the provision of £700,000 for the Medical Research Council's programme of AIDS epidemiology research.

  Brook Hospital, Woolwich
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he received the recommendation from the South East Thames regional health authority to transfer the neurosciences unit from the Brook hospital, Woolwich; what consideration he has given to this proposal; and when he plans to visit the hospital.

  Mrs. Currie
  The recommendation from South East Thames regional health authority to build a new regional neurosciences unit, which will replace the existing provision at the Brook hospital and the Maudsley hospital, was sent to the Department on 22 June 1987. Either my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, or my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health, will visit both hospitals after departmental officials have received and considered further information and clarification from the regional health authority on a number of important issues. This complex proposal, involving capital expenditure of at 574
  least £29 million and which would result in the closure of the neurosciences unit at the Brook hospital, is being given detailed and careful consideration.

  District Health Authorities (Land)
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the district health authorities which have disposed of land since 1982; who purchased the land; and what is the use to which it has been put.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that information at the level of detail requested is not routinely collected by the Department and to obtain it would be to incur disproportionate expense.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the numbers of available beds in National Health Service hospitals in England for each year since 1979, expressed as totals and by specialty; and if he will break down the totals by region.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information requested is contained in the booklets "Forms SH3, EDP4, 5 & 6—Regional and National summaries", copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, by district health authority, regional health authority and special health authority, the average daily number of beds available in 1979 and 1986 for all specialties and for acute specialties.

  Mrs. Currie
  For the information on the total number of beds in each health authority I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman) on 17 December 1987, at columns 699–703. The information requested on acute beds is given in the table. Between 1979 and 1986 the number of in-patient and day cases treated in the acute sector rose from 4·8 million to 5·9 million, an increase of 24·5 per cent.

