Written Answers of 27 January 1988

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Autistic Children
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many special places are available for autistic children at (i) primary and (ii) secondary level, by region;

  (2) what is the total number of autistic children in maintained schools in England.

  Mr. Dunn
  The information is not available. Since 1983 neither special schools nor the pupils in them have been classified in accordance with categories of handicap.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what provision in (i) spend, and (ii) additional places, was made for schools for the autistic in the capital allowances for local education authorities for 1988–89.

  Mr. Dunn
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave on 18 December 1987 to my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton and Ripon (Mr. Curry) setting out the allocations in respect of prescribed expenditure made to local education authorities for 1988–89. Allocations are unhypothecated and it is up to each authority to decide how to use the resources available.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will increase Government grants to research councils to allow them to upgrade grants paid to postgraduate students sufficiently to compensate for liability for the community c harge when this is introduced in 1989 and 1990.

  Mr. Jackson
  This is one of the factors that will be considered when the science budget is reviewed during the course of the 1988 public expenditure survey.

  Common Seals (Scotland)
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent discussions his Department has had with the Natural Environment Research Council regarding the survey of common seals on the west coast of Scotland and the islands of Scotland in relation to the growth of numbers of salmonid fish farms; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  None. The Natural Environment Research Council, through its responsibilities under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, provides my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Home Department and Scotland with estimates of seal populations.

  Student Awards
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many students from England to whom covenants are made and who are also entitled, after means testing, to a full university or further education award, currently have a deduction made from their awards relative to the amount of the covenant;

  (2) how many students from Wales to whom covenants are made and who are also entitled, after means testing, to a full university or further education award, currently have a deduction made from their awards relative to the amount of the covenant.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information requested is not available.

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

  Mr. Jackson
  [pursuant to his reply,18 January 1988, c. 461]: I regret that an error was included in my answer. The £11·5 million spent on collaborative research into studies of the interface between computers and human operators referred to the total under the Alvey programme, and not solely to expenditure by the Science and Engineering Research Council as my answer implied.

WALES

  Sheep
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to ensure that no change which discriminates against those mountain sheep which do not normally bring lambs until they are two years old is made in the definition of those sheep which are eligible for premium payments under the proposals of the European Community for a single market by 1992; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The redefinition of an eligible ewe for the sheep annual premium scheme is one of a number of proposals which the Commission has put forward in its review of the sheepmeat regime. However, details of administrative and control procedures, which are important considerations in assessing whether a new definition would be beneficial or workable, are still awaited. Accordingly, no detailed assessment can yet be made of the Commission's proposal.

ENVIRONMENT

  Hinkley Point A Power Station
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the relative ranking of Hinkley Point A as a polluter of the aquatic environment by the standards of European nuclear power stations; what proposals he has substantially to reduce this pollution; and if he will make a statement.
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  Mr. Moynihan
  I refer the hon. Member to the ninth annual report on the activities of the Paris Commission from June 1986 to June 1987. I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Storm Damage
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will widen the remit of the Countryside Commission in disbursing grant for replanting trees following the October 1987 hurricane to include the clearance of fallen trees, remedial survey to damaged standing trees, assistance with timber marketing and surveys of overall damage to trees; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what representations he has received about the desirability of dedicating a substantial proportion of the grant, to be administered by the Countryside Commission, towards the cost of a tree-planting programme following the October 1987 hurricane, to remedial tree surgery, a damage survey, public information and future planting; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) what representations he has received about the necessity for grants towards the cost of clearance and disposal of fallen timber prior to tree planting following the October 1987 hurricane; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  We are carefully considering the need for a programme of assistance in the long term, and we shall take into account various representations which have been received about the scope and nature of the assistance required.

  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate his Department made of the cost per acre of clearing and disposing of fallen timber prior to allocating a grant of £2·7 million to be administered by the Countryside Commission towards the cost of a tree-planting programme following the October 1987 hurricane.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The purpose in making assistance immediately available through the Countryside Commission for tree planting was to assist in replacing the maximum practicable number of trees during the current planting season. The general principle is that clearance is the responsibility of the individual owner and the costs of clearing and disposing of fallen timber were not therefore directly relevant.

  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much the Countryside Commission has provided for tree planting in each county since the October 1987 hurricane; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The Countryside Commission has allocated the following sums for tree planting to the counties affected by the storm of 16 October:

  County

  £000

  Bedfordshire

  3

  Berkshire

  93

  Buckinghamshire

  20

  Cambridgeshire

  21

  Dorset

  9

  East Sussex

  293

  Essex

  151

  Hampshire

  204

  236

  County

  £000

  Hertfordshire

  33

  Isle of Wight

  55

  Kent

  350

  Norfolk

  34

  Oxfordshire

  6

  Suffolk

  139

  Surrey

  56

  West Sussex

  141

  Greater London

  800

  These figures do not include amounts previously committed under the commission's existing schemes of aid for tree planting. Nor do they include allocations to be made from the further £250,000 for 1987–88 which the Government announced on 21 January, or amounts made available to certain trusts and other bodies which own land in more than one county.

  London Docklands Development Corporation
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the London Docklands development corporation has any plans for affordable rented accommodation to attract teachers to docklands.

  Mr. Trippier
  LDDC is currently considering whether certain categories of employee, including teachers, should receive priority in the allocation of rented homes built on corporation sites.

  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much the London Docklands development corporation has spent on advertising in each year of its existence.

  Mr. Trippier
  Details of the corporation's expenditure on promotion and publicity are given in its annual reports and accounts, copies of which are placed in the Library.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the cost of housing homeless families in(a) Vale Royal and (b) Chester in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Information on the cost to individual authorities of accommodating homeless households other than in council dwellings is included in the series of annual publications by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy "Homelessness Statistics, Actuals". Copies are in the Library.

  Bed-and-breakfast Accommodation
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average weekly cost to local authorities of keeping a person in bed-and-breakfast accommodation.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 21 January, at column 826.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the leader of Wandsworth council on the number of empty council properties in the borough, in the light of the numbers on the housing waiting list or living in bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
  237
  Mr. Waldegrave
  Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have had any such discussions.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people were in bed-and-breakfast accommodation in each of the 32 London boroughs on 31 October 1987.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Information is available in the publication "Local authorities' action under the homelessness provisions of the 1985 Housing Act: England. Results for third quarter 1987. Supplementary tables", which is in the Library. It contains for each authority responding the number of households in bed-and-breakfast accommodation at the end of September 1987. The information is available only for the last day of each quarter.

  Hedgerows
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many miles of hedgerow have been lost in Staffordshire through changing agricultural practices; and whether he has any plans to enable local authorities to introduce statutory controls to be applied to the removal of hedgerows.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The surveys so far completed have not provided information at the county level. On the national position, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Ceredigion and Pembroke, North (Mr. Howells) on 13 January, at column 271.

  It would be inappropriate to impose statutory controls on the removal of hedgerows. They need regular management, so the emphasis on conserving them must be on enlisting the voluntary co-operation of farmers and landowners. Grants are available from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Countryside Commission or the Nature Conservancy Council, depending on the circumstances.

  Football Clubs (Membership)
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with Football League clubs about their membership schemes.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Most league clubs have now either achieved the initial target of 50 per cent. coverage for their membership schemes agreed between the Government and the football authorities or have been advised by their local police that the present configuration of their grounds would make it dangerous for them to go beyond the level they have already reached. The president of the Football League and I will be holding meetings with the six clubs which have not done so on 4 February and 21 March. They are Wimbledon, Fulham, Southampton, Barnsley, Wrexham and Darlington.

  Since my last meeting with the Football League on this subject, three further clubs, Chelsea, Scarborough and Tranmere, have received clear advice from their local police forces against extending their membership schemes. The league and the Association of Chief Police Officers have agreed with me that these clubs should not be invited to our meetings.

  London Residuary Body
  Mr. Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to lay before Parliament the 1986–87 annual report and statement of accounts of the London Residuary Body; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The 1986–87 "Annual Report and Statement of Accounts of the London Residuary Body" were laid before Parliament today. A copy of the Secretary of State's direction under section 78(2) of the Local Government Act 1985 as to the content and structure of the accounts has been placed in the Library of the House.

  The LRB's report shows good progress by the board members and staff in discharging the functions inherited from the Greater London council at abolition. It complements the equally encouraging 1986–87 annual report and accounts of the six metropolitan residuary bodies which were published on 25 November 1987.

  During the first year after abolition the LRB reduced its staff numbers by 468. These totals will continue to fall as the LRB's functions are discharged or transferred to successor bodies.

  LRB's progress in identifying and disposing of a mass of surplus land and property accumulated by the GLC has already been substantial. Of the total £90 million capital receipts generated in 1986–87, over £69 million was attributable to property disposal. These significant receipts enabled LRB to distribute to the London boroughs £32 million of capital money in addition to £89 million of revenue balances left by the GLC. Taken together these cash refunds represent good news for the ratepayers of London who had previously financed the GLC.

  Toxic Waste
  Sir Bernard Braine
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to prevent toxic waste originating from outside the European Community being reshipped for disposal to the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Toxic waste originating outside the Community which is reshipped by another member state for disposal in the United Kingdom will be subject to the EC directive on transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste, which we expect to implement later this year. Shipments will need to be notified in advance to the disposal authority for the area containing the prospective disposal facility. There will be a power to object to shipments whose disposal would be contrary to United Kingdom law for the protection of the environment and human health.

  Sir Bernard Braine
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what control is exercised to ensure that imported toxic waste is not dumped in Essex and other counties because of their close proximity to continental ports; and whether he will order a review of waste disposal practices to ensure protection of the environment.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Imported waste, which is subject to the same control as indigenous waste, is disposed of at facilities in various parts of the country. All such facilities must be licensed by waste disposal authorities to ensure that disposal does not damage public health, water supplies or is detrimental to local amenities.
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  Waste disposal practices are reviewed continually and my Department publishes waste management papers giving detailed guidance on best practice, to ensure protection of human health and the environment.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria his Department will recommend using for the purposes of interpreting section 13(7)(6) of the Local Government Finance Bill, for the purpose of establishing if an unmarried couple are living together as husband and wife.

  Mr. Howard
  My right hon. Friend will consider the need for guidance on these matters in due course. Many such couples can be expected to acknowledge that they are living together as husband and wife; some will be receiving rebates on that basis.

  Water Authorities (Membership)
  Mr. Boyes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many(a) local authority councillors and (b) accountants served on each water authority in each year from 1979 to date.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Information about board members appointed since October 1983 is contained in the authorities' annual reports and accounts which are laid before Parliament each year. The reports for the period from 1979 to 1983 list members appointed by local authorities. Information is not readily available about the occupations or qualifications of members in office between 1979 and 1983.

  Industrial Site, London SE2
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what application he has received for urban development grant in respect of the redevelopment of a former industrial site at 1A Eynsham drive, London SE2; how much is involved; and when a decision is likely to be forthcoming.

  Mr. Trippier
  No application has been received for urban development grant, but the Department's UDG appraiser for the London borough of Greenwich has had a recent informal discussion with a developer who is interested in purchasing the site for redevelopment.

  Radioactivity (Monitoring)
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the proposed locations for the 35 stations which will complete the radioactive incident monitoring network.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I refer the hon. Member to the booklet "The National Response Plan and Radioactive Incident Monitoring Network (Rimnet). A Statement of Proposals" the publication of which by Her Majesty's Stationery Office was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on 21 January. This booklet outlines the initial proposals for the monitoring sites although their exact locations have yet to be confirmed. Copies of the booklet have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Rate Support Grant
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has replied to the letter to him of 11 January from the chief executive of Leicestershire county council regarding a reduction of £2·968 million in rate support grant to Leicestershire in 1988–89; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for this reduction.

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 26 January 1988]: The council's letter of 11 January was a representation in response to the Department's consultation proposals for forthcoming supplementary reports for 1983–84, 1984–85 and 1986–87. It has been acknowledged and will be considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State before he makes final decisions on the supplementary reports. Under the consultation proposals, Leicestershire's rate support grant entitlements for the three years would not be reduced, but rather increased by about £600,000 in total. I shall write to my hon. Friend to explain why the council is wrong to assert that its grant is being reduced.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Rudolph Hess
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if following the end of control of Spandau prison by the Allies of the Second World War, he will give the total cost to the United Kingdom taxpayers of the detention there of the late Rudolph Hess.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The costs of Hess's detention were not a charge to the United Kingdom taxpayer. All the costs of the three Western powers (UK, US, France) were borne by the German authorities.

  La Belle Discotheque
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from the British Minister in west Berlin on the progress of police investigations into the bomb outrage at the La Belle Discotheque.

  Mrs. Chalker
  It is not our practice to publish details of reporting from our posts overseas.

  Foreign Affairs Council
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council held on 25 and 26 January.

  Mrs. Chalker
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 25 January.

  The Council discussed the financial situation in the European Community. My right hon. and learned Friend and I made it clear that there could be no overall agreement in the current negotiations without effective control on agricultural production and spending. We drew attention to the dangers in any approach which did not build on the package of measures which Heads of Government had discussed at Copenhagen. These issues will be discussed again at a special meeting of EC Foreign Ministers on 1 and 2 February.
  241
  The Council also discussed preparation for the EC/EFTA ministerial meeting on 2 February; and, meeting in political co-operation, Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the middle east, Afghanistan and East-West relations.

ENERGY

  Electricity
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total annual generation of electricity by standard measure in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) West Germany, (c) France, and (d) Japan, in 1958, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975 and each year from 1979 to 1987.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The total annual generation of electricity in the following countries in the years indicated was:

  TWh

  United Kingdom

  Federal Republic of Germany

  France

  Japan

  1958

  114·6

  97·5

  64·4

  85·4

  1960

  138·5

  120·5

  74·8

  115·5

  1965

  196·2

  172·3

  106·1

  192·1

  1970

  249·1

  242·6

  146·8

  359·5

  1975

  271·9

  300·5

  185·3

  475·6

  1979

  299·8

  372·1

  241·3

  589·6

  1980

  285·3

  368·7

  257·9

  576·3

  1981

  277·7

  368·8

  276·4

  583·2

  1982

  272·7

  366·8

  279·2

  581·3

  1983

  277·4

  373·8

  296·8

  618·3

  1984

  282·4

  394·8

  324·5

  648·6

  1985

  297·5

  408·7

  344·3

  672·1

  11986

  301·1

  407·5

  362·0

  678·5

  1 Estimated.

  Figures on a comparable basis for 1987 are not yet available.

  Sources: OECD and IEA.

  "This Week Next Week"
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will seek to obtain and place in the Library a copy of the transcript of his interview on the "This Week Next Week" programme, broadcast on BBC television on 17 January; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Parkinson
  No. I understand that the Library does obtain transcripts from the broadcasters on behalf of hon. Members.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Insolvency Fees
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he intends to seek any changes in the fees charged in bankruptcy and winding-up proceedings as set out in the Insolvency Fees Order 1986; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maude
  A substantial contribution towards paying the costs of running the insolvency service in my Department is derived from various fees prescribed by the Insolvency Fees Order 1986. These are either of fixed amounts or on a percentage scale.

  Although some of the fixed fees were increased by that order, the product this year has not come up to expectations because there has been a drop in the number
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  of winding-up orders made and a rise in the number of insolvency cases closed where the assets are insufficient to meet the fixed fees charged. The scales of percentage fees which, by their nature, are only chargeable where assets exist, have, in the main, net been increased since 1980.

  In order to provide the necessary funds to finance the work of the insolvency service, the Government intend to increase certain of the percentage fees relating to the performance by the Secretary of State of his general duties under the insolvency legislation and to the purchase of Government securities at the request of liquidators. These fees are identified by numbers 10, 11 and 12 in part 1 of the fees order and fee 13 in part II.

  Fees 10 and 13 are calculated on moneys paid into the insolvency services account in each case where a company is wound up by the court or an individual is made bankrupt, charged on a sliding scale ranging from 10 per cent. on the first £50,000 down to 1 per cent. on any amount in excess of £5 million; these will be increased on a scale from 15 per cent. down to 1·5 per cent.

  Fee 11 is charged, on moneys paid into the account in respect of companies wound up voluntarily, on two scale points of 1·25 per cent. and 0·75 per cent.; these wilt be increased to 1·75 per cent. and 1·25 per cent. The case limit on the total amount payable under this fee will he increased from £7,500 to £12,500. Fee 12 is charged at the rate of 0·375 per cent. on the amount expended at the request of a liquidator on any purchase of Government securities; it will be increased to 0·625 per cent. These fee increases are to be contained in a fees order which will be laid before Parliament shortly. The increases will take effect in February 1988 and are estimated to produce £500,000 in the year to 31 March next and £4 million in a full year.

  The order will also include an increase of £1·15 in fees numbered 7 in part I and numbered 10 in part 11 of the 1986 fees order. These fees are made in respect of the insertion in the London Gazette by the Secretary of State or the Official Receiver or any notice authorised by the Insolvency Act or the rules. The increase represents no more than the additional charge now made by the London Gazette for these advertisements.

  A review of the fee-charging policy and financing of the insolvency service is at present being undertaken by a project team headed by a professional accountant seconded to my Department. The team is expected to report by March 1988 and its findings may lead to further proposals for fee changes.

  Labour Costs
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what were United Kingdom unit labour costs per unit of output in the manufacturing sector, divided by a weighted average of competitors' unit labour costs, both expressed in pound sterling, for 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The index of United Kingdom relative unit labour costs in manufacturing is published in tables F3 and F6 of the "Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics", a copy of which is in the Library. The data are expressed in common currency.

