Written Answers of 27 July 1988

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Mortgage Fraud
  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Attorney-General what discussions he has had with the chief land registrar with a view to reducing the incidence of mortgage fraud.

  The Attorney-General
  I have had no discussions with the chief land registrar about mortgage frauds. Such frauds occur in areas of the conveyancing process with which the Land Registry is not directly involved.

  Magistrates (Hertfordshire)
  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  To ask the Attorney-General whether he will list the new magistrates appointed in June 1988 to the Hertfordshire bench, Dacorum division, together with their ages and occupations.

  The Attorney-General
  Five new justices were appointed by the Lord Chancellor in May 1988 to the dacorum Bench. They were:

  Mr. N. G. Crispin, aged 44, a school teacher;

  Mrs. C. M. Dogherty, aged 44, a pharmacist;

  Mrs. M. Morris, aged 51, a nurse not presently employed:

  Mr. D. A. D. Smith, aged 52, a company director; and

  Mr. H. K. Wilson, aged 40, a principal scientific officer with the Health and Safety Executive

  Social Security Commissioners
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Attorney-General how many inquiries have been raised by personal attendance(a) at the London office of the social security commissioners in (i) English cases, (ii) Welsh cases and (b) Edinburgh office of the social security commissioners.

  The Attorney-General
  This information is not recorded.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Attorney-General what assessment he has made of the implications of the proposed transfer of the central DHSS administration to Wales for his Department's policy towards having a resident social security commissioner in Cardiff; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor is responsible for the administration of the office of the social security commissioners. Any changes to the central administration of the DHSS or its location would not affect directly the current administrative arrangements for the commissioners in Cardiff or elsewhere.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Attorney-General how many appeals to the social security commissioners have been heard in Cardiff during 1988; and how many cases from Wales have been dealt with during the same period without an oral hearing.
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  The Attorney-General
  During the first six months of 1988, 26 oral appeals were heard by social security commissioners in Cardiff. Of that number, 22 were appeals by Welsh residents; the claimants in the other four appeals were resident outside Wales but within reasonable travelling distance of Cardiff. During the same period, 37 cases from Wales were disposed of without an oral hearing.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Attorney-General how many staff of the social security commissioner's office are employed in Cardiff permanently to assist visiting commissioners.

  The Attorney-General
  None. Social security commissioners visiting Cardiff are accompanied and assisted by a member of staff from the office of the social security commissioners in London.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Attorney-General how many social security commissioners are permanently resident in the Edinburgh office; and what is the total number of staff employed in that office.

  The Attorney-General
  There are three social security commissioners resident in Edinburgh and seven staff employed in the Edinburgh office.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  16 to 18-year-olds
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in the latest year for which figures are available, what proportion of young persons between the ages of 16 and 18 years were in full-time education; and what were the corresponding figures for France, West Germany, Japan and the United States of America.

  Mr. Butcher
  The readily available information for 16 to 18-year-olds is shown in the table. Rates for part-lime students, including the youth training scheme for the United Kingdom, are shown where available as they form an important element in certain countries. It is planned to have more timely statistics available later in the year.

  Participation in education and training1 of 16 to 18-year-olds. 1981

  Percentage of age group

  Country

  Full-time2

  Part-time1

  All education and training

  France

  58

  8

  66

  Germany, Federal Republic of

  45

  340

  84

  Japan4 5

  69

  3

  73

  USA5

  79

  —

  79

  United Kingdom6

  (1981)

  32

  32

  63

  (1987)

  31

  33

  64

  Source: Statistical Bulletin 10/85.

  Education Statistics for the United Kingdom.

  1Including apprenticeships, YOPs, YTS and similar schemes.

  2Including higher education for some 18-year-olds.

  3Including compulsory part-time education for 16 and 17-year-olds in Germany.

  4Estimated from new entrant and enrolment data; excludes some 18-year-olds, in "special training schools"—which provide certain types of vocational training for those aged 18 and above.

  5Including private sector higher education.

  6Includes estimates for those studying only in the evening. Includes private sector full-time further education and training, estimated as 6 per cent.

  Chess Associations
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will indicate total value of grants made by his Department to chess associations in England and Wales in each of the last five years; and what he expects it to be in current financial year.

  Mr. Jackson
  The Department of Education and Science pays grant to the British Chess Federation to assist with its administrative costs and with expenditure incurred in participating in international competitions. The total grants made in the last five financial years are as follows:

  £

  1983–84

  31,123

  1984–85

  27,256

  1985–86

  31,492

  1986–87

  35,273

  1987–88

  36,349

  The grant allocation for the current financial year is £37,300.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is responsible for chess associations in Wales.

  Training Allowance
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what would be the cost of extending the training allowance payable under the YTS to all those between the ages of 16 and 18 years currently engaged in full-time education, net of the cost of child benefit.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  After deducting child benefit, the annual cost of paying an allowance at the same rate as YTS training allowances to all 16 to 18-year-olds currently in full-time education is estimated to be £800 million.

  National Advisory Council for the Youth Service
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to reach and publish conclusions on the future of the National Advisory Council for the Youth Service; and what representations he has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  My right hon. Friend has received no formal representations about the future of the National Advisory Council for the Youth Service. He expects to make an announcement before the end of the year.

  Grenoble Reactor
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy,Official Report, 14 June, column 106, on the ILL multilateral high flux test reactor at Grenoble, the inspection to which it makes reference covers both (a) safety issues and (b) safeguards issues.

  Mr. Jackson
  The inspection covers both safety and safeguard issues.

  Polytechnics and Colleges
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has decided which 244
  additional institutions to bring into the polytechnics and colleges sector from 1 April 1989; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  Subject to the passage of the Education Reform Bill and any further representations that may be made before I reach a final decision, I have provisionally decided to exercise the power conferred by clause 120(1) to incorporate Buckinghamshire college of higher education, Cambridgeshire college of arts and technology, Salford college of technology and Luton college of higher education as higher education corporations within the polytechnics and colleges sector. I have provisionally decided not to exercise that power in respect of two other institutions which made provisional applications: Harrow college of higher education and Gloucestershire college of arts and technology.

TRANSPORT

  Crash Barriers
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people have died in the past five years because of the absence of a system of separation between the carriageways on dual carriageways.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The absence of a system of safety fencing is not in itself a cause of accidents.

  The accident report forms used by the police do not record causes of accidents. Even if details of all candidate accidents were readily available, the number of cases in which fatal consequences would have been avoided had a system of safety fencing been present could only be a matter of speculation.

  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects the A1 and A74 dual carriageways to receive complete crash barrier protection;

  (2) what extent of the A1 and A74 dual carriageways are protected by crash barriers.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Some 115 miles, 53 per cent., of the A1 is already protected by central reserve safety fencing. A programme of installing central reserve safety fencing on the A1 is under way. It will be completed by the early 1990s.

  The A1(M) and the A74 in England have full central reserve safety barrier protection.

  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he was further plans to increase the extent of crash barrier cover on dual carriageways;

  (2) what is his policy on enforcing the erection of crash barriers when planning new dual carriageways.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Yes.

  A programme to provide central reserve safety fencing on most existing and new dual carriageway trunk roads was announced on 17 December 1986, at column 537. Safety fencing on existing and new non-trunk road dual carriageways is a matter for local highway authorities.

  Mr. Belllingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is(a) the total mileage of dual carriageways covered by crash barriers and (b) the percentage that represents the total mileage.
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  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Some 598 miles of trunk road dual carriageway are protected by central reserve safety fencing. This represents 37 per cent, of the total mileage of trunk road dual carriageways.

  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what distance of dual carriageway is not covered by any form of crash barriers.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Some 1,036 miles of trunk road dual carriageway are now not covered by central reserve safety fencing.

  Drunk Driving
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, in the latest year for which figures are available, how many persons have had their driving licence returned to them after a conviction for driving while under the influence of alcohol and, of those, how many were required to produce evidence of education or treatment for alcoholism; and how many were refused the restoration of their licence because of their inability to produce such evidence.

  Receipts in the Department of Transport programme in respect of running costs expenditure

  £ million

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  Central Government

  Licensing and testing schemes (receipts from the driver testing and training organisation and from the vehicle inspectorate for support services)

  4

  5

  5

  6

  7

  7

  8

  8

  8

  Research and development (receipts in respect of research carried out at the Transport and Road Research Laboratory on repayment terms)

  2

  2

  1

  2

  1

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Driver and vehicle licensing (mainly fees for transfer of cherished marks and for duplicate licences)

  4

  6

  6

  7

  9

  10

  10

  10

  11

  Notes:

  (1) None of these receipts was in respect of payments included in other Departments' running costs.

  (2) Figures in the table are consistent with Cm 288.

  Infrastructure Investment
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next intends to meet private sector firms to discuss transport infrastructure investment.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Secretary of State and I met 40 private sector firms on 18 July and will continue to take forward this initiative.

  Association of County Councils
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the Association of County Councils; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I met representatives of the Association of County Councils at the national annual consultative meeting on 5 July. A wide range of matters relating to roads was discussed. A joint approach for the reduction of road casualties was agreed.
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  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  This information is not available.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a table in the Official Report, in the same format as the written reply of 7 July, Official Report, columns 687–81, on receipts classified as charges in respect of his programme expenditure over the years 1982–83 to 1990–91, indicating the receipts in respect of running costs expenditure together with a supplementary analysis indicating, separately, the amounts of receipts in respect of programme expenditure and of running costs expenditure estimated to have been met from other public expenditure programmes.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The table shows receipts in respect of running costs expenditure, none of which is estimated to have been met from other public expenditure programmes. None of the receipts in respect of programme expenditure, which were shown in the written reply of 7 July, at columns 693–94, is estimated to have been met from other public expenditure programmes.

  Hell's Angels, Kent
  Mr. Speed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the recent ministerial visit to the Hell's Angels gathering in Kent; and if he will publish the subsequent ministerial correspondence about this event.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Yes. I visited the Hell's Angels 10th Kent custom bike show at Snargate on 8 July. I enjoyed the show and the opportunity to talk to Dr. Maz Harris and the other Hell's Angels who organised the event.

  I congratulate the Hell's Angels on raising £2 for charity from every person attending the show.

  In my letter to Dr. Harris of 13 July, I said:
  "We clearly share much common ground on motor cycle safety even if we don't see eye to eye on all areas. I believe the rest of the weekend went well. If all road users behaved as sensibly and safely as the motor cyclists I saw coming to the Kent show on Friday the roads would be safer for us all.
  I was impressed with the smooth running of the event—organisers of major sporting events might have something to

  247
  learn from you. I told The Times on Friday night that I expected neither arrest nor trouble from the 20,000 bike enthusiasts. I was told 'That's a rash statement.' It was not.
  I am giving this letter a fairly wide circulation.

  An idea: why don't you approach David Evans MP of Luton Football Club for a Hell's Angel charity game against MPs?"

  Dr. Harris, in his reply of 19 July, said:
  "The show did indeed go off entirely trouble free and succeeded, with the aid of the Elham Valley Lions Club, in raising over £30,000 for local charities. Nearly 25,000 bikers enjoyed themselves in fine style, their behaviour throughout the event being lauded and applauded by newspapers throughout the area.
  I feel strongly that the continuing success of the Kent Custom Bike Show proves that motor cyclists are more than capable of behaving themselves in public if treated with the same degree of respect that is accorded to other groups in our society. One wonders whether or not the trouble which erupts from time to time at the British Grand Prix and similar motor cycle sporting events is not precipitated by the high-handed attitude of the organisers of those events whose sole aim seems to be to fleece their customers as heavily as possible and give them as little as possible in return.
  I'm none too impressed with conspiracy theory, but isn't it odd that no motor cycle magazines, apart from Back Street Heroes, publicise the success of the Kent Show as Britain's—or should I say mainland Britain's—premier biking event?
  As for your suggestion about arranging a charity football match between a team of Hell's Angels and a team of MPs, I must say that the idea appeals and will follow it up at the earliest opportunity.
  Once again, many thanks for your encouraging comments about our show. I look forward to talking to you in the future."

  Radioactive Materials (Transit)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why information on the incidence of radioactive materials lost in transit over the period 1979 to 1982 is not kept.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  It was not kept centrally.

  It has been since 1982.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list by date, radioactive content, quantity and transport route each of the six occasions on which medical isotopes have been lost in transit from 1983 to the present.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The radiological consequence of these six losses of medical and industrial isotopes since 1983 is considered to have been minimal. The details are as follows:1987, an americium-241 source of 11 GBq was lost possibly from a bonded warehouse near Heathrow airport.
  1987, a carbon-14 source of 12 MBq was reported by Lufthansa German Airlines to have gone astray at Heathrow airport.
  1986, an iodine-125 source of 2·25 GBq was reported by Lufthansa German Airlines to have been lost at its cargo terminal at Heathrow airport.
  1985, an iron-55 source of 200 kBQ went missing from a scientific instrument despatched from Clandon Scientific Limited, Aldershot, to its parent company in Finland via Heathrow airport.
  1985, five sources were stolen from a locked car in a car park in Lancaster. The items stolen were mainly static eliminators comprising:

  (i) Model 703 static meter containing 7400 MBq of tritium,

  (ii) Model 210 static eliminator containing 880 MBq of polonium-210.

  (iii) Model 315 static eliminator containing 440 MBq of polonium-210.

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  (iv) Model 205 spot eliminator containing 370 MBq of polonium-210.

  (v) Model 902F ionising air gun containing 370 MBq of polonium-210.

  1984, a consignment of four industrial sources was washed overboard from an offshore support vessel going from Aberdeen to Dundee Kings North drilling rig. The details of the sources lost were:

  (i) An americium-241/beryllium source of 590 GBq.

  (ii) An americium-241/beryllium source of 18·5 GBq.

  (iii) Two caesium-137 sources each of 55·5 GBq.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if any nuclear materials designated by(a) his Department or (b) the Environment Directorate General of the European Commission, as nuclear waste are transported within United Kingdom national boundaries by air.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No.

  Motorways (Vehicle Use)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate how many vehicles used each of Britain's motorways in each of the last five years; and if he will express the figures by class of registration.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The figures requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Motorways (Access)
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will state his policy for allowing direct access to motorways.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Our policy on motorways is against allowing direct access to the main carriageway or slip roads from any development other than service areas and related facilities. This was set out in my answer to a question from the the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Lloyd) on 16 November 1987, at columns 405–6.

  Exceptions are made for motorway service areas on land owned by the Department and for maintenance depots. In addition, special consideration may be given to major transport infrastructure requirements, such as airports. Local planning authorities will be directed to refuse planning permission for unacceptable developments.

  This policy recognises the importance of special roads as high-speed through routes and the heavy investment in them. It is essential, if they are to realise their design potential, that they should be kept free of accesses, apart from road junctions and the other exceptions stated. In this way, traffic flows and speeds may be maintained and the risk of accidents and interruptions to traffic flow minimised.

  Woolwich Ferry
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he is now satisfied that the Woolwich ferry will now be able to provide a regular and reliable service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I am happy to say that the staff have now agreed the new working arrangements arising from the management review of the ferry. These provide
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  more efficient staffing and operating schedules. They have now been implemented. A reliable and cost-effective service should now be maintained.

  Road Hump Regulations
  Mr. Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review the current road humps regulations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We are currently reviewing the regulations to make a greater diversity of road humps and locations available to local highway authorities. We want to adopt a common sense approach to these regulations so that maximum benefits can be gained from the use of these cost-effective accident reduction measures. We intend to begin consultations with local authorities and other interested organisations in early autumn of this year.

  Bridges (Damage)
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration his Department has been giving to the problems of damage caused to bridges by overheight road vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  These problems have been considered by a departmental working party. A copy of its report, "A Strategy for the Reduction of Bridge Bashing," has been placed in the Library.

  The working party points out that the bridges mainly at risk are some 3,400 rail over road bridges of less than 16' 6" (5·03 m) in height, most of them on local roads. Bridge strikes can cause not only road casualties, but also death and injury to rail users in cases where the track is dislodged by the strike. In addition, substantial damage to property can occur.

  The working party notes that in 1987 an average of some 23 bridge strikes a month were recorded, most of these not having serious consequences. This represents a substantial reduction on the rate 15 years ago. So far, road casualties in the United Kingdom from bridge strikes have been few, and there have been no rail casualties. None the less, there have been a number of bridge strikes which could have led to more serious consequences, and the working party's assessment is that the risk of a strike causing loss of life from a train derailment is of the order of one in 10 years. They identify a package of possible measures for consideration, assuming that it was desired to reduce substantially over five years the incidence of the more serious categories of bridge strike. These include:

  (1) improved road signing, including replacement of advisory bridge height signs with mandatory ones, and in particular cases where justified by the risk, installation of infra-red systems which detect overheight vehicles in advance, and trigger display of a sign to the driver;

  (2) structural measures to increase the clearance at certain vulnerable trunk road bridges (in the context of the general bridge strengthening programme already announced);

  (3) procedures for notifying local highway authorities and the police of movements of vehicles above certain heights;

  (4) extensions of requirements for display in drivers' cabs of the height of vehicles, and installation of warning devices on certain vehicles to show when lifting gear is raised;

  (5) consideration by British Rail of the installation of emergency telephones in certain cases;

  (6) further development of facilities for offering route plans for movements of high vehicles;

  (7) advice to licensing authorities to take into account bridge bashing incidents when administering licensing of heavy goods vehicles and their drivers;

  250

  (8) legislation to permit erection at bridges of beams and other devices not forming part of their structure which are designed to arrest an overheight vehicle, although the working party considers the practical problems and cost of such devices make them unattractive, at least in the short term.

  It will never be possible to eliminate the risks of bridge bashing. The basic problem is one of driver awareness and driver error. The need is to consider ways of increasing this awareness, and reducing the scope for error. The working party's report is a useful contribution to this. We intend in the light of it to improve road signing at our lower trunk road bridges, and to assess case by case whether the risks warrant installation of an infra-red detector system. We intend to consult the local authority associations on the analogous action which local highway authorities might take in relation to local road bridges. An amendment will be made as soon as possible to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1981 to enable mandatory instead of warning signs to be installed at bridges without the expense of a traffic regulation order.

  The Department also invites licensing authorities to take into account bridge bashing incidents in the exercise of their functions, in so far as this is possible under the present law.

  We are already consulting industry on the question of installing warning devices on skips and tipper lorries and will similarly consult bodies representing manufacturers and users on the working party's recommendations for an extension of the requirements for displaying height in vehicle cabs. In addition, the Department will want to seek the views of representatives of users, local authorities and the enforcement authorities about a system of notification for movement of high vehicles. Any new regulatory measures will be taken only if they are justified in the light of both their benefits and the financial burdens they impose on industry, local authorities and regulatory bodies. Decisions on any notification system will need to be considered particularly carefully from this standpoint.

  My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales will carry out separate, parallel consultations on the working party's recommendations with local authorities in Scotland and Wales. In addition to consulting specific organisations on the working party's recommendations (copies of the report are being sent to them) we would very much welcome other views and suggestions. These should be addressed to: Highways Maintenance Branch, Department of Transport, 2 Monck Street, London SW1P 2BQ. Copies of the report are available from Her Majesty's Stationery Office, priced £6.

  Trunk Roads (London)
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether accident investigation and prevention techniques are being used to reduce casualties on trunk roads in London; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  In 1987–88, using systematic AIP analysis, the Department identified over 100 sites on trunk roads in London where casualties could be reduced by low-cost engineering solutions. It is now organising remedial measures, including anti-skid surfacing, new or improved signs and road markings, better lighting and different signal timings. The estimated first year rate of return for the first 100 sites is 312 per cent.: an estimated reduction of 325 casualties every year.
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  The systematic AIP approach reveals the common factors in accidents at a location. It also provides a flow of work suitable for bulk purchase contracts.

  Last year the savings on such a contract for anti-skid surfacing were approximately £300,000 and effectively halved the cost of treating each site.

  Shipping Companies (Crew Relief Costs)
  Sir David Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements he is making to use the power in the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 enabling him to provide financial assistance to shipping companies in respect of their crew relief costs.

  Mr. Channon
  I am placing in the Library a document entitled, "A Scheme for Department of Transport Assistance with Crew Relief Costs," which outlines the assistance scheme I am introducing under powers contained in the Merchant Shipping Act which received Royal Assent on 3 May.

  I am fully aware that the shipping companies face a powerful financial incentive to employ cheaper Third-world crews. It is important for the continuing capacity of the United Kingdom merchant fleet to carry out its vital functions in time of emergency that sufficient United Kingdom ships are manned by British seafarers. The Merchant Shipping Act 1988 contains a provision which enables me to provide assistance towards the cost of flying out and repatriating crews of United Kingdom, Isle of Man or Channel Islands registered ships operating outside the limited European trading area (roughly from Bergen to Cadiz). From 1 September, ship operators will receive reimbursement of approximately half the cost of such journeys undertaken on or after 4 July by seafarers who are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or the Irish Republic.

  The availability of assistance should make it more attractive to employ British crews, and I hope that shipping companies will take this into account in reaching decisions on the crewing and flagging of their vessels.

  Registration Numbers (Sale)
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the results of his Department's public consultation exercise on proposals for the sale of registration numbers; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mr. Channon
  The consultation exercise on the sale of attractive registration numbers ended on 31 May, and most major consultees have now responded. Consultation papers were made widely available to the public and special interest groups: 210 responses were received from motoring organisations, motor traders and their representatives, historic vehicles clubs, police representatives and members of the public. Some 80 per cent, of the responses, including almost all of those received from trade and motoring interests, supported the idea of sale in principle. Some 3 per cent, contained objections. In the light of these responses and the general favourable public interest in the consultation exercise, I propose to continue to develop the proposals with a view to the necessary legislation being introduced in due course.

  Many respondents, however, expressed reservations about the idea of selling previously issued numbers. This
  252
  has strengthened my view that the scheme should, initially at least, be restricted to unissued numbers—of which there are more than adequate supplies.

  Arundel Bypass
  Mr. Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Arundel of 12 April,Official Report, column 81, a decision has been reached on the possibility of constructing the Crossbush section of the Arundel bypass in advance of the rest of the scheme.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I am pleased to say that we are going ahead. The case for proceeding with the Crossbush section in advance of the main scheme is acceptable. The necessary work is now under way for publication of draft orders under the Highways Act this autumn.

  London Airspace
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to how many times in the last year the helilanes into London airspace have been closed without warning to those using them.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  [pursuant to his reply, 23 May 1988, c. 56]: I want and need to make a correction. Wrong information was given. I apologise.

  Advance notice was not given in each of the closures mentioned in my earlier answer. The closures were the subject of telephoned advice at the time of closure.

  Only 13 of them were preceded by warning through notices to airmen (NOTAM). The NOTAM action gave very little advance warning.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Overseas Aid
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the value of overseas aid in the current year in real and money terms; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The current year cash planning figure for the aid programme, not including aid administration, is £1,307 million.

  Southern Africa
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the level of aid to front-line states in the light of recent developments in southern Africa.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, gave the hon. Member for Eccles (Miss Lestor) on 13 May at column 250. We shall continue to maintain aid to the countries of the region at a substantial level.

  Overseas Development Administration Annual Review
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to publish the latest edition of the Overseas Development Administration's annual review.
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  Mr. Chris Patten
  The 1987 annual review, which for the first time includes articles from the business and voluntary sectors, is being published today. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministers (Advisers)
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will publish in the Official Report the terms and conditions of service attaching to political and special advisers to (a) herself, (b) Secretaries of State and (c) Ministers, with particular reference to political activity outside their paid duties.

  The Prime Minister
  Special advisers are civil servants. They have the same conditions of service, except as regards superannuation and severance, and are subject to the same rules of conduct as other civil servants, with the exception of the rules governing the acceptance of outside appointments after resignation or retirement and certain aspects of the rules on political activities. All the other provisions of the Civil Service pay and conditions of service code therefore apply to them.

  There are two areas of political activity where special advisers may be allowed more freedom than other civil servants. With the approval of the Minister they may (a)attend party functions and maintain contact with party members; and (b)take part in policy reviews organised by the party.

  In addition, and subject to the approval of the Minister, special advisers are permitted to undertake all forms of local political activity provided they observe the rule of discretion applicable to civil servants. This does not include local activites in support of national politics.

  Political advisers are not civil servants and are not paid from public funds. Although the provisions of the Civil Service code are not generally appropriate, political advisers are required to avoid conflict of interest between their work for Ministers and their private and business affairs.

  National Engineering Laboratory
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Prime Minister if she has received any letters in support of the privatisation of the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride; and if she willmake a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  To date I have received no letters in support of the privatisation of the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride.

EMPLOYMENT

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the achievements of his Department and his policies in helping small businesses over the last 12 months compared with the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring.
  254
  Mr. Fowler
  [holding answer, 19 July 1988]: I am pleased to announce that in 1987 the number of businesses registered for VAT increased by 45,000. This is the largest increase since 1979. In the period 1979 to 1987 the number of businesses registered for VAT has increased on average by more than 500 per week. In 1987 nearly 900 additional businesses were created each week.

  Between 1979 and 1987 the number of self-employed people increased by 50 per cent, to 1·9 million. From 1986 to 1987 alone there was an increase of 230,000 self-employed people. These figures show clearly the strength of the small business sector, which has resulted both from the encouragement given to it by the Government and others and from the willingness of individuals to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in the United Kingdom today.

  I set out below some of the measures for which my Department has been responsible over the past year.

  The Small Firms Service

  The small firms service offers advice, information and counselling to small businesses. During 1987–88 the SFS continued to maintain emphasis on counselling established businesses and on supporting and working with other small business advisory services.

  On 5 July my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State announced that the national reference book, a database of information sought by small firms used and developed by the small firms service inquiry staff, is now available to other advisory services upon subscription. Statistics about the work of the service in England are set out below:

  1986–87

  1987–88

  Inquiries

  283,537

  266,174

  New counselling cases;

  27,158

  27,259

  Counselling sessions

  38,210

  39,138

  The small firms service annual report which was published on 5 July provides further information. Copies are held in the House of Commons Library.

  Local Enterprise Agency Support

  The Local enterprise agency grant scheme was introduced on 1 April 1986. This is a five year scheme of financial assistance designed to establish a network of viable self-supporting enterprise agencies. In 1986–87 £2,359,960 was paid in grants to 168 agencies. A further £2,713,856 was paid to 186 agencies in 1987–88.

  Enterprise Allowance Scheme

  Over the past year the scheme has continued to expand. The number of entrants in 1986–87 was 86,715 rising to 106,305 in 1987–88. Provision has been made for 110,000 entrants in 1988–89.

  The scheme continues to encourage the formation of viable businesses with the potential for growth and job generation. The most recent survey of applicants showed that of those who received the allowance for a full year, 65 per cent, are still trading three years after start up and, at that point, for every 100 businesses still trading 114 additional jobs have been created.

  Loan Guarantee Scheme

  This scheme was extended for a further three years in 1986, with the premium payable reduced from 5 per cent, to 2·5 per cent. An evaluation of the scheme has recently been carried out by consultants who are due to report shortly. In addition a telephone survey of current users of the scheme is taking place.
  255
  In 1987–88 1,234 loans to a value of £46·23 million were issued. This compares with 1,050 loans to a value of £40·37 million in 1986–87.

  In January 1988 simplified administrative procedures were introduced for loans up to £15,000. Since then the rate of applications has increased and is now running at around 200 a month.

  Business Expansion Scheme

  This scheme was introduced in 1983 and has played an important part in improving the flow of equity finance to small companies. It offers individual taxpayers the opportunity to offset the value of new equity investments of up to £40,000 a year in qualifying unquoted companies against their liability to tax.

  In his Budget statement my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a ceiling of £500,000 on investments under the BES in any one company in any period of 12 months. This will encourage prospective investors to examine smaller companies and gives a clear indication to smaller companies, investors and advisors that the BES is aimed at providing equity finance for smaller businesses.

  The Prince's Youth Business Trust

  The Department has agreed to match private sector donations to the trust. In 1987–88 £1·5 million was paid to the trust. The Department's contribution is to be used to provide loans to young people setting up in business or expanding an existing business.

  Training

  Expenditure by the Training Commission (previously the Manpower Services Commission) on small firms training was increased from £18·6 million in 1986–87, benefiting 67,000 people, to £19·3 million, benefiting 107,000 people, in 1987–88.

  In April this year the Department published a series of booklets aimed at encouraging graduates into the small firms sector by either starting up their own business or taking up employment in an existing small firm. The Department has continued its support for the Shell technology enterprise programme, placing undergraduates with small firms during the summer holidays.

  Inner Cities

  As part of the Government's action for cities programme announced on 7 March, new initiatives have been introduced to extend the wide range of help available to new and existing small businesses in inner-city areas and to make services to small firms more accessible.

  New offices for the small firms service are planned in Sheffield, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Wolverhampton, Leicester and Derby; those in Sheffield and Middlesbrough are now open. A new local enterprise agency project scheme commenced on 1 July, establishing a fund of £0·6 million to support local enterprise agency projects to provide special help to inner-city businesses. On 22 June, a raised Government guarantee of 85 per cent, on loans to firms in the 16 inner-city task forces became available under the loan guarantee scheme. New initiatives are also being introduced to promote self-employment and provide extra training and advice for participants on the enterprise allowance scheme.
  256
  ACAS

  The Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service produced a guide for small businesses entitled "Employing People" which received a Plain English award in 1987.

  Health and Safety

  The Health and Safety Commission's small firms working group has special responsibility for the interests of small firms. A number of publications aimed specifically at small firms have been produced and distributed by the Health and Safety Executive. The most recent is "Essentials of Health and Safety at Work" a handbook giving practical advice on health and safety problems.

  Purchasing from Small Firms

  There are regular contacts with other Departments at ministerial and official level to encourage purchasing from small firms. My Department has agreed to fund a post in the central unit on purchasing to promote the opportunities available for small firms. We publish a booklet "Tendering for Government Contracts" which gives guidance on what Government Departments seek to buy and the names and addresses of the relevant contact. My Department also produces its own leaflet "Selling to the Department of Employment" which is widely distributed through DE's small firms centres and regional enterprise units.