  Average daily number of available beds, acute sector, 1979 and 1986

  Health authority

  1979

  1986

  Northern RHA

  10,509

  9,500

  Hartlepool

  359

  348

  North Tees

  469

  431

  South Tees

  1,418

  1,064

  East Cumbria

  1—

  522

  South Cumbria

  1—

  396

  West Cumbria

  381

  309

  Darlington

  398

  403

  Durham

  506

  443

  North West Durham

  426

  327

  South West Durham

  296

  296

  Northumberland

  743

  661

  Gateshead

  508

  477

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  2,039

  1,977

  North Tyneside

  436

  417

  South Tyneside

  413

  380

  Sunderland

  1,156

  1,051

  Yorkshire RHA

  11,855

  10,782

  Hull

  1,058

  983

  East Yorkshire

  635

  476

  Grimsby

  471

  478

  Scunthorpe

  448

  440

  Northallerton

  276

  241

  York

  1—

  704

  Scarborough

  391

  362

  575

  Health authority

  1979

  1986

  Harrogate

  1—

  502

  Bradford

  1,224

  1,167

  Airedale

  513

  422

  Calderdale

  580

  501

  Huddersfield

  592

  524

  Dewsbury

  408

  411

  Leeds Eastern

  1—

  1,357

  Leeds Western

  1—

  1,231

  Wakefield

  702

  570

  Pontefract

  439

  413

  Trent RHA

  12,197

  11,636

  North Derbyshire

  589

  609

  South Derbyshire

  1,361

  1,118

  Leicestershire

  1,850

  1,883

  North Lincolnshire

  849

  740

  South Lincolnshire

  647

  646

  Bassetlaw

  240

  233

  Central Nottinghamshire

  829

  757

  Nottingham

  1,765

  1,673

  Barnsley

  513

  517

  Doncaster

  1—

  739

  Rotherham

  1—

  551

  Sheffield

  2,203

  2,170

  East Anglian RHA

  5,276

  5,227

  Cambridge

  1—

  794

  Peterborough

  661

  624

  West Suffolk

  1—

  521

  East Suffolk

  1—

  811

  Norwich

  1,395

  1,311

  Great Yarmouth

  370

  508

  West Norfolk and Wisbech

  438

  373

  Huntingdon

  1—

  285

  North West Thames RHA2

  11,288

  8,602

  North Bedfordshire

  503

  494

  South Bedfordshire

  468

  465

  North Hertfordshire

  506

  454

  East Hertfordshire

  416

  372

  North West Hertfordshire

  478

  469

  South West Hertfordshire

  471

  418

  Barnet

  1,232

  740

  Harrow

  559

  545

  Hillingdom

  1,233

  921

  Hounslow and Spelthorne

  1—

  803

  Ealing

  242

  382

  Brent

  528

  434

  Paddington and North Kensington

  1,082

  848

  Riverside

  2,359

  1,257

  North East Thames RHA2

  13,501

  11,732

  Basildon and Thurrock

  671

  686

  Mid Essex

  502

  588

  North East Essex

  924

  631

  West Essex

  684

  608

  Southend

  634

  608

  Barking, Havering and Brentwood

  1,437

  1,189

  Hampstead

  1—

  701

  Bloomsbury

  1—

  1,472

  Islington

  1—

  523

  City and Hackney

  1—

  1,035

  Newham

  761

  523

  Tower Hamlets

  1—

  797

  Enfield

  679

  520

  Haringey

  878

  715

  Redbridge

  415

  423

  Waltham Forest

  1,001

  713

  South East Thames RHA2

  12,083

  10,097

  Brighton

  1,184

  1,014

  Eastbourne

  466

  461

  Hastings

  521

  429

  South East Kent

  549

  575

  Canterbury and Thanet

  990

  762

  Dartford and Gravesham

  661

  569

  Maidstone

  415

  361

  576

  Health authority

  1979

  1986

  Medway

  570

  625

  Tunbridge Wells

  829

  763

  Bexley

  392

  322

  Greenwich

  1,074

  811

  Bromley

  879

  643

  West Lambeth

  1—

  807

  Camberwell

  968

  841

  Lewisham and North Southwark

  1,704

  1,114

  South West Thames RHA2

  8,348

  6,832

  North West Surrey

  544

  453

  West Surrey and North East Hampshire

  457

  454

  South East Surrey

  567

  557

  Mid Surrey

  462

  400

  East Surrey

  584

  384

  Chichester

  414

  395

  Mid Downs

  525

  567

  Worthing

  495

  522

  Croydon

  648

  563

  Kingston and Esher

  1—

  447

  Richmond, Twickenham and Roehampton

  1—

  357

  Wandsworth

  1,344

  988

  Merton and Sutton

  955

  745

  Wessex RHA

  7,600

  7,241

  East Dorset

  1,118

  1,088

  West Dorset

  457

  452

  Portsmouth

  1,142

  1,088

  South West Hampshire and Southampton

  1,370

  1,315

  Winchester

  413

  376

  Basingstoke

  488

  501

  Salisbury

  463

  472

  Swindon

  583

  506

  West Wiltshire and Bath

  1,255

  1,144

  Isle of Wight

  311

  298

  Oxford RHA

  5,976

  5,745

  East Berkshire

  949

  772

  West Berkshire

  1,029

  916

  Aylesbury

  1—

  573

  Wycombe

  475

  433

  Milton Keynes

  1—

  274

  Kettering

  469

  440

  Northampton

  777

  714

  Oxfordshire

  1,650

  1,625

  South Western RHA

  8,872

  8,722

  Bristol and Weston

  1,240

  1,138

  Frenchay

  567

  564

  Southmead

  779

  615

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  773

  795

  Exeter

  1—

  981

  North Devon

  327

  329

  Plymouth

  1,040

  1,087

  Torbay

  1—

  698

  Cheltenham

  1—

  527

  Gloucester

  1—

  939

  Somerset

  1,016

  1,049

  West Midlands RHA

  14,491

  13,755

  Bromsgrove and Redditch

  529

  382

  Herefordshire

  493

  414

  Kidderminster and District

  211

  222

  Worcester and District

  581

  533

  Shropshire

  1,228

  1,201

  Mid Staffordshire

  401

  442

  North Staffordshire

  1,182

  1,188

  South East Staffordshire

  394

  501

  Rugby

  208

  219

  North Warwickshire

  1—

  300

  South Warwickshire

  1—

  537

  Central Birmingham

  1—

  1,159

  East Birmingham

  770

  718

  North Birmingham

  496

  373

  South Birmingham

  1—

  905

  West Birmingham

  1—

  815

  Coventry

  1,018

  963

  577

  Health authority

  1979

  1986

  Dudley

  847

  831

  Sandwell

  484

  523

  Solihull

  1—

  269

  Walsall

  507

  482

  Wolverhampton

  899

  780

  Mersey RHA

  8,722

  6,991

  Chester

  549

  494

  Crewe

  1—

  520

  Halton

  60

  147

  Macclesfield

  1—

  348

  Warrington

  481

  484

  Liverpool

  2,483

  1,939

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  1—

  660

  Southport and Formby

  419

  343

  South Sefton

  1,230

  1,047

  Wirral

  1,815

  1,008

  North Western RHA

  13,467

  12,219

  Lancaster

  447

  417

  Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde

  858

  849

  Preston

  1—

  788

  Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Vly

  740

  766

  Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale

  724

  657

  West Lancashire

  604

  493

  Chorley and South Ribble

  1—

  62

  Bolton

  681

  579

  Bury

  396

  404

  North Manchester

  1,219

  947

  Central Manchester

  935

  859

  South Manchester

  1,545

  1,380

  Oldham

  510

  440

  Rochdale

  551

  430

  Salford

  983

  915

  Stockport

  868

  788

  Tameside and Glossop

  419

  449

  Trafford

  477

  353

  Wigan

  641

  643

  Special Health Authorities2

  2,861

  2,254

  The Hospital for Sick Children

  512

  394

  National Hospitals for Nervous Diseases

  357

  329

  Moorfields Eye Hospital

  208

  152

  Bethlehem Royal and Maudsley Hospitals

  58

  55

  National Heart and Chest Hosptials

  603

  423

  The Royal Marsden Hospital

  361

  354

  Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte's

  1—

  547

  1 Comparable figures for 1979 not readily available due to NHS restructuring in 1982.

  2 Figures for 1979 no comparable with those given for 1986 because of NHS restructuring in 1982.

  Private Patients
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give, for each regional health authority, district health authority, and special health authority, and for England as a whole, the number of attendances in 1983 and 1986 by(a) private out-patients, (b) private day cases and (c) private regular day patients.

  Mrs. Currie
  I shall let the hon. Member have such information as is available centrally without incurring disproportionate costs as soon as possible.

  Heating Benefit
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what measures his Department is taking to assist those tenants on estates designated by his Department as exceptionally expensive to heat who will lose heating benefit under the Social Security Act 1986;
  578
  (2) how many households will lose the help which they presently receive through the social security system towards their heating bills with the implementation of the Social Security Act 1986.

  Mr. Portillo
  In general transitional protection will be paid to existing supplementary benefit recipients, where overall benefit entitlement under income support would otherwise decrease. This will ensure that they will not lose the cash value of the help they currently receive towards heating costs.

  Benefits
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of people living in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland, (d) England and (e) each of the standard English regions is dependant upon supplementary benefit; and what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Portillo
  The available information is as follows:

  Proportion of Total Population Dependent on Supplementary Benefit (per cent.).

  Year

  United Kingdom

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  1979

  8·14

  7·82

  8·66

  9·51

  1980

  9·06

  8·75

  9·27

  10·30

  1981

  11·37

  10·99

  11·74

  13·14

  1982

  13·12

  12·69

  13·64

  15·18

  1983

  13·45

  12·99

  13·84

  15·58

  1984

  14·30

  13·81

  15·00

  16·84

  1986

  15·28

  14·73

  16·24

  17·65

  Information on the numbers of people dependent on supplementary benefit is not available by standard English region.

  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to raise the £3,000 capital threshold used to determine supplementary and other benefits; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  The capital cut-off will be doubled to £6,000 when income support replaces supplementary benefit in April. An income of £1 for each band of £250 capital held between £3,000 and £6,000 will be assumed. The same rule will apply in family credit, which will replace family income supplement, and housing benefit.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are claiming supplernentary benefit in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland, (d) England and (e) each of the standard English regions; what are the corresponding figures for each year since 1979; and what was the actual and percentage increase between the latest figures and the corresponding figures for 1979.

