Written Answers of 22 January 1988

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Mr. Terry Waite
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, whether the money paid by the Church of England to Charles Armstrong and John Entwistle in order to help secure the release of Mr. Terry Waite was paid from funds provided by the Church Commissioners; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alison
  The money paid to Charles Armstrong and John Entwistle for travelling and related expenses for the purpose of trying to secure the release of Mr. Terry Waite and other hostages has been paid entirely from discretionary funds at the disposal of the Archbishop of Canterbury, none of which was provided by the Church Commissioners.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Sexual Harassment
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science 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. Rumbold
  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 procedures. Guidance on reporting complaints was issued to all staff in 1984.

  Five formal complaints have been reported centrally to personnel division in the last five years. In the four proven cases appropriate disciplinary action was taken.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Ethiopia
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his assessment of the current food situation in Ethiopia.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The food situation in Ethiopia is serious: over 1 million tonnes of food aid is needed to feed people until the next harvest in November. Donors have responded promptly with pledges of food aid which at present total over 600,000 tonnes. Shipments are well under way and will meet requirements for the earlier part of the year. Rebel action in Eritrea and Tigre is severely hampering delivery of this food to those in need.

  Nicaragua
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the applications from non-governmental organisations for joint funding of projects in Nicaragua in 1985–86 and 1986–87; which applications were successful; and what were the reasons for rejecting the applications that failed.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  There have been relatively few applications from non-governmental organisations requesting ODA support for projects in Nicaragua. The 14 received in 1985–86 and the 10 received in 1986–87 met the criteria for a 50 per cent. ODA contribution under the terms of the joint funding scheme. The details are as follows:

  Agency

  Project

  1985–86

  OXFAM

  Technical assistance for project evaluation

  OXFAM

  Health Education Programme

  OXFAM

  Food Production

  CAFOD

  Tool Bank

  CAFOD

  Poultry raising Co-op

  CAFOD

  Community housing programme

  CAFOD

  Piggery for rural Co-op

  Christian Aid

  Drinking water project in Trapiche

  Christian Aid

  CIIR water project

  Christian Aid

  Tools and building material for Miskito Indians in Rio Coco

  CAFOD

  Multiple Services Centre

  CAFOD

  Integrated Development

  OXFAM

  Agricultural Development Programme (1)

  OXFAM

  Appropriate Housing Programme

  1986–87

  OXFAM

  Mechanical Workshop, Malpaisillo, Leon

  OXFAM

  Integrated pest management programme

  Christian Aid

  Mother and child health care in Las Seqovias

  OXFAM

  Agricultural Development Programme (2)

  OXFAM

  Agricultural Development Rama Indians

  OXFAM

  Literacy Training

  OXFAM

  Appropriate housing, Special Zone No. 1

  OXFAM

  Assistance to displaced people

  OXFAM

  Training health promoters

  CAFOD

  Integrated Development Programme

  Overseas Aid
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government have any plans to review their policy on overseas development assistance; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Policy on overseas aid is kept under continuous review. The 1988 public expenditure White Paper (Cm. 288 i. and ii.) published on 20 January shows that aid is now planned to grow in real terms up to 1990–91. The Government's observations on the Foreign Affairs Committee's Second Report, Session 1986–87, on bilateral aid (Cm. 225) published in October 1987 set out in detail the Government's aid policies and priorities.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department has any plans to produce a new White Paper on overseas aid; when the last one was produced; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The Government's observations on the Foreign Affairs Committee's report on bilateral aid (Cm. 225) are a detailed statement of aid policies and objectives. The last White Paper on overseas aid —
  865
  "Overseas Development: The Changing Emphasis in British Aid Policies (Cmnd. 6270)"— was published in 1975.

  Population Projects
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many requests for assistance with population projects were outstanding at 31 December 1987.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  At 31 December 1987, following requests received, preparatory work was in hand on eight

  Exports finished manufactured goods less erratics current weighted volume indices

  1980=100 OTS basis seasonally adjusted

  Consumer goods

  Intermediate goods

  Capital goods

  Total

  Machinery

  Passenger motor cars

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  1986

  104

  66

  89

  116

  108

  111

  128

  101

  99

  152

  1986

  First quarter

  98

  58

  86

  110

  109

  112

  121

  98

  95

  151

  Second quarter

  102

  62

  91

  115

  107

  110

  125

  100

  98

  154

  Third quarter

  107

  68

  93

  120

  107

  109

  134

  97

  95

  152

  Fourth quarter

  107

  76

  87

  121

  111

  114

  132

  107

  106

  152

  1987

  First quarter

  117

  72

  109

  130

  108

  110

  134

  106

  108

  140

  Second quarter

  118

  71

  114

  130

  104

  106

  136

  105

  103

  149

  Third quarter

  128

  81

  121

  142

  107

  108

  142

  111

  112

  154

  1986

  January

  98

  53

  90

  109

  106

  1 1 1

  115

  99

  96

  152

  February

  100

  62

  89

  112

  109

  112

  123

  96

  94

  152

  March

  96

  59

  79

  109

  110

  114

  126

  98

  96

  151

  April

  103

  61

  96

  114

  106

  109

  122

  99

  97

  156

  May

  103

  59

  90

  116

  109

  113

  125

  105

  103

  157

  June

  101

  65

  86

  114

  107

  109

  129

  96

  94

  151

  July

  107

  70

  83

  123

  111

  113

  136

  100

  97

  155

  August

  108

  65

  105

  118

  103

  105

  133

  94

  93

  147

  September

  106

  68

  90

  120

  106

  110

  133

  98

  95

  153

  October

  102

  74

  93

  111

  111

  114

  130

  105

  103

  152

  November

  110

  77

  75

  131

  110

  111

  134

  104

  104

  150

  December

  108

  78

  93

  120

  113

  117

  133

  111

  112

  153

  1987

  January

  112

  70

  115

  120

  104

  105

  131

  104

  108

  125

  February

  125

  75

  96

  146

  113

  115

  141

  110

  109

  158

  March

  115

  72

  117

  124

  107

  111

  128

  103

  105

  136

  April

  128

  75

  129

  140

  105

  107

  140

  105

  105

  146

  May

  114

  70

  108

  126

  103

  107

  132

  104

  104

  137

  June

  113

  69

  106

  125

  104

  103

  137

  105

  100

  162

  July

  131

  78

  134

  142

  106

  106

  133

  108

  108

  150

  August

  115

  76

  108

  127

  104

  104

  137

  107

  107

  149

  September

  138

  88

  122

  156

  111

  113

  155

  118

  120

  162

  Exports finished manufactured goods less erratics

  £ million, OTS basis seasonally adjusted

  Consumer goods

  Intermediate goods

  Capital goods

  Total

  Machinery

  Passenger motor cars

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  1986

  7,074

  513

  1,362

  5,141

  13,682

  10,097

  1,365

  10,183

  7,704

  2,070

  1986

  First quarter

  1,615

  106

  299

  1,197

  3,343

  2,472

  320

  2,453

  1,841

  502

  Second quarter

  1,732

  117

  340

  1,261

  3,353

  2,467

  334

  2,523

  1,901

  519

  Third quarter

  1,832

  133

  362

  1,324

  3,407

  2,506

  356

  2,467

  1,856

  518

  Fourth quarter

  1,896

  157

  361

  1,360

  3,579

  2,652

  355

  2,740

  2,106

  532

  866
  population projects or projects with a population component. These are in India, Kenya, Pakistan and Tanzania.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Weights
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will publish a table in the Official Report giving for 1986 and the latest quarter the information in tables B6, B12, C7 and C14 of the monthly review of external trade statistics, using current weights.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The information is as follows:
  867

  Consumer goods

  Intermediate goods

  Capital goods

  Total

  Machinery

  Passenger motor cars

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  1987

  First quarter

  2,119

  156

  459

  1,485

  3,542

  2,600

  362

  2,745

  2,152

  491

  Second quarter

  2,141

  154

  488

  1,478

  3,517

  2,564

  374

  2,722

  2,065

  515

  Third quarter

  2,396

  175

  533

  1,641

  3,613

  2,638

  380

  2,918

  2,255

  530

  1986

  January

  528

  32

  103

  389

  1,084

  801

  103

  817

  609

  167

  February

  550

  38

  101

  405

  1,115

  820

  108

  806

  605

  165

  March

  538

  36

  94

  403

  1,144

  851

  110

  830

  627

  169

  April

  579

  39

  117

  419

  1,096

  809

  108

  834

  627

  174

  May

  580

  37

  113

  426

  1,133

  837

  112

  876

  662

  177

  June

  572

  41

  111

  416

  1,124

  821

  113

  813

  612

  167

  July

  603

  45

  106

  449

  1,165

  853

  120

  839

  632

  172

  August

  613

  43

  136

  430

  1,101

  809

  116

  801

  606

  168

  September

  616

  45

  120

  445

  1,141

  844

  120

  828

  617

  178

  October

  602

  50

  127

  418

  1,185

  885

  117

  900

  680

  179

  November

  655

  54

  105

  491

  1,179

  860

  120

  889

  682

  173

  December

  640

  54

  129

  450

  1,215

  908

  118

  952

  744

  180

  1987

  January

  674

  50

  161

  45

  1,115

  816

  118

  897

  717

  148

  February

  748

  53

  133

  555

  1,235

  902

  128

  953

  729

  183

  March

  697

  53

  165

  473

  1,192

  883

  116

  895

  706

  160

  April

  773

  54

  182

  530

  1,175

  858

  127

  913

  702

  170

  May

  690

  51

  156

  476

  1,165

  863

  123

  900

  694

  157

  June

  677

  50

  150

  472

  1,178

  843

  125

  909

  668

  189

  July

  794

  56

  192

  540

  1,183

  865

  120

  943

  728

  170

  August

  714

  55

  159

  492

  1,175

  848

  122

  937

  718

  171

  September

  861

  63

  183

  609

  1,254

  925

  138

  1,038

  810

  189

  Inports finished manufactured goods less erratics current weighted volume indices