  YTS (London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of (a) men and (b) women living in the Greater London area, up to the age of 18 years, who are on YTS.

  Mr. Cope
  On 30 June 1988, there were 7,743 males and 4,820 females under the age of 18 years participating in YTS in Greater London.

  Apprenticeships
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of industrial apprenticeships taken up in 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Information from the youth cohort study indicates that some 94,000 young people in England and Wales who reached minimum school-leaving age in the academic year 1985–86 were undertaking an apprenticeship in spring 1987. This is probably an under-estimate, as those who were unsure of their apprenticeship status have not been included. YTS is now the normal route into work for over two thirds of 16 year old school leavers in Great Britain, and is the basis for many modernised apprenticeships. About 393,000 young people are currently benefiting from the structured, quality training programmes offered under YTS.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment using the same definitions as in the 1981 census, what proportion of men aged 60 to 64 years are economically active, retired and permanently sick, respectively; and what proportion of those economically active are unemployed according to the latest figures which are available.

  Mr. Lee
  Estimates from the 1987 labour force survey, using as far as is possible the same definitions as in the 1981 census of population, are shown in the table:
  257

  Men aged 60–64 years

  Great Britain Spring 1987

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  All persons

  100·0

  —

  of which:

  economically active

  54·6

  100·0

  retired from paid work1

  18·4

  —

  long-term sick or disabled1

  18·3

  —

  unemployed2

  —

  10·3

  1Main reason given for not looking for work in the reference week.

  2 Great Britain labour force definition.

  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what, according to the latest estimates, will be the size of the labour force in each of the next 10 years in absolute numbers and as a proportion of the total population.

  Mr. Lee
  My Department's latest projections of the civilian labour force were published in an article in the March 1988 edition of "Employment Gazette" (pages 117–129), a copy of which is in the Library. This contains projections up to 1995 of the size of the labour force in different age groups, in absolute numbers and as a percentage of the population (the activity rates). Projections beyond 1995 are not available.

  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many people aged 50 to 54 years, inclusive, have been unemployed for longer than six months(a)nationally, (b)in the north-east region and (c)in the Durham, North-West constituency;

  (2) how many people over 55 years have been unemployed for longer than six months (a)nationally, (b)in the north-east, and (c)in the Durham, North-West constituency.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. The table shows the number of unemployed claimants in the requested age groups who had been unemployed more than six months in the United Kingdom, the north-east (the counties of Cleveland, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear) and the parliamentary constituency of Durham, North-West on 14 April 1988.

  Claimants unemployed six months and over—14 April 1988

  Aged 50–54 years

  Aged 55 years and over

  United Kingdom

  149,767

  236,578

  North-East

  10,996

  16,156

  Durham, North-West constituency

  325

  519

  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people aged 18 to 25 are currently unemployed; what were the comparable figures in January 1986; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. On 14 April 1988 (the latest available date) the number of unemployed claimants aged 18 to 25 years in the United Kingdom was 697,718. The corresponding figure for January 1986 was 1,060,136. This comparison will be affected by seasonal factors. Unemployment among 18 to 25-year-olds has fallen by 30 per cent, over the past two years since April 1986.

  Family Statistics
  Mr. Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many children aged(a)under 16 years and (b)under 19 years lived in families where the head of the household was long-term unemployed in 1979 and at the latest date available.

  Mr. Lee
  Information from the labour force survey indicates that in spring 1987 there were an estimated 723,000 dependent children under 16 and 766,000 under 19 in Great Britain in households whose head was unemployed and had been seeking work for at least a year. In spring 1981, the earliest date for which the corresponding information is available, there were an estimated 330,000 dependent children under 16 and 343,000 under 19 in such households.

  Dock Workers
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the ratio between the number of staff employed by the National Dock Labour Board and the number of registered dock workers in the(a) Cumbrian, (b) Fleetwood, (c) Hull and Goole, (d) Bristol and Severn, (e) Aberdeen, (f) west Scotland, (g) east Scotland, (h) London, (i) south coast, (j) Cornwall, (k) Plymouth, (l) Liverpool, (m) Manchester, (n) south Wales, (o) Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, (p) Grimsby and Immingham, (q) East Anglia, (r) Tyne and Wear and (s) Wash ports board areas for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I regret the information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Jobcentres and Benefit Offices
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if there are any plans to reduce the number of jobcentres and unemployment benefit offices in towns and rural areas.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to close jobcentres and unemployment benefit offices; how many he expects to close in each of the next five years; what criteria he uses to decide on closure; and what will be the staffing consequences.

  Mr. Lee
  [holding answer 25 July]:The network of offices is kept under continuous review. Any proposal to close an office or change the level of service provided in an individual office is put to the Minister responsible for the employment service for approval. In these cases, the Member of Parliament and local interests are given the opportunity to comment.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the total number of staff employed in jobcentres and unemployment benefit offices in each of the standard economic regions.

  Mr. Lee
  [holding answer 25 July]: The information is available only on the basis of employment services regions, which are not the same as standard economic regions. Details of the actual numbers of permanent staff employed in local offices at 1 July 1988 in each ES region are given in the table.
  259

  Region

  Full time

  Part-time

  Northern

  1,811

  330

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  2,741

  389

  East Midlands and Eastern

  2,555

  391

  London and South East

  7,052

  850

  South-West

  1,880

  250

  Wales

  1,551

  283

  West Midlands

  2,660

  314

  North West

  4,278

  564

  Scotland

  3,490

  441

  Note: These figures include some specialist staff not engaged in local office work.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the total number of jobcentres and unemployment benefit offices in(a) June 1979 and (b) now, for each standard economic regon of the United Kingdom; and if he will give the total number of job-centres and unemployment benefit offices opened in each standard economic region in each of the years 1979 to June 1988, inclusive.

  Mr. Lee
  [holding answer 25 July]: The information required is not available by standard economic region. However, the numbers of jobcentres and unemployment benefit offices by employment service region on 1 April 1988 are as follows:

  Region

  Jobcentres

  Unemployment benefit offices

  Northern

  60

  66

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  84

  99

  East Midlands and Eastern

  100

  105

  London and South-East

  255

  253

  South-West

  103

  116

  Office for Wales

  99

  120

  West Midlands

  78

  90

  North-West

  133

  156

  Office for Scotland

  121

  153

  1,033

  1,158

  The information for 1979 is not available.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans for the closure of jobcentres and unemployment benefit offices; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: The network of offices is kept under continuous review. Any proposal to close an office or change the level of service provided in an individual office is put to the Minister responsible for the Employment Service for approval. Where a closure or reduced level of service is proposed the Member of Parliament and local interests are given the opportunity to comment.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether consideration of the future of jobcentres and unemployment benefit offices will involve consultation with local right hon. and hon. Members.

  Mr. Lee
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: It is normal practice in the case of a proposal to close a particular jobcentre or unemployment benefit office or to alter the level of service provided there to give local right hon. and hon. Members the opportunity to comment.
  260
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give details of those jobcentres in the Greater Manchester area which are presently being considered for closure; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: The network of offices is kept under continuous review; any proposals to close an office or change the level of service provided in an individual office are put to the Minister responsible for the employment service for approval. In these cases the Member of Parliament and local interests are given the opportunity to comment. I have no proposals to put to the hon. Member at present.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to seek additional funds to keep existing jobcentres open.

  Mr. Lee
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: My right hon. Friend will continue to ensure that all the activities which this Department needs to carry out are adequately funded.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police Vehicles (Unleaded Petrol)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each police authority for which he has authority the number of motor vehicles held by each, and the number that have been converted to run on unleaded petrol.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The total number of vehicles, excluding launches and aircraft, held by each force in England and Wales at 31 December 1987 was as follows:

  Force

  Number of vehicles

  Avon and Somerset

  668

  Bedfordshire

  198

  Cambridgeshire

  283

  Cheshire

  428

  City of London

  68

  Cleveland

  217

  Cumbria

  283

  Derbyshire

  264

  Devon and Cornwall

  609

  Dorset

  236

  Durham

  278

  Dyfed-Powys

  197

  Essex

  578

  Gloucestershire

  254

  Greater Manchester

  1,138

  Gwent

  160

  Hampshire

  805

  Hertfordshire

  381

  Humberside

  409

  Kent

  715

  Lancashire

  520

  Leicestershire

  354

  Lincolnshire

  258

  Merseyside

  704

  Norfolk

  289

  Northamptonshire

  262

  Northumbria

  561

  North Wales

  295

  North Yorkshire

  325

  Nottinghamshire

  371

  South Wales

  564

  South Yorkshire

  520

  Staffordshire

  338

  Suffolk

  253

  Surrey

  342

  261

  Force

  Number of vehicles

  Sussex

  637

  Warwickshire

  222

  West Mercia

  510

  West Midlands

  1,057

  West Yorkshire

  937

  Wiltshire

  240

  Metropolitan1

  3,972

  Total

  21,700

  1 As at 31 March 1988.

  Records of police vehicles using unleaded fuel are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of the part-time members of staff and 21 sets of job sharers employed in his Department are women; and how many and what percentage are from ethnic minorities.

  Mr. Hurd
  There are 1,213 part-time members of staff in the Home Office, of whom 953 (78·6 per cent.) are women. All 21 sets of job sharers are women. Of the part-time staff who responded to the ethnic surveys, 26 (3 per cent.) described themselves as members of an ethnic minority.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of the members of staff in his Department who are on flexible working hours are women and from ethnic minorities, respectively.

  Mr. Hurd
  The information requested is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what details of his equal opportunities policies related to staff were given to the National Association of Community Relations Councils and when; and whether he will place a copy of the document containing such details in the Library.

  Mr. Hurd
  Information about the equal opportunities policy was given orally to the National Association of Community Relations Councils at a meeting at the Immigration and Nationality Department in January. A representative of the NACRC has since visited IND and has discussed a number of subjects, including our equal opportunities policy.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which members of ethnic minorities have addressed internal training courses in his Department; and when.

  Mr. Hurd
  Records of individuals who have addressed training events are not kept in a way which identifies their ethnic origins. However, over the past 12 months, more than 20 courses or seminars are believed to have been addressed by ethnic minority speakers from outside the Department. More than that have been addressed by ethnic minority members of staff but only a minority of them in connection with equal opportunities.
  262
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what quasi-governmental bodies or other organisations he has authority to request or require the carrying out of ethnic monitoring exercises in accordance with the code of the Commission for Racial Equality; and what ethnic monitoring exercises have been carried out by each such department.

  Mr. Hurd
  Those non-departmental public bodies and other organisations sponsored by the Home Office which are responsible for the recruitment and personnel management of the staff they employ are encouraged to be equal opportunities employers, and to pursue practices in accordance with the codes promulgated by the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission. No central records are held of ethnic monitoring and equal opportunities exercises carried out by them. Those bodies which are staffed by Home Office personnel have been included in the Civil Service regional surveys.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the equal opportunities officer for the prison service and for the rest of his Department, respectively, is female or a member of an ethnic minority or both.

  Mr. Hurd
  The equal opportunities officer for the prison service is male; the others, for the rest of the Department, female. Both are white.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which advertisements have been placed by his Department in the ethnic or local press; and when.

  Mr. Hurd
  Over the past few years my Department has placed a range of advertisements, seeking clerical and specialist staff, immigration officers and prison officers, in papers likely to have a high ethnic minority readership.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by whom the continuous examination of recruitment, training and promotion is being carried out to see what further steps might usefully be taken to ensure equal opportunities; when formal meetings have been held in respect thereof; and where and with whom.

  Mr. Hurd
  Staff in the establishment department and prison department directorate of personnel and finance will continue to assess the results of the monitoring exercises and to consider, with others responsible for recruitment, the scope for further action. Meetings within the Home Office on the monitoring exercises have included discussion in the equal opportunities sub-committee of the departmental Whitley Council. Monitoring methods, the use of data, and action likely to promote equal opportunities, have also been discussed with other Departments, and at the joint working party on race relations.

  Ethnic Monitoring
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what meetings have been held with ethnic minority community and church leaders in connection with his efforts to promote greater racial equality employment within his Department; and when.

  Mr. Hurd
  Members of staff with responsibility for race relations have continuing contacts with black-led
  263
  Churches and other ethnic minority communities. These provide occasions for discussion about employment in the Civil Service. The prison department has had meetings in 1986 and 1987 with Church and community leaders.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of the respondents to his monitoring exercises who stated that they were of ethnic minority origin were in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, respectively.

  Mr. Hurd
  Thirty members of staff in these or equivalent grades, mainly at the lower end of the range, described themselves as of ethnic minority origin. This is nearly 2 per cent, of the respondents in these grades.

  Recruitment
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the results of each of his Department's recruitment schemes since October 1987; by whom these are being assessed; when he expects to reach firm conclusions; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  We aim to reach initial conclusions on the basis of the first year's experience on monitoring recruitment schemes by the end of the year.

  Prisons
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take action to ensure that prisoners at Durham prison get clean underwear more than once every four weeks.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  At Durham prison prisoners are issued with two sets of clean underwear each week. I understand that difficulties with supplies have occasionally resulted in clean underwear not being available immediately after bathing, but in that event prisoners have been able to collect a change of underwear within a few days.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many long-term prisoners are there in Durham prison; and what is the maximum number laid down in the relevant regulation.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  On Friday 22 July Durham prison held 149 adult male prisoners who had been sentenced to over four years' imprisonment and 36 female prisoners and 20 young offenders who had been sentenced to over three years' imprisonment. The number of long-term prisoners held in the prison is not governed by regulation.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many toilets are there in the prison wings at Durham; how many prisoners and staff they cater for; how many toilets there are in the new administration block; and how many they cater for.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information requested is as follows:

  Wing facilities

  WCs

  Urinals

  For inmates

  47

  47

  For staff

  8

  5

  As at 22 July 1988, there were 1,138 inmates in Durham prison and 200 members of staff were engaged on wing duties.
  264

  Administration unit facilities

  WCs

  Urinals

  Female

  3

  —

  Male

  3

  3

  As at 22 July 1988, there were 41 staff employed in the administration unit.

  Mr. Irving
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many baths, showers, toilets and urinals are available for inmates at Bedford prison.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information requested is as follows:

  Facilities

  Numbers available to inmates and in use

  Baths

  9

  Showers

  18

  WCs

  37

  Urinals

  31

  Forensic Science Service
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of his proposals for restructuring the Home Office forensic science service, including(a) the grading of director posts, (b) the number of senior scientists at grade seven level, (c) the average grade of assistant court going officers, and (d) whether there are likely to be any compulsory redundancies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Department is discussing with the Institution of Professional Civil Servants a wide range of proposals for enhancing the effectiveness of the forensic science service and improving its efficiency. We expect to receive these proposals shortly and my noble Friend will write to the hon. and learned Member when we have considered them.

  Citizenship
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time between the arrival of an application for British citizenship at Lunar house, Croydon, and its being opened.

  Mr. Renton
  Applications for citizenship are currently being opened within three working days of receipt. On 25 July there were 90 packages containing applications for citizenship waiting to be opened which had been received since 22 July.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time taken to deal with applications for British citizenship made to his Department.

  Mr. Renton
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question from the hon. Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Madden) on 20 July 1988 at column 650.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for British citizenship have been received by his Department; how many applications were outstanding as at 30 June; and if he will make a statement.
  265
  Mr. Renton
  I refer the hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Madden) on 20 July, at column 650, and to the hon. Member for Monklands, West (Mr. Clarke) on 25 July.

  Immigration (Edinburgh Airport)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration cases were dealt with at Edinburgh airport in each year from 1981 to 1987.

  Mr. Renton
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  District and Port

  Assistant Chief Inspector

  Inspector

  Chief Immigration Officer

  Immigration Officers

  Heathrow

  Terminal 1

  1

  4

  17

  81·50

  Terminal 2

  —

  4

  20

  128

  Terminal 3

  1

  6

  30

  199

  Terminal 4

  1

  5

  20

  111

  Luton

  —

  1

  3

  18

  Gatwick

  South Terminal

  1

  4

  18

  130·50

  North Terminal

  —

  2

  11

  64

  Metropolitan

  London City Airport

  —

  —

  1

  6

  Gravesend

  —

  —

  1

  7

  Scotland and Northern Ireland

  Aberdeen

  —

  —

  1

  5

  Belfast

  —

  —

  1

  5

  Edinburgh

  —

  —

  1

  5

  Glasgow

  —

  1

  2

  16

  Prestwick

  —

  —

  1

  6

  North East

  Hull

  —

  —

  2

  12

  Immingham

  —

  —

  —

  3

  North Shields

  —

  —

  1

  8

  Newcastle

  —

  —

  1

  7

  Leeds/Bradford Airport

  —

  1

  1

  7

  Stockton

  —

  —

  —

  6

  North West

  Manchester

  —

  1

  4

  31

  Liverpool

  —

  —

  2

  11

  Preston

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Midlands

  Birmingham

  —

  1

  5

  24

  East Midlands Airport

  —

  —

  2

  10

  East Anglia

  Harwich

  —

  1

  4

  32

  Great Yarmouth

  —

  —

  2

  2

  Felixstowe

  —

  —

  —

  12

  Norwich

  —

  —

  —

  4

  Southend

  —

  —

  —

  4

  Stansted

  —

  —

  1

  8

  South East 1

  Folkstone

  —

  —

  5

  26

  South East 2

  Dover East

  1

  2

  15

  112·50

  South East 3

  Dover West

  —

  2

  6

  39·50

  Ramsgate

  —

  —

  2

  14

  Dover Hoverport

  —

  —

  3

  16

  Sheerness

  —

  —

  3

  10

  Southern

  Southampton

  —

  1

  2

  13

  Immigration Officers
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the numbers of immigration officers employed at each point of entry into the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Renton
  The number of immigration officers, including management grades, employed at each point of entry into the United Kingdom as at 1 July 1988 was as follows:
  267

  District and Port

  Assistant Chief Inspector

  Inspector

  Chief Immigration Officer

  Immigration Officers

  Portsmouth

  —

  —

  4

  25

  Hurn

  —

  —

  —

  3

  Newhaven

  —

  —

  4

  19

  South West

  Cardiff

  —

  1

  1

  5

  Cardiff Airport

  —

  —

  —

  4

  Bristol

  —

  —

  —

  4

  Avonmouth

  —

  —

  1

  4

  Plymouth

  —

  —

  1

  6

  Swansea

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Milford Haven

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Falmouth

  —

  —

  —

  1

  TOTAL

  5

  37

  199

  1,269

  Incident (Kensal Green)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to what steps have been taken to identify the owners and whereabouts of the cars referred to in the article by Jonathan Taylor on page 27 of the issue of The Independent dated 21 July; and whether those concerned in the affair have been apprehended.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that at the time of the incident the victims were unable to provide descriptions of the alleged assailants or registration numbers of their cars. However, the police are contacting Mr. Taylor to see whether he has information which might assist the investigation.

  Pentonville Prison
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unconvicted prisoners have been held in Pentonville prison for more than two years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  On 31 March 1988 one unconvicted prisoner in Pentonville prison had been held there for more than two years.

  Hong Kong (Death Penalty)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy, before approving the extradition of any person to Hong Kong, to seek an assurance from the Governor of Hong Kong that the death penalty will not be carried out on that person; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  Section(4) of the Fugitive Offenders Act 1967 provides discretion to refuse the surrender of a fugitive accused or convicted of an offence not punishable with the death penalty in Great Britain, if the death penalty could be imposed in the requesting Commonwealth country or dependency. It is the policy in such cases to seek an assurance, before surrendering the fugitive, that the death penalty will not be carried out. In the case of the return of a fugitive to Hong Kong such an assurance would be sought from the Governor.

  Broadcasting Standards Council
  Mr. Oppenheim
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to announce the appointment of the deputy chairman and members of the Broadcasting Standards Council.

  Mr. Hurd
  I am pleased to be able to confirm that Miss Jocelyn Barrow, OBE, has agreed to become the deputy chairman of the Broadcasting Standards Council. She will take up the appointment later in the year, following her departure from the BBC board of governors.

  I am also pleased to confirm that Dr. Jean Curtis-Raleigh, the Rt. Rev. W. J. Westwood, Bishop of Peterborough, Mr. Richard Baker, OBE, Mr. Alf Dubs and Dr. R. Brinley Jones have all agreed to become members of the council.

  I shall announce details of the complete membership of the council as soon as possible.

  Hungerford (Shootings)
  Sir Michael McNair-Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has received the report of Her Majesty's inspector of constabulary on the Hungerford incident; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  I have received the report of Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and I have today placed in the Library a summary of it which includes all his conclusions and recommendations. Most of these are for chief officers to consider and Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary will be bringing them to the attention of the Association of Chief Police Officers for this purpose. Some of the recommendations in relation to communications will be pursued by the Home Office police department science and technology group. Recommendations concerning firearms law are being considered in the context of the legislative changes proposed in the Firearms (Amendment) Bill. The recommendations which touch on the police use of firearms and in particular the use of armed response units will be considered by the Home Office working party on police use of firearms.

  Civil Defence College
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has reached any conclusions on the review of the Civil Defence College.
  269
  Mr. Hurd
  Yes. A document has today been placed in the Library setting out the ground covered by the review and the decisions which I have taken as a result.

  The college will have a greater analytical and developmental role in civil defence policy, within the framework of Home Office policy objectives. It will concentrate on training at senior level. The numbers of general courses will be reduced and replaced by workshops for civil defence planners. The college will continue to advise and assist local authorities with their training at local level. Some limited development in planning for peacetime emergencies within the framework established by the Civil Protection in Peacetime Act 1986 will be initiated. There will be new arrangements for liaison and advisory groups on which the local authorities and their staff will be represented. The co-ordination of volunteer effort in civil defence will be further examined.

  The work of implementing these changes will now be taken forward by my officials. There will be full discussions with the local authority associations, the professional organisations and the trade union side of the Home Office departmental Whitley council as the work progresses.

WALES

  Housing
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report a summarised housing revenue account consistent with table 17.1 of Cm. 288-II, for each of the years 1982–83 to 1990–91 for (a) Welsh local authorities, (b) new town development corporations in Wales and (c) housing corporation-financed housing in Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  For Welsh local authorities for the years 1982–83 to 1985–86 the requested information can be found at table 63 of "Welsh Housing Statistics 1987", a copy of which can be found in the Library of the House. Revised figures for 1986–87 and provisional figures for 1987–88 on the same basis are as follows. Figures for later years are not available.

  The information for new town development corporations and the Housing Corporation for the same years can be found at table 64 of the same publication which shows expenditure from 1982–83 to 1985–86. Revised figures for 1986–87 and provisional figures for 1987–88 are also shown in the following table:

  Housing Revenue Account: Income and Expenditure

  (£ thousands)

  1986–87

  11987–88

  Income

  Unrebated rent of dwellings

  227,098

  232,744

  Net rent of land and building other than dwellings

  2,314

  2,376

  Government subsidy

  8,698

  11,762

  Contributions from other local authorities

  239

  250

  Mortgage interest from former tenants

  13,311

  12,426

  Interest from unapplied capital receipts

  19,205

  18,843

  Contributions from the General Rate Fund

  2,318

  2,369

  Administration of rent rebates scheme

  2,998

  3,970

  Other (excluding rent rebates)

  11,815

  11,823

  Other income—Total

  287,996

  296,563

  Expenditure

  Supervision and management:

  General

  25,385

  28,083

  Special

  15,999

  17,844

  Repairs and maintenance

  88,213

  92,754

  270

  1986–87

  11987–88

  Debt charges:

  Repayment of principal

  23,481

  25,452

  Interest on outstanding loan debt

  122,578

  132,638

  Capital expenditure met from revenue:

  Revenue contributions to capital outlay

  4,453

  4,016

  Other

  Transfers to General Rate Fund

  1,448

  1,516

  Other Expenditure

  4,405

  5,135

  Total

  285,962

  307,438

  Dwelling in HRA at end of March

  253,000

  248,000

  1 Provisional.

  Public expenditure on housing

  (£ million)

  1986–87

  11987–88

  Housing corporation:

  Gross loans and grants to housing associations

  51·5

  64·5

  Receipts

  -5·1

  -7·1

  Total net Housing Corporation expenditure

  46·4

  57·4

  New towns:

  Gross expenditure:

  Land

  —

  —

  New dwellings

  0·6

  0·1

  Renovations

  —

  —

  Total new towns gross expenditure

  0·6

  0·1

  Receipts:

  Sales

  -1·4

  -5·5

  Repayment of sums outstanding on sales of dwellings

  -0·5

  -0·2

  Total new towns receipts

  -1·9

  -5·7

  Total new towns expenditure

  -1·3

  -5·6

  1 Provisional.

  Lliw Valley Borough Council
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give consideration to the designation of part or the whole of the area of Lliw valley borough council as an inner urban area.

  Mr. Grist
  The status of all Welsh districts is kept under regular review. At present, however, there is not sufficient justification to designate Lliw valley.

  Hospices
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list hospices for the terminally ill in Wales, by county, indicating the amount of public money paid to these in the last five years.

  Mr. Grist
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make further funds available to health authorities in Wales for the provision of hospices for the terminally ill; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  Within their overall financial allocations it is for individual health authorities to decide on the resourcing of services in the light of specific local need.

  Social Science Research
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much has been spent by his Department in each of the

  271
  past five years on social science research; what percentage this constitutes of total departmental expenditure and of the Department's research budget; and how much of the research has been undertaken (a) within his Department, (b) by universities and polytechnics and (c) by independent research organisations.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Nurses' Pay
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will allocate more funds to Clwyd health authority to enable the authority to meet the nurses' wages awards; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will publish his latest estimate of the likely full percentage overall pay increase for the nurses' pay award for each of the health authorities in Wales; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if he will meet Clwyd area health authority to discuss the financial implications of the nurses' pay award; if he will grant the Welsh area health authorities £10 million extra cash to meet the nurses' pay award; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  Responsibility for implementing the new nurses' clinical grading structure rests with health authorities; until the outcome of that exercise is completed the percentage increase for each authority cannot be known for certain. The review body estimated that the overall effect would be to add 14·5 per cent, to the pay bill. This, together with the costs of implementing the other review bodies' awards (for doctors, dentists and professions allied to medicine) is estimated to be £33·366 million—after taking account of the allowance for pay and price inflation already in health authorities' allocations for this year.

  I cannot comment on the need for additional funds until the implementation of the new grading structures has been completed.

  Airey and Unity Houses
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many(a) Airey type and (b) Unity type houses exist in Alyn and Deeside District council area; what is the estimated cost of reconstituting each of them by type; and if he will make a statement as to when he expects these houses to be repaired;

  (2) if he will increase grants to local authorities in Wales to ensure the priority repair of Unity and Airey type houses; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if he will increase the amount of grants to Alyn and Deeside council to enable the housing authority to meet its commitment to repair Airey houses and Unity type houses under part XVI of the Housing Act 1985; how much has already been granted for the years 1987–88, 1988–89 and 1989–90; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) what is the average grant given to reconstitute Airey type houses in Alyn and Deeside; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  I understand that there is a total of 54 Unity and 39 Airey dwellings in the public and private sectors in Alyn and Deeside. For those dwellings in the private sector the provisions of part XVI of the Housing Act 1985 makes assistance available for eligible owners by way of 272
  reinstatement grant or repurchase. Such assistance will be available for eligible owners of Airey and Unity dwellings until 30 November 1994. Average costs for the repair of such dwellings are not held centrally but national expense limits for eligible owners have recently been reviewed and are currently set at:

  £

  Unity one storey

  17,000

  Unity two storey

  23,000

  Airey

  27,000

  For those dwellings in the public sector we have agreed with the local authorities that it should be for them to determine the priority and form of treatment they think most appropriate.

  For the private sector we have to date made available more than £30 million to assist local authorities with their obligations under part XVI of the Housing Act 1985.

  For the financial years 1985–86 and 1986–87 all bids for such resources were met in full. For 1987–88 one half of such bids were met. This represented £50,000 for Alyn and Deeside district council. A reserve was, however, held against which further bids could be made by those local authorities which could demonstrate contractual commitments. For the current financial year authorities facing exceptional difficulties have again been able to take advantage of a reserve held, over and above main allocations. Alyn and Deeside district council has not made any bids against these resources. In common with all other Welsh local authorities, Alyn and Deeside district council will shortly be submitting its 1989–90 housing strategy and investment programme to the Department, which will be considered in the light of resources available. I cannot at this stage anticipate what allocation will be made for next year.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the achievements of his Department and his policies in helping small businesses over the last 12 months compared with the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  [holding answer 19 July 1988]: This Department attaches high priority to the promotion of enterprise and to helping small businesses; a number of specific local initiatives have been directed at this. Both the Department and its sponsored bodies monitor and evaluate their programmes in order to assess their effectiveness. Performance indicators contribute to this process and some of these appear in the public expenditure White Paper and the annual reports of sponsored bodies:

  Number of clients other than those attending start up courses provided with assistance

  Number

  Start-Up Clients

  1986–87

  1,600

  1987–88

  1,900

  Drive Projects

  1986–87

  128

  1987–88

  248

  273

  Number

  Mid Wales development grants

  1986–87

  3 429

  1987–88

  3 534

  1 Total assistance offered £215,000.

  2 Total assistance offered £278,000.

  3 Mostly small businesses.

  4 Total grants offered £641,337.

  5 Total grants offered £1,102,180.

  Training Commission

  The Training Commission in Wales continues to focus its adult training programme to take account of small firms training needs. In 1987–88 financial year the commission spent £1,026,399 in Wales in assisting 6,816 people from September this year. Employment training, which is shortly to absorb the present training programmes for unemployed adults, will provide a comprehensive and flexible training programme aimed at providing the skills unemployed people need and employers want.