  Mr. Portillo
  The available information is as follows:

  Numbers of people claiming supplementary benefit (000's)

  United Kingdom

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  1979

  2,970

  2,400

  286

  172

  1980

  3,247

  2,627

  304

  186

  1981

  3,873

  3,131

  371

  221

  1982

  4,431

  3,590

  423

  253

  1983

  4.524

  3,649

  440

  260

  579

  United Kingdom

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  1984

  4,790

  3,866

  468

  275

  1986

  5,122

  4,141

  506

  291

  Actual increase (since 1979)

  2,152

  1,741

  220

  119

  Per cent, increase

  72·46

  72·54

  76·92

  69·19

  Information on the numbers of people dependent on supplementary benefit is not available by standard English region.

  Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his proposals to improve the conditions of medical laboratory scientific officers.

  Mr. Newton
  The pay and conditions of medical laboratory scientific officers are matters for the professional and technical staffs B Whitley council. I understand that the management side of that council has been preparing proposals for a comprehensive grade restructuring which are to be put to the staff side as early as possible.

  Transplants
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will establish a register of all transplants carried out, and all transplant organs used, as suggested by Sir Roy Calne FRS; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The establishment of such a register is under active consideration in conjunction with the British Transplantation Society, but a final decision has not yet been reached.

  Medicines (Exemption from Licensing)
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of time taken in each of the last three years by his Department to process applications under article 3 of the Medicines (Exemption from Licences) (Manufacturer and Assembly Temporary Provisions) Order 1972; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to her on 18 December 1987 at column 905.

  Mentally Handicapped Persons (Written Question)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services why the hon. Member for Bradford, South has not yet received a substantive reply to his question tabled for priority written answer on 1 December 1987 concerning care for the mentally handicapped; when he may expect to receive a reply; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  I apologise to the hon. Member that he has not yet received a substantive reply. It has been necessary to make inquiries to bring up to date the information held centrally. I hope to be able to let him have a reply soon.

  Merseyside (Funds Allocation)
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the sum to be allocated to the 580
  Merseyside regional area out of the £100 million additional funds made available in the financial year 1987–88; and how much of that sum is to be allocated to the St. Helens and Knowsley district health authority.

  Mrs. Currie
  Total additional funding for the United Kingdom announced on 16 December 1987 by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health, is over £100 million of which £13·3 million is to offset the costs of the damage caused by the severe storms on 16 October and mainly affects health authorities in London and the south-east. Of the remainder, £75 million is for English health authorities and includes £10 million in further recognition of the particular pressures from the steadily rising number of AIDS cases which three of the Thames regions are facing this year.

  The Mersey regional health authority's share of the additional funds is £3·4 million. It is for the region to determine how these extra resources are spent locally and the hon. Member may care to contact the regional chairman for information on how the money is being used.

  Medically Qualified Staff
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any data regarding the time spent by medically qualified staff who work in the community to arrange transport to and from hospital for their patients; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that the information requested is not available. It is the responsibility of health authorities locally to make arrangements for transporting to hospital those patients who are considered by a clinician to require the facilities of the NHS ambulance service. The associated day-to-day operational arrangements are also for local decision.

  Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will seek to reform the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979 so that two appropriate representatives from the practising professions who are not members of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting may serve on the professional conduct committee in order to increase flexibility and reduce delay in its hearings;

  (2) how many cases are currently awaiting a hearing of the professional conduct committee of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting; and what is the current average waiting time for such hearings;

  (3) what are the reasons for the delays in hearings of the professional conduct committee of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting; and what action is being considered both to reduce the meeting times and the backlog of cases.

  Mr. Newton
  Responsibility for hearings of the professional conduct committee of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting rests with the UKCC. I understand from the UKCC that when it was created in 1983 it inherited about 100 cases awaiting hearing, and that this figure has now risen to approximately 150. The current average waiting time from arrival with the committee is about 12 months.
  581
  This build-up of cases of alleged professional misconduct is thought to be largely the result of increased public awareness accompanied by an increased understanding of professional accountability following the issue by the UKCC of a code of professional practice.

  The UKCC is very concerned about these delays and is at present considering what arrangements can be introduced to reduce the backlog and facilitate a speedier clearance of these cases in the future.

  We would be happy to consider any request from the council for a change to primary legislation to enable non-council members to serve on the professional conduct committee, but can give no assurances at this stage as to when time might be found in the legislative timetable.

  Abortion
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to in which year the following countries introduced laws to make abortion legal, either on request or in certain circumstances(a) the Federal Republic of Germany, (b) the United States of America, (c) France, (d) Spain, (e) Italy and (f) Portugal.

  Mr. Newton
  I understand that the information requested is as follows:

  (a) Federal Republic of Germany—1974 and 1976;

  (b) United States of America—there is no federal legislation on abortion but in 1973 a ruling established the constitutional right to an abortion in certain circumstances. Individual States enact a wide range of laws;

  (c) France—1975 and 1979;

  (d) Spain—1975;

  (e) Italy—1978 and 1981;

  (f) Portugal—1984

  Adopted Children
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to publish statistics on characteristics of adopted children as proposed in his second report to Parliament on the Children Act 1975, HC 20,1984–85.

  Mrs. Currie
  As reported in "OPCS Monitor" issued on 11 August 1987, difficulties have been experienced with the statistical returns giving detailed information on all aspects of adoption, including the characteristics of adopted children. Insufficient numbers of completed returns have been received to yield reliable statistical information. The results of an inquiry are being analysed to see what corrective measures should be introduced. In the meantime, information on adoption continues to be available in "OPCS Monitor" (series reference FM3), copies of which are available in the Library.

  Thames Health Regions
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will express the sums of money allocated to the four Thames health regions from the £100 million extra moneys allocated to meet 1987–88 shortfall announced on 16 December 1987, excluding the moneys allocated(a) for AIDS, (b) for storm damage, (c) for the reduction of waiting lists and (d) any other specially allocated moneys.

  Mr. Newton
  The information requested is as follows:582

  £ million

  North West Thames

  5·7

  North East Thames

  6·0

  South East Thames

  6·3

  South West Thames

  4·3

  Redundant Shipyard Workers
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will reply to the letter written to him by the hon. Member for Birkenhead on 29 October 1987 on arrears of benefit for redundant shipyard workers.