  Manufactures
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the unit volume index of United Kingdom exports of manufactures divided by a weighted average of overseas wholesale prices, both expressed in pound sterling, for 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The available information is in the following table.

  United Kingdom unit value relative to competitors1 Wholesale prices

  Manufactures2 ; 1980 = 100

  Year

  1984

  90·0

  1985

  92·6

  1986

  89·6

  1987 Q1-Q3

  90·0

  Note: 1 United States of America, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Netherlands,

  1985 Current Prices

  United Kingdom

  United States

  Japan

  Germany

  France

  Italy

  Canada

  OECD Europe

  OECD Total

  Gross fixed capital formation

  1. per head ($ thousand/head)

  1·4

  3·1

  3·0

  2·0

  1·7

  1·6

  2·7

  1·4

  2·2

  2. as a proportion of GDP (per cent.)

  17

  19

  28

  20

  19

  21

  20

  19

  20

  Source: OECD.

  Exchange Cover
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, how many applications for tender to contract and forward exchange cover have been received in each thrice-monthly quarter since the scheme was established.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The following table shows the number of applications received each quarter since the introduction of tender to contract and forward exchange cover in August 1977.

  Applications for tender to contract and forward exchange supplement cover

  Quarter ending

  Number of applications

  September 1977

  22

  December 1977

  5

  March 1978

  15

  June 1978

  13

  September 1978

  16

  December 1978

  13

  March 1979

  31

  June 1979

  13

  September 1979

  27

  December 1979

  26

  March 1980

  23

  June 1980

  28

  September 1980

  28

  December 1980

  25

  March 1981

  14

  June 1981

  20

  September 1981

  35

  December 1981

  21

  March 1982

  19

  June 1982

  8

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  Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Finland, Spain.

  2 Standard International Trade Classification Sections 5–8.

  Source: International Monetary Fund.

  Capital Investment
  Mr. Oppenheim
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish the latest figures for capital investment on both a per capita basis and as a percentage of gross national product; and what comparable figures he has for capital investment relating to the other members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The latest figures for the United Kingdom show that gross domestic fixed capital formation amounted to around £1,130 per head of the population in 1986. This is equivalent to 17 per cent. of GDP.

  Comparisons for OECD countries are readily available only for 1985. The table summarises:

  Quarter ending

  Number of applications

  September 1982

  28

  December 1982

  18

  March 1983

  17

  June 1983

  24

  September 1983

  12

  December 1983

  12

  March 1984

  18

  June 1984

  19

  September 1984

  21

  December 1984

  14

  March 1985

  4

  June 1985

  4

  September 1985

  1

  December 1985

  4

  March 1986

  4

  June 1986

  2

  September 1986

  0

  December 1986

  1

  March 1987

  3

  June 1987

  5

  September 1987

  3

  December 1987

  7

  Toys (Lead Content)
  Mr. Brandon-Bravo
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to prevent the continued importation of toys with excessive lead content in their paintwork.

  Mr. Maude
  At present all toys placed on the market in the United Kingdom must comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1974 which include requirements on the maximum level of lead and other substances permitted in paint used in toys. The Consumer Protection Act 1987
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  empowers Customs officers to detain goods at the port of entry for up to two working days to allow enforcement authorities time to make initial inquiries about the safety of goods detained. Trading standards authorities, which enforce the legislation, have the necessary powers to prosecute suppliers in cases of non-compliance.

  The proposed European directive on toy safety will also specify levels for toxic metals which must not be exceeded.

  Wine-Glass Measures
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many representations he has received during the past 12 months on the subject of wine-glass measures.

  Mr. Maude
  Since the beginning of 1987 the Department has received 12 representations about sales of wine by the glass; 10 in respect of enforcement authority surveys, one from the Consumers Association and one from the Restaurateurs Association.

  Copyright, Designs and Patents Bill
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has any plans to seek to amend the Copyright, Designs and Patents Bill to limit or control the amounts paid in royalties by radio broadcasters to record companies or others.

  Mr. Maude
  The Government are considering representations on this issue from independent radio and from the record industry. No decision has yet been taken.

  South Africa
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Hillhead (Mr. Galloway) on Thursday 21 January,Official Report, column 769, he will take urgent steps to collect the information on Scottish exports to and imports from South Africa not available referred to therein.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  No. Scottish trade with South Africa which passes through ports in the rest of the United Kingdom is not separately identified; to collect this information would impose an undue burden on companies.

  National Metrological Co-ordinating Unit (Report)
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to publish the annual report of

  Terms of trade

  Trade in finished manufactures1 2 US $ billion

  UK

  US

  FR Germany3

  Japan3

  UK

  USA

  FR Germany

  Japan

  imports

  exports

  imports

  exports

  imports

  exports

  imports

  exports

  1963

  83

  106

  75

  n/a

  1·8

  6·0

  3·2

  9·8

  2·2

  8·1

  n/a

  n/a

  1964

  84

  107

  75

  n/a

  2·3

  6·1

  3·8

  11·1

  2·6

  9·0

  1·0

  2·9

  1965

  84

  111

  74

  57

  2·5

  6·7

  4·9

  11·6

  3·4

  9·8

  0·9

  3·8

  1966

  88

  111

  72

  61

  2·8

  7·3

  7·1

  13·0

  3·9

  11·1

  1·0

  4·7

  1967

  88

  113

  70

  68

  3·4

  7·2

  8·4

  14·6

  3·8

  11·8

  1·2

  5·4

  1968

  83

  117

  72

  70

  4·0

  7·7

  11·3

  16·6

  4·5

  13·7

  1·5

  6·9

  1969

  84

  119

  71

  80

  4·4

  8·9

  13·9

  18·8

  6·0

  16·2

  1·9

  8·5

  1970

  84

  116

  84

  74

  5·0

  8·7

  16·0

  20·5

  8·3

  19·1

  2·8

  10·4

  1971

  85

  111

  85

  70

  6·0

  4·7

  19·3

  22·2

  10·1

  22·1

  3·0

  13·5

  1972

  89

  105

  88

  78

  7·9

  12·4

  24·3

  24·6

  12·2

  26·6

  3·5

  17·0

  246
  the National Metrological Co-ordinating Unit, as required by section 60(1) of the Weights and Measures Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maude
  The final report of the National Metrological Co-ordinating Unit, covering the period 1 April 1986 to 31 March 1987, has been published today. I have arranged for copies of the report, which includes the audited statement of accounts, to be placed in the Library.

  Investment Management Regulatory Organisation
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if a decision has been reached on whether to give leave for the recognition under the Financial Services Act of the Investment Management Regulatory Organisation.

  Mr. Maude
  In accordance with the procedures laid down in the Financial Services Act, the Director General of Fair Trading has submitted to my right hon. and noble Friend a report on the rules and guidance submitted by IMRO to the SIB. Having considered the director general's report, my right hon. and noble Friend has concluded that, on the basis of the information presently available to him, he does not consider the IMRO rules and guidance have, or are intended or likely to have, to any significant extent the effect of restricting, distorting or preventing competition. He has therefore today given his leave to the SIB for the recognition of IMRO.

  Terms of Trade
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each year since 1958 and the latest available date the terms of trade for finished manufacturing/manufactures for the United Kingdom, the United States of America, West Germany and Japan, together with imports and exports of such manufacturers in terms of dollars.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  [holding answer 22 January 1988]: The available information is in the following table. Data on the terms of trade in finished manufactures are not available for the FRG and Japan. For these two countries information on the terms of trade in machinery and transport equipment (which accounted for 76 per cent. and 85 per cent. respectively of their total trade in finished manufactures) is provided instead.
  247

  Terms of trade

  Trade in finished manufactures1 2 US $ billion

  UK

  US

  FR Germany3

  Japan3

  UK

  USA

  FR Germany

  Japan

  imports

  exports

  imports

  exports

  imports

  exports

  imports

  exports

  1973

  81

  98

  91

  91

  11·4

  14·6

  29·3

  31·8

  15·7

  37·6

  5·1

  22·0

  1974

  82

  91

  92

  99

  13·1

  17·7

  34·2

  43·6

  17·4

  45·1

  6·7

  29·7

  1975

  85

  94

  94

  96

  15·0

  22·4

  33·5

  51·4

  21·6

  49·3

  5·8

  31·8

  1976

  82

  100

  97

  97

  16·2

  22·7

  43·4

  56·1

  25·6

  57·5

  6·5

  42·0

  1977

  86

  100

  98

  100

  20·0

  27·2

  51·4

  58·4

  31·1

  67·2

  7·0

  52·8

  1078

  89

  96

  100

  114

  26·9

  32·6

  70·8

  68·5

  40·0

  79·9

  9·6

  66·0

  1079

  94

  97

  99

  106

  36·1

  38·6

  78·7

  81·6

  49·4

  93·0

  12·5

  66·8

  1980

  100

  100

  100

  100

  41·2

  48·3

  88·7

  99·1

  56·8

  103·4

  13·8

  86·7

  1981

  102

  109

  96

  105

  39·5

  43·6

  99·9

  110·2

  50·6

  94·7

  14·6

  106·3

  1082

  101

  112

  100

  96

  40·4

  40·7

  105·6

  102·6

  48·6

  98·3

  13·6

  96·8

  1983

  101

  107

  99

  91

  42·4

  36·6

  122·5

  97·3

  50·4

  92·8

  14·6

  106·3

  1984

  99

  114

  98

  95

  44·4

  38·1

  168·3

  105·2

  50·9

  93·2

  16·9

  127·3

  1985

  99

  118

  99

  92

  48·1

  42·3

  193·2

  109·7

  54·4

  103·0

  17·4

  134·1

  1986

  102

  117

  107

  105

  58·9

  49·8

  226·0

  112·2

  76·4

  142·2

  21·9

  164·4

  1 Standard International Trade Classification Sections 7 and 8.

  2 Standard International Trade Classification Rev. 1-up to 1977. Rev. 2-from 1978.

  3 Machinery and Transport Equipment.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Mozambique
  Dr. Goodson-Wickes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are being made to establish the special fund for Mozambique, agreed by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Vancouver.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The Commonwealth Secretary-General has written to all Commonwealth Governments requesting contributions to the fund. It will have a target of £10 million and will be administered by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation. I have informed the secretary-general that Britain is prepared to contribute 30 per cent. of the total pledged to the fund, up to a maximum of £3 million. Payment of our contribution will be subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Estimates provision.

  ODA (Funds)
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any change has been agreed in voted provision for the Overseas Development Administration in 1987–88.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the spring Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit for the overseas aid vote (class II, vote 5) will be increased to £1,096,875,000. The change allows for an agreed carryover of aid programme underspending in 1986–87, for part of the cost of the United Kingdom subscription to the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency and for other minor adjustments. Subject to parliamentary approval, the cash limit on the overseas aid administration vote (class II, vote 6) will also be increased to £28,191,000 to meet additional capital expenditure for the development and introduction of computer systems and other costs. The increases do not add to the planned total of public expenditure in 1987–88.

PRIME MINISTER

  Nuclear Materials (Transport)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Prime Minister under whose command it is envisaged that(a) Ministry of Defence police, (b) members of the armed forces on escort and (c) police officers should operate in the event of an accident or other serious incident affecting a nuclear weapons or materials convoy.

  The Prime Minister
  I am not prepared to discuss details of the movement of defence nuclear materials. In the event of an accident or other incident involving such materials any members of Her Majesty's Forces or the Ministry of Defence police assisting at the scene would act in support of the civil police.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prisoners (After Care)
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps have been taken to implement the recommendation of the committee chaired by the director of prison medical services that arrangements should be made for patients in prison to be assessed by National Health Service medical staff prior to planning continuing care and support on release; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what steps have been taken to improve administrative procedures within his Department and the prison service following the report of the working group chaired by the director of prison medical services on the problems presented by mentally disordered offenders in the prison system in England and Wales;

  (3) what measures are being taken following the report of the director of prison medical services on mentally disordered offenders in the prison system in England and Wales to ensure that the courts are fully aware of non-custodial options open to them and of the facilities available in the health system;

  (4) what representations he has received on the report of the director of prison medical services on mentally disordered offenders in the prison system in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
  249
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Government welcomed this report of the inter-departmental working group of officials chaired by the director of prison medical services. As my right hon. Friend announced in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, North (Mr. Thompson) on 30 November 1987 at column 349 the Government accept all 16 recommendations made. The administrative procedures referred to in that answer relate mainly to transfers from prison to hospital. In sending copies of the report to managing medical officers in prison service establishments the director of prison medical services has drawn attention to the recommendation in which they are able to make a contribution, particularly the need for transfer procedures to be initiated promptly when that course is clinically indicated.

  The recommendations aimed at increasing the extent to which mentally disordered offenders are detained other than in prison custody, and advance planning where that is indicated for the release of those who receive prison sentences are to be taken forward in further discussion between Home Office and DHSS officials.

  Copies of the report have also been sent to regional health authorities, chief probation officers and, on request, to a number of other organisations and individuals. We have received no representations on the report. The initial impression gained by officials is that it is recognised as a useful move forward in a difficult area.

  Data Protection
  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the terms of reference of the registrar for data protection; how many complaints the registrar has dealt with for each year since his appointment; and if he will categorise the nature of such complaints.

  Mr. Renton
  The general duties of the Data Protection Registrar are specified in Section 36 of the Data Protection Act 1984.

  In his last report to Parliament dated June 1987, the registrar reported that he had received 225 complaints in the year under review and 60 complaints prior to that. Since the Act came fully into force in November 1987 I am informed by the registrar that the rate at which complaints are being received has increased fourfold. From the end of November 1987 until mid-January 1988, 202 complaints have been received. The registrar broadly described the nature of complaints in his last report, and later complaints are I understand, following a similar pattern.

  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report details of the process he adopts to monitor the Data Protection Act 1984.

  Mr. Renton
  The Data Protection Registrar, who is independent of the Executive, monitors the Data Protection Act 1984 and as required by section 36(5) of the Act, reports directly to Parliament. He holds regular meetings with officials to keep them informed, but my right hon. Friend is also ready to consider any representations put to him on the operation of the Act.

  Wandsworth Prison
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase education facilities for inmates at Wandsworth prison; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  There are no plans to provide additional educational facilities for inmates at Wandsworth prison. Daytime and evening classes are provided in a range of subjects and provision is made for correspondence courses and other types of education which can be pursued individually. Local management will continue to keep education provision under review.

  Prisoners (Statistics)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of(a) men and (b) women who were serving a prison sentence of one month or less in prisons in England and Wales on 31 October 1987.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  From the records held centrally, it is estimated that about 770 males and 40 females were serving sentences of one month or less in prison department establishments in England and Wales on 31 October 1987. These figures include fine defaulters.

  Mr. M. Naylor
  Sir John Farr
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Mr. M. Naylor of Oadby, an officer at Glen Parva young offenders centre, South Wigston, despite completing an application form and paying a cheque for £1,200 on 29 October 1987 in relation to the free standing additional voluntary contribution pension scheme, has to date received no response from his Department.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The application form for a free standing additional voluntary contribution pension scheme completed by Mr. Naylor on 29 October 1987 was forwarded to the Home Department under cover of a letter from his insurance brokers dated 3 November 1987. Detailed information from Her Majesty's Treasury on how Departments should deal with applications for FSAVCs has only recently been received. A reply to Mr. Naylor's brokers will be sent shortly.

  Police (Pay)
  Sir Peter Hordern
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the figures for the pay of police officers, at each rank, both at the basic rate, and at the level of average overtime worked, at 1 June 1979, and at the latest available date showing percentage increases.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Following is the information on basic salaries:
  251

  June 1979

  January 1988

  Percentage increase

  Minimum

  Maximum

  Minimum

  Maximum

  Minimum

  Maximum

  £

  £

  £

  £

  per cent.

  per cent.

  Constable

  3,600

  5,700

  8,352

  13,938

  132

  144·6

  Sergeant

  5,450

  6,250

  13,332

  15,294

  144·6

  144·6

  Inspector

  6,250

  7,440

  15,294

  18,195

  144·6

  144·6

  Chief Inspector

  7,100

  8,235

  17,364

  20,142

  144·6

  144·6

  Superintendent

  9,800

  10,710

  23,622

  25,650

  141

  139·5

  Chief Superintendent

  10,800

  11,775

  26,262

  27,885

  143·2

  136·8

  Assistant Chief Constable

  12,500

  —

  30,960

  —

  147·7

  —

  Deputy Chief Constable

  13,280

  16,400

  32,511

  37,530

  144·8

  128·8

  Chief Constable

  16,600

  20,500

  36,906

  46,914

  122 3

  128·8

  Metropolitan Police

  Commander

  12,725

  —

  30,960

  —

  143·3

  —

  Deputy Assistant Commissioner

  15,500

  —

  35,277

  —

  127·6

  —

  Assistant Commissioner

  19,375

  —

  44,097

  —

  127·6

  —

  Deputy Commissioner

  21,315

  —

  49,983

  —

  134·5

  —

  City of London Police

  Commander

  12,725

  —

  30,960

  —

  143·3

  —

  Assistant Commissioner

  16,000

  —

  37,812

  —

  136·3

  —

  Commissioner

  21,315

  —

  48,507

  —

  127·6

  —

  Figures of average overtime earnings are not collected centrally.

  Radio
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish a White Paper on the future of radio broadcasting before introducing legislation.