  Advice and Information

  We have made it a priority to improve the help available to small businesses and the self-employed through the small firms service, local enterprise agencies, jobcentres, and the many other public and private-sector sources of advice. Last October we launched the Gateway Network as a means of bringing together all these bodies to work co-operatively; last month we announced that the major banks in Wales had joined the Network. Work is in hand to establish a pilot "one-stop shop" in the Merthyr Tydfil area to facilitate the dealings that new businesses have to undertake because of regulatory requirements.

  Small Firms Service

  The Welsh Development Agency (WDA) administers the small firms service in Wales, which has continued to respond to a high level of inquiries. The figures for the latest two financial years are:

  1986–87

  1987–88

  (i) Enquiries

  38,808

  42,869

  (ii) Business counselling—first interviews

  7,698

  8,365

  (iii) Business counselling—total interviews

  8,689

  9,924

  Local Enterprise Agencies

  The Department takes an active role in encouraging the development of local enterprise agencies and provides funding via the WDA for core activities and special projects. As part of my recently announced programme to revitalise the South Wales valleys, the Department will seek to strengthen the network of enterprise agencies and to provide for all parts of the area to be served by one. Moreover, the intention is to ensure that these agencies are of the highest quality and constitute the best enterprise agency system in the United Kingdom.

  Local Link: Local Investment Initiative

  We have just launched this new experimental scheme in the Bridgend area. It aims to increase the links between small firms looking for investment and investors who are willing to put money into business ventures in their own community.

  Regional Enterprise Grant

  This scheme, launched in April 1988, aims to encourage very small firms employing fewer than 25 people to invest and innovate. It has been generally well received. Despite a slow start the number of applications has picked up and
  274
  is now showing an encouraging upward trend. The total number of applications received to date is 63 and they have a total value of approximately £710,000.

  The Business Improvement Services Scheme

  This was launched in 1984 and is directed at smaller companies—those employing 200 or less. It aims to encourage the development of new and existing businesses in those areas of Wales affected by the rundown in the steel industry. The scheme is a European regional development fund initiative with a total of about £9·2 million being allocated to Wales (of which £2·4 million is from the United Kingdom Government) for the period between December 1984 and December 1988. The scheme provides grants of between 55 per cent, and 70 per cent, to encourage eligible firms (which may be involved in most manufacturing and some service sector activities) to obtain specialist consultancy advice, develop new products and processes or research new markets. Over 850 offers of grant totalling nearly £3 million were made in the 12 months to 30 June 1988. This compares with just under 600 offers totalling £1·5 million in the 12 months to June 1987.

  Enterprise Initiative Consultancy Scheme

  Small businesses are the main target of the enterprise initiative consultancy scheme (administered by the Welsh Development Agency) which was launched in January of this year. There has been a very healthy response to the scheme in Wales. By 8 July, 472 applications had been received, of which 243 had been referred to the scheme contractors for allocation to consultants. There are of course no directly comparable figures for last year. The progress of the consultancy scheme is carefully monitored according to the guidelines established by the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Regional Selective Assistance, Regional Development Grant

  Small businesses have also taken advantage of the help available under more general industrial support schemes, principally regional selective assistance and regional development grants (applications for which ceased to be accepted after 31 March 1988). Between 1 July 1987 and 30 June 1988, 86 offers of assistance worth £6,248,000 were made to businesses and organisations employing fewer than 200 under the regional selective assistance scheme, compared to 78 offers worth £5,719,000 during the previous 12 months. For regional development grants, the equivalent figures were 1,088 offers worth £27,831,000 for 1 July 1987 to 30 June 1988 and 900 offers worth £26,167,000 for the previous 12 months.

  The Valleys: A Programme for the People

  The new programme for the South Wales valleys launched on 14 June 1988 includes a 15-point programme designed to encourage new and small businesses in the area. This covers additional investment support including two new loan schemes introduced by the WDA for small and very small businesses, the provision of more small factories and workshops, strengthened provision for enterprise training, improved advisory services and action to improve the standard of retailing.

  The Craft Initiative

  This initiative is designed to provide a comprehensive, professional and effective means of promoting the Welsh craft industry and its products and ensuring that

  275
  craft-oriented businesses, both large and small, play their full part in the economic regeneration of Wales. The new co-ordinated package of assistance now available to Welsh craft businesses is head and shoulders above that available elsewhere.

  Wales Tourist Board

  In 1987–88 the Wales Tourist Board offered some £2·5 million of assistance towards 114 projects, estimated to generate £17·1 million private sector investment and create 417 new jobs. The greater part of such assistance was offered to small businesses, with the board offering streamlined processing for small projects. This facility is of particular value to small and new businesses, as are the advisory and marketing support offered by the board within the Principality.

  The board has recently launched its framework development strategy highlighting opportunities for development for businesses of all sizes within the Principality, and further extending special schemes of assistance of particular value to small businesses.

  Mid Wales Development (MWD)

  MWD provides assistance to small businesses within its area; achievement for the years 1986–87 and 1987–88 are as follows:

  Start-up courses—Number attending

  Year

  Number

  1986–87

  339

  1987–88

  631

  Enterprise Allowance Scheme

  The enterprise allowance scheme in Wales continues to be a success. The number of entrants in the last two financial years were as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1986–87

  5,639

  1987–88

  6,500

  It is estimated that some 7,000 people will enter the scheme in the 1988–89 financial year. The results of a survey in March 1988 showed that of those that received an allowance for a full year, 74 per cent, were still trading 18 months after start-up, and for every 100 of these businesses, 71 additional jobs have been created.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Borrowing
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each year since 1970 the public sector borrowing requirement, the increase in the private sector borrowing requirement and the amount of new money created by the lending institutions and the public sector, respectively.

  Mr. Lilley
  Figures for the public sector borrowing requirement (PSBR) are published in Financial Statistics, table 2.6. Chart 2.3 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report shows private borrowing as a percentage of GDP since 1974–75, where private borrowing is defined along similar lines to the PSBR. Recent figures for bank and building society lending, and public sector counterparts to
  276
  broad money, are available in table 11.7 of Financial Statistics. Figures for earlier years are available from the Bank of England on request.

  Rents
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his forcast of(a) the increase in rent income in 1989–90 as a result of the relaxation of rent controls, (b) the amount which will be subject to tax and the expected yield and (c) the extra amount which the Exchequer will pay out to tenants by way of rent relief.

  Mr. Trippier
  I have been asked to reply.

  What the difference will be between rents of lettings to which rent regulation no longer applies and rents for lettings on regulated tenancies is too uncertain at this stage for worthwhile forecasts to be made of the additional tax yield and additional expenditure on housing benefit.

  Life Insurance and Pensions
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report figures for each year since 1979 the net increase in the amounts available for investment of life assurance and pension schemes to the nearest £ million; and if he will provide a forecast for 1987 and for 1988.

  Mr. Maude
  I have been asked to reply.

  Figures for total net investment by the long-term funds of insurance companies and self-administered pension funds (excluding net investment by pension funds in insurance-managed funds) are as follows for the years 1979 to 1987:

  £ million

  1979

  10,100

  1980

  11,744

  1981

  13,533

  1982

  15,201

  1983

  15,957

  1984

  17,668

  1985

  18,089

  1986

  20,027

  1987

  21,086

  Note: There are some breaks in the series due to definitional changes. The main ones are between 1983 and 1984 and between 1984 and 1985. A forecast for 1988 is not available.

  Credit Control
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make it his policy to impose selective controls on credit by requiring banks and other lending institutions to deposit non-interest bearing cash into the Bank of England as a proportion of their advances for specified purposes or for other than specified purposes.

  Mr. Lilley
  No.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  British Steel Corporation
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the British Steel Corporation will be published.
  277
  Mr. Maude
  The report is published today.

  The Monopolies and Mergers Commission was asked to investigate and report whether the British Steel Corporation could improve its efficiency and reduce its costs, except in so far as that question related to, or might involve consideration of, strategy decisions agreed with Her Majesty's Government in relation to the corporation.

  The commission concentrated its investigation on the corporation's two largest operating groups, Strip Products Group and General Steels Group, which together contain the five integrated steelworks where the bulk of the corporation's steel production takes place.

  The commission noted that the corporation had moved from a net loss of over £1 billion in 1980–81 to a profit of £38 million in 1985–86. In commending this very considerable achievement, the commission said that it had been secured partly by reductions in capacity and manpower but more significantly by more than doubling manpower productivity over that period. The corporation had re-established its position in the world steel industry, with a range of products which for the most part compared well with that of its competitors. The commission found that the corporation was thus in a new situation. Furthermore, the European Commission ended state aid for steel on 31 December 1985, with the result that all future financial requirements carried interest at market rates. While observing that this had to be seen in the context of the strategy decisions which inevitably affected the corporation's capacity utilisation and hence its efficiency, the commission noted that the strategy still left the corporation with a wide discretion to improve its efficiency. Stock control, maintenance and monitoring of quality performance were identified in particular by the commission as subjects meriting closer attention.

  The commission made 48 recommendations for improving the corporation's performance and attached priority to those concerning the determination of the investment programme; the review of stocks; the study of maintenance procedures; quality standards and delivery performances. Notwithstanding its other comments and proposals, the commission observed that the corporation was right to be proud of the efforts of its work force and management in moving from the period of massive losses to the profitabilty achieved in 1985–86, and sensed a determination at all levels in the corporation to continue to improve performance.

  In view of the delay in publication I am asking the corporation to respond to the commission's findings as quickly as possible.

  Military Exports
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many applications have been made for the export of military equipment for each year from 1979; and how many of these have been(a) granted and (b) refused.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The following are the numbers of licence applications received for exports of military equipment controlled under the Export of Goods (Control) Order:278

  Export licence applications received

  Year

  Number

  1979

  8,668

  1980

  6,882

  1981

  6,968

  1982

  6,851

  1983

  6,931

  1984

  6,871

  1985

  9,350

  1986

  9,406

  1987

  11,222

  Records of the numbers of export licences granted and refused could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Software Industries
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what studies his Department has undertaken into the ability of the United Kingdom software industry to compete with the French, West German and Italian software industries after 1992; and if he will arrange for copies of such studies to be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Forth
  The Department commissioned a report entitled "Computing Services Industry 1986–1996 a decade of opportunity" from Coopers and Lybrand Associates which was published in April 1987. The study predicts future trends in the industry and includes a comparison of the United Kingdom industry with those of its major competitors—France, West Germany, the United States of America and Japan.

  Copies of the report are available from the Library.

  Copyright
  Mr. Neale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has received from the Government of Indonesia relating to their intentions to grant equal status to copyright works of United Kingdom citizens to those granted to citizens of the United States; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  Her Majesty's Government are currently negotiating an agreement with the Government of Indonesia for the mutual protection of copyright works. This will enlarge on the protection which is already available for sound recordings. I understand that a United States-Indonesia agreement is also being negotiated.

  Mr. Neale
  To ask the Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what information he has received from the Government of Korea relating to their intentions to grant equal status to copyright works of United Kingdom citizens to those granted to citizens of the United States of America; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what representations he has made to the Republic of Korea about British books being pirated there on a large scale; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) what representations have been made to him by Macmillan publishers relating to the pirating in the Republic of Korea of the multi-volume work of reference published under the title "The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics"; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  Since the accession of the Republic of Korea to the universal copyright convention in October 1987, British books published have been protected in that
  279
  country. It is, therefore, open to publishers to take action in Korea in respect of the piracy of such works, for example, the Palgrave dictionary. The Community negotiated with Korea to obtain protection for older works and to obtain certain benefits in respect of patents; all of these rights had been granted to the United States and the Community was therefore seeking parity of treatment. The negotiations broke down and as a result the Community suspended Korea's benefits under the generalised system of preferences, where the matter now stands.

  English Estates
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he envisages any changes in the activities of English Estates; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  As the White Paper, "DTI—the department for Enterprise", Cm. 278, made clear, the activities of English Estates are an important instrument of our policies which seek to support economic development and encourage enterprise in the regions and inner cities. The recently launched programme aimed at increasing the supply of managed workspace in the inner cities has added an important new dimension to its role.

  In the assisted areas the essential role of English Estates is to seek to ensure that suitable premises and sites are available to meet the needs of new and growing businesses, which would not otherwise be met. It does this in a variety of ways including the development of factories, workshops and offices either in advance of demand or to meet the needs of specific customers. It also actively facilitates provision by private sector developers, investors and owner occupiers.

  Improving economic conditions have enabled English Estates in recent years to achieve successive annual improvements in the amount of floorspace let and sold. There is, nevertheless, an unsatisfied demand for premises which, combined with rising rental levels and the prospects of continuing economic growth, is leading to renewed interest by the private sector in providing industrial and commercial floorspace in some parts of the assisted areas. If the property needs of industry and commerce are to be met it is essential that this interest should be further encouraged. This requires a suitable response on the part of English Estates. We have, therefore, been considering with the board of the corporation how the planning and execution of its assisted areas programmes should be developed.

  On the basis of advice from the board we have concluded that in order to reinforce existing market trends English Estates should adopt fresh approaches designed to secure increased private sector activity wherever possible.

  This will affect English Estates' policies towards rental levels and sale prices. Hitherto, the general requirement has been that these should be set at the maximum level the market would bear. For the future, English Estates will have the specific objectives of endeavouring to increase rents and sale prices to levels which will make equivalent developments attractive to the private sector.

  The emphasis of English Estates' development strategy will also change substantially with the aim of securing increased private sector activity. Thus, English Estates role as a facilitator will assume much greater significance through the marketing of development opportunities, the
  280
  preparation and disposal of serviced sites, joint ventures and the sale of completed schemes to investors. English Estates will use its own development funding only in the areas and for the products where private sector provision remains inadequate and where it will not impede the return to a properly functioning property market.

  Thus in considering the shape of its future programme in the assisted area, English Estates will have regard to three categories of area and types of property. In the first, the presumption will be that the private sector will be meeting demand without the involvement of English Estates. In the second, it is likely that English Estates will need to participate in some form of joint venture in some types of development if private sector involvement is to be triggered. We shall consider with English Estates the cost-effectiveness of particular arrangements which may be necessary to encourage appropriate private sector provision. In the third, where there is no immediate prospect of private sector provision, English Estates will continue to act as a funder and developer, but on the basis of the rentals and sales policy outlined above.

  In future I shall be determining the size of English Estates' annual development programme on the basis of advice from the board about market demand, the likely level of private sector provision and the availability of public sector resources. I shall also take into account the need to balance the demand for resources between the assisted areas programme and the new inner-city managed workspace programme as the latter develops. Decisions about which developments are to be undertaken will remain the responsibility of the board acting within the framework I have just described. I have asked the board to take steps to publish regularly a programme describing the projects planned to be pursued in each region in particular financial years. I shall expect the geographical boundaries of that programme to narrow significantly over time as they take full account of changing rental levels and development costs.

  Disabled Persons (Accessibility)
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what information he has as to which areas and buildings in recently revitalised inner-city areas remain inaccessible for people in wheelchairs, following redevelopments;

  (2) whether he will set up a consultative body to monitor the extent to which the access needs of disabled people are being met in the revitalisation of the inner cities; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) what consultations he has had with national and local disability organisations on the subject of disabled people's access needs in the revitalisation of the inner cities;

  (4) what consultations he has had with the Access Committee for England, the Centre for the Environment for the Handicapped, and Business in the Community on the subject of disabled people's access needs in the revitalisation of the inner cities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  We have had no consultations on these lines, but seek to ensure that the representations we have received from RADAR, and any others we may receive, are appropriately reflected in the development or redevelopment of the inner cities.
  281
  I am not convinced that further formal consultation machinery would contribute materially to this aim, or that it would be practicable to gather systematic information about the accessibility of buildings in inner-city areas. I would, however, expect city action teams and inner-city task forces to give positive consideration to the needs of the disabled people in their work, and of course to conform to the provisions on access for disabled people contained in building regulations. Equally, I hope that organisations of and for disabled people, and in particular local access groups, will ensure that their views and suggestions are made known to the teams and task forces.

  "Disabled People and The Inner Cities"
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what response he has had from the local task forces and city action teams to the paper written by the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation, RADAR, "Disabled People and The Inner Cities".

  Mr. Newton
  The city action teams and inner city task forces continue to take account of the needs of the disabled as set out in the recent paper by the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation, "Disabled People and the Inner Cities". In particular, the task forces have supported a range of inner-city projects which specifically benefit the disabled. Projects include:Middlesbrough: support through task force and community programme for project converting cars for the disabled.
  Handsworth: support for community glass business to enable it to take on disabled workers.
  Spitalfields: installation of a lift for the disabled in Toynbee hall, Gunthorpe street workshops to enable disabled people to have access to facilities, including job club.
  Nottingham: support for 80 place computer training project for the disabled.
  Coventry: requirement that conversion projects supported by task force should make provision for disabled access.
  Leeds: disabled care service project, in conjunction with New Testament Church.
  Rochdale: support for disabled places in woodcraft and needlework training.
  North Peckham, Southwark: support for 30 place community industry sewing workshop which makes clothes specially tailored for the disabled; support for Southwark environment trust conversion of old stables into workshops, including one made available to the Southwark association for the disabled.
  Doncaster: support to Concorde centre for development of training places for the disabled; support for residential course for disadvantaged Youth Training Scheme trainees, including disabled.

  In addition, the interdepartmental urban programme supports some 200 projects worth about £6·5 million per annum, which directly benefit the disabled.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will issue a White Paper on how the access needs of disabled people will be met in the revitalisation of the inner cities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  We have no plans to do so.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will outline the interdepartmental co-ordination that exists to ensure that access needs for disabled people in the inner cities are not overlooked.

  Mr. Newton
  The main instruments for interdepartmental co-ordination are the city action teams, which 282
  include the regional directors of my Department, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Employment. They are based in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, the inner-city partnership areas of London, Manchester-Salford, Newcastle-Gateshead and Nottingham. Outside city action team areas there are similar but less formal links between Departments. The city action teams are responsible for co-ordinating and focusing major Government programmes in inner city areas, including the urban programme, city grant, the enterprise initiative and employment programmes, working with local authorities, the private sector and other local organisations. These programmes already take account of the needs of the disabled inner-city areas, and the valuable contribution which they can make to inner-city regeneration, and further advice has recently been issued to the city action teams on these lines, drawing on useful background material provided by the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation.

  European Community (Gaseous Fuel Appliances)
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received on the draft directive on the harmonisation of the laws of member states relating to appliances burning gaseous fuels; and what representations he has made to the European Commission on this subject.

  Mr. Forth
  We have received a number of written representations on this subject from member companies of the Society of British Gas Industries and my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry South-West, (Mr. Butcher) the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Industry and Consumer Affairs, recently met a delegation drawn from its membership. In addition, views have been canvassed more widely from the gas supply and manufacturing industry as part of the normal consultation process.

  Detailed representations to the Commission which reflect to a large extent the technical concerns expressed by industry have been made through the participation of officials in the Commission working party of experts set up to examine this draft directive.

  Financial Services Act 1986
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will review the provision of the Financial Services Act 1986 and other related legislation and regulation on small investors and independent intermediaries, with regard to compliance cost assessment.

  Mr. Maude
  The Secretary of State and the chairman of the Securities and Investments Board have agreed to take stock on a regular basis to assess the development of the new regulatory regime and its impact on investment businesses.

  Import-Export Statistics
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what was the value of imports from and exports to Malaysia in each of the years 1979 to 1988; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what was the value of imports from and exports to the Republic of Liberia in each of the years 1979 to 1988; and if he will make a statement.
  283
  Mr. Alan Clark
  The information is as follows:

  United Kingdom trade with Malaysia and the Republic of Liberia 1979—May 1988

  Value in £ millions

  Imports

  Exports

  Malaysia

  1979

  221·7

  187·6

  1980

  186·9

  223·9

  1981

  188·3

  196·2

  1982

  185·2

  210·6

  1983

  222·5

  248·3

  1984

  319·5

  283·1

  1985

  383·9

  281·7

  1986

  349·9

  226·9

  1987

  397·1

  258·0

  11988

  197·6

  122·4

  Liberia

  1979

  14·3

  84·3

  1980

  8·7

  46·4

  1981

  6·0

  24·3

  1982

  8·2

  14·1

  1983

  7·2

  13·9

  1984

  7·2

  31·0

  1985

  6·0

  16·0

  1986

  7·6

  22·1

  1987

  7·3

  13·5

  11988

  6·4

  5·0

  1 January to May.

  Source: Overseas Trade Statistics

  Note: Figures for 1987 and January—May 1988 are provisional

  Figures for 1988 should be treated with more than the usual caution because of major changes to customs procedures introduced in January 1988, details of which were given in a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Hertfordshire, South-West (Mr. Page) on 7 December 1987 at column 34–35.

  Malaysia
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give details of all meetings between the chairman of the British Overseas Trade Board, and the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia since April 1983 concerning Malaysia's policy towards imports from the United Kingdom and Malaysia's relations with Hong Kong.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Irrespective of whether such meetings have taken place it is not normally the practice to disclose details of confidential discussions.

  National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if the experimental nuclear reactor at the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride will remain on Crown property following the privatisation of the laboratory.

  Mr. Forth
  The position of the land on which the experimental nuclear reactor is built will be determined by an agreement that is signed between the Department and a purchaser of the East Kilbride site.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who will have the responsibility for decommissioning the experimental nuclear reactor on site at the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride; and if he will make a statement.
  284
  Mr. Forth
  The responsibility for any decommissioning of the reactor would lie with the operator, taking account of any requirement of the relevant regulatory bodies, namely the Scottish Development Department and the nuclear installations inspectorate.

  Ivory Imports
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has on imports into the United Kingdom of worked ivory, by weight and value, in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The information is given in the table:

  United Kingdom Imports or Worked Ivory 1979–1987

  m/tonnes

  £000

  1979

  22·8

  382

  1980

  17·2

  487

  1981

  3·0

  238

  1982

  4·6

  263

  1983

  4·7

  311

  1984

  2·9

  455

  1985

  1·1

  267

  1986

  1·8

  252

  1987

  0·8

  241

  source: Overseas Trade Statistics.

  Note: 1987 figures provisional.

  House Prices
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proposals he has under consideration to slow house price rises; what consultations he intends to undertake; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Broxbourne (Mrs. Roe) to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Strang) on 4 November at column 736.

  Members' Correspondence
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the average length of time taken by his Department to respond to right hon. and hon. Members' correspondence during the summer recess.

  Mr. Maude
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: The information is only available at a disproportionate cost. However, my Department always aims to answer right hon. and hon. Members' correspondence as soon as possible, although some delays may occur during a recess.

  James Ferguson (Holdings) plc
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many interviews the inspectors appointed to inquire into the affairs of James Ferguson (Holdings) plc have given to the press since their appointment.

  Mr. Maude
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: None.

ENERGY

  Oil Rigs (Safety)
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if, further to his answer of 14 July,Official Report, column 368, he will now supply the figures on safety inspections of gas and oil rig installations which are available as near as possible to the form originally requested.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The figures requested could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the inspections and accident investigations carried out since 1 January 1987 into the safety of North Sea oil and gas installations; what were they, respectively, minor and major recommendations for action in each case; and which have so far been carried out and which have not.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The figures requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Piper Alpha Platform
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy why, further to his reply of 14 July,Official Report, column 366, he will not make the inquiry into the explosion of the Piper Alpha platform in 1984 available to Parliament now.

  Mr. Peter Robinson
  The 1984 report will form only part of my Department's evidence to the inquiry. It will be for Lord Cullen, as chairman of the inquiry, to decide how much, if any, of the evidence submitted should be released. It would be wrong for me to pre-empt his decision.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will meet the costs of legal representation of survivors and the relatives of those who died in the Piper Alpha tragedy at the forthcoming public inquiry to be chaired by Lord Cullen.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member on 25 July 1988 at column 7.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will extend the terms of reference of the public inquiry into the Piper Alpha tragedy to consider the establishment of a no-fault liability compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  It will be for Lord Cullen to decide, if requested, whether the establishment of a no-fault liability compensation scheme should be considered at the public inquiry.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Worthing ton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish a table in the Official Report, in the same format as his written reply of 7 July, Official Report, columns 664–66, on receipts classified as charges in respect of his programme expenditure over the years 1982–83 to 1990–91, on a basis consistent with the reply of 27 May, Official Report, Volume 134, columns 375–76, indicating the receipts in respect of running costs expenditure together with a supplementary analysis
  286
  indicating, separately, the amounts of receipts in respect of programme expenditure and of running costs expenditure estimated to have been met from other public expenditure programmes.

  Mr. Parkinson
  Receipts in respect of my Department's running cost expenditure over the years 1982–83 to 1990–91 are as follows:

  £ million

  1982–83 outturn

  -3·2

  1983–84 outturn

  -3·2

  1984–85 outturn

  -4·0

  1985–86 outturn

  -4·0

  1986–87 outturn

  -4·0

  1987–88 estimated outturn

  -4·3

  1988–89 plans

  -4·3

  1989–90 plans

  -4·4

  1990–91 plans

  -4·6

  The amounts of receipts in respect of programme expenditure and running costs expenditure estimated to have been met from other public expenditure programmes are as follows:

  £ million

  Programme

  Running costs

  Total

  1982–83 outturn

  -59·8

  -2·0

  -61·8

  1983–84 outturn

  -70·4

  -1·7

  -72·1

  1984–85 outturn

  -56·1

  -2·1

  -58·2

  1985–86 outturn

  -64·8

  -2·1

  -66·9

  1986–87 outturn

  -3·7

  -2·3

  -6·0

  1987–88 estimated outturn

  -5·1

  -1·7

  -6·8

  1988–89 plans

  -4·7

  -1·6

  -6·3

  1989–90 plans

  -4·3

  -1·7

  -6·0

  1990–91 plans

  -4·3

  -1·7

  -6·0

  Acid Rain
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what recent communication he has had with the Forestry Commission concerning environmental surveys conducted in Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, evaluating the effects of acid rain pollution on the(a) arboreal and (b) aquatic environment in the area; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Following receipt of a tree health survey which was undertaken in April by Greenpeace and which identified a number of individual damaged trees in the constituency of Hertsmere, my right hon. Friend sought the Forestry Commission's professional advice. Two scientists from the commission's research division visited the constituency on 1 June and examined a number of the sites recorded by Greenpeace. They confirmed the existence of damaged trees. However many were at sites with local problems, including soil disturbance and waterlogging. The commission pointed out that damage can be influenced by a wide variety of factors of which air pollution is only one. Air pollution can also derive from a number of different sources: neither the commission nor Greenpeace were able to determine the precise cause of the damage in this area.

  Magnox Reactors (Decommissioning)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will set out the details of the economic appraisal developed by his Department to calculate the likely cost of decommissioning of each of the Magnox reactors.
  287
  Mr. Michael Spicer
  This is a matter for the Central Electricity Generating Board, and I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make it his policy during the first phase of decommissioning the Central Electricity Generating Board's Berkeley-Magnox nuclear reactors, to ensure that when bundles of fuel rods are withdrawn from the core containing low burn-up spent fuel, these are appropriately labelled for a special reprocessing regime at Sellafield to retain the high purity of the plutonium content in the spent fuel discharged in a separate plutonium store account.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The Central Electricity Generating Board and British Nuclear Fuels plc plan to manage the dispatch and reprocessing of the final cores of the Berkeley reactors no differently from the fuel from other CEGB magnox power stations. The fuel and the extracted uranium and plutonium will at all times be subject to Euratom safeguards and to the terms of the UK/Euratom/IAEA safeguards agreement.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how the decommissioning costs of(a) Berkeley and (b) other commercial Magnox reactors will be apportioned after privatisation of the electricity supply industry.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Decommissioning provisions for Magnox stations are made throughout their operating lives and are reflected in the prices charged to customers at the time.

  Nuclear Waste
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if the mixed oxide nuclear fuel pin discovered at the Drigg nuclear waste dump site on 11 July was accounted for under the nuclear fuel pin material accountancy arrangement set out by the then Minister of State for Energy, the hon. Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Goodlad) in reply to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes),Official Report, 4 March 1987, column 596.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I await the report mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) on 15 July 1988 at column 430.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy,Official Report, 14 June, column 101, on nuclear waste safeguards, he will state when the discussions to which he makes reference began; how many meetings have taken place; how many departmental officials have been involved; and when he expects agreement on arrangements for safeguarding nuclear wastes bearing civil fissile materials to be reached.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Discussions have been continuing for some months. It is not yet possible to estimate the completion date.

  Sellafield
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what changes and extensions to current emergency evacuation plans for British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. at Sellafield nuclear complex will be necessitated by the plan announced by British Nuclear Fuels plc, on 13 July, to make Sellafield a package tour centre;
  288
  (2) whether the plans announced by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. on 13 July to encourage a further influx of tourists to Sellafield have any implications for advice given by his Department on coping with evacuations under civil emergencies, particularly regarding accidents at nuclear installations.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  It is for the operator of a nuclear site to satisfy the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate of the adequacy of its emergency arrangements, as part of the licensing procedures. Such plans take account of the population densities and distribution within the detailed planning zone.

  Atomic Energy Safeguards
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy,Official Report, 14 June, column 101, on atomic energy safeguards, he will set out the basis for his conclusion that there is not likely to be any significant difference between the general conclusions of the 1986 International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards implementation report (SIR) and the 1987 United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority safeguards implementation report.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The draft 1987 report has been discussed by the IAEA board of governors of which the United Kingdom is a member. A summary of the report's findings will be published in the agency's annual report in September.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy on atomic energy safeguards,Official Report, 14 June, column 100, he will set out details of the specific United Kingdom funded substantial safeguards support programme to which he makes reference; with what organisations contracts are lodged to carry out this programme; and if the results of this research support programme are published in publicly available literature.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The safeguards R and D support programme funded by the Department of Energy is carried out by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. A summary of this programme, amongst others, was placed in the Library on 23 July 1987.

  Uranium Imports
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what policy considerations underlie(a) his willingness to reply in full to questions on coal imports, by amount and country of source and (b) his unwillingness to give details of amounts and country of source for uranium imports.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  In replying to questions about imports, it is my policy to be as open as possible subject to considerations of commercial sensitivity.