  Mr. Portillo
  I have written today.

  Neighbourhood Nursing Schemes
  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the guidelines given to district health authorities which introduce neighbourhood nursing schemes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  Guidance to health authorities on the organisation of community nursing services, including the introduction of neighbourhood nursing schemes, was issued last November in health circular HC(87)29.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what financial assistance is given by his Department to district health authorities which introduce neighbourhood nursing schemes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  Regional health authorities are responsible for allocating resources to district health authorities. It is for individual authorities to fund service developments from within the resources available to them.

  Health Authorities (Expenditure)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services' pursuant to his reply of 11 January, regarding the number of representations received by his Department regarding the overspend of health authorities and health cutbacks prior to his announcement of extra funding on 16 December 1987,Official Report, column 169, if he will provide whatever more specific information is available to him.

  Mr. Newton
  As I said in my earlier reply, a considerable number of representations of one kind or another have been received. It would take substantial time and effort to collate and classify these, which I do not think would be a justifiable use of public resources.

  Disabled Child Premium
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to include children under the age of two years as eligible for the disabled child's premium; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The disabled child premium will be payable in respect of a child or young person who is blind or who is in receipt of attendance allowance or mobility allowance. The qualifying conditions for the premiums paid in respect of ill health or disabilities will be kept under review.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Peter Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will introduce the regulations needed for the operation of the social fund in April.

  Mr. Portillo
  I have laid the following before Parliament today:

  (i) The Social Fund (Application for Review) Regulations 1988;

  (ii) The Social Fund (Recovery by Deductions from Benefits) Regulations 1988;

  (iii) The Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) Amendment Regulations 1988.

  Low-income Households
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he now expects to publish the data on low-income households for 1985.

  Mr. Scott
  We hope to receive the report of the current technical review shortly. Decisions on the content and timing of the next edition will be taken in the light of its recommendations.

  Community Care (Review)
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is yet in a position to say when he expects Sir Roy Griffiths to complete his review of community care, and if a report of his findings will be published.

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his answer on 12 January,

  Table 1: NHS nursing and midwifery staff (excluding agency staff) at 30 September—England Whole time equivalent1

  Hospital

  Other services2

  Year

  Total

  Whole time

  Part time

  Total

  Whole time

  Part time

  1979

  315,300

  230,000

  85,200

  39,100

  31,200

  7,900

  1980

  326,000

  237,600

  88,400

  39,900

  31,600

  8,300

  1981

  344,000

  254,600

  89,400

  44,000

  34,400

  9,600

  1982

  348,900

  260,700

  88,200

  45,100

  35,200

  10,000

  1983

  348,100

  260,900

  87,200

  46,600

  36,200

  10,400

  1984

  346,800

  260,500

  86,300

  46,900

  36,100

  10,800

  1985

  348,600

  261,700

  86,900

  48,500

  36,900

  11,600

  1986

  349,600

  261,500

  88,100

  47,700

  36,100

  11,600

  1 Figures are independently rounded to the nearest one hundred (100) whole time equivalents.

  2 Other services are Primary Health Care (community), centrally based services and Administration.

  The total pay of these staff derived from the annual accounts of health authorities in England since 1979 and at 1986–87 prices is given in Table 2:

  Table 2: National Health Service staff salaries and wages: Nursing and midwifery staff2

  Year

  Per annual account £ million

  At 1986–87 prices £ million

  1978–79

  1,354

  2,634

  1979–80

  1,649

  2,745

  1980–81

  2,294

  3,221

  1981–82

  2,511

  3,211

  1982–83

  2,713

  3,236

  1983–84

  2,828

  3,225

  1984–85

  3,034

  3,314

  1985–86

  3,210

  3,307

  1986–87

  3,495

  23,495

  584
  Official Report, column 138, when he now expects to receive the report from Sir Roy Griffiths on community care; and when he expects it to be published.

  Mr. Newton
  I understand that Sir Roy hopes to complete his review shortly. Issues arising from it, including publication, will then be considered.

  Deaf Persons
  Miss Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when his Department intends to make a decision about funding the postqualification course in social work with deaf people proposed by the Open University and the National Training Group consortium of deaf organisations.

  Mr. Scott
  This application is under active consideration and a decision will be taken as soon as possible.

  Nurses
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the numbers of nurses and the total pay at current and at 1987 prices of nurses employed directly by the National Health Service(a) full-time, (b) part-time and (c) in total in (i) hospitals and (ii) other National Health Service services for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Newton
  [holding answer 14 December 1987]: The information requested about the numbers of nurses is given in Table 1:

  1 Expenditure on non-NHS (agency, etc.) nursing and midwifery staff is excluded.

  2 The figures for the earlier years have been expressed at 1986–87 prices by the use of the Gross Domestic Product deflator.

  Separate information for full time and part time staff is not available centrally.

  Family Practitioner Service
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the planned family practitioner service expenditure, net of charges, for the years 1988–89 to 1990–91.

  Mr. Newton
  [holding answer 18 December 1987]: Government expenditure on the family practitioner services, including administration, in England is planned at £4,178 million, £4,490 million and £4,840 million for 1988–89, 1989–90 and 1990–91 respectively. These figures

  585
  are net of charges and, for 1988–89 only, allow for assumed receipts from a reconstitution of the General Practice Finance Corporation.

  Social Security Reform
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what specific measures Her Majesty's Government are taking to make sure that existing disabled claimants are protected against any reduction in their benefits after the changes in social security benefits of April in the current year.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 14 January 1988]: At the point of change, existing disabled claimants will receive protection in real terms for high domestic assistance additions paid under the existing scheme and protection in cash terms for all other shortfalls arising from changes in the rules. All real terms protection will be subject to an eight weeks linking rule if entitlement to income support is broken, as will most protection in cash terms of £10 or more. The rules governing the reduction of this protection are provided for in regulations 12 to 15 of the Income Support (Transitional) Regulations 1987.

  District Health Authorities (North-West)
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total per capita expenditure by the National Health Service in each district health authority in the north-west region upon(a) inpatients, (b) out-patients and (c) the total population, in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 30 November 1987]: Per capita figures based on total populations of the district health authorities in the north-western region are shown in the table. For information on average treatment costs of in-patients and out-patients by type of hospital within the region, I refer my hon. Friend to the Department's annual publication "Health Services Costing Returns" (the latest being for 1985–86)—copies of which are held in the Library.