  1980 = 100 OTS basis seasonally adjusted

  Consumer goods

  Intermediate goods

  Capital goods

  Total

  Machinery

  Passenger motor cars

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  1986

  142

  189

  134

  145

  169

  167

  158

  168

  173

  153

  1986

  First quarter

  132

  173

  128

  132

  158

  155

  150

  162

  166

  147

  Second quarter

  138

  181

  127

  141

  164

  163

  153

  157

  160

  146

  Third quarter

  150

  194

  144

  151

  172

  171

  159

  170

  175

  152

  Fourth quarter

  149

  208

  136

  153

  181

  179

  168

  183

  189

  166

  1987

  First quarter

  129

  180

  106

  141

  166

  165

  150

  167

  177

  139

  Second quarter

  147

  192

  124

  161

  182

  178

  164

  173

  180

  152

  Third quarter

  162

  214

  149

  168

  203

  199

  178

  194

  201

  181

  1986

  January

  128

  177

  122

  128

  154

  150

  142

  162

  167

  140

  February

  131

  177

  124

  131

  158

  154

  152

  164

  167

  149

  March

  137

  166

  138

  136

  162

  159

  155

  161

  164

  151

  April

  127

  170

  112

  134

  153

  152

  146

  152

  157

  138

  May

  143

  198

  135

  142

  169

  168

  156

  157

  161

  150

  June

  143

  176

  135

  148

  169

  168

  155

  161

  162

  150

  July

  149

  194

  142

  150

  172

  170

  164

  166

  169

  149

  August

  157

  197

  158

  155

  178

  177

  156

  173

  178

  155

  September

  145

  192

  132

  149

  167

  166

  157

  171

  176

  153

  October

  143

  191

  142

  139

  170

  167

  161

  175

  179

  166

  November

  157

  228

  141

  162

  197

  194

  181

  190

  194

  178

  December

  148

  204

  126

  158

  177

  175

  163

  183

  195

  155

  1987

  January

  124

  159

  113

  130

  167

  165

  147

  179

  191

  141

  February

  130

  219

  93

  143

  162

  161

  155

  167

  176

  141

  March

  133

  161

  111

  149

  168

  169

  147

  156

  164

  134

  April

  136

  185

  115

  146

  179

  177

  161

  166

  174

  145

  May

  151

  205

  127

  165

  193

  188

  174

  185

  191

  164

  June

  155

  185

  131

  172

  174

  169

  157

  167

  175

  148

  July

  157

  211

  145

  162

  202

  199

  174

  195

  203

  177

  August

  175

  226

  175

  173

  210

  207

  185

  192

  196

  188

  September

  153

  205

  127

  167

  196

  191

  176

  195

  203

  177

  868 869

  Imports finished manufactured goods less erratics

  £ million OTS basis seasonally adjusted

  Consumer goods

  Intermediate goods

  Capital goods

  Total

  Machinery

  Passenger motor cars

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  Total

  Machinery

  Miscellaneous

  1986

  14,987

  1,903

  4,809

  8,166

  12,706

  8,967

  1,609

  11,067

  8,526

  1,616

  1986

  First quarter

  3,391

  429

  1,116

  1,820

  2,862

  2,029

  369

  2,619

  2,002

  383

  Second quarter

  3,547

  460

  1,136

  1,927

  2,979

  380

  2,537

  1,941

  384

  —

  Third quarter

  3,932

  488

  1,279

  2,134

  3,268

  2,307

  412

  2,792

  2,150

  402

  Fourth quarter

  4,116

  525

  1,279

  2,285

  3,597

  2,509

  449

  3,118

  2,433

  446

  1987

  First quarter

  3,630

  456

  1,054

  2,086

  3,289

  2,290

  405

  2,952

  2,334

  399

  Second quarter

  3,981

  482

  1,196

  2,275

  3,549

  2,453

  440

  2,967

  2,336

  406

  Third quarter

  4,445

  523

  1,447

  2,442

  3,925

  2,726

  475

  3,308

  2,586

  474

  1986

  January

  1,067

  141

  342

  575

  916

  647

  115

  839

  643

  120

  February

  1,124

  146

  360

  606

  955

  675

  125

  893

  679

  132

  March

  1,200

  142

  413

  639

  992

  707

  128

  887

  680

  131

  April

  1,105

  144

  332

  621

  933

  668

  120

  824

  636

  123

  May

  1,221

  168

  405

  638

  1,015

  723

  129

  844

  648

  129

  June

  1,221

  148

  398

  667

  1,031

  731

  131

  869

  656

  132

  July

  1,285

  165

  420

  690

  1,055

  743

  139

  899

  681

  133

  August

  1,364

  164

  465

  725

  1,136

  801

  137

  947

  733

  136

  September

  1,283

  159

  394

  719

  1,076

  762

  136

  947

  735

  133

  October

  1,294

  160

  433

  691

  1,112

  770

  143

  984

  762

  145

  November

  1,445

  194

  440

  802

  1,305

  912

  160

  1,077

  827

  159

  December

  1,377

  171

  405

  792

  1,179

  828

  146

  1,057

  843

  142

  1987

  January

  1,163

  131

  375

  646

  1,111

  774

  131

  1,046

  835

  134

  February

  1,211

  186

  307

  705

  1,077

  744

  142

  986

  776

  137

  March

  1,257

  139

  372

  735

  1,101

  772

  133

  920

  723

  128

  April

  1,236

  155

  366

  706

  1,166

  807

  146

  961

  761

  132

  May

  1,365

  174

  414

  768

  1,253

  863

  156

  1,056

  821

  144

  June

  1,380

  153

  416

  801

  1,131

  784

  139

  950

  753

  130

  July

  1,427

  171

  468

  779

  1,307

  916

  156

  1,104

  870

  151

  August

  1,609

  184

  569

  844

  1,364

  947

  165

  1,092

  843

  165

  September

  1,409

  168

  410

  819

  1,254

  862

  154

  1,112

  872

  158

  Based on the United Nations broad economic categories analysis.

  Clywd (RDG)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the amounts of regional development grant in Clwyd for each year since 1975; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I have been asked to reply. The information requested, which is only readily available for the financial years 1976–77 onwards, is as follows:

  £ million

  1976–77

  3·3

  1977–78

  7·4

  1978–79

  9·5

  1979–80

  4·9

  1980–81

  8·6

  1981–82

  15·8

  1982–83

  17·8

  1983–84

  12·2

  1984–85

  23·4

  1985–86

  22·8

  1986–87

  27·9

  Expenditure in 1985–86 and 1986–87 included payments respectively of £1·5 million and £8·7 million under the revised regional development grant scheme introduced in November 1984.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Government Data Network
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department is considering a network as an alternative to his Department's participation in the Government data network; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  The Home Office has a number of current and future requirements for data communications, some of which are already served by networks. The proposed Government data network is one option to be considered in fulfilling each of these requirements.

  Parole
  Mr. Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated effect on the prison population of abolishing parole for prisoners serving under(a) two and (b) three years and replacing this with supervised or conditional release after one-half and one-third of the sentence, respectively.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information requested is as shown. The estimates assume no compensatory change in
  871
  sentencing practice. The effect also depends on the precise nature of the supervisory scheme and in particular the extent to which persons might be recalled to prison while under supervision. The estimates assume no offsetting increase due to such recalls or due to any additional reconvictions occurring as a result of earlier release.

  Estimated reduction1 in the England and Wales prison population2 from replacing parole with supervised or conditional release after one-third and one-half of sentence.

  Number

  Sentence lengths affected

  One half sentence

  One third sentence

  Under two years

  3 300

  5,900

  Under three years

  3 400

  7,900

  1 It has been assumed that release would be contingent upon good behaviour and that, as with the existing remission scheme, offences against prison discipline would cause release to be deferred by the equivalent of 1 per cent. of sentence on average.

  2 Estimates based on statistics for 1986, adjusted to reflect the subsequent increase in remission to one half for sentences up to 12 months (August 1987). Excluding fine-defaulters, non-criminal prisoners, lifers and those prematurely released from prison whose numbers are unlikely to be affected by the scheme. Estimates rounded to nearest 100.

  3 No contribution made by sentences up to 12 months which are already eligible for remission of one half sentence.

  Metropolitan Police
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the number of days off work sick reported for members of the Metropolitan police force for each of the last five years; and if he will express this as an average figure.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information supplied by the Metropolitan police is as follows:

  1Year

  Number of days

  Average per officer

  1984

  292,156

  10·9

  1985

  329,114

  12·3

  1986

  346,135

  12·8

  1987

  334,364

  12·2

  1 Information for 1983 is not available.

  Firearms Certificates
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Thames Valley on the average time taken, from application to determination, in processing applications for firearms certificates, since December 1986.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the chief constable of the Thames Valley police that this information is not available, though a rough estimate suggests that the normal procedures are completed in between two and six weeks.

  Michael Ryan
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Thames Valley as to the reasons for the speed with which Michael Ryan was granted a firearms certificate in December 1986.
  872
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the chief constable of the Thames Valley police that Michael Ryan's application for a firearms certificate was received at divisional level on 25 November 1986 and on completion of the necessary inquiries a certificate was issued on 11 December. Information that the application was received on 10 December relates to the date of its receipt at headquarters, after it had been processed at divisional level.

  Nuclear Safety
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the report of the working group on nuclear safety established after the Chernobyl disaster; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  I take it that the hon. Member is referring to the joint working group on Chernobyl which was set up jointly by my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Home Department and for Scotland following representations from the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council for England and Wales and the Scottish Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council. The group is not concerned with nuclear safety generally but with the implications of Chernobyl for the fire services of Great Britain. It will in due course report to the two councils which will then advise my right hon. Friends what farther action should be taken in the light of the report. The question of publication will be considered at that stage.

  Nuclear Power Stations (Access)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions fire officers have been denied access to nuclear power stations to investigate a fire during the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  The Department does not routinely collect information of this kind. I understand, however, that two incidents were reported to the joint working group on Chernobyl but that any difficulties there may have been have been resolved.

ENVIRONMENT

  Winget-type Houses
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report the total numbers of Winget-type houses in each housing authority area in England where such houses exist.

  Mrs. Roe
  Information on the distribution of all designated dwellings by local authority was obtained in 1983 and updated in July 1986; copies of this are in the Library. Further updated information is being assembled and I shall arrange for this to be placed in the Library shortly. The following local authorities reported Winget properties in their area:

  Dwellings

  Kingston-upon-Hull City Council

  889

  Norwich City Council

  469

  Wakefield City Council

  1210

  All but nine of these were in council ownership.

  Urban Programme Schemes
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will itemise, by borough, approved current urban programme schemes in Greater London which utilise Manpower Services Commission community programme placements in their operation.

  Mr. Trippier
  The Department does not hold the information in the form requested, but the following schemes involving community programme placements have been identified in the current inner area programmes.

  Brent

  Kensal Green Day Centre

  Roundwood Community Association Play Areas

  United Indian Youth Centre

  Brent Energy Services Team

  Community Task Force

  NACRO city Farm

  Pakistani Workers Association

  Lincoln Parade Employment Resource Centre

  Neasden Community Workshop

  Rutland Park Renovation Scheme

  Kilburn Building and Training Centre Renovation

  Women's Home Improvements Scheme

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  Family Welfare Association

  Colebrooke Community Programme Project

  Burnbake Trust

  Papersaver

  South Press for the Blind

  Family Welfare Association C P Vehicle

  Hammersmith and Fulham Amenity Trust Block Allocation

  —Hammersmith Bridge Road

  —101 Community Centre

  —Distillery Road

  —College Park Campaign

  —Dalling Road Nursery

  —Peabody Estate, Lillie Road

  Islington

  CSV Kings Cross Environmental Improvements Project

  Stoppers Inflatables

  Bentham Court Community Scheme

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Richard Costello Day Centre

  Alan Lennox Boyd Centre

  Wandsworth

  Doddington and Rollo Community Association Workshops

  Battersea Boatyard

  Balham Seventh Day Adventist Community Resource Centre

  Wandsworth Heatwise

  Southfields Sikh Community Centre

  Rates
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish details, using the most recently available figures, of how many non-domestic properties in England, Wales and Scotland paid annual rate bills of(a) less than £500, (b) less than £750 and (c) less than £1,000.

  Mr. Ridley
  This information is not collected centrally.

THE ARTS

  Wales Railway Centre
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will arrange to visit the site of the Wales railway centre, Cardiff, to discuss future funding.

  Mr. Luce
  I have no such plans. I understand the project has received financial assistance from a number of organisations sponsored by the Secretary of State for Wales.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  VAT
  Sir Fergus Montgomery
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue was raised during the last year for which figures are available from value added tax on donations of equipment to higher educational institutions.

  Mr. Lilley
  I regret that the information is not available.

  Sir Fergus Montgomery
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis value added tax on donations of equipment to higher educational establishments is calculated; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lilley
  I refer my hon. Friend to my replies to my hon. Friend the Member for Arundel (Mr. Marshall) on 19 January at columns 652–53.

  Growth Rates
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the annual average compound growth rate in 1960 to 1969, 1970 to 1979 and 1980 to date for(a) the United Kingdom, (b) West Germany, (c) Japan, (d) France, (e) Italy and (f) Sweden.

  Mr. Lilley
  The figures are given in the following table:

  Annual average compound growth rates1

  1960–69

  1970–79

  1980–86

  United Kingdom

  3·0

  2·1

  2·2

  Germany

  4·4

  2·9

  1·4

  Japan

  10·6

  4·7

  3·7

  France

  5·5

  3·9

  1·6

  Italy

  5·8

  3·0

  2·0

  Sweden

  4·4

  2·0

  1·6

  Sources: OECD, CSO·

  1 Using expenditure measure of GNP/GDP at market prices except United Kingdom (GDP(A) at factor cost).

  Co-operative Retail Societies
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the co-operative retail societies registered at the Registry of Friendly Societies;

  (2) if he will list the trading subsidiaries of those cooperative retail societies that do not include the word coop in their title.

  Mr. Lilley
  A list of the co-operative retail societies registered at the Registry of Friendly Societies has been placed in the Library. Particulars of the trading subsidiaries for all these societies could only be extracted
  875
  from their annual returns at disproportionate cost. If my hon. Friend has a specific point in mind, perhaps he would write to me.

  EC (Budget)
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what information he has on the percentage of the annual EEC budget contributions of member states, other than the United Kingdom, which is made up from(a) value added tax contributions, (b) agricultural levies and (c) customs duties; and if he will give the figures for each of the last five years;

  (2) what percentage of the United Kingdom's annual EEC budget contribution is made up from (a) value added tax contributions, (b) agricultural levies, and (c) customs duties; and if he will give the figures for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Brooke
  Information concerning all member states' gross contributions to the EEC budget is contained in the "Official Journal of the European Communities—Court of Auditor's Report", OJ 87/C336, 15 December 1987, a copy of which is available in the Library. Table 19 of the report (on page 177) presents information on gross contributions made by individual member states for the period 1982 to 1986 inclusive, broken down into the categories requested. Similar information is contained in the annual statements on the Community budget, the most recent of which was published last July as Cm. 194.

  Money Supply
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in tabular form the relationship between the rate of increase in M3 and the level of inflation 18 months later.

  Mr. Lilley
  Figures for the 12-month growth rates of M3 and the retail prices index are shown in the "Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin", table 11.3, and the Monthly Digest of Statistics, table 18.5, respectively.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each year since 1958 the velocity of monetary circulation in the United Kingdom, the reserve ratio of the banks and the banks' holdings of (a) Treasury bills, (b) other short-dated securities and (c) other gilt-edged securities, and the level of bank advances to (i) manufacturing industry, (ii) home loans and (iii) other purposes.

  Mr. Lilley
  The available information is not always in the form requested, nor back to 1958. Annual information on the velocity of circulation from 1963 is given in the table. Information on reserve ratios for the period in which they were in force may be found in the "Bank of England Statistical Abstract, No. 2", the "Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin" and "Financial Statistics". The most appropriate source for the other items requested is the monetary sector end-year balance sheets. These give information on outstanding levels of, inter alia, Treasury bills, British Government and Government-guranteed securities, loans for house purchase and total bank lending. Such information as is available is contained in the appropriate tables of "Financial Statistics" or the "National Income Blue Book" or on the central databank. Information on lending to manufacturing industry is 876
  available in the "Bank of England Statistical Abstract, No/", the "Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin" and in "Financial Statistics".

  1Velocity of circulation

  1963

  2·94

  1964

  3·01

  1965

  3·04

  1966

  3·06

  1967

  3·01

  1968

  3·00

  1969

  3·13

  1970

  3·23

  1971

  3·20

  1972

  2·89

  1973

  2·63

  1974

  2·56

  1975

  2·98

  1976

  3·26

  1977

  3·53

  1978

  3·53

  1979

  3·66

  1980

  3·67

  1981

  3·40

  1982

  3·14

  1983

  3·06

  1984

  3·00

  1985

  2·93

  1986

  2·64

  1 Derived as ratio of GDP(A) at current market prices to money stock M3, both series in seasonally adjusted form.

  Licensed Deposit Takers
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a list of licensed deposit takers.

  Mr. Lilley
  The Banking Act 1987 eliminates the distinction under the Banking Act 1979 between recognised banks and licensed deposit takers. The Bank of England is required to list authorised institutions in its annual report, under the Banking Act, which is laid before Parliament. It also periodically produces updated lists of authorised institutions, and I am placing a copy of the list as at 8 January 1988 in the Library.

  Small Firms (VAT)
  Sir Anthony Grant
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had in the EEC with a view to raising the level at which small firms become liable for value added tax and with what result; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 19 January 1988]: The EC Sixth VAT directive restricts increases in the VAT registration threshold to those which maintain its value in real terms. Removal of this restriction would require an amendment to article 24 of the directive, which would require the unanimous approval of the member states.

  In her address to the European Council in March 1985 the Prime Minister launched an initiative for deregulation to encourage the growth of small businesses. Late in 1986 the Commission produced a draft directive for small and medium-sized enterprises which proposes, among other things, a mandatory lower threshold of 10,000 ecu (about £7,000) and a higher optional threshold of 35,000 ecu (about £24,500).

  The European Parliament has given general support for the draft. The United Kingdom will maintain its insistence

  877
  that the optional higher threshold be no less than 35,000 ecu and will continue to argue vigorously for it to be increased. It is not possible to forecast when and in what form the directive will be adopted.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Electricity Disconnections
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the level of domestic electricity disconnections in Northern Ireland; and whether he has any plans to overcome this problem.

  Mr. Viggers
  In the 12 months to 31 December 1987 the total number of disconnections for debt in Northern Ireland was 2,439, which is less than one half of 1 per cent. of the average total number of consumers on supply.

  Northern Ireland Electricity adheres to the electricity supply industry's voluntary code of practice in relation to disconnections, and as the rate of disconnections for debt has fallen in recent months no specific action is planned.

  ACE Schemes
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on(a) the likely uses of the increased funding for ACE schemes in Northern Ireland and (b) the use of ACE projects in activities relating to the community care initiative.

  Mr. Viggers
  The ACE programme will increase from the current average level of 6,200 to 8,000 places during 1988–89. In allocating the additional places, priority will be given to projects which have the potential to create self-sustaining jobs, to those which further the development of community health and social care and to environmental measures. Special attention will also be given to projects in areas where the level of ACE provision is lower than the local incidence of long-term adult unemployment would warrant. Four hundred of the additional places have been specifically allocated to support the Northern Ireland 2000 programme, which seeks to provide more and higher quality environmental projects.

  Sympathetic consideration is always given to proposals from sponsors seeking places for community care activities. Approximately 30 per cent. of ACE scheme places currently support such activities.

  Kilroot Power Station
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the expected completion date of the Kilroot power station.

  Mr. Viggers
  Northern Ireland Electricity expects to complete the conversion of phase I of the Kilroot power station to dual coal-oil firing by July 1989. The first of the two generating sets undergoing conversion should be operational by the end of January 1989.

  Hospital Beds
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland will encourage health boards to conduct audits of beds available at 12 noon on each day; what information he has as to the likely information to be gained from this, and if he will make a statement.
  878
  Mr. Needham
  Under the current arrangements information on daily bed availability is already collected in each hospital, summaries of which are provided by boards to the Department of Health and Social Services. This count of bed availability is measured at midnight each day.

  Information derived from this source provides indicators for measurement of performance and enables the continuous monitoring of levels of service provided.

  Industrial Pollution
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in the light of recent incidents at Carrickfergus and elsewhere, he is satisfied that there are adequate measures and supervision to control industrial pollution in the Province; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 21 January 1988]: Yes, they are broadly in line with those which apply elsewhere in the United Kingdom. The resources required to supervise the control of industrial pollution are kept under regular review.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Israel
  Mr. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now instruct Her Majesty's ambassador to the United Nations to vote against the resolution which demands that Israel desists from the removal from camps and the resettlement of Palestinian refugees in the Gaza strip.

  Mr. Mellor
  No. Israeli policy in the occupied territories has involved unacceptable pressure on Palestinian refugees to move against their will, and the forced demolition of their shelters. We and the overwhelming majority of the international community oppose this.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Scottish Standing Committees
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he has anything to add to his answer of 18 January,Official Report. column 486, regarding the membership of Scottish Standing Committees; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my pursuant answer to that question on Wednesday 20 January, at column 740.

  Parliamentary Salaries
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Lord Privy Seal what information he posseses on comparable parliamentary salaries exclusive of allowances in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) France, (c) Germany, (d) Australia and (e) the United States of America, for the latest published figures available.

  Mr. Wakeham
  [holding answer 19 January 1988]: The information requested is as follows:
  879

  Country a

  Salary (per annum)

  United Kingdom

  Member of the House of Commons

  Basic salary of £22,548. Maximum salary of £23,614 for those who draw the London allowance of £1,066 per annum, which is taxable. Whole of salary taxable.

  France

  Deputy in the National Assembly

  410,634 Fr (£40,863) of which 45 per cent. 184,785 Fr (£18,388) is tax-free

  Federal German Republic

  Member of the Bundestag

  DM 104,748 (£35,166). All taxable

  Australia

  Federal Member of the House of Representatives

  A$ 46,065 (£18,326). All taxable.

  United States of America

  Member of the House of Representatives

  US$ 89,500 (£49,958). All taxable.

  Note: The sterling figures are calculated using rates of exchange at the close of business on Wednesday 20 January.

SCOTLAND

  Hospital Beds
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department will encourage health boards to conduct audits of beds available at 12 noon on each day; what information he has as to the likely information to be gained from this; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No. The "bed count" is taken at midnight because at that time there is the least amount of patient movement and greater statistical accuracy is assured. A count at midday would disrupt the work of the ward and be a less accurate reflection of ward work. The information derived from the bed count is published in "Scottish Health Statistics," copies of which are held in the Library.

  Homeless Persons
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will revise the guidance to local authorities concerning homeless persons which is given under section 37 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Although the code of guidance has been well received generally I am aware from voluntary organisations in the field that some revision of the code might be desirable. I have asked for details of proposed amendments and when these are received I shall consider the position further.

  The very difficult problems which can arise when dealing with homeless people call for the exercise of good housing management and close co-operation between all agencies involved. We are committed for our part to maintaining an effective legislative framework to help the homeless.

  Local Authorities (Staff)
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the most recent available figure for the total number of persons employed on a full-time basis, or full-time equivalent, by regional, islands and district councils in Scotland.
  880
  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 26 October 1987]: This information is published quarterly in the "Joint Manpower Watch Survey", which is available in the Library of the House. The most recent figures available are for June 1987.

PRIME MINISTER

  Hospital Services (Oswestry)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Welsh Office and the Department of Health and Social Security with regard to the services provided by the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt orthopaedic hospital at Oswestry; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  Yes. I assume the hon. Member's question relates to the recent decision of the Shropshire health authority to close a number of beds temporarily at this hospital. Health authorities are not obliged to consult over temporary closures, but should the authority decide to make a temporary closure permanent there is a set consultation procedure to follow. The Welsh Office together with local community health councils would be consulted formally.

  Crown Employees
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Prime Minister whether all persons in public service who are paid from moneys supplied under Votes by Parliament are treated as employees of the Crown for all(a) legal, (b) pensions and (c) other purposes.

  The Prime Minister
  Civil Servants, including those whose salaries are borne directly on Votes, are regarded as servants of the Crown for all relevant purposes.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will introduce legislation to render all persons in public service who are paid from moneys supplied under Votes by Parliament and who are employees of the Crown liable to prosecution under the criminal law where they are alleged to have committed criminal acts.

  The Prime Minister
  No. Employees of the Crown are not exempt from the criminal law.

WALES

  Privatisation
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list, by each Welsh local authority, each service which has been privatised or put out to tender and the savings which have been made; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  All local authorities in Wales have complied with the competition regulations introduced under part III of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 and put out to tender as appropriate highways and sewerage work, new building works, new works and maintenance work. The Local Government Bill currently in the House of Lords will extend compulsory competition to refuse collection/street cleaning, building cleaning, school/welfare catering, other catering, vehicle maintenance and ground maintenance. In addition, the Government are considering extending competition to the management of local authority sport and leisure facilities.

  Information on the savings made is not held centrally. However, from time to time selective information on savings is published in the Local Government Chronicle and the "Public Service Review".

  Neonatal Units (Staffing)
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each year since 1976, for each neonatal unit in Wales(a) the number of sister posts, (b) the number of staff nurses or staff midwives, (c) the number of support nursing staff, including nursery nurses and nursing auxiliaries and (d) the number of medical staff with specific commitment to neonates.

  Mr. Grist
  Data on hospital midwifery staff, analysed by district health authority, are available annually in "Health and Personal Social Services Statistics for Wales", copies of which are in the Library of the House. Detailed information on specific areas of work is not yet sufficiently reliable for the Department to give accurate staffing figures for each neonatal unit. Information on medical staff with a specific commitment to neonates is not held centrally.

  Free Milk
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many children under five years of age and cared for by registered childminders are currently in receipt of free milk; and how many childminders are involved.

  Mr. Grist
  There were 5,571 places with 2,361 registered childminders in Wales at 31 March 1987. Information is not available centrally on the number and age of children using these places or on the number of children in receipt of free milk.

  National Museum of Wales
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, with respect to the 15th report of Session 1986–87 from the Committee of Public Accounts and the Comptroller and Auditor General's memorandum on the National Museum of Wales, and the agreement obtained in June 882
  1979 from the Treasury for the purchase by instalments of the Rubens cartoons to be spread over three years, what reservations concerning these cartoons were voiced by his Department at the time that its agreement was obtained.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to paragraph 3 of the Comptroller and Auditor General's memorandum (PAC 37).

  Rent Arrears
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list in the Official Report in rank order starting with the local authority with the highest proportion of rent arrears, the total arrears of rent outstanding for domestic properties owned by each Welsh local authority at the latest available date, together with the percentage figure which their arrears represent of each authority's total rent roll and the number of tenants with arrears of more than four weeks.

  Mr. Grist
  The information requested on rent arrears for 1986–87 is shown in the following table. Data on the number of tenants with arrears of more than four weeks are not collected centrally.

  1986–87 (provisional)

  Rent arrears1

  Arrears as per cent. Of rent roll

  £

  Ogwr

  538,105

  4·4

  Lliw Valley

  168,587

  3·2

  Glyndwr

  81,301

  2·8

  Arfon

  125,498

  2·8

  Wrexham Maelor

  271,190

  2·7

  Delyn

  120,246

  2·6

  Llanelli

  159,149

  2·6

  Preseli Pembs

  116,034

  2·3

  Rhuddlan

  46,281

  2·3

  Ynys Mon

  114,600

  2·2

  Dinefwr

  48,337

  2·2

  Monmouth

  114,878

  2·2

  Alyn and Deeside

  89,393

  2·1

  Vale of Glamorgan

  127,300

  2·1

  Neath

  101,779

  2·0

  Brecknock

  51,213

  1·9

  Torfaen

  260,961

  1·9

  Swansea

  301,254

  1·9

  Taff Ely

  148,158

  1·8

  Port Talbot

  100,770

  1·8

  Rhondda

  85,847

  1·6

  Colwyn

  42,661

  1·6

  South Pembroke

  46,429

  1·6

  Cardiff

  363,385

  1·6

  Carmarthen

  52,035

  1·6

  Aberconwy

  45,381

  1·5

  Ceredigion

  50,336

  1·5

  Newport

  191,000

  1·5

  Merthyr Tydfil

  91,063

  1·3

  Cynon Valley

  71,870

  1·3

  Radnor

  15,160

  1·3

  Dwyfor

  11,741

  1·1

  Meirionnydd

  19,992

  1·0

  Rhymney Valley

  110,043

  1·0

  Islwyn

  53,406

  0·9

  Blaenau Gwent

  111,843

  0·9

  Montgomeryshire

  n/a

  n/a

  1 Current and former tenants.

  Electorates
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the Welsh counties in order of
  883
  percentage growth in electorate since 1982; and what has been the percentage growth and the actual figures in each case.

  Electorate

  Increase 1982–1987

  1982

  1987

  Number

  Per cent.

  Powys

  85,199

  90,239

  5,040

  5·9

  Gwynedd

  176,523

  184,828

  8,305

  4·7

  Clwyd

  299,115

  312,686

  13,571

  4·5

  Dyfed

  256,289

  265,497

  9,208

  3·6

  Gwent

  329,734

  335,829

  6,095

  1·8

  West Glamorgan

  283,663

  286,436

  2,773

  1·0

  Mid Glamorgan

  405,615

  407,227

  1,612

  0·4

  South Glamorgan

  291,825

  292,213

  388

  0·1

  Source: Office of Population Censuses and Surveys.

  Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the appropriate authorities with regard to the problems at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt orthopaedic hospital at Oswestry; and if he is satisfied that this hospital is at present being run in a way which meets the needs of patients from Wales who depend upon it.

  Mr. Grist
  Officials of the Department are in touch with appropriate health authorities about the problems at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt orthopaedic hospital. The current closures are of a temporary nature and hence a matter for the Shropshire health authority. Shropshire health authority has undertaken to consult the Department, Welsh health authorities and other Welsh interests about any proposals for substantial permanent variation in the service provided at the hospital.

  Winget-type Houses
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list in the Official Report the total numbers of Winget-type houses in each housing authority area in Wales where such houses exist.

  Mr. Grist
  We have no record of any Winget houses in Wales.

  Ambulance Services
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to intensify his Department's monitoring on the state of the ambulance services in each part of Wales; whether he will review the procedure used for these purposes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  Responsibility for the management and operation of the ambulance services in Wales is that of the district health authorities. I am satisfied with the Deparment's existing arrangements for issuing guidance and for monitoring its implementation.

  Library Authority (Newport)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will announce a decision on Newport borough council's application of 1984 to be designated a library authority under the provisions of the Local Government Bill 1972.

  Mr. Grist
  I expect to be able to do so shortly.
  884
  Mr. peter Walker
  Increases in local government electorate by welsh county since 1982 are given in the following table:

  Hospital Closure Procedure
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if, pursuant to his answer of 18 January on hospital closure procedure, he will now undertake to review the consultative documents issued by Gwynedd health authority on the future of(a) Mudog memorial hospital, (b) Caernarfon cottage hospital and (c) the care facilities for the elderly in Llangefni, with a view to determining whether these documents are prejudicial to proper consultation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  If the hon. Gentleman is concerned about the adequacy of the Gwynedd health authority's consultation documents on the future of these health services he should in the first instance bring this to the attention of the authority. If, following such an approach, his concern about the documents persisted we would be prepared to consider his representations.

  Greencroft Hostel, Aston
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received regarding the implications of the closure of the Greencroft hostel, Aston, Deeside, for the standard of living and opportunity to enjoy communal social life of residents and their families; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  None. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to him yesterday, at column 821, on this subject.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he is able to announce his decisions on local authority higher education provision in 1988–89; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Having consulted the Welsh Joint Education Committee and the Welsh Counties Committee I have decided that the advanced further education quantum for 1988–89 should be set at £36·6 million. This represents a 7·3 per cent. increase between 1987–88 and 1988–89. I have decided that £400,000 of the quantum should be used to fund the following selective initiatives:Continuation of support provided in 1987–88 for the development of in-service training courses to increase the supply of Welsh medium secondary school teachers and for the development of commercial activities and professional updating (PICKUP) courses.
  Development of a manufacturing systems engineering degree

  885
  course at the Polytechnic of Wales.
  Development of an engineering access course at the Polytechnic of Wales.
  Support for research activities at the North East Wales Institute of HE and the Polytechnic of Wales.

  I have received advice from the Wales Advisory Body for Local Authority Higher Education on the planned disposition of academic provision and the number of student places on higher education courses in local authority colleges in Wales. The WAB proposals provide for a growth of 1 per cent. between estimated enrolments of 13,498 full-time equivalents in 1987–88 and target student numbers of 13,589 for 1988–89. The proposals provide for continued emphasis to be given to courses in science, engineering and other vocational disciplines; and for sub degree and part-time provision to be protected.

  The WAB has also provided advice on how the AFE quantum, net of the £400,000 for selective initiatives, should be distributed between local authorities. The proposals for distributing the quantum are related to the proposals for target student numbers for 1988–89 by institution, mode of attendance and subject; and they allow additional funding for degree and post-graduate courses. WAB have recommended that Dyfed should continue to receive some cash protection for 1988–89 in respect of the College of Librarianship Wales. WAB has considered bids from institutions against the £400,000 set aside for selective initiatives and has provided advice on how this sum should be allocated.

  I have decided to accept the WAB's advice on academic provision and student numbers, on the methodology for distributing the net quantum and on the distribution of the £400,000 for selective initiatives. The local education authorities have been informed of these decisions and of their individual allocations.

  Copies of a note explaining the methodology by which the AFE quantum for 1988–89 is being distributed have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Non-Civil Servant Advisers
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list his non-civil servant advisers, giving their present main employment and their field of expertise.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  [holding answer 21 January 1988]: I have no special adviser.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Council for Licensed Conveyancers
  Mr. Sean Hughes
  To ask the Attorney-General what have been the costs under convenient headings, and in total, of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers since its inception.

  The Attorney-General
  The expenses of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers for the 15 months from its inception to 31 March 1987 extracted from the audited accounts for that period are as follows:

  £

  Members' fees

  16,654

  Staff salaries

  55,163

  Examination costs

  13,669

  Accommodation

  12,668

  Travelling and subsistence

  9,162

  886

  £

  Telephone, stationery, printing, etc.

  7,838

  Audit and consultancy fees

  1,100

  Sundry expenses

  3,355

  119,589

  Mr. Rick Gibson
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Attorney-General if the Director of Public Prosecutions will prosecute Mr. Rick Gibson for using aborted freeze-dried foetuses in an artistic display; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  The Metropolitan police have forwarded a report to the Crown Prosecution Service concerning an exhibition at the Young Unknowns Gallery. The papers are currently under consideration.

  Anthony Cavendish
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Attorney-General (1) what representations he received from The Observer on 16 January relating to its proposed publication of matter relating to Anthony Cavendish; and what response he made;

  (2) why he refused to make available to The Observer newspaper a copy of the revised terms of the injunction previously granted against both The Observer and The Sunday Times in relation to Anthony Cavendish.

  The Attorney-General
  On Saturday 16 January the Treasurer Solicitor received the following representations from The Observer newspaper.

  (a) The newspaper asked whether the Government did not accept that the order which the court had varied the previous day against The Sunday Times applied also to The Observer (The Observer having decided not to apply to the court on that day for a variation of the separate order made against it).

  The Treasury Solicitor replied that the Government did not so accept.

  (b) The newspaper asked the Treasury Solicitor whether the Government would consent to the court making the same variation of the order against The Observer as the one made in the case of The Sunday Times.
  The Treasury Solicitor replied that the Government would so consent.

  (c) Late in the afternoon the newspaper asked for a copy of the order against The Sunday Times.

  The Treasury Solicitor replied that it was of substantial length (its annex is 62 pages) and he had no means of letting The Observer have a copy that day before it went to press.

ENERGY

  Sellafield (Safety)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many workers at the British Nuclear Fuels reprocessing plant at Sellafield have exceeded the level for radiation at which an investigation has to be carried out; whether any of them is entitled to apply for compensation; what plans Her Majesty's Government have to improve the safety of such workers; and if he will make a statement.
  887
  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have asked the chairman of British Nuclear Fuels plc to reply to the detailed questions raised by the hon. Member.

  BNF plc, like any other licensed nuclear operator, must continue to meet the requirements of the independent Health and Safety Executive. Good progress has been made in meeting those requirements specified in HSE's initial audit report on the implementation of safety changes at Sellafield.

  Windscale Fire
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if' he will make a statement on the implications for current nuclear policy of the new information released under the 30-year rule on the 1957 Windscale fire.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The latest release of records included no information on the causes or effects of the fire that was not already in the public domain.

  Nuclear Power Stations
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what transmission line developments are to be made in association with the proposed Hinkley C and Hinkley D station developments; and what visual impact these would have.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  An application has been received from the CEGB for the Secretary of State's consent under paragraph 10(b) of the schedule to the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act 1899 for minor diversion of the transmission line entries to Hinkley point. The local planning authorities have objected to the proposal and it will therefore be necessary to hold a public inquiry into the matter.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has received an application for a pressurised water reactor power station at Helbury, Dorset.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  No.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the estimates of radioactive emissions from(a) pressurised water reactors (b) advanced gas cooled reactors and (c) Magnox reactors.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Details of radioactive emissions from nuclear power stations are published by licensed operators as follows:CEGB: "Report on Radioactive Discharges, Associated Environmental Monitoring and Personal Radiation Doses Resulting from Operation of CEGB Nuclear Sites."
  BNF plc: "Annual Report on Radioactive Discharges and Monitoring of the Environment."

  I am arranging for a copy of the CEGB report to be placed in the Library of the House. A copy of the BNF report is already in the Library.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give the estimated numbers of households not connected to the electricity grid in(a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales; what are the comparable figures in (i) 1979 and (ii) 1973; and what measures exist to enable households to become connected to the grid.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The Electricity Council advises me that the electricity supply industry does not have these 888
  figures. Electricity boards are required to make a supply available to premises situated within 50 yd of a distributing main. Beyond this distance boards can arrange connection for an appropriate payment. In some circumstances it is possible to requisition a board to provide a distributing main to enable connection to be made.

  Energy Efficiency Office
  Mr. Andrew MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he is in a position to announce his decision on the future role of the Energy Efficiency Office.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  On 25 September I said that I intended to take stock of the Energy Efficiency Office's programmes, to assess their cost-effectiveness and continuing relevance and to consider the strategic options for the future. This I have now done, and conclude that there is a continuing role for the EEO to fulfil. Its programmes, especially in the industrial and commercial sectors, continue to benefit the United Kingdom by improving energy efficiency, which is reflected in price, export competitiveness and profits. In the domestic sector, the EEO's activities promote the economic and energy efficient construction, insulation, heating and use of the nation's housing stock. Accordingly, I plan no change in the EEO's 1988–89 budget of £20·9 million.

  However, general awareness of the case for energy efficiency is now well established and I have therefore asked the EEO to target its work in the most economically attractive areas. Moreover, I have also asked the EEO to examine how the contribution from those who benefit from the office's industrial and commercial programmes could be increased, including the feasibility of adapting those programmes where appropriate to recover part of their costs, and the extent to which programmes could be taken over for operation by the private sector. Developments on both counts will be taken into account when the 1989–90 budget is finalised and I am not committed to extending the present level of funding beyond 1988–89.

  The EEO will shortly begin consultations with those concerned and I hope to announce the result of this further work before the summer recess.

  Radiation (Research Study)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what evaluation he proposes to make of the implications of the radiation effects research foundation study released at the end of 1987 with particular reference to its implications for(a) the economics of nuclear power programme in the United Kingdom and (b) standards of radiological protection for workers in the United Kingdom nuclear industry.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The study by the Radiation Effects Research Foundation — "The Effect of Changes in Dosimetry on Cancer Mortality Risk Estimates in the Atomic Bomb Survivors"—was taken fully into account by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) when issuing its GS-9 document, "Interim Guidance on the Implications of Recent Revisions of Risk Estimates and the ICRP 1987 Como Statement".

  The implications of the NRPB's interim guidance statement are being considered by a working group which is advising the Health and Safety Commission.

  Trawsfynydd Power Station
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has had any discussions with(a) the Central Electricity Generating Board and (b) the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate with regard to the implications for emergency services and health services in Wales of the proposed emergency shutdown experiment at the Trawsfynydd nuclear power station scheduled for 12 February; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the right hon. Member for Strangford (Mr. Taylor) on Thursday 21 January 1988 at column 856.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  London Lighthouse
  Sir George Young
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what financial assistance he has given to London Lighthouse.

  Mr. Newton
  The Government intend to make a further grant of £750,000 towards the capital costs of London Lighthouse the West London hospice and community support centre for people with AIDS.

  The London Lighthouse centre will provide much-needed community support and hospice care for people with AIDS. The Lighthouse has caught the imagination of many people, and has done extremely well to attract funds from so many sources.

  The Government have already approved a grant of £500,000 towards the costs of the premises. This additional £750,000 will bring the total Government contribution to £1·25 million. This should enable London Lighthouse to open on time with its finances on a firm footing.

  NHS Statistics
  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will set out a table for England and Wales showing for(a) 1961 and (b) the most recent available date (i) numbers employed in the National Health Service and (ii) the number of hospital beds available to the general public;

  (2) if he will set out a table showing the numbers employed in the National Health Service in England and Wales in (a) 1961 and (b) the most recent available date; and if he will list the population of England and Wales at the same dates.

  Mr. Newton
  The available information for England is given in the table. Information for Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  11971

  1986

  NHS directly employed staff 30 September (WTE)12

  629,500

  801,600

  Mid-year population (thousands)

  46,131

  47,255

  Average daily available beds4

  419,600

  315,700

  1 1971 is the earliest year for which staffing, population and bed information is available in England.

  2 The staffing figures for 1971 are not comparable with 1986 due to NHS reorganisation.

  3 Includes medical and dental locums and nursing and midwifery agency staff. Figures independently rounded to nearest 100 WTE.

  4 Figures are rounded to nearest one hundred.

  Mentally Ill People
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many mentally ill people received treatment as in-patients and out-patients in the Durham health authority area during the years 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987 to date.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that I am unable to give the hon. Member the exact information he requires. Information on numbers of mentally ill people receiving treatment is not centrally collected.

  The available information on admission for in-patient care and attendances at out-patient clinics is shown in the table. It is possible for a person to be admitted more than once in one year or to attend an out-patient clinic several times. Central records cannot identify admissions or attendances for one person.

  Up until the end of 1986 information was collected by calendar year. No information is available yet for 1987.

  Durham Health Authority: Menial illness hospitals and units

  1985

  1986

  Admissions to mental illness hospitals and units

  725

  725

  Out patient attendances' (old and new patients) at mental illness clinics

  7,962

  7,652

  1 Clinics conducted anywhere by hospital psychiatric medical staff.

  Geriatric Patients
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many geriatric patients there have been in Sunderland, Durham and Hartlepool health authorities in each of the last three years.

  Mrs. Currie
  The requested information is given in the table:

  Geriatric patients treated in NHS hospitals in the following District Health Authorities

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Sunderland District Health Authority

  In-patient cases treated

  4,721

  5,054

  4,254

  Day cases

  4

  27

  34

  New out-patients

  955

  964

  782

  New Regular day patients

  226

  226

  259

  Total regular day patients

  6,976

  6,823

  7,065

  Durham District Health Authority

  In-patient cases treated

  651

  670

  653

  Day cases

  —

  —

  —

  New out-patients

  154

  125

  121

  New regular day patients

  63

  50

  65

  Total regular day patients

  2,323

  2,042

  2,009

  Hartlepool District Health Authority

  In-patient cases treated

  817

  1,047

  1,326

  Day cases

  —

  —

  —

  New out-patients

  84

  80

  60

  New regular day patients

  224

  190

  218

  Total regular day patients

  6,599

  6,487

  6,211

  Hospital Construction (Spending)
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total spending on the construction of new hospitals in England in each year since 1973.
  891
  Mrs. Currie
  Following is the information available centrally for the years since National Health Service reorganisation (1 April 1974):

  Capital expenditure on new and replacement hospitals and existing hospitals undergoing virtual reconstruction

  £000

  1974–75

  112,855

  1975–76

  139,949

  1976–77

  149,882

  1977–78

  136,840

  1978–79

  124,420

  1979–80

  125,615

  1980–81

  170,001

  1981–82

  209,444

  1982–83

  198,318

  1983–84

  184,113

  1984–85

  191,557

  1985–86

  224,896

  1986–87

  245,094

  Area

  1987 Electorate

  Average Electorate per Constituency

  Number

  Percentage difference from national average

  England

  36,393,203

  69,585

  Isle of Wight

  99,760

  99,760

  43·4

  Wiltshire

  418,708

  83,742

  20·3

  Gloucestershire

  404,523

  80,905

  16·3

  Dudley

  238,017

  79,339

  14·0

  Solihull

  158,291

  79,146

  13·7

  Cambridgeshire

  474,083

  79,014

  13·6

  West Sussex

  552,766

  78,967

  13·5

  Haringey

  157,835

  78,918

  13·4

  Berkshire

  550,173

  78,596

  12·9

  Harrow

  156,613

  78,307

  12·5

  Suffolk

  469,349

  78,225

  12·4

  Hampshire

  1,171,949

  78,130

  12·3

  North Yorkshire

  542,206

  77,458

  11·3

  Hounslow

  154,370

  77,185

  10·9

  Sunderland

  231,086

  77,029

  10·7

  Buckinghamshire

  461,401

  76,900

  10·5

  Bedfordshire

  383,437

  76,687

  10·2

  Sefton

  229,968

  76,656

  10·2

  North Tyneside

  152,645

  76,323

  9·7

  Hertfordshire

  753,542

  75,354

  8·3

  Shropshire

  300,615

  75,154

  8·0

  Warwickshire

  374,484

  74,897

  7·6

  Calderdale

  148,439

  74,220

  6·7

  Leicestershire

  667,016

  74,113

  6·5

  Essex

  1,181,599

  73,850

  6·1

  Cheshire

  734,959

  73,496

  5·6

  Humberside

  661,392

  73,488

  5·6

  Doncaster

  219,863

  73,283

  5·3

  Dorset

  512,764

  73,252

  5·3

  Avon

  730,224

  73,022

  4·9

  Surrey

  802,181

  72,926

  4·8

  Hereford and Worcester

  510,121

  72,874

  4·7

  Kent

  1,092,732

  72,849

  4·7

  Lincolnshire

  506,890

  72,413

  4·1

  Staffordshire

  791,913

  71,992

  3·5

  Ealing

  215,596

  71,865

  3·3

  Kirklees

  285,476

  71,369

  2·6

  Norfolk

  569,401

  71,175

  2·3

  Wigan

  234,836

  71,162

  2·3

  Cornwall and Isle of Scilly

  355,134

  71,027

  2·1

  St· Helens

  141,878

  70,939

  1·9

  Derbyshire

  850,236

  70,853

  1·8

  Nottinghamshire

  776,815

  70,620

  1·5

  Somerset

  352,302

  70,460

  1·3

  Cleveland

  422,661

  70,444

  1·2

  Northamptonshire

  422,587

  70,431

  1·2

  Sheffield

  421,939

  70,323

  1·1

  Devon

  771,876

  70,171

  0·8

  892
  Source: Annual summarised accounts of health authorities in England.

  These figures do not take account of capital investment in smaller health building schemes in connection with the upgrading and refurbishment of existing hospitals. National Health Service capital expenditure has increased in real terms in each year since 1979.

  Electorates
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the shire counties, London boroughs and metropolitan boroughs in England in ranking order according to the degree by which their electorates vary from the nationally averaged electorate appropriate to the number of parliamentary constituencies within them.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information requested is as follows:
  893

  Area

  1987 Electorate

  Average Electorate per Constituency

  Number

  Percentage difference from national average

  Bradford

  346,000

  69,200

  -0·6

  Hackney

  138,190

  69,096

  -0·7

  Oxfordshire

  412,914

  68,819

  -1·1

  Enfield

  204,166

  68,055

  -2·2

  Bury

  134,615

  67,308

  -3·3

  Camden

  134,493

  67,247

  -3·4

  Sutton

  134,365

  67,183

  -3·5

  Durham

  468,998

  67,000

  -3·7

  Stockport

  227,629

  66,950

  -3·8

  Walsall

  199,949

  66,650

  -4·2

  Lancashire

  1,065,58

  66,599

  -4·3

  Wandsworth

  199,718

  66,573

  -4·3

  Salford

  179,445

  66,461

  -4·5

  Bolton

  197,674

  65,891

  -5·3

  Gateshead

  163,884

  65,554

  -5·8

  Leeds

  542,913

  65,411

  -6·0

  Wirral

  261,547

  65,387

  -6·0

  Rotherham

  194,250

  64,750

  -6·9

  Wakefield

  238,699

  64,513

  -7·3

  Rochdale

  154,025

  64,177

  -7·8

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  224,530

  64,151

  -7·8

  Tameside

  166,589

  64,073

  -7·9

  Trafford

  172,743

  63,979

  -8-1

  Oldham

  165,901

  63,808

  -8·3

  Merton

  127,576

  63,788

  -8·3

  Cumbria

  381,759

  63,627

  -8·6

  Wolverhampton

  189,944

  63,315

  -9·0

  Manchester

  334,959

  63,200

  -9·2

  Brent

  188,259

  62,753

  -9·8

  Birmingham

  752,719

  62,727

  -9·9

  Liverpool

  375,803

  62,634

  -10·0

  South Tyneside

  124,966

  62,483

  -10·2

  Havering

  186,926

  62,309

  -10·5

  East Sussex

  555,401

  61,711

  -11·3

  Lambeth

  184,464

  61,488

  -11·6

  Croydon

  243,150

  60,788

  -12·6

  Lewisham

  182,279

  60,760

  -12·7

  Richmond upon Thame

  120,477

  60,239

  -13-4

  Coventry

  240,834

  60,209

  -13·5

  Knowsley

  120,039

  60,020

  -13-7

  Hillingdon

  179,744

  59,915

  -13·9

  Redbridge

  178,401

  59,467

  -14·5

  Bromley

  237,293

  59,323

  -14·7

  Northumberland

  235,174

  58,794

  -15·5

  Islington

  117,496

  58,748

  -15·6

  Cities of London and Westminster

  117,157

  58,579

  -15·8

  Sandwell

  233,303

  58,326

  -16·2

  Tower Hamlets

  115,487

  57,744

  -17·0

  Barnsley

  172,600

  57,533

  -17·3

  Barnet

  230,055

  57,514

  -17·3

  Southwark

  172,186

  57,395

  -17·5

  Barking and Dagenham

  114,486

  57,243

  -17·7

  Bexle

  171,654

  57,218

  -17·8

  Waltham Forest

  164,902

  54,967

  -21·0

  Greenwich

  164,657

  54,886

  -21·1

  Newham

  160,106

  53,369

  -23·3

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  103,464

  51,732

  -25·7

  Kingston upon Thames

  101,253

  50,627

  -27·2

  Kensington and Chelsea

  98,201

  49,100

  -29·4

  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Service if he will list the 30 English non-metropolitan districts which have the greatest 894
  percentage growth in their electorate since 1982; and what has been the percentage growth and actual figures in each case.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information requested is as follows:
  895

  Total electors

  Non-Metropolitan County District (ranked by percentage growth)

  1982 Register

  1987 Register

  Difference

  Percentage growth

  Milton Keynes

  90,251

  114,252

  24,001

  26·6

  Wokingham

  83,321

  101,633

  18,312

  22·0

  Crawley

  56,283

  66,095

  9,812

  17·4

  East Hertfordshire

  79,942

  89,722

  9,780

  12·2

  Huntingdonshire

  86,175

  96,591

  10,416

  12·1

  Peterborough

  96,370

  107,949

  11,579

  12·0

  Wimborne

  56,060

  62,712

  6,652

  11·9

  Redditch

  48,423

  54,094

  5,671

  11·7

  Selby

  60,434

  67,394

  6,960

  11·5

  Hart

  54,406

  60,260

  5,854

  10·8

  West Oxfordshire

  58,595

  64,822

  6,227

  10·6

  Fareham

  66,633

  73,706

  7,073

  10·6

  Maldon

  36,013

  39,817

  3,804

  10·6

  South Staffordshire

  72,687

  80,324

  7,637

  10·5

  New Forest

  114,752

  126,690

  11,938

  10·4

  Test Valley

  67,263

  74,253

  6,990

  10·4

  South Cambridgeshire

  79,331

  87,571

  8,240

  10·4

  Bracknell

  60,523

  66,764

  6,241

  10·3

  Caradon

  51,991

  57,345

  5,354

  10·3

  Basingstoke and Deane

  95,287

  104,967

  9,680

  10·2

  Thamesdown

  113,080

  124,508

  11,428

  10·1

  East Hampshire

  67,644

  74,463

  6,819

  10·1

  Northampton

  117,467

  129,195

  11,728

  10·0

  Richmondshire

  28,268

  31,067

  2,799

  9·9

  North Cornwall

  50,408

  55,370

  4,962

  9·8

  Daventry

  42,647

  46,786

  4,139

  9·7

  Aylesbury Vale

  96,180

  105,466

  9,286

  9·7

  Lewes

  63,017

  69,080

  6,063

  9·6

  Chelmsford

  105,314

  115,438

  10,124

  9·6

  Northavon

  86,660

  94,872

  8,212

  9·5

  Cold-related Deaths
  Mr Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the numbers by deaths by hypothermia and other cold-related complaints in the Seaham and Peterlee areas of his Department.

  Mrs. Currie
  The number of mentions of hypothermia on death certificates, irrespective of whether or not it was the underlying cause of death, registered for usual residents of Easington county district was one in 1986, which is the latest full year for which data are available.

  Hospital Beds
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department will encourage health authorities to conduct audits of beds available at 12 noon on each day; what information he has as to the likely information to be gained from this; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  No. It is for health authorities to decide how best to monitor available beds each day. I do not consider any useful additional information would be obtained from specifying the time at which this should be done.

  Social Fund Officers
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what grade social fund officers will be given within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  Social fund officers will be employed from existing grades of DHSS staff. They will be staff at the local officer 1 grade, higher executive officer grade and local office managers. The local officer 1 grade is the main 896
  grade at which decisions on applications to the social fund will be made. There will in addition be clerical and administrative support provided by administration officers and administration assistants.

  Genetic Metabolic Diseases
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received on the case for recognition of a supraregional service in genetic metabolic diseases; what is the Government's intention in regard to the funding of the work undertaken at Guy's hospital after next April; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  A number of representations have been made concerning the application for supraregional designation of the services for genetic metabolic diseases at Guy's hospital. An application was considered by the Supraregional Services Advisory Group in 1987. My right hon. Friend accepted the advice of the advisory group that the service did not meet the criteria for supra regional designation.

  A further application for designation of these services will be considered by the advisory group this year.

  The funding of the service continues to be a matter for the health authority.

  Kidney Dialysis
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to make extra funds available for kidney dialysis in 1988–89 in the Birmingham health area; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Decisions on the levels of funding in its seven renal units in the west midlands are a matter for the West Midlands regional health authority. The hon.
  897
  Member may therefore wish to write to the chairman of that authority for further information. For our part we will be allocating some £1·21 billion to the west midlands health region in 1988–89 which represents a 6·7 per cent. increase over the current year.

  Limited List Prescribing
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimates he has made of the savings to his Department by the introduction of the restricted list of medicines that can be prescribed by general practitioners under the National Health Service.

  Mr. Newton
  In 1985–86 the selected list scheme saved £75 million on the drugs bill. It is difficult to make meaningful estimates for subsequent years, but we have no reason to doubt that significant savings continue to be made.

  Oxford Regional Health Authority
  Dr. Glyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the annual administrative cost of the Oxford regional health authority, for the most recent year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Newton
  I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) on 15 December at columns 493–95.

  Leicestershire FPC
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set out in the Official Report in tabular form the resources made available for the last two financial years, and planned for the next financial year, to the Leicestershire family practitioner committee for the discharge of its functions.

  Mr. Newton
  The financial allocations made to cover administration costs incurred by the Leicestershire family practitioner committee were £810,100 in 1986–87 and, to date, £766,500 in 1987–88. The former figure includes nonrecurring expenditure relating to a move to new premises, and the latter reflects the value of efficiency savings after the installation of computer facilities. The family practitioner committee has been informed of our willingness to increase this year's allocation by about £27,000.

  Guardians Ad Litem
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the rate support grant allocated for the current year to Leeds, Calderdale and Bradford was to allow for increased expenditure on guardians ad litem; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Rate support grant is not paid in support of specified individual local authority services. Each authority is free to determine its own priorities between and within services. On provision for guardians ad litem, the position remains as set out in my letter of 1 December 1987 to the chairman of the City of Bradford metropolitan council, a copy of which was sent to the hon. Member.

  Hospitals (Bradford)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the hospitals and services proposed by 898
  Bradford health authority for closure or reduction in the Bradford area; what representations have been made by the authority chairman for increased funding; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Bradford health authority is responsible for managing services in Bradford and I suggest that the hon. Member approach the chairman for details of any planned changes. I have received no representation about funding from the Bradford health authority chairman.

  Special Payments
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, further to the statement made on 18 December 1987 about special payments to certain social security recipients following the discovery of the error in the calculation of the retail price index, what plans he has to compensate people who retire or become widowed between the time the special payments are made, in the first week of February and April 1989.

  Mr. Scott
  In the case of individuals whose benefits become payable after the special payments are made in the first week in February, we have decided not only to compensate those who retire or become widowed, but to make payments to broadly the same additional groups as received the £8/£5 special payments. The only exceptions will be those who have not lost as a result of the error in the retail prices index: married women with retirement pensions based on their husbands' national insurance records, and those people who receive invalid care allowance, severe disablement allowance or the lower rate of attendance allowance.

  Pensioners and others who enter after the first week in February one of the groups covered by the £8 special payments will receive a special payment of £5·50. In respect of mobility allowance, the special payment will be £3. We will aim to make these payments as soon as practicable after individuals come on to benefit.

  There will be a cut-off point beyond which individuals entering the affected groups will not be eligible to receive special payments. This point will be the benefit week which ends on 2 October.

  Special arrangements will be made to give extra compensation to severely disabled war and industrially injured pensioners who will lose significantly more than other groups.

  AIDS
  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will respond to the report by the Select Committee on social services problems associated with AIDS.

  Mr. Moore
  I have today presented to the House the Government's observations on the report from the Social Services Committee on problems associated with AIDS. The committee's report provides a valuable focus on the issues raised by HIV infection and AIDS, and the Government's response sets out the strategy which they have adopted to meet the challenge of AIDS.

DEFENCE

  UK-USA (Special Arrangements)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide the dates of all agreements relevant to his Department and United Kingdom forces between the United Kingdom and the United States of America relating to special arrangements.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Member to the lists of bilateral agreements between the United Kingdom and United States Governments in the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and Malling (Mr. Stanley) to the hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Mrs. Clwyd) on 7 May 1987 at columns 532–34, and to my reply to him on 2 December 1987 at column 593 about the special arrangements covering nuclear accident response issues, whose details remain classified.

  Military Uniforms (Unauthorised Supply)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will introduce legislation to provide controls over the unauthorised supply of British armed forces military uniforms by private arms dealers; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what evidence he has of the incidence of the unauthorised supply of British Army uniforms by private arms dealers: and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  National Trust Land
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what response he has received from the National Trust to his request for permission to erect military installations on National Trust land in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The MOD approached the National Trust last year in relation to two projects connected with the upgrading of tracking and safety facilities for the Royal Aircraft Establishment Aberporth range in Cardigan bay. One project requires the provision of a mast and instrumentation system to cover the northern area of the range and, for this purpose, the MOD sought to lease a small area of National Trust land at Mynydd Rhiw. The second project involves the modernisation of a number of existing tracking stations around the bay. The MOD approached the National Trust about improvements to the access to two of these sites which adjoin National Trust land and about safety aspects of a third site. The National Trust turned down the Ministry's proposals just before Christmas and we are now considering this in relation to our plans for the development of the range.

  SS Castillion
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further steps his Department will take to ensure that all explosives are removed from the SS Castillion which sank off Ynys Môn in 1942; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The practicalities of resuming the clearance task later this year are being considered.

  Trident
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his latest estimate for the cost of Trident.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend on 21 January.

  Employment (Suppliers)
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest estimate of those directly and indirectly employed in the United Kingdom providing goods and services to his Department.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The latest figures available are for 1985–86, when it was estimated that 285,000 people were directly and 230,000 indirectly employed in United Kingdom industry providing goods and services to the Ministry of Defence. Estimates for 1986–87 should be available in the next two months.

  Nerve Cases
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what complaints or representations he has received from service men or women or their representatives about ill effects following the testing of nerve gases or other chemicals upon them; whether any compensation has been paid or is being considered; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  In the last 10 years there have been 15 inquiries from service men or women or their representatives concerning the testing of nerve gases or other chemicals upon them, none of which have resulted in any claims being made.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the recent non-stop flight from Britain to the Falkland Islands.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  As part of an operational training exercise, an RAF VC1O flew non-stop from RAF Brize Norton to the Falkland Islands, leaving on 19 December 1987, and then returned non-stop. The aircraft was air-to-air refuelled both southbound and northbound. The direct operating cost was £140,000, all of which fell within the budget for the agreed flying activity levels for the RAF.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research his Department has carried out into verification of chemical weaponry.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Research is carried out at the chemical defence establishment into the detection and identification of chemical warfare agents. This work is part of the United Kingdom's programme to provide effective measures of protection for United Kingdom forces, and is also relevant to the development of methods and procedures to provide effective verification of a CW ban. In addition, the United Kingdom has contributed significantly to the thinking of the conference on disarmament on verification, for example, in the development of the concept of challenge inspection.

  NATO Nuclear Planning Group
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what matters he intends to raise at the next North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nuclear planning group meeting.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It would not be approprate for me to say; the details of nuclear planning group discussions are confidential.

  China
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to meet his counterpart from the People's Republic of China; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  ; Defence relations between the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China are good. My right hon. Friend does not, however, have any immediate plans to meet Mr. Zhang Aiping.

  Low-Flying Aircraft
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities are provided to United States Army helicopter units based in the Federal Republic of Germany to conduct low-level pilot qualification exercises in the United Kingdom; on how many occasions such facilities have been utilised; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The United Kingdom provides facilities for training by helicopter aircrew of the United States in a variety of ways, including, on occasion, the use of the United Kingdom low-flying system for training purposes by aircrew based in the Federal Republic of Germany. Detailed records of such usage are not maintained, but my Department is not aware of any occasion during 1987 when such usage included low-level pilot qualification exercises.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what procedures exist to permit military aircrew to report their own breaches of low-flying regulations to the relevant authorities;

  (2) how many breaches of low-flying regulations were reported to the relevant authorities by the aircrew involved in 1986 and 1987.

  Mr. Freeman
  It is standard procedure for aircrew to debrief, normally to their authorising officer, on all aspects of a training sortie in order to confirm that the requirements of a sortie have been met. The debrief provides the opportunity for the aircrew to report any difficulties encountered during the sortie, including breaches of low-flying regulations. If a breach of the regulations were sufficiently serious it would be reported to relevant authorities, otherwise the matter would be dealt with at station level. Central records of breaches reported during the debrief sessions are not held.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many confirmed breaches of low flying regulations in each year since 1974 were caused by negligence on the part of aircrew.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information requested cannot be provided without disproportionate effort.

  Holsworthy (Exercises)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what minimum separation distance was authorised for fixed wing aircraft participation in the exercise held in the vicinity of Holsworthy, Devon, on 11 and 12 July 1987;

  (2) what minimum separation distance was authorised for fixed wing aircraft participating in the no light exercise held in the vicinity of Perranporth and Mullion, Cornwall, from 10 to 16 October 1987.

  Mr. Freeman
  The minimum separation distance authorised was 250 ft.

  Tactical Fighter Exercise
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if a tactical fighter meet exercise is to be held in the United Kingdom in the current year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  No such exercise is planned.

  Decimomannu Range, Sardinia
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the minimum height at which Royal Air Force aircraft are permitted to fly over land at the Decimomannu range in Sardinia.

  Mr. Freeman
  RAF aircraft on temporary detachment to Decimomannu in Sardinia for training purposes make use of the air to ground range at Capo della Frasca. It is standard procedure that, in the course of that training, RAF aircraft on the range are not authorised to fly below 85 ft above ground level.

  Copper Flag Exercises
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list Royal Air Force participation in Copper Flag exercises in the United States since 1977, giving the number and type of aircraft involved and dates of the exercise on each occasion.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Royal Air Force has participated once in a Copper Flag exercise, which took place from 14 to 25 July 1986. Eight Phantom aircraft were involved.

  Nuclear Weapon Tests
  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Davyhulme of 18 January, when he received the initial report of the National Radiological Protection Board into the mortality and cancer incidence in the United Kingdom participants in the United Kingdom atmospheric nuclear weapon tests and experimental programmes.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  My hon. Friend is presumably referring to a preliminary draft of the report which the NRPB plans to publish towards the end of this month. This draft was sent to the Department and others in late December for comment on factual accuracy.

  Bates Project
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the contractor providing software for the Bates project has been changed since the contract was originally let in 1981.
  903
  Mr. Sainsbury
  Bates as a project has always been managed on a prime contractor basis with numerous subcontracts for various elements. Marconi Command and Control Systems (MCCS) employed subcontractors on the development of the software. However, since 1985 MCCS has increasingly taken on this work itself.

  RAVC, Melton Mowbray
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether horses in the ownership or control of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps at Melton Mowbray are used for foxhunting purposes.

  Mr. Freeman
  Seven horses held on the strength of the RAVC centre, Melton Mowbray, have been used in fox hunts this season.

  M16 and SA 80 Rifles
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what considerations other than price influence the Government decisions on the procurement of either MI6 or SA 80 rifles.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Whilst price is of major importance in any value-for-money assessment, the Department also makes an analysis in detail of the performance characteristics of alternative weapons against the user's requirements before any decision is taken on a particular purchase.

  DROPS
  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria have been used in the course of demountable rack off-loading pick-up systems/RTE procurements(a) for deciding whether to pursue trial equipments in preference to off-the-shelf equipments and (b) in deciding to whom to permit participation in the second round of procurement trials; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: Following the initial DROPS evaluation trials in 1984–85, it was decided that the Department's production requirement for DROPS RTE equipment should be the subject of a full open competition to determine best value for money. As a consequence, the contract was awarded to Arbau Klaus in November 1987. Further RTE trials will be limited to pre-production evaluation and validation.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what respective numbers of the two types of demountable rack off-loading pick-up system trailer are now envisaged; what factors persuaded him of the advantages of a proliferation of types; to what extent the latter procurement is(a) to meet a new requirement not foreseen in 1982 and (b) to fulfil a role the previously selected trailers have proved unable to fulfil by virtue of not being manoeuvrable or operable by one man; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what recent announcements he has made to industry on forthcoming competition for a further substantial procurement of demountable rack off-loading pick-up system trailers; what will the relationship of such
  904
  procurement be to the original 1982 demountable rack off-loading pick-up low mobility requirements in respect of manoeuvrability and one-man operation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: As a result of the 1982–83 DROPS competition and subsequent trials, an order is already in hand to provide 295 trailers for the low mobility roles and requirements for DROPS operation in rear zones. A requirement for some 209 trailers has since been identified for the improved low mobility roles specific to DROPS support of the multi-launch rocket system. In addition to their timings the trailer requirements are distinct in calling for equipment of significantly different performance characteristics. No question of proliferation thus arises. The MLRS requirements were announced in the "Contracts Bulletin" on 28 October 1987 and were presented to interested firms at a conference on 29 November 1987. Tender invitations are now in the process of preparation.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which companies and equipment were selected in 1983 for rail transfer equipment trials following the original demountable rack off-loading pick-up system/ CLOTS submissions from industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: Ralph Blatchford and Co Ltd and EKA Ltd.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the off-the-shelf German rail transfer equipment now ordered meets the original specification published in the 1982 demountable rack off-loading pickup system/CLOTS tender documents; whether he has changed the specifications required; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: The original performance requirements specified have not changed in significant regards although the engineering specifications for the supply of equipment are now more refined and detailed. The ordered equipments meet all essential requirements other than in regard to minimum clearance of overhead power cables and full ability to operate at different step heights.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money has been spent on equipment, development and trials of the aborted design of rail transfer equipment for demountable rack off-loading pickup systems; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: Costs of providing and supporting RTE equipment for the 1984–85 DROPS trials were some £500,000. Trials costs cannot be separately identified.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decision he has reached on further use of the rail transfer equipment for demountable rack off-loading pick-up system flatracks selected in 1983 for trials; what consideration is being given to off-the-shelf German equipment used by the Army for concept trials in 1979–80; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No final decision has been reached on the further use or disposal of the RTE trials equipment
  905
  evaluated in 1984–85. The Department is currently giving no procurement consideration to German equipment used in concept trials in 1979–80.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what estimate he has made of the likely costs resulting from the failure of the medium mobility demountable rack off-loading pick-up system truck to meet its specifications; and by whom these costs will ultimately be borne; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what effect the problems of the medium mobility demountable rack off-loading pick-up system truck will have on the in-service date of this equipment; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if redesign will be required to remedy serious instability of the medium mobility demountable rack off-loading pick-up system truck; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) if he will make a statement on the failure of trials involving a cross-country demountable rack off-loading pick-up system truck turning over on hard level ground; whether any injuries resulted from this failure; and if he will make a statement;

  (5) if he will provide further details on the failure of the demountable rack off-loading pick-up systems truck during trials at the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: In the course of handling trials on 17 November at RARDE Chertsey a fully loaded medium mobility DROPS pre-production validation vehicle toppled over on to its side whilst executing a figure of eight manoeuvre on the slip bed, causing slight leg injuries to its civilian driver. The vehicle is one of 12 medium mobility and seven improved mobility vehicles commissioned for the trials: three medium mobility vehicles had previously completed the manoeuvre without mishap. Further examinations by the Department's project and engineering staff in association with the main contractor for the vehicles have indicated that the incident resulted from the fitting of a larger pattern of road wheel to provide enhanced off-road mobility in the vehicle for validation purposes.

  In the normal way the trials experience is to result in a number of detailed modifications involving the fitting of smaller wheels and other minor engineering changes. Accurate estimates are not yet available but the Department's modification costs are not expected to be substantial and will be contained within the approved programme limits. Major redesign work will not be involved and the vehicles are continuing to undergo their validation trials. The incident is not expected to have any major adverse affect upon the continuation of the DROPS programme or the in-service date of the vehicles.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the closure of Scamell's plant at Watford and the departure of Multilift's chief design engineer, he is satisfied that sufficient design expertise will continue to be available to ensure that the redesign of the demountable rack off-loading pick-up system trucks will be successful; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: There is no requirement to redesign DROPS equipment. Therefore, the question does not arise.
  906
  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what lessons have been learnt from the procurement of DROPS; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: DROPS procurement is still proceeding and will not be complete for some years. None the less the programme has demonstrated how the widest possible competitive approach to industry based upon a performance specification can achieve real value for money solutions and at the same time avoid unnecessary research and development costs for the taxpayer. It has also demonstrated the importance of full internal recording of all procurement assessment considerations and processes.

TRANSPORT

  A20 (Improvements)
  Mr. Higgins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria were used in deciding to impose a 50 mph speed limit on the latest major A20 road improvements; and what discussions he has had with the police regarding the resources necessary to enforce this.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The first two kilometres of the recently completed improvement to the A20 Sidcup bypass have a speed limit of 70 mph. The 50 mph speed limit on the urban section of the bypass was imposed to increase safety through the interchanges at Crittal's corner and Frognall corner and to reduce the speed of traffic approaching the sharp bend at Kemnal corner which has a speed limit of 40 mph.

  Discussions were held with the police before the speed limits were imposed. I understand that they have the necessary resources to enforce them.

  Motorways (Hunting)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if, pursuant to his answer of 14 January,Official Report, column 360, relating to hunting adjacent to motorways, he has received any response from the Fox Hounds Association; and if he will place relevant papers in the Library.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No.

  Early-morning Flight
  Mr. Higgins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what aircraft passed over central London at 5.25 am on Sunday 17 January en route for Heathrow; at what height it was flying; what was the maximum height at which it could have flown while still landing at Heathrow safely; and if he will, following his review of aircraft noise, ban such flights in future.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The aircraft was a Gulf Air Tristar.

  I shall draw the request for height information to the attention of the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority and I shall ask him to write to my right hon. Friend.

  We are still considering the responses to the proposals for future night restrictions at Heathrow which my noble Friend has discussed with the right hon. Member. Our consultation document made it clear that we do not propose to ban flights arriving at Heathrow at this hour, but we shall continue to restrict the total numbers of night movements.

  Park and Ride (Cambridge)
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will indicate the grounds on which his Department has refused to accept for transport supplementary grant in 1988–89 the Cambridge park and ride scheme proposed by Cambridgeshire county council and Cambridge city council; what alternative proposals for relieving congestion will attract support from his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  TSG is intended to support capital improvements and traffic management measures on local roads which carry substantial flows of longer distance through traffic. The benefits from a park-and-ride scheme would be local in character. The scheme did not satisfy the criteria for TSG which are set out in the Department's circular 1/87; there is a copy in the Library. The responsibility for relieving local congestion rests with the local authorities to whom rate support grant is available.

  New Railway Stations
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has about plans to open new railway stations in Scotland in 1988, 1989, and 1990; and at what locations.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I understand that British Rail is planning to open new stations at Musselburgh in 1988 or 1989, and at Wallyford in 1989.

  It is also considering the recommendation of the Strathclyde rail review about stations on the rail network managed by Strathclyde passenger transport executive.

  Rail Crash, Colwich (Report)
  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he now expects to publish his inspector's report on the rail crash which occurred at Colwich, Staffordshire, in September 1986; what is the reason for the delay; and what steps officials of his Department have taken to inform the widow of the train driver killed in the crash of the date of publication.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The report on the inquiry into the collision between two express passenger trains at Colwich junction is in its final draft stage and will be published with the minimum delay as soon as essential consultations have been completed. The delay in publication is due to the extensive technical investigations that have to be carried out. The widow's son and her solicitor have been kept informed as to the progress of the report. The family will he informed in advance of the date of publication and arrangements have been made to send them a copy of the report.

  School Transport
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department holds on the incidence of injuries to, and deaths of children being conveyed in vehicles to or from school.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The number of deaths, serious injuries and slight injuries to children conveyed in vehicles to or from school is given in the table.
  908

  Child casualties in vehicles including family cars travelling to or from school: by severity: Great Britain: 1982 to 1986.

  Year

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  All

  1982

  10

  168

  1,195

  1,373

  1983

  3

  142

  1,092

  1,237

  1984

  6

  184

  1,322

  1,512

  1985

  5

  157

  1,327

  1,489

  1986

  7

  129

  1,372

  1,508

  Cannibalised Cars
  Mr. Ted Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in discussions with local authorities to extend the protection of the public from the sale of cannibalised cars; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Corporate and Consumer Affairs and I discussed the sale of unroadworthy cars with the Director General of Fair Trading, local authority, motor trade and consumer organisations on 15 December 1987. We are working with the Office of Fair Trading and the other organisations on the possible extension of trading standards officers' powers to inspect cars on garage forecourts. The repair of accident-damaged cars has been considered by a working party set up by the Association of Chief Police Officers, whose report I look forward to seeing. Buyers of secondhand cars would be well advised to arrange a pre-sale inspection.

  Nuclear Material (Transport)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the ACTRAM committee of the International Atomic Energy Agency on nuclear material transport and security with regard to the obligations discharged by his Department.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  ACTRAM is an independent body appointed to advise the Secretary of State for Transport and the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission on major issues relating to the safe transport of radioactive materials. It has no connection with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

  ACTRAM's first report ("Transport of Radioactive Materials for Medical and Industrial Use") was published earlier this month. A copy has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  A second report, dealing with quality assurance and compliance assurance arrangements for the United Kingdom regulations covering the transport of radioactive materials, is expected to be published in the spring.

  Cabotage
  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential implications for the competitiveness of the road transport industry when EEC rules on cabotage come into force in the United Kingdom, with specific reference to the differing safety standards applicable in the road transport and cabotage industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  A recent study on the impact of cabotage carried out by the Polytechnic of Central
  909
  London has shown that there are likely to be more opportunities to be grasped by United Kingdom hauliers when cabotage is carried out under conditions of fair competition than there will be for foreign hauliers.

  Work within the EC is directed at gradually achieving common conditions. There is already agreement on drivers' hours and tachograph recording.

  £ million

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  11984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  11987–48

  Revenue support grant required

  142

  113

  156

  213

  214

  105

  69

  45

  Investment

  DLR net of external contributions

  —

  —

  —

  —

  15

  17

  8

  22

  Other

  190

  203

  162

  204

  192

  212

  241

  248

  Total

  190

  203

  162

  204

  207

  229

  249

  270

  Funded by:

  Capital grant

  179

  186

  161

  200

  151

  244

  240

  194

  Internal resources

  11

  17

  1

  4

  56

  (15)

  9

  76

  1 Fifteen months.

  2 Forecast.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Hedgerows
  Mr. Warren
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on the loss of hedgerows and their value to wildlife and the community.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Hedgerows play an important role in the countryside and provide a wide variety of benefits. In addition to their agricultural role they can form an integral feature of the landscape, provide a valuable habitat for wildlife and, in some cases, be of considerable historical interest. Their value is, however, dependent upon positive action and sympathetic management to keep them in good condition.

  It is my Department's policy to enlist the voluntary co-operation of the farmers and landowners to whom the management of hedgerows necessarily falls. Our Agricultural Development and Advisory Service provides expert advice on hedgerow management, and initial advice for conservation purposes is free of charge.

  A certain amount of hedgerow removal has occurred in recent decades due to changing agricultural circumstances, but we would not condone the unnecessary removal of, or damage to, hedgerows. We no longer grant aid the amalgamation of fields which often involved hedgerow removal. On the contrary, we provide capital grants at very favourable rates for both the laying of hedgerows and the planting of new ones.

  Dead Sheep (Disposal)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library any literature relating to the disposal of dead sheep circulated to farmers in the restricted area of Cumbria between 20 June 1986 and 8 April 1987.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 21 January 1988]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to him on 14 January, at column 376.

  London Regional Transport
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the revenue support for London Regional Transport for each year, in constant terms, from 1980; and what was the investment support for each year from 1980, excluding money, for the docklands light railway.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Capital grants and internal resources used to finance investment are not hypothecated to programmes. The figures requested (at November 1987 prices) are as follows:

EMPLOYMENT

  Skillcentre (Newham)
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects a skillcentre to open in Newham.

  Mr. Cope
  There are no present plans to open a skillcentre in Newham.

  Radiological Protection
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action his Department has taken following interim guidance on revised standards of radiological protection issued by the National Radiological Protection Board in November 1987.

  Mr. Nicholls
  As announced on 18 November 1987, the Health and Safety Commission has set up a working group on ionising radiations which met for the first time on 9 December 1987. The working group will consider the recent guidance from the National Radiological Protection Board as part of its remit and will advise the commission on an appropriate course of action. I am content to await any subsequent recommendations.

  Government Employment Schemes
  Mr. Allen McKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give for each year since 1979 to date the number of persons employed on Government employment schemes.

  Mr. Lee
  Figures for each year since 1979 for the employment measures run by my Department and the Manpower Services Commission on which participants have contracts of employment are as follows:
  911

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987

  YWS13

  —

  —

  —

  174,266

  130,000

  66,182

  66,000

  2,800

  —

  CI2

  8,865

  8,176

  8,985

  8,849

  9,612

  9,532

  9,517

  9,813

  56,909

  STEP/CEP/CP2

  22,400

  18,400

  34,300

  51,645

  134,400

  161,437

  241,159

  307,999

  5189,134

  JSS/JS1

  —

  —

  —

  180

  656

  260

  268

  297

  6451

  NWS1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  37,552

  618,700

  VPP4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  945

  961

  1,282

  1,634

  51,558

  1 Approved applications.

  2 Entrants.

  3 This scheme closed on 31 March 1986.

  4 These are estimated staff employed by sponsors to run projects.

  5 April to November 1987.

  6 April to December 1987.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Allen McKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give for each year from 1979 to date the numbers in employment by, categories, for(a) the

  Employees in employment

  Thousand

  September of each year

  All industries and services

  Agriculture forestry and fishing

  Energy and water supply

  Metal manufacturing and chemicals

  Metal goods, manufacturing and vehicles

  Other manufacturing

  Construction

  Distribution Hotels Catering and Repairs

  Transport and communication

  Banking Insurance and finance

  Other Services

  SIC 1980

  0–9

  0

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  United Kingdom

  1979

  23,262

  403

  724

  1,146

  3,386

  2,742

  1,252

  4,289

  1,490

  1,685

  6,144

  1980

  22,768

  403

  729

  1,048

  3,188

  2,529

  1,237

  4,268

  1,480

  1,754

  6,133

  1981

  21,816

  385

  706

  927

  2,903

  2,350

  1,108

  4,180

  1,421

  1,755

  6,082

  1982

  21,337

  382

  676

  868

  2,697

  2,236

  1,073

  4,114

  1,371

  1,810

  6,108

  1983

  21,182

  377

  642

  814

  2,534

  2,169

  1,061

  4,158

  1,346

  1,910

  6,168

  1984

  21,346

  368

  612

  808

  2,467

  2,162

  1,054

  4,276

  1,347

  2,017

  6,237

  1985

  21,597

  367

  577

  803

  2,433

  2,172

  1,019

  4,371

  1,351

  2,129

  6,373

  1986

  21,676

  355

  529

  781

  2,333

  2,140

  998

  4,425

  1,351

  2,250

  6,515

  1987

  21.978

  349

  498

  780

  2,282

  2,140

  1,026

  4,494

  1,371

  2.386

  6,654

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1979

  2,012

  33

  119

  164

  246

  298

  111

  362

  113

  100

  467

  1980

  1,945

  31

  119

  150

  228

  271

  109

  359

  112

  105

  464

  1981

  1,843

  31

  116

  126

  203

  251

  96

  348

  105

  106

  462

  1982

  1,801

  31

  112

  114

  186

  237

  93

  344

  105

  106

  473

  1983

  1,776

  30

  105

  102

  171

  229

  93

  351

  105

  112

  479

  1984

  1,774

  29

  100

  98

  161

  227

  93

  363

  105

  116

  483

  1985

  1,796

  29

  90

  93

  157

  233

  90

  376

  105

  135

  488

  1986

  1,791

  29

  79

  85

  151

  226

  88

  380

  103

  142

  509

  1987

  1,814

  29

  74

  80

  149

  227

  91

  390

  108

  145

  522

  Information about employment in local areas is available only for years in which censuses of employment are conducted. The available employee estimates for the Barnsley local authority district and the Barnsley, West

  Employees in Employment1

  (Thousands)

  Divisions SIC 1980

  District2Barnsley

  Constituency2 Barnsley West and Penistone

  1981

  1984

  1981

  1984

  All industries and services

  78·5

  73·0

  27·5

  25·5

  0 Agriculture, forestry and fishing

  0·5

  0·5

  n.a.

  0·4

  1 Energy and water supply

  19·1

  16·1

  n.a.

  4·5

  2 Extraction of minerals and ores other than fuels: manufacture of metals mineral products and chemicals

  4·6

  3·7

  n.a.

  1·8

  3 Metal goods, engineering and vehicles

  4·3

  3·1

  n.a.

  1·7

  4 Other manufacturing industries

  10·3

  9·6

  n.a.

  3·3

  5 Construction

  5·4

  4·4

  n.a.

  2·4

  6 Distribution, hotels and catering; repairs

  11·0

  10·6

  n.a.

  4·4

  912
  United Kingdom, as a whole, (b) Yorkshire and Humberside, (c) Barnsley metropolitan council area and (d) Barnsley, West and Penistone constituency.

  Mr. Lee
  The available information is as follows:

  and Penistone constituency, taken from the September 1981 and September 1984 censuses of employment, is as follows:
  913

  Divisions SIC 1980

  District2 Barnsley

  Constituency2 Barnsley West and Penistone

  1981

  1984

  1981

  1984

  7 Transport and communication

  3·2

  3·5

  n.a.

  1·4

  8 Banking, finance, insurance, business services and leasing

  2·0

  2·3

  n.a.

  1·0

  9 Other services

  18·1

  19·1

  n.a.

  4·7

  1 The figures exclude the self-employed and members of HM Forces.

  2 The district and constituency are defined in terms of ward boundaries as at 1981. n.a. An industry breakdown for the constituency is not available for 1981.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been(a) the annual percentage change since 1979 in the total (i) employed and (ii) unemployed, and (b) the aggregate percentage change since 1979 to the latest available date in the total (i) employed and (ii) unemployed, in each of the categories of employment listed in tables 1.2 and 1.3 of the Employment Gazette.

  Mr. Cope
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Job Creation
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report the job creating schemes and training help for which companies located in the Blackpool travel-to-work area qualify.

  Mr. Cope
  The Manpower Services Commission administers the following schemes/programmes which are available to companies located in the Blackpool travel-to-work area:

  YTS

  New job training scheme

  Training grants for employers

  National priority skills scheme

  Training for enterprise

  Community programme

  These schemes/programmes have individual qualifying criteria and these would need to be satisfied before companies were able to participate.

  Local employer networks and local collaborative projects also offer employers a chance to influence the provision of training in the area and there is a training access point which may help companies identify appropriate training.

  Departments Cash Limits
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether any changes will be made to his Department's cash limits or running costs limits for 1987–88.

  Mr. Cope
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the neccesary Supplementary Estimates, the following changes will be made. The cash limit on class VII, vote 1, will be increased by £10 million from £1,414,276,000 to £1,424,276,000. This is due to additional expenditure of £15 million on the community programme, on which take-up is running higher than expected, partly offset by 914
  reduced expenditure of £5 million on the job release scheme, where take-up is slightly lower than expected. The net £10 million increase in the cash limit on class VII, vote 1, is more than offest by a reduction of £13,999,000 in the cash limit on class VII, vote 5, (Manpower Services Commission), from £1,949,853,000 to £1,935,854,000, due to lower than expected take-up of the new job training scheme. There is a token £1,000 increase in the DE administration cash limit (class VII, vote 2). Therefore, overall there is a net reduction in DE group cash limits of £3,998,000.

  The Department of Employment's running costs limit on class VII, vote 2, will be reduced by £2,590,000 from £474,347,000 to £471,757,000 and the MSC's running costs limit on class VII, vote 5, will be correspondingly increased by £2,590,000 from £346,543,000 to £349,133,000. This is to adjust for an over-provision on DE's running costs when expenditure for the employment service was transferred from MSC to DE in the Winter Supplementary Estimates. The running costs total for the Department of Employment Group as a whole remains unchanged at £924,159,000.

  Community Programme (Greater London)
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many Manpower Services Commission community programme places were allocated to Greater London in 1987–88 if he will itemise the number of these places managed under the scheme by(a) each local authority, (b) each voluntary sector managing agency and (c) each private sector managing agency; and what are the main categories of beneficiary for each scheme.

  Mr. Lee
  The number of community programme places allocated to the Manpower Services Commission's London region for 1987–88 was 17,330.

  It is not possible to itemise these places by the various managing agencies as requested as this information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the following information is available.

  The total number of community programme projects and authorised places for the London region, analysed by project and sponsor type is as follows. Table 1 gives information about projects, and table 2 authorised places as at 14 October 1987, the latest date for which statistics are available.
  915

  Table 1 Total number of projects by sponsor type MSC London Region

  London

  Total

  Local authority

  Local education authority

  Vohuntary organization

  Nationalised Industries

  Private Sector

  Health Authority

  Government Department

  Other

  Educational Indtitution

  Ex Offenders Organisations

  Churches

  Total

  506

  119

  0

  0

  4

  18

  20

  5

  0

  22

  25

  29

  Environmental

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Building and Landcaping

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Home Insulation

  18

  1

  0

  0

  0

  10

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Research and Surveys

  22

  4

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

  0

  2

  0

  1

  Library

  29

  12

  0

  0

  0

  1

  3

  1

  0

  3

  0

  1

  Youth work

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Voluntary Acts

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Other social services

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cultural

  31

  10

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

  5

  0

  0

  Workshop

  20

  2

  0

  0

  0

  2

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  CP agent MGMT

  55

  13

  0

  0

  0

  2

  2

  1

  0

  2

  7

  5

  Environmental and Landscaping

  41

  17

  0

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Building and Construction

  54

  9

  0

  0

  1

  1

  2

  0

  0

  0

  6

  5

  Archaelogical digs

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Childrens
  services

  29

  6

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  3

  2

  1

  Young peoples services

  55

  10

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  5

  1

  2

  Services for the elderly

  82

  24

  0

  0

  0

  0

  4

  0

  0

  1

  3

  10

  Services for the disabled

  66

  9

  0

  0

  1

  1

  6

  0

  0

  1

  3

  4

  Centres for the unemployed

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Table 1 Total Number of Places by Project Type and Sponsor MSC London Region

  Youth Organisations

  Old Peoples Groups

  Disability Groups

  Ethnic Groups

  Environmental and Conservation Groups

  Other Voluntary Organisations

  Quasi Commercial Body

  Total

  24

  4

  34

  37

  13

  105

  42

  Environmental

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Building and Landscaping

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Home Insulation

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  4

  0

  Research and Surveys

  0

  0

  3

  2

  0

  6

  2

  Library

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  7

  0

  Youth Work

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Voluntary Acts

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Other Social Services

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Cultural

  1

  0

  0

  3

  1

  5

  4

  Workshop

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

  9

  3

  Community Project Agent Management

  3

  0

  1

  4

  0

  10

  4

  Environmental and Landscaping

  0

  0

  2

  1

  8

  8

  2

  Building and Construction

  4

  0

  0

  1

  0

  13

  10

  Archaelogical Diggings

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Childrens Services

  7

  0

  1

  2

  2

  3

  1

  Young Peoples Services

  9

  0

  4

  4

  0

  17

  1

  Services for the Elderly

  0

  3

  0

  15

  0

  14

  8

  Services for the Disabled

  0

  1

  23

  2

  0

  9

  6

  Centres for the Unwmployed

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Table 2 Number of Places by Project Type and Sponsor (Total)

  Churches

  Youth Organisations

  Old Peoples Groups

  Disability Groups

  Ethnic Groups

  Environmental and Conservation Groups

  Other Voluntary Organisations

  Quasi Commercial Body

  Authorised places

  Total

  551

  741

  86

  763

  1,125

  315

  3,243

  1,183

  Environmental

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Building and landscaping

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Home insulation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  96

  158

  —

  Research and surveys

  7

  —

  —

  79

  81

  —

  92

  11

  Library

  20

  —

  —

  —

  40

  —

  114

  —

  Youth work

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Voluntary acts

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other social services

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  18

  Cultural

  —

  81

  —

  —

  85

  31

  216

  78

  Workshop

  —

  —

  —

  —

  89

  —

  301

  208

  916 917

  Churches

  Youth Organisations

  Old Peoples Groups

  Disability Groups

  Ethnic Groups

  Environmental and Conservation Groups

  Other Voluntary Organisations

  Quasi Commercial Body

  CP agent management

  62

  67

  —

  4

  165

  —

  261

  124

  Environmental and landscaping

  —

  —

  —

  114

  28

  157

  347

  28

  Building and construction

  173

  103

  —

  —

  17

  —

  379

  301

  Archaeological digs

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Children's services

  11

  172

  —

  12

  38

  31

  41

  5

  Young people's services

  25

  318

  —

  60

  167

  —

  634

  29

  Services for the elderly

  220

  —

  74

  —

  371

  —

  460

  273

  Services for the disabled

  33

  —

  12

  494

  44

  —

  240

  108

  Centres for the unemployed

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  918