  Magnox Reactors, Dungeness
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the financial and future safety implications of the discovery of corrosion faults during the recent statutory annual safety overhaul of the Central Electricity Generating Board Magnox reactors at Dungeness.
  289
  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The statutory inspection of reactor 2 at Dungeness A station is still in progress and has revealed some corrosion damage in the reactor and boilers. The full extent of these problems and their safety significance are being assessed. It is too early to estimate the financial implications from the loss of generation but every effort is being made to return the reactor to service as soon as possible, subject to the agreement of the station's nuclear safety committee and the consent of the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate.

  Magnox Reactors
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will update to 31 March(a) the information on thermal energy generated and spent fuel discharged and (b) the information on the allocation of plutonium produced in each of the Central Electricity Generating Board Magnox reactors as given in his reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy, 24 July 1987, Official Report, columns 515–16.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 20 July 1988 at column 666.

  UKAEA (Energy Technology Support Unit)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make it his policy to institute management arrangements to separate the energy technology support unit from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I am satisfied with the current management arrangements for the energy technology support unit, which ensure its impartiality, and I have no plans to change these arrangements.

  Nuclear Materials (Exports)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy, 14 June,Official Report, column 99. on nuclear materials exports, he will set out the reasons why information on the dates and quantities of exports to which he makes reference are confidential.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Information on the dates and quantities of exports of nuclear materials is commercially confidential to the parties involved. Additionally, there may be security considerations.

  Nuclear Power Stations (Report)
  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many organisations and individuals have submitted comments on the draft document "The Tolerability of Risk from Nuclear Power Stations"; and when he expects a response to be made to these comments.

  Mr. Parkinson
  Twenty four organisations and individuals have sent comments to the Health and Safety Commission. The commission has also received advice from the advisory committee on the safety of nuclear installations. The chairman of the commission wrote to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and to me on 26 July setting out the commission's response, and a copy of this letter has been placed in the Library of the House. The commission agrees with 290
  ACSNI's view that the levels of risk proposed for new power stations should be tolerable for the present and proposed PWR programme, provided that strict and comprehensive systems of regulation continue in force. I understand that the commission is arranging for publication of all comments in due course.

  Offshore Oil and Gas Safety
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will list those establishments which are authorised to issue safety certificates to employees in the offshore oil and gas industry;

  (2) what instructions or guidance his Department gives with regard to offshore safety certificates;

  (3) how many employees on Piper Alpha on 7 July held full and valid offshore safety certificates; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) what is his Department's policy with regard to the issue of offshore safety certificates for employees in the offshore oil and gas industries.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Safety certificates for personnel working offshore are not required, although some specialists require certificates of competence for the work on which they are employed. Regulations require the operator to appoint competent persons to be responsible for the control and safety of the installation and its equipment.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the guidance notes and instructions issued by his Department in respect of all aspects of the offshore oil and gas industry, with dates and details of any supplementary or additional guidance notes or instructions.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  My Department issues guidance on a number of subjects including the following:

  Design and Construction

  Life-Saving Appliances

  Fire-Fighting Equipment

  Continental Shelf Operation Notices

  Safety Memoranda

  Training and Survival

  Crane Operators

  Ballast Control Operators

  Radio Telephone Operators

  Helicopter Landing Officers

  Submarine Pipelines Guidance Notes

  Guidelines for the specification and operation of dynamically positioned diving support vessels and drilling vessels

  Emergency Shut-Down Systems

  Guidelines for air range diving support vessels

  In addition, video training guides have also been issued and numerous technology reports have been published by HMSO on behalf of my Department.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his Department's policy with regard to fire training for employees in the offshore oil and gas industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The Offshore Installations (Fire-Fighting Equipment) Regulations 1978 (SI 1978/611) require offshore operators to provide approved fire-fighting equipment. Training in the use of this equipment is a matter for the operator in accordance with section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which places a duty on employers to provide such training as necessary to ensure as far as practicable, the health and safety of their employees.
  291
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy with regard to the issue of immersion suits for employees in the offshore oil and gas industry(a) as regards the employees of platform operators and (b) as regards the employees of subcontractors of platform operators.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Operators are required to supply employees with protective clothing on every offshore installation.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what guidance or instruction is issued by his Department to those establishments providing offshore safety training and issuing offshore safety certificates.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The guidance notes listed in my reply to the hon. Member today are available to estalishments providing offshore safety training.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is the relationship between his Department and those establishments providing offshore safety training and issuing offshore safety certificates;

  (2) whether those establishments providing offshore safety training and issuing offshore safety certificates are subject to approval, licence or supervision by him or any other Government or public agency.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  There is no statutory relationship between my Department and those establishments providing offshore safety training. By agreement, one of my officials has a seat on the board of the offshore petroleum industry training board. I have had regular meetings with the chairman of the offshore petroleum industry training board to discuss matters of mutual interest.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many staff in his Department are employed in supervising the work of the certifying authorities appointed by him in terms of the Offshore Installation (Construction and Survey) Regulations 1974; and what are their qualifications.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The certifying authorities are internationally recognised independent bodies. My Department does not supervise their work, although the authorities' method of working is monitored by my Department. Three inspectors, who are either chartered engineers or graduates with at least five years' experience of the oil industry, are assigned to this task. In addition all my inspectors, as part of their enforcement duties, observe the work of the certifying authorities and liaise with them as necessary.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to extend the provisions of the Occupiers Liability Act 1960 to offshore oil and gas installations.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  No.

  National Nuclear Corporation
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make an announcement on the future of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority shareholding in the National Nuclear Corporation.
  292
  Mr. Parkinson
  An understanding has been concluded today for the General Electric Company plc to purchase the UKAEA's 35 per cent, minority shareholding in the National Nuclear Corporation. The Government, on whose behalf the UKAEA has owned these shares, has agreed to a purchase price of £14 million. It is the intention to sign a contract for sale in the near future.

  I believe this development, which will give GEC a majority shareholding, will remove uncertainty about the Corporation's future.

  Amersham International
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he intends to exercise his option, under the articles of association, to require Amersham International plc to redeem on 31 March his special rights preference share in the company.

  Mr. Parkinson
  [pursuant to his reply, 29 March 1988]: The special rights preference share has offered Amersham International plc protection against take-over during adjustment to the private sector following privatisation in February 1982. Under the articles of associaton I have been able to require redemption of the special share at any time on or after 31 March 1988.

  I think it no longer necessary for the protection to continue and have therefore decided to exercise the option open to me and to redeem the special share forthwith.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Short Brothers plc
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has had concerning the possible sell-off of Short Brothers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement I made to the House on 21 July at columns 1298–306.I will carefully consider any representations which may be made to me.

  Anglo-Irish Agreement
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on any planned renegotiations of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

  Mr. Tom King
  We have no plans for any negotiations. However, the two Governments will be reviewing the working of the Intergovernmental Conference, under the terms of article 11 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, later this year.

  Members' Correspondence
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average length of time taken by his Department to respond to right hon. and hon. Members' correspondence during the summer recess.

  Mr Tom King
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: The average length of time taken by my Department to respond to Members' correspondence during the summer recess is 10 working days.

  Migration
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the most recent figures on the out-migration of young people from Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: The most recent figures are those derived from the 1987 mid-year estimates of population. These show that in the period 1 July 1986 to 30 June 1987 around 10,500 persons between the ages of 15 and 24 migrated from Northern Ireland.

  Harland and Wolff
  Mr Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received on the takeover of Harland and Wolff; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a letter from the hon. Member for Leicester, South (Mr. Marshall) seeking information about the Government's intention to privatise Harland and Wolff.

  Radiotherapy Staff
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of physicists and technicians in the radiotherapy department in Belvoir park hospital, Purdysburn on 30 June 1987 and 30 June 1988.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 22 July 1988]: The information is as follows:

  Year

  Physicists

  Technicians

  June 1987

  6

  15

  June 1988

  6

  12

  Planning
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he proposes to amend article 31/7 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 to provide adequate protection to objects and structures within the curtilage of listed buildings; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: No. For the reasons set out in my previous answer I am satisfied that the provisions of article 31(7) of the Planning (NI) Order 1972 provide the protection required.

  Animal Carcases (Residues)
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation to control the presence of residues in animal carcases at the point of retail sale or at point of manufacture into meat products and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: United Kingdom-wide legislation introduced on 7 June 1988 provides a statutory framework for the monitoring and control of residues in animals and meat. The Animals and Fresh Meat (Examination for Residues) Regulations 1988 provide for mandatory sampling of animals and fresh
  294
  meat, the detention of suspect animals and the prevention of sale for human and, in some cases, animal consumption of contaminated farm animals or carcases. The Animals and Fresh Meat (Hormonal Substances) Regulations 1988 contain specific provisions in relation to the control of hormones. Legislation to provide controls on other substances will be introduced in accordance with EC requirements. These regulations provide a means of control at the farm and at the slaughterhouse and so prevent carcases with residues from entering the animal or human food chain. Controls on meat and meat products at the point of retail sale in Northern Ireland are imposed under the Food and Drugs Act (NI) 1958 which, inter alia, requires that food should be fit for human consumption and not rendered injurious to health and should be of the nature, substance and quality demanded by the consumer. Consultations have taken place about the introduction of maximum residue levels for certain pesticides in food, including meat and preparations of meat and regulations are in the process of being made.

  Planning
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how objects and structures referred to in article 31/7 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972, are protected when they are not included in the charge registered in the stututory charges register as outlined in red on the statutory charges map; and how protection is enforced when the listing encumbrance is not recognisable as being registered.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: The fact that objects and structures referred to in article 31(7) of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 are not included in the charge registered in the statutory charges register as outlined in red on the statutory charges map does not lessen their protection under the order.

  The entry in the statutory charges register which indicates that a building has been entered on a list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest compiled under article 31 of the order draws the attention of the public to the provisions of article 31 including paragraph 7.

  In order to make the position as clear as possible, two changes were made in listing documentation some 18 months ago. The first was a specific note referring to the purport of article 31 (7) of the order which is available for public inspection. Secondly, a similar note was added to the notice of listing sent to each owner.

  The operation of the listed building enforcement procedures contained in the 1972 order falls to the Department as the listing authority to form a judgment whether specific objects or stuctures fall within the ambit of article 31(7).

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  BSE-infecled Cattle
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many compensation payments he has made to farmers with BSE-infected cattle; how many claims he has received; and how much has been paid in total so far;
  295
  (2) if he will introduce a scheme of full compensation to farmers with BSE-infected cattle; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) what evidence he has as to whether existing compensation levels for farmers with BSE-infected cattle could be failing to encourage farmers to await diagnosis of BSE and encouraging premature submission of cattle for slaughter;

  (4) what steps he is taking to prevent the products of BSE-infected cattle entering the food chain;

  (5) if he will give details of the method by which his Department is calculating the compensation due to farmers with BSE-infected cattle.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was made a notifiable disease on 21 June. Compensation is not yet payable for affected cattle. However, as the Government announced on 7 July, compulsory slaughter with compensation will be introduced very shortly. The carcases of affected animals will be destroyed. Compensation for an affected animal will be at 50 per cent, of market value of the animal, valued as if healthy, up to a ceiling.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the numbers of BSE-infected cattle notified thus far by(a) county and (b) region in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Since BSE was first identified the number of confirmed cases in Great Britain as at 22 July is as follows. BSE has not occurred in Northern Ireland.

  Number

  Eastern

  Bedfordshire

  4

  Cambridge

  6

  Essex

  1

  Lincolnshire

  8

  Norfolk

  11

  Northamptonshire

  4

  Suffolk

  6

  40

  Midland and Western

  Cheshire

  11

  Derbyshire

  3

  Hereford and Worcestershire

  14

  Lancashire

  6

  Leicestershire

  5

  Nottingham

  5

  Salop

  20

  Staffordshire

  10

  Warwickshire

  7

  West Midlands

  1

  82

  Northern

  Cumbria

  11

  Durham

  1

  North Yorkshire

  16

  West Yorkshire

  1

  Northumberland

  1

  30

  South Eastern

  Isle of Wight

  l

  Kent

  36

  Oxford

  8

  Surrey

  7

  296

  Number

  East Sussex

  7

  West Sussex

  10

  Berkshire

  13

  Buckinghamshire

  12

  Hampshire

  20

  114

  South Western

  Avon

  12

  Cornwall

  106

  Devon

  134

  Dorset

  41

  Gloucestershire

  26

  Somerset

  45

  Wiltshire

  20

  384

  Wales

  Clwyd

  5

  Dyfed

  31

  Mid Glamorgan

  2

  South Glamorgan

  2

  West Glamorgan

  1

  Gwent

  5

  Gwynedd

  4

  Powys

  4

  54

  Scotland

  Borders region

  1

  Dumfries and Galloway

  5

  Highlands

  1

  Lothian

  1

  Shetland Isles

  1

  Tayside

  2

  11

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has figures to show the number of slaughtered BSE-infected cattle, the products of which entered the food chain.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  No, but since the disease was made notifiable on 21 June all the heads of affected animals entering a slaughterhouse have been compulsorily retained by the Ministry in order to examine brain tissue for a definitive diagnosis.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he is giving farmers on early recognition of the symptoms of the disease bovine spongiform encephelopathy.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Advice to farmers, based on the current state of knowledge about the disease, is being provided through the local animal health offices and veterinary investigation centres of the Ministry's state veterinary service. There have also been a number of Ministry scientific presentations, publications and general articles on the subject including in particular one in the Farmers Weekly of 15 July.

  Water Pollution
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reduce water pollution from farm sources; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  My Department offers free initial advice to farmers on pollution avoidance, and now provides free of charge the code of good agricultural practice. Capital grants are available at high rates to farmers investing in new waste storage or treatment facilities. Research is being carried out into improved construction and management of these facilities. We have fully backed water authorities in stepping up prosecutions.

  Civil Defence
  Mr. Thorne
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out his plans for emergency feeding arrangements in time of war and/or national emergency; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Under the Civil Defence (General Local Authority Functions) Regulations 1983 (SI 1983 No. 1634) it is local authorities' responsibility to plan for emergency feeding in their areas in the event of a hostile attack. MAFF holds stocks of basic food and of emergency feeding equipment for release to local authorities as necessary. The Ministry has issued advice on planning emergency feeding to local authorities in "Emergency Planning Guidance Handbook 3—Emergency Feeding," copies of which are held in the Library of the House.

  Fishing Vessels (Licensing)
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any plans to significantly alter the system of licensing of fishing vessels engaged in catching pressure stock species; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I hope shortly to announce a major consultation with the fishing industry which will review the existing licensing arrangements.

  Research and Development
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received regarding agricultural research and development funded by his Ministry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I have received a number of representations from interested individuals and organisations about agricultural research and development funded by my Ministry, and consultations about transfer of near market work to industry funding are now taking place with the sectors concerned following the recent internal review of expenditure by the Agriculture Departments on R and D. No conclusions have yet been reached.

  Anglers Co-operative Association
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has considered an application for an exhibition relating to the Anglers Co-operative Association to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.
  298
  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I understand that arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from 12 December 1988 to 16 December 1988.

  Bass Fishery
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has yet reached any decision on measures for the long-term management and conservation of the Bass fishery following his proposals announced on 29 February,Official Report, columns 476–77; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  On 29 February 1988, at column 476, my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, announced that he and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales planned to introduce measures for the long-term management and conservation of the bass fishery. The proposed measures, on which comments from interested parties were invited by 31 May, provided for an increase from 1 January 1989 in the national minimum landing size for bass from 32 to 36 cm; a prohibition from 1 January 1990 on the use of gill and other specified nets with a mesh size between 60 and 99 mm; and the establishment of some 24 nursery areas in inshore waters where restrictions on certain forms of fishing would protect juvenile bass stocks.

  After careful consideration of the many responses to these proposals, we have decided to proceed with these measures subject to certain changes to take account of points that have arisen out of the consultations with interested parties. We shall soon be introducing regulations to increase the national minimum landing size for bass throughout Great Britain from 32 to 36 cm and to prohibit the carriage of bass under 36 cm by British vessels but delaying the operation of these measures until 1 January 1990 to coincide with the introduction of mesh size controls and to allow fishermen a further year in which to adjust their fishing practices. The prohibition from the same date on the use of gill and other specified nets will now be limited to those nets with a mesh size between 65 and 89 mm to limit the impact of this measure on the fishery for other species such as grey mullet, sole, red mullet, herring and other pelagic species. The restrictions will apply to nets used by British fishing vessels within British fishery limits, south of lines of latitude drawn through Donna Nook in Lincolnshire and Haverigg Point in Cumbria. Within this area there will also be a ban on the carriage of such nets unless properly lashed and stowed in such a way that they cannot readily be used. An exception will, however, be made for the carriage use of attended drift nets, beach seines and ring nets along the south coast within the three-mile limit between Rame Head in Cornwall and Beachy Head in Sussex. The mesh size controls will not apply to the waters off Scotland, north-east England, Cumbria and Northern Ireland where the numbers of bass taken are negligible.

  The principle of establishing nursery areas has met with much support but it is clear from the response that we have received that further consideration has to be given to the extent of these areas and the restrictions on fishing to operate within them. We have therefore asked officials to

  299
  undertake further and detailed consultations with local interests before decisions on establishing individual nursery areas are taken.

  The measures outlined above, and those we envisage for nursery areas, are designed to safeguard the bass fishery by protecting juvenile bass. While we are aware of the concerns over the exploitation of adult bass in the offshore fishery, we have no evidence at present to support the introduction of conservation or management controls. This, however, is a matter that we are continuing to keep under review. Finally, as announced last February, we shall be seeking a corresponding increase in the EC minimum landing size for bass.

  Fishing Capacity
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is able to announce the results of the study of measures of effective fishing capacity, foreshadowed in his announcement of 30 April 1987.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The Fisheries Departments have completed their study and copies of it are being circulated to representative organisations today. We are also circulating proposals for further changes to the restrictive licensing scheme which would tighten up arrangements for the transfer of licences between vessels with a view to containing the total capacity of the fleet. This is necessary in order to curb the pressure on the fishing opportunities available to our fleet and to meet the reductions in fleet size set out in the multi-annual guidance programme agreed with the European Commission in December 1987.

  The consultation paper puts forward for comment by the industry four basic options for changes to the licensing scheme:

  (i) the introduction of additional length bands at the top end of the vessel size range;

  (ii) the introduction of smaller length bands throughout the size ranges;

  (iii) a restriction on capacity using a new "capacity" formula which takes into account the size of vessel and its engine; and

  (iv) a simple restriction on any increase in gross registered tonnage and engine size.

  Comments on these proposals are being invited by not later than 21 September 1988. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Library.

  In order to avoid the balance between our fleet's capacity and its fishing opportunities deteriorating while the consultations are being completed, we are also as from today introducing, in addition to existing rules on licence

  £ million

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  11986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1990–91

  1991–92

  outturn

  outturn

  outturn

  outturn

  outturn

  outturn

  plans

  plans

  plans

  Receipts in respect of running costs included in other public expenditure programmes

  1·45

  2·40

  2·62

  2·67

  7·24

  7·47

  8·26

  7·56

  7·75

  Other running cost receipts

  10·65

  13·22

  12·15

  17·32

  23·95

  34·18

  33·47

  35·78

  36·67

  TOTAL

  12·10

  15·62

  14·77

  19·99

  31·19

  41·65

  41·73

  43·34

  44·42

  1 With effect 1986 total includes receipts from ODA for services of DS officers and locally engaged staff administrating full-time aid work overseas.

  300
  transfers, a temporary ban on transfers of licences except where the applicants satisfy us that the transfer will not lead to an increase in tonnage or engine power. This ban includes a ban on increasing the tonnage or engine power of a currently licensed vessel. Special consideration will be given to cases where the immediate application of this ban would cause hardship as a result of enforceable financial commitments already entered into.

  Detailed arrangements for administering the extra restrictions on licence transfers have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Farm Diversification Grant Scheme
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress there has been in processing applications for the farm diversification grant scheme.

  Mr. Ryder
  Since the farm diversification grant scheme was introduced on 1 January this year, a total of 649 applications have been received in England. Of these, 530 have been acknowledged, which means a farmer can, if he wishes, make a start on the proposed work before approval of his application is given; 303 applications have so far been approved and 66 rejected or withdrawn.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Public Expenditure Survey
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a table in the Official Report, in the same format as the reply of 7 July, Official Report, columns 683–84, on receipts classified as charges in respect of his programme expenditure over the years 1982–83 to 1990–91, but consistent with the reply of 27 May, Official Report, Volume 134, columns 375–76, indicating the receipts in respect of running costs expenditure together with a supplementary analysis indicating, separately, the amounts of receipts in respect of programme expenditure and of running costs expenditure estimated to have been met from other public expenditure programmes.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The breakdown of receipts in respect of running costs expenditure for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is set out in the table. Receipts in respect of programme expenditure were given in the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State's written answer of 7 July 1988, at columns 683–84.

  Katyn Massacre
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his progress of his Department's studies of Soviet involvement in the Katyn massacre.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Successive British Governments have made clear their shock and repugnance at the Katyn massacre. There is substantial circumstantial evidence pointing to Soviet responsibility for the killings. We look to the Polish-Soviet commission which is studying Katyn to settle the question once and for all.

  South Africa
  Mr. Allen McKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give details on the representations he or his Department have received relating to Her Majesty's Government's action and policy towards The Promotion of Orderly Internal Politics Bill in South Africa.

  Mrs. Chalker
  My right hon. and learned Friend met a delegation of South African Church leaders on 23 May. My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Home Department met representatives of the South African Catholic Bishops' Conference on 13 April and I met British charitable organisations active in South Africa on 21 April. Officials received a delegation from the British Council of Churches on 18 May. In addition we have received letters from MPs, charities, political organisations, Churches, trades unions and members of the public.

  Mr. Allen McKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take in the light of the South African Government's proposed legislation restricting the activities and funding of peaceful opposition groups in South Africa; and if he will make it his policy to support the EEC special programme for the victims of apartheid.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We support wholeheartedly the European Community's special programme for the victims of apartheid and are committed to its future success. As a consequence of our repeated representations, both sbilaterally and jointly with our European partners, the South African Government are in no doubt as to our opposition to the draft "Promotion of Orderly Internal Politics" Bill.

  Saudi Arabia (Social Insurance Contributions)
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what developments he can report towards the refunding of contributions to British citizens by the General Organisation for Social Insurance in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the March 1987 Saudi royal decree removing expatriates from the social insurance system; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The refund of the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) contributions is a matter for the Saudi Arabian authorities. HM ambassador in Saudi Arabia is doing everything he properly can to hasten the refund of these contributions. He (and other ambassadors there) call periodically on the Saudi Minister responsible for the GOSI matters to underline our wish to see that these claims are settled as soon as possible.

  Nuclear Safety
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy,Official Report, 14 June, columns 122–123 whether the European Commission report to which he makes reference has now been published; what was the basis on which he came to the understanding that no breach of the ECC safeguards regime had taken place; and what steps he took to reach the conclusion that the investigation was thorough.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The European Commission report has not yet been published. On the question of lack of breach of EEC safeguards I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor), gave to the hon. Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Cryer) on 10 February 1988 at column 234.

  The commission investigation has involved numerous visits by a team of experts to nuclear installations, site inspections, round table discussions and examination of records. We see no reason to doubt its thoroughness.

  Prisoners (China)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken in the light of the recent all-party parliamentary report on ill-treatment of prisoners in Chinese prisons, a copy of which has been sent to him; whether he has made special representations on behalf of prisoners to be transferred to China in 1997 from Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We have not received a copy of the document described. But as for Hong Kong, the Sino-British joint declaration and the draft Basic Law both make clear that the legal and judicial systems in the future Hong Kong special administrative region will be separate from those of the People's Republic of China; and that the laws currently in force in Hong Kong will remain basically unchanged, save for any that contravene the Basic Law.

  Any prisoners held in Hong Kong gaols in 1997 will become the responsibility of the Hong Kong special administrative region, not of China.

  Diplomats (Removal)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy with regard to seeking the removal from the United Kingdom of diplomats detained by the United Kingdom authorities and who have been appointed to permanent missions in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Where it is alleged that a member of the staff of a diplomatic mission has committed a criminal offence, we follow the policy laid down in paragraphs 57 to 73 of the White Paper "Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges" (April 1985; Cmnd. 9497).

  Diplomatic Immunity
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidance is issued to members of the diplomatic corps with regard to the precise point at which their diplomatic immunity takes effect in relation to a particular posting.
  303
  Mrs. Chalker
  None. The point at which immunity takes effect is covered by the provisions of article 39 of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations, which will be known to the sending state.

  Malaysia
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list all meetings which Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, or his staff, have had with officials of his Department, since March 1983 together with the persons attending and the substance thereof; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  My right hon. and learned Friend's most recent meetings with Dr. Mahathir were in July 1987 (during Dr. Mahathir's visit to the United Kingdom) and in April 1988 (during my right hon. and learned Friend's visit to Malaysia). I met Dr. Mahathir during the September 1987 CPA conference in Malaysia.

  We have regular contact with the Malaysian Government on a wide range of issues, both in London and through our high commission in Kuala Lumpur. It is not our practice to give details of confidential exchanges with foreign Governments.

  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list all representations since January 1981 of Her Majesty's Government to the Government of Malaysia concerning the Malaysian Government's "Buy British Last" policy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We took all suitable opportunities to impress on the Malaysians our concern about the "Buy British Last" policy. We were delighted when Dr. Mahathir ended the policy in April 1983, and have been gratified by the subsequent development of bilateral trade and all-round improvement in our relations.

  Diplomatic Relations
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidance is issued to members of the diplomatic corps with regard to the application of article 39 of the 1961 Vienna convention on diplomatic relations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  None. The provisions of article 39 of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations will be known to sending states.

  China (Extradition)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what stage his consultations have reached with the Government of the People's Republic of China about an extradition treaty; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Officials have discussed the possibility of an agreement on judicial assistance to cover civil and commercial matters, with Chinese officials. We have not for the time being considered an agreement on extradition, or discussed this with the Chinese Government.

  China (Death Penalty)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has sought any 304
  assurances from the Government of the People's Republic of China that the death penalty will not be carried out after 1 July 1997 on any fugitive returned to Hong Kong prior to 30 June 1997; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The Sino-British joint declaration and the draft Basic Law both make clear that the legal and judicial systems in the future Hong Kong special administrative region will be separate from those of the People's Republic of China; and that the laws currently in force in Hong Kong will remain basically unchanged, save for any that contravene the Basic Law. Under Hong Kong's laws the commutation of a death sentence is irrevocable. This applies to all death sentences passed in Hong Kong prior to 1997, but commuted by the Governor of Hong Kong. After 1997, these matters will fall within the high degree of autonomy to be enjoyed by the Hong Kong special administrative region government under the joint declaration and the Basic Law.

  Endangered Species (Hong Kong)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what additional measures aimed at educating the public are currently being considered by the Hong Kong authorities in respect of responsibilities under the convention on international trade in endangered species.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The Hong Kong Government, in conjunction with the World Wild Life Fund for Nature (Hong Kong), are intensifying their publicity and educational efforts by displaying more posters at entry points—for example, train stations and the airport—and other public places; by distributing more leaflets to schools, travel agents and the general public; by issuing more press releases and making more radio and television announcements; by organising more exhibitions and seminars; and by producing an audio-slide programme for presentation in all country park visitors' centres.

  Ivory Products (Hong Kong)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to establish a ban by the Hong Kong authorities on the import of all ivory products; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Ivory trade is permissible under CITES and the CITES secretariat has set up an ivory unit to co-ordinate the trade. It is not necessary to ban the import of ivory into Hong Kong. The Hong Kong authorities will only permit imports of ivory products from legal and CITES approved sources.

  Animals and Animal Products (Hong Kong)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many prosecutions have been initiated by the Hong Kong authorities arising from the seizure of illegally imported animals and animal products in each year since 1979.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The Hong Kong authorities do not maintain separate statistics relating to prosecutions for illegal imports of animals and animal products. The following statistics include prosecutions in respect of
  305
  illegal imports, illegal exports and illegal possession of endangered species since 1979. Relevant statistics for 1988 are not yet available.

  Number

  1979

  109

  1980

  170

  1981

  154

  1982

  248

  1983

  58

  1984

  103

  1985

  294

  1986

  192

  1987

  366

  Ivory Sales (Hong Kong)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the ultimate destination and use of(a) the 638 pieces of elephant ivory tusk, (b) the 239·2 kg of elephant ivory cut pieces and (c) the 81·2 kg of elephant ivory scraps sold at auction in Hong Kong on 26 February.

  Mrs. Chalker
  None.

  Illegal Animal Products (Hong Kong)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to establish a policy in Hong Kong that in future all seized items of illegally imported animal tusks, skins and antler are burned.

  Mrs. Chaiker
  The Hong Kong authorities dispose of confiscated specimens in accordance with the convention on international trade in endangered species (CITES) guidelines. Under these guidelines the Hong Kong authorites normaly dispose of animal tusks, skins and antlers by auction (in the case of the less endangered species listed in CITES appendix II) or for educational or scientific purposes (in the case of the most endangered species listed in CITES appendix I). We see no reason to alter these arrangements.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total amount raised at the auction in Hong Kong on 26 February of illegally imported animals tusks, skins and antlers seized by the authorities; to what purpose the revenue raised has been put; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chaiker
  The total amount raised at the auction was HK $2,022,103. The proceeds have been credited to the general revenue of the Hong Kong Government, who provide the funds to the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, which is the management authority responsible for the enforcement and administration of CITES.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if any auctions are impending in Hong Kong of illegally imported animal tusks, skins and antlers which have beeen confiscated.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The Hong Kong authorities have no plans for any such auctions at present.