  Hospital and Community Health Services total per capita expenditure

  District Health Authority

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  £

  £

  £

  Lancaster

  327

  334

  346

  Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde

  159

  175

  184

  Preston

  544

  565

  561

  Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley

  197

  213

  217

  Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale

  215

  241

  245

  West Lancashire

  207

  213

  225

  Chorley and South Ribble

  70

  71

  77

  Bolton

  159

  159

  175

  Bury

  141

  151

  165

  North Manchester

  372

  396

  414

  Central Manchester

  480

  508

  563

  South Manchester

  454

  483

  484

  Oldham

  146

  168

  195

  Rochdale

  129

  137

  141

  Salford

  321

  318

  338

  Stockport

  158

  156

  168

  Tameside and Glossop

  134

  151

  158

  Trafford

  136

  136

  138

  Wigan

  155

  151

  164

  Sources:

  (a) Annual accounts of health authorities comprising the North Western Region.
  586
  (b) Mid-year estimates of population 1984, 1985 and 1986 (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys).

  Notes:

  1. The expenditure figures used for each district include both revenue and capital expenditure together with sums in respect of capital schemes within each district recorded in the annual accounts of the North Western Regional Health Authority. Revenue and capital expenditure incurred by the latter authority for the region as a whole is excluded.

  2. Expenditure on family practitioner services is excluded: such expenditure is accounted for by family practitioner committees (FPCs) and cannot strictly be attributed to particular districts. However, prior to 1 April 1985 many of the health districts had an associated FPC and their total district health authority expenditure for 1984–85 included small, not separately identifiable elements relating to FPCs' administrative expenses.

  3. Significant variations in per capita expenditure figures at district level arise principally because:

  (i) people travel across district boundaries for treatment and sub-regional resource allocations reflect the pattern of service provision locally.

  (ii) the population figures used make no allowance for people resident in one district who receive treatment in another or for the differences in morbidity and age/sex structure of particular populations.

  Health Authorities (Additional Resources)
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many regional health authorities have been refused additional resources in 1987;

  (2) how many regional health authorities have been granted additional resources in 1987;

  (3) how many district health authorities have been granted additional resources in 1987;

  (4) how many regional health authorities have applied for additional resources in 1987;

  (5) how many district health authorities have been refused additional resources in 1987;

  (6) how many district health authorities have applied for additional resources in 1987.

  Mr. Newton
  [holding answer 7 December 1987]: Allocations to regional health authorities are made in accordance with the recommendations of the Resource Allocation Working Party and not in response to bids. Allocations to districts are a matter for regions. Authorities are expected to plan on the understanding that pay and price increases and the cost of service developments must be met from within the resources made available to them, from increased efficiency, and from income generated locally. But where major new demands would otherwise result in reductions in patient care or services we have responded with additional funds. In 1987–88 for example we have made additional funds available in year as follows:

  £ million

  Announced on 23 April:

  Review body awards

  262·0

  Announced on 23 October:

  AIDS

  6·5

  Announced on 16 December:

  AIDS

  10·0

  Storm damage

  13·3

  Other

  65·0

  Total

  356·8

  District Health Authorities (Beds)
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the reduction or increase in the number of beds in each district health authority each year since 1979, including whatever data are available for 1987.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 9 December 1987]: The available information for the years 1979 to 1981 is given in the table. For the later years requested I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) on 8 December 1987 at column 138. Data for 1987 are not yet available. For England as a whole the number of available beds decreased by 12·7 per cent. between 1979 and 1986, whilst the number of inpatient cases treated rose by 18·8 per cent.