  Mr. Renton
  We are considering this possibility.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will detail the regulations under which the new Radio Authority will supervise the ownership of radio stations;

  (2) how many (a) national commercial radio stations, (b) independent local radio stations and (c) community radio stations any one individual or any one company will be able to own or have a controlling interest in;

  (3) whether he will introduce restrictions on the ownership of radio stations by non-British and non-EEC individuals or companies;

  (4) whether he will introduce restrictions on individuals or companies who are licensed to own radio stations with regard to selling, sub-letting or sub-contracting such licences;

  (5) whether individuals or companies granted licences for new radio stations will be allowed to sell, sub-let or sub-contract the use of those frequencies for any other purposes;

  (6) under what regulations the new Radio Authority will operate with regard to (a) the ownership or (b) equity holdings of (i) political parties (ii) local authorities, (iii) statutory bodies, (iv) charitable organisations and (v) any body or organisation in which a political party has an interest.

  Mr. Renton
  Conditions regulating the award, renewal or transfer of radio licences by reasons of the status of prospective applicants or their accumulation of media interests will be included in the legislative proposals which my right hon. Friend will bring before Parliament. We have in mind, for example, provisions disallowing the control of licensed stations by companies registered outside the EC; limiting an individual or company to a financial interest in one national or six other licensed stations; and disallowing any such interest by political 252
  parties and their affiliates and public bodies (while allowing the latter to contribute to projects intended to further a specific purpose of benefit to the community concerned). Subject to such conditions and to the continuing observance of the promise of performance on the basis of which licences were awarded in the first place there will be provision for their reassignment.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will detail the regulations under which(a) national commercial radio, (b) independent local radio and (c) community radio will operate with regard to (i) advertising time per hour, (ii) weekly films and (iii) royalty and copyright payments;

  (2) whether he proposes that under the regulations which will apply to radio stations, it will be permissible to run such stations by computer, without staffing;

  (3) whether the regulations which will apply to (a) national commercial radio, (b) independent local radio and (c) community radio will include requirements to (a) provide news services, (b) provide staff to man such stations or (c) broadcast a minimum number of hours each day of live programmes;

  (4) what powers the new Radio Authority will have to investigate and to ensure that no system of payola operates in United Kingdom radio stations;

  (5) what percentage of programmes: (a) the new national commercial radio stations and (b) independent local radio stations will be required to take from independent producers.

  Mr. Renton
  Under the legislative proposals my right hon. Friend will bring before Parliament it will be for licensed radio stations themselves to determine their own business and programming arrangements consistent with the general law and their licence conditions including those reflecting their promise of performance.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will detail the regulations under which(a) national commercial radio, (b) independent local radio and (c) community radio will operate, with regard to (i) programme balance, (ii) news and current affairs time, (iii) obscenity and (iv) incitement to racial violence or religious intolerance;
  253
  (2) further to his written reply of 19 January, Official Report, columns 647–9, what requirements of accuracy, balance and decency there will be on licences of new radio stations;

  (3) further to his written reply of 19 January, Official Report, columns 647–9, what present constraints in the Broadcasting Act 1981 will not apply to transmission arrangements for new radio stations;

  (4) further to his written answer of 19 January, Official Report, columns 647–9, whether he will list the existing statutory requirements, applied to independent local radio, which will not be applied to the proposed (a) national commercial radio and (b community radio.

  Mr. Renton
  The legislative proposals which my right hon. Friend will bring before Parliament will reflect paragraph 7.7 of our Green Paper "Radio: Choices and Opportunities" (Cm. 92).

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what period of time the radio licences granted by the new Radio Authority will run for(a) national commercial radio, (b) independent local radio and (c) community radio.

  Mr. Renton
  The legislative proposals which my right hon. Friend will bring before Parliament will include provision for the radio authority to award licences for up to eight years.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the relationship between the new Radio Authority and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission will be.

  Mr. Renton
  In the light of responses to our Green Paper we have concluded that radio should continue to fall within the jurisdiction of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what powers and staff will be available to the new Radio Authority to monitor the programmes of new radio stations;

  (2) further to his written reply of 19 January, Official Report, columns 647–9, what sanctions the new Radio Authority will have in the event of new licence holders not living up to their promises to their audiences.

  Mr. Renton
  Provisions relating both to powers and to resources will be included in the legislative proposals which my right hon. Friend will bring before Parliament with a view to enabling the radio authority to enforce the conditions on which it issues licences, thus reflecting paragraphs 7.18–7.19 of our Green Paper.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what limits on transmission power will be imposed by the new Radio Authority on community radio stations.

  Mr. Renton
  Under the legislative proposals my right hon. Friend will bring before Parliament it will be for the radio authority to determine limits on the transmission power of stations it licenses, having regard amongst other things to the size of the area which the station is intended to serve and possible interference to other users of the radio spectrum.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many of the 500 responses he received 254
  to the Green Paper "Radio: Choices and Opportunities" recommended that radio licences should be assigned by competitive tender;

  (2) further to his written answer of 19 January, Official Report, columns 647–9, what system of competitive tendering will be adopted and what steps taken to ensure that such arrangements are open and public;

  (3) further to his written answer of 19 January, Official Report, columns 647–9, who will assign, by competitive tender, the licences for radio stations;

  (4) further to his written answer of 19 January , Official Report, columns 647–9, what powers the new Radio Authority will have to ensure that the national commercial radio station, broadcast programmes that appeal to a variety of tastes and interests and one not limited to a single format.

  Mr. Renton
  The legislative proposals which my right hon. Friend will bring before Parliament will include provision for the Radio Authority to award licences for national radio services by competitive tender, for the procedure to be followed and for the criteria which the Radio Authority will be expected to apply in deciding which applications to entertain for the purposes of tender. No responses to the Green Paper recommended this proposal, and only a small number commented on it.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) further to his written answer of 19 January,Official Report, columns 647–9, what is his definition of community radio;

  (2) further to his written answer of 19 January, Official Report, columns 647–9, what method he will employ to determine the number, scale and type of stations that a local community demands or wishes.

  Mr. Renton
  Under the legislative proposals my right hon. Friend will bring before Parliamemt it will be for the radio authority and not the Home Secretary to consider applications for licences to provide radio services to localities or communities. We do not envisage that under the new scheme there will be any formal distinction between different kinds of radio at the local level.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to his written answer of 19 January,Official Report, columns 647–9, whether he will require the Independent Broadcasting Authority to sell the transmitters that it currently owns.

  Mr. Renton
  We do not intend to require the IBA to sell the radio transmission sites and equipment that it now owns.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to his written answer of 19 January,Official Report, columns 647–9, by what date the BBC will have to (a) determine and (b) reassign two frequencies to independent radio.

  Mr. Renton
  We shall not withdraw frequencies currently assigned to the BBC until after the enactment of the legislative proposals based on the Green Paper which my right hon. Friend will bring before Parliament.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to his written answer of 19 January,Official Report, columns 647–9, whether he will list all those areas which have no radio service other than those provided by the BBC, and how many (a) people and (b) households live in these areas.
  255
  Mr. Renton
  This information is not readily available in the form sought. Those areas which have no radio service other than those provided by the BBC are those which do not receive radio services provided by the IBA since they lie outside the service areas of the ILR programme companies listed in appendix VIII to the annual report of the IBA 1986–87.

  Radioactive Materials (Transport)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Greater Manchester on the command and liaison arrangements in force with(a) armed forces escorts and (b) Ministry of Defence police in relation to the passage through Greater Manchester of nuclear weapons or other radioactive materials.

  Mr. John Patten
  No. It has been the policy of successive Governments not to give details of the movements of defence nuclear materials, but I am satisfied that adequate command and liaison arrangements have been made wherever they may be necessary.

  Voting Rights
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report a table to show his estimate of the number of persons living

  Estimated population of the United Kingdom, 1984–86 average1

  Thousands

  Place of usual residence

  Nationality

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  Northern Ireland

  Total of which:

  46,400

  5,050

  2,779

  1,554

  Irish Republic

  423

  14

  9

  298

  France

  24

  8

  +

  +

  Federal Republic of Germany

  33

  Greece

  11

  Italy

  73

  Netherlands

  19

  Portugal

  10

  Spain

  28

  Other European Community countries3

  10

  + Fewer than 5 thousand persons.

  1 Based on results of Labour Force Surveys 1984–86.

  2 Some of whom may hold dual British/Irish citizenship.

  3 Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg.

TRANSPORT

  Vehicle Examiners
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vehicle examiners were employed by his Department in the south Wales traffic area for 1986–87; and what was the number of public service vehicles and goods vehicles for which they were responsible.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The figures for the vehicle inspectorate districts that cover approximately the south Wales traffic area are as follows:
  256
  in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland who are citizens of another member state of the EEC; how many of these citizens of each of these states are in each of the areas listed above; and of these how many have the right to vote in (i) parliamentary elections and (ii) local government elections in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 18 January 1988]: Information on the estimated numbers of nationals of other European Community countries usually resident in the t sited Kingdom is given in the table. Nationals of EC countries other than the Republic of Ireland do not have the right to vote in parliamentary or local elections. It is estimated that some 95 per cent. of citizens of the Republic of Ireland who are resident in the United Kingdom are aged 18 or over, and therefore are entitled to register to vote in parliamentary elections and, if resident in Great Britain, in local government elections; those resident in Northern Ireland have the right to vote in local government elections provided they were included in the electoral register published in 1962 and meet the residence qualifications required. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has indicated the Government's intention to introduce legislation to amend the qualifications for local government elections in Northern Ireland in order to align them with those in Great Britain.

  1986–87

  Vehicle examiners in post

  23

  Public service vehicles over one year old

  3,509

  Heavy goods vehicles over one year old

  27,537

  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the numbers of vehicle examiners in post at May 1987, by traffic area.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The vehicle inspectorate is organised into 53 districts, grouped into four regions. Statistics are not kept by traffic area. The information by regions is as follows:
  257

  Number of vehicle examiners in post (May 1987)

  Number

  South East Region

  183

  South Wales and West Region

  115

  North Region

  132

  Scottish Region

  54

  TOTAL

  484

  Public Service Vehicles
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many public service vehicles failed their annual test, by operator group, for the south Wales traffic area for 1986–87;

  (2) what was the number and percentage of annual tests which resulted in immediate prohibition of public service vehicles in (a) Great Britain and (b) Wales for 1986–87, broken down by operator group;

  (3) what was the number of vehicles that failed the annual public service vehicle test in 1986–87 in Great Britain, by operator group;

  (4) what was the number of vehicles that failed the annual public service vehicle test in 1986–87 in Wales, by operator group;

  1986–87

  Number of spot checks

  Number of spot checks as a percentage of the total PSV annual tests Per cent

  Number of immediate prohibitions issued at spot checks

  Number of immediate prohibitions issued as a percentage of vehicles spot checked Per cent.

  17,767

  26

  942

  5·3

  Passenger Car Miles (Greater London)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest available official estimate of the number of billion passenger car miles travelled in Greater London, together with the source; and what means he has available for maintaining subsequent measurements of that figure.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  About 25 billion passenger car miles were travelled in London in 1986. This estimate, which will be updated periodically, is derived as follows:14 billion car miles (source: On-going National Traffic census)
  × 1·77 passenger per car (source: 1985–86 National Travel Survey)
  = 25 billion passenger miles.

  The estimate of car mileage is provisional pending completion of work on a new series drawing on data from the national traffic census and other sources including surveys which the Department of Transport continued on abolition of the GLC. Methods of restructuring traffic surveys in London to support more accurate monitoring of year on year changes are also being studied.

  London Regional Transport
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will print in the Official Report the
  258
  (5) what was the number of public service vehicles, by operator group, which (a) failed the annual test, and (b) failed the annual test after rectification of minor faults, for each traffic area in Great Britain in 1986–87.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Following the reorganisation of the bus industry, it is no longer possible to split the statistics into the former operator groups. Separate information is not kept for Wales as such. The following are the statistics on failure rates for Great Britain and for vehicle inspectorate districts covering approximately the south Wales traffic area.

  Great Britain

  South Wales

  Number of PSV annual tests

  68,376

  3,509

  Number of initial failures

  26,448

  1,575

  Number of passes after rectification of minor faults

  12,841

  698

  Number of final failures

  13,607

  877

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Immediate prohibition rate at annual test

  0·34

  0·51

  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the results of spot checking of public service vehicles and the immediate prohibition rates for(a) Britain and (b) Wales for 1986–87.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Separate information on spot checks is not available for Wales as a whole. The information for Great Britain is:

  "Statement of Strategy" he set out for London Regional Transport in 1985, his reasons for planning a revised statement to be published in June, and a list of the persons and bodies he and London Regional Transport are consulting concerning its contents.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  LRT has a duty to publish statements setting out its policies under section 7 of the London Regional Transport Act 1984. The June 1985 "Statement of Strategy" referred to was the last (and only) statement published in discharge of this duty. A copy is in the Library of the House. Under section 7(8) of the 1984 Act statements of policies must be published at least every three years. A new statement is therefore due by June 1988. Those to be consulted are specified in section 7(4) of the Act.

  Motorway Service Stations
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals there are for further motorway service stations on the M62, M63, M66 or M67.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  None. The existing MSA network in the general Manchester-Liverpool-Stoke-on-TrentPreston area is generally adequate to meet travellers' needs
  259
  and there have been no complaints about their adequacy. However, a new site is planned at Hapsford on the M56 to cater for traffic to and from the Wirral and north Wales.

  Railways (Scotland)
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has about any improvements which are planned for the rail network in Angus, Scotland.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I understand from British Rail that it is planning to introduce Sprinter trains on the Dundee to Arbroath local services in May 1989 and Sprinter express trains on the Aberdeen to Glasgow services in October 1989.

  Blood Tests
  Mr. Brandon-Bravo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if, in the course of the interdepartmental road traffic law review, he will consider the current position which disallows the use of blood tests taken from an unconscious suspect following a road traffic accident; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We expect shortly to receive the report of the independent road traffic law review under the chairmanship of Dr. Peter North. We shall consider carefully any recommendations which the review may make on this issue.

  Nuclear Fuel
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the ports through which spent nuclear fuel was imported in 1985, 1986 and 1987 and the number of flasks imported through each port.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The ports through which flasks containing irradiated fuel were imported, and the total number of flasks for each of the three years in question, are as follows:

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Barrow

  88

  76

  88

  Harwich

  6

  none

  none

  Dover

  1

  2

  2

  Immingham

  4

  6

  4

  New construction and substantial improvements

  £ million

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Shire county

  Capital allocation

  Otturn

  Capital allocation

  Outturn

  Capital allocation

  Outturn

  Capital allocation

  Outturn

  Avon

  3·736

  3·019

  3·140

  2·149

  3·000

  2·387

  5·620

  13·598

  Bedfordshire

  5·794

  5·435

  4·530

  3·912

  4·370

  2·200

  5·570

  7·343

  Berkshire

  8·758

  7·260

  10·239

  11·645

  10·280

  11·468

  11·060

  11·659

  Buckinghamshire

  6·252

  4·000

  8·160

  4·775

  6·160

  6·041

  5·330

  5·320

  Cambridgeshire

  5·686

  4·125

  6·193

  5·436

  6·930

  5·028

  5·070

  4·198

  Cheshire

  4·469

  6·891

  5·834

  6·530

  7·110

  4·671

  8·536

  8·173

  Cleveland

  8·476

  8·701

  9·479

  9·053

  10·587

  10·673

  7·460

  7·037

  Cornwall

  5·385

  5·159

  6·964

  7·489

  6·830

  5·103

  6·280

  6·359

  Cumbria

  3·695

  6·113

  3·931

  4·123

  3·790

  4·273

  2·710

  1·610

  Derbyshire

  5·130

  3·924

  6·087

  6·539

  5·690

  6·331

  5·900

  7·987

  Devon

  7·673

  8·640

  8·772

  7·865

  10·019

  11·246

  10·400

  111·897

  260
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many nuclear fuel flask transport wagons British Rail has taken out of service since 1983; and at what cost.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Since 1983, 10 wagons have been withdrawn from service as part of the normal replacement programme. They cost £90,000 each at today's prices.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will update the information in the reply given to the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Smith) on 16 February 1987,Official Report, column 430, on notifiable incidents reported to the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate involving flasks designed to transport nuclear fuel.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  There have been no such incidents since February 1987.

  British Airways
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport by what date he expects British Airways plc to comply with the requirements of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to divest itself of certain routes.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  British Airways has already applied to the Civil Aviation Authority for the revocation of those of British Caledonian's European and domestic licences which it told the Monopolies and Mergers Commission it would return.

  British Rail
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next intends to meet the chairman of British Rail; and what matters will be discussed.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I shall be meeting the chairman on 11 February to discuss matters of current interest.