  Tristan da Cunha
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department requires to be furnished with information or has received information on(a) the beneficial interest and ownership of companies trading in or with Tristan da Cunha and (b) the beneficial interest of shares held by directors of those companies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  My Department has been given the following information by companies trading in or with Tristan da Cunha:

  (a) Tristan Investments (Pty) Ltd., responsible for operating the fishing concession at Tristan da Cunha, is a South African registered wholly owned subsidiary of the Bermuda registered company South Atlantic Islands Development Corporation Ltd. The Bank of Butterfield and Son Ltd., Bermuda, holds 75 per cent, of the Corporation's issued shares to the order of financial institutions. Of these shares, a British/Swiss Financial institution, SG Warburg Bank AG, holds 7000 of the Corporation's shares (equivalent to 70 per cent, of the issued capital).

  (b) Table Bay Marine (Pty) Ltd., which acts as a buying agent for general merchandise for the Islands, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Palinauris Investments Ltd., a Bermuda registered trading company. The majority shareholding in Palinauris Investments is held by Field Nominees Ltd. of Bermuda.

SCOTLAND

  Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities; and what subjects he expects to discuss.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I hope next to meet representatives of COSLA around mid-November, to discuss the distribution of revenue support grant for 1989–90.

  Denominational Single Sex Schools, Strathclyde
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the future of denominational single sex schools in Strathclyde region; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  We received over 400 letters about the proposed closure of Our Lady and St. Francis school and over 3,000 about the proposed closure of Notre Dame high school, Glasgow. Both are denominational girls' schools. In the case of Notre Dame the Secretary of State refused consent to the proposal; but the proposal to close Our Lady and St. Francis was not one which required his consent.

  Gaelic Language (Television Programmes)
  Sir Russell Johnston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with BBC Scotland and the independent television companies on the role of television in the field of Gaelic language learning; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend meets representatives of the broadcasting authorities from
  307
  time to time to discuss Scottish broadcasting matters in general, including Gaelic television broadcasting. The most recent occasion was in January this year, when he met the senior management of Scottish Television and the topics covered included Gaelic television. We have consistently encouraged the broadcasting authorities to provide a reasonable range of Gaelic programmes.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy on the level of Gaelic programming, including educational programming, on television in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend has encouraged the BBC and the IBA to provide a reasonable level of television broadcasting in the Gaelic language and we will continue to do so. The content of Gaelic programmes is, however, a matter for the broadcasting authorities in discussion with those representing the Gaelic community. We understand that Grampian Television is preparing a series of programmes for standard grade Gaelic courses which are to be introduced in the next session.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards the encouragement of Gaelic language programming on television.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  As indicated in my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 10 May, at column 94, we appreciate the contribution which television can make to encouraging the preservation of the Gaelic language. Our support for a reasonable level of Gaelic programmes has been made known to the television companies and we have encouraged the organisations representing the Gaelic community to discuss their needs with the broadcasters. The amount of programming time devoted to such programmes is, however, for the companies to decide, taking account of demand and available resources.

  Housing (Scotland) Bill
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to amend the Housing (Scotland) Bill so as to protect the rights of public sector housing tenants to remain in the public sector if they so choose; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Amendments to the Housing Bill will be brought forward to ensure that adequate consultation with tenants is undertaken where transfer to a private sector landlord is proposed by the local authority and to require my right hon. and learned Friend to withhold his consent to such a disposal if it appears to him that a majority of tenants involved do not wish the disposal to proceed.

  Nurses (Pay)
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each health board the cost of funding the recent nurses' pay award.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The overall increase in the nurses' pay bill as a result of this year's pay award was estimated by the review body to be 15·3 per cent. It is this estimate that has been used in determining the amount of additional funding to be provided to meet the costs of the award. Details of the total allocations provided to 308
  individual health boards were given in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Tayside, North (Mr. Walker) on 5 July.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to know the final cost of the recent nurses' pay award.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  When the new clinical grading structure is in place. It is expected to be completed by the end of October.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent communications he has had with poll tax registration officers about progress with the registration process; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  There have been no formal discussions. Informal contacts with registration officers indicate that the registration process is going smoothly.

  Scottish Council
  Mr. Saunond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet representatives of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry); and what subjects are expected to be discussed.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend has accepted an invitation to address the council's international forum at Aviemore in October, which will focus on Scotland's future in Europe and the implications of the single European market.

  Ravenscraig Steelworks
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment his Department has made of the effect of closure of the Ravenscraig steelworks on employment in other areas of the Scottish economy.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what calculation has been made of the loss of non-steel industry jobs in the short term and in the long term, consequent upon Ravenscraig being closed.

  Mr. Lang
  The British Steel Corporation has given an assurance, based on commercial judgment, that there will be a requirement for steel making at Ravenscraig for at least seven years from last December. I see, therefore, no need at present for such an assessment.

  Dr. Bray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will pay an official visit to the Ravenscraig hot strip mill; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans to visit Ravenscraig. The chairman of the British Steel Corporation has recently confirmed to my right hon. and learned Friend that there is no reason for the corporation at present to make plans to close the Ravenscraig hot strip mill.

  Mr. Harry Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will meet the Scottish Trades Union Congress to discuss the future of Ravenscraig hot strip mill.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend has not received any request from the Scottish Trades Union Congress for such a meeting. If a meeting is sought, consideration will be given to the request at the time.
  309
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what specific steps he proposes to take to ensure that his undertakings in respect of the future of the hot strip mill at Ravenscraig are fulfilled; and if he will list the references in the Official Report where such undertakings were made.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The undertakings referred to are assurances given by the British Steel Corporation based on its own commercial judgment and are reflected in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 3 December 1987, at column 1107.

  This statement, that there would be a continued need for steel-making at all of the integrated plants, including Ravenscraig, for a period of at least seven years, subject to market conditions, and that there would be continued operation of the hot strip mill at Ravenscraig until at least 1989, has been referred to many times during the passage of the British Steel Bill and in other proceedings. The references could be listed only at disproportionate cost.

  Power Station Coalburn
  Mr. Eadie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on coalburn in power stations, in the light of meetings he has had with representatives of the South of Scotland Electricity Board and British Coal.

  Mr. Lang
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, West (Mr. Douglas) on 13 June, at column 37.

  I have been advised by the South of Scotland Electricity Board that, as part of its coal supply arrangements for the financial year 1988–89, it has now agreed with British Coal to take deliveries at a rate which will result in a total for the year of up to 3·5 million tonnes.

  This agreement has been reached on the basis of commercial negotiations between the parties and there is no question of the Government having intervened in the discussions.

  "The Scottish Office and its Activities"
  Mr. McTaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the cost to his Department of preparing the booklet, "The Scottish Office and its Activities."

  Mr. Rifkind
  The cost to my Department of preparing the booklet was £321.

  Electricity Privatisation
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has made an assessment of the likely demand for shares in a privatised electricity industry from(a) private individuals resident in Scotland and (b) institutional and corporate investors.

  Mr. Lang
  We are giving careful consideration to this aspect of the privatisation, and are confident that individual and institutional investors in Scotland will take up a significant proportion of the shares.

  Rate Support Grant Clawback
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that no Scottish local authority is penalised by rate support grant clawback in the year 1989–90; and if he will make a statement.
  310
  Mr. Lang
  There will be no grant penalties in respect of authorities' budgeted expenditure in 1989–90.

  Single Market (Electronics Industry)
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the employment implications for the electronics industry in Scotland of the European single market.

  Mr. Lang
  The removal of the remaining barriers to trade between member states is expected to offer considerable new business opportunities to electronics companies. In particular the harmonisation of technical standards will provide new export opportunities in markets where previously they have represented constraints.

  Committee on the Constitution (Report)
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the report of the committee on the constitution, "Claim of Right for Scotland."

  Mr. Rifkind
  None.

  Average Earnings
  Mr. Favell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what position Scotland held in the United Kingdom in terms of average earnings in 1979; and what position it now occupies.

  Mr. Lang
  Information from the new earnings surveys shows Scotland ranking fifth among the United Kingdom standard regions in 1979, and third in 1987.

  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the latest average male earnings figures available; and what were the comparable figures in 1986 and 1979.

  Mr. Lang
  The following information comes from the Department of Employment's new earnings survey.

  Average gross weekly earnings of full-time male employees whose earnings were not affected by absence—Scotland

  April

  On adult rates1

  Aged 21 or over2

  £ per week

  £ per week

  1979

  n/a

  101·2

  1986

  201·3

  204·2

  1987

  214·6

  218·2

  1 This is the basis currently used in the new earnings survey reports.

  2 This is the basis used previously.

  Employment Opportunities (Glasgow)
  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the recent steps he has taken to increase employment opportunities in the Glasgow area.

  Mr. Lang
  Government policies aimed at controlling inflation and stimulating economic growth offer the best prospect for creating permanent new employment opportunities in the Glasgow area. However, a number of Government measures have been aimed specifically at
  311
  improving the city's infrastructure and stimulating new enterprise and development. These measures include assistance made available through the Scottish Development Agency and its support for local projects such as the Glasgow garden festival, Glasgow opportunities and the east end executive.

  Home Improvement Grants
  Mr. Buchanan-Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the future of home improvement grants; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In May, my right hon. and learned Friend issued the consultation paper, "Private Housing Renewal: The Government's Proposals for Scotland." The paper explains and expands on the reform proposals which were outlined in the Scottish housing White Paper, published last November. The Government are confident that the proposals for streamlining the private home improvement system and targeting grant on those who need it most will make a major contribution to improving the condition of the private sector housing stock throughout Scotland.

  Gaelic Language
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is contemplating any further measures to secure the future of the Gaelic language.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  In the current financial year some £198,000 will be provided as grant aid under the provisions of the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 to bodies which support Gaelic; £500,000 will be spent to bring forward projects under the specific grant scheme for Gaelic education. The Scottish Arts Council has allocated approximately £120,000 and the Highlands and Islands Development Board some £195,000 in support of Gaelic projects.

  Education (Scotland) Act 1981
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many parents have exercised their right under the Education (Scotand) Act 1981 to choose which school their child attends.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Between 15 February 1982 and 31 July 1987 116,409 placing requests were made under the terms of the Education (Scotland) Act 1981, of which 109,213 (93·8) per cent, were granted.

  Industrial Progress
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to meet the Confederation of British Industry in Scotland to discuss industrial progress.

  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to meet the chairman of the Confederation of British Industry in Scotland; and what matters he proposes to discuss.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply by my hon. Friend the Minister of State to the hon. Member for Angus, East (Mr. Walsh) on 27 June, at column 79.

  Privatisation
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all those concerns in Scotland which have been privatised since 1979; and if he will estimate the consequent increase in share ownership in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  No public sector body which had a separate Scottish existence in 1979 has been transferred to private ownership since then.

  The privatisations of the South of Scotland Electricity Board, the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the Scottish Bus Group are in preparation.

  No separate estimates have been made of the increase in share ownership in Scotland due to the privatisation of Great Britain bodies.

  Steel Industry
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet Strathclyde regional council and the district councils in Lanarkshire, to discuss the future of the Scottish steel industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans to do so.

  Devolution
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards devolution for Scotland, in the light of the report entitled "A Claim of Right for Scotland" published by the Campaign for a Scottish Assembly, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Rifkind
  In this House, and elsewhere, I have made my views on devolution very clear. These views are not changed by this report, and I have no plans to make a statement.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Campaign for a Scottish Assembly seeking a meeting to discuss its recent report entitled "A Claim of Right for Scotland".

  Mr. Rifkind
  I have received no request for a meeting from the Campaign for a Scottish Assembly since its report, "A Claim of Right for Scotland", was published.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people are currently unemployed in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  On 9 June 1988 there were 288,792 unemployed claimants in Scotland.

  This is the lowest level of unemployment since 1981 and is further evidence of the success of the Government's economic policies.

  Confederation of British Industry
  Mr. Oppenheim
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Confederation of British Industry (Scotland); and what matters were discussed.
  313
  Mr. Lang
  I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Stewart) on 27 April, at column 188.

  Civil Service Relocation
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to encourage the relocation of the Civil Service posts from London-based departments to Scotland.

  Mr. Rifkind
  My right hon. and learned Friend and I are keen to encourage further relocation of Government offices from London and the south-east to Scotland. Some 2,000 posts have been moved to Scotland since 1979, including over 400 in the move of the Overseas Development Administration to East Kilbride. I have arranged for the recent report on the Overseas Development Administration dispersal, which provides clear evidence of the benefits of such moves to the national and local economies, to be brought to the attention of Departments which are currently reviewing their location of work under arrangements announced by my right hon. Friend the Paymaster General on 31 March, at columns 610–11.

  Tourists (Air Traffic Control Delays)
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what effect air traffic control delays are having on the numbers of tourists arriving at Scottish airports from abroad; and whether he has prepared any estimate of the likely impact of reduced tourist arrivals on consumer spending in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  Recent air traffic control difficulties are unlikely to have had any significant impact on the number of foreign visitors to Scotland this year. Expenditure by these visitors is also unlikely to have been affected.

  Forestry Policy
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Forestry Commission takes to co-ordinate forestry policy as between its own plantations and military land; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  It is the Forestry Commission's practice to co-operate with the military authorities wherever possible to meet their training requirements. Extensive use is made of commission land for this purpose, the most recent notable example being exercise Purple Warrior in south-west Scotland.

  Argyll and Clyde health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mrs. E. M. Cockburn, OBE

  1 April 1981

  Mr. Russell Fairgrieve MP

  Dr. R. Erskine

  1 April 1977

  British Medical Association

  Mrs. M. A. Foggie

  1 April 1985

  Inverclyde Local Health Council

  Mr. J. H. Gillougley

  1 April 1981

  Paisley Chamber of Commerce

  Dr. Anne M. Kelly

  1 April 1985

  Association of Clinical Biochemists

  Mrs. J. C. Le Roux

  1 April 1981

  Cancer Research Committee: Chief Whip

  Dr. J. Moffat

  1 April 1981

  Royal College of Psychiatrists

  Rev. J. Young

  1 April 1985

  Renfrew Local Health Council

  Public Spending
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the level of public spending per capita per annum for Scotland at the latest available date.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The latest available figures are in the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury gave on 23 October 1987, at columns 901–2.

  Scottish Development Agency
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet representatives of the Scottish Development Agency; and what subjects are expected to be discussed.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend and I meet the chairman, board and chief executive of the agency as necessary to discuss issues of mutual interest. There are, however, no plans at present for such a meeting in the immediate future.

  Economic Growth (Report)
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take in the light of the recent Fraser of Allander Institute quarterly economic commentary, a copy of which has been sent to him, concerning the relative growth of the Scottish economy vis-à-vis the rest of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The "Fraser of Allander Institute Quarterly Commentary" concludes that"both short-term and long-term prospects for the Scottish economy continue to be favourable".
  I wholeheartedly agree with the commentary that growth in the Scottish economy this year and in the years ahead is likely to match that of the United Kingdom as a whole.

  Health Boards
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list, by health board, the people appointed to area health boards in Scotland, together with the date and source of nomination of their appointment for every year since 1983.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  This information is not readily available in the precise format requested. Listed are (1) details of the present members of health boards together with their original date of appointment and source of nomination and (2) details of those members appointed since 1983 who are no longer serving members together with their original date of appointment, date of termination and source of nomination.
  315

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mr. J. D, Barnett

  1 April 1987

  Scottish Episcopal Church, Diocese of Argyll and the Isles

  Mr. A. H. Brabender

  1 April 1983

  Scottish Conservative Party and Chief Whip

  Mr. J. Campbell

  1 April 1983

  Paisley and District Branch of Confederation of Health Service Workers

  Mr. L. Capaldi

  12 January 1978

  Mr. Harry Ewing MP

  Mr. J. Cattanach

  25 January 1978

  Haemophilia Society

  Mr. George M. Deuchars

  1 April 1987

  Bank of Scotland

  Dr. S. G. McAlpine

  1 April 1983

  Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons

  Mrs. Leila C. McKichan

  1 April 1987

  British Red Cross Society

  Mr. G. McMillan

  1 April 1987

  Regional Council

  Mr. R. R. Reid

  1 April 1983

  Argyll and Bute District Council and Argyll and Bute Local Health Council

  Mrs. E. W. Riddell

  1 April 1987

  Inverclyde District Council

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. I. D. F. Halligan

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mr. J. M. McCorkindale

  12 November 1979

  31 March 1987

  Strathclyde Regional Council

  Miss P. McGowan

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  Society of Radiographers

  Miss M. Macleod

  1 April 1983

  13 March 1986

  Scottish Association of Nurse Administrators

  Mr. C. J. Needle

  1 April 1985

  2 April 1986

  Inverclyde District Council

  Mr. E. T. F. Spence

  1 April 1983

  May 1988

  Ministerial

  Mr. T. A. Stewart

  1 April 1975

  31 March 1985

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Ayrshire and Arran health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mr. J. Cahill

  1 April 1977

  Cunningham District Council

  Mrs. A. M. Campbell

  1 April 1985

  Scottish Society for the Mentally Handicapped

  Mr. T. Dickie

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Mr. J. W. G. Donaldson

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Mrs. M. W. Gallie

  1 April 1985

  Mr. John Corrie MP

  Dr. J. J. Morrow

  1 April 1981

  British Medical Association

  Mr. I. B. Valentine

  1 April 1981

  Ayr Constituency Conservative Association

  Mrs. A. B. Wilson

  1 April 1981

  Ministerial

  Dr. W. M. Wilson

  1 April 1981

  British Medical Association

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mr. K. Blair

  6 May 1987

  Cumnock and Doon Valley District Council: Health Board

  Mr. J. D. Brown

  1 April 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. R. Campbell JP

  1 April 1987

  Strathclyde Regional Council

  Mrs. A. Dunbar

  1 April 1979

  Cunningham District Council

  Mr. P. Hunter

  1 April 1975

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mrs. N. M. Lambie

  1 April 1979

  Cunningham District Council

  Mr. J. T. Sinclair

  1 April 1987

  Society Radiographers

  Mr. B. A. Murphy

  1 April 1983

  Law Society of Scotland

  Mr. D. Watts-Russell

  1 April 1987

  Chief Whip's Office

  Dr. J. P. Wiltshire

  1 April 1983

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mr. J. McNally

  7 July 1988

  Health Board

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date Terminated

  Nominated by

  Mrs. M. M. Bicker

  1 April 1975

  31 March 1987

  Royal College of Midwives

  Dr. H. Cameron

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1985

  British Medical Association, Glasgow University

  Mr. F. J. McCafferty

  1 April 1981

  31 March 1987

  Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine

  Mr. W. S. McConnell

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Pharmaceutical Society

  Mrs. M. MacDonald

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Ministerial

  Mr. D. M. McMillan

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  Strathclyde Regional Council

  Mr. G. M. Pettitt

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1985

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Miss J. Ross

  1 April 1987

  31 December 1987

  Royal College of Midwives

  Mr. D. Shankland

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  Cumnock and Doon Valley District Council

  316 317

  Borders health board

  Present Members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Dr. W. B. Aitken

  1 April 1981

  British Medical Assocation: Health Board

  Mr. P. S. Elliot

  1 April 1975

  Scottish Trade Union Congress: Health Board

  Mr. R. W. Jack

  1 April 1981

  Roxburgh District Council: Health Board

  Mr. A. C. Purves, MBE

  13 April 1973

  Confederation of British Industry: British Medical Association: Health Board

  Lady F. E. Sanderson

  1 April 1985

  Borders Local Health Council

  Mr. R. A. Stewart

  13 April 1973

  British Medical Association: Scottish Trade Union Congress: Health Board

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mr. A. P. Dorward

  1 April 1979

  British Medical Association: Health Board

  Mrs. M. Forster

  1 April 1987

  Chief Whip's Office

  Dr. I. G. Houston

  1 April 1987

  British Medical Association: Royal College of Surgeons

  Mrs. M. Millican

  1 April 1983

  Berwickshire District Council: Borders Local Health Council

  Mrs. F. M. Nisbet

  1 April 1983

  Scottish Health Visitors Association: Scottish Association of Nurse Administrators

  Mr. W. Scott, CBE

  1 April 1983

  Scottish Conservative Party and Chief Whip's Office

  Mr. W. M. S. Thom

  1 April 1987

  British Dental Association

  Mr. A. S. Watt

  1 April 1979

  Borders Regional Council

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. A. G. Rennie

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  Health Board: British Dental Association

  Dumfries and Galloway health board

  Present Members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mr. W. D. Beck

  1 April 1977

  Co-op Union Ltd.

  Mr. I. S. F. Brown

  1 April 1985

  Mr. Ian Lang MP

  Mrs. M. D. Dick-Smith

  15 April 1986

  Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council

  Miss A. C. Kelly

  1 April 1985

  Chief Administrative Nursing Officer of Health Board

  Mrs. A. R. Murdoch

  16 January 1986

  Stewarty District Council

  Mr. M. J. Pumphry

  15 April 1986

  Health Board

  Dr. T. S. R. Train

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Mr. G. Willacy

  1 April 1977

  Annandale and Eskdale District Council

  Mr. W. I. Wilson

  18 May 1973

  British Medical Association: Wigtown District Council

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mrs. M. H. Bonn

  1 April 1983

  Health Board

  Mrs. A. U. G. Harper

  1 April 1979

  Scottish Society for Mentally Handicapped

  Mr. J. S. Kerr

  1 April 1987

  Confederation of Health Service Employees

  Mr. H. S. McFadzean

  1 April 1983

  Health Board

  Mr. W. Seright

  1 April 1983

  Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow: British Medical Association

  Mr. W. Service

  18 December 1973

  British Medical Association, Western Joint Ophthalmic Committee, Wigtown District Council

  Mrs. J. D. Tulloch

  1 April 1983

  Health Board: Western Joint Ophthalmic Committee

  Dr. A. P. D. Wilkinson

  1 April 1987

  British Medical Association

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. W. H. J. Campbell

  1 April 1981

  17 October 1985 (Died)

  Law Society of Scotland

  Dr. J. A. Clark

  1 April 1981

  22 October 1983 (Died)

  Royal College of Psychiatrists

  Mr. R. R. Goudie

  1 April 1975

  31 March 1987

  Scottish Trade Union Congress: Health Board

  Mrs. J. D. Jack

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Ministerial

  Mr. J. A. McIntyre

  May 1973

  31 March 1987

  British Medical Association: Health Board

  Miss I. A. Stewart

  1 April 1985

  September 1987

  Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine

  Mr. M. Webb

  1 April 1981

  17 October 1985

  Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council

  Dr. J. B. Wilson

  7 September 1976

  31 March 1987

  British Medical Association: Health Board

  318 319

  Fife health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mr. J. I. M. Burns

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Mr. J. S. Edmiston

  1 April 1981

  Health Board

  Mr. H. C. Forwell

  1 April 1981

  Scottish Association of Master Bakers: Kirkcaldy Chamber of Commerce

  Dr. J. B. Gallacher

  1 April 1981

  St. Andrews Ambulance Association: West Fife Local Health Council: British Medical Association: Dunfermline Medical Committee

  Dr. A. A. H. Lawson

  1 April 1981

  West Fife Local Health Council: Royal College of Physicians: British Medical Association: Dunfermline Medical Committee: St. Andrews Ambulance Association

  Mr. G. H. D. Mackie, OBE

  1 April 1985

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mr. J. Marshall

  1 April 1985

  British Medical Association: Royal College of General Practitioners

  Miss M. M. Nelson

  1 April 1985

  Royal College of Midwives

  Mr. G. Reid

  30 June 1978

  Mr. Harry Ewing MP

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mrs. S. L. Aitken

  1 April 1987

  Mr. Barry Henderson, MP

  Mr. W. Clarke

  1 April 1987

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mrs. C. Haddow

  3 May 1973

  Scottish Trade Union Congress: British Medical Association: Mr. Harry Gourlay, MP

  Mr. J. H. Henderson

  1 April 1979

  Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain: West Fife Local Health Council

  Dr. C. G. Ingram

  1 April 1987

  University of St. Andrews

  Dr. A. A. Marr

  1 April 1987

  Rotary Club of Cupar

  Mr. I, A. McCrone

  1 April 1983

  Health Board: Kirkcaldy County Conservative Association

  Mr. J. McMurdo

  1 April 1987

  Fife Regional Council

  Mr. C. Whitlock

  1 April 1983

  Dunfermline and West Fife Chamber of Commerce

  Mrs. E. A. Young

  1 April 1987

  Society of Radiographers: Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mrs. J. H. P. Buchanan

  12 November 1979

  31 March 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. D. L. Fulton

  18 December 1973

  31 March 1987

  Health Board: Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Dr. M. L. Graeme

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  North East Fife District Council

  Mr. K. R. Hayward

  12 November 1979

  31 March 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. J. H. B. Ivers

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Society of Chiropodists

  Mr. D. Stoddart

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  Health Board: Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mr. R. P. Strugnell

  1 April 1987

  31 March 1988

  Mr. Barry Henderson, MP

  Forth Valley health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mr. J. Cross

  1 April 1977

  British Medical Association: Health Board

  Mr. A. B. Cruickshank

  1 April 1977

  Health Board: Clackmannan District Council

  Mr. T. Downs

  1 April 1985

  Clackmannan District Council

  Mrs. J. Isbister

  1 April 1985

  Chief Whip's Office

  Mrs. W. J. A. Macfarlane

  1 April 1985

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Professor P. McEwen

  1 April 1985

  University of Stirling

  Mr. A. D. McNeill

  1 April 1985

  British Medical Association

  Mrs. J. S. Young

  1 April 1983

  College of Speech Therapists

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mr. J. F. C. Armstrong

  1 April 1983

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mr. F. J. Bell

  1 April 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. E. T. M. Bell-Scott

  1 April 1987

  Health Board

  Mrs. M. R. Ferguson

  26 April 1983

  Scottish Health Visitors Association: Scottish Association of Nurse Administrators

  Mr. H. M. Garland

  1 April 1987

  Association of Directors of Social Work

  Mr. K. Harding

  1 April 1987

  Mr Michael Forsyth, MP

  Mrs. E. D. Kennedy

  1 April 1987

  Central Regional Council

  Mr. W. D. M. Leithhead

  1 April 1983

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mr. I. M. Mullen

  1 April 1987

  Pharmaceutical General Council for Scotland

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. L. Dunbar

  1 April 1981

  February 1988

  Health Board, British Medical Association

  Mrs. M. C. Lambie

  1 June 1980

  31 March 1987

  Central Regional Council

  Mr. J. G. Lees

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  British Medical Association

  320 321

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. I. A. Peattie

  1 April 1987

  26 March 1984

  Falkirk District Council

  Mrs. R. M. Scott

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Central Regional Council

  Mr. J. W. Shoolbread

  22 June 1981

  30 July 1984

  Health Board

  Dr. W. J. Thomson

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  University of Glasgow

  Grampian health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mr. P. S. Cook

  1 April 1985

  Grampian Regional Council

  Captain C. A. Farquharson

  1 April 1981

  Gordon Local Health Council

  Dr. J. G. Henderson

  1 April 1977

  Royal College of Psychiatrists: British Medical Association: Grampian Area Committee for Hospital Medical Services

  Mrs. C. Farquharson

  12 August 1982

  Ministerial

  Professor M. C. Meston

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Mr. G. S. Peterkin, JP

  1 April 1983

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mr. J. Ramage

  1 April 1985

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Miss E. A. Sheldon, MBE

  1 April 1981

  Aberdeen Association for Mental Health: Society for Mentally Handicapped Muscular Dystrophy Society: Robert Gordons Institute of Technology

  Mrs. V. A. Stevenson

  1 April 1985

  British Dental Association: Area Dental Committee

  Dr. A. J. Taylor

  1 April 1985

  British Medical Association

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Professor A. G. M. Campbell

  1 April 1983

  University of Aberdeen

  Mr. H. D. Cochran

  1 April 1983

  General Synod of Scottish Episcopal Church and Diocese of Aberdeen

  Mr. D. Davidson

  1 April 1979

  Society of Radiographers (Scottish Branch): Confederation for Professions Supplementary to Medicine

  Mr. N. Donald

  1 April 1983

  Gordon District Council: Gordon Local Health Council

  Mrs. R. Kemp

  1 April 1987

  Grampian Regional Council

  Mr. J. Murison

  1 April 1975

  Scottish Health Visitors Association: Royal College of Nursing

  Dr. E. A. Smith, CBE

  1 April 1983

  Scottish Conservative Party: Chief Whip's Office

  Mr. J. Sorrie

  1 April 1987

  Chief Whip's Office

  Professor E. A. Tait

  1 April 1983

  Mr. John MacKay, MP

  Mrs. J. G A. Wisely, JP

  1 April 1987

  Women into Public Life Campaign

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mrs. J. R. Lamond

  1 April 1975

  31 March 1987

  Grampian Regional Council

  Professor W. Walker

  1 April 1979

  18 December 1984 (Died)

  University of Aberdeen

  Professor R. D. Weir, OBE

  13 April 1973

  13 January 1987

  University of Aberdeen

  Greater Glasgow health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Lady Goold

  1 April 1981

  British Dental Association

  Mr. J. Jackson

  1 April 1983

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mrs. A. Jarvis

  1 April 1985

  Strathkelvin District Council

  Prof. A. C. Kennedy

  1 April 1985

  Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons: University of Glasgow

  Rev. J. T. Lang

  1 April 1985

  Church of Scotland

  Mr. B. A. Maan

  I April 1981

  Glasgow District Council: South West Local Health Council

  Dr. J. MacKay, OBE

  7 May 1973

  British Medical Association: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons: British Dental Association: Royal College of Surgeons

  Mr. L. Turpie

  1 April 1985

  Chief Whip's Ofice

  Mr. C. Williams

  1 April 1981

  British Medical Association: British Association of Social Workers

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mrs. J. E. Cameron, JP

  1 April 1987

  Bearsden and Milngavie District Council

  Miss E. Donnachie

  1 April 1979

  British Medical Association: Scottish Association of Nurse Administrators: Royal College of Midwives

  Prof. A. T. Florence

  1 April 1987

  Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain

  Mr. A. D. Garland

  1 April 1983

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mrs. A. Gilchirst

  1 April 1987

  Chief Whip's Office

  Mr. P. W. Hoist

  1 April 1983

  British Medical Association: Western Joint Opthalmic Committee

  Mr. A. J. Mack

  1 April 1987

  Ministerial

  Mrs. M. McGarry

  1 April 1983

  Clydebank District Council

  Prof. R. M. Mackie

  1 April 1987

  University of Glasgow

  Mr. J. A. Peel

  1 April 1987

  British Medical Association: Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences

  322 323

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. F. S. Berkley

  1 April 1987

  17 February 1988

  Professor J. Ross-Harper

  Mr. D. R. Berridge

  11 June 1982

  31 May 1983

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mr. J. F. Dunnachie

  1 April 1983

  30 June 1987

  Strathclyde Regional Council

  Mrs. I. D. Kerr

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Scottish Conservatives: Chief Whip

  Professor E. M. McGirr, CBE

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1985

  Glasgow University

  Mr. C. C. NcNicol

  1 April 1977

  17 October 1983

  Strathclyde Regional Council

  Miss D. B. Rigg

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine

  Mr. J. Ross-Harper

  1 April 1981

  31 March 1987

  Chief Whip

  Mr. H. Sheriff

  17 May 1978

  June 1987

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mr. D. S. Sinnott

  1 April 1981

  31 March 1987

  Chief Whip

  Professor G. S. Timbury

  7 May 1973

  8 February 1984

  Health Board: British Medical Association

  Highland health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mrs. H. E. Betts-Brown

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Mr. R. J. B. Bryson, MBE

  1 April 1985

  Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

  Dr. R. S. C. Ferguson

  1 April 1985

  British Medical Association: Local Medical Committee

  Miss M. T. Hadden

  1 April 1981

  Royal College of Midwives: Royal College of Nursing: Scottish Health Visitors Association of Nurse Administrators

  The right hon. Lord Macdonald of Sleat

  1 April 1981

  Skye and Lochalsh District Council

  Mr. A. I. MacDonald

  7 May 1986

  Health Board: Caithness District Council

  Mr. B. A. Merchant

  22 June 1981

  Health Board

  Dr. W. D. Murray

  1 April 1985

  Royal College of Physicians: Royal College of Surgeons: Hospital Medical Staff Association

  Mrs. S. M. C. South

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mr. G. Bruce

  1 April 1987

  Caithness Local Health Council

  Mr. M. Cumming

  1 April 1987

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mrs. C. B. Fraser

  1 April 1987

  Ross and Cromarty District Council: Council of Voluntary Service

  Dr. C. A. S. Galloway

  1 April 1987

  British Medical Association: Royal College of Surgeons

  Mr. W. G. Johnston

  1 April 1983

  Sutherland Local Health Council

  Mrs. V. MacIver

  1 April 1987

  Ross and Cromarty District Council

  Mr. A. K. Robertson

  1 April 1987

  Area Dental Committee of Highland Health Board

  Mrs. C. Thomson

  1 April 1987

  Ross and Cromarty Local Health Council

  Mrs. R. M. Tulloch

  26 April 1983

  Scottish Society for Mentally Handicapped: Nairn Local Health Council

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mrs. M. Hinds

  1 April 1979

  31 December 1985

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mrs. M. A. MacDougall

  5 June 1973

  31 March 1987

  Mr. Hector Monro, MP

  Dr. A. D. McIntosh

  1 April 1981

  31 March 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. A. A. MacKenzie

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Health Board

  Mrs. L. MacKenzie

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Sutherland District Council

  Mr. K. M. MacLeod

  1 April 1973

  20 July 1983

  Ross and Cromarty District Council

  Mr. W. Monahan

  1 April 1975

  31 March 1987

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mrs. I. Munro, BEM

  1 April 1981

  31 March 1987

  Mr. Hamish Gray, MP

  Lanarkshire health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Dr. G. A. Bell

  1 April 1981

  Ministerial

  Mr. T M. Bennet

  16 January 1986

  Health Board

  Mrs. A. S. Hinshalwood

  18 December 1973

  Health Board: Mr. Hector Monro MP

  Mrs. J. H. Holmes

  1 April 1981

  Ministerial

  Mr. A. A. McIlwain, CBE

  1 April 1981

  Law Society of Scotland

  Mrs. D. C. McGirr

  1 April 1981

  Royal College of Physicians: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons

  Mr. G. McIntosh

  1 April 1985

  Confederation of British Industry

  Dr. A. Mathewson

  1 April 1977

  British Medical Association

  Mr. J. Thomson

  1 April 1985

  Voluntary Association for Mental Welfare

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Miss J. E. Jarvie

  1 April 1987

  Lanarkshire Branch Royal College of Nursing

  Mr. R. J. Logan

  18 December 1973

  Heath Board

  324 325

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Mr. D. McClymont

  1 April 1979

  Society of Radiographers

  Dr. P. K. Mukherjee

  1 April 1987

  British Medical Association

  Mr. W. J. O'Brien, JP

  1 April 1983

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth District Council

  Mr. H. Porter OBE

  1 April 1987

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mr. T. S. L. Reid

  26 April 1983

  Health Board

  Mr. J. P. Robinson

  1 April 1983

  Strathclyde Regional Council

  Miss J. Rutherford

  1 April 1987

  East Kilbride Local Health Council

  Mr. W. Traynor

  1 April 1983

  Scottish Trade Union Congress: Western Joint Opthalmic Committee

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mrs. A. Agnew

  1 April 1979

  28 February 1984

  Royal College of Nursing

  Mr. W. Bertram, MBE

  1 April 1979

  8 April 1985

  Institute of Medical Sciences

  Mr. A. Braidwood

  16 January 1986

  January 1988

  Health Board

  Mr. F. Campbell

  1 April 1983

  9 January 1984

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mrs. N. Cochrane

  1 April 1985

  25 May 1988

  Hamilton District Council

  Dr. D. Datta

  1 April 1981

  31 March 1987

  Overseas Doctors Association

  Mrs. A. M. Maggs

  1 April 1983

  June 1984

  East Kilbride District Council

  Mr. J. B. Russell

  1 April 1985

  April 1987

  Co-op Union Ltd.

  Mr. S. Scott

  1 April 1981

  12 June 1986

  Chief Whip

  Lothian health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mrs. P. Bell

  1 April 1981

  Conservative and Unionist Party

  Mr. I. Capperauld

  1 April 1981

  Ministerial

  Mr. A. T. Clark, MBE, MVO

  1 April 1981

  Edinburgh District Council

  Mrs. W. E. Donaldson

  19 April 1973

  Lothian Regional Council: British Medical Association

  Sir J. D. Fraser

  1 April 1985

  British Medical Association

  Mr. W. B. Herald

  1 April 1985

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Dr. A. R. Milne

  1 April 1981

  Health Board: Royal College of General Practitioners

  Mr. J. F. Wilson

  1 April 1985

  Bank of Scotland

  Professor J. Williamson

  1 April 1983

  Edinburgh University

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mrs. G. Barton

  1 April 1979

  Lothian Regional Council: Edinburgh District Council

  Dr. J. W. Baynham

  1 May 1987

  Confederation of British Industry

  Miss J. A. Brown

  1 April 1987

  Society of Radiographers: Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine

  Mrs. E. Burnett

  1 April 1987

  Royal College of Nursing

  Mr. J. Campbell

  1 April 1987

  Chief Whips Office

  Mr. A. B. Dunlop

  26 April 1983

  Scottish Conservative Party and Chief Whips Office

  Mrs. J. Ferguson

  1 April 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. D. R. Findlay

  1 April 1987

  The Faculty of Advocates

  Dr. Jessie Gray

  1 April 1987

  West Lothian District Local Health Council

  Dr. R. I. Kennedy

  1 April 1987

  Royal College of Psychiatrists

  Mr. J. M. MacNeill, CBE

  1 April 1983

  Confederation of British Industry

  Dr. M. McGregor

  5 May 1988

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

  Mr. G. S. Millar

  2 November 1984

  Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date Terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. J. Dunning

  12 August 1982

  19 September 1984

  Mr. Malcolm Rifkind MP

  Mrs. E. S. Foy

  19 April 1973

  31 May 1984

  East Lothian District Council

  Miss B. Jamieson

  2 November 1984

  31 October 1986

  Royal College of Midwives

  Dr. R. J. Kellett

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  British Medical Association

  Mr. E. A. Matthews

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Midlothian Local Health Council

  Mr. G. S. Millar

  1 April 1985

  26 February 1987

  Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain

  Mr. D. Molloy

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  Midlothian District Council

  Mr. E. J. Rawlings

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine

  Professor A. R. Rogers

  1 April 1981

  31 January 1984

  Heriot Watt University

  Mr. A. H. Russell

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  West Lothian District Council

  Mr. A. G. Smart

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Scottish Conservative Party

  Mrs. W. Sutherland

  1 April 1987

  August 1987

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mrs. M. H. Waterson

  1 April 1981

  31 March 1987

  Ministerial

  326 327

  Orkney health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mr. B. M. Clark

  30 October 1981

  Health Board

  Mr. F. J. Groundwater

  1 April 1977

  Scottish Trade Union Congress: British Medical Association

  Mrs. J. Marwick

  1 April 1985

  Orkney Local Health Council: Health Board: Orkney Islands Council

  Mr. J. W. R. Moar, MBE

  1 April 1981

  Ministerial

  Mrs. M. Porteous

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Dr. J. S. Walker

  1 April 1981

  British Medical Association

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mr. A. H. Bevan

  18 December 1973

  Health Board

  Mr. A. Bullen

  1 April 1987

  Health Board

  Mrs. M. J. B. Crichton

  1 April 1987

  Orkney Local Health Council

  Mr. J. Flett

  18 December 1973

  Health Board

  Mr. J. M. F. Groat

  1 April 1979

  Health Board

  Mrs. G. M. Leslie

  1 April 1987

  Orkney Local Health Council

  Mr. J. Leslie

  24 April 1987

  Pharmaceutical General Council

  Mrs. E. M. Street

  18 June 1980

  Royal College of Midwives

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Dale terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. J. C. Bevan

  13 November 1979

  28 January 1987 (Died)

  Health Board

  Mr. J. Towrie

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Orkney Islands Council

  Mr. R. Tullock

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Health Board

  Shetland health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mr. A. G. Coutts

  16 April 1986

  Health Board

  Dr. M. D. Hunter

  1 April 1981

  British Medical Association

  Mr. R. Leask

  1 April 1983

  Confederation of Health Service Employees

  Mr. D. M. Sinclair

  1 April 1985

  Royal College of Nursing: Scottish Health Visitors Association

  Captain G. Walterson

  1 April 1985

  Chief Whip's Office

  Mrs. M. Williamson

  18 February 1982

  Health Board

  Mr. W. A. Smith, BEM

  18 April 1973

  Shetland Islands Council

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Mr. R. R. Bentley

  18 December 1973

  Health Board: Joint Ophthalmic Committee

  Mr. C. A. Cumming

  1 April 1987

  Association of Scientific Technical and Managerial Staffs

  Mr. A. G. Flaws

  26 April 1983

  Scottish Conservative Party

  Mr. A. H. George

  26 April 1983

  British Petroleum (Sullom Voe)

  Mrs. M. E. Irving

  1 April 1987

  Former Health Board Member

  Mr. J. A. T. Leslie

  1 April 1983

  Area Pharmaceutical Committee

  Mr. A. J. R. Tait

  6 May 1987

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Dale terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. R. L. C. Manson

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1985

  Health Board

  Mrs. J. K. Sandison

  18 December 1973

  31 March 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. R. A. J. Smith

  1 April 1985

  30 January 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. S. A. Zaman

  1 April 1983

  31 July 1985

  Health Board

  Tayside health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mr. E. W. Cameron, OBE

  12 August 1982

  Ministerial

  Mr. J. Campbell-Smith

  1 April 1977

  Perth and Kinross District Council

  Mr. J. W. Duncan, MBE

  8 August 1974

  Co-op Union Ltd: Dundee District Council: Mr. P. Doig MP

  Mrs. S. D. R. Kydd

  1 April 1983

  Angus Local Health Council

  Dr. A. G. R. Law

  1 April 1981

  British Medical Association

  Mr. E. C. Lowson, MBE

  1 April 1977

  Association of Scottish Chamber of Commerce

  Prof. D. G. McDevitt

  1 April 1985

  University of Dundee

  328 329

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Miss S. D. Moncur

  1 April 1985

  Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

  Mr. I. W. Stevenson

  1 April 1985

  Tayside Regional Council

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Miss A. Allen

  31 March 1987

  Royal College of Midwives

  Dr. P. G. Aungle

  27 July 1984

  Royal College of Psychiatrists

  Prof. J. S. Beck

  1 April 1983

  University of Dundee

  Rev. K. Campbell

  1 June 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. G. S. Cargill

  31 March 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. J. S. Fair

  27 July 1984

  Ministerial

  Mr. A. H. Lynch

  31 March 1987

  Dundee District Council: Dundee Local Health Council

  Mr. J. C. MacFarlane, OBE

  1 April 1983

  Confederation of British Industry

  Mrs. D. M. Munro

  1 June 1987

  Angus Local Health Council

  Mr. W. Stewart

  27 July 1984

  Perth and Kinross Local Health Council

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mrs. R. J. T. Bolton

  1 April 1971

  31 March 1988

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Dr. H. C. Fowlie

  1 April 1981

  1 February 1984

  Royal College of Psychiatrists

  Mrs. L. V. Grewer

  29 May 1975

  31 March 1987

  British Medical Association

  Mrs. A. E. Grieve

  11 December 1979

  28 July 1983 (Died)

  Chief Whip

  Mr. M. B. Kerr

  21 December 1977

  31 March 1987

  Scottish Trade Union Congress: Angus District Council

  Mr. R. F. Menzies

  1 April 1971

  3 November 1983 (Died)

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mr. J. T. Robb

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Mrs. A. W. Woore

  1 April 1983

  31 March 1987

  Royal College of Nursing: Scottish Association of Nurse Administrators

  Western Isles health board

  Present members

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Nominated by

  Members appointed to 31 March 1989

  Mr. D. A. Maclean

  1 April 1985

  Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons: British Medical Association

  Mr. K. Maclennan

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Mr. J. McIntyre

  12 February 1982

  Western Isles Islands Council

  Mr. M. McLeod

  1 April 1981

  Health Board

  Mr. A. D. Millar

  16 January 1986

  Health Board

  Mr. I. D. Sutherland

  1 April 1985

  Health Board

  Members appointed to 31 March 1991

  Dr. N. W. Beresford

  1 April 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. J. H. Downie

  1 April 1979

  Lewis and Harris Local Health Council

  Mr. A. Matheson

  19 April 1973

  Western Isles Islands Council

  Rev. M. A. McLeod

  1 April 1987

  Health Board

  Mrs. C. R. Macaskill

  1 April 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. A. A. McDonald

  1 April 1987

  Western Isles Islands Council

  Mrs. G. N. MacKillop

  1 April 1987

  Health Board

  Members retired since 1983

  Name

  Date of first appointment

  Date terminated

  Nominated by

  Mr. M. Campbell

  19 April 1973

  31 March 1987

  Health Board: Scottish Trade Union Congress

  Dr. M. R. Gillies

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  British Medical Association

  Mr. D. N. Kesting

  19 April 1973

  31 March 1987

  Law Society

  Mrs. C. Maceachen

  1 April 1979

  31 March 1987

  Health Board

  Mr. D. W. MacLeod

  18 December 1973

  31 March 1987

  Health Board

  Mrs. M. F. MacNeil

  27 September 1983

  March 1984

  Self

  Mr. J. M. Morrison

  I April 1985

  24 September 1987

  Lewis and Harris Local Health Council

  Cattle Semen
  Mr. Kirk wood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to protect the outlying areas, smaller herds, and minority breeds from increased costs as a result of the proposals to deregulate the system of licences for the supply of cattle semen.
  330
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The current consultation by the Agricultural Departments is designed to bring out and examine such concerns but there are no plans to discontinue the special arrangements under which holders of farm storage licences in the remote areas of Scotland obtain their supplies of semen. No final decisions will be made without thorough consideration of all the responses.
  331
  Mr. Kirk wood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps will be taken to protect animal health in the suggested scheme to deregulate the system of licences to supply cattle semen;

  (2) how he proposes to guarantee the quality of semen within a deregulated distribution when the system of licences to supply cattle semen is deregulated.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Our proposals for a more liberal approach to the number of suppliers of cattle semen and the zoning of supply areas do not imply any relaxation of the current licence conditions. Supply centres will remain under the day-to-day supervision of an approved veterinary surgeon in addition to inspections at regular intervals from the state veterinary service. There will be no reduction in the rigorous animal health standards which licence holders currently have to meet but the quality of their product, in respect of its genetic merit and viability, remains a matter for commercial judgment.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how he intends to police the system of artificial insemination in his proposals to deregulate the system of licences to supply cattle semen;

  (2) what proposals he has to guarantee the facility to trace and control the movement of semen for artificial insemination under his proposals to deregulate the system of licences to supply cattle semen;

  (3) what proposals he has to guarantee veterinary and statistical security in his proposals to deregulate the system of licences to supply cattle semen.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Organisations currently holding licences for the supply of cattle semen do so under specific conditions designed to protect the health of the national herd under effective veterinary supervision. There is no proposal to change or dilute these arrangements.

  It will continue to be a condition of licence that records are kept which allow the movement of semen to be traced and to provide veterinary and statistical security. If it is decided to allow farm storage licence holders to sell surplus straws to a similar licenceholder the proposed record keeping system will ensure the semen can be traced.

  Mr. Kirk wood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report a list of all parties responding to suggested changes in the deregulation of licences to supply cattle semen, indicating how many were favourable and how many adversely disposed to the proposals.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Seven interested organisations in Scotland have been invited to comment by the end of the month. Of the responses received so far AI Breeders Services Ltd. is in favour while the three Milk Marketing Boards have reservations concerning a possible risk to animal health and supplies to remote areas.

  Scottish Chess Association
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement regarding his Department's funding of the Scottish Chess Association;

  (2) what was his Department's total grant to the Scottish Chess Association in each of the last five years; and what he expects it to be in the current financial year.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Scottish Chess Association has received grant as follows:332

  £

  1983–84

  18,500

  1984–85

  28,500

  1985–86

  38,750

  1986–87

  49,000

  1987–88

  4,730

  1988–89

  4,730

  1 Of which £6,550 was for travel costs.

  2 Of which £6,550 was for travel costs.

  3 Of which £5,775 was for travel costs.

  4 Of which £5,775 was for travel costs.

  In the special circumstances pertaining in the current year my right hon. and learned Friend has offered the association an additional grant of up to £4,300 towards the cost of sending competitors to the World Olympiad and the World Junior Championship.

  Health Authorities (Revenue)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the health boards which, under the Scottish health authorities revenue equalisation formula, lose a proportion of their allocation annually because of revenue equalisation; if he will give details of the original percentage of overfunding of these health boards as defined by the Scottish health authorities revenue equalisation formula; and if he will give details for each of these health boards in percentage terms, of the amounts they lose annually; and how much, in percentage terms, each health board still has to lose.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The SHARE process for allocating revenue expenditure among health boards does not involve the best financed boards losing any of their allocations. In general, progress to revenue equalisation is achieved by giving the best financed boards smaller percentage increases in allocation each year than less well financed boards. When the SHARE formula was introduced the following boards were "overfinanced" against their objectively determined targets:

  Board

  Percentage overfinanced

  Tayside

  15·33

  Lothian

  3·52

  Highland

  2·14

  Greater Glasgow

  1·13

  Highland health board is no longer overfinanced in SHARE, and the 1988–89 position of the other boards is as follows:

  Board

  Percentage overfinanced

  Greater Glasgow

  4·11

  Tayside

  2·36

  Lothian

  0·35

  It is not possible to state with accuracy likely changes in boards' allocations in future years as allocations depend upon each board's SHARE target. Targets are recalculated afresh each year to take account of changes in the relative health care needs of each board.

  School Meals
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the comparative uptake
  333
  of school meals served to pupils, in percentage terms, in primary and secondary schools by each education authority for 1979–80.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information from the annual school meals census undertaken in January 1980 is as follows:

  Total uptake of school meals as a percentage of pupils present

  Region, division or island authority

  Primary

  Secondary

  Border

  57·5

  35·5

  Central

  44·3

  28·9

  Dumfries and Galloway

  66·1

  43·8

  Fife

  45·5

  39·4

  Grampian

  52·4

  32·7

  Highland

  59·0

  30·1

  Lothian

  48·3

  34·6

  Strathclyde

  49·9

  31·1

  Argyll and Bute

  66·6

  38·3

  Ayr

  54·9

  43·2

  Dumbarton

  48·5

  23·6

  Glasgow

  50·8

  28·8

  Lanark

  43·3

  26·3

  Renfrew

  51·1

  36·2

  Tayside

  50·5

  28·0

  Orkney

  72·4

  42·8

  Shetland

  83·3

  33·9

  Western Isles

  71·8

  21·4

  Scotland

  50·5

  32·2

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the price of school meals in primary and secondary schools in each region and division where appropriate, and island education authority as at 31 January; and what was the average amount spent on cafeteria meals in each case.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information taken from the 1988 annual school meal census is as follows:

  Region division or Island authority

  Charge for fixed priced school meals (pence)

  Average amount spent on cafeteria meals (pence)

  Borders

  50

  52

  Central

  58

  42

  Dumfries and Galloway

  61

  32

  Fife

  50

  49

  Grampian

  >160

  53

  270

  Highland

  65

  62

  Lothian

  150

  44

  255

  Strathclyde

  Argyll and Bute

  63

  50

  Ayr

  63

  50

  Dumbarton

  63

  41

  Glasgow (City)

  63

  45

  Lanark

  63

  57

  Renfrew

  63

  50

  Tayside

  60

  40

  Orkney

  60

  60

  Shetland

  60

  3

  Western Isles

  65

  70

  1 Primary.

  2 Secondary.

  3 No cafeteria service.

  Note:

  Charges for fixed price meals are the same in primary and secondary schools in all regions except Grampian and Lothian.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing(a) the total number of
  334
  staff employed in the school meals service in January in each region or division or island authority in Scotland and (b) the number of staff employed for (i) 30 or more hours per week and (ii) less than 30 hours per week.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information taken from the 1988 annual school meals census is as follows:

  Number of Staff Employed

  Region division or island authority

  More than 30 hpw

  Less than 30 hpw

  Total

  Borders

  30

  176

  206

  Central

  282

  330

  612

  Dumfries and Galloway

  112

  387

  499

  Fife

  176

  608

  784

  Grampian

  326

  743

  1,069

  Highland

  173

  447

  620

  Lothian

  534

  1,166

  1,700

  Strathclyde

  1,781

  3,996

  5,777

  Argyll and Bute

  58

  168

  226

  Ayr

  292

  709

  1,001

  Dumbarton

  100

  607

  707

  Glasgow (City)

  711

  1,017

  1,728

  Lanark

  374

  709

  1,083

  Renfrew

  246

  786

  1,032

  Tayside

  273

  633

  906

  Orkney

  31

  40

  71

  Shetland

  52

  49

  101

  Western Isles

  42

  93

  135

  SCOTLAND

  3,812

  8,668

  12,480

  Mental Officers
  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the criteria used in the appointment procedures of mental officers has changed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The original guidance issued in March 1985 referred to formal assessment by the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work of training undergone by candidates for appointment as mental health officers. Revised guidance issued in December 1986 excluded reference to formal assessment and required local authorities to be satisfied as to the competence of candidates to be appointed before 1 April 1988. The same requirement was prescribed for subsequent appointments in a circular issued in March 1988, which also consolidated the earlier guidance. A copy is available in the Library.

  Air Traffic Control
  Mr. Allen Adams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he makes of the effect of air traffic control difficulties on tourism in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  Recent air traffic control difficulties are unlikely to have any significant impact on Scottish tourism.

  Companies (Local Taxation)
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had about the local taxation of companies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington).

  Forestry
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) grant and (b) felling licence

  Conservancy

  Number referred to Regional Advisory Committees

  Number resolved by voluntary withdrawal or amendment of application

  Number referred by Regional Advisory Committees to Forestry Commissioners

  Grant Scheme Applications—Two years to 31 March 1985

  North West England

  1

  —

  1

  North East England

  2

  —

  2

  East England

  —

  —

  —

  South East England

  —

  —

  —

  South West England

  —

  —

  —

  North Scotland

  1

  —

  1

  East Scotland

  1

  1

  —

  South Scotland

  4

  1

  3

  West Scotland

  6

  1

  5

  North Wales

  1

  —

  1

  South Wales

  5

  —

  5

  Felling Licence Applications—Two years to 31 March 1985

  North West England

  —

  —

  —

  North East England

  1

  —

  1

  East England

  1

  1

  —

  South East England

  3

  —

  3

  South West England

  1

  —

  1

  North Scotland

  —

  —

  —

  East Scotland

  —

  —

  —

  South Scotland

  1

  —

  1

  West Scotland

  —

  —

  —

  North Wales

  1

  1

  —

  South Wales

  —

  —

  —

  Year (to 31 March)

  Number referred to Regional Advisory Committees

  Number resolved by voluntary withdrawal or amendment of application

  Number referred by Regional Advisory Committees to Forestry Commissioners

  Grant Scheme Applications—Two years to 31 March 1987

  North England Conservancy

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  1987

  5

  2

  3

  East England Conservancy

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  1987

  1

  —

  1

  West England Conservancy

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  Wales Conservancy

  1986

  1

  —

  1

  1987

  3

  1

  2

  North Scotland Conservancy

  1986

  1

  1

  —

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  Mid Scotland Conservancy

  1986

  5

  —

  5

  1987

  5

  2

  3

  South Scotland Conservancy

  1986

  2

  1

  1

  1987

  3

  2

  1

  336
  applications were referred to the regional advisory committee for each Forestry Commission conservancy in each year from 1984, and what were the results.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [pursuant to his reply, 8 March 1988, c. 148–50]: The revised figures to year-end 31 March are as follows:
  337

  Year (to 31 March)

  Number referred to Regional Advisory Committees

  Number resolved by voluntary withdrawal or amendment of application

  Number referred by Regional Advisory Committees to Forestry Commissioners

  Felling Licence Applications—Two years to 31 March 1987

  North England Conservancy

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  East England Conservancy

  1986

  3

  1

  2

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  West England Conservancy

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  Wales Conservancy

  1986

  2

  —

  2

  1987

  2

  —

  2

  North Scotland Conservancy

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  Mid Scotland Conservancy

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  South Scotland Conservancy

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) grant and (b) felling licence applications were received by the Forestry Commission in each year from 1984; how many were referred to regional advisory committees; and what proportion of the annual total this represented.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [pursuant to his reply, 8 March 1988, c. 148]: The revised figures to year-ended 31 March are as follows:

  Year (to 31 March)

  Number received

  Number and percentage of cases referred to Regional Advisory Committees

  Number

  per cent.

  Grant Scheme Applications

  1984

  2,000

  7

  0·4

  1985

  2,296

  14

  0·6

  1986

  3,736

  9

  0·2

  1987

  5,362

  17

  0·3

  Felling Licence Applications

  1984

  1,923

  3

  0·2

  1985

  1,767

  5

  0·3

  1986

  2,078

  5

  0·2

  1987

  2,367

  2

  0·1

  Crossroads (Scotland)
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the provision of funding for Crossroads (Scotland) from a source other than the Manpower Services Commission.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 22 July 1988]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington) on 28 June, at column 177. I understand that a number of
  338
  Crossroads schemes are negotiated with the Training Commission about participation in employment training and I hope that others will follow suit.

  Poll Tax
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from pensioners concerning the poll tax register; and if he will take steps to ensure that the register will not display birth dates for public inspection.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 25 April 1988]: My right hon. and learned Friend has received a number of representations from pensioners and others on this subject. Under section 20(2)(a) of the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987, only the names, addresses and (in certain cases) the collective community charge multipliers contained in the community charges register are to be available for public inspection.

  Dental Hospital, Edinburgh
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has of the cost of building a dental hospital in Edinburgh in the event of the University Grants Committee working party's proposals for rationalising Edinburgh and Dundee dental schools going ahead.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 21 April 1988]: Current plans are to build a replacement dental hospital in Edinburgh for about £5·5 million. No firm estimate has been prepared of the cost of expanding the proposed dental hospital to take account of the working party's proposals for a larger student intake to the Edinburgh dental school than that accommodated in the current hospital plans.

  Tenants' Rights (Counsel's Opinion)
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library a copy of the opinion of senior counsel concerning the right of tenants of public sector housing which may be transferred to private landlords which was referred to by the Minister of State, Scottish Office,Official Report, column 344 of the Official Report of the House of Lords debates for 6 July.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. McAllion) on 18 July at columns 511–12.

ENVIRONMENT

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the number and names of local authorities which have written to him objecting to the poll tax.

  Mr. Howard
  A summary of the 1,217 responses received by 31 October 1986, when the consultation period on the Green Paper ended, was placed in the Library on 15 December 1986. 124 of the local authorities who commented did not support the community charge. Taking respondents as a whole, those favouring abolition of domestic rates outnumbered those favouring retention by 21. A clear majority of them preferred the community charge to all other alternatives and six times as many respondents supported the community charge as supported a combination of rates and local income tax.

  Since June 1987 my Department has received some 11,000 letters, the majority of which are from private individuals, containing a variety of comments on specific aspects of our proposals or requesting further information. The letters do not readily lend themselves to an analysis of correspondents' views.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he appointed equal opportunity officers; and how many and what percentage of these are women, from ethnic minority groups or both.

  Mr. Ridley
  My Department appointed two equal opportunity officers in 1984, one from central DOE and one from the PSA. Both posts are occupied by white, male staff.

  Ethnic Monitoring
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in what quasi-governmental bodies or other organisations under his aegis he has authority to request or require the carrying out of ethnic monitoring exercises in accordance with the code of the Commission for Racial Equality; and what ethnic monitoring and equal opportunities exercises have been carried out by each such Department.

  Mr. Ridley
  Non-departmental public bodies and other bodies sponsored by my Department are responsible for arrangements for recruitment and personnel management 340
  of staff they employ. Organisations are encouraged to be equal opportunities employers, and to pursue practices in the codes of the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission. No central records are held of ethnic monitoring and equal opportunities exercises carried out by these bodies.

  Warrington Runcorn (Factory Space)
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish figures available to him showing the progress of Warrington Runcorn new town development corporation is constructing, allocating and filling factory space.

  Mr. Trippier
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for Broxbourne (Mrs. Roe) on 28 March at columns 299–300. In addition, for the current financial year to date, 106,730 sq ft of factory floor space has been completed, and 450,540 sq ft occupied; 268,000 sq ft is at present under construction. I am considering the corporation's proposals for a very limited number of further schemes of advance factory building.

  Heveningham Hall
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the latest position on the developments concerning Heveningham hall.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I am glad to say that we understand that the owner intends to open Heveningham hall to the public daily between 31 July and 1 September this year. It remains my right hon. Friend's hope that the restoration of the fire-damaged wing will proceed. My right hon. Friend has also, in a decision issued on 25 July, upheld the recommendation of both his inspectors not to confirm the footpath diversion order made by the Suffolk Coastal district council relating to land at Heveningham.

  Local Authority Tenants
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any proposals to give guidance to local authorities on the organisations which are permitted to arrange ballots for local authority tenants being transferred to other organisations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ridley
  No. My hon. Friend the then Minister for Housing and Planning made it clear that he expected authorities who are seeking to dispose of their tenanted housing to follow the procedures set out in section 6 and schedule I of the Housing and Planning Act 1986. Authorities themselves have the primary responsibility for ensuring that any ballot which is held is conducted, and is seen to be conducted, without any suggestion of impropriety.

  Under our proposals for tenants' choice, it would be the applicant rather than the local authority who would have responsibility for arranging the ballot.

  Local Authority Housing Transfers
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how the guidelines on the transfer of local authority housing drawn up in conjunction with clause 47
  341
  of the Housing Bill differ from the guidance given to local authorities proceeding with transfers under other legislation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ridley
  In issuing guidelines on large scale voluntary transfers of local authority housing to private bodies to English local authorities on 8 June, I made it clear that I would apply the guidance issued in circular 6/88 "Consultation with Secure Tenants before Disposal to Private Sector Landlord: Commencement of Section 6 of the Housing and Planning Act 1986" in the case of all large-scale voluntary transfers to tenanted local authority housing.

  No guidelines have been issued to local authorities on the transfer of their housing under parts III and IV of the Housing Bill.

  Urban Development Corporations (Disability Adviser)
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make it his policy that a local disability adviser is appointed to each urban development corporation; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will outline the measures that are being taken to ensure that urban development corporations are made aware of the access needs of disabled people in the revitalisation of the inner cities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  As development control authorities, urban development corporations receive planning circulars and advice. This includes DOE circular 10/82 which draws attention to the Disabled Persons Act 1981 and reminds authorities of the importance of bearing in mind the needs of disabled people. As employers, the corporations receive and are expected to follow the Government's own code of practice "Employment of disabled people".

  House Purchase Statistics
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the total numbers of(a) private home purchases and (b) purchases by first-time buyers, in each of the years 1976 to 1987, and what was the proportion represented by (b) of (a).

  Mr. Trippier
  The available information is as follows:

  Mortgage loans for house purhase: United Kingdom

  All1

  of which, to first time purchasers

  thousands

  thousands

  percentage of all

  1976

  739

  373

  50

  1977

  760

  374

  49

  1978

  829

  404

  49

  1979

  750

  358

  48

  1980

  691

  332

  48

  1981

  736

  364

  50

  1982

  861

  468

  54

  1983

  1,107

  555

  50

  1984

  1,187

  596

  50

  1985

  1,227

  605

  49

  1986

  1,446

  666

  46

  1987

  1,298

  588

  45

  1 Mortgage completions by building societies; from 1976 to 1980 by local authorities (excluding council house sales) in England and Wales; and from 1983 to 1987 mortgage approvals by banks.

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  The numbers of loans to first-time purchasers is not reported by insurance companies or, from 1981, by local authorities. The annual average number of loans for house purchase by insurance companies in 1976 to 1987 was 20,000. The numbers of loans by local authorities in Great Britain are as follows, including those for council house sales in England almost all of which are to sitting tenants.

  All

  For council house sales

  1981

  73,000

  70,000

  1982

  111,000

  83,000

  1983

  47,000

  40,000

  1984

  36,000

  31,000

  1985

  23,000

  20,000

  1986

  12,000

  10,000

  1987

  10,000

  8,000

  Cornerstone Housing Association
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the activities of the Cornerstone Housing Association Ltd. and Mr. Frans Robey.

  Mr. Trippier
  None.

  Private Landlords (Property Maintenance)
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he proposes to take to ensure that private landlords carry out routine maintenance on properties in their ownership in a satisfactory way.

  Mr. Trippier
  Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 implies into leases of seven years or less a convenant obliging a landlord to keep in repair the structure of a rented dwelling and certain installations in it. This provision will apply to assured and shorthold tenancies granted under the Housing Bill. The Bill extends section 11 to cover the structure and common parts of buildings containing flats. Also we have tabled amendments to the Bill to strengthen the powers of local authorities to require private landlords to carry out repairs and themselves to carry out the works where the landlord fails to do so and to recover the costs.

  Private Tenants (Temporary Housing)
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he proposes to take to ensure proper protection for private tenants offered temporary rehousing while works are carried out to their homes.

  Mr. Trippier
  Under sections 214 and 215 of the Housing Act 1985 a local authority may not serve an improvement notice until it is satisfied that the housing arrangements for affected occupants are satisfactory. Otherwise, it is for private tenants who are offered temporary rehousing while works are carried out to their homes to negotiate with their landlords to preserve their rights. We have amended the Housing Bill so that existing protected tenants who are rehoused by their landlords will continue to have protected tenancies.

  Subsidies and Benefits
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will publish in the Official

  343
  Report his estimate of the amount paid out in 1987–88 in (a) subsidies to local authorities and new town housing and (b) cost of housing benefit to, respectively, tenants of local authorities and private landlords, including rate rebates; and if he will add a forecast for the current and for the next financial year together with an estimate of the increase in a full year as a result of the abolition of rent control.

  Mr. Trippier
  Payments of housing subsidy to local authorities in 1987–88 amounted to £473,511,743 and to new towns £82,839,556. Questions on income support, including housing benefit, are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security.

  Waste Control
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will prohibit the importation of United States waste into the United Kingdom under section 100 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I am considering whether further controls on the import of waste are necessary.

  United Nations Clean-up Campaign
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the problems imposed on Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Gabon and Congo by the disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes from EEC countries, he will make it his policy to secure additional United Kingdom donations to the United Nations environment programme special clean-up campaign.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The Government are increasing its financial support for UNEP by 25 per cent. For 1988 the United Kingdom's contribution to UNEP's environment fund will be £1·25 million.

  Nuclear Waste
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when his Department first learnt from British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. that a canister containing plutonium had been found at the Drigg dump site, as announced by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. to the media on 13 July;

  (2) pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy, 14 June, Official Report, columns 142–43, whether the table included the radioactive content of the canister of plutonium bearing nuclear fuel found at the Drigg dump site as announced by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. on 13 July.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy stated in his reply to a question by the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) on 15 July 1988,Official Report, column 430, this matter is currently subject to a joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive and Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution who will report their findings shortly.

  Hazardous Waste
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards the United 344
  Nations environment programme project to establish a global convention on the regulation of international transfrontier shipment and disposal of toxic, hazardous and radiotoxic waste.

  Mr. Moynihan
  We shall continue to participate actively in the development of the UNEP global convention.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy, 14 June,Official Report, column 142, on export of toxic wastes from the European Community, if he will make a statement on any initiatives taken at the EC Environment Council on the matter.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The subject of export of toxic waste from the Community to developing countries was discussed at the EC Environment Council on 16 and 28 June but no conclusion was reached. Further discussions are under way.

  Access Land (Sales)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to control the sale of random strips of land required by private house builders for access to services; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  No. Depending upon the location of a particular site for development, a wide variety of matters relating to neighbouring land may need to be dealt with by those who propose to develop the site and it is for them to ensure that they have made any arrangements for land acquisition, easements, and so on, that may be necessary for development.

  County Hall, London
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will hold discussions with the London residuary body on the case for holding a public exhibition and consultation over the plans for future use of county hall, after its eventual disposal from the public sector.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  No. This will be a matter for the new owners of country hall.

  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the amount of delay incurred by the London residuary body in the possible disposal of county hall, to allow time for the abolition of the Inner London education authority.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  No delay attributable to the abolition of the Inner London education authority is expected in the disposal of county hall.

  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will discuss with the London residuary body its sources of expert advice on the architectural and historical aspects of the proposal to convert county hall from public use to hotel use.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  No. Any development of county hall will be subject to the usual planning and listed building procedures. It is for the applicants themselves, whoever they may be, to take what expert advice they consider necessary in preparing their proposals.
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  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that full and lengthy public consultation will take place and that all the appropriate national and Greater London bodies and agencies will be fully consulted in regard to the disposal of county hall.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  There are no grounds for placing such an obligation on the London residuary body in view of its statutory duty to dispose of all surplus GLC property.

  London Residuary Body
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the current full salary and total expenses, allowances and other emoluments and payments in kind of the chairman and all other board members, and the three senior non-board officials of the London residuary body.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The current salaries of the chairman and board members of the London residuary body are as follows:

  £ per annum1

  Chairman (full-time appointment):

  Sir Godfrey Taylor

  56,320

  Members (part-time appointments):

  Mr. Alan Blakemore, CBE

  13,608

  Mr. Jack Esling

  Mr. Jack Wolkind, CBE

  Mr. Wallace Mackenzie, OBE

  17,010

  Mr. Michael Roberts

  20,412

  Councillor Sir Peter Bowness, CBE

  6,804

  1 From 1 April 1988.

  Remuneration is subject to abatement, if applicable, in respect of public sector pension received.

  Information on the total expenses paid to the chairman and board members during 1986–87 is contained in the residuary body's annual report and accounts for that financial year, which were laid before Parliament on 27 January. No emoluments were paid otherwise than in cash. The salaries and expenses of officials are a matter for the LRB. The 1986–87 report and accounts indicate that the emoluments for that year of the three most senior officials were in the range £35,000 to £40,000.

  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the amount of office space required by the London residuary body for its work between 1988 and 1990, and from 1990 onwards; and which locations have been selected provisionally or finally for these activities.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The London residuary body's requirements for office space in connection with winding up the affairs of the Greater London council will reduce progressively from its present floor space needs of about 30,000 sq m as its functions diminish before 31 March 1990. Accommodation in connection with winding up the residual affairs of the Inner London education authority will depend upon the number and complexity of the functions it may have to undertake.

  Public House Tenants (Tenure)
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to amend the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 to provide security of tenure for the tenants of public houses selling alcohol.

  Mr. Trippier
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and Waterside (Mr. Colvin) on 6 May at column 613 by the then Minister for Housing and Planning, my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Waldegrave).

  Mineral Supplies
  Sir Trevor Skeet
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the limitations imposed by the planning system on the supply of minerals from quarries.

  Mr. Trippier
  If the mineral operator has been granted a planning permission and does not subsequently contravene any planning conditions attached to that consent, the minerals may be worked and sold without further statutory constraint. It is not the Government's policy to intervene in these arrangements.

  It is generally the case that purchasers of minerals may seek to obtain the supplies they need, from whatever source they so choose, without the need to consider any further statutory provision. However, public bodies do have a duty under section 11 of the Countryside Act, 1968, to have regard to the desirability of conserving the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside in exercising their functions relating to land.

  Listed Buildings (Painting)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to issue guidance on the extent to which painting or repainting of listed buildings requires listed building consent.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The Department of the Environment has today issued a new circular (DOE circular 18/88) drawing attention to a recent High Court judgment relating to the painting or repainting of listed buildings. The court held that painting or repainting is capable of being an alteration for which listed building consent is required. The critical question in each case is whether the character of the building is affected. Only where the character is affected will consent be needed. Whether consent is needed in any particular instance must therefore depend upon the facts of the individual case.

  Landlord and Tenant Act 1987
  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now bring the remaining sections of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 into force.

  Mr. Ridley
  I and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales have now made the third commencement order for the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, covering all the sections not already covered by earlier orders. The provisions in sections 41, 43 and 44 dealing respectively with the strengthening of tenants' rights on variable service charges, insurance and consultation on the appointment of managing agents will
  347
  come into force on 1 September 1988. There are transitional provisions for section 41 to deal with situations where action is already in hand or where the accounting period has already started before 1 September 1988. Section 42, dealing with the handling of service charge contributions will come into force on 1 April 1989, together with an order under section 42(5) dealing with the investment of service charge funds held in trust.

  Under a separate order, the prescribed amounts above which a landlord must consult his tenants about works will be raised on 1 September 1988 to £1,000 or £50 per dwelling whichever is the greater.

  This completes the implementation of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, which has siginificantly strengthened the rights of people living in flats, and, as regards the payment of variable service charges and insurance, people living in houses and other dwellings also.

  Local Authority Housing
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish his proposals for a new financial regime for local authority housing; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ridley
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are issuing a consultation document today on a new financial regime for local authority housing in England and Wales. The paper has been placed in the Library and is available in the Vote Office. Copies will be sent today to local authorities and their associations.

  A pattern has developed of major inconsistencies between authorities in the contributions to housing costs made by rent, rate and tax payers, and subsidies are not always being directed towards those authorities and their tenants who most need them. Also, although many authorities have for years pursued sound policies, anomalies in the system of different sources of subsidy have given rise to distortions in the incentives to efficiency and good management. Subject to approval of proposed legislation by Parliament, the new arrangements will take effect from 1 April 1990. These will require authorities to maintain a new-style housing revenue account which will reinforce the distinction between the provision of housing and other local authority functions. A new housing revenue account subsidy will replace a number of existing central Government subsidies and also local rate fund contributions from that date.

  We intend that the new financial regime will make council landlords more accountable to their tenants and put tenants themselves in a position of greater equity as compared to tenants in other authorities.

  Rain Forests
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what relevant scientific conclusions his Department has accepted as a valid basis for a policy regarding the rain forests and their impact on the world environment; and if he will list the different measures which his Department considers should be taken at national and international level so as to protect the rain forests in the(a) short, (b) medium and (c) long term.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: We recognise that tropical forests are an important element in the global environment and we encourage the
  348
  good management of their resources through the tropical forest action plan and by our support of the international tropical timber agreement.

  Sporting Events (Ministerial Visits)
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what international sporting events the Minister with responsibility for sport, the hon. Member for Lewisham, East (Mr. Moynihan) intends to visit in the next 12 months; and what is the anticipated cost to public funds.

  Mr. Moynihan
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: Listed in the table are the principal international sporting events overseas which I am at present planning to visit in the next 12 months and anticipated cost to public funds.

  13 August—Moscow Marathon, Moscow. No cost to public funds.

  16 September—3 October—Summer Olympics, Seoul, South Korea. Estimated cost to public funds, £5,080.

  20–25 October—Paralympics, Seoul, South Korea. No cost to public funds.

  Water Authorities (Prosecutions)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to use those statutory powers available to him to prosecute water authorities which do not comply with EEC directives.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The Government will use whatever means are necessary to ensure that European Community directives on water are complied with. As I said in reply to a question from the hon. Member on 11 July,Official Report, column 40 where the Government are aware that the obligations of directives are not currently being fully met, water authorities are instructed to take steps to remedy the position and, where necessary, to agree programmes with the Department.

DEFENCE

  Military Lands Act 1892
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inquiries of local authorities he made in relation to rights of way and rights of common for byelaws made under the Military Lands Act 1892 since 1979; and how many rights of way have been stopped-up since 1979 at each site covered by byelaws made under the Military Lands Act 1892.

  Mr. Freeman
  Before any byelaws are made, the Property Services Agency, acting on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, undertakes inquiries with the relevant local authorities to establish the existence and extent of any rights of way and rights of common over the subject land.

  It is not possible without disproportionate effort to identify how many rights of way have been stopped up since 1979 at those sites covered by byelaws made under the Military Lands Acts 1892.

  Ministry Establishment, Shoeburyness
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next intends to visit the Ministry of Defence establishment in Shoeburyness.
  349
  Mr. Sainsbury
  My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to visit the MOD establishment at Shoeburyness.

  Saudi Arabian Orders
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next expects the detailed procurement aspects of the latest Saudi Arabian orders to be available.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Precise requirements have still to be specified by the customer and discussed and agreed in detail. Some discussions are starting now but it is not yet possible to determine how long this process will take. In any event the wishes of the customer, in regard to commercial confidentiality, will need to be respected.

  Trident Submarines (VSEL)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the contract between his Department and VSEL for Trident submarines includes arrangements for compensation to be paid or penalty clauses to be exercised in case of industrial action at the VSEL plant.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Normally, contractual arrangements between MOD and its supplier would be regarded as commercial-in-confidence. However, I can say that there are no penalty clauses in these Ministry of Defence contracts; nor do any arrangements exist in either of the two current Vanguard class SSBN contracts for compensation to be paid in the event of industrial action. However, contractors are expected to mitigate the effects of industrial action to the maximum extent possible.

  There will also, of course, be a progressive impact on the company's cash flow as a result of their inability to claim payments under these contracts for scheduled work which is not being achieved.

  RBS-70 Surface-to-air Missiles
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what order his Department has placed with Bofors of Sweden for the supply of RBS-70 surface-to-air missiles; for whose eventual use these missiles are intended; what provision has been made in his Department's estimates for this purchase; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  None.

  Seabed Operations Vessel Challenger
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on problems which have arisen with the seabed operations vessel Challenger; by how much the work on this vessel has overrun in(a) time and (b) cost in relation to the original specification; and what claims and counter-claims for compensation have been made by his Department and the contractors, respectively.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Reasons for the increases in cost to the sea bed operations vessel and delays to its operational date have been detailed in evidence given by the Ministry of Defence to the Public Accounts Committee and published in its 35th report 1984–85 Session and 31st report 1987–88 Session. The appraisal and cost implications of the further slippage mentioned in the latter report are still under consideration.

  With regards to claims for compensation, whilst negotiations are continuing with contractors on these, details are commercially confidential.

  Low Flying
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of complaints about low flying received in 1987 were made initially to RAF air bases and other military-installations as opposed to his Department.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information requested could not be provided without disproportionate effort.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) during which hours of the day low flying at 100 ft above the ground is permitted in the Borders tactical training area;

  (2) if flying at 100 ft is; permitted in the vicinity of (a) Chapelton, (b) Caldermill, (c) Drumclog and (d) Auldhouse, Strathclyde;

  (3) what consultations have been held with (a) East Kilbride district council and (b) Strathclyde regional council prior to the establishment of low flying at 100 ft in the constituency of East Kilbride;

  (4) if the use of afterburners is permitted by aircraft flying at 100 ft above the ground;

  Mr. Freeman
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research is being conducted by his Department on the medical effects of exposure to the noise levels associated with military jet aircraft flying at 100 ft off the ground.

  Mr. Freeman
  The MOD is represented on the NATO working group and will also attend a major international meeting on aircraft noise in Stockholm this summer.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received concerning low-flying military exercises in Wales.

  Mr. Freeman
  During June 1988 the Ministry of Defence received 86 inquiries or complaints from Wales about low-flying military aircraft.

  Borders Tactical Training Area
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) on what date the expansion of the Borders tactical training area into the East Kilbride constituency took effect;

  (2) if he will place in the Library a map showing the newly enlarged Borders tactical training area.

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

  Nuclear Materials Requirements
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy,Official Report, 14 June, column 119, on uranium and plutonium, if he will set out the reasons relating to each set of nuclear materials requirements, a-e, why he will not make it his policy to publish them in subsequent defence estimates.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The reason in each case is that it would not be in the national interest.

  Sirius Hull Design
  Mr. Woodcock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the inquiry into the Sirius hull design has been completed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Younger
  In November 1986 I commissioned Lloyd's Register of Shipping to undertake a special inquiry into claims that the Sirius concept developed by Thornycroft, Giles and Associates could be the basis for destroyer and frigate designs offering cost and other advantages over conventional designs. Investigation of these claims had been urged by an unofficial committee chaired by Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton.

  I have today placed in the Library of the House copies of the report of the inquiry, which was led by Mr. R. H. MacLeod. The work has been professional, thorough and impartial, and especial care has been taken to give Thornycroft, Giles and Associates full opportunity both to give evidence and to comment on the report before publication. The report's main conclusion is that, for the Royal Navy's stated requirements in the destroyer and frigate roles, vessels based on the Sirius concept would cost more than conventional designs like the Type 23, without offering commensurate advantage in other ways. I accept this outcome.

  The report was not required, and does not seek, to comment on the possible use of the Sirius concept in other applications.

  Royal Ordnance plc (Agreement)
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when, pursuant to his answer of 28 June,Official Report, column 232, he expects to announce his decision regarding the agreement between his Department and British Aerospace for the supply by Royal Ordnance of explosives and propellants; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) why he has not hitherto been prepared to implement the heads of agreement signed between his Department and British Aerospace in April 1987 concerning the establishment of an agreement with Royal Ordnance plc for the supply of explosives, propellants and related products;

  (2) whether it remains his policy to invest £12 million in assisting Royal Ordnance plc with its productivity improvement programme, as envisaged in the heads of agreement for the supply of explosives, propellants and related products signed in April 1987.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on negotiations between his Department and Royal Ordnance plc over an EP (REP) agreement to supply explosives and propellants.

  Mr. Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he anticipates completing the explosives and propellants and related end product agreement with Royal Ordnance; and if he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the position regarding the award to Royal Ordnance of an EP(REP) agreement.
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  Mr. Sainsbury
  [pursuant to his replies, 28 June 1988, c. 105 and 7 July 1988, c. 703.]: I can now advise the House that subject to final contract negotiations an agreement has been reached with Royal Ordnance plc under which the company will supply some 80 per cent, of the Ministry's requirements for specified explosives, propellants and ammunition at annually reducing prices for the period to 31 March 1993. The cumulative value of the contracts under the agreement is of the order of £400 million and represents something under 50 per cent, of the Ministry's anticipated requirements for ammunition, mines and explosives over the period concerned.

  The undertaking to enter into discussion of a long-term contract of this nature was disclosed to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 2 April 1987 in relation to his announcement of the sale of Royal Ordnance plc to British Aerospace. We are satisfied that the prices negotiated under the arrangement, which also subsume the £12 million investment referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Mrs. Winterton) represent good value for money for the taxpayer as well as ensuring continuation of supply of these important stores to the armed services.

  The new agreement, which will take effect from 1 April this year, will terminate the current agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Royal Ordanance plc for the exclusive supply of most explosives and propellants also referred to by my right hon. Friend on 2 April 1987. This measure, together with the substantial proportion of Ministry of Defence requirements not covered by the new agreement, should be of assistance to other companies seeking to develop their capabilities in this sector of the market.

  Greenham Common
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on allegations of strip searching at Greenham Common.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My predecessor wrote to the hon. Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Mr. Pendry) on 19 July explaining the circumstances of the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and Mailing (Sir J. Stanley) on 24 May 1984. A copy of his letter was placed in the Library on 21 July; the text is as follows:"John Wakeham promised on Thursday 7 July that a Defence Minister would be writing to you about the Point of Order that you raised on 6 July concerning the Answer 'no such strip searches have been carried out at RAF Greenham Common' given by my predecessor John Stanley on 24 May 1984.
  Prior to 1 January 1986 (when the relevant provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act came into effect), i.e. at the time of the alleged incident involving Ms. Mann-Cairns and at the time your original question was answered, there was no formal definition of a 'strip-search', personal searches being undertaken according to the judgment of the police officer concerned, as to what was reasonably necessary, and on the basis of common law and relevant statutory provisions. However, at that time, MOD would have taken the expression 'strip-search' to mean a requirement to remove all clothing including underclothing. A requirement to remove all clothing other than underclothing would not have been taken to constitute a 'strip-search'.
  The Answer given by John Stanley to your original question was based on the outcome of an investigation by the MOD Police into a specific allegation that women had been strip-searched at RAF Greenham Common. That investigation had found no evidence to support the allegation and I

  353
  consider that, on the basis of the understanding of the term at that time and of all the available information, your question was properly and correctly answered.
  I should add that the Crown's agreement to settle in Ms. Mann-Cairns' recent case in the Newbury Crown Court resulted from the fact that, due to the emigration of a key police witness, the defence was not in a position to bring evidence to refute evidence given on oath by the plaintiff of facts which were a possible indication of liability. We therefore agreed to a settlement by way of a "judgment by consent". That, however, does not amount to an admission by the Ministry of Defence of any of the allegations made against it and the settlement does not imply acceptance by the MOD that Ms. Mann-Cairns had been strip-searched.
  I am sending a copy of this letter to John Wakeham and Frank Dobson."

  As the letter explained, at the material time, so far as the Ministry of Defence was concerned, the term "strip search" meant a requirement to remove all clothing. To the best of our knowledge, the practice at the time did not include a requirement to remove underclothing and the inquiries of my right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and Mailing discovered no evidence that such strip searches had taken place. On the basis of the understanding of the term and all the available evidence, the hon. Member for Stalybridge and Hyde's question was correctly and properly answered.

  In the case of Ms. Mann-Cairns, I have since received a copy of a letter from the hon. Member for Stalybridge and Hyde in which he says that he does not accept that the recent judgment at Newbury County Court means anything other than that his former constituent was strip-searched. I have today replied to him, and the following is the text of my letter:
  "Thank you for sending me a copy of your letter of 26 July to John Wakeham. It falls to me to reply.
  I cannot accept your view that the recent judgment at Newbury County Court means that your former constituent was strip searched. She herself did not claim that she was required to remove all her clothing, including underclothing, as would have constituted a strip search as the term was understood at the time, nor did the judgment of the Newbury County Court imply that this had been the case. We did take the view that there appeared to have been procedural errors during her arrest and that, on the basis of the evidence now available, the balance of probability lay in favour of Ms. Mann-Cairns having been required unlawfully to remove her clothing down to her underpants.
  You say that the evidence of WPC Ford, who had emigrated between the time of the incident and the case coming to court, supported Ms. Mann-Cairns' contention that strip searches took place. In her statement given in December 1984, WPC Ford estimated that she had carried out about 750 personal searches. However, she stated that she would ask the women being searched to remove their clothing 'up to their underwear'. Nakedness was not, of course, required by the Ministry of Defence Police conducting the search. She could not recall the events of the night when Ms. Mann-Cairns was arrested, but she concluded that this particular duty was routine. She added that, as many did not wear underwear, they would be naked in the search room.
  I should like to take this opportunity of offering your former constituent an apology for the treatment to which she was subjected and the distress which the circumstances of her arrest must have caused her. She has of course received damages consequent upon a Consent Order to that effect given in Newbury County Court.
  I am copying this letter to John Wakeham, Ian Stewart, Sir John Stanley and Frank Dobson."

  I should also make clear that the present practice of the Ministry of Defence Police in searching persons in police custody follows the same requirements as are imposed on other police forces in England and Wales by the Police ana Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Section 54(6) of the Act is the authority for searching a person in police custody
  354
  "to the extent that the custody officer considers necessary".

  A "strip-search" is now defined in the Home Office codes for the detention, treatment and questioning of persons by police officers which were issued under section 66 of the Act, and which took effect on 1 January 1986, as a
  "search involving the removal of more than outer clothing".
  The custody officer, who will normally be a police sergeant, is required to inform the person of the reason for the search and to record the reason for all personal searches and their results in the custody record. Guidance is available to all MOD police officers who each have a personal copy of the Home Office codes of practice, and in detailed instructions based on the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 set out in force standing orders which are distributed to every MOD police station.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Child Health
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what plans he has to improve the information available on child health by computerising information about surveillance and preventive procedures on the lines of the standard child health system developed by the National Health Service computing committee; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what plans he has to ensure that systems of computerised information about child health surveillance and preventive procedures become compatible throughout the country within the next 10 years.

  Mrs. Currie
  Computer-based systems for child health have been available to health authorities in England since the late 1960s. The first such were provided by local authorities, but from the early to mid-1970s health authorities began to develop their own requirements. The main purpose is to provide call and recall systems for vaccination and immunisation, and statistical information useful for epidemiological research into population drift, epidemics and so on. Facilities more recently offered include provision of pre-school developmental assessment, full screening for school children, for example, rubella, sight, hearing, dental fitness and so on, and more sophisticated statistics packages for management and epidemiological purposes.

  The main recent development has been the national child health computer system, originally funded by DHSS and Welsh Office, as one of the major elements in the standard systems programme. It is now administered by a consortium of user authorities and the development work is undertaken by the Welsh Health Computer Services Agency and the South Western regional health authority on behalf of the users in England and Wales.

  It is in use in some 132 health districts in 11 English health regions, and in nine districts in Wales, with others indicating their interest. The cost to each health authority taking the system is around £3,500 per annum to include support and software updates. Although originally developed for use on ICL equipment (hence it has been limited to those health regions with a traditional ICL expertise), a recent development, in collaboration with South Western RHA, has been to produce some software to allow health authorities with DEC/MUMPS equipment to make use of the system. There are also facilities to allow a wider range of other computer equipment to be connected to the system, thus expanding its potential

  355
  marketability to virtually every health authority. The system has also attracted much interest from overseas health services.

  Decisions about the introduction of computer systems are matters for individual health authorities to determine within their own priorities and resources, However, the Department is exploring with health authorities the best way to achieve integrated community health care information systems, using recently available computing technologies, but building on the infrastructure created via the national child health computer system. This may fairly be describe as a success story in the history of NHS computing development.