  Average daily number of available beds in NHS hospitals, England

  Regional, District and Special Health Authority

  Average daily number of available beds

  1979

  1980

  1981

  Northern RHA

  Hartlepool

  592

  614

  600

  North Tees

  956

  971

  954

  South Tees

  2,282

  2,232

  2,122

  East Cumbria

  1—

  1—

  1—

  South Cumbria

  1—

  1—

  1—

  West Cumbria

  1,113

  1,094

  1,045

  Darlington

  1,310

  1,336

  1,326

  Durham

  1,192

  1,188

  1,181

  North West Durham

  717

  697

  685

  South West Durham

  1,921

  1,890

  1,847

  Northumberland

  3,996

  3,988

  3,870

  Gateshead

  1,368

  1,378

  1,357

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  3,479

  3,570

  3,567

  North Tyneside

  719

  724

  723

  South Tyneside

  771

  762

  828

  Sunderland

  2,426

  2,379

  2,356

  Yorkshire RHA

  Hull

  2,145

  2,128

  2,024

  East Yorkshire

  2,184

  2,113

  2,004

  Grimsby

  797

  800

  806

  Scunthorpe

  993

  983

  962

  Northallerton

  437

  448

  448

  York

  2,985

  2,960

  2,933

  Scarborough

  689

  701

  674

  Harrogate

  995

  927

  954

  Bradford

  2,721

  2,719

  2,724

  Airedale

  1,528

  1,533

  1,501

  Calderdale

  1,370

  1,385

  1,344

  Huddersfield

  2,625

  2,389

  2,391

  Dewsbury

  777

  778

  785

  Leeds Western

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Leeds Eastern

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Wakefield

  2,607

  2,505

  2,473

  Pontefract

  854

  848

  873

  Trent RHA

  North Derbyshire

  1,722

  1,674

  1,701

  South Derbyshire

  4,208

  4,323

  3,913

  Leicestershire

  5,140

  5,221

  5,221

  North Lincolnshire

  2,815

  2,749

  2,693

  South Lincolnshire

  1,894

  1,868

  1,835

  Bassetlaw

  403

  408

  412

  Central Nottinghamshire

  1,997

  1,967

  1,949

  Nottingham

  4,198

  4,088

  4,041

  Barnsley

  962

  1,013

  1,014

  Doncaster

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Rotherham

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Sheffield

  1—

  1—

  1—

  East Anglian RHA

  Cambridge

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Peterborough

  1,122

  1,120

  1,149

  588

  Regional, District and Special Health Authority

  Average daily number of available beds

  1979

  1980

  1981

  West Suffolk

  1—

  1—

  1—

  East Suffolk

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Norwich

  3,928

  3,979

  3,991

  Great Yarmouth

  852

  862

  875

  West Norfolk and Wisbech

  830

  882

  833

  Huntingdon

  1—

  1—

  1—

  North West Thames RHA

  North Bedfordshire

  1,233

  1,259

  1,230

  South Bedfordshire

  813

  1,649

  1,649

  North Hertfordshire

  849

  851

  857

  East Hertfordshire

  829

  763

  772

  North West Hertfordshire

  3,288

  3,310

  3,277

  South West Hertfordshire

  2,385

  2,308

  2,237

  Barnet

  2,841

  2,800

  2,771

  Harrow

  908

  902

  914

  Hillingdon

  1,628

  1,480

  1,528

  Hounslow and Spelthorne

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Ealing

  1,709

  1,713

  1,753

  Brent

  2,316

  2,332

  2,263

  Paddington and North Kensington

  1,365

  1,276

  1,236

  Riverside2

  1—

  1—

  1—

  North East Thames RHA

  Basildon and Thurrock

  1,893

  1,880

  1,922

  Mid Essex

  1,282

  1,276

  1,260

  North East Essex

  3,381

  3,244

  3,137

  West Essex

  1,256

  1,174

  1,187

  Southend

  1,937

  1,941

  1,924

  Barking, Havering and Brentwood

  3,283

  3,238

  3,183

  Hampstead

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Bloomsbury

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Islington

  1—

  1—

  1—

  City and Hackney

  1,990

  1,867

  1,743

  Newham

  941

  924

  936

  Tower Hamlets

  1,561

  1,484

  1,605

  Enfield

  1,234

  1,217

  1,137

  Haringey

  1,236

  1,122

  1,143

  Redbridge

  1,655

  1,655

  1,650

  Waltham Forest

  3,311

  3,318

  3,245

  South East Thames RHA

  Brighton

  1,896

  1,851

  1,770

  Eastbourne

  1,714

  1,710

  1,702

  Hastings

  1,064

  1,016

  974

  South East Kent

  1,004

  1,043

  1,081

  Canterbury and Thanct

  2,926

  2,838

  2,762

  Dartford and Gravesham

  2,646

  2,552

  2,478

  Maidstone

  1,741

  1,697

  1,680

  Medway

  991

  982

  972

  Tunbridge Wells

  2,419

  2,396

  2,338

  Bexley

  1,653

  1,667

  1,635

  Greenwich

  1,777

  1,666

  1,623

  Bromley

  2,591

  2,491

  2,466

  West Lambeth

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Camberwell

  1,432

  1,366

  1,332

  Lewisham and North Southwark

  2,336

  2,257

  2,208

  South West Thames RHA

  North West Surrey

  2,138

  2,041

  2,001

  West Surrey and North East Hants

  1,743

  1,773

  1,712

  South West Surrey

  857

  872

  930

  Mid Surrey

  2,901

  2,835

  2,592

  East Surrey

  2,776

  2,666

  2,597

  Chichester

  1,255

  1,244

  1,250

  Mid Downs

  1,576

  1,572

  1,625

  Worthing

  933

  925

  952

  Croydon

  3,192

  3,089

  3,006

  Kingston and Esher

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Richmond, Twickenham and Roehampton