  Roads
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in the Official Report tables showing (a) the expenditure allocation to English shire counties for road construction and repair and (b) the actual expenditure outturn, for the years 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86 and 1986–87.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information requested is in the following tables. No local authority allocations are made for maintenance expenditure which does not class as capital expenditure covered by the capital controls system.
  261

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Shire county

  Capital allocation

  Otturn

  Capital allocation

  Outturn

  Capital allocation

  Outturn

  Capital allocation

  Outturn

  Dorset

  10·900

  13·445

  13·427

  13·473

  12·800

  14·488

  12·100

  15·066

  Durham

  6·122

  5·830

  6·913

  6·836

  6·160

  5·380

  5·460

  5·796

  East Sussex

  4·256

  5·154

  4·960

  8·326

  6·700

  7·146

  6·780

  6·177

  Essex

  13·246

  12·129

  14·492

  15·272

  14·200

  15·442

  18·220

  19·819

  Gloucestershire

  5·392

  4·306

  4·599

  4·848

  4·500

  5·054

  3·880

  4·919

  Hampshire

  13·382

  16·809

  15·700

  14·839

  15·550

  11·805

  15·650

  17·522

  Hereford and Worcester

  7·429

  5·684

  8·422

  3·978

  6·270

  3·387

  6·480

  7·923

  Hertfordshire

  9·430

  6·081

  9·855

  7·786

  11·800

  6·937

  11·600

  9·019

  Humberside

  10·720

  11·920

  11·180

  10·506

  8·640

  9·871

  7·780

  17·714

  Isle of Wight

  2·337

  1·730

  2·116

  2·075

  2·600

  2·450

  2·340

  1·925

  Kent

  14·080

  16·596

  16·295

  16·380

  17·020

  20·433

  17·950

  27·212

  Lancashire

  11·441

  14·686

  14·969

  14·282

  15·700

  15·296

  15·880

  14·272

  Leicestershire

  11·846

  9·591

  13·413

  10·909

  13·000

  13·242

  12·040

  18·163

  Lincolnshire

  4·699

  3·742

  5·585

  4·800

  4·560

  3·610

  4·040

  5·111

  Norfolk

  6·351

  5·736

  7·849

  4·289

  5·590

  4·979

  4·110

  4·653

  North Yorkshire

  7·537

  7·464

  7·700

  5·054

  8·500

  7·821

  9·050

  10·340

  Northamptonshire

  6·799

  2·651

  12·457

  9·081

  15·562

  16·351

  14·000

  11·101

  Northumberland

  3·603

  4·238

  3·686

  2·755

  3·320

  3·049

  3·060

  2·747

  Nottinghamshire

  10·865

  7·518

  9·516

  7·391

  9·010

  7·203

  7·080

  7·392

  Oxfordshire

  3·503

  2·699

  5·088

  6·757

  5·210

  3·638

  5·330

  2·077

  Shropshire

  4·594

  4·424

  4·400

  4·293

  3·600

  2·461

  3·890

  3·312

  Somerset

  5·974

  5·313

  6·024

  6·251

  5·690

  5·273

  4·190

  13·262

  Staffordshire

  9·521

  10·340

  8·695

  9·954

  12·000

  12·850

  12·060

  11·456

  Suffolk

  7·068

  7·806

  8·334

  6·524

  7·960

  8·021

  7·360

  7·008

  Surrey

  8·995

  8·332

  9·349

  6·318

  8·080

  10·097

  9·520

  14·106

  Warwickshire

  4·928

  4·485

  1·781

  1·666

  2·347

  1·717

  3·768

  3·773

  West Sussex

  7·292

  3·782

  8·500

  7·164

  8·300

  9·804

  8·370

  10·799

  Wiltshire

  4·222

  4·602

  5·426

  3·448

  7·400

  3·456

  6·450

  4·932

  Total

  281·586

  269·360

  314·780

  284·771

  316·835

  300·682

  312·374

  132·277

  1 Estimated.

  Road maintenance

  Shire county

  1983–84 £ million

  1984–85 £ million

  1985–86 £ million

  1986–87 £ million

  Avon

  12·070

  12·903

  13·770

  17·596

  Bedfordshire

  6·920

  8·886

  8·854

  10·078

  Berkshire

  6·889

  6·991

  6·211

  7·904

  Buckinghamshire

  9·244

  10·303

  10·625

  13·173

  Cambridgeshire

  11·619

  11·253

  10·901

  13·295

  Cheshire

  5·392

  5·702

  6·435

  7·303

  Cleveland

  9·384

  9·011

  9·950

  13·775

  Cornwall

  10·770

  10·833

  11·337

  12·305

  Cumbria

  8·761

  9·460

  8·735

  14·421

  Derbyshire

  13·969

  14·160

  14·785

  17·497

  Devon

  21·635

  25·122

  26·553

  29·146

  Dorset

  9·284

  10·130

  10·850

  13·843

  Durham

  9·746

  7·987

  7·449

  11·299

  East Sussex

  7·925

  8·348

  9·875

  11·322

  Essex

  21·001

  21·548

  23·698

  30·161

  Gloucestershire

  8·333

  8·967

  8·524

  11·460

  Hampshire

  19·101

  18·767

  20·942

  24·919

  Hereford and Worcestershire

  10·046

  10·688

  13·300

  12·977

  Hertfordshire

  13·354

  13·741

  14·728

  18·705

  Humberside

  15·312

  16·371

  16·798

  21·552

  Isle of Wight

  2·695

  2·589

  2·456

  3·006

  Kent

  22·126

  21·884

  25·187

  32·579

  Lancashire

  21 090

  20·129

  22·483

  33·021

  Leicestershire

  13·756

  14·495

  14·910

  18·212

  Lincolnshire

  14·525

  14·389

  15·089

  17·039

  Norfolk

  10·994

  11·980

  13·405

  13·935

  North Yorkshire

  17·616

  18·509

  19·731

  21·459

  Northamptonshire

  7·104

  7·733

  6·369

  10·172

  Northumberland

  6·646

  7·109

  6·488

  9·395

  Nottinghamshire

  12·989

  13·642

  14·651

  18·933

  Oxfordshire

  7·508

  5·035

  8·224

  9·673

  Shropshire

  6·729

  6·586

  6·495

  9·730

  Somerset

  9·980

  10·114

  10·642

  12·694

  Staffordshire

  13·249

  11·952

  14·310

  19·583

  Suffolk

  10·118

  10·945

  11·452

  13·380

  Surrey

  13·131

  14·705

  13·652

  16·558

  262

  Shire county

  1983–84 £ million

  1984–85 £ million

  1985–86 £ million

  1986–87 £ million

  Warwickshire

  8·427

  8·301

  8·583

  10·162

  West Sussex

  9·809

  9·662

  11·380

  13·884

  Wiltshire

  8·456

  9·347

  9·749

  13·664

  TOTAL

  446·703

  460·277

  489·576

  609·810

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Cataract Operations
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has on the average waiting period in each regional health authority for cataract operations.

  Mr. Newton
  In 1985, the latest year for which information is available centrally, the estimated median interval between the times a patient was placed on the waiting list and admission to an NHS non-psychiatric hospital was as follows:

  Region of Treatment

  Operations on eye lens1 Median Wailing Time (weeks)

  England

  16

  Northern

  13

  Yorkshire

  21

  Trent

  16

  East Anglia

  15

  North West Thames

  17

  North East Thames

  11

  South East Thames

  16

  South West Thames

  14

  Wessex

  18

  263

  Region of Treatment

  Operations on eye lens1 Median Waiting Time (weeks)

  Oxford

  24

  South Western

  21

  West Midlands

  27

  Mersey

  11

  North Western

  16

  Special Health Authorities

  10

  1 OPCS Classification of Surgical Operations (CSO) codes 170–179.

  Dentists
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many dentists were in practice in(a) the Burnley constituency and (b) the Pendle constituency in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

  Mrs. Currie
  Information of the kind requested by the hon. Member is not available centrally on a constituency basis.

  Christmas Bonus
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will express the value in real terms of the 1987 £10 Christmas bonus for pensioners compared with its value in 1979, taking account of inflation.

  Mr. Scott
  The 1979 Christmas bonus was worth £17·02 at December 1987 prices.

  Retirement Pension
  Mr. McTaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimates are available to him of the cost in terms of state retirement pension of reducing the male retirement age to 60 years.

  Regional health authorities

  1977–78

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Northern

  29

  28

  30

  34

  33

  32

  31

  28

  28

  27

  Yorkshire

  39

  38

  37

  40

  38

  37

  37

  35

  34

  34

  Trent

  42

  41

  40

  44

  44

  43

  42

  39

  37

  38

  East Anglian

  16

  16

  16

  17

  16

  12

  16

  13

  16

  16

  North West Thames

  48

  45

  44

  46

  45

  38

  41

  38

  35

  35

  North East Thames

  58

  54

  53

  58

  55

  60

  59

  58

  53

  49

  South East Thames

  46

  43

  42

  40

  40

  39

  38

  39

  36

  35

  South West Thames

  34

  31

  31

  34

  33

  30

  31

  28

  26

  27

  Wessex

  21

  21

  21

  22

  19

  22

  22

  21

  21

  22

  Oxford

  21

  20

  19

  20

  20

  18

  18

  17

  15

  15

  South—Western

  26

  26

  27

  28

  27

  27

  26

  26

  25

  25

  West Midlands

  45

  45

  47

  49

  48

  49

  48

  46

  48

  50

  Mersey

  27

  26

  26

  27

  25

  24

  24

  23

  22

  23

  North—Western

  44

  42

  42

  43

  43

  43

  43

  37

  38

  39

  Total

  498

  479

  479

  503

  490

  482

  480

  453

  441

  439

  Notes:

  (1) The figures for each year are based on the estimates given in (Official Report, 13 January columns 327–28).

  (2) Entries in the table are at 1986–87 constant prices and have been rounded to the nearest £ million.

  Radiotherapy
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services pursuant to the reply by his Under-Secretary of State on 14 December,Official Report columns 400–1, if he will publish the outcome of the
  264
  Mr. Scott
  Our current best estimate is that the net cost to public funds would be in excess of £3,000 million in a full year.

  Nurses
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to receive(a) the preliminary report and (b) the full report on the survey of nurse shortages from the Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  A sample survey of the number of whole-time equvalent funded nursing and midwifery posts vacant for more than three months at 31 March is carried out by the regional chairmen's secretariat on behalf of the Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine.

  I am advised that whilst some preliminary results of the survey at 31 March 1987 have been sent to the review body, the final report will not be submitted to the review body until February 1988.

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he intends to bring forward legislation to require private hospitals to contribute towards the cost of nurses' training.

  Mr. Newton
  We expect shortly to open discussions with the private sector with the aim of encouraging a contribution to training needs which more closely matches their contribution to health care overall. We have, however, no present plans for legislation on this matter.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to his answer of 13 January,Official Report, columns 327–8, on nursing training expenditure, he will now break down these figures by regions.

  Mr. Newton
  The information is in the table.

  departmental review of the policy of centralising of radiotherapy treatment centres; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Department's Standing Medical Advisory Committee is expected to give its views on the organisation of radiotherapy services shortly. Ministers
  265
  will consider these views as part of their review. An announcement will be made as soon as conclusions are reached.

  Out-patient Appointments (Fees)
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce a modest fee for out-patient appointments refundable in all cases except for belated cancellation or non-attendance.

  Mr. Newton
  We have no plans to do so.

  Private Nursing Homes
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list by name and location(a) private nursing homes in the Northern regional health authority area, (b) the owners of such nursing homes, (c) the number of beds available in each home, (d) the amount of regional development grant and regional selective assistance grant moneys made available for each home in each of the last two years and (e) the date of opening of each home.

  Mrs. Currie
  The "Directory of Private Hospitals and Health Services", available in the Library, lists residential care and nursing homes. I regret that the remaining information requested by the hon. Member is not available centrally, and he may, therefore, wish to contact the chairmen of the health authorities concerned for further details.

  Allergy-related Illness
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if Her Majesty's Government has any plans to increase the amount of money available for research into and treatment of allergy-related illness.

  Mrs. Currie
  It is for health authorities to decide how much of their resources they will allocate to the treatment of any particular condition, including allergy-related illness.

  The Government are already supporting research in this area. The main Government-funded agency for the promotion of medical and related biological research is the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant-in-aid from the Department of Education and Science. I understand that the council is currently supporting research on allergies in 20 centres at a total cost in 1986–87 of £540,000. The council is always willing to consider well-founded proposals for further research in competition with proposals in other fields.

  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is funding studies into intolerance reactions to food at a cost of £500,000 over the next three years as a follow-up to the work already completed on intolerance reactions to food additives. The Department of Health and Social Security has awarded an annual grant of £10,000 for the years 1987–88 to 1989–90 to the Asthma Society and Friends of the Asthma Research Council.

  St. James' Hospital, Portsmouth
  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the latest estimate of the likely date for releasing on to the market surplus land and buildings on the site at St. James' hospital, Milton, Portsmouth.
  266
  Mrs. Currie
  This is a matter for the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire health authority but I understand that preliminary negotiations are in progress between the health authority and the Portsmouth city council, prior to the submission of a formal planning application for the future use of surplus land and buildings at St. James' hospital, Portsmouth.

  The health authority is unable at this early stage of the disposal process, to say when it may be possible to market this property. My hon. Friend may wish to contact the chairman if he requires further details.

  Health Authorities (Administration)
  Mr. Wells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the annual administration cost of the East Hertfordshire health authority and of the West Essex health authority since 1979.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information is in the table. It is derived from the annual accounts of the authorities since their establishment on 1 April 1982:

  Expenditure on headquarters administration

  East Hertfordshire district health authority £000

  West Essex district health authority £000

  1982–83

  1,694 (2·15)

  1,142 (3·82)

  1983–84

  1,686 (2·02)

  1,147 (3·72)

  1984–85

  1,841 (2·02)

  1,279 (3·93)

  1985–86

  1,070 (3·75)

  1,486 (4·03)

  1986–87

  1,012 (3·29)

  1,493 (3·70)

  Notes:

  1. Expenditure on headquarters administration includes all current expenditure on the pay and pay related costs of staff of all disciplines (including general managers) employed at district headquarters levels and their office costs and overheads. It excludes the cost of secretarial and clerical support staff employed in departments at hospital and unit levels: such costs arc regarded as operational.

  2. Prior to 1 April 1985 the East Hertfordshire Health Authority had an associated family practitioner committee (FPC) and the authority's expenditure figures shown for the years before that date include elements relating to the FPC's administrative expenses which are not separately identifiable.

  3. The figures in brackets show that expenditure on headquarters administration as a percentage of each authority's total revenue expenditure for the relevant financial years. In the case of East Hertfordshire Health Authority the totals used for the years prior to 1 April 1985 include expenditure on family practitioner services incurred by the FPC.

  4. Prior to 1 April 1982 each authority's predecessor health district formed part of a multi-district area health authority and district based figures were not collected centrally.

  Plastic Surgery
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the latest number of plastic surgeons and the number in 1983 and 1978; and what steps are being taken to recruit, train and retain plastic surgeons.

  Mrs. Currie
  The numbers of medical staff in the specialty of plastic surgery are set out in the table. Numbers of training grade posts are related to the numbers of expected consultant opportunities. We are satisfied that there are sufficient doctors in training to meet planned developments, but the position is closely monitored by the joint planning advisory committee.
  267

  Numbers of hospital medical staff1 in the specialty of plastic surgery at 30 September each year: England

  1978

  1983

  1986

  Consultants2

  79

  88

  98

  All staff3

  198

  212

  225

  1 Permanent paid and honorary staff.

  2 Including senior hospital medical officers with allowance.

  3 Excluding hospital practitioners and doctors with paragraph 94 appointments (clinical assistants).

  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the number of plastic surgeons per 1,000 people in the United Kingdom and the comparable figure for France, West Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium.

  Mrs. Currie
  The number of consultant plastic surgeons per 1,000 people in the United Kingdom at 30 September 1986 was 0·002. Comparable figures for other countries are not available.

  Government Data Network
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services 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. Portillo
  The Department is working with others on the proposed Government data network. The work includes the assessment of alternative ways of meeting our data communication requirements. Final decisions will be taken after tenders are received.

  General Practitioners (Equipment)
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals his Department has to encourage general practitioners to purchase desk top analysers and other technological equipment.

  Mrs. Currie
  General practitioners are not encouraged at present to purchase desk-top analysers. It is not yet obvious that the acquisition of technological equipment by GPs is more cost-effective than their continued use of the specialist services provided by hospital pathology departments.

  Family Income Supplement
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were in receipt of family income supplement in(a) Vale Royal and (b) Winsford in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Portillo
  I regret that this information is not available. Family income supplement claims are dealt with by one centre at Blackpool and no information is maintained about claims from particular local areas.

  Supplementary Benefit
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people have been registered as claimants for supplementary benenfit in Winsford at a convenient date in each of the last five years.
  268
  Mr. Portillo
  The table sets out the information requested giving the earliest data available. The district of Winsford is served by Northwich local office but the boundaries are not conterminous.

  Northwich Local Office

  Date

  Number of supplementary benefit claimants

  18 December 1984

  6,464

  17 December 1985

  6,526

  16 December 1986

  6,647

  17 November 1987

  6,579

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

  AIDS
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the hospitals in the Greater London area that have special provision to care for people suffering from AIDS.

  Mr. Newton
  In the majority of cases, any general hospital would be able to provide necessary care and treatment for people with AIDS. Some hospitals in the Greater London area, for example St. Stephen's, Fulham, St. Mary's, Paddington and the Middlesex hospital, have special provision for people with AIDS, such as designated wards, clinics and outreach teams.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the number of reported cases of AIDS in the Greater London area in each of the last three years.

  Mr. Newton
  It is regretted that the information is not available in the form requested. The cumulative totals of cases of AIDS reported to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre from district health authorities which are either wholly or partly within the Greater London area for the last three years are as follows:

  Number

  1985

  189

  1986

  399

  1987

  852

  St. James' Hospital, Balham
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many staff employed at St. James' hospital, Balham, have found employment at St. George's hospital, Tooting; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  This information is not yet available. The transfer of services from St. James' hospital is not expected to be completed until later in the year and the process of interviewing staff is still under way. Assurances have been given that no staff will be disadvantaged by the relocation and that there will be no compulsory redundancies.

  Correspondence
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he received letters from the hon. Member for Gateshead, East dated 16 November 1987 and 17 December 1987 concerning the incidence of child leukaemia on Tyneside; and when he expects to reply.
  269
  Mrs. Currie
  I replied to the hon. Member on 22 January 1988.

  Leicestershire Family Practitioner Committee
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the outcome of the recent meeting between an official of his Department and the Leicestershire family practitioner committee regarding financial allocations to the committee; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The purpose of the meeting on 8 January 1988 was to discuss with the chairman and administrator how a potential overspend on the committee's cash limit for administration this year might be avoided in the light of increases to funding referred to in my reply to my hon. Friend on 22 January 1988 at column 895. The Department has now received a revised assessment to the effect that the committee expects to remain within its cash limit.

  Vitamin Deficiency
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has concerning any relationship between vitamin or mineral deficiency in the diet of children and inattentiveness or delinquent behaviour; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  A number of theories have been put forward linking diet or vitamin and mineral supplementation with children's behaviour. I am advised that the results so far published of studies designed to validate such theories appear to have been vitiated by inadequate research. The Department's medical advisers are studying the report published in the Lancet on 23 January relating to vitamin and mineral supplementation among Welsh schoolchildren which was the subject, together with a study in the United States of America, of a recent television programme. The Welsh study did not address inattentiveness or delinquency. Apparently the United States study was concerned with delinquency, but no details have yet been published.

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what account he takes, when considering additional funding to district health authorities, of the attitude of those authorities, or hospitals within those authorities, towards the contracting out of services currently provided in-house.

  Mr. Newton
  Allocations to district health authorities are a matter for regions.

  Table one: Numbers of single people in Great Britain in receipt of the long—term rate of supplementary benefit—by age group

  Year

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1986

  Age group

  16

  —

  49

  99

  —

  —

  50

  —

  17

  —

  2,342

  1,898

  2,197

  2.497

  2,300

  2,747

  18

  1,349

  3,292

  5,398

  5,094

  5,893

  7,399

  7,290

  19

  3,345

  6,234

  6,545

  7,640

  9,887

  10,098

  11,139

  20

  5,458

  6,882

  8,291

  10,539

  12,685

  14,040

  15,834

  21–24

  30,402

  43,161

  51,759

  58,678

  65,101

  73,217

  84,017

  25–29

  43,638

  56,355

  64,675

  71,919

  79,630

  93,665

  111,781

  30–34

  50,890

  60,163

  61,073

  71,501

  79,385

  83,714

  94,908

  Benefits
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the criteria used by his Department's adjudication officers in establishing whether an unmarried claimant is living as husband or wife.

  Mr. Portillo
  Guidance for adjudication officers on the interpretation of social security legislation is given by the office of the chief adjudication officer, which is independent of the Department.

  Guidance from the office of the chief adjudication officer to adjudication officers gives the following criteria to be considered when establishing whether an unmarried claimant is living as husband or wife:

  1. Membership of the same household;

  2. Stability of relationship;

  3. Financial support;

  4. Sexual relationship;

  5. Children;

  6. Public acknowledgement.

  For adjudication officers considering the question of living together as husband and wife in connection with a claim to supplementary benefit this guidance is in the S Manual (S2501-S3000), which is published and available to the public. Similar guidance for adjudication officers dealing with the question in connection with a claim for a national insurance benefit is contained in the insurance officer's guide. This code is' not published but a copy is held in the Library.

  From April 1988 guidance for adjudication officers for all social security benefits will be contained in the adjudication officer's guide, which will replace existing material and will be published before 11 April.

  In addition to the guidance issued to adjudication officers by the office of the chief adjudication officer, the Department also publishes a leaflet for the public which lists the criteria used by adjudication officers when considering the question of living together: Leaflet N1247, "Social Security: Living together as husband and wife", which is available from local social security offices.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people, shown by age and marital status, are in receipt of the long-term rate of supplementary benefit for the latest date and for equivalent dates in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Portillo
  [holding answer 9 December 1987]: The available information is shown in the tables. Table one shows the numbers of those who are claiming supplementary benefit as single people; table two shows the numbers of those who are claiming for a partner.
  271

  Year

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1986

  35–39

  34,597

  44,394

  53,767

  58,492

  66,854

  70,034

  85,823

  40–44

  32,444

  35,093

  34,028

  39,050

  42,633

  47,087

  55,948

  45–49

  25,585

  25,459

  31,615

  31,207

  35,299

  36,538

  40,612

  50–54

  26,900

  29,358

  31,292

  29,722

  32,651

  39,343

  40,345

  55–59

  40,814

  40,960

  40,678

  42,846

  44,346

  47,872

  49,919

  60–64

  113,028

  124,232

  132,896

  157,357

  179,492

  185,471

  194,784

  65–69

  271,807

  255,551

  255,938

  247,235

  210,104

  201,685

  212,921

  70–74

  348,462

  338,988

  330,060

  352,892

  306,106

  328,081

  307,545

  75–79

  319,280

  320,707

  329,111

  354,041

  332,983

  324,077

  347,014

  80–84

  205,032

  221,245

  235,460

  240,300

  241,035

  255,163

  258,395

  85–89

  105,966

  107,179

  114,333

  103,886

  113,785

  124,464

  127,887

  90 and over

  31,911

  34,343

  40,382

  36,449

  40,915

  45,834

  50,659

  Total

  1,690,906

  1,755,988

  1,829,300

  1,921,046

  1,901,283

  1,990,132

  2,099,570

  Source: Annual Statistical Enquiry

  Table two: Numbers of couples in Great Britain in receipt of the long—term rate of supplementary benefit—by age group of claimant

  Year

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1986

  Age Group

  16

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  17

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  18

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  19

  —

  50

  —

  —

  —

  50

  —

  20

  —

  —

  50

  —

  —

  —

  100

  21–24

  —

  150

  50

  50

  249

  300

  500

  25–29

  200

  199

  300

  100

  498

  649

  848

  30–34

  598

  349

  500

  949

  750

  1,201

  1,547

  35–39

  498

  596

  949

  1,351

  1,249

  2,648

  3,795

  40–44

  749

  1,542

  1,149

  1,198

  2,647

  3,697

  4,846

  45–49

  1,350

  1,746

  1,948

  1,650

  2,647

  5,353

  6,698

  50–54

  3,052

  2,942

  3,348

  4,894

  5,994

  9,298

  10,340

  55–59

  6,243

  5,878

  6,797

  8,089

  13,883

  20,553

  24,773

  60–64

  9,484

  11,399

  21,035

  38,145

  99,729

  118,105

  123,182

  65–69

  99,132

  84,679

  94,741

  87,050

  64,123

  61,902

  63,171

  70–74

  111,606

  99,020

  98,584

  106,833

  90,653

  86,563

  80,757

  75–79

  73,507

  64,708

  72,872

  74,963

  74,951

  71,017

  66,110

  80–84

  24,534

  23,060

  24,830

  31,707

  31,307

  36,617

  34,183

  85–89

  6,899

  8,126

  6,165

  7,251

  7,715

  5,452

  7,800

  90 and over

  1,185

  774

  763

  1,976

  2,360

  —

  1,766

  Total

  339,029

  305,220

  334,082

  366,206

  398,755

  423,404

  430,417

  Source:—Annual Statistical Enquiry

  Public Funds
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals for the dispersal of public funds were discussed at a meeting of senior officials of his Department and the leaders of major voluntary organisations on 15 January.

  Mr. Scott
  Officials had a preliminary meeting with representatives from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Community Service Volunteers, the Volunteer Centre, the Community Projects Foundation and the Charities Aid Foundation on 15 January 1988.

  The purpose of the meeting was to seek their assistance and advice on the disbursement of the funds arising from the error in relation to the retail price index.

  Health Advisory Service
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services which district health authorities in the west midlands have been visited by the Health Advisory Service since its inception and when these visits took place.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 25 January 1988]: The information required is in the table. The Health Advisory Service makes visits to monitor services provided for the elderly and the mentally ill.
  272

  Visits in respect of services for

  District Health Authority

  The elderly

  The mentally ill

  Bromsgrove and Redditch

  1974

  1973, 1981

  Central Birmingham

  1970, 1986

  1972, 1982, 1986

  Coventry

  1973

  1981, 1984, 1986

  Dudley

  1974

  1972

  East Birmingham

  1974, 1986

  1972

  Herefordshire

  1973, 1980, 1984

  1970, 1985

  Kidderminster

  1981

  1986

  Mid-Staffordshire

  1974 (twice)

  1972

  1975, 1980

  North Birmingham

  1974, 1982, 1984

  1972, 1979, 1985

  North Staffordshire

  1974, 1978

  1972, 1984

  North Warwickshire

  —

  1984

  Rugby

  1980

  1984

  Sandwell

  1974, 1984

  1979

  Shropshire

  1974 (twice)

  1972, 1981

  Solihull

  1987

  1972, 1981, 1984

  South Birmingham

  1974, 1986

  1972, 1980

  South Warwickshire

  1974

  1984

  Walsall

  1974

  —

  West Birmingham

  1973, 1983, 1986

  1979

  Wolverhampton

  1974, 1975

  1972

  Worcestershire

  1973, 1974 (twice)

  1972 (twice)

  1981

  1985

  There were also visits to examine services for the elderly mentally ill specifically to Coventry, South Warwickshire and Wolverhampton in 1981 and Wolverhampton again in 1987.

  Residential Care
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take urgent steps to ensure that all providers of accommodation for people needing residential care are subject to a national registration system;

  (2) if he will urgently seek the abolition of any distinction between residential care and nursing homes providing long-term care.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 26 January 1988]: Any changes in the existing arrangements for registration and inspection would need to take account of what is said about homes in the reports expected shortly of Lady Wagner's review of residential care, Sir Roy Griffiths' overview of community care, and the social services inspectorate's report on the implementation of the Registered Homes Act 1984. The registration and inspection system for homes in Scotland is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

DEFENCE

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when next he expects to meet the chairman of the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve Association to discuss the future of the Territorial Army.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has no plans scheduled for a meeting with the chairman of the Territorial Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserves Association at the present time. However, formal consultative machinery exists in the shape of the bi-annual Territorial Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserves Advisory Committee, which is next due to meet on 12 July 1988. The council of TAVRAs does, however, have the right to make representations to the Department at any time it sees fit to do so.

  Category Z Berths
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the locations of all category Z berths in the Clyde area.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The locations of Z berths in the Clyde area are as follows:

  Coulport

  Rothesay (two berths)

  Arran (two berths)

  Campbeltown (four berths)

  Loch Fyne—Tarbert

  Inverary

  Rosebank

  Loch Goil

  Loch Striven

  Glen Mallan

  Clyde Naval Emergency Monitoring Team
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 1979 the Clyde naval emergency monitoring team has been called out to incidents.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The Naval Emergency Monitoring Organisation (Scotland) has been called out on three occasions since 1979. In April 1985 it was asked to provide 274
  assistance to the civil authorities under the national arrangements for incidents involving radioactivity (NAIR scheme) when a suspect package was found on a beach on the outskirts of Helensburgh which subsequently proved not to contain any radioactive material. In October 1985 it was called out when an alarm sounded at the Clyde submarine base. This was subsequently found to be spurious. In May 1986 it was called to the royal naval armaments depot, Coulport, when a slighter higher than normal radioactive reading was detected within a sealed item of equipment. It was quickly established that there was no hazard.

  Clyde Area Public Safety Scheme
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provisions are made under the Clyde public safety scheme for an accident involving a nuclear weapon.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The aim of the Clyde area public safety scheme is to safeguard the public, not only in the unlikely event of a submarine reactor accident, but in the event of any other accident in the Clyde area which might lead to a release of radioactivity, and which interferes with the normal activities of the local population.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names, dates and locations of exercises held under the Clyde public safety scheme since 1979.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It is not our practice to discuss details of nuclear accident response exercises.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the amendments made to the Clyde public safety scheme since 1983.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  There have been two amendments to the Clyde area public safety scheme sine 1983, one issued in July 1985 and the other in September 1986. A copy of the scheme is held in the Library and a copy incorporating the amendments since 1983 has now also been placed in the Library.

  European Fighter Aircraft
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met his West German counterpart to discuss the future of the European fighter aircraft.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  My right hon. Friend holds frequent and regular meetings with his West German counterpart at which a wide range of matters of mutual interest is discussed. The last such occasion occurred on 20 January.

  Mr. Martin Kettrick
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the question of compensation payments for disabled ex-Marine Martin Kettrick was first raised with his Department by the right hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South; on how many occasions it has been raised since and in what form; when he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The right hon. Gentleman first raised the case of Martin Kettrick in a letter to my Department in March 1982. It has been raised since on a considerable number of occasions, both in correspondence and in the House. As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, Mr.
  275
  Kettrick has submitted a case for consideration by the Defence council under the procedures which provide for submission for redress of grievance. A decision is expected to be made on this shortly.

  Ex-Service Personnel (Injury Payments)
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ex-service people have claimed ex-gratia payments after being injured whilst serving; what payments have been made; how many people are still awaiting settlement; and when he expects to reach decisions on the outstanding claims.

  Mr. Freeman
  Complete records are not available for the period before 8 December 1986, when my hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced that, pending repeal of section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947, claims for personal injuries to service personnel would be considered for settlement on an ex-gratia basis. In respect of the period from 8 December 1986 to 15 May 1987, when section 10 was repealed, seven claims have been received from ex-service people. A decision to make a payment has been taken in one case, two claims have been rejected and four are still under investigation. Decisions will be taken on the four outstanding claims as soon as inquiries have been completed.

  Nuclear Materials (Transport)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if there are any plans to deploy his Department's police in connection with nuclear materials convoy duties in Greater Manchester.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It has been the policy of successive Governments not to give details of the movement of defence nuclear materials.

SCOTLAND

  Housing
  Mr. Lambie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to meet the chairman of the Scottish Special Housing Association to discuss housing in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans to do so.

  Regional Aid
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many firms in the Arbroath travel-to-work area applied for regional development grants in 1987.

  Mr. Lang
  In 1987 applications for revised regional development grant were received from 28 firms in the Arbroath travel-to-work area. Information on applications under the old regional development scheme is not available.

  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the announcement on the withdrawal of regional development grant for Scotland.
  276
  Mr. Lang
  I have not received any representations following the announcement of the ending of regional development grant for Scotland.

  Mr. McCleish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the likely impact of recent changes in regional aid policy on the attraction of inward investment to Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  Scotland is an attractive location for inward investment. Since 1981 Scotland has attracted £2·6 billion of planned investment with related employment amounting to 46,000 jobs. I am satisfied that the change in regional assistance announced recently together with Scotland's other attractions will enable us to be similarly successful in the future.

  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effect of the changes announced on 12 January 1988,Official Report, columns 145–47 on the one-door approach adopted by the Dundee project.

  Mr. Lang
  The changes announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 12 January 1988 will improve the effectiveness of the work of the Dundee project. The administration of the new Department of Trade and Industry advisory service in Scotland by the Scottish Development Agency, allied to the agency's new regional structure, will increase the range of business support services on which the Dundee project can draw.

  Mr. Douglas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on any changes in the relationship between his Department and the Scottish Development Agency as a consequence of the recently announced proposals to alter regional financial assistance.

  Mr. Lang
  As I announced on 13 January 1988 in the context of the launch of the Industry Department for Scotland booklet "Regional Development: Encouraging Enterprise in Scotland", the agency will, together with the Highlands and Islands Development Board, act as agent for the Department of Trade and Industry's business development initiatives in Scotland. It will also take over from April 1988 the administration of the better business services scheme in those parts of Scotland where it is currently administered by my Department. Otherwise, there will be no changes in the present relationship between the Scottish Office and the Scottish Development Agency.

  "The Way Forward"
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with Nirex since the publication of the executive's document, "The Way Forward".

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend has had no discussions with Nirex since this document was published on 12 November.

  Education (Strathclyde)
  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he next expects to meet Strathclyde regional council representatives to discuss education within the region.
  277
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will meet representatives of Strathclyde regional council to discuss problems in the educational field within the region.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans at present to meet representatives of Strathclyde regional council to discuss education.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received concerning the proposed reorganisation of school education in Strathclyde; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Rifkind
  At the most recent count I have received 2,555 representations including three petitions in connection with the proposed reorganisation of school education in Strathclyde. I recognise that difficult decisions will have to be taken by Strathclyde and other education authorities in rationalising school provision so as to reduce surplus capacity. But I am also concerned that the options being considered include the closure of schools which are so highly regarded by parents that they remain full to capacity even at a time when school rolls generally are falling.

  I have therefore decided to take powers to review in certain circumstances education authorities' proposals for school closures. I am laying regulations today — the Education (Publication and Consultation etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 1988 — which will require education authorities to submit for my consent any proposal to close or reorganise a school where the pupil numbers exceed 80 per cent. of the school's capacity.

  Cardiac Facilities
  Mr. Buchanan-Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to complete his review of hospital cardiac facilities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The national specialist services advisory committee is nearing the end of its review of cardiac surgery provision throughout Scotland. Its report is expected in the next few months.

  Municipal Rents
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the level of municipal rents in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Responsibility for setting rent levels for council housing lies with the individual local authority concerned. Average local authority rents in Scotland in 1987–788 stand at £14·65 per house per week. They have risen from an average of £4·92 per house per week in 1979–80, some 75 per cent. of the average for local authorities in England and Wales, to a level which is now 84 per cent. of the England and Wales average of £17·40 per week.

  Student Grants
  Mr. McTaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to how many university students in the Strathclyde area have been refused all or part of their grant allowance due to the fact that the student's parent has failed to complete part 2 of the application form.
  278
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  We are aware of seven such cases among students attending Glasgow and Strathclyde universities in session 1987–88.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many students from Scotland to whom covenants are made and who are also entitled, after means testing, to a full university or further education award, currently have a deduction made from their awards relative to the amount of the covenant.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  This information is not available.

  School Closures
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on representations received about school closures in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend and I have received representations about many of the schools currently being considered for closure in Strathclyde region. In particular we have received over 2,000 representations and a petition with 7,300 signatures protesting about the proposal to close Paisley grammar school.

  Scottish Special Housing Association
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Special Housing Association regarding the transfer of its tenants in Shetland to the Hjaltland Housing Association.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Officials of the Scottish Development Department met officials of the Scottish Special Housing Association on several occasions last year to discuss proposals for the association's tenants in Shetland to be given the opportunity to transfer to Hjaltland housing association. The tenants are now considering this matter.

  Crown Estates Commission
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received urging a review of the powers of the Crown Estates Commission over the development of fish and shellfish farming in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend has received representations from several hon. Members, local authorities, other bodies and individuals. The majority of such representations have concerned both the role of the Crown Estate Commissioners and the exclusion of marine fish farms from the scope of planning controls.

  Court Actions (Costs)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate the costs incurred by the Crown Office in bringing(a) interdict proceedings against The Scotsman and (b) contempt proceedings against The Glasgow Herald and its editor, in each case indicating the cost incurred: (i) before any writ was lodged in the Court of Session and (ii) thereafter; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The actions have been brought by the Lord Advocate on behalf of the
  279
  Government. The expenses of these actions and liability for their payment will only be known once the actions are concluded.

  Scottish Development Agency
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional resources he will give to the Scottish Development Agency following the announcement of regional aid cuts.

  Mr. Lang
  There have been no such cuts. On the contrary, the 1988 public expenditure White Paper (Cm. 288), published on 20 January by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, shows total expenditure on the Scottish industry programme for 1988–89 as £266 million, an increase of £25 million over the planned provision in the 1987 expenditure White Paper (Cm. 56).

  Primary Schools (Pupil Costs)
  Mr. Knox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent per pupil in primary schools in Scotland in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what was the comparable figure in 1978–79, at constant prices.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  In 1985–86 net expenditure per pupil in primary schools in Scotland at outturn prices was £961. This is 24 per cent. more than the comparable figure in 1978–79 which, at 1985–86 prices, was £774.

  School Management
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that the comments expressed in the responses to the consultation paper "School Management and the Role of Parents" are reflected in any ensuing legislation.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Government's conclusions on school management were published on 18 January in the booklet "School Management — the Government's Conclusions" and they reflect many of the helpful comments expressed during the consultation. Copies of the booklet have been sent to all Scottish Members and have been placed in the Library. A Bill to give effect to our intentions will be brought forward shortly.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be able to publish the Scottish commentary on public expenditure.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend expects to publish "Public Expenditure to 1990–91: A Commentary on the Scotland Programme" around 17 February. As in previous years a copy will be sent to each Scottish Member. Copies will also be placed in the Library.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the financial implications for each of the regions of Scotland of the failure to introduce a uniform business rate at the same time as is proposed for England and Wales; and what will be the financial implications for Scotland as a whole of the non-introduction of a uniform business rate for Great Britain.
  280
  Mr. Lang
  I refer the hon. Member to my replies to his questions on 27 November 1987 at column 132, 17 December 1987 at column 643 and 14 January 1988 at column 367, which explained policy on the reform of non-domestic rates in Scotland. Detailed estimates of the kind requested have not been made.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will seek to amend the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 so that married students, who depend on their spouse's income for grant purposes, will not be jointly and severally liable for that spouse's poll tax.

  Mr. Lang
  No.

  Newbattle Abbey College
  Mr. Eadie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what processes of consultation he undertook before announcing the withdrawal of funding from Newbattle Abbey college in Dalkeith.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  There was no public consultation before the decision was announced, but there will be adequate opportunity for the governors and others to express their views before the decision takes effect.

  Disabled People (Transport)
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make a statement on the provision of transport for the disabled in the Strathclyde region since deregulation.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I understand that Strathclyde passenger transport executive, on behalf of the regional council, last year carried out a review of dial-a-bus services for the mobility handicapped within the Glasgow area. As a result of the review an extension of the concept of door-to-door dial-a-bus services was recommended and the council has now approved changes in the style and scope of the service.

  The extended network, which is subsidised by the council, will start on 1 February in the following operating areas:

  Glasgow North West

  Glasgow North East

  Glasgow South East

  Glasgow South West

  Hamilton/East Kilbride

  Renfrew

  Clydesdale

  I understand that there are, in addition, three community transport schemes operated by the voluntary sector which provide transport for the mobility handicapped within the conurbation.

  Job Creation
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Confederation of British Industry about new industries coming to Scotland during the past year and on how many jobs will be created.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend keeps in regular touch with the Confederation of British Industry on a range of issues, and addressed its annual conference in Glasgow in November when he drew attention to the continuing attractiveness of Scotland as a location for
  281
  industrial investment. Last year there were announcements of over 50 major new industrial projects with the prospect of over 12,000 jobs.

  Housing Finance
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the provisional non-housing revenue account and housing revenue account capital allocations for 1988–89 for(a) Scotland and (b) Edinburgh; and if he will express them as a percentage of the allocation in the 1987–88 financial year.

  Mr. Lang
  The provisional non-housing revenue account and housing revenue account capital allocations for 1988–89 for Scotland as a whole are £122·6 million and £387 million, respectively. These represent 83·1 per cent. and 106·8 per cent. respectively of the equivalent allocations at this stage last year.

  The provisional non-housing revenue account and housing revenue account capital allocations for 1988–89 for Edinburgh district council are £24 million and £26·4 million respectively. These represent 70 per cent. and 107 per cent. respectively of the equivalent allocations at this stage last year.

  This year, as a result of substantial increases in receipts, the housing revenue account allocations at final stage were higher than the provisional allocations. Similarly next year, any receipts additional to those assumed will enhance 1988–89 allocations.

  Roads (North Ayrshire)
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on Government policy for improving road communications in north Ayrshire.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The north of Ayrshire is served by two trunk roads, the A77 and the A78. On the A78 there are plans to bypass the towns of Ardrossan and Saltcoats. On the northern section of the A77, the Ayr road route is a joint central Government-regional authority project, which will provide an all-purpose dual carriageway between the centre of Glasgow and Ayrshire. Roads connecting with the trunk road network are the responsibility of the local roads authority, Strathclyde regional council.

  Legal System
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to introduce legislation to reform the Scottish legal system; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend will continue to introduce well-based proposals for appropriate reforms of the Scottish legal system.

  Paisley Grammar School
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received concerning the proposal to close Paisley grammar school; and if he will make a statement.
  282
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  At the most recent count 2,385 representations and a petition with 7,300 signatures have been received in connection with the proposal to close Paisley grammar school.

  Road Improvements
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of major road improvements projects which are under way or are to be initiated during the current year in Angus, Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: There are no major trunk road schemes under construction at present, or planned to commence in the current financial year, in Angus.

  Hospitals
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of new hospital building projects which are planned to take place in Angus, Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The initiative on new hospital building projects lies with health boards in the first instance. Tayside health board has, I understand, long-term plans to provide a new community hospital in Forfar, Angus. These proposals are however currently subject to a detailed option appraisal and if the board decides to proceed, a submission for approval-in-principle will be made to the Scottish Home and Health Department.

  Educational Expenditure
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of any educational projects which are planned for the current year in Tayside.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The educational building projects being undertaken or proposed in the financial years 1987–88 and 1988–89, as listed in Tayside regional council's current financial plan, are given in table 1. Table 2 gives details of projects in 1987–88 in central institutions in Tayside and the Dundee campus of the Northern college of education. Comparable information for 1988–89 is not yet available.

  Table 1

  Planned expenditure

  Project

  1987–88 £000s1

  1988–89 £000s1

  Perth academy—alterations and extensions

  1,327

  233

  Educational improvements (including replacement furniture)

  470

  470

  Webster's high school, Kirriemuir— alterations, extension and community provision

  520

  1,869

  Perth grammar school phase IV

  33

  54

  Conversion of former Arbroath high school to FE premises

  340

  836

  Minor works, energy conservation equipment etc.

  1,901

  1,393

  Grove academy—alteration, extension and community provision (met from covenant)

  604

  936

  Montrose academy—alteration and extension (met from covenant)

  175

  1,550

  1 At outturn prices.

  283

  Table 2

  Project

  Planned expenditure 1987–88 £0001

  1. Duncan of Jordanstone college of art

  Access for disabled

  50

  Conversion of boiler

  53

  Remedial work to Springfield facade

  34

  Minor works

  16

  153

  2. Dundee college of technology

  Minor works 3

  15

  Dundee campus of northern college of education

  Re-roofing

  65

  Floor coverings

  12

  77

  1 At outturn prices.

  National Health Service (Resources)
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to increase resources allocated to the National Health Service in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Yes. My right hon. and learned Friend announced on 9 December that the provision for the National Health Service in Scotland would rise by about £130 million next year, to £2,393 million and by a further £100 million in each of the next two years. I also refer the hon. Member to the additional £7·6 million of which details were mentioned in the reply I gave on 18 December 1987, at column 820, to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Stewart).

  Meningitis
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of meningitis have occurred in Scotland during each of the past three years; how many of these have been fatal; what evidence he has as to the principal cause of the disease; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The number of cases of meningococcal meningitis, which is a notifiable disease, for the past three years in Scotland is as follows:

  1985

  136

  1986

  180

  1987

  159 (provisional)

  The number of laboratory reports of all forms of meningitis received by the Communicable Diseases (Scotland) Unit is as follows:

  1985

  460

  1986

  419

  1987

  432

  The number of deaths from all forms of meningitis is as follows:

  1985

  22

  1986

  25

  1987

  n.a.

  The principal attributable cause of the disease has not yet been identified. The recent position is that meningitis in Scotland appears to be confined to sporadic cases with no significant upsurge in numbers beyond anticipated variation. We are, however, keeping the situation under close review.

  Graduates (Teaching)
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report the percentage of Scottish graduates who went into teaching as a first job in 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The numbers of persons entering postgraduate teacher training courses in Scotland in 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985 expressed as rates per 100 graduates from academic establishments in Scotland during the previous academic year are 28, 30, 14 and 6, respectively. Information on the proportion of graduates commencing teaching employment for the first time in each of these years is not readily available.

  Teachers
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of teaching posts in Scottish primary schools is held by(a) males and (b) females.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  At September 1984 11·4 per cent. of the full-time teachers in education authority primary schools were male and 88·6 per cent. were female.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average salary of(a) a male and (b) a female teacher in Scotland's schools.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Scottish teachers, whether male of female, receive the same rates of pay which are determined from a single salary structure. The estimated average salary for all Scottish teachers at October 1987 is £13,200. Information on the separate average salaries of male and female teachers is not available.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average age of(a) male and (b) female teachers in Scotland in 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The average ages of full-time teachers in education authority schools are as shown. Information for session 1970–71 is not readily available; 1984–85 is the latest year for which information is available.

  Session

  1975–76

  1980–81

  1984–85

  Primary

  Males

  43

  42

  42

  Females

  36

  38

  40

  Secondary

  Males

  38

  39

  40

  Females

  35

  36

  37

  Primary and Secondary

  Males

  39

  39

  40

  Females

  36

  37

  39

  Ayr Road Route
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the timetable for completion of the Ayr road route; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Rifkind
  All of the statutory orders have now been published for this scheme. The number and nature of the objections received, both to the trunk road section and to Strathclyde regional council's proposals, mean that a joint public local inquiry will be required. A provisional starting
  285
  date for an inquiry of 23 March is being investigated and a press announcement confirming details will be made in due course. I hope my hon. Friend will appreciate that I cannot give an indication of when construction of the Ayr road route might start since whether it goes ahead or not will depend on the recommendation of the inquiry reporter and my final decision.

  South African Consul General for Scotland
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions the South African consul general for Scotland has met any Minister or any official of his Department or the Scottish Development Agency; and what was the purpose and outcome of the meetings.

  Mr. Rifkind
  [holding answer 21 January 1988]: None of my ministerial colleagues has met the South African consul general for Scotland. An official of the Industry Department for Scotland attended a lunch in Glasgow on 26 November 1987, along with others from Scottish industrial and commercial interests, to mark a visit to Scotland by the South African ambassador.

  In addition, Scottish Office officials have occasional meetings or discussions with consular officials in the normal course of their duties.

  Peterhead Prison
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what role he envisages for Peterhead prison within the Scottish penal system;

  (2) what is his policy on the conclusion of the Buyers report into prisoners' grievances at Peterhead, that on balance the building of a new prison at Peterhead is justified;

  (3) whether he will accept the recommendation of the Buyers report into prisoners' grievances at Peterhead on the establishment for new alternative secure units in Scottish prisons;

  (4) when he intends to respond to the recommendation and points of note in the Buyers report into prisoners' grievances at Her Majesty's prison, Peterhead;

  (5) if he will make a statement on Scottish prison policy.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 26 January 1988]: My right hon. and learned Friend made a speech on 25 January on penal policy and the operation of the Scottish prison service in Scotland. Copies of his speech have been placed in the Library. My right hon. and learned Friend indicated in his speech the main measures which he is pursuing in response, inter alia, to the advice put to him by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons (following his special investigation into grievances of prisoners at Peterhead).

  For the time being Peterhead prison will operate with a reduced capacity. At present places are available for up to 60 long-term prisoners who present management or control problems; this capacity will be increased when D hall becomes available in December this year. There is also capacity for up to 50 long-term prisoners who are unable to go into normal circulation and for 20 local prisoners serving short sentences.

  For the longer term, my right hon. and learned Friend is considering a range of options including the possibility of changing the plans for building a new prison at
  286
  Peterhead. He has made it plain, however, that nothing has been decided yet and that this possibility is only one of the options for the future of Peterhead prison.

  The Government's initial response to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons' report on his inquiry into prisoners' grievances at Peterhead prison was published on 6 May. A number of recommendations have already been implemented. Action on other matters will be announced in due course.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Experimental Husbandry Farms
  Mr. Ashby
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many experimental husbandry farms there are; what is the purpose of these farms; and if he will make a statement on his future policy in respect of such farms.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  There are 12 experimental husbandry farms throughout England and Wales representing all the main farming enterprises on a range of soil types and under a variety of climatic conditions. The primary purpose of these farms is to conduct developmental work in general areas and on specific projects where there is a demonstrable need within the farming industry, with the aim of the early adoption of these systems or techniques by the industry. The development work at the centres is an integral part of the ADAS R and D programme and as such is inseparable from the future decisions on support for agricultural R and D.

  Mr. Ashby
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the cost of running each experimental husbandry farm; what revenue is received in respect of each farm; and how much of that revenue comes from charges to visitors.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The table shows the running costs and the revenue received in respect of each experimental husbandry farm for the financial year 1986–87. None of these receipts are attributable to charged visits.

  Total costs £'000s

  Receipts £'000s

  Boxworth

  796

  409

  Bridgets

  1,006

  477

  Drayton

  630

  201

  Gleadthorpe

  1,225

  381

  High Mowthorpe

  977

  530

  Liscombe

  520

  185

  Pwllpeiran

  475

  180

  Redesdale

  568

  284

  Rickwood

  514

  77

  Rosemaund

  945

  364

  Terrington

  1,147

  359

  Trawscoed

  1,503

  704

  Mr. Ashby
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the number of visitors to each experimental husbandry farm in each year since 1984.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The table shows the numbers of visitors to experimental husbandry farms for the years 1984 to 1987.
  287

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Boxworth

  2,861

  2,932

  1,821

  1,958

  Bridgets

  2,915

  2,215

  1,831

  1,925

  Drayton

  1,147

  1,390

  1,106

  950

  Gleadthorpe

  1,758

  2,387

  1,467

  1,129

  High Mowthorpe

  1,187

  2,327

  1,219

  2,269

  Liscombe

  5,144

  3,407

  2,078

  3,356

  Redesdale

  1,197

  1,035

  1,185

  733

  Rickwood

  1,727

  1,788

  1,743

  1,016

  Rosemaund

  7,317

  3,643

  3,403

  3,191

  Terrington

  1,412

  1,880

  1,886

  1,761

  Trawscoed/Pwllpeiran

  2,479

  4,398

  4,184

  2,014

  Basking Sharks
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has received from the Marine Conservation Society concerning the fishing of basking sharks in British and European waters; if he will seek their current views on this matter; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) how many tonnes of basking shark liver have been taken by the Norwegians from British waters during 1987;

  (3) what currently is the quota of Norway in respect of basking shark fishing in British and European waters; and if he intends to make any representations or take any action in respect thereof.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The 1988 Norwegian quota for basking shark in Community waters is 400 tonnes of basking shark liver, as in 1987. Details of catches against this quota for 1987 are not yet available.

  Officials of my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland have had a number of contacts with the Marine Conservation Society about the fishery for basking sharks and its effects on stocks. The Government are aware of the views of the Marine Conservation Society and see no need for further consultation at this stage. Fisheries and Environment Ministers are, however, giving further consideration to the case for inclusion of basking sharks in schedule 5 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

  Forestry
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement concerning the implications for forestry of the Government's and the EEC's proposals for set-aside in agriculture.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The Community set-aside scheme, on which discussions are continuing in the Council of Ministers, is expected to include provision for land taken out of arable crop production to be used for woodland. The consultation document issued by the Agricultural Departments on 8 December 1987 contained suggestions as to how this option might be put into practice in the United Kingdom and linked with the new farm woodland scheme. I and my colleagues will wish to consider the matter further in the light of the Community's final decisions, and of views expressed during our current consultations in this country.

  Pesticides
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the criteria which are used for the review of pesticides under the control of pesticides regulations.
  288
  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 26 January 1988]: Pesticides under review are evaluated in relation to a wide range of criteria, including their chemical properties, function, efficacy, residues, toxicity and environmental effect. Each product is considered individually, but the fields of interest are those set out in appendix 4 of the volume "Approval for Data Requirements for Approval under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986" which is in the Library of the House.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Agricultural Development Programme
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will announce the details of the Northern Ireland agricultural development programme; which items will be grant-aided; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1942/81 under which the Northern Ireland agricultural development programe was introduced, was recently amended by Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3156/87 to permit its continuation. An amended programme has been drafted by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland but it is still subject to the formal approval of the EC Commission. However, I hope that approval will be obtained soon, and that I will be able to make an early announcement about the details of the programme.

  Amusement Machines
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation to regulate the growth of fruit machines, slot machines and video machines in shop premises in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  Fruit machines and other slot machines which are used for gaming are already illegal in these premises under the provisions of the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. However, I am aware that there are problems associated with the illegal use for gaming of certain types of machines which are designed for amusement only, for example video poker machines and I am considering what action, needs to be taken in regard to these.

  Terrorist Attacks
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the casualty figures due to terrorist attacks for the last three months; what were the figures for the same period for each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stanley
  The information is as follows:

  October-December

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Number of persons murdered by terrorists (also includes those murdered as a result of internal disputes)

  28

  8

  9

  10

  19

  289

  October-December

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Total injuries associated with terrorist activity

  178

  159

  193

  260

  332

  Mentally Disordered Prisoners
  Mr. Goodlad
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration his Department has given to the problems presented by mentally disordered prisoners in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stanley
  In Northern Ireland prisoners who are diagnosed as suffering from mental illness or severe impairment (as defined in the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986) of a nature or degree which warrants detention in hospital for medical treatment, may be transferred to hospital for such treatment. Male prisoners who do not require hospitalisation but who need treatment for mental disorders are housed in the psychiatric unit in Belfast prison where they are assessed and treated by consultant psychiatrists and prison medical staff. A new purpose-built psychiatric unit in the male prison at Maghaberry is due to open later this year to replace the existing unit in Belfast prison. Female prisoners who need psychiatric attention are treated in Maghaberry (female) prison.

  Students (Republic of Ireland)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish in the Official Report the estimated cost to public funds for students from the Republic of Ireland now receiving their higher education in Northern Ireland as a result of European Community regulations.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the cost of reimbursing the tuition fees of these students in the 1987–88 financial year will be about £450,000.

  Police Meetings
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many meetings have taken place between the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Commissioner of the Irish Republic's police force since 15 November 1985(a) within Anglo-Irish conferences and (b) outside Anglo-Irish conferences;

  (2) how many meetings have taken place between the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Commissioner of the Irish Republic's police force since 15 November 1985 (a) within Northern Ireland, (b) within the Republic of Ireland and (c) elsewhere;

  (3) during how many of the meetings between the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Commissioner of the Irish Republic's police force held since 15 November 1985 a Minister or official of his Department was present.

  Mr. Stanley
  Since 15 November 1985, the Chief Constable and the Garda Commissioner have attended eight meetings of the Intergovernmental Conference, four 290
  of which were held in Belfast, three in London and one in Dublin. They have also participated in a further six meetings within the ambit of the conference attended by officials from both sides, five of which were held in Belfast and one in Dublin. In addition, the Chief Constable has had a number of private discussions with the present and former commissioner, both in Dublin and Belfast.

  Maghaberry Prison
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the total capital cost of the construction and equipping of Her Majesty's prison, Maghaberry; when work commenced; when it was first used to accommodate prisoners; and if it is now complete.

  Mr. Stanley
  The prison complex at Maghaberry has cost some £35 million to construct and equip. Construction commenced in 1976 and prisoners were first accommodated there in March 1986. The complex is now essentially complete.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the annual(a) maintenance costs and (b) operating costs at Her Majesty's prison, Maghaberry for each year that it has been in use.

  Mr. Stanley
  Maintenance costs in the first full financial year of use (1986–87) were £333,939 and in the same period, operating costs were £7,023,058. Corresponding costs in the current financial year to date (April to December 1987) are £227,941 and £7,127,330 respectively.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the prisoner capacity of Her Majesty's prison, Maghaberry; and what has been the average annual prison population for each year it has been in use.

  Mr. Stanley
  The female prison at Maghaberry has 56 cells and was designed to accommodate all the female prisoners in Northern Ireland. The male prison has a capacity for 432. The average weekly female population during 1986 was 29 and in 1987 it was 30. The corresponding figures for male prisoners are eight and 16 respectively.

  Students (Covenants)
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many students from Northern Ireland to whom covenants are made and who are also entitled, after means testing, to a full university or further education award, currently have a deduction made from their awards relative to the amount of the covenant.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The information is not available.

  Salmon Tagging
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to combat salmon poaching by the introduction of a tagging scheme.

  Mr. Viggers
  I have no plans at present to do so.

  Fish Disease UDN
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the disease in fish known as UDN was first recorded in a Northern Ireland river; what were
  291
  the peak years of incidence; which rivers were most affected; when the incidence of this disease became so low as not to cause concern over the future of salmon stocks; and what were the principal effects on salmon stocks.

  Mr. Viggers
  I assume the hon. Gentleman is referring to UDN (ulcerative dermal necrosis) which was first recorded in a Northern Ireland river in 1966. The peak years of incidence were 1966–68. No information exists to allow an accurate assessment of which rivers were most affected. By the early 1970s the incidence of UDN had become so low as to stop concern over the future of salmon stocks. The principal effect on salmon stocks in Northern Ireland was to reduce the number of adult fish surviving to spawn, thus lowering the amount of ova deposited.

  Extradition
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons were extradited from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland in each of the last three years where the charge was in respect of(a) terrorist activity and (b) non-terrorist activity.

  Mr. Stanley
  The information is as follows:

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Numbers of persons extradited in respect of terrorist activity

  0

  0

  0

  Number of persons extradited in respect of non-terrorist activity

  4

  1

  0

  On 14 January 1988, the Irish Supreme Court ordered the extradition of Robert Peter Russell, who escaped from the Maze in 1983. He will be returned to Northern Ireland on completion of a three-year sentence imposed in the Republic.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken, in conjunction with the security forces to draw up a list of persons believed to be living in Republic of Ireland, for which applications for extradition might be appropriate, what percentage of such persons are being sought by the Royal Ulster Constabulary for terrorist offences; and if the list has been extended as a result of changes in extradition law in the Irish Republic.

  Mr. Stanley
  As I said in my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 10 November at column 66 it is not the practice to give details of possible individual extradition cases. I can assure him, however, that the Royal Ulster Constabulary has always given consideration to possible extradition cases involving both terrorists and non-terrorist offences.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for extradition of persons from the Irish Republic to Northern Ireland have been made since the recent changes in extradition law in the Irish Republic came into effect; and of these how many were for(a) terrorist offences and (b) non-terrorist offences.

  Mr. Stanley
  [holding answer 26 January 1988]: The Extradition (ECST) Act 1987 came into force on 1 December and the Extradition (Amendment) Act 1987 came into force on 14 December. I understand that between 1 and 14 December there were three new
  292
  applications for the extradition of persons from the Irish Republic to Northern Ireland. There have been no further new applications since 14 December.

  Salmon and Grilse
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what numbers of salmon and grilse have been taken by(a) rod anglers, (b) draft nets, (c) drift nets in the Foyle System and other fixed engines in each of the last 20 years to the end of 1987.

  Mr. Viggers
  The information requested for the years 1985 and 1986 is shown below. Information for 1987 is not yet available. The information for previous years is given in the annual reports of the Foyle Fisheries Commission which are laid before Parliament.

  1985

  1986

  Reported rod catch

  1,814

  1,172

  Draft nets

  14,066

  12,709

  Drift nets

  24,528

  32,280

  Fixed engines

  1,927

  1,365

  Crime Statistics
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what factors he attributes the fact published in the 1986 statistics that overall crime rates in Northern Ireland are consistently lower than in most other regions of the United Kingdom; how the Royal Ulster Constabulary's clear-up rate now compares with that of mainland forces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stanley
  [holding answer 21 January 1988]: The reasons for the overall crime rate being lower in Northern Ireland than in England, Wales or Scotland must necessarily be somewhat speculative. Adherence to traditional values and the strength of the family unit in the Province may be contributory factors. The RUC's clear-up rate for all forms of crime in 1986 was 37 per cent. compared to 32 per cent. in England and Wales and 34 per cent. in Scotland in the same year. The RUC is to be congratulated on this performance, particularly as it is achieved amidst a terrorist campaign which makes conventional police work that much more difficult.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has as to the number of days off work sick reported for members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary for each of the last five years; and if he will express this as an average figure.

  Mr. Stanley
  [holding answer 22 January 1988]: The following number of days were lost by members of the regular RUC as a result of sickness and injury on duty for each of the last five years:

  Days lost

  1983

  91,388

  1984

  110,048

  1985

  132,669

  1986

  148,307

  1987

  1

  1 Figures not vet available.

  In 1986 these figures represented an average loss of 18·01 days per member.

EMPLOYMENT

  Labour Statistics
  Miss Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Bristol, North-West (Mr. Stern) on 14 December 1987,Official Report, column 338, if he will list the area of buoyant labour demand where new claimants will be provided with information on available jobs.

  Mr. Lee
  This will be a matter for regional and local managers in the employment service to decide, based on the prevailing circumstances in their areas.

  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment by how much unemployment has fallen in the northern region since July 1986.

  Mr. Lee
  On 10 December 1987, the number of unemployed claimants in the northern region, adjusted for seasonality and excluding school leavers, was 191,400, a fall of 34,500 since July 1986.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps his Department takes to help reduce the problem of seasonal unemployment.
  294
  Mr. Lee
  Seasonal fluctuations in unemployment have always occurred here and in other countries, reflecting seasonal patterns of demand. They occur even when unemployment is very low. Those affected usually remain unemployed for only short periods.

  In tourism, one of the industries particularly affected by seasonal unemployment, it is Government policy, and that of the national tourist boards, to encourage year-round tourism through marketing and investment in tourism facilities.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the latest unemployment figures for Cornwall.

  Mr. Lee
  On 10 December 1987 the number of unemployed claimants in the county of Cornwall was 23,972.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the present level of job vacancies in the Blackpool travel-to-work area.

  Mr. Lee
  On 4 December 1987 the number of unfilled vacancies at the jobcentres Blackpool central, Blackpool south, Thornton Clevelys, St. Annes, Kirkham and Fleetwood, which cover an area closely corresponding to the Blackpool travel-to-work area, was 864.
  295
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage change in(a) employment levels and (b) unemployment levels of those aged under 25 years, 25 to 54 years, and 55 years and over (i) from mid-1979 to mid-1986 and (ii) from mid-1986.

  Mr. Lee
  The regularly published working population series does not separately identify those in employment by age. Also estimates by age from the monthly unemployment count for 1979 and 1986 are not comparable because of changes in coverage. The Labour force survey (LFS) provides information on a different basis.

  LFS estimates of the percentage change in the number of persons in employment in Great Britain between spring 1979 and spring 1986, for the age groups requested, are as shown:

  Age (Years)

  Change per cent.

  16–24

  +2·7

  25–54

  +2·0

  55 and over

  -20·8

  LFS estimates of the percentage change in the number of persons unemployed in Great Britain are not available for 1979 on a basis consistent with later years. The estimated percentage changes from spring 1981 to spring 1986 are as follows:

  Age (Years)

  Change per cent.1

  16–24

  +2·92

  25–54

  +29·0

  55 and over

  -12·3

  Table 1

  Employees in employment: Percentage changes between June of each year in the categories listed in Table 1·3 of 'Employment Gazette'

  Great Britain

  Division Class or Group of SIC1

  Change 1979–80

  Change 1980–81

  Change 1981–82

  Change 1982–83

  Change 1983–84

  Change 1984–85

  Change 1985–86

  Change 1986–87

  Change 1979–87

  Production Industries

  1·4

  -3·9

  -9·6

  -5·5

  -5·7

  -2·4

  -1·2

  -2·9

  -1·8

  -28·9

  Manufacturing Industries

  2·4

  -4·3

  10·3

  -5·7

  -5·8

  -2·1

  -0·8

  -2·3

  -1·3

  -28·7

  Energy and Water Supply

  1

  0·7

  -2·3

  -4·2

  -4·7

  -5·0

  -4·5

  -8·6

  -7·4

  -31·0

  Coal extraction and solid fuels

  111

  -0·4

  -4·2

  -5·0

  -5·3

  -8·8

  -6·6

  -16·5

  -15·9

  -48·7

  Electricity

  161

  -0·6

  -3·1

  -4·8

  -3·6

  -3·1

  -2·4

  -1·2

  -0·5

  -17·8

  Gas

  162

  1·1

  0·0

  -1·8

  -3·5

  -3·9

  -4·0

  -4·1

  -4·5

  -19·0

  Other Mineral and Ore Extraction Etc

  2

  -5·9

  -12·8

  -5·6

  -7·8

  -2·3

  0·1

  -2·6

  -0·9

  -32·5

  Metal Manufacturing

  22

  -10·0

  -19·6

  -10·0

  -13·9

  -9·5

  -3·7

  -7·4

  -4·8

  -56·9

  Non-Metalic Mineral Products

  24

  -4·9

  -12·1

  3·4

  -4·3

  2·7

  3·6

  -1·0

  1·2

  -17·7

  Chemical Industry

  25

  -3·5

  -8·9

  -4·1

  -6·0

  -0·6

  0·6

  -0·6

  0·2

  -21·1

  Basic industrial chemicals

  251

  -3·1

  -11·1

  -7·6

  -8·4

  -1·0

  1·2

  -0·6

  0·0

  -27·3

  Other chemical products and preparations

  255–259/260

  -3·8

  -7·6

  -1·8

  -4·5

  -0·3

  0·3

  -0·5

  0·3

  -17·0

  Metal Goods, Engineering

  and Vehicles

  3

  -3·2

  -10·6

  -6·5

  -6·7

  -3·2

  -1·7

  -3·7

  -2·6

  -32·6

  Metal Goods nes

  31

  -4·3

  -15·2

  -6·1

  -10·5

  -3·7

  -3·5

  -5·5

  -1·9

  -41·2

  Mechanical Engineering Industrial plant and

  32

  -2·7

  -10·4

  -6·3

  -8·9

  -2·3

  -0·3

  -3·3

  -1·9

  -31·3

  steelwork

  320

  -7·5

  -12·5

  -3·9

  -7·6

  8·0

  -3·1

  -6·7

  -1·3

  -30·8

  Mining and construction

  machinery etc Other machinery and

  325

  -4·4

  -13·0

  -8·6

  -6·2

  -5·4

  -4·1

  -2·2

  -3·0

  -38·6

  mechanical equipment

  328

  -2·1

  -10·0

  -6·1

  -9·4

  -2·8

  1·1

  -2·7

  -1·4

  -29·4

  Office Machinery, Data

  Processing Equipment

  33

  4·8

  -0·7

  3·4

  2·3

  3·3

  9·1

  -0·5

  3·6

  28·1

  Electrical and Electronic

  Engineering

  34

  -2·1

  -8·6

  -6·9

  -3·4

  -0·8

  -2·2

  -4·1

  -2·4

  -27·0

  296

  1 Estimated change in the number unemployed on the definition adopted in the Department of Employment's estimates of the Great Britain labour force.

  2 The 1981 LFS estimate for 16 to 24-years-olds is on a slightly different basis from later years and the estimated change since 1981 is therefore less reliable than for the older age groups.

  Figures on this basis are not yet available for 1987. However, the percentage changes in claimant unemployed in Great Britain from July 1986 to October 1987, for the age groups requested, are as shown:

  Age (Years)

  Change per cent.

  16–24

  -22·6

  25–54

  -14·1

  55 and over

  -9·8

  These claimant unemployed figures are affected by seasonal influences.

  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. Lee
  [holding answer 22 January 1988]: The available information is as follows:
  297

  Great Britain

  Division Class or Group of SIC1

  Change 1979–80

  Change 1980–81

  Change 1981–82

  Change 1982–83

  Change 1983–84

  Change 1984–85

  Change 1985–86

  Change 1986–87

  Change 1979–87

  Wires, cables, batteries and other electrical equipment

  341/342/343

  -3·2

  -9·6

  -7·6

  -6·9

  -3·8

  -1·3

  -5·7

  -4·6

  -35·7

  Telecommunication equipment

  344

  2·0

  -3·7

  -4·5

  -2·4

  -2·7

  -2·8

  -4·5

  -1·8

  -18·9

  Other electronic and electrical equipment

  345–348

  -4·2

  -11·7

  -8·3

  0·0

  4·7

  -2·5

  -1·9

  -0·8

  -22·9

  Motor Vehicles and Parts

  35

  -6·3

  -16·8

  -12·9

  -6·0

  -6·1

  -4·2

  -5·3

  -4·6

  -48·2

  Motor vehicles and engines

  351

  -6·2

  -16·7

  -14·3

  0·3

  -5·6

  -1·2

  -4·4

  -7·1

  ·44·5

  Bodies, trailers, caravans and parts

  352/353

  -6·3

  16·8

  -12·1

  -9·4

  -6·4

  -6·1

  -5·8

  -3·0

  -50·2

  Other Transport Equipment

  36

  -3·0

  -4·4

  -3·4

  -5·5

  -9·0

  -3·9

  -3·6

  -5·9

  -32·8

  Aerospace equipment

  364

  1·3

  -2·8

  -4·1

  -3·2

  -1·5

  -1·1

  -1·2

  -2·2

  -14·0

  Ship and other transport equipment

  361–363/365

  -7·1

  -6·0

  -2·8

  -8·0

  -17·3

  -7·5

  -6·9

  -11·4

  -50·7

  Instrument Engineering

  37

  -3·0

  -9·3

  -3·3

  -6·3

  0·0

  0·9

  1·1

  -2·1

  -20·4

  Other Manufacturing Industries

  4

  -5·0

  -8·9

  -4·7

  -3·9

  -0·9

  -0·1

  -0·6

  0·0

  -22·0

  Food, Drink and Tobacco

  41/42

  -1·1

  -5·8

  -4·0

  -6·1

  -2·7

  -1·6

  -3·7

  -1·3

  -23·6

  Meat and meat products, organic oils and fats

  411/412

  0·5

  -4·3

  -4·5

  -2·7

  -4·3

  -0·2

  -1·6

  -0·9

  -16·8

  Alcoholic and soft drinks manufacture

  424/428

  0·7

  -7·4

  -4·2

  -8·4

  -0·6

  -4·3

  ·4·9

  -2·1

  -27·6

  All other food, drink and tobacco manufacture

  413–423/429

  -2·0

  -5·7

  -3·8

  -6·3

  -3·0

  -1·2

  -3·9

  -1·2

  24·1

  Textiles

  43

  -12·6

  -15·9

  -6·2

  -6·8

  -2·2

  -0·3

  0·7

  -5·1

  -40·1

  Footwear and Clothing

  45

  -8·6

  -12·9

  -6·1

  -3·2

  2·1

  1·0

  0-6

  -1·6

  -26·2

  Timber and Wooden

  Furniture

  46

  -5·1

  -8·0

  -7·4

  1·2

  0·1

  -0·4

  2·6

  0·7

  -15·7

  Paper, Printing and

  Publishing Pulp, paper, board and

  47

  -0·8

  -5·1

  -2·9

  -2·8

  -0·9

  0·7

  -1·2

  2·5

  -10·3

  derived products

  471/472

  -5·5

  -12·8

  -7·0

  -7·3

  -3·4

  -0·5

  ·0·8

  4·4

  -29·3

  Printing and publishing

  475

  1·9

  -1·1

  -1·0

  -0·9

  0·1

  1·2

  -1·3

  1·7

  0·5

  Rubber and Plastics

  48

  -5·3

  -11·2

  -4·5

  -2·2

  3·5

  1·5

  2·8

  4·2

  -11·6

  Other Manufacturing

  49

  -10·9

  -10·5

  -3·1

  -2·5

  -4·6

  0·6

  3·8

  3·7

  -22·1

  1 Standard Industrial Classification.

  Table 2 Employees in Employment: Percentage changes between June of each year in those categories listed in table 1.2 of 'Employment Gazette' which do not appear in table 1.3

  Great Britain

  Division Class or Group of SIC

  Change 1979–80

  Change 1980–81

  Change 1981–82

  Change 1982–83

  Change 1983–84

  Change 1984–85

  Change 1985–86

  Change 1986–87

  Change 1979–87

  All industries and services

  (0–9)*

  All employees

  -0·8

  -4·8

  -2·2

  -1·6

  0·8

  1·3

  0·4

  1·3

  -5·6

  Production and construction industries

  (1–5)

  All employees

  -3·3

  -9·4

  -5·6

  -5·2

  -2·2

  -1·2

  -2·9

  -1·3

  -27·4

  Service industries

  (6–9)

  All employees

  0·9

  -1·8

  -0·2

  0-4

  2·5

  2·6

  2·2

  2·6

  9·5

  Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

  (01–03)

  -1·9

  -2·6

  -1·5

  -2·4

  -3·0

  0·3

  -3·4

  -3·2

  -16·4

  Coal, oil and natural gas extraction and processing

  (11–14)

  0·3

  -3·1

  -4·7

  -5·2

  -7·1

  -6·2

  -15·1

  -14·3

  -44·4

  Electricity, gas, other energy and water supply

  (15–17)

  1·1

  -1·4

  -3·7

  -4·4

  -2·7

  -3·1

  -2·9

  -2·0

  -17·6

  Metal manufacturing, ore and other mineral extraction

  (21–24)

  -7·5

  -15·3

  -6·8

  -8·9

  -3·7

  -0·2

  -4·3

  -1·6

  -39·8

  Office machinery, electrical engineering and instruments

  (33–34, 37)

  -1·7

  -8·1

  -5·5

  -3·3

  -0·3

  -0·5

  -3·1

  -1·6

  -21·8

  Textiles, leather, footwear and clothing

  (43–45)

  -10·5

  -14·2

  -6·0

  -5·0

  -0·2

  0·2

  0·2

  -3·1

  -33·5

  Timber, wooden furniture, rubber, plastics, etc.

  (46, 48–49)

  -6·3

  -9·7

  -5·4

  -0·8

  0·6

  0·4

  3·0

  2·7

  ·15-2

  Construction

  (50)

  0·4

  -8·6

  -5·8

  -2·2

  -0·5

  -1·4

  -2·8

  2·4

  -17·5

  Wholesale distribution and repairs

  (61–63, 67)

  3·2

  -3·0

  0·3

  0-8

  2·8

  1·2

  1·4

  2·8

  9·6

  Retail distribution

  (64–65)

  nil

  -3·9

  -3·3

  -1·0

  2·4

  1·6

  1·2

  0·3

  -2·9

  Hotels and catering

  (66)

  3·0

  -3·0

  3·1

  -1·0

  4·8

  5·1

  2·3

  2·3

  17·6

  Transport

  (71–77)

  -0·8

  -5·9

  -4·4

  -3·2

  -0·6

  0-3

  -0·8

  0·2

  -14·3

  Postal services and telecommunications

  (79)

  3·4

  0·2

  ·0·2

  -0·9

  nil

  0·5

  0·7

  2·8

  6·5

  298 299

  Great Britain

  Division Class or Group of SIC

  Change 1979–80

  Change 1980–81

  Change 1981–82

  Change 1982–83

  Change 1983–84

  Change 1984–85

  Change 1985–86

  Change 1986–87

  Change 1979–87

  Banking, finance, insurance

  (81–85)

  2·9

  2·6

  3·4

  4·3

  5·0

  5·9

  5·8

  6·0

  42·2

  Public administration etc.

  (91–92)

  -1·1

  -4·2

  -1·0

  2·0

  1·0

  1·3

  1·1

  2·6

  1·4

  Education

  (93)

  -1·2

  -1·7

  -1·2

  -0·4

  0·6

  1·0

  2·4

  3·0

  2·5

  Medical and other health services: veterinary services

  (95)

  -2·0

  2·7

  0·9

  -0·9

  0·4

  1·2

  0·3

  -0·2

  6·6

  Other services

  (94, 96–98)

  -1·9

  -0·3

  1·8

  0·8

  6·7

  6·0

  4·2

  3·9

  27·6

  As a result of the change to a claimant-based unemployment count, statistics of unemployment by industry have not been available since May 1982. Figures prior to 1982 are not available by the 1980 standard industrial classification (SIC) definitions as given in tables 1.2 and 1.3 of the Employment Gazette.

  Professional and Executive Recruitment
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how, for the purpose of its flotation, the valuation of Professional and Executive Recruitment will be taken, given the service/knowledge orientation of its work;

  (2) what safeguards are proposed to ensure the autonomy of Professional and Executive Recruitment;

  (3) what consultations have taken place with trades unions concerning the proposed privatisation of Professional and Executive Recruitment.

  Mr. Cope
  These issues do not yet arise. On 2 December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the appointment of Lloyds Merchant Bank Limited to advise early in the new year on the options for transferring Professional and Executive Recruitment out of the public sector. We are awaiting Lloyds' advice and recommendations before taking a decision.

  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the income to Professional and Executive Recruitment in each year since 1979 from(a) social welfare subvention and (b) the Manpower Services Commission.

  Mr. Cope
  The information requested is as follows:

  Social subvention1

  Manpower Services Commission2

  MSC/DE Grant3

  £

  £

  £

  1979–80

  3,535,000

  205,000

  Nil

  1980–81

  4,914,000

  131,000

  Nil

  1981–82

  4,920,000

  370,000

  Nil

  1982–83

  4,591,000

  618,000

  Nil

  1983–84

  Nil

  2,886,000

  123,000

  1984–85

  Nil

  2,179,000

  170,000

  1985–86

  Nil

  2,754,000

  170,000

  1986–87

  Nil

  3,514,000

  271,000

  1 Until 31 March 1983, PER operated with the assistance of a subvention from public funds to cover the identifiable costs of PER's non-commercial activities. On 1 April 1983, this subvention was withdrawn. PER was given a new "break-even" objective requiring that operating costs are met in full from earned revenue.

  2 Net income from recruitment work for MSC programmes.

  3 Grant from MSC/Department of Employment for non-commercial work.

  Tourism
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures he has on tourist-related employment in the county of Durham.

  Mr. Lee
  The latest data relate to September 1984 when there were an estimated 11,800 employees in employment in tourism-related industries in the county of Durham. This figure does not include self-employed persons for whom a comparable estimate is not available.

  Flammable Gases and Liquids
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement, pursuant to his answer,Official Report, 15 December 1987, column 914, on the consideration by the Health and Safety Commission of the report by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances on proposals for the future controls over flammable gases and liquids, including standards relating to the keeping and use of liquefied petroleum gas.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Health and Safety Commission sought the advice of its Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances on controls over flammable gases and liquids. The committee recommended a number of specific initiatives to improve controls and standards and to fill particular gaps. These initiatives include the development of up-to-date standards and guidance in close co-operation with industry, in such fields as piped gas transmission and distribution, the keeping and use of liquefied petroleum gas at residential premises, and the construction and operation of petrol filling stations. The commission has accepted the committee's advice and the Health and Safety Executive has embarked on discussions and consultations to carry the initiatives forward.

  Mines and Quarries Act 1954
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many responses to "Restrictions in Employment of Young People" and the "Removal of Sex Discrimination in Legislation" are in favour of repealing section 93 of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954 which prohibits women and young people from lifting, carrying or moving a load so heavy as likely to cause injury at a mine.

  Mr. Nicholls
  No responses have been received to date concerning section 93 of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954. The closing date for comments on the consultative document is 29 February 1988.

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has on the average fine for breaking the health and safety laws in 1985 and in the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 1 December 1987 at column 504.

  Manpower Services Commission Programmes
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide the number of projects, the

  Great Britain1 planned starts and expenditure 1987–882 by region3, expenditure expressed as a percentage of Great Britain total

  Business enterprise programme

  Private enterprise programme

  Local grants to employers4

  Region

  Starts5

  Expenditure

  Per cent.

  Starts

  Expenditure

  Per cent.

  Starts

  Expenditure

  per cent.

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  South East

  5,790

  0·718

  11·21

  5,561

  0·293

  7·71

  15,360

  2·708

  11·48

  London

  8,962

  1·102

  17·21

  6,180

  0·502

  13·21

  11,665

  2·184

  9·26

  South West

  7,855

  0·770

  12·02

  6,892

  0·121

  3·19

  5,555

  1·618

  6·86

  West Midlands

  4,617

  0·445

  6·95

  3,872

  0·466

  12·27

  13,328

  3·620

  15·35

  East Midlands and Eastern

  4,615

  0·555

  8·67

  8,154

  0·739

  19·45

  10,173

  2·697

  11·44

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  3,846

  0·428

  6·68

  5,150

  0·414

  10·90

  6,101

  1·550

  6·59

  North West

  8,592

  1·008

  15·74

  10,007

  0·712

  18·74

  11,652

  3·365

  14·27

  Northern

  3,359

  0·389

  6·07

  3,442

  0·146

  3·84

  8,015

  1·901

  8·06

  Wales

  3,339

  0·313

  4·89

  2,996

  0·133

  3·50

  6,648

  1·502

  6·37

  Scotland

  3,836

  0·677

  10·57

  4,006

  0·273

  7·19

  9,282

  2·431

  10·31

  GREAT BRITAIN

  54,811

  6·405

  100·00

  56,260

  3·799

  100·00

  97,779

  23·581

  100·00

  Expenditure per head of the regional population6 in Great Britain

  Business enterprise programme

  Private enterprise programme

  Local grants to employers

  £

  £

  £

  Region

  South East

  0·07

  0·03

  0·27

  London

  0·16

  0·07

  0·32

  South West

  0·17

  0·03

  0·36

  West Midlands

  0·09

  0·09

  0·70

  East Midlands and Eastern

  0·09

  0·11

  0·42

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  0·09

  0·08

  0·32

  North West

  0·15

  0·10

  0·49

  Northern

  0·15

  0·06

  0·73

  Wales

  0·11

  0·05

  0·53

  Scotland

  0·13

  0·05

  0·47

  1 Figures for the United Kingdom are not available.

  2 April 1987—March 1988.

  3 Manpower Services Commission regions have been used, as figures are not recorded by standard region.

  4 Local Grants to Employers include two complementary schemes, Local Training Grants and Local Consultancy Grants. It is not possible separately to identify Local Training Grants by region.

  5 Records of projects are not recorded; starts to schemes have been given.

  6 Manpower Services Commission population projection for calendar year 1987.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Dollar-denominated Bonds
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the extent of the United Kingdom's present commitments in the form of dollar-denominated bonds, broken down between the public and private sector; and what is his estimate of the losses incurred on these bonds(a) since their original purchase, (b) over the last 12 months and (c) since 19 October 1987.

  Mr. Lilley
  It is not the practice to publish a currency breakdown of United Kingdom's official reserves,302
  amount of expenditure, the percentage of United Kingdom expenditure, and expenditure per head of regional population, in each United Kingdom standard region for the following Manpower Services Commission programmes (a) the business enterprise programme, (b) the private enterprise programme and (c) training grants to small employers.

  Mr. Cope
  [holding answer 25 January 1988]: It is not possible to provide the information in the precise form requested. The available information is shown in the tables.

  including any overseas bond holdings. Comprehensive recent information on United Kingdom residents' holdings of dollar-denominated bonds is not available.

  Trading Fund Status
  Mr. Lord
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in the light of the establishment of the Atomic Energy Authority as a trading fund, any other authorities or Government organisations will be brought into the category of a trading fund.

  Mr. Major
  Trading fund status is an option for organisations whose operations make it a suitable method
  303
  of financing. There are no firm proposals to establish additional trading funds at present, but cases will continue to be considered on their merits.

  Business Expansion Scheme
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many taxpayers invested in the business expansion scheme in 1984–85, by the marginal rate of tax and the amount of business expansion scheme investment, as set out in table 5.7 of "Inland Revenue Statistics 1987."

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The information is as follows:

  Investors by marginal rate of lax and amount of BES investment for 1984–85

  Percentages

  Amount of BES investment (£'000)

  Marginal rate of tax per cent.

  0–5

  5–10

  10–20

  20–30

  30+

  Total

  30

  12

  6

  1

  —

  1

  20

  40–55

  35

  9

  3

  2

  1

  51

  60

  11

  7

  7

  2

  4

  30

  Total

  58

  22

  11

  4

  6

  100

  Note:

  This table includes later information not available when "Inland Revenue Statistics 1987" was compiled; hence the final column does not correspond exactly with that in table 5.6.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Michael Shersby
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether(a) a jaffa cake, (b) a chocolate chip cookie, (c) a cereal bar, (d) a chocolate bar and (e) a chocolate-coated biscuit are subject to value added tax.

  Mr. Lilley
  The liability to value added tax of confectionery is governed by excepted item No. 2 of group 1 of schedule 5 to the VAT Act 1983. Under this provision chocolate bars and chocolate coated biscuits are liable to VAT at the standard rate. Jaffa cakes and chocolate chip cookies are regarded as zero-rated. The liability of cereal bars, of which there are a wide variety, falls to be determined in individual cases.
  304
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when Her Majesty's Customs and Excise intend to make available the value added tax annual accounting scheme under section 11(1) of the Finance Act 1987.

  Mr. Lilley
  The scheme will be available from 1 July 1988 and a copy of the proposed draft Value Added Tax (Annual Accounting) Regulations 1988 has been placed in the Library today.

  Nuclear Establishments (Payments)
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the formula employed by the Crown Estate Commissioners to calculate the payments due to them in respect of pipelines and associated works on the seabed at Dounreay, Sellafield and Hunterston nuclear establishments.

  Mr. Lawson
  The Crown Estate Commissioners use the district valuer to assess the value of their foreshore and seabed dealings. In assessing these values the district valuer acts on the basis of instructions from the valuation office to the effect that the price or rent should be the best which is obtainable in the open market and estimates should therefore be capable of justification on normal considerations of supply and demand, including the demand of the particular purchaser or lessee. The objective is to get the best price or rent obtainable having regard to all the circumstances of the case. In the case of the disposal of rights or interests in the foreshore or seabed, the commissioners often hold the monopoly. They do not, however, wish any element of monopoly value to be included. In such cases, therefore, the district valuer assumes, for the purpose of making his valuation, that there is a measure of competition and that, if the negotiations with the commissioners break down, equally suitable facilities could be obtained from other landowners on payment of a consideration which is reasonable in the circumstances of the case.

  DEFERRED PENSION VALUES
  DEFERRED PENSION VALUES
  ABORTION ALLEGATIONS
  ABORTION ALLEGATIONS
  OFFSHORE INSTALLATIONS: SAFETY ZONE INFRINGEMENTS
  OFFSHORE INSTALLATIONS: SAFETY ZONE INFRINGEMENTS
  LONDON UNDERGROUND STATIONS: LISTING
  LONDON UNDERGROUND STATIONS: LISTING
  ORDERS OF DISTINCTION
  ORDERS OF DISTINCTION
  NORTHERN IRELAND: STALKER/SAMPSON REPORT
  NORTHERN IRELAND: STALKER/SAMPSON REPORT