  AIDS (Needle Exchange)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the effect of the 15 pilot needle exchange schemes set up in 1987 to counter the spread of AIDS; whether he intends to extend this scheme; and whether he intends to include the free supply of condoms to intravenous drug abusers.

  Mrs. Currie
  Our view of the benefits of the pilot needle exchange schemes was given in the reply of my right hon. Friend on 11 July to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang) at column 57. I understand that the majority of these schemes have condoms available for supply free of charge to injecting drug misusers.

  Abortion
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the implications for his policy on abortion of the rise in the number of abortions shown in the 1987 abortion statistics.

  Mrs. Currie
  Like their predecessors of both parties this Government do not take a collective view about abortion beyond ensuring that the law is properly applied.

  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will list the numbers of non-National Health Service abortions performed under agency arrangements on National Health Service patients resident in each regional health authority and in each district health authority in England and Wales in 1987, and the estimated numbers of women aged 15 to 44 years resident in each regional health authority and district health authority in England and Wales in mid-1987.

  Mrs. Currie
  The available information is given in the table. Population estimates for regional and district health authorities by sex and age have not yet been computed for mid-1987.

  Number of notifications of abortions carried out under the Abortion Act 1967, non-National Health Service 'Agency'1 by Regional Health Authority and District Health Authority of usual residence, residents of England and Wales

  England and Wales 1987

  Of which non-National Health Service agency1

  England and Wales

  8,041

  England

  8,029

  Wales

  12

  356

  Of which non-National Health Service agency1

  Northern Regional Health Authority

  1

  Hartlepool District Health Authority

  —

  North Tees District Health Authority

  —

  South Tees District Health Authority

  —

  East Cumbria District Health Authority

  1

  South Cumbria District Health Authority

  —

  West Cumbria District Health Authority

  —

  Darlington District Health Authority

  —

  Durham District Health Authority

  —

  North West Durham District Health Authority

  —

  South West Durham District Health Authority

  —

  Northumberland District Health Authority

  —

  Gateshead District Health Authority

  —

  Newcastle District Health Authority

  —

  North Tyneside District Health Authority

  —

  South Tyneside District Health Authority

  —

  Sunderland District Health Authority

  —

  Yorkshire Regional Health Authority

  483

  Hull District Health Authority

  —

  East Yorkshire District Health Authority

  —

  Grimsby District Health Authority

  —

  Scunthorpe District Health Authority

  4

  Northallerton District Health Authority

  —

  York District Health Authority

  2

  Scarborough District Health Authority

  —

  Harrogate District Health Authority

  —

  Bradford District Health Authority

  1

  Airedale District Health Authority

  —

  Calderdale District Health Authority

  4

  Huddersfield District Health Authority

  264

  Dewsbury District Health Authority

  206

  Leeds Western District Health Authority

  —

  Leeds Eastern District Health Authority

  —

  Wakefield District Health Authority

  —

  Pontefract District Health Authority

  2

  Trent Regional Health Authority

  214

  North Derbyshire District Health Authority

  —

  Southern Derbyshire District Health Authority

  1

  Leicestershire District Health Authority

  68

  North Lincolnshire District Health Authority

  2

  South Lincolnshire District Health Authority

  —

  Bassetlaw District Health Authority

  4

  Central Nottinghamshire District Health Authority

  1

  Nottingham District Health Authority

  2

  Barnsley District Health Authority

  6

  Doncaster District Health Authority

  128

  Rotherham District Health Authority

  2

  Sheffield District Health Authority

  —

  East Anglian Regional Health Authority

  3

  Cambridge District Health Authority

  2

  Peterborough District Health Authority

  —

  West Suffolk District Health Authority

  —

  East Suffolk District Health Authority

  —

  Norwich District Health Authority

  —

  Great Yarmouth and Waveney District Health Authority

  —

  West Norfolk and Wisbech District Health Authority

  1

  Huntingdon District Health Authority

  —

  North West Thames Regional Health Authority

  999

  North Bedfordshire District Health Authority

  2

  South Bedfordshire District Health Authority

  1

  North Hertfordshire District Health Authority

  2

  East Hertfordshire District Health Authority

  3

  North West Hertfordshire District Health Authority

  2

  South West Hertfordshire District Health Authority

  1

  Barnet District Health Authority

  6

  Harrow District Health Authority

  52

  Hillingdon District Health Authority

  —

  Hounslow and Spelthorne District Health Authority

  3

  357

  Of which non-National Health Service agency1

  Ealing District Health Authority

  7

  Brent District Health Authority

  908

  Paddington and North Kensington District Health Authority

  5

  Riverside District Health Authority

  7

  North East Thames Regional Health Authority

  44

  Basildon and Thurrock District Health Authority

  —

  Mid Essex District Health Authority

  —

  North East Essex District Health Authority

  —

  West Essex District Health Authority

  2

  Southend District Health Authority

  —

  Barking, Havering and Brentwood District Health Authority

  —

  Hampstead District Health Authority

  6

  Bloomsbury District Health Authority

  8

  Islington District Health Authority

  10

  City and Hackney District Health Authority

  4

  Newham District Health Authority

  1

  Tower Hamlets District Health Authority

  —

  Enfield District Health Authority

  3

  Haringey District Health Authority

  7

  Redbridge District Health Authority

  —

  Waltham Forest District Health Authority

  3

  South East Thames Regional Health Authority

  240

  Brighton District Health Authority

  —

  Eastbourne District Health Authority

  —

  Hastings District Health Authority

  —

  South East Kent District Health Authority

  1

  Canterbury and Thanet District Health Authority

  —

  Dartford and Gravesham District Health Authority

  1

  Maidstone District Health Authority

  1

  Medway District Health Authority

  1

  Tunbridge Wells District Health Authority

  —

  Bexley District Health Authority

  2

  Greenwich District Health Authority

  3

  Bromley District Health Authority

  4

  West Lambeth District Health Authority

  204

  Camberwell District Health Authority

  17

  Lewisham and North Southwark District Health Authority

  6

  South West Thames Regional Health Authority

  54

  North West Surrey District Health Authority

  1

  West Surrey and North East Hampshire District Health Authority

  5

  South West Surrey District Health Authority

  1

  Mid Surrey District Health Authority

  —

  East Surrey District Health Authority

  1

  Chichester District Health Authority

  2

  Mid Downs District Health Authority

  —

  Worthing District Health Authority

  —

  Croydon District Health Authority

  4

  Kingston and Esher District Health Authority

  3

  Richmond, Twickenham and Roehampton District Health Authority

  5

  Wandsworth District Health Authority

  28

  Merton and Sutton District Health Authority

  4

  Wessex Regional Health Authority

  611

  East Dorset District Health Authority

  163

  West Dorset District Health Authority

  43

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire District Health Authority

  59

  Southampton and South West Hampshire District Health Authority

  45

  Winchester District Health Authority

  46

  Basingstoke and North Hampshire District Health Authority

  64

  Salisbury District Health Authority

  29

  Swindon District Health Authority

  47

  Bath District Health Authority

  99

  Isle of Wight District Health Authority

  16

  358

  Of which non-National Health Service agency1

  Oxford Regional Health Authority

  158

  East Berkshire District Health Authority

  4

  West Berkshire District Health Authority

  3

  Aylesbury Vale District Health Authority

  2

  Wycombe District Health Authority

  2

  Milton Keynes District Health Authority

  135

  Nottinghamshire District Health Authority

  7

  Oxfordshire District Health Authority

  2

  South Western Regional Health Authority

  50

  Bristol and Weston District Health Authority

  9

  Frenchay District Health Authority

  7

  Southmead District Health Authority

  16

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly District Health Authority

  —

  Exeter District Health Authority

  3

  North Devon District Health Authority

  —

  Plymouth District Health Authority

  2

  Torbay District Health Authority

  2

  Cheltenham and District District Health Authority

  5

  Gloucester District Health Authority

  —

  Somerset District Health Authority

  6

  West Midlands Regional Health Authority

  5,168

  Bromsgrove and Redditch District Health Authority

  11

  Herefordshire District Health Authority

  2

  Kidderminster and District District Health Authority

  —

  Worcester and District District Health Authority

  4

  Shropshire District Health Authority

  5

  Mid Staffordshire District Health Authority

  14

  North Staffordshire District Health Authority

  —

  South East Staffordshire District Health Authority

  4

  Rugby District Health Authority

  210

  Kettering District Health Authority

  3

  North Warwickshire District Health Authority

  382

  South Warwickshire District Health Authority

  566

  Central Birmingham District Health Authority

  321

  East Birmingham District Health Authority

  315

  North Birmingham District Health Authority

  159

  South Birmingham District Health Authority

  354

  West Birmingham District Health Authority

  571

  Coventry District Health Authority

  828

  Dudley District Health Authority

  423

  Sandwell District Health Authority

  537

  Solihull District Health Authority

  122

  Walsall District Health Authorituy

  7

  Wolverhampton District Health Authority

  333

  Mersey Regional Health Authority

  2

  Chester District Health Authority

  —

  Crewe District Health Authority

  —

  Halton District Health Authority

  1

  Macclesfield District Health Authority

  —

  Warrington District Health Authority

  —

  Liverpool District Health Authority

  1

  St. Helens and Knowsley District Health Authority

  —

  Southport and Formby District Health Authority

  —

  South Sefton District Health Authority

  —

  Wirral District Health Authority

  —

  North Western Regional Health Authority

  2

  Lancaster District Health Authority

  —

  Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde District Health Authority

  —

  Preston District Health Authority

  —

  Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley District Health Authority

  —

  Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale District Health Authority

  —

  West Lancashire District Health Authority

  —

  359

  Of which non-National Health Service agency1

  Chorley and South Ribble District Health Authority

  —

  Bolton District Health Authority

  —

  Bury District Health Authority

  —

  North Manchester District Health Authority

  —

  Central Manchester District Health Authority

  —

  South Manchester District Health Authority

  —

  Oldham District Health Authority

  —

  Rochdale District Health Authority

  2

  Salford District Health Authority

  —

  Stockport District Health Authority

  —

  Tameside and Glossop District Health Authority

  —

  Trafford District Health Authority

  —

  Wigan District Health Authority

  —

  Wales

  12

  Clwyd District Health Authority

  —

  East Dyfed District Health Authority

  —

  Pembrokeshire District Health Authority

  1

  Gwent District Health Authority

  4

  Gwynedd District Health Authority

  —

  Mid Glamorgan District Health Authority

  6

  Powys District Health Authority

  —

  South Glamorgan District Health Authority

  1

  West Glamorgan District Health Authority

  —

  1 Operations carried out under 'Agency' arrangements in non-National Health Service premises on National Health Service patients.

  Nurses (Leicestershire)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many nurses have left the Leicestershire health district under retirement age in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that the information is not held centrally. The hon. Member may therefore wish to contact the chairman of the Leicestershire district health authority.

  Health Authorities (Resources)
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has given to health authorities over the past 12 months regarding the efficient use of resources.

  Mrs. Currie
  Ministers and the National Health Service Management Board are committed to ensuring that health authorities continue to improve the efficiency with which they manage and provide services so as to maximise the resources available for patient care. This objective has most recently been reinforced in the 1989–90 planning guidelines (Circular HC(88) 43), which was issued to authorities on 19 July. A copy has been placed in the Library.

  The guidelines highlight a number of ways in which health authorities could seek to improve their use of resources. The provision of advice is, however, a continuous process, and more detailed information has been given to authorities through the year on areas of particular potential for improving efficiency, on ways of structuring value for money initiatives, and general good practice.

  Hospitals (Derby)
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the maximum number of in-patients treated at any one-time during each of the past five years at Kingsway hospital, Derby; and what is the overall in-patient capacity of that hospital;

  (2) what is the maximum number of in-patients treated at any one time during each of the past five years at Pastures hospital, Derby; and what is the overall capacity of that hospital;

  (3) what is the maximum number of in-patients treated at any one time during each of the past five years at the Manor hospital in Derby; and what is the overall in-patient capacity of that hospital.

  Mrs. Currie
  The available information is given in the table. In 1968 the daily average number of occupied beds for Kingsway, Pastures and Manor hospitals was 715·2, 971·9 and 368·8 respectively. Details of the maximum number of patients treated at any one time is not available centrally, and my hon. Friend may wish to write to the chairman of the Southern Derbyshire district health authority who may be able to supply this information.

  The Manor hospital closed in May 1988 with patients being transferred mainly to new or upgraded facilities at the Derbyshire royal infirmary and Ilkeston community hospital.

  In-patient activity for Kingsway, Pastures and Manor Hospitals for the years 1982 to 1986

  Year

  Daily average number of available beds

  Daily average number of occupied beds

  Discharges and deaths

  Kingsway hospital

  1982

  480·0

  449·6

  794

  1983

  470·8

  419·8

  804

  1984

  440·5

  302·7

  762

  1985

  431·0

  319·4

  756

  1986

  405·0

  343·5

  995

  The Pastures hospital

  1982

  725·4

  629·2

  1,019

  1983

  720·5

  596·1

  1,012

  1984

  655·2

  583·7

  1,047

  1985

  672·2

  570·3

  1,107

  1986

  651·7

  539·6

  1,023

  The Manor hospital

  1982

  276·4

  244·8

  1,398

  1983

  276·1

  238·0

  1,725

  1984

  262·7

  224·3

  1,753

  1985

  245·9

  226·2

  1,645

  1986

  266·5

  233·8

  1,897

  Income Support
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make estrangement from home and family sufficient grounds for a young person to qualify for income support;

  (2) what discretion is given to local offices to pay benefit to 17-year-olds forced to live away from home as a result of sexual abuse and unable to undertake a YTS placement as a result of psychological problems;

  (3) what provision is made for young persons to receive benefit where they have been thrown out of their homes by their parents;

  (4) what are the criteria under which a 17-year-old made homeless is entitled to income supplement.
  361
  Mr. Scott
  I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the situation after 12 September when young people aged under 18 will no longer be eligible for income support, except in prescribed circumstances.

  Income support will continue for those who are estranged from their parents and who are in full-time education, and also for those who are (either physically or psychologically) so ill or so disabled that they will not be capable of work or training under the Youth Training Scheme within a year.

  Income support will be payable for a period—from 12 September to the end of the year for summer school leavers and for 12 weeks after child benefit normally ends for Christmas and Easter leavers—to young people living away from home because of the risk of physical or sexual abuse, those who are in care or prison immediately before their 16th birthday and those who entered accommodation away from home as part of a programme of rehabilitation or resettlement under the guidance of social services or the probabtion service. Such young people will have to be registered for a job or for the Youth Training Scheme. In addition, income support may be payable at the direction of the Secretary of State where failure to pay would cause severe hardship.

  A young person who is estranged from his parents but is not continuing in full-time education will not qualify for income support on grounds of estrangement alone; benefit will depend on his being in one of the eligible categories described above. Similarly a 16 or 17-year-old who is homeless or who has been thrown out by his parents will not receive benefit unless he is in one of the eligible groups.

  Foetuses (Research)
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the composition and terms of reference of the committee set up to review the code of practice on the use of foetuses and foetal material for research; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The committee is chaired by the Rev. Dr. J. Polkinghorne, FRS, Dean of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and its membership comprises Sir Raymond Hoffenberg, president of the Royal College of Physicians of London, Professor Ian Kennedy, professor of medical law and ethics, King's college London and Dr. Sally Macintyre, director MRC medical sociology unit, university of Glasgow.

  Its terms of reference are:
  In the light of recent developments in the field of human tissue transplantation, and other relevant medical research, to review the Report of the Advisory Group on the Use of Foetuses and Foetal Material for Research (the "Peel Report"), and in particular to consider whether any modifications or additions should be made to the Recommended Code of Practice in that Report.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the latest estimated income of the national insurance fund from national insurance contributions in the current financial year, the income which would accrue if the upper earnings limit on all contributions was removed and the income which would be lost in each case if (a) the contributions rate for single persons was reduced to 5·5 per cent., (b) the rate for married persons was dropped to 4 per cent., (c) £3,000 were deducted from
  362
  earned income for contribution purposes, rising to £6,000 for a contributor with a non-earning spouse and (d) if the reductions in (a) to (c) were in operation at the same time;

  (2) whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for those below and those above pensionable age the estimated number of earned incomes subject to employers' national insurance contributions in steps of £1,000 between £15,000 and £25,000 and in £5,000 steps thereafter, showing single persons and one-earner and two-earner married couples together with the amount collected;

  (3) whether he will bring up to date for the current financial year the information given in his answer of 10 December 1986, Official Report, column 204, to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby concerning the distribution of incomes and national insurance contributions, adding (a) the saving on the abolition of the reduced rate contribution and (b) the numbers contracted-in and contracted-out together with their contributions;

  (4) whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for those contracted in and for those contracted out, the national insurance contributions rates, including the class 2 and class 4 contributions and the reduced rate, in 1988–89, together with (a) the total number in each category, their sex and their marital status and (b) the aggregate contributions in each category and the earnings to which they relate;

  (5) what is the current reduced rate of national insurance contributions for (a) married women and (b) widows; how many are still paying contributions at this rate; what is his forecast for 1990–91; how many would otherwise be paying at the rate of 5 per cent, and 7 per cent.; and what is the estimated cost to the national insurance fund in the current financial year in each case;

  (6) what has been the increase in the number and annual value of national insurance contributions since 1986 as a result of the reduction in unemployment; and what is the division between full-time and part-time employment;

  (7) whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the number of nationally insured male and female workers in manufacturing and non-manufacturing, respectively, together with his estimate of average earnings in each case in 1987–88 and his forecast for 1988–89.

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

  Körner Exercise
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list the collections of statistical data which will become regularly available as a result of the Körner exercise giving in each case(a) the date on which the first collection was made available or the estimated date on which it will become available and (b) the regularity with which the updated statistics will be made available and the points in the year at which he expects this to happen;

  (2) if he will list the collections of statistical data which will no longer be available as a result of the Körner exercise, identifying in each case the information which will be made available instead.

  Mrs. Currie
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1987,Official Report, column 139–40, why the list of hospital closures included in deposited paper 3399 does not include Barrowmare hospital, Chester, Davenham hospital, Norwich; Princess Mary's hospital, Margate, Dover eye unit; Liverpool psychiatric day hospital, Pemberton day hospital, together with others listed in the answer to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras on 8 December 1986, Official Report, columns 49–64.

  Mrs. Currie
  The bulk of facilities listed in the answer of 8 December 1986 but not included in deposited paper 3399, were day or out-patient facilities with no loss of beds, including the Liverpool and Pemberton day units. Barrowmore hospital, Chester and Davenham hospital, Northwich were both omitted in error and Princess Mary's hospital, Margate and Dover eye unit were proposed changes of use, not closures and should be deleted from the 1986 list.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1987,Official Report, column 139–40 relating to information on hospital closures deposited in the Library, he will give the address and main specialty of (a) Harnwood hospital, Wiltshire, (b) St. Mary's hospital, Oxfordshire, (c) Westbury maternity hospital, Milton Keynes, (d) Greenham hospital, Plymouth, (e) Tadley hospital, Chester, (f) Heswall hospital, Liverpool, (g) Crossley (West) hospital, Holton, (h) Hawscroft free discharge clinic, Bolton (i) Ashton on Mersey hospital, Trafford, and (j) Delaunays hospital, North Manchester.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information requested is as follows:

  Specialty

  (a)

  Salisbury General Hospital, Harnwood Branch, Salisbury, Wilts.

  Long stay mental illness

  (b)

  Wantage Road, Wallingford, Oxon

  Geriatric

  (c)

  Wolverton Road, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8HY

  Maternity

  (d)

  Greenbank, Plymouth

  Acute medical/surgical

  (e)

  Tabley Superior, Knutsford, Cheshire

  Mental handicap

  (f)

  Telegraph Road, Heswell, Wirral

  Children's hospital

  (g)

  Kingswood, Warrington

  Psychiatric

  (h)

  Havercroft Unit, Victoria Road, Bolton, BL1 5AU

  Mental illness rehabilitation

  (i)

  Sandiway Road, Sale, near Manchester

  Geriatric

  (j)

  Delaunays Road, Manchester, M8 6RB

  Geriatric

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1987,Official Report, columns 139–40 relating to information on hospital closures deposited in the Library, he will give (a) the month in which St. Mary's, Newham in City and East London area health authority was approved for closure in 1981 and (b) the month in 1986 in which; (a) Brunswick house, North East Essex and (ii) Dagenham hospital, Redbridge were approved for closure.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) October

  (i) September, (ii) October

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  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will place in the Library a list of hospital closures for 1987 as set out for previous years in deposited paper 3399.

  Mrs. Currie
  Information on hospital facilities involving the closure of beds approved for closure in 1987 is currently being collated and will be available shortly. I will inform the hon. Member when I am in a position to place a table in the Library as he has requested.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1987,Official Report, columns 139–40 relating to information on hospital closure deposited in the Library, he will give the address of the Garrett Anderson maternity home in Camden and Islington area health authority.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Garrett Anderson maternity home, which was approved for closure in September 1979, was situated at 40 Belsize Grove, London NW3 4TS.

  Homeless Persons
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what support is given under the new regulation to young people made homeless, with no priority for crisis loans, during the two weeks they must wait for an arrears payment.

  Mr. Scott
  Young homeless people can apply for a social fund crisis loan. A social fund officer must decide whether a crisis loan is the only means of preventing serious risk to the health and safety of an applicant. Relative priority is not a condition generally applied to applications for crisis loans.

  Unemployed people do not necessarily have to wait two weeks for their first payment of income support as benefit for each day since the date of claim can be paid in the first week. Such payments can include a full week's board and lodging charge where this falls due in the part-week.

  Listeriosis
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of listeriosis were notified in 1987; in how many of these deaths occurred; and if he will list the number of cases of listeriosis notified to the Government for the previous three years.

  Mrs. Currie
  Listeriosis is not a notifiable disease under either the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 or the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1968.

  In 1987, there were 17 deaths at ages 28 days and over registered in England and Wales where the underlying cause of death was assigned as listeriosis (international classification of diseases ICD 9th revision 027.0). There were a further three deaths occurring in the neonatal period (first 28 days of life) where congenital listeriosis (ICD (9) 771.2 (part)) was mentioned on the death certificate.

  St. James Hospital, West Norfolk
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to the answer of 8 December 1987,Official Report, columns 139–40, relating to information on hospital closures deposited in the Library, he will give the month and year in which St. James hospital in west Norfolk and Wisbech health authority was approved for closure.
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  Mrs. Currie
  The hospital referred to was formally approved for closure in May 1978 but did not finally close until September 1986 when phase II of the new Queen Elizabeth hospital opened.

  Infant Feeding
  Dame Jill Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects publication of the report on the infant feeding survey by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The report of the third survey of infant feeding practice, "Infant Feeding 1985", produced by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) is being published today. We welcome this report. This scientific survey of infant feeding practice is part of the Government's continuous monitoring of the health of the population. It is unique to this country, and produces valuable evidence for health professionals.

  Key points in the report are:
  No improvement in breast feeding "starts" between 1980 and 1985, with some decline among particular groups of mothers; overall, 65 per cent, down to 64 per cent. Some decline amongst particular groups of mothers; among mothers of first babies, 74 per cent, to 69 per cent.; and among such mothers who left school aged 16 or less, 65 per cent, to 58 per cent.
  Little change in duration of breast feeding since 1980. Only half of all babies are breast-fed for as long as two weeks; only a quarter of four months or more.

  Highest incidence of breast feeding is among mothers of first babies:

  in higher social classes;

  educated beyond 18;

  living in London and South-east;

  on maternity leave.

  There is no evidence to show that mothers who return to paid employment six weeks after the birth are any less likely to begin breast feeding than mothers not in paid employment.

  Although breast feeding may have reached its maximum among higher social class mothers at around 85 per cent., there is ample scope to encourage other mothers but they will need advice and support.

  Giving infant formula in the first week is associated with ceasing to breast feed within two weeks.

  Mothers likely to stop breast feeding early are those who do not put the baby to breast within the first few hours of life.

  The surveys also provide the factual basis for the reports from the chief medical officer's Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA). The COMA report based on this survey and entitled "Present day practice in Infant Feeding: Third Report" was published in February.

  Carers National Association
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will be providing grant aid to the newly formed Carers National Association; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The merger of the Association of Carers and the National Council for Carers and their Elderly Dependents was effected on 14 May 1988 with the creation of the Carers National Association. We have today approved the award of a grant of £77,000 to the new organisation in the current financial year.
  366
  The Government have consistently recognised the essential work of carers in looking after disabled people at home, and have supported the proposals for a single national body to take a stronger lead in representing their interests to Government, and to assist and advise their members throughout the country.

  We are particularly keen to see the development of support networks and groups, set up by carers and those working with them, and hope to see more of them in future.

  Discretionary Payments
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, what criteria in respect of discretionary payments are used to define severe hardship; and what guidelines are issued to his Department's local offices.

  Mr. Scott
  An announcement will be made in due course.

  Young Persons (Severe Hardship)
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines he has issued regarding the cases to which severe hardship applies, according to the new rules, to young people aged 16 and 17 years.

  Mr. Scott
  The announcement will be made in due course.

  Hospital Research
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take, inthe light of the published results of the research work of Shortell and Hughes, concerning the consequences of competitive economic pressures on hospitals, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 15 July 1988]: I have noted the contents of the article by Shortell and Hughes published in the New England Journal of Medicine on 28 April. It is often difficult to draw direct lessons from overseas experience with health care markets; especially if, as in this case, the hospital markets concerned and the forms of Government regulation studied have no immediate parallel in this country.

  Nurses' Pay
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the data on which he based his allocation to Trent regional health authority of additional resources to meet the full cost of the nurses' pay award; what representations he has received on the adequacy of the sum allocated; what changes there have been to those data; if he will meet the chairman of the regional health authority to discuss the funding of the pay award; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 18 July 1988]: Health authorities generally have welcomed this year's review body pay awards and the additional funds made available. Both have been discussed in the course of the regular meetings Ministers have with regional chairmen.

  The additional sums provided were to meet the cost of the recommendations made by the pay review bodies for nurses and midwives, doctors and dentists and the

  367
  professions allied to medicine. The sum available to regional health authorities has been allocated in proportion to their 1988–89 initial revenue cash limits and in the form of a single cash limit adjustment. Trent regional health authority's share of this extra funding was £43·1 million.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has of the possible shortfall in funding of the nurses' pay award in the North Western regional health authority as a result of the distribution of the sums allocated by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 18 July 1988]: The clinical regrading exercise, which forms a major part of this year's pay award to nurses and midwives, will not be completed until 31 October. It is too early to predict the final outcome for any individual health authority.

  Community Care
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to make his response to the Griffiths report on community care; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: Work is in hand to take forward consideration of Sir Roy Griffiths' recommendations. The Government will bring forward their own proposals in due course.

  Social Work Qualification
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will meet the director of the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work to discuss the rejection of its plans for a three-year social work qualification.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: My right hon. Friend the then Minister for Health had already met the chairman and director of the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work and discussed the
  368
  Government's decision not to fund three-year qualifying training. The Government's objectives of better-trained social workers are reflected in the recent announcement about the extra provision to CCETSW of up to £1 million this year to improve planning and co-operation between the colleges and employers and to review teaching standards.

  We feel that more in-service training directed at a substantial number of key staff in the field will more rapidly achieve its purpose than a further year of initial training. Hence the introduction this year of a £10 million training support grant (including £7 million funding from the Department of Health) for local authority staff working with elderly people and the proposed introduction next year of a £10 million training support grant for staff working in the child care field.

  Trasidrex
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make further inquiries into the drug Trasidrex with respect to its association with bronchospasm and dyspnoea; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Reports of suspected adverse reactions to all drugs marketed in the United Kingdom, including Trasidrex, are routinely monitored by the Committee on Safety of Medicines. As my right hon. Friend's reply on 12 July, at column 152, made clear, appropriate warnings concerning bronchospasm already appear in the manufacturer's data sheet for Trasidrex. We are not aware of any grounds for further inquiries.

  Benefits
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many men and how many women were receiving invalidity benefit and severe disability allowance at the latest date for which figures are available.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 15 July, at column 389.

  DEFENCE EXPENDITURE
  DEFENCE EXPENDITURE
  FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL, 25TH JULY
  FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL, 25TH JULY
  KATYN MASSACRE
  KATYN MASSACRE
  SIRIUS HULL DESIGN CONCEPT: REPORT
  SIRIUS HULL DESIGN CONCEPT: REPORT
  MULTIPOINT VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: REPORT
  MULTIPOINT VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: REPORT
  ENGLISH ESTATES
  ENGLISH ESTATES
  EXHAUST EMISSION STANDARDS AND CAR EXPORTS
  EXHAUST EMISSION STANDARDS AND CAR EXPORTS
  EXHAUST EMISSION STANDARDS FOR SMALL CARS
  EXHAUST EMISSION STANDARDS FOR SMALL CARS
  DORSET SSSIs
  DORSET SSSIs
  SANDFORD HEATH SSSI
  SANDFORD HEATH SSSI
  LISTED BUILDINGS: PAINTING
  LISTED BUILDINGS: PAINTING
  LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT 1987, SECTIONS 41 TO 44: IMPLEMENTATION
  LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT 1987, SECTIONS 41 TO 44: IMPLEMENTATION
  LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING FINANCIAL REGIME: CONSULTATION
  LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING FINANCIAL REGIME: CONSULTATION
  HUNGERFORD SHOOTING INCIDENT: REPORT
  HUNGERFORD SHOOTING INCIDENT: REPORT
  CIVIL DEFENCE COLLEGE
  CIVIL DEFENCE COLLEGE
  SPEECH THERAPISTS
  SPEECH THERAPISTS
  DISPENSING DOCTORS
  DISPENSING DOCTORS
  RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES: INCOME SUPPORT
  RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES: INCOME SUPPORT