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Wandsworth

  2,871

  2,689

  2,543

  Merton and Sutton

  2,687

  2,610

  2,510

  Wessex RHA

  589

  Regional, District and Special Health Authority

  Average daily number of available beds

  1979

  1980

  1981

  East Dorset

  2,126

  2,135

  2,093

  West Dorset

  1,704

  1,702

  1,693

  Portsmouth

  3,058

  3,032

  3,037

  South West Hampshire and Southampton

  3,112

  3,106

  3,129

  Winchester

  921

  915

  910

  Basingstoke

  1,634

  1,623

  1,617

  Salisbury

  999

  959

  960

  Swindon

  1,478

  1,435

  1,382

  West Wiltshire and Bath

  3,044

  3,029

  2,974

  Isle of Wight

  946

  909

  868

  Oxford RHA

  East Berkshire

  1,773

  1,775

  1,759

  West Berkshire

  2,987

  2,820

  2,758

  Aylesbury

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Wycombe

  778

  737

  724

  Milton Keynes

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Kettering

  849

  875

  896

  Northampton

  2,116

  2,129

  2,163

  Oxfordshire

  3,288

  3,246

  3,155

  South Western RHA

  Bristol and Weston

  2,276

  2,278

  2,254

  Frenchay

  2,968

  2,941

  2,894

  Southmead

  2,175

  2,089

  2,060

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  2,670

  2,693

  2,747

  Exeter

  3,848

  3,792

  3,738

  North Devon

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Plymouth

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Torbay

  1,021

  1,048

  1,057

  Cheltenham

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Gloucester

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Somerset

  3,478

  3,389

  3,392

  West Midlands RHA

  Herefordshire

  1,174

  1,151

  1,126

  Bromsgrove and Redditch

  1,227

  1,206

  1,101

  Kidderminster & District

  1,313

  1,238

  1,214

  Worcester and District

  1,684

  1,645

  1,619

  Shropshire

  2,603

  2,573

  2,578

  Mid Staffordshire

  1,372

  1,399

  1,372

  North Staffordshire

  3,492

  3,499

  3,504

  South East Staffordshire

  1,514

  1,483

  1,482

  Rugby

  327

  327

  328

  North Warwickshire

  1—

  1—

  1—

  South Warwickshire

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Central Birmingham

  1—

  1—

  1—

  East Birmingham

  966

  966

  988

  North Birmingham

  1,879

  1,753

  1,680

  South Birmingham

  1—

  1—

  1—

  West Birmingham

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Coventry

  1,871

  1,937

  1,930

  Dudley

  1,492

  1,476

  1,510

  Sandwell

  747

  771

  805

  Solihull

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Walsall

  1,762

  1,697

  1,676

  Wolverhampton

  1,543

  1,503

  1,484

  Mersey RHA

  Chester

  2,031

  1,943

  1,911

  Crewe

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Halton

  452

  438

  445

  Macclesfield

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Warrington

  2,991

  2,974

  2,917

  Liverpool

  4,024

  4,003

  3,805

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Southport and Formby

  1,324

  1,275

  1,250

  South Sefton

  1,755

  1,709

  1,740

  Wirral

  2,789

  2,703

  2,622

  North Western RHA

  Lancaster

  2,645

  2,601

  2,508

  Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde

  1,564

  1,576

  1,664

  590

  Regional, District and Special Health Authority

  Average daily number of available beds

  1979

  1980

  1981

  Preston

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley

  2,825

  2,781

  2,746

  Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale

  2,591

  2,591

  2,522

  West Lancashire

  886

  862

  854

  Chorley and South Ribble

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Bolton

  1,361

  1,315

  1,328

  Bury

  716

  740

  786

  North Manchester

  2,041

  2,038

  2,026

  Central Manchester

  1,137

  1,201

  1,227

  South Manchester

  2,408

  2,423

  2,389

  Oldham

  1,045

  1,028

  1,004

  Rochdale

  953

  904

  875

  Salford

  3,098

  3,089

  3,017

  Stockport

  1,677

  1,692

  1,759

  Tameside and Glossop

  869

  965

  981

  Trafford

  836

  864

  869

  Wigan

  1,479

  1,450

  1,430

  Special health Authority

  The Hospital For Sick Children

  517

  506

  544

  National Hospitals for Nervous Diseases

  357

  355

  345

  Moorfields Eye Hospital

  208

  204

  204

  Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospitals

  472

  492

  497

  National Heart and Chest Hospitals

  603

  570

  577

  The Royal Marsden Hospital

  361

  361

  350

  Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte's

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1 Comparable figures not readily available because of NHS restructuring on 1 April 1982.

  2 Hammersmith and Fulham DHA and Victoria DHA prior to 1985.

  Nurses (Unpaid Overtime)
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has of how much unpaid overtime working is undertaken by nurses; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  [holding answer 16 December 1987]: It is not possible to estimate how much, if any, unpaid overtime is undertaken by nurses as information on overtime worked is only collected for pay roll purposes. Excess hours payments are normally made to all nursing staff up to and including the pay grade of senior nurse 7 who are required by their employing authority to work in excess of 371/2 hours a week when extra off-duty time cannot be granted.

  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will(a) list the number of staff in whole-time equivalents in each main category of staff for whom general practitioners are entitled to claim reimbursement for part of their salaries under the ancillary staff scheme, (b) give the average cost per whole-time equivalent of the reimbursement to unrestricted principals in general practice for each category of staff and (c) give a breakdown of these figures for each family practitioner committee;

  (2) if he will give the total, and a breakdown for each family practitioner committee, of the number of unrestricted principals in general practice in England and Wales as at 1 October 1986.

  Mr. Newton
  [holding answer 18 December 1987]: Information is not available centrally on the cost of separate categories of staff. Otherwise the information for England and Wales at 1 October 1986 is as follows:

  591

  Wholetime equivalents

  Family Practitioner Committees

  Total all types

  Secretary

  Receptionist

  Secretary/Receptionist

  Dispenser

  Nurse

  Any other combination

  Unrestricted principals

  Northern Region

  Cleveland

  357

  56

  183

  86

  0

  23

  9

  269

  Cumbria

  339

  20

  153

  76

  7

  29

  53

  266

  Durham

  416

  47

  128

  70

  0

  51

  119

  289

  Northumberland

  239

  23

  106

  47

  2

  12

  50

  163

  Gateshead

  136

  7

  79

  25

  0

  7

  18

  110

  Newcastle

  216

  29

  121

  49

  0

  17

  0

  155

  North Tyneside

  100

  1

  12

  74

  0

  I

  12

  100

  South Tyneside

  89

  7

  46

  21

  0

  7

  8

  79

  Sunderland

  154

  6

  92

  39

  0

  3

  14

  142

  Yorkshire Region

  Humberside

  518

  89

  230

  115

  21

  27

  36

  412

  North Yorkshire

  500

  41

  219

  53

  23

  52

  112

  379

  Bradford

  222

  17

  97

  51

  2

  10

  46

  236

  Calderdale

  120

  11

  68

  19

  0

  6

  17

  93

  Kirklees

  197

  12

  82

  67

  0

  6

  30

  181

  Leeds

  418

  39

  190

  139

  3

  35

  12

  377

  Wakefield

  200

  17

  96

  32

  2

  12

  41

  167

  Trent Region

  Derbyshire

  521

  49

  195

  124

  6

  45

  103

  460

  Leicestershire

  483

  81

  277

  42

  11

  52

  20

  435

  Lincolnshire

  413

  22

  147

  65

  10

  29

  138

  290

  Nottinghamshire

  502

  45

  189

  98

  5

  35

  130

  464

  Barnsley

  137

  11

  59

  41

  7

  6

  12

  111

  Doncaster

  166

  13

  80

  42

  0

  18

  13

  140

  Rotherham

  114

  6

  69

  20

  0

  6

  14

  111

  Sheffield

  288

  21

  110

  43

  I

  31

  83

  272

  East Anglia Region

  Cambridgeshire

  421

  38

  170

  54

  23

  76

  60

  327

  Norfolk

  511

  106

  128

  107

  21

  70

  79

  367

  Suffolk

  464

  36

  165

  46

  22

  41

  154

  327

  North West Thames Region

  Bedfordshire

  383

  26

  182

  53

  17

  34

  71

  269

  Hertfordshire

  691

  139

  315

  146

  5

  67

  18

  524

  Barnet

  178

  29

  92

  43

  0

  14

  0

  175

  Brent and Harrow

  262

  21

  110

  89

  0

  42

  0

  279

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  303

  41

  136

  94

  0

  31

  0

  370

  Hillingdon

  111

  5

  64

  22

  0

  11

  9

  117

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  230

  47

  54

  69

  0

  49

  12

  217

  North East Thames Region

  Essex

  1,171

  79

  525

  231

  31

  129

  176

  767

  Barking and Havering

  169

  4

  81

  47

  0

  4

  33

  183

  Camden and Islington

  174

  29

  86

  29

  0

  14

  16

  198

  City and East London

  279

  19

  143

  71

  0

  13

  32

  320

  Enfield and Haringey

  250

  16

  125

  59

  0

  13

  36

  255

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  263

  18

  151

  53

  0

  17

  25

  232

  South East Thames Region

  East Sussex

  422

  114

  122

  131

  4

  34

  17

  366

  Kent

  971

  196

  437

  188

  11

  79

  61

  774

  Greenwich and Bexley

  207

  10

  117

  25

  0

  I1

  44

  212

  Bromley

  186

  37

  85

  43

  0

  13

  9

  145

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  399

  32

  229

  78

  0

  15

  44

  407

  South West Thames Region

  Surrey

  639

  44

  206

  112

  3

  37

  237

  511

  West Sussex

  474

  47

  151

  71

  7

  48

  149

  360

  Croydon

  164

  14

  78

  46

  0

  12

  14

  166

  Kingston and Richmond1

  199

  11

  83

  24

  0

  36

  46

  160

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  288

  18

  148

  57

  0

  21

  44

  317

  Wessex Region

  Dorset

  486

  48

  177

  96

  8

  50

  106

  333

  Hampshire

  1,045

  74

  378

  120

  14

  113

  345

  825

  592 593

  Wholetime equivalents

  Family Practitioner Committees

  Total all types

  Secretary

  Receptionist

  Secretary/Receptionist

  Dispenser

  Nurse

  Any other combination

  Unrestricted principals

  Wiltshire

  358

  47

  110

  139

  6

  27

  29

  268

  Isle of Wight

  91

  8

  29

  10

  2

  13

  29

  67

  Oxford Region

  Berkshire

  513

  49

  207

  43

  6

  39

  170

  368

  Buckinghamshire

  364

  48

  185

  41

  4

  41

  45

  312

  Northamptonshire

  361

  82

  173

  27

  4

  33

  41

  277

  Oxfordshire

  426

  51

  153

  31

  10

  63

  119

  296

  South Western Region

  Avon

  424

  29

  132

  77

  1

  36

  149

  480

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  408

  30

  82

  68

  10

  49

  170

  257

  Devon

  642

  96

  243

  162

  13

  81

  47

  537

  Gloucestershire

  385

  81

  163

  64

  5

  42

  30

  294

  Somerset

  316

  25

  137

  38

  7

  19

  91

  245

  West Midlands Region

  Hereford and Worcester

  434

  92

  209

  62

  15

  47

  7

  332

  Shropshire

  262

  15

  87

  39

  5

  35

  80

  195

  Staffordshire

  571

  70

  257

  110

  12

  74

  48

  486

  Warwickshire

  349

  25

  103

  35

  6

  38

  141

  245

  Birmingham

  858

  93

  455

  201

  0

  45

  64

  556

  Coventry

  164

  10

  86

  33

  0

  19

  17

  160

  Dudley

  145

  12

  69

  33

  0

  9

  22

  145

  Sandwell

  156

  27

  82

  38

  0

  6

  2

  164

  Solihull

  146

  18

  73

  26

  0

  15

  13

  107

  Walsall

  139

  8

  80

  21

  0

  7

  24

  135

  Wolverhampton

  137

  13

  78

  34

  0

  6

  6

  120

  Mersey Region

  Cheshire

  580

  56

  275

  118

  12

  32

  87

  473

  Liverpool

  345

  29

  202

  92

  0

  5

  18

  268

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  183

  6

  122

  36

  0

  5

  14

  177

  Sefton

  179

  17

  94

  62

  0

  6

  0

  145

  Wirral

  198

  18

  102

  47

  0

  9

  21

  179

  North Western Region

  Lancashire

  618

  37

  289

  188

  3

  32

  69

  672

  Bolton

  144

  20

  68

  45

  0

  6

  4

  130

  Bury

  102

  6

  64

  23

  0

  4

  6

  86

  Manchester

  334

  32

  158

  120

  0

  7

  17

  260

  Oldham

  75

  9

  52

  11

  0

  3

  0

  104

  Rochdale

  103

  14

  53

  25

  0

  3

  8

  96

  Salford

  154

  15

  91

  41

  0

  6

  0

  130

  Stockport

  175

  6

  86

  45

  0

  11

  27

  138

  Tameside

  125

  4

  62

  30

  0

  3

  25

  101

  Trafford

  135

  15

  49

  34

  0

  2

  35

  110

  Wigan

  157

  4

  87

  35

  0

  7

  24

  141

  Wales

  Clwyd

  256

  16

  114

  38

  2

  8

  77

  211

  Dyfed

  227

  12

  102

  49

  2

  22

  39

  197

  Gwent

  288

  10

  134

  32

  3

  31

  78

  236

  Gwynedd

  177

  8

  60

  18

  2

  18

  70

  139

  Mid Glamorgan

  328

  12

  159

  44

  2

  24

  87

  280

  Powys

  92

  15

  36

  9

  1

  2

  29

  76

  South Glamorgan

  238

  5

  148

  39

  0

  9

  37

  222

  West Glamorgan

  251

  11

  120

  58

  0

  25

  36

  188

  England and Wales

  31,297

  3,273

  13,693

  6,212

  399

  2,641

  5,079

  26,000

  England

  29,441

  3,184

  12,818

  5,925

  387

  2,501

  4,626

  24,460

  1 Estimated.

  Note: Totals may not agree because of roundings.

  Appeals Procedures (Report)
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he received the report of the central management support inquiry team on procedures for handling appeals; what were its main recommendations; what steps he is taking to implement them; and whether a copy of the report will be placed in the Library.
  594
  Mr. Portillo
  [holding answer 13 January 1988]: The central management support report "Appeals Handling in Local and Central Offices" has been presented. The recommendations are being studied and an action plan for implementation of those which are accepted will be drawn up. The report examines detailed procedures operating within the Department for the handling of appeals. CMS studies are internal and technical reviews of DHSS

  595
  procedures and are not normally made available outside the Department. However, I recognise that delays in the processing of appeals and ways whereby they may be
  596
  reduced are matters of concern to a number of hon. Members and I have therefore arranged for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library.

  DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
  DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT