Written Answers of 28 July 1988

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Japanese Cars
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if Her Majesty's Government agree with the

  Import Penetration

  Ratio 1 (Imports/Home demand)

  1980 = 100

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Divisions 2–4 Manufacturing industries

  100

  106

  111

  118

  127

  131

  131

  134

  Division 2 Ores, metals, chemicals and non-fuel minerals

  100

  99

  106

  114

  128

  133

  132

  135

  Class 21 Extradition and preparation of metalliferous ores

  100

  99

  99

  98

  95

  97

  —

  —

  Class 22 Metal manufacturing

  100

  87

  98

  107

  131

  136

  139

  147

  Class 23 Extraction of minerals nes

  100

  97

  118

  126

  126

  130

  113

  109

  Class 24 Non-metallic mineral products

  100

  101

  109

  124

  138

  143

  177

  186

  Class 25 Chemical industry

  100

  108

  118

  124

  137

  142

  144

  146

  Class 26 Production of man-made fibres

  100

  106

  121

  127

  123

  127

  122

  119

  Division 3 Metal goods, engineering and vehicles

  100

  110

  117

  126

  134

  138

  138

  140

  Class 31 Metal goods nes

  100

  97

  109

  115

  126

  139

  145

  156

  Class 32 Mechanical engineering

  100

  108

  108

  111

  118

  123

  125

  131

  Class 33 Office Machinery and data processing equipment

  100

  99

  109

  111

  109

  104

  104

  96

  Class 34 Electrical and electronic engineering

  100

  117

  126

  135

  141

  151

  150

  157

  Class 35 Motor vehicles and parts

  100

  109

  121

  134

  131

  130

  133

  125

  Class 36 Other Transport Equipment

  100

  107

  104

  110

  134

  119

  119

  110

  Class 37 Instrument Engineering

  100

  112

  107

  105

  111

  109

  105

  111

  Division 4 Other manufacturing industries

  100

  107

  106

  112

  119

  120

  121

  125

  Classes 41/42 Food, drink and tobacco

  100

  102

  102

  107

  115

  115

  116

  115

  Class 43 Textile Industry

  100

  114

  115

  120

  128

  130

  132

  138

  Class 44 Leather and leather goods

  100

  105

  105

  109

  111

  121

  115

  122

  Class 45 Footwear and clothing industries

  100

  114

  113

  114

  124

  123

  123

  133

  Class 46 Timber and Wooden Furniture

  100

  105

  107

  118

  119

  112

  115

  114

  Class 47 Paper, printing and publishing

  100

  107

  102

  104

  113

  112

  111

  118

  Class 48 Processing of rubber and plastics

  100

  116

  124

  134

  139

  147

  148

  154

  Class 49 Other manufacturing industries

  100

  116

  92

  92

  95

  93

  94

  111

  Ratio 2 (Imports (Home Demand plus Exports)) 1980 = 100

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Divisions 2–4 Manufacturing industries

  100

  105

  111

  120

  127

  129

  130

  133

  Division 2 Ores, metals, chemicals and non-fuel minerals

  100

  98

  105

  112

  122

  123

  120

  122

  Class 21 Extraction and preparation of metalliferous ores

  100

  99

  98

  99

  96

  98

  —

  —

  Class 22 Metal manufacturing

  100

  85

  96

  103

  120

  123

  122

  125

  Class 23 Extraction of minerals nes

  100

  97

  137

  147

  147

  152

  134

  127

  Class 24 Non-metallic mineral products

  100

  102

  110

  126

  139

  142

  173

  182

  Class 25 Chemical industry

  100

  108

  116

  123

  132

  132

  135

  138

  Class 26 Production of man-made fibres

  100

  118

  134

  131

  127

  133

  138

  141

  Division 3 Metal goods, engineering and vehicles

  100

  108

  117

  130

  136

  138

  141

  142

  Class 31 Metal goods nes

  100

  98

  110

  117

  128

  140

  147

  158

  Class 32 Mechanical engineering

  100

  105

  108

  120

  126

  131

  134

  142

  Class 33 Office Machinery and data processing equipment

  100

  108

  116

  119

  113

  104

  106

  100

  Class 34 Electrical and electronic engineering

  100

  117

  126

  136

  142

  146

  146

  154

  Class 35 Motor vehicles and parts

  100

  107

  126

  144

  140

  140

  147

  137

  Class 36 Other Transport Equipment

  100

  97

  90

  94

  106

  104

  97

  90

  370
  proposals of the EEC Commission to curb the import of Japanese cars; if the issue will be determined by majority vote; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The Commission has not yet put forward proposals for future policy towards imports of Japanese cars into the Community. If and when it does so, the Government will study the proposals carefully.

  Imports
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if, using 1980 as the base year, he will publish an index of the degree of import penetration in each major industrial grouping for each subsequent year, using both of the ratios normally used to measure such penetration.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The information is as follows:
  371

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Class 37 Instrument Engineering

  100

  111

  108

  114

  120

  121

  118

  121

  Division 4 Other manufacturing industries

  100

  107

  107

  113

  121

  120

  122

  126

  Classes 41–42 Food, drink and tobacco

  100

  102

  102

  107

  115

  114

  116

  114

  Class 43 Textile Industry

  100

  115

  118

  126

  134

  134

  137

  143

  Class 44 Leather and leather goods

  100

  107

  105

  109

  109

  118

  114

  117

  Class 45 Footwear and clothing industries

  100

  114

  115

  116

  126

  123

  125

  133

  Class 46 Timber and Wooden Furniture

  100

  106

  108

  119

  120

  113

  117

  116

  Class 47 Paper, printing and publishing

  100

  107

  102

  105

  114

  112

  111

  118

  Class 48 Processing of rubber and plastics

  100

  116

  125

  137

  143

  150

  153

  159

  Class 49 Other manufacturing industries

  100

  117

  99

  100

  102

  99

  102

  116

  West Lancashire District Council
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what was the total amount awarded to firms in the West Lancashire district council area in regional development grants and regional selective assistance in 1987–88;

  (2) how many regional development grants and grants of regional selective assistance were made to firms in the West Lancashire district council area in 1987–88.

  Mr. Atkins
  The information requested is as follows:

  RDG1

  RSA4

  Number

  1652

  15

  Value (£ million)3

  6·1

  1·1

  1 Data are only available for the revised RDG scheme, introduced on 29 November 1984.

  2 Approvals.

  3 Amount expected to be paid if the projects proceed as planned.

  4 Offers of industrial grants.

  Manufactures
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will bring up to date the figures on direct investment in manufacturing in table 9 of the evidence submitted by Her Majesty's Government to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee on the financial and economic consequences of United Kingdom membership of the European Communities (page 25 of HC57-II Session 1984–85).

  Mr. Maude
  The available information is given in the tables:

  United Kingdom net direct investment in manufacturing in the EC1 2

  Table 9

  United Kingdom inward direct investment in manufacturing

  United Kingdom outward direct investment in manufacturing

  Net outward investment in manufacturing

  1960

  4

  21

  17

  1961

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1962

  -2

  16

  18

  1963

  4

  24

  19

  1964

  12

  22

  9

  1965

  10

  15

  6

  1966

  4

  35

  30

  1967

  37

  16

  -22

  1968

  16

  47

  32

  1969

  23

  99

  76

  1970

  38

  74

  37

  1971

  26

  191

  165

  1972

  17

  128

  111

  19733

  29

  299

  270

  1974

  28

  196

  168

  1975

  33

  118

  85

  1976

  86

  302

  217

  372

  United Kingdom inward direct investment in manufacturing

  United Kingdom outward direct investment in manufacturing

  Net outward investment in manufacturing

  1977

  109

  352

  243

  1978

  121

  326

  205

  1979

  104

  114

  11

  1980

  -91

  161

  253

  1981

  57

  443

  386

  1982

  -66

  163

  229

  1983

  201

  257

  56

  1984

  219

  305

  86

  1985

  100

  687

  587

  1986

  161

  777

  616

  1 Figures for 1960–1963 exclude oil companies.

  2 EC includes Denmark, Irish Republic, Greece, Spain and Portugal in all years.

  3 United Kingdom joined EC.

  Source: Overseas Transactions Inquiry.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the causes of the fall in the unit value of imports of finished manufactures in terms of the pound sterling in May; and what effect this has had on the volume of imports.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The type of assessment sought by the hon. Member is hardly appropriate to a movement over such a short period.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for (a) the United Kingdom, (b) West Germany, (c) Japan, (d) France, (e) Italy and (f) the United States of America information on imports of finished manufactures as a percentage to one place of decimals (i) gross product and (ii) manufacturing output in 1986 and in 1987; and if he will provide the same information for exports.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Data on international trade in finished manufactures and on manufacturing output are not available on a common basis, and no valid comparison is possible. Information on imports and exports of finished manufactures in relation to gross domestic product is in the following table:

  Trade in Finished Manufactures1 as a Proportion of Gross Domestic Product

  Per cent

  Imports

  Exports

  1986

  1987

  1986

  1987

  United Kingdom

  10·4

  10·9

  9·1

  9·7

  Federal Republic of Germany

  8·6

  8·8

  15·9

  15·1

  Japan2

  1·1

  1·3

  8·4

  7·7

  France2

  7·5

  8·2

  7·4

  7·5

  Italy2

  5·2

  5·7

  9·5

  9·2

  United States of America

  5·2

  5·5

  2·7

  2·9

  373
  1 Standard International Trade Classification Sections 7 and 8.

  2 Imports, but not exports, valued inclusive of insurance and freight charges.

  Sources: OECD, National sources.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the change in the volume of imports of finished manufactures in the latest three months; what was the average change per month for 1987; what assessment he has made of the causes of the change; and what further change he anticipates as a result of the increase in the real exchange rate for the pound sterling since the fourth quarter of 1987.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The volume of imports of finished manufactures rose by 11 per cent, between the first and second quarters of 1988. The average monthly rate in 1987 was + 1 per cent.

  There are of course many factors which may lead to a rise in import volume, such as a strong and growing economy, but no formal assessment of these various factors has been made by my Department.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his estimate of the United Kingdom share of the volume of trade in manufacturers by the main manufacturing countries in each quarter of 1986 and 1987; what is his forecast of the share in the first two quarters of the current year; and what assessment he has made of the causes of the changes in the trend.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The Department does not make such forecasts. Data for 1986 and 1987 are in the following table.

  United Kingdom volume share of main manufacturing countries' exports of manufactures

  (1980 prices)

  United Kingdom share

  Per cent.

  1986

  1

  8·8

  2

  9·2

  3

  9·0

  4

  9·7

  1987

  1

  9·6

  2

  9·4

  3

  9·6

  4

  9·6

  The figures suggest that the volume share of the United Kingdom has remained broadly stable over this period.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster by how much he expects investment by manufacturing industry in new plant and machinery to exceed allowances for depreciation in the current year; and if he will give comparable figures for each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Atkins
  No assessment has been made for the current year. 1986 is the most recent year for which figures of net domestic fixed capital formation are available. Details for the 10 years 1977–1986 are shown in the following table:374

  Net domestic fixed capital formation (NDCF) in plant and machinery hy manufacturing industry 1977–1986

  (at 1980 prices)

  Year

  NDCF in plant and machinery £ million

  Year

  NDCF in plant and machinery £ million

  1977

  1,122

  1982

  -570

  1978

  1,297

  1983

  -588

  1979

  1,477

  1984

  90

  1980

  879

  1985

  763

  1981

  -385

  1986

  336

  Note: Figures include assets leased to manufacturers from the financial industries.

  Source: Central Statistical Office.

  Hourly Earnings
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what effect changes in hourly earnings in the internationally tradeable goods industries have had on the level of competitiveness since the fourth quarter of 1986.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Earnings: in manufacturing increased by 8·4 per cent, between the fourth quarters of 1986 and 1987, a larger increase than in most competitor countries. Rising productivity offset much of the increase in earnings in the United Kingdom, but in some of our major competitors, unit labour costs fell.

  Airbus
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to the written reply dated 6 May 1987,Official Report, column 417, on aid to Airbus Industrie, what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to satisfy themselves that the projects have sound prospects of economic and commercial viability; whether they expect to earn a market rate of interest on the loan throughout its life; and when they expect to receive a real rate of return on its investment, including a return on any interest forgone.

  Mr. Atkins
  Before agreeing to provide British Aerospace with launch aid in respect of the Airbus A320 and A330/340 programmes, the Government undertook a detailed appraisal of the economic and commercial prospects of the programmes. Details of these appraisals, and of the rates of return and repayment profiles of launch aid contracts must remain commercially confidential between the Government and the company.

  Companies Act Inquiries
  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received on his Department's record in completing inquiries under section 432, section 466 and section 442 of the Companies Act; if he has any proposals to speed them up; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maude
  A number of representations have been received in the past about the length of time taken by inspectors appointed in major Companies Act investigations to complete their inquiries. As my right hon. and noble Friend announced on 11 May, a review of existing investigation powers and procedures was conducted in 1987 with a view to ensuring that investigations are
  375
  undertaken as effectively and as quickly as is compatible with a fair inquiry and, as a result of that review, a number of new measures were announced.

  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) when he expects his inquiries under section 432 of the Companies Act into the Animal Defence Society Limited to be completed;

  (2) when he expects his inquiries into Bremner plc under section 442 of the Companies Act to be completed;

  (3) when he expects his inquiries under section 442 of the Companies Act into Consolidated Gold Fields plc to be completed;

  (4) when he expects his inquiries into Pennine Commercial Holdings Limited under section 432 of the Companies Act to be completed;

  (5) when he expects his inquiries into Bank Street Securities Limited under section 432 of the Companies Act to be completed;

  (6) when he expects his inquiries into Link Service Stations Limited under section 432 of the Companies Act to be completed;

  (7) when he expects his inquiries into Graylaw Holdings Limited under section 432 of the Companies Act to be completed;

  (8) when he expects his inquiries in Signal Life Assurance Co., Ltd. under section 432 of the Companies Act to be completed;

  (9) when he expects his inquiries into WMD Underwriting Agencies Ltd. under section 432 of the Companies Act to be completed;

  (10) when he expects the inquiries under section 432 of the Companies Act into Minet Holdings to be completed;

  (11) when he expects the inquiries into Guinness plc under sections 437 and 442 of the Companies Act to report.

  Mr. Maude
  The investigations into the companies mentioned continue, and I am unable to say when they will be completed.

  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects his inquiries into Sumrie Clothes plc under section 466 and section 442 of the Companies Acts to be completed.

  Mr. Maude
  The inspectors were appointed under sections 442 and 446 of the Companies Act 1985. They submitted their report to the Secretary of State on 11 July, and it is currently being considered.

  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects the inquiries under section 432 of the Companies Act into House of Fraser Holdings plc to be completed.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to receive the report of the inspectors studying the circumstances in which House of Fraser and Harrods were acquired; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maude
  I refer the hon. Member and my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Beaconsfield (Mr. Smith) yesterday.

  Estate Agents
  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Duchy of Lancaster if he will now implement section 22 of the Estate Agents Act 1979.
  376
  Mr. Forth
  I have no immediate plans to do so.

  Stainless Steel (Competition)
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make it his policy that before British Steel is privatised, the current anti-competitive policies in relation to stainless steel practised by the Sendzinir Club will be revoked.

  Mr. Atkins
  Alleged violations of European Community competition rules are a matter for the European Commission. The Commission is currently investigating allegations of anti-competitive arrangements among certain European producers of stainless cold rolled flat products, but has not yet made its findings known.

  Rover Group
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his reply of 18 July,Official Report, column 446, for what purpose he proposes to exchange documents with the European Commission in relation to the Rover Group after the company has been transferred to full private ownership.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Government are required, as a condition of the state aid approval, to supply six-monthly reports to enable the Commission to monitor the implementation of Rover Group's corporate plan.

  Bosphorus Bridge
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much financial assistance he has offered to provide to the Trafalgar House-led consortium in connection with its bid to win the contract for the third Bosphorus bridge.

  Mr. Alan Clarke
  The extent of financial assistance by the Department of Trade and Industry to companies pursuing major projects overseas must remain confidential between the company and the Department.

  Feature Films
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the number of feature films classified as British and produced in each year since 1974.

  Mr. Atkins
  Before the passing of the Films Act 1985, films released for public exhibition in cinemas had to be registered by my Department. The 1985 Act, however, removed these registration requirements with effect from 23 May 1985, and there are no official statistics of films since that date. The information available on British feature films (that is, those with a playing time of over 72 minutes) is as follows

  Over 72 minutes

  1974

  78

  1975

  70

  1976

  64

  1977

  42

  377

  Over 72 minutes

  1978

  51

  1979

  40

  1980

  41

  1981

  32

  1982

  29

  1983

  36

  1984

  37

  11985

  18

  1To 23 May.

  Industrial Research and Development
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what measures are being undertaken by his Department to encourage industrial research and development expenditure in the regions of the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Forth
  The Government have created the right climate to enable industry to invest more in research and development in all parts of the United Kingdom. Within my Department's enterprise initiative, particular attention is given to the needs of the regions. In the assisted areas and urban programme areas, support of up to two thirds of the cost of consultancy projects is available, rather than half elsewhere. We have also introduced a special scheme—regional enterprise grants—to help firms in the development areas, with fewer than 25 employees, to finance their innovation projects and have expanded SMART (small firms merit award for research and technology), reserving 20 awards for the urban programme areas. Applications for this year are currently being assessed.

  European Single Market
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement about preparations for competing in Europe in 1992.

  Mr. Maude
  Over 80 per cent, of British businesses are now aware of the 1992 target date for completing the single European market. This is an excellent base from which to launch the next stage of DTI's "Europe Open for Business" campaign to encourage action in firms throughout the country to prepare for the single market.

  Engineering Industry
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last met representatives of the engineering industry; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. Newton
  I have not yet had the opportunity to meet representatives of the engineering industry in my new capacity.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of Department programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of(a) the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  Mr. Forth
  Evaluation of departmental programmes is carried out principally by specialist staff and consultants.378
  Many of the staff concerned are also engaged on other work, so it is not possible to give precise figures for the cost of evaluation. The following figures give an approximate indication:

  £

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  DTI specialist staff

  440,000

  440,000

  430,000

  Consultants

  109,000

  52,000

  131,000

  Total

  549,000

  492,000

  561,000

  These figures do not take account of the contribution to evaluation of staff concerned with programme management in the relevant line divisions, or of the cost of consultancy studies financed from line divisions' budgets. Such costs, and costs for years before 1985–86, cannot be separately identified without disproportionate cost.

  My Department does not have a separate allocation of funds for evaluation work. The objective is for evaluation generally not to cost more than 0·5 per cent, of the total expenditure of the programme under evaluation. The proportion of total expenditure for which my Department has policy responsibility, represented by the above figures is as follows:

  Per cent.

  1985–86

  0·03

  1986–87

  0·02

  1987–88

  0·05

  Securities and Investments Board
  Mr. Hanley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has received a report from the Securities and Investments Board on the exercise of its functions under the Financial Services Act.

  Mr. Maude
  I have today laid before Parliament a copy of the board's report, made in accordance with section 117 of the Act. The report covers the period from 1 April 1987 to 30 June 1988.

  Export Credits Guarantees
  Mr. Andrew MacKay
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the accounting treatment of the Export Credits Guarantee Department's comprehensive external trade and comprehensive bank guarantee facilities.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The comprehensive external trade facility insured United Kingdom companies trading in goods shipped directly from one overseas country to another on short terms of payment. It was discontinued in July 1987 because losses accumulated on confirming house business and no viable basis could be found for continuing cover for that sector. Cover for multi-sourcing business of manufacturers and merchants continues to be available under the comprehensive short term facility.

  The comprehensive bank guarantee facility, which guaranteed banks against non-repayment of advances made to exporters in respect of insured short-term export contracts, was discontinued in October 1985, as the original need for the scheme no longer existed and demand had fallen because alternative sources of such finance were

  379
  available to viable companies. Residual claims payments and recovery action are likely to continue on the facility for several years.

  At 31 March 1987, the ECGD had incurred cumulative cash flow deficits of £135·8 million (CBG) and £340·0 million (CET). These figures include notional interest on the borrowings from the Consolidated Fund. These deficits would continue to grow at an accelerating rate as notional interest accrued, thereby becoming a burden on the ECGD's other trading activities. It has therefore been decided that these facilities should properly be accounted for as public expenditure programmes and the losses incurred to date written out of the ECGD's trading account. The transfer will not affect the Government's aim to. minimise the ultimate losses on the facilities.

  The necessary changes will be made in the ECGD's 1987–88 trading accounts. Their precise effect will not be known until those accounts have been finalised, but the best current estimate is that reserves reported at 31 March 1987 will be increased by £360 million, reflecting trading losses accumulated in previous years. Retrospective adjustments to public expenditure for the years 1982–83 to 1988–89 will be made as follows:

  £ million

  1982–83

  58·0

  1983–84

  45·6

  1984–85

  84·7

  1985–86

  36·8

  1986–87

  17·7

  1987–88

  112·7

  1988–89

  2-4·4

  1 provisional.

  2 estimate.

  These figures represent the net annual cash payments to exporters. They do not include notional interest, administration expenses and accrued income and expenditure.

  Trade Descriptions
  Mr. Oppenheim
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the repeal of the Trade Descriptions Act 1972 and the successor arrangements will come into force.

  Mr. Forth
  I have today laid before Parliament a draft order to bring into force section 48(2)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, which repeals the Trade Descriptions Act 1972. Subject to parliamentary approval, the repeal of the 1972 Act will come into force on 31 December 1988.

  Net central Government expenditure on R and D—social science and humanities and total £ million

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Social Science and Humanities

  214·7

  214·5

  223·8

  236·6

  236·9

  TOTAL

  3,689·8

  3,986·9

  4,262·7

  4,575·7

  4,589·2

  Satellite Television (Dish Installations)
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he has received any representations on the safety implications of faulty installations of roof-top dishes capable of receiving television programmes broadcast by satellite; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he has any plans to introduce a licensing system for installers of roof-top dishes capable of receiving television programmes broadcast by satellite; and if he will make a statement.
  380
  We propose to replace the 1972 Act with an order under section 8 of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, which would require an indication of the place of production of goods to be given if the goods are presented in such a way that potential purchasers are likely to be misled about where the goods were produced. Consultations on a draft order for this purpose were carried out earlier this year.

  In the light of the responses to the consultation, a number of amendments designed to clarify and strengthen the draft order have been made. In particular, the core provision of the order (article 2(1)) have been simplified; a requirement to indicate country of production if the place of origin could be misleading has been introduced; and the provisions dealing with the use of trade marks and language have been redrafted to make it clear that these factors are to be taken into account in assessing whether the presentation of goods is misleading as to their origin but they are not by themselves necessarily to be regarded as indicative of origin. These amendments should ensure that the order provides effective protection against misleading indications of origin.

  Copies of the revised draft Trade Descriptions (Place of Production) (Marking) Order have been placed in the Libraries.

  As required by section 38 of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968,1 shall tomorrow advertise formally in the press and the London and Edinburgh Gazettes my intention to make this order. A period of at least 28 days during which representations may be made must then elapse before the order can be made. This will allow us to lay the final order before Parliament in good time before the necessary debates on the draft commencement order takes place.

  Research and Development
  Mr. George
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what has been the total expenditure over the past five years by Her Majesty's Government on research and development; what has been the total expenditure on social science research; and what figures he has for other member states of the European Community.

  Mr. Forth
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: The available information relates to central Government expenditure, net of receipts, on research and development in total and on R and D for social science and humanities. Comparable information from international sources is not available. The information is given in the table:

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: I am aware of no such representations. The industry operates a code of practice on the installation of satellite dishes, and I see no need to introduce a licensing system.

  It is a criminal offence to supply goods which do not comply with the general safety requirement imposed by the Consumer Protection Act 1987, and where a defective dish or faulty installation gives rise to damage or injury there may be grounds for a claim for damages for negligence or for breach of contract.

  Steel
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish a table showing the number of employees employed by the British Steel Corporation in(a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) England in (i) 1979, (ii) 1982, (iii) 1985 and (iv) June 1988.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: The following table gives the total number employed by the British Steel Corporation at the end of September for the 1979, 1985 and for 1987, the latest date at which the total was broken down as follows:

  1979

  1982

  1985

  1987

  Scotland

  18,970

  11,250

  7,970

  6,110

  Wales

  50,630

  22,310

  19,060

  18,610

  England

  114,040

  58,550

  37,130

  26,680

  The average weekly number of employees in the United Kingdom as a whole was 53,720 during the financial year 1987–88.

  National Engineering Laboratory
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the organisations which have submitted a bid to take over the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  [pursuant to the reply, 25 July 1988, c. 23.]; I can now disclose that bids and proposals were received on 22 July from:

  The Management of NEL

  Production Engineering Research Association (PERA)

  British Maritime Technology Group

  British Hydro-Mechanics Research Association (BHRA) joint with Strathclyde University

  YARD (a subsidiary of CAP Group plc)

  Cranfield Institute of Technology

  RAPRA Ltd. (a proposal also involving other companies)

  SGS Moore Barrett and Redwood Limited

  A partial bid for the Internal Combustion Engines Development Unit of NEL from the staff there.

  Initial Training
  Mr. Terry Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Worsley of 20 July, he will now list in the Official Report all exempted categories of persons in the Manpower Services Commission initial training scheme.

  Mr. Cope
  I have been asked to reply.

  Further to my reply to the hon. Member on 20 July, the Training Commission is planning to introduce initial training as part of YTS, to provide a short period of preparation and assessment for young people who are not ready to enter a vocational training course, and need help to overcome special problems.

  There are no predetermined categories of young people who would be excluded from initial training and anyone will be eligible if it is considered that they will benefit from this training provision.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Ethiopia
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on aid to Ethiopia.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Kingswood (Mr. Hayward) on 11 July 1988 at column 10. Since that date, in view of the serious plight of Sudanese and Somali refugees in Ethiopia, we have made available additional relief assistance totalling £444,000, together with a further contribution of £1·5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In addition to relief aid, we provide technical co-operation and famine rehabilitation, currently running at around £1·5 million a year.

  Southern Africa (Front-line States)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards aid to the front-line states in southern Africa.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 5 July, at column 503.

  Sub-Saharan Africa
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total United Kingdom bilateral aid given to the whole of sub-Saharan Africa in each year from 1979 to the latest available year.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The information is as follows:

  Gross bilateral aid to sub-Saharan Africa 1979 to 87

  £ thousand

  1979

  212,504

  1980

  243,894

  1981

  278,706

  1982

  234,760

  1983

  225,899

  1984

  249,808

  1985

  285,497

  1986

  267,489

  1987

  283,720

  Poverty Alleviation
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much, and what proportion of the British aid programme in 1986 was spent directly on poverty alleviation.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  I am currently reviewing the extent of our activities on direct poverty alleviation. The conclusions of this review will be available in the autumn.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Staff Surveys
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Attorney-General what is the phased programme of surveys of staff being carried out by and within the Treasury Solicitor's Department and the Lord Chancellor's Department, respectively; what are the
  383
  phases and when each will be completed; and whether on completion he will place copies of such results in the Library.

  The Solicitor-General
  Both Departments have completed their programme of surveys of ethnic origins of serving staff. Results of east and west midlands, north-west and Avon, and London and the south-east have been published by the Cabinet Office and copies are in the Library.

  Recruitment Schemes
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Attorney-General what surveys of applicants have been carried out in recruitment schemes by the Treasury Solicitor's Department and the Lord Chancellor's Department, respectively, in respect of the sex and race of applicants and of those appointed; and with what results.

  The Solicitor-General
  Since the beginning of this year, applicants in all local recruitment schemes carried out by the Treasury Solicitor's Department and the Lord Chancellor's Department have been asked to complete an ethnic origin form. This information is being analysed on a servicewide basis by the Cabinet Office (Office of the Minister for the Civil Service).

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Attorney-General whether he proposes to take any positive action measures in accordance with the code of the Commission of Racial Equality by reason of there being at present no black or Asian members of staff in the Law Officers' Department.

  The Solicitor-General
  All members of staff in the Law Officers' Department are seconded from other Government Departments, who recruit in accordance with the code of practice of the Commission for Racial Equality. The Law Officers' Department has no recruitment function.

  Ethnic Monitoring
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Attorney-General how many new entrants to the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Treasury Solicitor's Department, respectively, were from ethnic minority groups in the year ended 31 May.

  The Solicitor-General
  In the year ending 31 May 1988, of those new entrants to the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Treasury Solicitor's Department who responded to the ethnic origin survey, the numbers who were from ethnic minority groups were 83 and eight respectively.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Attorney-General 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.

  The Solicitor-General
  There are no such bodies or organisations under the aegis of the Attorney-General.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Attorney-General when he expects the full result of the survey of ethnic origin of staff to become available; and whether he will then place a copy in the Library.
  384
  The Solicitor-General
  The results of the survey are being collated and analysed by the Cabinet Office (Office of the Minister for the Civil Service) on a servicewide basis.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Attorney-General how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of Department programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of(a) the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  The Solicitor-General
  The process of evaluation of my Department's programmes is part of the work itself. It is therefore not possible to identify separately the resources involved.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Milk Marketing Board
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the chairman of the Milk Marketing Board; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. MacGregor
  I met the chairman of the Milk Marketing Board on 9 June, when we discussed various issues affecting the dairy industry.

  Farming Unions
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met representatives of the farming unions; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. MacGregor
  I meet representatives of the farming unions frequently to discuss agriculture matters. I last met members of the National Farmers Union on the 11 July, when we discussed sheepmeat and beef.

  Agriculture Ministers (Meetings)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met his counterparts from the other European Community states; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. MacGregor
  I last met my counterparts from other European Community states at the Agriculture Council on 18–19 July. I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Beverly (Mr. Cran) on Wednesday 20 July, at columns 633–34.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a table in the Official Report, in the same format as the written reply of 7 July, Official Report, columns 751–52, 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.
  385
  Mr. MacGregor
  For receipts in respect of programme expenditure I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 7 July 1988, at columns 751–52. Receipts in respect of running costs expenditure for which the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has responsibility are given in the table. In no year did receipts in respect of running costs included in other Government Departments' running costs exceed £ ½ million.

  Running costs receipts

  1982–83 outturn

  8

  1983–84 outturn

  8

  1984–85 outturn

  9

  1985–86 outturn

  9

  1986–87 outturn

  10

  1987–88 outturn

  20

  1988–89 plans

  23

  1989–90 plans

  29

  1990–91 plans

  31

  Note: Figures for the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce are de minimis.

  The Forestry Commission has no running costs receipts.

  EC (Membership Consequences)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will bring up to date the figures in table D of the evidence submitted by Her Majesty's Government to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee on the financial and economic consequences of United Kingdom membership of the European Communities (page 67 of HC57-II Session 1984–85).

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  This information will take some time to prepare. I shall write to the hon. Member when it is available.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will bring up to date the figures in annex V of the evidence submitted by Her Majesty's Government to the Treasury and Civil

  Yields of selected agricultural products: 1986

  United States of America

  Japan

  Australia

  Canada

  Wheat (tonne/ha)

  2·31

  3·57

  1·55

  2·24

  Barley (tonne/ha)

  2·74

  3·21

  1·55

  30·3

  Sugar beet (tonne/ha)

  51·29

  53·99

  n.a.

  42·00

  Oilseed rape (tonne/ha)

  n.a.

  1·68

  1·12

  1·40

  Potatoes (tonne/ha)

  32·69

  29·23

  25·22

  25·12

  Milk (kg/cow)

  6,048·00

  5,000·00

  3,395·00

  4,837·00

  Source: FAO Production Year Book.

  n.a.—not available.

  Milk Quotas
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish in the Official Report the highest recorded price per 1,000 litres on the sale of a United Kingdom milk quota, the capital value in terms of a cow with a representative milk yield and a representative price for the cow itself.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  My Ministry does not collect this information.
  386
  Service Committee on the financial and economic consequences of United Kingdom membership of the European Communities (pages 53–4 of HC57-II Session 1984–85).

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will bring up to date the figures in tables 4(e)2 and 4(e)3 of the evidence submitted by Her Majesty's Government to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee on the financial and economic consequences of United Kingdom membership of the European Communities (pages 37 to 38 of HC57-II Session 1984–85).

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The most recent information corresponding to that in table 4(e)2 is set out in the Commission publication "The Agricultural Situation in the Community—1987 Report", page T/38. Table 4(e)3 is updated by the Eurostat publication "Agricultural Income 1987", page 98. Copies of these publications are in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will bring up to date the figures in table 4(e) 1 including figures for Spain and Portugal, of the evidence submitted by Her Majesty's Government to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee on the financial and economic consequences of United Kingdom membership of the European Communities (pages 35–36 of HC57-II Session 1984–85)

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Information on yields of agricultural products in the European Community is contained in the Commission publication "The Agricultural Situation in the Community—1987 Report", pp T/168, T/169, T/188, T/193, T/221 and T/282. A copy is in the Library of the House. The latest readily available information for the non-Community countries is shown in the table.

  Cotton
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the years 1985 to 1987 and the estimate for the current year the guide and minimum prices for cotton under the common agricultural policy, the average world price, the cost of support to the EEC budget, the tonnage qualifying under the arrangement and the amount of aid per tonne, and production imports and exports of cotton in the EEC.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The information requested is contained in the table. Institutional prices and rates of aid,
  387
  as laid down in the EC regime for cotton, relate to cotton in the unginned state. Estimates for the current year are given where available.

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  Guide price1 (ECU/100 kg)

  96·02

  96·02

  96·02

  96·02

  Minimum price1 2 (ECU/100 kg) before adjustment under MGQ system

  91·23

  91·23

  91·23

  91·23

  Average world price (approximately)1 3 (ECU/100 kg)

  29·00

  28·00

  29·00

  Aid payable1 2 (by weighted average) before adjustment under MGQ system (ECU/100 kg)

  63·22

  70·1

  65·3

  Quantity in receipt1 2 of aid (tonnes) (In effect, EC production)

  561,555

  947,000

  4870,000

  Imports of cotton into the EEC (ginned; tonnes) Source: Nimexe

  808,166 (EC of 10)

  1,054,536

  1,119,309

  Exports of cotton from the EC (ginned, tonnes) Source: Nimexe

  46,425

  24,343

  56,742

  EC expenditure on 1 aid (in million ECU)

  355

  587

  519

  1 Prices, aid and quantities are for the marketing year beginning in the year of harvest, and relate to a standard quality.

  2 Production in excess of the maximum guaranteed quantity attracts a proportionate reduction in rates of aid and minimum price and possible reduction in the MGQ the following year. In 1986/87 marketing year the deduction was 8 ECU/100 kg (approximately) and in 1987/88 it was 5·761 ECU/100 kg.

  3 World prices are for unginned cotton and are calculated from recorded prices for ginned cotton.

  4 Provisionally estimated.

  Agricultural Production
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing his estimate of the contribution to agricultural production of each of the four categories of holding, by size of business, given in table 4 of the annual review (Cm. 299).

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The information requested is given in paragraph 6 (page 2) and table 4 of the "Annual Review of Agriculture 1988" (Cm. 299).

  SOEC Index (Statistics)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the SOEC index of real agricultural net value added at factor cost per person engaged in British agriculture in each of the years 1984–87 based on 1979–81 = 100.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The latest available estimates are:

  Number

  1984

  119·1

  1985

  96·8

  1986

  103·8

  1987

  100·8

  These estimates are shown in table A. 18 (page 89) of the Eurostat publication "Agricultural Incomes 1987", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Farmgate Prices
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average farmgate price in the United Kingdom for the principal common agricultural policy products in 1987; what was the average price in real terms in 1967–68 to 1970–71; and if he will state the quantities produced in each period.
  388
  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Support Costs
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the total cost of EEC/Exchequer support for United Kingdom agriculture per acre of arable crops and per head of cattle, sheep and pigs.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Expenditure in the United Kingdom on market regulation under the CAP (excluding structural measures) in 1987–88 was:

  Expenditure

  Arable crops1

  £87/ha

  Cattle

  £50/head

  Sheep

  £7/head

  Pigs2

  -£0·2/head

  1 Excludes grasses more than four years old and rough grazing.

  2 Receipts from MCA levies on exports of pigmeat exceed expenditure.

  Source: "Annual Review of Agriculture 1988" (Cm. 299)—tables 3 and 34.

  Supply Estimates
  Mr. Patnick
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will describe the net effects on Supply Estimates of the decisions on agricultural prices for 1988–89.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The voted provision of £558·855 million for the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce is not expected to be reached. Since the Supply Estimates were prepared a number of changes have taken place in market prices, levels of production, exchange rates and trade volume. These changes, which include a revised reassessment of the effects of earlier policy measures, are substantially greater than the £9·5 million estimated net Exchequer cost of the price decisions. The settlement of the
  389
  price negotiations (including changes to market management measures to offset the cost to the Community budget) is forecast to add £12·968 million to expenditure, mainly because of the devaluation of the green pound. Additional receipts are forecast at £3·464 million. These forecasts allow for a delay in Community funding of approximately two months (so that additional expenditure incurred after January will not be reimbursed until the 1989–90 financial year) and for the fact that the new cane sugar refining aid agreed as part of the price fixing is only partly funded by the Community.

  A token winter Supplementary Estimate will be submitted seeking parliamentary approval for the provision of the cane sugar refining aid.

  Food Aid
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the list of organisations designated to participate in the European Community free food scheme; and what advice he is circulating on the distribution of such food.

  Original budget (excluding supplementary budgets)

  Supplementary budget

  Outturn

  Notional United Kingdom contribution

  United Kingdom receipts

  Conversion rate

  mua

  mua

  mua

  mua

  mua

  1 ua = £

  1973

  3,263

  —

  3,786

  333

  152

  0·416667

  1974

  3,839

  —

  3,228

  355

  279

  0·416667

  1975

  4,306

  —

  4,914

  668

  848

  0·416667

  1976

  5,490

  717

  5,793

  939

  517

  0·416667

  1977

  6,581

  934

  6,964

  1,340

  422

  0·416667

  mecu

  mecu

  mecu

  mecu

  mecu

  1 ecu = £

  1978

  9,131

  —

  9,000

  1,386

  480

  0·663759

  1979

  10,022

  725

  10,880

  1,904

  593

  0·649236

  1980

  11,878

  —

  11,943

  2,484

  941

  0·605540

  1981

  13,401

  -1,070

  11,581

  2,490

  1,198

  0·556891

  1982

  14,533

  —

  13,077

  3,165

  1,357

  0·557801

  1983

  14,786

  1,763

  16,637

  3,677

  1,849

  0·586581

  1984

  17,288

  1,848

  19,092

  4,166

  2,244

  0·583969

  1985

  20,755

  —

  20,549

  4,011

  2,016

  0·588051

  1986

  23,104

  —

  23,028

  3,340

  2,074

  0·647851

  19871

  24,174

  -73

  23,996

  n.a.

  1,839

  0·719320

  19882

  29,003

  —

  n.a.

  n.a.

  n.a.

  0·671141

  19893

  30,153

  —

  n.a.

  n.a.

  n.a.

  0·671141

  Source: EC budgets, EAGGF financial reports, EC Court of Auditors reports, implementation of the budget reports.

  Notes: Before 1978, Community expenditure was expressed in units of account. As this unit had a different basis from the present ecu the figures for 1973–77 are not directly comparable with those for later years.

  1 Covers expenditure on market support for first 10 months only.

  2 Covers expenditure on market support from November 1987 to 15 October 1988. In addition, the budget contains provision of 1,240 mecu for depreciation of old stocks and a monetary reserve of 1,000 mecu.

  3 Covers expenditure on market support from 16 October 1988 to 15 October 1989. In addition the PDB contains 640 mecu for depreciation of old stocks, 800 mecu for reimbursement of butter disposals in 1987–88 and a monetary reserve of 1,000 mecu.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish in the Official Report a revision of the table on pp 38–39 of Cm. 288-II to take account of what was agreed at the European Economic Community summit meeting on financing the European Economic Community budget and the current year's budget settlement, together with (a) a note of any other significant consequential changes in the forecast of his Department's expenditure and (b) a forecast for this year's expenditure on common agricultural policy support on the same basis as in table 4.7 on page 44.

  Mr. MacGregor
  [holding answer 2 July 1988]: Revised figures for planned expenditure on agriculture, taking account of the European Council's agreement, will be
  390
  Mr. Ryder
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State to my hon. Friend for Cambridgeshire, North-East (Mr. Moss) on 21 April, at column 566.

  EC Budget
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will bring up to date the information on the EEC agricultural budget and outturn given in his written reply dated 7 May 1986,Official Report, column 176; and if he will include the supplementary budgets, the conversion factor for the pound sterling, the United Kingdom contribution and receipts and his forecasts for 1988 and 1989.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The information requested is set out in the table. The United Kingdom contributes to the budget as a whole rather than to individual components, so the figures shown for the United Kingdom contribution are notional.

  published in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement. The estimated expenditure on CAP market support for 1988–89 is set out in the Supply Estimates, class IV, vote I.

  Cattle and Sheep (Prices)
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish target prices for cattle and sheep for January 1989; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I published the target price scale for the beef variable premium scheme and the seasonal scale of weekly guide prices for the sheep variable price scheme on 22 July. The tables published included figures for January 1989, but, as explained in the press notices,
  391
  those for beef are provisional and depend upon the extension of the existing BVPS after its expiry at the end of 1988, while those for sheep will be reduced in due course by the operation of the 1989 sheepmeat stabiliser, the level of which is still to be decided by the EC Commission.

  Silage and Slurry Facilities
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he will introduce to provide for the regular safety inspections of new, existing and extended silage and slurry facilities.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Responsibility for farm safety rests with the Health and Safety Executive. During the course of its regular routine visits and inspections, HSE's agricultural inspectorate examines all aspects of health and safety including, where appropriate, machinery systems and plant such as slurry stores, silage tanks, and so on.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of departmental programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of(a) the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The process of evaluation of my Department's programmes is part of the work itself. It is therefore not possible to identify separately the resources involved.

  Export Refunds
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he will compensate exporters of agricultural and food products for the extra costs they have incurred as a result of the current year's delays in export refund payments by the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I regret that export refund payments have been subject to particular delays since the new Customs and Community documentation came into effect at the beginning of this year as a result of the intervention board's associated computer problems. I recognise that these delays have meant additional costs for many traders, especially when they have extended beyond the period of two months, which I am advised is reasonable by analogy with the express provisions of Community law relating to monetary compensatory amounts. I have therefore authorised the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce to pay compensation at a varying rate equal to base rate plus one point on export refund claims, including exporter pays MCAs where applicable, paid on or after 1 January 1988 after an interval of more than two months from the day of deposit with Her Majesty's Customs or the board of sufficient supporting documents. The compensation will be paid on the net amount due after appropriate charges on the claim such as MCA levies have been taken into account. Parliamentary approval for payments will be sought in a winter Supplementary Supply Estimate for IBAP's market support vote (class IV, vote 1). Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at up to £5 million will be 392
  met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund. Details of the arrangements will be announced by the intervention board as son as possible, with the first payments under the scheme being expected to be made in the autumn.

  Plant Variety Testing and Seed Certification
  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make it his policy that no decision will be taken in the parliamentary summer recess on the recommendations in the report on plant variety testing and seed certification systems in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I cannot give such an undertaking.

  River Pollution
  Sir Bernard Braine
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he has yet received the report from the Anglian water authority regarding the effect of the extension of the Southend on Sea sewage outfall on the quality of river water generally; and whether there has been any increase in levels of pollution off Canvey Island's beaches;

  (2) if he will detail the arrangements for continuous monitoring of all sewage outfalls and beaches in the Thames estuary.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply he received on 22 July from my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, at column 857.

PRIME MINISTER

  Middle East
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Prime Minister if she has any plans to visit the middle east in the near future.

  The Prime Minister
  I hope to stop over briefly in the Gulf on the way to and from Australia, but have no plans at present to pay an official visit.

  Scotland
  Mr. Harry Ewing
  To ask the Prime Minister if she has any plans to make an official visit to Scotland during the summer recess.

  The Prime Minister
  Yes.

  Maidstone
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Prime Minister if she has any plans to pay an official visit to Maidstone.

  The Prime Minister
  I have at present no plans to do so.

  Invoices (Payment)
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Prime Minister what action is being taken by Government Departments to ensure that invoices are paid promptly, especially where the debt is owed to a small business.
  393
  The Prime Minister
  Government Departments are advised in "Government Accounting" that payment should be made as soon as possible after authorisation, subject to Departments taking, at their discretion, advantage of any supplier credit. Departments should not postpone payment to avoid an excess on a vote nor for any other reason. Copies of the booklet "Prompt Payment Please" prepared by the Department of Employment and a number of other organisations, which emphasises the need for fair dealing with small suppliers, have been sent by that Department to other Government Departments.

  Mr. Raoul Wallenberg
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if, when she next meets the President of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, she will raise the case of Mr. Raoul Wallenberg; and if she will make a statement;

  (2) when she last discussed the case of Mr. Raoul Wallenberg with the Swedish Government; and if she will make a statement;

  (3) what discussions she has held with other EEC Heads of Government concerning the case of Mr. Raoul Wallenberg; and if she will make a statement;

  (4) when she last discussed the case of Mr. Raoul Wallenberg with the Head of the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  Mr. Wallenberg's nationality is Swedish. His disappearance is therefore primarily for the Swedish Government to pursue. Since 1957, the Soviet authorities have said that Mr. Wallenberg died in prison in 1947.

  Over the years, there have been many reports that he was alive and in prison in the Soviet Union considerably later than that, but there has been no conclusive proof. We have frequently pressed the Soviet Union for a full account of Mr. Wallenberg's fate, and shall continue to do so as long as there is doubt as to whether he did in fact die, and if so, how. Increasing openness in Soviet society, particularly as regards matters of history, and indications that glasnost may possibly be extended to cover international tragedies such as the Katyn massacre, suggest that it may be possible before too long to establish the truth about Mr. Wallenberg.

  I have not discussed Mr. Wallenberg's fate with other EC Governments or with the Swedish Government. I know that there is widespread international interest in this tragic case, and I am sure that all concerned are as anxious as we are to find out the truth.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Amiss
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list those Government measures of particular help for small businesses since 1979.

  The Prime Minister
  In 1979 responsibility for the small firms sector resided with the Department of Industry. Responsibility was transferred from the amalgamated Department of Trade and Industry to the Department of Employment on 3 September 1985. Government policy throughout has been to create a climate in which small firms can flourish and to tackle the particular disadvantages faced by people setting up a new business or wishing to expand an existing small firm.
  394
  The principal Government measures of particular help for small businesses include the small firms service which provides information and business counselling to new and established firms; the business improvement initiative launched by the DTI in January 1988 which offers access to specialised consultancy in a number of key business areas; the rural development commission, which provides advice and technical services to small firms in rural areas; a range of tax changes to improve the incentives and rewards for successful small business owners; the loan guarantee scheme introduced in 1981; the business expansion scheme introduced in 1983; the enterprise allowance scheme introduced in 1983; a range of training programmes operated by the Training Commission which take account of new and established small firms' business training needs.

  Mr. S. Clinton Davis
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will give the reasons for not renewing the nomination of Mr. S. Clinton Davis as a member of the European Commission; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  I have written to Mr. Clinton Davis expressing gratitude for his work as a member of the Commission and explaining that I thought as a general rule that people should not serve as commissioners for too long.

  European Council
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will raise at the next meeting of the European Council the responsibility for allocating responsibilities within the European Commission; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  No. The allocation of portfolios is a matter for the Commission.

  EC Commissioners
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Prime Minister what are the salary, expenses, pension, period of office, and criteria for the appointment of a European Economic Community commissioner.

  The Prime Minister
  The basic annual salary of a commissioner is BFr 5,592,708 (at the present exchange rate about £86,000) with certain allowances payable depending on personal circumstances; travel and hotel expenses are paid on a reimbursement basis plus a subsistence allowable for travel; pensions are calculated at 4–5 per cent, of last annual salary per year of service. The period of office is four years.

  As to the criteria, I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 20 July at column 607.

  Teachers (Pay Award)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Prime Minister what factors have determined the decision to award teachers a pay increase of(a) 4·25 per cent, in England and Wales and (b) 6 per cent, in Scotland; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The pay increase for teachers in England and Wales in 1988, which is worth about 4·75 per
  395
  cent, on average, resulted from a report of the Interim Advisory Committee on School Teachers' Pay and Conditions. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science implemented in full the committee's recommendations on pay. The pay increase of 6 per cent, in Scotland was conceded by the Scottish local authorities within the Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff in School Education. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland made clear the Government's view that this settlement was excessive and unjustifiable.

  Members' Salaries
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Prime Minister if she has anything to add to her statement of 28 April,Official Report, column 506, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Stalybridge and Hyde, with specific reference to the current value in real terms of Members' salaries in relation to their salaries in 1964.

  The Prime Minister
  Yes. In 1964, Members were required to pay for secretarial assistance from their own resources. Since 1969, the secretarial allowance has been available to defray the cost of secretarial expenses, and if this is taken into account Members are undoubtedly better off. In addition, parliamentary salaries will be increased by 6·9 per cent, from £22,548 to £24,107 from 1 January 1989 in accordance with the Resolution of 21 July 1987.

  Engagements
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 28 July.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 28 July.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 28 July.

  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 28 July.

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House, I shall be having further meetings later today.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Legislation (Statistics)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Lord President of the Council (1) if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the sponsors of private Members' Bills which have failed to complete their report stage in the House of Commons in each Session since 1958;

  (2) if he will publish in the Official Report a list of private Member's motions, including prayers against statutory instruments, which have been debated in parliamentary time provided by the Government in each Session since 1959;

  (3) if he will publish in the Official Report a list of Government Bills which failed to complete their report stage in the House of Commons since 1958;

  (4) if he will publish in the Official Report a list of private Members' Bills which failed to complete their report stage in the House of Commons in each Session since 1959;
  396
  (5) how many ten-minute Bills were introduced in each Session since 1959.

  Mr. Wakeham
  It has not been possible to provide this information in the time available without disproportionate cost.

  Divisions
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what was the total number of Divisions on(a) Government business, (b) private Members' business, (c) private business and (d) other public business in each Session since 1959.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Visitors
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he has any plans to review the present line of route; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  I have no such plans. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Hyndburn (Mr. Hargreaves) on 12 May at column 234.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will raise with the Services Committee the possibility of levying charges for tourists visiting the Palace of Westminster during the summer recess; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  I have no plans to do so. This matter was most recently considered and rejected by the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee in January 1987. Successive Administrations have accepted that the costs of the Palace of Westminster, which include the cost of controlling visits, are a legitimate charge on public funds.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what was the total number of visitors to the Palace during the summer recess in 1987; how many were tourists; and what were the figures for each year since 1983.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The total number of all visitors during each summer recess since 1983 is as follows:

  Number

  1983

  12,751

  1984

  17,502

  1985

  19,290

  1986

  20,462

  1987

  20,449

  It is not possible to differentiate between tourists and other visitors.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what representations he has received requesting him to raise with the Services Committee the levying of charges for tourists visiting the Palace of Westminster during the summer recess; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  I have reveived no such representations during this Parliament. However, I am aware that my hon. Friend raised this matter in the debate on tourism on 17 June.
  397
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will raise with the Services Committee the possibility of opening the line of route for visitors on Saturdays and throughout the summer recess; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  I have no plans to do so.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what is his estimate of the cost of providing visitors to the Strangers Gallery with copies of documents relating to the business under discussion; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  Given the wide range of subjects discussed and the variation in size and price of documents, it is not possible to provide a reliable estimate. However, the value of Order Papers and guides for visitors to the gallery, which are already provided to visitors free of charge, amounts to some £450,000 annually.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will raise with the Services Committee the possibility of making certain parliamentary publications available for sale to visitors to the Palace of Westminster; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  I have no plans to do so. Visitors to the Gallery are already provided with the "Guide for Visitors to the Gallery" and with a copy of the relevant Order Paper free of charge. On leaving the Gallery, they may also obtain from the Admission Order Office, an order form for a copy of the relevant Hansard, which will be supplied by Her Majesty's Stationery Office on receipt of the order form and payment.

  The new parliamentary building (phase I) will include a parliamentary bookshop, which will offer a full range of parliamentary publications to the public. It is expected that this bookshop will be open in late 1990.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  School Discipline
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he now expects to receive the report of the committee of inquiry into discipline in schools; and when he hopes to publish it.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  I refer the right hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw) on 29 April at columns 281–84.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science which bodies were specifically asked by the committee of inquiry into discipline in schools to answer questions other than those which featured in the public advertisement; and what questions these bodies were asked.

  Mr. Rumbold
  All those invited to submit evidence were asked to address the four questions in the public advertisement. Additional, more specific, questions were addressed to all local education authorities and all institutions providing teacher training in England and Wales. The additional questions for local education authorities were as follows:

  Prevalence

  Do you have any statistical (or other) evidence indicating prevailing levels of misbehaviour by pupils? (e.g. records of suspensions and exclusions and the reasons for them, truancy etc.)
  398
  Can any local trends be identified from this evidence? If so, what are they?

  Policies

  Does your authority have a stated policy on school discipline? (If it has, a copy would be very useful.)

  Are schools encouraged to publish such policies? (Examples of school policies would also be very valuable.)

  Does your authority provide schools with guidelines covering criteria to be used when considering the exclusion of a pupil? (If it does, a copy would be helpful.)

  In-service training

  Are teachers in your authority involved in any in-service training specifically related to classroom control? (Some details of courses and numbers involved would be helpful.)

  Alternative provision for disturbed/disturbing pupils

  What alternative provision (support teams, on or off-site units etc.) is made by your authority for such pupils?

  How many pupils are involved in such provision compared with your mainstream primary secondary school population?

  What criteria are used to identify pupils requiring such provision?

  What would your assessment be of the costs and benefits of this provision for your authority?

  The additional questions for institutions providing teacher training were as follows:

  Initial Teacher Training

  Do your current courses deal with issues of behaviour and discipline through:

  specific core units or modules?

  optional units or modules?

  the permeation of the whole course?

  the school experience component of the course?

  a combination of these?

  Do you provide guidelines for staff and/or students on these issues? If so, what form do they take?

  What methods are used to help students develop skills and attitudes which will be effective in promoting good behaviour and preventing disruptive behaviour by pupils? Please give examples.

  Is it possible to distinguish the course time spent on this from that spent on the development of more general classroom management skills? If so, please quantify it in relation to total course hours.

  Do courses contain practical advice on how to handle disruptive incidents? If so, what form does it take?

  Does a specific member of staff have responsibility for advising on and monitoring training in these areas?

  Do any arrangements exist for students to gain experience of schools and classes in which pupils' behaviour may be difficult? If so, what are they?

  How are students prepared for and supported through such situations if they are encountered in their school experience?

  Are students helped to understand the perspectives of parents in relation to their children's behaviour? If so, how is this achieved.

  How are students made aware of the range of professional support available within schools and from outside agencies to help in managing the behaviour of pupils?

  In-service Training

  Does your college/department currently run or contribute to INSET courses specifically related to the management of pupil behaviour? If it does, please give details of course content, teaching methods and participants.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many individuals have submitted evidence to the committee of inquiry into discipline in schools.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The committee has received 360 letters from individuals, including groups of staff within schools and social service departments. Nine letters were signed by more than one individual. The total number of signatories is 465.
  399
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the organisations which have submitted evidence to the committee of inquiry into discipline in schools.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The organisations which have submitted evidence to the committee are:

  Local Education Authorities

  Avon

  Barking and Dagenham

  Barnet

  Berkshire

  Birmingham

  Bradford

  Bromley

  Calderdale

  Cambridgeshire

  Cheshire

  Cleveland

  Clwyd

  Cornwall

  Croydon

  Cumbria

  Derbyshire

  Devon

  Dudley

  Dyfed

  East Sussex

  Enfield

  Essex

  Gateshead

  Gloucestershire

  Gwent

  Gwynedd

  Hampshire

  Havering

  Hereford and Worcester

  Humberside

  Inner London Education Authority

  Isle of Wight

  Kent

  Kingston upon Thames

  Kirklees

  Lancashire

  Leeds

  Leicestershire

  Lincolnshire

  Liverpool

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Norfolk

  Northamptonshire

  Northumberland

  North Yorkshire

  Nottinghamshire

  Oldham

  Oxfordshire

  Powys

  Redbridge

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  Rotherham

  Salford

  Sandwell

  Sefton

  Solihull

  Somerset

  South Tyneside

  St. Helens

  Surrey

  Wakefield

  West Glamorgan

  Wiltshire

  Initial Teacher Training Institutions

  University of Bath

  Bedford College of Higher Education

  Birmingham Polytechnic

  University of Birmingham

  Brighton Polytechnic

  Bristol Polytechnic

  400

  Bristol University

  Brunel University

  Bulmershe College of Higher Education, Reading

  Cambridge University

  Central School of Speech and Drama, London

  Charlotte Mason College, Cumbria

  Chester College

  Crewe and Alsager College

  Coleg Normal, Bangor

  College of St. Mark and St. John Foundation

  Durham University

  University of East Anglia

  Edge Hill College of Higher Education, Liverpool

  Exeter University

  Hatfield Polytechnic

  Homerton College, Cambridge

  Hull University

  Keele University

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  Kingston Polytechnic

  Lancaster University

  Liverpool Institute of Higher Education

  London University

  Loughborough University

  Manchester Polytechnic

  Middlesex Polytechnic

  Nene College, Northampton

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne Polytechnic

  Oxford Polytechnic

  Oxford University

  Reading University

  Roehampton Institute, Whitelands College

  St. Martin's College

  Sheffield City Polytechnic

  Sheffield University

  South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education

  Thames Polytechnic

  Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham

  Trinity College, Carmarthen

  University College Cardiff

  University College of North Wales

  University College of Wales

  University College, Swansea

  Warwick University

  West London Institute of Higher Education

  West Midland College of Higher Education, Walsall

  Westminster College, Oxford

  West Sussex Institute of Higher Education

  Worcester College of Higher Education

  Teachers' Associations

  Assistant Masters and Mistresses Association

  Caribbean Teachers Association

  Croydon Head Teachers' Association

  National Association of Head Teachers

  National Association of Head Teachers in Wales

  National Association of School Masters/Union of Women Teachers

  National Union of Teachers

  Professional Association of Teachers

  Secondary Heads Association

  The Headmasters' Conference

  UCAC (Welsh Teachers Association)

  Other Organisations

  Adjustment Unit: Special Education Centre, Clwyd

  Arts Education Forum

  Association for Behavioural Approaches with Children

  Association of Educational Psychologists

  Association of Chief Education Social Workers

  Association of Chief Officers of Probation

  Association of County Councils

  Association of Metropolitan Authorities

  Association of Workers for Maladjusted Children

  The Boys' Brigade

  British Association of Counselling

  British Association of Ideal Education

  British Association of Social Workers

  British Housewives' League

  British Psychological Society

  401

  The Campaign for the Advancement of State Education

  Catch 'Em Young Project Trust

  Centre for the Study of Comprehensive Schools

  The Children's Legal Centre

  Commission for Racial Equality

  Community Education Development Centre

  Conservative Western Area Local Government Committee

  Department of Health and Social Security

  Dr. Barnardo's

  Drugs Education Unit, Hatfield

  Educational Institute of Scotland

  Education Management Information Exchange

  Education Service Advisory Committee (Health and Safety Commission)

  Forum for the Advancement of Educational Therapy

  The General Synod of the Church of England

  Girls' School Association

  The Hereford Diocesan Council of Education

  HM Prison Service

  ILEA Behaviour Management Project

  Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools

  Independent Schools Joint Council

  Inter-Diocesan Schools Commission

  Llandaff Diocesan Council for Education

  Manpower Services Commission

  The Methodist Church Division of Education and Youth

  The Muppet Club Project

  The Muslim Educational Trust

  National Association of Governors and Managers

  National Association for Pastoral Care in Education

  National Association of Social Workers in Education

  National Confederation of Parent-Teacher Associations

  National Foundation for Educational Research

  National Youth Bureau in England and Wales

  Narborough Road Integration Project

  Pax Christi

  Professional Development Foundation

  Programme for Reform in Secondary Education

  School Psychological and Child Guidance Service, North Yorkshire

  Social Education Team, Liverpool Education Authority

  Socialist Education Association

  Society of Teachers Opposed to Physical Punishment

  Southwark School Support Service

  Special Educational Needs—National Advisory Council

  The Sports Council

  The Tavistock Institute of Human Relations

  Training, Consultancy, Resources, in Health

  Personal and Social, and Drug Education (TACADE)

  Welsh Counties Committee

  Welsh Joint Education Committee

  City Technology Colleges
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy regarding the year-on-year revenue funding of city technology colleges, having regard to future fluctuations in spending by local education authorities of maintained schools.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Decisions on public expenditure on the revenue funding of city technology colleges will take into account funding levels on LEA-maintained schools in similar areas.

  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what factors he will take into account in deciding proposals published by local education authorities to close schools in order that city technology colleges or city colleges for the technology of the arts might be established in their place.
  402
  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  All proposals which fall to me to be decided under the provisions of section 12 of the Education Act 1980 are treated strictly on their merits and in the light of the individual circumstances. In reaching my decision I weigh carefully the case presented by the local education authority and the comments made by any objectors to the proposals. I also take careful account of my published education policies. My Department has given detailed guidance to local education authorities in circular 3/87 on some general considerations against which I judge rationalisation proposals.

  If section 12 proposals should be put to me which included as an objective making premises available to the promoters of a city technology college (CTC) or a city college for the technology of the arts (CCTA), I would consider them against the same criteria. In addition I would need to satisfy myself that the plans formulated by the promoters were sufficiently clear, considered and developed; that they fitted the criteria of the CTC programme; and that agreements in principle had been reached, subject to my approval of the section 12 proposals, on the terms of a proposed funding agreement with the promoters. I should need to be satisfied that the necessary agreement in principle had been reached between those persons and the local education authority; and that sufficient schools would continue to be available for pupils in the area of the authority, taking account, where appropriate, of the facilities to be provided by the CTC or CCTA. I should also need to satisfy myself that full details of the plans had been made available to all those with an interest in the matter at the appropriate time during the consultation process, in line with the guidance set out in circular 3/87.

  Student Loans
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations his Department has received about the introduction of student loans; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  The student support review group has received written evidence from 106 organisations and individuals, nine of which have also given oral evidence. In addition, since the beginning of 1987, the Department has received seven petitions, signed by a total of 1,300 people, and well over 1,500 letters.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will place in the Library copies of the representations he has received concerning the introduction of student loans; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  Copies of written evidence received by the student support review group were placed in both Libraries of Parliament in April 1987. It would not be appropriate to do the same with all the correspondence—not usually intended for publication—addressed to my right hon. Friend and myself.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list in the Official Report those(a) individuals and (b) organisations who made representations to his Department concerning the introduction of student loans.

  Mr. Jackson
  The following organisations and individuals submitted written evidence to the student support review group:
  403

  Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

  Association for Student Counselling

  Association of Accommodation and Welfare Officers

  Association of British Chambers of Commerce

  Association of Charity Officers

  Association of County Councils

  Association of Directors of Education in Scotland

  Association of Heads of Polytechnic Student Services

  Association of Lecturers in Colleges of Education in Scotland

  Association of Metropolitan Authorities

  Association of Northern Ireland Education and Library Boards

  Association of Polytechnic Teachers

  Association of Principals of Colleges

  Association of University Teachers

  Ayr College

  Balliol College, Oxford, Junior Common Room

  Bath Area Students' Organisation

  Brighton Polytechnic

  Bristol University Graduate Association

  British Youth Council (Scotland)

  Business and Technician Education Council

  Cambridge University Graduate Union

  Cambridge University Students' Union

  Church of Scotland Department of Education

  City of London Polytechnic

  Committee of Directors of Polytechnics

  Committee of Principals and Directors of Scottish Central Institutions

  Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom

  Confederation of British Industry

  Conservative Collegiate Forum

  Conservative Student Affairs Research Group

  Consultative Council of Professional Management Organisations

  Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

  Council for National Academic Awards

  Cranfield Students' Union

  Dundee College of Technology

  Edge Hill College of Higher Education

  Edinburgh University of Students' Association

  Equal Opportunities Commission

  Family Welfare Association

  General Synod of the Church of England Board of Education

  Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology

  Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology, Academic Board

  Gloucestershire County Council

  Heriot-Watt University

  Heriot-Watt University Students' Association

  Hertfordshire Area National Union of Students

  Institute of Personnel Management

  Irish Congress of Trade Unions Northern Ireland Committee

  Joint Committee of Colleges of Education in Scotland

  Jordanhill College of Education

  Kilmarnock College Students Association

  King Ecgbert School, Sheffield, Governors

  London Borough of Barnet

  Manpower Services Commission

  Dr. G. P. McNicol, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Aberdeen

  NAB/UGC Continuing Education Standing Committee

  Napier College of Commerce and Technology

  National Advisory Body for Public Sector Higher Education

  National and Local Government Officers Association

  National Association of Education Guidance Services

  National Association of Head Teachers

  National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education

  National Confederation of Parent-Teacher Associations

  National Institute of Adult Continuing Education(England and Wales)

  National Union of Students

  404

  National Union of Students (UK) and Union of Students in Ireland, Northern Ireland Regional Committee

  Dr.A. Neville, Principal, University of Dundee

  Open University

  Open University Students' Association

  Oxford University Student Union

  Dr. E. S. Page, Vice-Chancellor, University of Reading

  Polytechnic of Central London Faculty of Law

  Residential Colleges Committee

  Scottish Chiropractic Association

  Scottish Further and Higher Education Association

  Scottish Institute of Adult and Continuing Education

  Scottish Tertiary Education Advisory Council

  Scottish Vocational Education Council

  Sheffield City Polytechnic

  Sheffield City Polytechnic Union of Students

  Sheffield University Students' Union

  Society of Education Officers South Bank Polytechnic

  Southampton University Students' Union

  Staffordshire County Council

  Sir William van Straubenzee, M.P.

  Sir Peter Swinnerton-Dyer, Chairman, University Grants Commitee

  Trades Union Congress

  United Kingdom Federation of Business and Professional Women

  Universities Council for Adult and Continuing Education

  University College of Wales, Aberystwyth

  University of Edinburgh

  University of Kent

  University of Oxford Hebdomadal Council

  University of Ulster

  Voluntary Sector Consultative Council

  Wales Advisory Body for Local Authority Higher Education

  Welsh Counties Committee

  Welsh Joint Education Committee

  West Surrey College of Art and Design

  Western Education and Library Board

  Westfield Campus, Sheffield

  Mr. M. I. J. Woodward, Headmaster, Holsworthy Community College

  Women Returners Network

  World University Service (UK)

  Oral evidence was received from the following organisations:

  Association of County Councils

  Association of Metropolitan Authorities

  Association of University Teachers

  Committee of Directors of Polytechnics

  Committee of Principals and Directors of Scottish Central Institutions

  Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom

  Conservative Collegiate Forum

  Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

  National Union of Students

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations his Department has received concerning automatic membership of student unions; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  Since the end of May we have received 13 letters from hon. Members and members of the public about membership of local unions and a further 10 letters about membership of the National Union of Students.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information his Department has on the services of student unions available to their members; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for
  405
  Thurrock (Mr.Janman) on 18 April at column 292, in which he indicated that it was intended to collect the information requested as part of a fact-finding survey of student unions. A questionnaire is due to be sent to a sample of institutions in the near future.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a table in the Official Report, in the same format as his written reply of 15 July, Official Report, columns 373–74, 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.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Receipts against DES running costs expenditure are as follows:

  £ million

  1982–83 outturn

  1

  1983–84 outturn

  2

  1984–85 outturn

  2

  1985–86 outturn

  2

  1986–87 outturn

  1

  1987–88 estimated outturn

  1

  1988–89 plans

  1

  1989–90 plans

  1

  1990–91 plans

  1

  None of these receipts is included in other Department's running costs. The remaining information requested is not readily available in respect of local education authority receipts; details of research council receipts are published in the annual appropriation accounts.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the Official Report an analysis for the years 1982–83 to 1990–91, consistent with his reply of 15 July, Official Report, columns 373–74, of receipts for (a) schools' expenditure, analysed by (i) meals, (ii) milk sales, (iii) rents, (iv) fees and charges and (v) grants, (b) further and higher education expenditure, analysed by (i) fee income, (ii) examination fees, (iii) research and consultancy income, (iv) rents and charges and (v) grants, (c) miscellaneous expenditure, analysed by (i) income of youth and other educational services and (ii) other fees and charges and (d) research councils' expenditure, analysed by (i) charges for commissioned research and (ii) other.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The handbooks of education unit costs published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy for each of the financial years 1982–83 to 1985–86 set out a full analysis of revenue income received by local education authorities in England, both by sector of the education service and by type of income, compiled from LEAs' returns to the Department of the Environment of revenue outturn. A handbook giving similar information for the 1986–87 financial year will be published soon. A detailed breakdown of LEA receipts 406
  beyond 1986–87 is not available. Details of research council receipts for the years 1982–83 to 1986–87 have been published in the annual appropriation accounts.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the Official Report a table bringing together on the same basis the totals for receipts on his programme in 1985–86 and 1986–87 implied by his answer of 15 July, Official Report, columns 373–74, with the corresponding totals in the answer of 27 May, Official Report, columns 375–76.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The totals for receipts for 1985–86 and 1986–87 implied by my answer of 15 July at columns 373–74, are, respectively, £1,077 million and £1,224 million; the comparable figures of £999 million and £1,144 million given in my right hon. Friend's answer on 27 May, at columns 375–76, incorporated part, but not all, of the relevant receipts accruing to the research councils.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of departmental programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of(a) the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Evaluation can take many forms, including the work of Her Majesty's inspectorate, research projects and ad hoc investigations. A separate costing of the evaluation component of these is not available, but total spending on relevant activities has been:

  £ million

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  Her Majesty's Inspectorate (recurrent costs)

  18·1

  19·9

  21·8

  Research and development (total)

  13·8

  14·1

  15·6

  Total

  31·9

  34·0

  37·4

  The DES programme, including central and local government expenditure, has been

  15,691·0

  17,169·0

  17,971·0

  University Extra-mural Departments (Funding)
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the transfer of funding responsibility for extra-mural departments in English universities to the Universities Funding Council.

  Mr. Jackson
  The Universities Funding Council will assume responsibility for funding extra-mural departments in English universities from the beginning of the next financial year. An official working party has considered the implications of a transfer and copies of its report are being sent today to the chairmen of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals and the University Grants Committee My right hon. Friend will commend the report to the UFC, when it is established.

  Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham Girls School
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the purpose of the visit by
  407
  an architect in his Department to the Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham girls school in Deptford on Tuesday 5 July; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  An occasional professional assistant working for architects and buildings branch at the Department visited the Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham girls school in Deptford on Tuesday 5 July. The visit followed a request from the governors for advice on possible modifications to the school buildings.

  1987–88

  Grants to Universities and Colleges, etc.

  For Recurrent Grants

  General Purposes

  Overseas Research Student Awards Scheme

  Restructuring

  Total Subhead C1

  Computers Subhead D2

  £000

  £000

  £000

  £000

  £000

  Aston University

  18,221

  29

  380

  18,630

  256

  Bath University

  16,423

  42

  350

  16,815

  1,065

  Birmingham University

  44,203

  77

  620

  44,900

  326

  Bradford University

  17,920

  16

  335

  18,271

  234

  Bristol University

  35,369

  38

  205

  35,612

  291

  Brunel University

  15,281

  19

  181

  15,481

  180

  Cambridge University

  50,367

  960

  —

  51,327

  549

  City University

  14,125

  3

  344

  14,472

  102

  Durham University

  20,049

  26

  55

  20,130

  88

  East Anglia University

  16,873

  21

  143

  17,037

  172

  Essex University

  10,654

  32

  119

  10,805

  197

  Exeter University

  18,742

  29

  261

  19,032

  121

  Hull University

  16,794

  6

  1,202

  18,002

  194

  Keele University

  10,420

  12

  55

  10,487

  144

  Kent University

  12,844

  6

  42

  12,892

  207

  Lancaster University

  16,126

  25

  88

  16,239

  174

  Leeds University

  49,391

  167

  326

  49,884

  346

  Leicester University

  21,102

  20

  213

  21,335

  155

  Liverpool University

  44,197

  61

  790

  45,048

  295

  London Business School

  2,527

  6

  5

  2,538

  16

  London University, including its Colleges and Schools

  274,008

  953

  2,216

  277,177

  6,087

  Loughborough University of Technology

  22,254

  24

  122

  22,400

  265

  Manchester Business School

  1,781

  3

  —

  1,784

  46

  Manchester University

  Manchester University Institute of Science and

  57,462

  123

  112

  57,697

  3,629

  Technology

  19,977

  290

  100

  20,367

  Newcastle upon Tyne University

  37,746

  84

  578

  38,408

  379

  Nottingham University

  33,418

  34

  141

  33,593

  367

  Oxford University

  50,590

  1,036

  —

  51,626

  484

  Reading University

  21,570

  65

  24

  21,659

  192

  Salford University

  16,965

  15

  966

  17,946

  226

  Sheffield University

  38,179

  92

  921

  39,192

  291

  Southampton University

  30,359

  82

  41

  30,482

  321

  Surrey University

  15,394

  47

  478

  15,919

  184

  Sussex University

  17,431

  78

  165

  17,674

  147

  Warwick University

  23,570

  31

  84

  23,685

  209

  York University

  14,444

  21

  18

  14,483

  117

  University of Wales, including University Colleges and Institute of Science and Technology

  86,731

  114

  5,282

  92,127

  864

  Aberdeen University

  26,553

  47

  369

  26,969

  256

  Dundee University

  18,900

  47

  481

  19,428

  126

  Edinburgh University

  54,825

  149

  610

  55,584

  617

  Glasgow University

  53,924

  104

  1,222

  55,250

  347

  Heriot-Watt University

  13,972

  28

  14

  14,014

  163

  St. Andrews University

  15,095

  41

  92

  15,228

  116

  Stirling University

  11,125

  20

  19

  11,164

  101

  Strathclyde University

  30,181

  111

  66

  30,358

  285

  Other payments

  1663

  2180

  330

  873

  4815

  Total

  1,438,745

  5,414

  19,865

  1,464,024

  21,749

  1 £613,000 paid direct to the University Central Council on Admissions, £46,000 in respect of the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride and £4,000 to the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals.

  2 £89,000 paid to Cranfield Institute of Technology, £88,000 to the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals for administration of the Overseas Research Student Fees Support Scheme and £3,000 to the Royal College of Art.

  University Grants
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list the grants made available to universities in Great Britain in the financial year 1987–88 on the advice of the University Grants Committee and the Computer Board.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information requested is as follows:
  409
  3 £30,000 paid to the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals.

  4 £89,000 fees paid to the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) for negotiating contracts and £726,000 paid to the Rutherford & Appleton Laboratories (SERC) for networking projects.

  1987–88

  Grants to Universities and Colleges, etc.

  For Capital Expenditure

  Universities etc. Subhead A1 (1)

  Medical and Dental Schools Subhead A1 (2)

  Equipment and Furniture Subhead A2l

  Computers Subhead B1

  £000

  £000

  £000

  £000

  Aston University

  1,564

  Bath University

  708

  1,476

  472

  Birmingham University

  3,104

  231

  Bradford University

  1,274

  48

  Bristol University

  39

  2,465

  35

  Brunel University

  1,261

  343

  Cambridge University

  4

  5,733

  13

  City University

  836

  191

  Durham University

  1

  1,191

  East Anglia University

  876

  16

  Essex University

  674

  Exeter University

  207

  938

  74

  Hull University

  919

  8

  Keele University

  513

  23

  Kent University

  672

  234

  Lancaster University

  879

  38

  Leeds University

  1

  3,271

  25

  Leicester University

  62

  1,427

  Liverpool University

  26

  2,874

  47

  London Business School

  77

  London University, including its Colleges and Schools

  2,503

  2,280

  23,068

  1,790

  Loughborough University of Technology

  1,803

  2

  Manchester Business School

  40

  Manchester University

  963

  824

  4,273

  2,004

  Manchester University Institute of Science and Technology

  429

  2,586

  Newcastle upon Tyne University

  49

  200

  2,547

  27

  Nottingham University

  33

  2,522

  1,580

  Oxford University

  856

  247

  5,818

  2,671

  Reading University

  50

  1,645

  Salford University

  1,640

  1,386

  107

  Sheffield University

  2,570

  Southampton University

  212

  9

  3,199

  96

  Surrey University

  1,505

  32

  Sussex University

  1,185

  Warwick University

  1,572

  York University

  1,055

  74

  University of Wales, including University Colleges and Institute of Science and Technology

  987

  5,120

  1,178

  Aberdeen University

  6

  1,567

  859

  Dundee University

  1,814

  1,214

  535

  Edinburgh University

  3,650

  448

  Glasgow University

  503

  25

  3,543

  203

  Heriot-Watt University

  3,248

  1,915

  965

  St. Andrews University

  756

  10

  Stirling University

  473

  10

  Strathclyde University

  599

  2,108

  9

  Other payments

  9033

  TOTAL

  14,767

  3,716

  109,1442

  15,300

  1 The sums provided from Subhead A2, earmarked for individual universities as shown, were transferred to a Deposit Account with the Paymaster General from which issues were made as required towards meeting the costs of furniture and equipment. The balance remaining in the Deposit Account at 31 March 1988, which is not liable to surrender to the Consolidated Fund, was £ 15,997,000. This sum includes £1,163,000 in respect of the Engineering and Technology Programme.

  2 In addition a further £1,178,000 was transferred to the Deposit Account to meet expenditure by Universities for the Engineering and Technology Programme.

  3 Other payments comprise £345,000 fees paid to the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) for negotiating contracts and £558,000 paid to the Rutherford and Appleton Laboratories (SERC) for networking projects.

  410 411

  1987–88

  Grants and loans for long-term capital projects: universities etc., (subhead A1(1))

  Details of expenditure on works services costing more than £1,000,000 shown in Table 1 to the Estimate

  Project

  Provision

  Expenditure

  Expenditure compared with provision

  Less than provided

  More than provided

  £000

  £000

  £000

  £000

  Building projects and purchase of existing buildings:

  1. New and on-going projects originally expected to cost £1 million or more

  Glasgow University: Library III

  178

  5

  173

  —

  Salford University: Physical Restructuring

  1,676

  1,634

  42

  —

  Heriot-Watt University

  (a) Department of Building

  229

  113

  116

  —

  (b) Administration Building

  65

  102

  —

  37

  (c) Chemical and Process Engineering

  775

  1,113

  —

  338

  (d) Library Phase II

  985

  925

  60

  —

  (e) Department of Brewing and Biological Science

  1,375

  550

  825

  —

  (f) Economics and Social Studies

  330

  170

  160

  —

  Southampton University: Library

  400

  207

  193

  —

  UMIST: Library

  1,175

  429

  746

  —

  Bath University: Building 6 East

  830

  708

  122

  —

  Dundee University: Library

  1,529

  1,814

  —

  285

  London University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Queen Mary College: Library

  1,600

  2,224

  —

  624

  Manchester University: Computer Science (ETP)

  650

  963

  —

  313

  Oxford University: Electrical Engineering/Computer Science (ETP)

  684

  856

  —

  172

  Bristol University: Veterinary School

  800

  39

  761

  —

  Cardiff University/UWIST: Joint Faculty Building

  725

  —

  725

  —

  Sub total

  14,006

  11,852

  3,923

  1,769

  Other projects

  —

  2,915

  —

  2,915

  Total (Subhead A1(1))

  14,006

  14,767

  3,923

  4,684

  Grants and loans for long term capital projects: medical and dental schools, (Subhead A1(2))—1987–88

  Details of expenditure on works services costing more than £1,000,000 shown in table 2 to the estimate

  Expenditure compared with provision

  Project

  Provision

  Expenditure

  Less than provided

  More than provided

  £000

  £000

  £000

  £000

  Building projects and purchase of existing buildings:

  1.New and on-going projects originally expected to cost the UGC £1 million or more

  London University: St. Mary's HMS, Phase 18

  230

  562

  —

  332

  London University: Institute of Child Care, Cardiac Wing, Remedial Works

  620

  247

  373

  —

  London University: Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Cyclotron Building, Remedial Works

  210

  139

  71

  —

  London University: Cardiothoracic Institute, Cardiothoracic Centre, Phase 1

  750

  —

  750

  —

  London University: Institute of Dermatology, Relocation at St. Thomas' Hospital

  775

  —

  775

  —

  Manchester University: Royal Infirmary, Phase II

  700

  772

  —

  72

  London University: Queen Mary College

  455

  507

  —

  52

  Newcastle University: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Phase V

  450

  189

  261

  —

  2. New and on-going phased medical projects, the total contribution to all phases expected to be £1 million or more

  London University: St. George's HMS, Block H

  45

  12

  33

  —

  London University: Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Redevelopment of Hammersmith Hospital, Phase I

  220

  138

  82

  —

  London University: Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Redevelopment of Hammersmith Hospital Catering Centralisation

  310

  —

  310

  —

  London University: University College Middlesex HMS Whittington Hospital Redevelopment, Phase I

  245

  1

  244

  —

  SUB TOTAL

  5,010

  2,567

  2,899

  456

  3. Projects expected to start in 1987–88 on which the UGC contribution not yet agreed

  1,195

  —

  1,195

  —

  4. On-going projects not separately identified

  4,000

  815

  3,185

  —

  412 413

  Expenditure compared with provision

  Project

  Provision

  Expenditure

  Less than provided

  More than provided

  £000

  £000

  £000

  £000

  5 Furniture on Health-controlled schemes

  727

  330

  397

  —

  6. Sites and Leases

  1,655

  4

  1,651

  —

  TOTAL (Medical and Dental Schools) (Subhead A 1(2))

  12,587

  3,716

  9,327

  456

  TOTAL (Universities, etc.) (Subhead A1(1) (Table 1))

  14,006

  14,767

  3,923

  4,684

  TOTAL SUBHEAD A1

  26,593

  18,483

  13,250

  5,140

  (a) Treasury agreement was given for £7,838,000 of this total amount to be vired from sub-head Al to CI for distribution as Capital-in-Recurrent Grant.

  Grants for expenditure long-term capital computer projects, (Subhead B1)—1987–88

  Details of expenditure on computer projects costing more than £1,000,000 payable under subhead B1

  Expenditure compared with Provision

  Project

  Provision

  Expenditure

  Less than Provided

  More than Provided

  £000

  £000

  £000

  £000

  Projects costing £1 million or more1

  Aberdeen University (new computer)

  1,000

  699

  301

  —

  Glasgow University (new computer)

  2,040

  —

  2,040

  —

  Kings College, London (new computer)

  —

  583

  —

  583

  Manchester University (new computer national centre)

  1,230

  1,937

  —

  707

  Nottingham University (new computer)

  1,425

  1,500

  —

  75

  Oxford University (new computer)

  2,950

  2,631

  319

  —

  Sub Total

  8,645

  7,350

  2,660

  1,365

  Projects costing less than £1 million

  6,655

  7,950

  —

  1,295

  End-year flexibility

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total (Subhead B1)

  15,300

  15,300

  2,660

  2,660

  1 These purchases are made on the basis of fixed price contracts.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Mr. Jonas Savimbi
  Mr. Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Mr. Jonas Savimbi met any of his Department's officials during his recent visit.

  Mrs. Chalker
  A Foreign and Commonwealth Office official met Mr. Savimbi informally at a private social occasion.

  Africa (Visits)
  Mr. Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries he intends to visit in the autumn of this year.

  Mrs. Chalker
  In accordance with normal practice, details of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State's plans will be announced shortly before the visit.

  South Africa (Visas)
  Mr. Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the specific requirements relating to occasions when British citizens need visas to visit South Africa.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Visa requirements for South Africa are a matter for the South African Government. We understand 414
  that British citizens do not require a visa to visit South Africa except in certain specific cases about which the South African authorities will be able to advise.

  Soviet Union
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage cultural, scientific and academic exchange between the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Cultural, scientific and academic exchanges between the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union are increasing. Such exchanges are provided for in the memorandum of understanding signed during my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's visit to the Soviet Union last year and in the biennial British/Soviet cultural agreement which was signed in January 1987 for the period 1987–89. The staffing of the cultural department in the British embassy in Moscow was strengthened in 1987.

  Mr. Raoul Wallenberg
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when he last raised the case of Mr. Raoul Wallenberg with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will make further representations to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics concerning Mr. Raoul Wallenberg; and if he will make a statement;
  415
  (3) if he will list those countries that are known to his Department to have made representations to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics about the case of Raoul Wallenberg; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Mr. Wallenberg's nationality is Swedish. His disappearance is therefore primarily for the Swedish Government to pursue. Since 1957 the Soviet authorities have said that Mr. Wallenberg died in prison in 1947. Over the years there have been many reports that he was alive and in prison in the Soviet Union considerably later than that, but there has been no conclusive proof. We have frequently pressed the Soviet Union for a full account of Mr. Wallenberg's fate, and shall continue to do so as long as there is doubt as to whether he did in fact die, and if so, how. Increasing openness in Soviet society, particularly as regards matters of history and indications that glasnost may possibly be extended to cover international tragedies such as the Katyn massacre, suggest that it may prove possible before too long to establish the truth about Mr. Wallenberg.

  We have not discussed Mr. Wallenberg's fate with other EC Governments or with the Swedish Government. We know that there is widespread international interest in this tragic case, and we are sure that all concerned are as anxious as we are to find out the truth.

  Gibraltar Shootings
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the statement made by Mr. Victor Adams to the special branch regarding the Gibraltar shootings has been made available to the Gibraltar coroner.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The task of collecting statements falls to the Gibraltar coroner. We understand that the West Yorkshire police have taken a statement from Mr. Adams, in connection with the shooting, on the coroner's behalf.

  Nicaragua
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make representations to the United States Government concerning the implications for the possibility of a peaceful settlement in Nicaragua of the Administration's policy of support for the contras while that organisation remains committed to the use of violence; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will make representations to the United States administration urging them not to resume lethal aid to the contras in Nicaragua.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We have regular discussions with the United States administration on a wide range of issues including Central America. They are well aware of our support for a peaceful negotiated solution to the region's problems.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the United States Administration urging them to remove economic sanctions against Nicaragua.

  Mrs. Chalker
  United States economic policy towards Nicaragua is a matter for the two Governments concerned. We have normal economic relations with Nicaragua.

  India
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage cultural, scientific and academic exchanges between the United Kingdom and India.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Cultural, scientific and academic exchanges with India are many. The British Council has four offices in India and is involved with FCO and ODA programmes as well as its own, which have recently included, on the arts side, a major Henry Moore exhibition. Scientific and academic links feature prominently in the council's work and are promoted through the ODA's bilateral technical co-operation programme, under which about £8 million per year is devoted to exchange of persons, consultancies, longer-term training in Britain and the supply of equipment in support of these links. Funds are being made available to increase the number of awards for Indians to study in Britain.

  Local Authorities (Twinning)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department has as to the number of local authorities which twin with towns abroad; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Some 830 local authorities in the United Kingdom are currently twinned with communities abroad.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report a list of local authorities which are known by his Department to have twinned with towns abroad together with the names of those towns.

  Mrs. Chalker
  A list of all twinnings, including those between local authorities and communities abroad, is held in the Library of the House.

  Turkey
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made to the President of Turkey during his recent state visit, regarding Cypriots who went missing following the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus in 1974; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  None. We believe that this matter is best dealt with by the intercommunal committee set up for the purpose under United Nations General Assembly resolution No. 32/128.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made to the President of Turkey regarding human rights in Turkey during the recent state visit; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  During President Evren's recent state visit, my right hon. and learned Friend raised the subject of human rights with the Turkish Foreign Minister, and expressed the hope that the progress made in this field in Turkey in recent years would continue.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Licensing Hours
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects that licencees of public houses will be able to implement the hours of opening allowed for under the Licensing Act 1988.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The necessary amendments to secondary legislation will be in place on Monday 22 August and section 1 of the Licensing Act 1988, revised licensing hours, along with sections 3, 5, 9, 11, 13 and 14, will come into force on that date. The commencement date for the remaining sections 12 and 15 will be 1 March 1989.

  Prisons
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take action to solve the prison officer staff shortages at Durham prison.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Ten staff have been allocated to Her Majesty's prison Durham from the training courses which finish in August. At the same time, in common with all establishments, Durham is working to ensure that the best use is made of its staff resources under fresh start.

  Mr. Irving
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners at Bedford prison are(a) two to a cell and (b) three to a cell.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  On 10 July, the most recent date for which this information is readily available, 58 prisoners were accommodated two to a cell and 195 prisoners were accommodated three to a cell in cells designed for one prisoner at Her Majesty's prison Bedford.

  Forensic Science Service
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any proposals for improving the effectiveness of the Home Office forensic science service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Work to this end is in hand in the following main areas:

  (i) The relationship between the service and its users

  User boards have been established at each laboratory, chaired by a chief constable, to improve the relationship between the laboratory and the police forces and courts which it serves.

  (ii) Longer-term planning of the future of the service

  Each laboratory is drawing up a strategy plan, covering the next three years, in consultation with its user board. These will be considered by the national police advisory board which includes representatives of the police, local authorities and the courts.

  (iii) The staffing of the service

  Proposals are under discussion for a new structure for the operational laboratories of the service aimed at enhancing their ability to meet the demands on them by increasing the number of officers reporting cases to court and enabling the service to recruit and train the staff it needs. A new director-general is to be appointed shortly.

  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of(a) the staff inspection of the Chepstow forensic science laboratory, (b) the work management exercise at the Birmingham laboratory, (c) the staff inspection at the Birmingham
  418
  laboratory and (d) the review of senior staff; and if he will make a statement as to the value for money of these reviews.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information requested is as follows:

  £

  Staff inspection, Chepstow forensic science laboratory

  21,752

  Work measurement exercise/staff inspection,1 Birmingham forensic science laboratory

  73,283

  1 The work measurement exercise and staff inspection at Birmingham forensic science laboratory were closely related, and their costs cannot readily be separated.

  The review of the senior staff of the service included a staff inspection of the senior posts in the operational laboratories, at a cost of £3,197. Other costs of the review cannot readily be identified separately.

  These exercises have provided useful information about the staffing and complementing arrangements of the service and have contributed to the development of new proposals aimed at enhancing its effectiveness and improving its efficiency.

  Civil Defence
  Mr. Thorne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his present policy in relation to protection of the public in the event of hostilities(a) by evacuation, (b) by shelter in situ or (c) by a combination of both; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  I refer my hon. Friend to the replies I gave to his earlier questions on 25 July.

  Mr. Thorne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers are available to him to use against local authorities to compel them to meet their statutory civil defence duties; what action he has taken so far; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  Paragraph 4 of the Civil Defence (General) Regulations 1949 (SI 1949 No. 1432) empowers the designated Minister to discharge the functions himself or to require another authority or person to do so, in either case in the name and at the expense of the authority failing or refusing properly to do so. It has not been necessary to use these powers in recent years.

  Mr. Thorne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out a schedule of his planned programme for implementation of civil defence and protection regulations giving priorities and target dates for specific achievements; how this planned programme is being monitored; what success there has been so far; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  The planned programme for implementation of the Civil Defence (General Local Authority Functions) Regulations 1983 was introduced in October 1986. Initial priority was given to the development by local authorities of detailed operational plans. The programme for the first three years up to October 1989 was set out in Home Office circular No. ES 1/1986, a copy of which is in the Library. Analysis of the returns by local authorities is a continuing process, but our interim judgment is that replies are generally satisfactory and indicate progress in many areas. Progress remains patchy, however, and all authorities still have some way to go.
  419
  Mr. Thorne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his plans and method for keeping the public informed about civil defence and protection measures(a) during a period of increased international tension, (b) after hostilities have commenced and (c) after nuclear or chemical attack.

  Mr. John Patten
  Guidance on information services in a war emergency is contained in section 6 of the "Emergency Planning Guidance to Local Authorities", a copy of which is in the Library. Arrangements for issuing information to the public are kept under review, method and content would depend on circumstances at the time.

  Mr. Thorne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the current progress in local authorities' surveys in their areas into what public buildings could in a crisis be rapidly converted into a measure of protection for the public in time of hostilities.

  Mr. John Patten
  Comprehensive information on progress in planning for shelter is unlikely to be available centrally until the end of 1989, in line with the monitoring arrangements set out in the Government's planned programme for implementation (PPI) of the Civil Defence (General Local Authority Functions) Regulations 1983. Supplementary guidance on planning shelter surveys was issued in June following pilot studies undertaken jointly by the Home Office and a number of local authorities.

  Drink Driving
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in the latest year for which figures are available, how many people were convicted of driving with excess levels of alcohol; and in how many cases this was a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or, seventh or more than seventh conviction.

  Mr. John Patten
  In 1986, out of a total of about 107,100 findings of guilt for offences of driving and so on after consuming alcohol or taking drugs, 87,600 offences were of driving with alcohol in the blood, breath or urine above the prescribed limit. This information is published in table 5 of "Offences Relating To Motor Vehicles, England and Wales 1986, Supplementary Tables", copies of which are in the Library. The figure for 1987 will be published later this year. Information on previous convictions of these offenders is not available centrally.

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the figures for each of the last five years, broken down by sex, of persons convicted of child abuse, and of the sentences given by the courts, in England and Wales.

  Mr. John Patten
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Illegal Abortions
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of convictions in England and Wales for procuring an illegal abortion in 1987.

  Mr. John Patten
  Information for 1987 is not yet available, but records held centrally show that there were two such convictions in 1986.

  Summer Time
  Mr. Rathbone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is yet in a position to announce his conclusions on consultation about harmonising summer time with other members of the European Community.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Government's recent survey was directed towards gathering factual information about three options for summer time. The Government would not wish to reach conclusions without wider debate on the data collected which reflect differing views on the economic and social effects of any change.

  Prisons (Ethnic Surveys)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of Her Majesty's prison officers have refused to fill in ethnic survey forms; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  At 1 May 1988, the latest figures available, about 70 per cent, of prison service unified grades VI to VIII has not responded to ethnic surveys. A further questionnaire will be sent shortly to those who have not responded. This has been publicised in office notices and in the "Prison Service News".

  Police (Assaults)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the figures collected by police forces in(a) Gwent, (b) South Wales and (c) North Wales on the frequency of assaults on police in each of the most recent five years available.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The numbers of assaults on police officers during 1983 to 1987 as published in the annual reports of the chief constables of Gwent and North Wales are as follows:

  Assaults on police officers

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Gwent

  135

  130

  139

  166

  195

  North Wales

  81

  60

  76

  91

  207

  Statistics of assaults on police officers in South Wales during this period are not available.

  Kent Fire Brigade
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the contributions made by(a) Eurotunnel Limited and (b) Transmanche Limited to Kent county council for equipment and services provided by Kent fire brigade.

  Mr. John Patten
  Any arrangements between the county council and the other bodies named in respect of contributions for equipment and services provided by Kent fire brigade are a matter for them to decide. We do not have information about the size of any such contributions. Under the Fire Services Act 1947 the county council is precluded from requiring payment for firefighting services.

  Illegal Immigrants
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the criteria used when
  421
  considering applications to remain in the United Kingdom from persons who have been continuously in the United Kingdom for at least 10 years and (a) who are illegal entrants and (b) against whom a deportation order has been issued.

  Mr. Renton
  Each such case is considered on its own merits.

  Risley Remand Centre
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what disciplinary action has been taken against those staff responsible for the management failure identified in his answer of 21 July, in relation to Risley remand centre.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Disciplinary action was not called for, but as indicated in my reply of 21 July, at column 775 to an earlier question from the hon. Member, suitable steps have been taken to remedy the management failures identified at Risley.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the Civil Service grade of Mr. David Thompson while he was governor of Risley remand centre; and what is his current grade.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Mr. David Thompson was a member of prison service unified grade 1 whilst he was governor of HMRC Risley and remains in that grade in his new post.

  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many remand prisoners currently held at Risley remand centre have been held without bail for(a) six to eight months, (b) nine to 11 months, (c) 12 to 14 months, (d) 15 to 17 months and (e) 18 months or more; what are the comparable figures for the United Kingdom as a whole; and what steps he proposes taking to rectify it.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 19 July 1988]: The readily available information is given in the following table. Following the experimental introduction of statutory time limits for custody, my right hon. Friend extended them last April to apply to all of Wales and 13 English counties, including Cheshire and Greater Manchester. We hope that custody time limits will be in force throughout England and Wales by 1990. Other measures we are taking are described in the Green Paper "Private Sector Involvement in the Remand System" (Cm. 434, July 1988).

  Estimated population of untried and convicted unsentenced prisoners in Prison Department establishments in England and Wales on 30 June 1987:

  by length of time since first remand into a Prison Department establishment

  Length of time since first remand into Prison Department establishments2

  Estimated population1

  Risley3

  England and Wales3 4

  Up to 6 months

  806

  9,530

  Over 6 up to 9 months

  43

  800

  Over 9 up to 12 months

  10

  220

  Over 12 up to 15 months

  2

  90

  Over 15 up to 18 months

  —

  20

  Over 18 months

  —

  15

  TOTAL

  861

  510,670

  422
  1 Based on records held centrally which are approximate: detailed checking of individual cases would involve disproportionate cost.

  2 Excludes any time spent in prison cells before reception on remand into a Prison Department establishment; includes any subsequent time that may have been spent on bail.

  3 Provisional figures.

  4 Rounded estimate; the components do not add up to the total because they have been rounded independently.

  5 Excludes 580 prisoners held in police cells.

  Leeds Prison
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of suicides and attempted suicides at Her Majesty's prison, Leeds, in the period August 1987 to June 1988.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  There have been two apparent suicides, yet to be confirmed as such at inquests, and five recorded incidents of attempted suicide at Her Majesty's prison Leeds in the period August 1987 to June 1988.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to ensure that procedures for identifying potential suicides can be carried out effectively in Her Majesty's prison, Leeds, as set out in F1996; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  All inmates received at Leeds prison are screened on the day of arrival in order to identify those who may be at risk of suicide.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the number of prisoners in Her Majesty's prison, Leeds on 19 July; and how many were(a) young, (b) long term and (c) remand prisoners.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  On July 19, 1,407 persons were held in Her Majesty's prison, Leeds. The latest available information on the type of prisoner held is given in the following table:

  Population of Her Majesty's prison, Leeds, on 30 June 1988

  Number

  Remand

  aged 21 and over

  461

  aged under 21

  276

  all remand

  737

  Sentenced

  Young offenders sentenced to

  Up to 3 years

  42

  Over 3 years

  6

  Adults sentenced to

  Up to 4 years

  412

  Over 4 years

  166

  All sentenced

  626

  Civil prisoners

  4

  All

  1,367

  Prisoners (Psychiatric Treatment)
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the prison population received psychiatric treatment in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The number of inmates who have received psychiatric treatment is not recorded centrally.

  Amusement Machines
  Mr. Gorst
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conclusion he has reached on research into the use by young people of amusement-with-prizes machines; what action he now proposes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  We have now considered the report of the Home Office research and planning unit (RPU) on the research which my right hon. Friend announced in answer to a question from Mr. Geoff Lawler, the then Member for Bradford, North, on 6 May last year, at column 436. We have also considered the report which the chairman of the Gaming Board arranged at the request of my right hon. Friend. That report has been prepared by inspectors of the board on their findings following a number of visits to amusement arcades. In addition, the Department has been greatly assisted by reports and other comments which the interested organisations have submitted.

  Copies of the reports of the RPU and the Gaming Board inspectorate have today been placed in the Library. The RPU report concludes that, although many young people spend money on amusement machines, there is almost no evidence of dependency, and that there is no reliable evidence at all of a causal link between playing machines and delinquency. The overall findings of the Gaming Board inspectorate, though inevitably more tentative because of the nature of their survey, are consistent with the RPU report.

  The Government recognise the concern felt about cases where dependency, though most exceptional, does occur. We also recognise the concern felt about the effect on amenities of the presence of amusement machines, mainly in arcades but also in other premises. We have concluded in the light of the research that further legislative controls are not justified. There is, however, a need to consider how best to warn young people of the potential hazards of excessive use of amusement machines and to provide help to those at risk. We should also seek ways in which parents of any children running into serious trouble might be helped.

  The Government therefore propose to take the following steps:
  To enter into consultation at once with all the interested organisations and other bodies on how we can best deal with the few cases of genuine dependency.
  To pursue with the British Amusement Catering Trades Association and others the possibility of guidance which might be prominently displayed near the entrance to all arcades and possibly other premises with machines.
  To consult the local authority associations about the contribution which the education and youth services may make.
  With a view to making fuller use of the existing powers to protect amenity interests we shall seek comments from the local authority and trade associations on draft model bye-laws controlling, among other things, the opening hours of amusement arcades; and we will remind local authorities of the considerable powers available to ban amusement-with-prizes machines in premises other than amusement arcades, such as fish-and-chips shops.

  Haverigg and Lindholme Prisons
  Mr. Summerson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received any report on the disturbances at Her Majesty's prison, Haverigg and Her Majesty's prison, Lindholme; and if he will make a statement.
  424
  Mr. Hurd
  I have today received a report of the inquiries conducted by Mr. Gordon Lakes CB MC, the deputy director general of the prison service, into the serious disturbances at HMP Haverigg on 5–6 June 1988 and at HMP Lindholme on 15–16 July 1988.

  Mr. Lakes has examined the circumstances and analysed the issues arising from both incidents and finds that there are no simple explanations for what occurred. In both cases small numbers of determined troublemakers were able to exploit opportunities to create serious unrest and cause damage to property.

  At Haverigg 12 members of staff sustained minor injuries and three prisoners were injured, none seriously. At Lindholme no violence was directed at the staff and none was injured but 18 prisoners reported minor injuries.

  Mr. Lakes has made a large number of detailed recommendations for remedial action at both establishments including local operational improvements, enhanced contingency plans and revised security procedures. He has also identified a number of wider issues which require further review including physical aids to internal control in converted camps, refined allocation procedures and improved monitoring of prisoner populations.

  The prison service has already acted upon a number of the recommendations and I shall ensure that all lessons to be learnt are promulgated through line management channels without delay.

  I will place a summary of the results of these inquiries in the Library in due course.

  Asylum
  Mr. Janman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on the granting of settlement to asylum seekers who are given exceptional leave to remain in the United Kingdom and on the admission of their families; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  Policy in this area has recently been reviewed. In many cases settlement will not be at issue since those granted exceptional leave will return to their own countries when circumstances allow. In the remainder a person given exceptional leave will normally be granted settlement on application after seven years' residence in the United Kingdom, subject to the general provisions of paragraphs 97 to 100 of the immigration rules. In certain circumstances settlement may be granted earlier than, or withheld after, seven years. Exceptional leave will normally be granted in stages of one year, three years and three years, although this pattern may also be varied. Applications from the spouse and minor children of a person on exceptional leave to join him or her will usually be granted after four years, subject to the general requirements of the immigration rules on the admission of spouses and dependants. An application for family reunion may be granted at an earlier point if there are compelling compassionate circumstances.

  Turkish President (Visit)
  Mr. Corbyn
  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 on the arrival of
  425
  General Evren on 12 July giving (i) the total cost of policing the event, (ii) the number of officers involved and (iii) the number of persons arrested or held by the police.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 18 July 1988]: I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the additional costs of policing the arrival of General Evren amounted to about £25,000; 1,981 police officers were assigned to duties in connection with the event, and 10 arrests were made.

  Animals (Experiments)
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the benefits, either for humans or animals, which have come about as a direct result of Professor Ian Steele-Russell's brain damage experiments on rats, rabbits and monkeys over the last 25 years.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 24 March 1988]: I wrote to the hon. Member on 26 July. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library.

WALES

  Child Care
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to implement the recommendations within his area of responsibility of the European Commission's childcare network report "Caring for Children—Services and policies for Childcare and Equal Opportunities in the United Kingdom."

  Mr. Grist
  The conclusions and recommendations of this report cover a wide range of issues in the areas of child care, equal opportunities education and training, employment, taxation and public expenditure, some of which go beyond the Department's responsibilities. Officials will be studying the report and considering its implications.

  Ports (Employment)
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people were employed in ports, and in associated employment, in Wales in(a) 1958, (b) 1968, (c) 1978 and (d)

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Data for Wales are not held in the format requested but the following information is available.

  1968 Standard Industrial Classification—1978

  Number

  Sea transport

  2,994

  Port and inland water transport

  4,242

  Miscellaneous transport services (includes other forms of transport)

  3,959

  1980 Standard Industrial Classification—1984

  Number

  Sea transport

  896

  Supporting services: sea transport

  2,976

  Source: Census of Employment.

  RNAD Milford Haven
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the implications for the Welsh economy of the proposed closure of Milford Haven royal naval arms depot; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Ministry of Defence has released its consultative document which proposes the closure of RNAD Milford Haven. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence will, however, consider all representations received from the work force, trades unions, local authorities and other interested parties before a final decision is taken. I am, of course, aware of the impact which closure of the depot would have on the area and if a decision is taken to close RNAD Milford Haven my Department will be discussing the future of the site with the Ministry of Defence and the public authorities concerned.

  Chernobyl Fallout (Cancer Deaths)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the answer of 25 July to the hon. Member for Newport, West, if he will provide details of the form in which statistics for the calculation of future cancer deaths from Chernobyl fallout in Wales are available.

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

  Historic Buildings
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table showing(a) the number and (b) the corresponding cost of historic buildings purchased by his Department, or by CADW, in order to preserve them and safeguard them in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  No historic buildings have been purchased on behalf of the Secretary of State for Wales since 1979. But, the following ancient monuments have been acquired for the purpose of their preservation in that period:

  Monument

  Date acquired

  Purchase price

  £

  Natatio Site, Caerleon

  2 October 1981

  2,000

  Haverfordwest Priory

  31 January 1982

  Gift

  Penyrwrlodd Long Cairn

  7 December 1982

  2,000

  Caerwent (Basilica, Forum and Amphitheatre site)

  15 March 1984

  44,000

  Segontium, Cae Mawr

  30 July 1984

  8,500

  Caerwent Wall (part)

  9 April 1987

  4,000

  In addition, the following ancient monuments have been taken into the guardianship of the Secretary of State, while remaining in other ownership since 1979:

  Monument

  Date taken into guardianship

  Careg Coetan Burial Chamber

  30 September 1981

  Caer Gybi Roman Wall

  27 April 1982

  Carswell Old House

  31 December 1982

  Homeless People
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his latest estimate of the number of people who are homeless in Wales as a result of mortgage default.

  Mr. Grist
  Current information on the number of homeless persons is not held centrally. However, during 1987 2,833 persons were accepted as homeless by local authorities due to mortgage default.

  Migration
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the rate of inward and outward migration in each district authority area in Wales during 1987–88.

  Mr. Grist
  Information at a county district level is not available. However, movements as recorded by the registration of patients with NHS doctors in different family practitioner committee areas, which correspond in Wales to the administrative counties, are given in the following table:

  Rate1 of movement between each FPC and the rest of the United Kingdom year ended December 1987

  Inward

  Outward

  Clwyd

  34

  27

  Dyfed

  38

  29

  Gwent

  21

  21

  Gwynedd

  41

  33

  Mid Glamorgan

  18

  21

  Powys

  51

  36

  South Glamorgan

  39

  34

  West Glamorgan

  21

  22

  1 Rate is the number of movements recorded per 1,000 population resident mid 1987. Movements within each FPC area are not included.

  Source: NHSCR and Office of Population Censuses and Surveys.

  Sewage Works
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each year since 1974 the percentage of Welsh water authority sewage treatment works that have failed to meet their effluent discharge standards.

  Mr. Grist
  The figures for the most recent years are as follows:

  Year

  Percentage failure

  1985–86

  19

  1986–87

  18

  1987–88

  17

  Prior to this the annual performance measurement specified in consents differed and comparable figures are therefore not available.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the names of those Welsh water authority sewage treatment works that failed to meet their effluent discharge standards in 1987, the measures that are proposed for each of these works to bring them up to standard, and the year by which it is anticipated they will have been brought up to standard.

  Mr. Grist
  The works concerned are listed in the table. The Welsh water authority has a rolling programme covering improvements to works. This programme is kept under continual review by the Department.
  428

  Brithdir

  Broadstone

  Maesteg

  Catbrook

  St. Briavels

  Llantilio Crosenny

  Wilton

  Llandewi Rhyddeth

  Walford (CD)

  Newland

  Llangarron (HH)

  Rockfield

  Abbey Dore

  Staunton on Wye

  Llanwarne (MP)

  Eardisley

  Garway Fairview

  Llanbister

  St. Owens Cross

  Newbridge on Wye

  Weston Penyard

  Cradoc (New Plant)

  Hereford Roth

  Christchurch

  Stock Edith

  Presteign

  Acton Green

  Stanford Bishop

  Pewcombe

  Kewderchurch

  Shobden

  Little Dewchurch

  Norton

  Pontrilas

  Weycock Cross

  Pandy

  Bonvilston W

  Chester

  Draethen

  Flint

  Pennybont

  Burton

  Carway

  Llanbedr DC

  Llangynderyrn

  Nantglyn

  Lampeter

  Denbigh

  Llanfair Clydogau

  Henllan

  Maes y Groes

  Reswley

  Northrop

  Ross (New)

  Mold

  Talley

  Drury

  Rhandirmwyn

  Gresford

  Cwmffrwd

  Queensferry

  Cilycum

  Mold (FP)

  Bronwydd

  Hope

  Llanelli

  Five Fords

  Bury Port

  Glynceiriog

  Marias

  Frongysllte

  Pennard

  Chirk

  New Chapel

  Chirk Bank

  Cross Inn and Webo

  Sesswick

  Llanybyther

  Sarnau

  Gorsgoch

  Llanfaes A

  Dihewyd

  Llangefni

  Devils Bridge

  Betws Yn Rhos

  Bowcath

  Talybont (PB)

  Rosemaket

  Caernarfon

  Narberth

  Tyddyn Hywel

  Kilgetty

  Llawiestyn

  Carwen

  Llanfrothen

  Rhaydypandy

  Pewmorfa

  Talgarrec

  Llandelwyn

  Kidwelly

  Dolgellau

  Miskin (Disosed)

  Bryncrug

  Ponthir

  Darowen

  Drope

  Raglan

  Llanbedr

  St. Weonards

  Press Releases
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many press releases have been issued by his Department in the 12 months beginning in July 1987 and in each of the previous five years.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The number of Welsh Office press releases issued by my Department in the 12 months beginning in July 1987 and in each of the previous five years was:

  Number

  July 1987-June 1988

  904

  July 1986-June 1987

  759

  July 1985-June 1986

  720

  July 1984-June 1985

  618

  July 1983-June 1984

  549

  July 1982-June 1983

  489

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of departmental programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of(a) the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  All programmes for which I am responsible are evaluated, but the costs of evaluation are not separately identified.

  Eye Malformations
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the study that has been carried out by the steering committee of the small area health statistics unit in relation to eye malformations in Torfaen.

  Mr. Grist
  Following receipt of detailed proposals for the conduct of such a study the views of the steering committee were invited. Their advice has recently been received. After careful consideration the steering committee concluded that this matter should not be subject to further examination by the unit. In reaching this view the steering committee took account of intrinsic difficulties in obtaining reliable data and on the absence of any evidence associating eye malformations with incinerator emissions. In the light of that and of the overall results of the valuable and substantial researches that Professor Laurence has carried out in the past for the Department, on congenital malformations in Torfaen, we have taken the view that investment in such a further study is not justified at this time.

  However, the Department routinely monitor a variety of data on human health problems including the incidence of congenital malformations. If this monitoring suggests that there are grounds for proceeding with a study at any stage that we shall ensure that appropriate measures are put in hand to determine what further investigations might be useful.

  Cancer (North Wales)
  Sir Anthony Meyer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if Professor Hubert Campbell has not completed his investigation of the data relating to the incidence of cancer on the north Wales coast for the period 1974 to 1983; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  Professor Campbell has provided an analysis of the results of his investigation. He makes it clear that in his view there is nothing new in the reported incidence of cancers in north Wales; he notes that the high incidence has been known for at least 70 years.

  As a result of his examination of the data for all cancer registrations, covering the period 1974–83 Professor

  £ million

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  Receipts in respect of Departmental Running Costs1

  -0·6

  -0·7

  -1·1

  -1·0

  -1·2

  -0·9

  -0·9

  -1·0

  -1·0

  Receipts met from other expenditure programmes2

  430
  Campbell finds there was an excess of 5 per cent, in cancer registrations over the whole period on the north Wales coast when compared with the whole of Wales. The greater part of these registrations were in women and the sites involved were the lung, colon, rectum, stomach, breast and uterus. Professor Campbell considers that this pattern is the same as that which was known to affect north Wales many years ago; it is his view that it would be impossible to identify an actiological agent.

  Professor Campbell gave special attention to the data relating to thyroid cancers and leukaemias. It appears that there were 28 more cases than would be expected by reference to the whole of Wales of thyroid cancer amongst women of the age of 25 years and over, resident in Clwyd in the five years from 1974–78. Professor Campbell considers that this is something which should be investigated. As far as leukaemias are concerned Professor Campbell identifies 65 more cases than would be expected by reference to the whole of Wales over the period 1974–83 on the north Wales coast. He indicated that these cases were confined to people over the age of 65. He considers a number of hypotheses to explain this. Save in two cases, which might be amenable to long-term research, he identifies no grounds for action. It is however, Professor Campbell's view that the most likely explanation for the raised incidence of leukaemias, might be found in the diagnostic practice amongst clinicians in north Wales. He recommends that this hypothesis be examined. Secondly Professor Campbell considers that a study of genetic factors might also be worthy of further long-term research.

  I am very grateful to Professor Campbell for the work he has done and I shall be asking the steering committee for the small areas health statistics unit, under whose auspices Professor Campbell's investigation was undertaken, for its advice on what further work should now be commissioned in the light of Professor Campbell's analysis and recommendations, and specifically in relation to the three studies he suggests.

  I shall place a copy of the report of Professor Campbell's work in the Library of the House.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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 Walker
  The information is estimated to be as follows:
  431

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  (i) Programme expenditure (mainly EC receipts)

  -29·0

  -36·0

  -32·9

  -39·3

  -59·9

  -70·3

  -51·0

  -53·6

  -56·1

  (ii) Departmental Running Costs

  -0·4

  -0·6

  -0·7

  -0·7

  -0·9

  -0·7

  -0·7

  -0·8

  -0·9

  1 Including refunds of VAT.

  2 Excluding refunds of VAT and including receipts from the National Insurance Fund in respect of the Medical Reference Service.

  House Sales
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration he has given to the likely benefits to Welsh people that might follow the introduction to England and Wales, in whole or in part, of the Scottish system of governing house sales; what discussions he has had on this possibility; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: I have not considered or discussed such a possibility; reform of the legal system, which is common to England and Wales, is primarily a matter for my right hon. noble and Learned Friend the Lord Chancellor.

  Valleys Programme
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those indicators which led him to conclude that Caerphilly should be included within the boundaries of the area benefiting from the valleys programme, but that Bedwas and Machen should be excluded.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies I gave him on 21 June and 19 July.

  Slurry Tank, Ciliau Moor Common
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales by what authority he gave retrospective consent to the siting of a slurry tank on Ciliau moor common.

  Mr. Grist
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: In deciding whether to give my consent under section 23 of the National Trust Act 1971 to the siting of a slurry tank on Ciliau moor common I was not prevented from giving consent despite the fact that the works had commenced.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether work on the construction of a slurry tank on Ciliau moor common progressed during the time in which planning consent was being sought.

  Mr. Grist
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: No planning consent was sought. I am informed by the local authority that no specific permission is required because permission is deemed to have been given under class 6 of the General Development Order 1977. I am unable to say whether work was in progress during the time I was considering the application under section 23 of the National Trust Act 1971 for consent to the siting of the slurry tank on Ciliau moor common.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Ethnic Monitoring
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service (1) whether he will now institute an ethnic monitoring procedure through to the appointment stage, in 432
  accordance with the code of the Commission for Racial Equality, in respect of all the schemes for recruitment run by the Civil Service Commission;

  (2) whether he has instituted an ethnic monitoring procedure within the Civil Service Commission, in accordance with the code of the Commission for Racial Equality;

  (3) whether he will now institute ethnic monitoring procedure in accordance with the code for racial equality so that he may in future be able to give the numbers and percentages of ethnic minorities among permanent appointments to the Civil Service at grade 7 level or above.

  Mr. Luce
  The Commission for Racial Equality's code of practice recommends that employers should regularly monitor the effects of selection decisions in order to assess whether equal opportunity is being achieved. The code recognises that the need for detailed information and the methods of collecting it will vary according to circumstances.

  The Civil Service Commission currently monitors through to the appointment stage all its major schemes of recruitment. In specialist areas, where recruitment schemes frequently attract small, sometimes very small, applicant fields, the commission has adopted a more selective procedure. It has used the results of comprehensive monitoring of applications to identify those schemes where there are sufficient applicants of known ethnic origin, and within that sufficient ethnic minority applicants, for monitoring through to appointment to produce useful results. The results of the first year's monitoring were set out in the Civil Service Commissioners' annual report for 1987.

  The results of monitoring are being used to help the commissioners set priorities for improving equality of opportunity in recruitment. The commissioners are currently considering to what extent, within available resources and consistent with their priorities for further action, they can extend monitoring through to appointment. I shall write to the hon. and learned Member once they have completed their consideration.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service which quasi-governmental or other organisations which come under the aegis of the Cabinet Office and of the Office of the Minister for the Civil Service, respectively, have instituted procedures for ethnic monitoring, in accordance with the code for racial equality; and which have not.

  Mr. Luce
  Two advisory bodies come under the aegis of the Cabinet Office and seven under the OMCS. These advisory bodies do not employ staff on their own account. Their secretariats are provided by the Cabinet Office and are subject to departmental ethnic monitoring procedures.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service in which grades the two people from ethnic minorities specified as grades 1 to 7 in his Department are; and whether either or both of these people are women.
  433
  Mr. Luce
  The two are a senior medical officer (grade 5 equivalent) and a grade 7 (statistician). They are both male.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service in which grades the people from ethnic minorities specified as employed SEO or HEO in his Department from ethnic minorities are; and whether either or both of these people are women.

  Mr. Luce
  They are both HEOs, one male and one female.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service in which grades the people from ethnic minorities specified as EO in his Department from ethnic minorities are; and whether either or both of these people are women.

  Mr. Luce
  The three EOs are two males and one female.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will now update policy statements on equal opportunities issued in 1984.

  Mr. Luce
  I see no need to update policy statements at this stage.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what practical evidence there is in his Department of the increase in awareness at all levels of potential problems of equal opportunity and of the willingness to overcome them resulting from the policy statements issued in 1984.

  Mr. Luce
  By the increased understanding shown by staff at all levels when these matters are raised and discussed and the more ready acceptance of adaptations to working practices such as part-time working.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service by what methods his Department is constantly looking for ways to develop and improve its equal opportunities programme.

  Mr. Luce
  By reference to examples of best practice and other published information, by attendance at seminars involving both public and private sector organisations, and by discussion and consultations within the Department.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service who is carrying out current initiatives to develop and improve his Department's equal opportunities programme in connection with alternative working patterns and recruitment reviews, respectively.

  Mr. Luce
  The Cabinet Office personnel services branches.

  Departmental Monitoring Exercises
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what study his Department is making of the results of the monitoring exercises of recruitment, promotion and training; and whether he will place copies of the results of those exercises in the Library.

  Mr. Luce
  My Department is studying the results of the monitoring exercises in order to assess whether equal opportunity is being achieved. I will consider whether to place the results of the exercises in the Library.

THE ARTS

  Admissions
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what information he has on total admissions to arts events and institutions in the latest available year.

  Mr. Luce
  For the performing arts, the Policy Studies Institute's research publication "The Economic Importance of the Arts in Britain" provides an estimate of some 49 million attendances at theatres and concerts in 1984–85. Information held on the Museums Association database suggests that some 73 million visits were made to museums and galleries in 1986.

  Employment
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what information he has on direct employment in the arts sector of the economy in the latest available year.

  Mr. Luce
  Figures published this year by the Policy Studies Institute suggest that some 189,000 people were directly employed in the arts in 1986. There were also considerable numbers who were in employment ancillary to the arts, or self-employed on arts work.

  Horniman and Geffrye Museums
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will make a statement on his negotiations with the Horniman and Geffrye museums on their future funding and constitutions.

  Mr. Luce
  The Government have announced that the Horniman and the Geffrye museums will be established as independent charitable trusts able to take full advantage of all sources of funding and with an assurance of Government support following the abolition of the inner London education authority. Discussions on future arrangements for the museums are under way.

  Sponsorship
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what information he has on the amount of sponsorship of the arts provided by(a) private sector firms, (b) public sector organisations other than local authorities, (c) local authorities, (d) trade unions and (e) private individuals.

  Mr. Luce
  Private sector firms currently contribute some £30 million annually by way of sponsorship. The most recent figure available for local authority spending on arts, museums and galleries is £202·2 million, in 1983–84. Information is not held centrally on sponsorship by public sector organisations (other than local authorities); by trades unions; or by private individuals.

  Museum Education Service
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will make a statement on the future of the museum education service in London following the abolition of the Inner London education authority.

  Mr. Luce
  On the abolition of the Inner London education authority, each inner London borough will become responsible for the education service in its area.
  435
  Boroughs, individually and jointly, are discussing with the ILEA and the Department of Education and Science a number of areas where cross-borough provision may continue to be appropriate.

  Scottish Arts Council (Funding)
  Mr. Robert Hughes
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will list separately in the Official Report, the total funding by the Scottish Arts Council to local authorities, and groups operating from within the boundaries of local authorities in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee, in each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Luce
  I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Books (VAT)
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will give the latest estimates of the cost to national and local libraries of value-added tax on books at the current standard rate.

  Mr. Luce
  The British Library and local authority libraries in England are the only libraries for which I have responsibility. If books were subject to value added tax at the current standard rate, the approximate annual cost to the British Library based on current expenditure would be £550,000. There would be no cost to public libraries because, under present arrangements, local authorities are able to reclaim value added tax incurred in respect of their library activities.

  Radical Scotland
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will set out the criteria under which the Scottish Arts Council disburses grants; and how these criteria have been applied in the case of grants to Radical Scotland.

  Mr. Luce
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: The two main criteria which the Scottish Arts Council uses in the assessment of an arts body are the artistic quality of its work and the efficiency of its management. The council satisfies itself that these criteria are met by all arts organisations to whom a grant is made. I am drawing my hon. Friend's concern about Radical Scotland to the attention of the chairman of the Scottish Arts Council.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what is the current level of grant from the Scottish Arts Council to Radical Scotland.

  Mr. Luce
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: The current Scottish Arts Council grant to Radical Scotland is £900 for the literary content of six issues of the publication.

  Scottish Arts Council
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what guidance he has issued to the Scottish Arts Council on the criteria under which they disburse grants to magazines and similar publications; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Luce
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: I do not issue any guidance. The Scottish Arts Council and the Arts Council of Great Britain have similar criteria for grant allocation.

ENVIRONMENT

  Licensed Premises
  Sir John Farr
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider issuing guidance to planning committees faced with applications to change licensed premises into a private residence.

  Mr. Chope
  No. Local planning authorities should be able to decide such proposals, on the planning merits of the particular case, in the usual way against the background of the relevant planning policies.

  Sports Facilities (Safety)
  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans his Department has to ensure that adequate safety standards are maintained in any changes in management in sports and leisure centres, arising from the recent statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Under the Government's proposals to bring compulsory competitive tendering to the management of local authority sport and leisure facilities, local authorities would be responsible for drawing up the tender specifications setting out, amongst other things, what safety requirements must be met. Moreover, the Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974 already imposes a general duty to take reasonable measures with respect to health and safety on those who are, to any extent, in control of non-domestic premises, which include public sports and leisure facilities. This general duty is enforceable by the Health and Safety Executive and would continue to apply regardless of whether a facility was managed by a local authority's own employees or by a contractor. With regard to the safety of spectators at sports facilities, the requirement of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the Fire Safety and Safety at Places of Sport Act 1987 would not be affected by the competitive tendering proposals.

  British Coal Properties (Sales)
  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what public subsidy was made available for the purchase of former British Coal properties by housing associations or local authorities; and what steps have been taken to monitor the identities of the purchasers of these properties.

  Mr. Trippier
  Earlier this year, £1·25 million was paid by the Housing Corporation to a consortium of registered housing associations purchasing British Coal properties in Nottinghamshire. No specific Exchequer subsidy has been made available for similar purchases by local authorities. The identity of those to whom properties are sold is a matter for British Coal, but under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, all tenants have the right to know who their landlord is.

  Water Charges
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his proposals for the regulation of water charges.
  437
  Mr. Moynihan
  The arrangements for the regulation of charges are described in a policy letter dated 3 March 1988 (reference WRP1), copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  District Councils (Rate Support Grant)
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all district councils in England and Wales which will receive no rate support grant in respect of the 1988–89 financial year.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  All district councils will receive domestic rate relief grant. The following English district councils are not expected to receive any block grant on the basis of the most recent estimate made under section 66(1) of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980:

  South Bedfordshire

  Wokingham

  South Buckinghamshire

  Chiltern

  Milton Keynes

  Wycombe

  Basildon

  Harlow

  Thurrock

  Hart

  Redditch

  St. Albans

  Stevenage

  Three Rivers

  Welwyn Hatfield

  Selby

  Bassetlaw

  Oxford

  Epsom and Ewell

  Guildford

  Reigate and Banstead

  North Warwickshire

  Crawley

  The position in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Ivory Imports
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to introduce a total ban on the import of all worked ivory into the United Kingdom.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  A total ban on the import of all worked ivory would be a matter for discussion with our EC partners. Import is strictly controlled under EC regulation 3626, which implements the convention on international trade in endangered species in the Community.

  Local Authority Direct Labour Organisations
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to review the competition rules for local authority direct labour organisations' building and maintenance work.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  My right hon. Friend has today published a consultation paper proposing that all building and maintenance work other than highways and sewerage work should be subject to competition from next April, and that the present exemption for direct labour organisations with not more than 30 employees should be reduced to five employees. The present regulations, made 438
  under part III of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, have been in force since 1983 and the Government feel that there is no longer a case for any competition-free allowance for this work. Some authorities already expose all their maintenance and minor construction work to competition. We estimate that an extra £400 million of work would be exposed to compulsory competition each year. A 30-employee de minimis threshold no longer seems justified. This could allow an authority to carry out work worth £600,000 a year without competition.

  Copies of the paper are being distributed widely, including to all local authorities, and have been placed in the Library.

  Rates
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the average rate bills for 1988–89 for each of the following categories(a) all households whose head is on income support, (b) all households whose head is aged 25 or more and on income support and (c) all households whose head is aged less than 25 and on income support for each region of England and Wales and for Scotland.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The information requested is not available.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to review the implementation by local authorities of the right-to-buy provisions of the Housing Act 1980; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  The Department keeps a close watch on complaints from tenants experiencing difficulty or delay in exercising the right to buy. Eleven local authorities where there have been serious shortcomings are required to report monthly on their performance.

  Richmond Yard
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 21 July, what is the precise nature of the internal management purposes to which he refers in relation to the Property Services Agency's valuation of Richmond yard.

  Mr. Chope
  Planning and managing the disposition of in-house resources.

  Arts Organisations (Rate Revenue)
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the revenue from arts organisations to local government rates for each of the past 10 years.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Based on rateable values for libraries, museums, art galleries etc. and theatres and music halls in England gross rate yields from these organisations are estimated as; follows:

  £ million

  1979–80

  10

  1980–81

  12

  1981–82

  16

  439

  £ million

  1982–83

  18

  1983–84

  19

  1984–85

  21

  1985–86

  23

  1986–87

  26

  1987–88

  27

  1988–89

  29

  Local authorities have the power to reduce or remit the payment of rates chargeable in respect of organisations whose main objects are concerned with education, social welfare, science, literature or the fine arts. The amount actually paid in rates by these organisations may therefore be less than the figures quoted.

  Ordnance Survey
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a reconciliation of (a) the turnover of the Ordnance Survey in 1986–87 as shown by note 2 to its trading accounts (HC 380 of 1987–88) with (b) the analysis of receipts in the 1986–87 Appropriation Accounts for class XX, vote II (HC 107-XII of 1987–88).

  Mr. Moynihan
  The information requested is as follows:

  £'000 s

  £'000 s

  Trading accounts turnover

  31,199

  Add VAT

  2,135

  Non trading receipts

  421

  2,556

  Less increase in debtors

  44

  Decrease in copyright in advance

  3

  47

  Appropriation account receipts

  33,708

  Turnover is explained in note 1(h) to the 1986–87 trading accounts and is exclusive of VAT.

  Appropriation of account receipts are sums actually received by the Department. It is therefore necessary in reconciling the turnover and receipts to allow for movements in debtors and copyright in advance.

  Trees
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what further assistance he will provide to promote the replacement planting of amenity trees lost in the storm of 15–16 October 1987.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many trees were planted in each month since September 1987.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  We estimate that £1·4 million was spent on aiding the planting of approximately 500,000 amenity trees under the initial task force trees programme (including site preparation and certain other costs) and a similar sum on grant-aiding tree surgery to some 30,000 trees. Other amenity planting took place in this period under the existing programme of aid administered by the Countryside Commission, and planting in woodlands where it was grant aided, or undertaken directly, by the Forestry Commission.
  440
  Complete figures are not available, and it is not possible to give a breakdown by month. However, much planting has also been undertaken by private individuals, voluntary bodies and local authorities at their own expense.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on the progress of measures his Department has taken to replace trees destroyed in the October 1987 hurricane.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The Government have already made substantial sums available for the replacement planting of amenity trees, both in rural and in urban areas, through a special unit of the Countryside Commission, task force trees. In 1987–88 £3 million was allocated for this purpose and in January my noble Friend the Minister of State announced that a further £800,000 would be provided for the current financial year to supplement the commission's regular programme of assistance for planting.

  At that time, my noble Friend also said that the Government would make a further statement of their intentions in good time for the start of the next planting season. Accordingly, following detailed discussions with the Countryside Commission, we have decided to make available to task force trees an additional allocation of £2·5 million to implement the next phase of restoration. Of this, £200,000 is to be spent in the current financial year and the remainder in 1989–90.

  We see this additional aid as part of a longer-term programme of restoration, of which further details will be announced in due course.

  The Government are conscious of the damage caused by the storm to historic parks and gardens, and both English Heritage and task force trees are providing appropriate assistance. For 1989–90, in addition to the further resources for task force trees, we shall be making available £500,000 to English Heritage to enable it to continue its programme of grant assistance for the clearance and replanting of parks and gardens of outstanding architectural or historic interest.

  Housing Association Hostels
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce his proposals for the future funding of housing association hostels.

  Mr. Trippier
  My Department has published today a consultation paper on the future funding of housing association hostels and special needs projects. Comments from all interested organisations and individuals will be welcome by 30 September.

  Planning Enforcement
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the arrangements for the review of planning enforcement powers which he announced recently.

  Mr. Ridley
  I am pleased to announce that Mr. Robert Carnwath QC has agreed to prepare a report for me on this subject. His terms of reference are:—"To examine the scope and effectiveness of provisions, in Part V and XII of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, relating to enforcement of planning control, including appeals to the Secretary of State, and to make recommendations for improvements to the present provisions or for alternative provisions."

  441
  I have asked that the report be completed by early in 1989.

  Mr. Carnwath will be seeking views from representative bodies on the matters included in the terms of reference. Anyone wishing to offer such views should do so in writing to Planning and Development Control Division 2, Tollgate house, Houlton street, Bristol BS2 9DJ.

  Crown Suppliers
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the privatisation of the Crown Suppliers.

  Mr. Chope
  I announced on 3 February the Government's intention to sell those of the Crown Suppliers' businesses which can be undertaken on a normal commercial basis. Such businesses can be carried out more efficiently in the private sector and should provide an improved source of competitive supplies for the public sector. I have excluded from the package for sale only those of TCS activities which are not run on commercial lines; which raise questions of security; or which, because of the very specialised nature of the business, exceptionally provide better value for money within the public sector.

  The package for sale will therefore include the Crown Suppliers' businesses of selling furniture, furnishings, floor coverings, domestic appliances, electrical, mechanical and laboratory equipment, building materials and vehicles, together with its associated repair, design and technical services. It will also include the transport hire business and the interdepartmental dispatch service between Government Departments. All these are businesses which are commonly carried out by private firms with which I hope the Crown Suppliers will be able successfully to compete.

  For security reasons, I have decided to exclude from the sale the design and procurement of security furniture and equipment and the car service which transports Ministers and senior officials in London.

  On value-for-money grounds, the Crown Suppliers' fuel business will not be sold. I accept that the extremely specialised nature of fuel procurement is such that the Crown Suppliers, once privatised, would be unlikely to be able or willing to secure as low prices as it can at present. The business will therefore be retained in Government, and the possibility of establishing it as an executive agency will be examined.

  Also on value-for-money grounds, I envisage that the expertise necessary to procure those few highly specialised items of equipment where the Property Services Agency is the only customer and there is a single supplier should be retained in the agency, since in these circumstances there are no additional cost advantages to be gained fron using the Crown Suppliers to find sources of supply or to purchase in bulk for a number of customers.

  Finally, the special unit in the Crown Suppliers which provides services to the Palace of Westminster and other royal palaces and civil residences in Whitehall and elsewhere is not presently run on strictly commercial lines; it is not therefore suitable for inclusion in this sale, although I would not wish to rule out contracting out part of the work of the section in due course.

  When the Crown Suppliers is sold, staff working on the activities being privatised will be protected by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 which, inter alia, provide for the automatic transfer
  442
  of staff with their jobs to the new employer. Staff in those groups for whom there may be prospects of alternative employment within the Civil Service will be asked whether or not they wish to remain in the Civil Service or stay with the Crown Suppliers. We shall use our best endeavours to meet their wishes where they are consistent with the smooth transfer of functions, but I cannot guarantee that we shall be able to satisfy all preferences.

  I shall now be consulting the trade unions on these proposals and working up detailed plans for the sale. A number of efficiency improvements are being made so that the Crown Suppliers will be structured and ready for the challenge of privatisation.

  Red List Substances
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish detailed proposals for controlling red list substances in relation to the aquatic environment, first announced last November and outlined to Environment Ministers at the second international conference on the North sea.

  Mr. Ridley
  The Government have today published a consultation paper setting out its detailed proposals for tightening controls over the input of the most dangerous substances to water—the so-called red list. The consultation paper explains the selection scheme developed by my Department to identify those substances which are thought to pose the greatest threat to our water environment and the system of controls through which it is proposed to minimise the amounts of these substances reaching our inland and coastal waters. The initial red list contained 26 substances selected on the basis of their toxicity, persistence and capacity for bio-accumulation.

  Industrial processes discharging significant amounts of red list substances will be prescribed for control by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution and will have to satisfy the inspectorate that the process will be operated using best available technology not entailing excessive cost in order to minimise the amounts of these substances discharged. In addition, discharges will continue to have to satisfy environmental quality objectives which water authorities set for the receiving waters.

  Where these substances reach water from indirect or diffuse sources, the Government will be asking water authorities to initiate more rigorous environmental monitoring, and will be seeking ways of applying existing controls over their marketing and use more effectively.

  These proposals represent a further move in United Kingdom policy towards a more precautionary approach to the protection of the aquatic environment and will constitute a key element in our implementation of the measures agreed by Ministers at last November's second international conference on the North sea. Although these proposals relate primarily to the water environment, they are consistent with the wider policies for integrated pollution control, which are the subject of a separate consultation paper also being published today. The Government also see the proposals as having general implications for the development of European policy on the control of dangerous substances to water. The Government hope to start implementing these proposals on an interim basis during the second half of 1989.

  The consultation paper is being sent to the CBI, the Chemical Industries Association, the Water Authorities

  443
  Association, representation of various trade organisations and other interested parties. Copies are available from the Vote Office and in the Library.

  Pollution Control
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for legislation to fulfil the remit given to Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in the action plan following the "Scrutiny Report Inspecting Industry: Pollution and Safety" to develop an integrated approach to pollution control.

  Mr. Ridley
  I have today issued a consultation paper which sets out proposals for a new statutory framework which gives expression to the cross-media approach to pollution control which underlay the creation of HMIP in April 1987. They also reflect the concept of "best practicable environmental option" developed by the Royal Commission on environmental pollution, notably in its fifth and 12th reports. The Government will take account of views expressed during consultations before reaching conclusions on these proposals.

  Hazardous Waste
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will implement the directive on transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  It is unfortunately not possible, as we had wished, to apply the transfrontier directive to all special wastes as defined in the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980. The 1980 regulations control the movement of a wider range of difficult wastes than the minimum required by European law and it appears that there is no basis in United Kingdom law to apply the transfrontier directive other than to that minimum.

  I accordingly intend to lay in the next few weeks regulations to implement the transfrontier directive in respect of special wastes containing polychlorinated biphenyls and those substances listed in the annex to directive 78/319 (toxic and dangerous waste), except organic and chlorinated solvents which are specifically excluded from the transfrontier directive. This will implement the transfrontier directive in full. Details of the revised basis of implementation are being sent to local authority associations, industry and other interested parties.

  Imports of other special wastes will continue to be subject to the special waste regulations but I am investigating the possibility of further measures under United Kingdom law to tighten the controls applicable to such imports.

  East London River Crossing
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to announce his decision on the planning application for the line of the road and the east London river crossing; and if he will make a statement on its relationship with the London City airport.

  Mr. Channon
  I have been asked to reply.

  I am pleased to announce that, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, I have decided that the A406 east London
  444
  river crossing will be built with a new bridge across the Thames. This follows our consideration of the report from the inspector who conducted local public inquiries between September 1985 and December 1986.

  The inspector recommended that the Department of Transport's scheme, including a new cable-stayed bridge across the Thames, should be built. He rejected alternative tunnel options.

  We have decided to defer a decision on the design of the bridge. The inspector considered that a dual three-lane standard would eventually be needed. With the design originally proposed, it would not be possible to provide three full-width lanes. We also accept the inspector's recommendation that the design should incorporate a segregated cycleway. We considered late objections, forwarded to us by the inspector without comment, from Eurocity Express and the Air Transport Users Committee. These objections concerned the height of the towers of the proposed Thames bridge, which would limit options for future use of London City airport.

  I am therefore asking the consultants for the scheme to investigate whether there is an alternative design for the bridge which would be practicable, acceptable and within the broad order of costs of the Department's proposed bridge, and which would satisfy the objectives of the scheme, and keep open options for future use of the airport.

  The inspector recommended a number of modifications to the Department's proposals. One of these was his proposal to provide about 400 m of cut-and-cover tunnel through part of Oxleas wood and to delete the south-facing slip roads at the Shooters hill interchange. Having carefully weighed the advantages and disadvantages of the inspector's proposal, we are not satisfied that the additional cost of the tunnel and the loss of benefits from deletion of the slip roads are justified. We have decided not to accept this recommendation.

  Those parts of the orders relating to the line and most of the side road orders will now be made. The inspector also recommended that the draft compulsory purchase orders should be made, and that the three certificates for exchange land should be granted. We have deferred decisions on these.

  Copies of the inspector's report and our decision letter are being placed in the Library.

  Homeless People
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is planning to issue any guidance to local authorities concerning the sale of accommodation for homeless people to developers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: Local authorities are well aware of the rules governing sale or disposal of housing land and property. The general consents of 2 June 1981 gave local authorities powers to make certain disposals without reference to this Department; and other disposals require special consent under sections 32 to 34 of the Housing Act 1985. Whether a particular sale of accommodation used for homeless people needs the Secretary of State's consent would depend upon the terms of disposal.

  Ordnance Survey (Bristol Railway)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the railway line omitted from the current Ordnance Survey maps for the Bristol area, but which is visible to travellers on the M5 south of that town, will be included in the next printing; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The decision to omit such features is made by the owning authority for reasons of security. The need to impose restrictions on published material is regularly reviewed to ensure that detail is not unnecessarily withheld. As a result of a recent review, following the privatisation of the royal ordnance factories, it has been decided that this railway line will be shown on the next edition of the Ordnance Survey maps of the area.

  Planning Consents
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance he has issued to local planning authorities regarding the degree of change to the terms of an original consent, or the degree of flexibility in those terms that many allow before requiring a new consent.

  Mr. Chope
  I take it that the hon. Member is referring to changes to proposals before the grant of full planning permission. My Department's circular 22/80 "Development Control—Policy and Practice" advises local planning authorities that provided that the amendments do not materially change the character of the development proposed, it is sensible and time-saving to allow applicants to amend applications for approval of reserved matters, or small details of full applications for planning permission, thus avoiding the need for a fresh planning application.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning applications to change a scheme which had already received planning consent were notified in 1987; and what percentage of these were successful(a) at local authority level and (b) on appeal to the Secretary of State.

  Mr. Chope
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of all planning applications in 1987 were successful(a) at local authority level and (b)on appeal to him.

  Mr. Chope
  In 1987, local planning authorities granted permission for 85 per cent, of planning applications decided by them. The number of cases in which permission was granted on appeal to the Secretary of State in 1987 was equivalent to 1·4 per cent, of planning applications decided by local planning authorities in that year.

  Tenanted Residential Property (Planning Permission)
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he proposes to take to(a) prevent applicants for planning permission for works to tenanted residential property from making false statements about their intentions for the future of the tenants and (b) provide tenants with rights to safeguard their position during the planning process.
  446
  Mr. Chope
  A grant of planning permission cannot remove the legal rights of any tenant of the land to which the permission relates, nor is protection of those rights a function of the planning system. A tenant may make representations to the local planning authority about the land use planning implications of a planning application and the authority may impose planning conditions giving effect to the applicant's undertakings in so far as they relate to land-use planning matters.

  Football Supporters (Membership Scheme)
  Mr Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received concerning the proposed compulsory membership scheme for football supporters; and if he will list the organisations in favour of, and opposed to, the scheme.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I have received 130 representations about the national membership scheme from members of the public, nine from organisations. I have also received a large number of proposals to implement the scheme from computer companies and others. I could not list those who have written in by name without their consent to do so.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which organisations he has consulted or proposes to consult in connection with the compulsory membership scheme for football supporters.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I am chairing a working party to examine the details of the proposed national membership scheme for football supporters. The Football League, the Football Association, the police, the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency and other Government Departments are represented on it. I have asked the National Federation of Football Supporters Clubs to let me have in writing any points it would like the working party to take into account. I will shortly be issuing a similar invitation to the Football Supporters Association.

  It is our intention to bring proposals to Parliament for legislation to give statutory backing to the scheme.

  Common Land
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the report of the Common Land Forum of September 1986, he will bring forward legislation to amend the law on common land; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ridley
  I announced on 29 January 1987 that the Government accept the case for legislation based broadly on the forum's report and intend to introduce a comprehensive commons Bill at a suitable opportunity when parliamentary time permits.

  General Development Order
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to publish the revised and consolidated town and country planning General Development Order.

  Mr. Ridley
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: We propose to lay a revised and consolidated General Development Order in time for it to come into effect later this year.

  Empty Properties
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of properties for rent which are empty in each of the categories of(a) local authority housing, (b) housing association housing and (c) Government Department housing; and what is his estimate of the percentage that this represents of the total number of properties in each such group.

  Mr. Ridley
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: Estimates derived from local authorities' annual housing investment programme returns for 1987 are as follows:

  Vacant dwellings1 at 1 April 1987: England

  Number and percentage of stock

  000's

  Percentage

  Local authorities2

  108·6

  2·5

  Housing associations

  12·9

  2·7

  Other public sector2

  15·6

  5·8

  1 Excluding dwellings subject to demolition or closing orders.

  2 Local authorities vacant housing in overspill estates is included in the host authorities under "other public sector" which also includes housing owned by new towns, county councils, Government departments, nationalised industries and other public bodies. Many of these are vacant because of operational requirements, notably those owned by the Ministry of Defence, and others have been acquired for demolition (for example, by the Department of Transport). Government is encouraging the sale of housing which is not required and many of those that are vacant are in the process of disposal.

SCOTLAND

  Supply Estimates
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the miscellaneous items covered in the proposed increase for 1988–89 of class XVI, vote 14, N9(7) miscellaneous.

  Table 1—Scottish local authority summarised housing revenue accounts

  11982–83

  11983–84

  11984–85

  11985–86

  21986–87

  21987–88

  31988–89

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  Loan charges

  416

  399

  414

  431

  424

  435

  469

  Non-loan charges4

  260

  269

  295

  280

  301

  317

  335

  Total expenditure5

  675

  668

  699

  711

  725

  751

  805

  Rents

  414

  448

  470

  511

  570

  632

  685

  Subsidy (HSG, RFC)

  229

  195

  202

  165

  121

  84

  77

  Other income5

  32

  25

  27

  35

  34

  36

  43

  Total income

  675

  668

  699

  711

  725

  751

  805

  Notes:

  1 Figures for 1982–83 to 1985–86 are based on audited accounts.

  2 Figures for 1986–87 to 1987–88 are near actual outturns.

  3 Figures for 1988–89 are authorities estimates.

  4 The main item of expenditure in management and maintenance.

  5 Total may not add up due to rounding.

  Table 2—Scottish special housing association summarised housing revenue accounts

  1982–831

  1983–841

  1984–851

  1985–861

  1986–872

  1987–882

  1988–893

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  Loan charges

  51

  55

  58

  62

  65

  67

  69

  Non-Loan charges4

  29

  27

  27

  28

  33

  34

  34

  Total expenditure5

  80

  83

  85

  90

  97

  101

  103

  Rents

  52

  57

  60

  64

  70

  74

  78

  Subsidy

  26

  23

  23

  23

  24

  24

  22

  Other income

  3

  3

  2

  3

  3

  3

  3

  Total income5

  80

  83

  85

  90

  97

  101

  103

  Notes:

  1 Figures for 1982–83 to 1985–86 are based on audited accounts.
  448
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The provision for N9(7) miscellaneous expenditure in the current year is £2,902,000 compared with £601,000 in 1987–88. This increase is due mainly to the inclusion of £2·199 million to provide for expenditure on centrally financed AIDS-related projects.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the additional printing and stationery envisaged by the projected increase in expenditure under Supply Estimates 1988–89, class XVI, vote 14, (N9.6 stationery, printing, etc.)

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The provision for N9(6) stationery, printing, and so on in the current year is £100,000 compared with £55,000 in 1987–88. This increase is to cover the estimated costs of producing and issuing to all general medical practitioners a consolidated version of the regulations governing general medical practitioners' terms and conditions of service and the revised drug tariff which will be issued to all general practitioners. Provision has also been made for the recurring costs of a large number of other health-related publications.

  Housing Revenue Account
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report a summarised housing revenue account, consistent with table 16.1 of Cm. 288–11, for each of the years 1982–83 to 1990–91 for (a) Scottish local authorities, (b) the Scottish Special Housing Association housing and (c) new town development corporations in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested for the years 1982–83 to 1988–89 is shown in the tables. Projections of housing revenue account income and expenditure are not available for 1989–90 and 1990–91.
  449
  2 Figures for 1986–87 to 1987–88 are near actual outturns.

  3 Figures for 1988–89 are estimates.

  4 The main item of expenditure is management and maintenance.

  5 Total may not add up due to rounding.

  Table 3—Scottish new town development corporations summarised housing revenue accounts

  1982–831

  1983–841

  1984–851

  1985–861

  1986–871

  1987–882

  1988–892

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  Loan charges

  48

  49

  51

  52

  53

  47

  49

  Non-Loan charges3

  18

  19

  19

  20

  21

  23

  23

  Total expenditure4

  66

  68

  70

  72

  74

  70

  72

  Rents

  33

  35

  36

  38

  40

  42

  44

  Subsidy

  32

  33

  32

  33

  33

  27

  28

  Other income

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Total income4

  66

  68

  70

  72

  74

  70

  72

  Notes:

  1 Figures for 1982–83 to 1986–87 are based on audited accounts.

  2 Figures for 1987–88 and 1988–89 are estimates.

  3 The main item of expenditure is management and maintenance.

  4 Totals may not add up due to rounding.

  Illegal Abortions
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of convictions in Scotland for procuring an illegal abortion in 1987.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  None.

  Wild Birds
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West of 18 July,Official Report, columns 510–11, if he will indicate in respect of the total number of bird deaths reported to his Department between 1 January 1979 and 30 June 1988, the percentage represented by those known to have been killed by the use of poisoned bait.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  75 per cent.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West of 18 July,Official Report, columns 510–11, if he will indicate for each species of bird listed those cases reported to his Department by owners or occupiers of land and those reported by other parties.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information asked for is not available, in that reports are very often made at second hand and the records held by my Department's wildlife incident investigation service do not always contain information as to the persons making the first report of the finding of carcases of birds.

  Training (Expenditure)
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide an estimate of the expenditure by industry on training in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.

  Mr. Lang
  This information is not collected.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of people classified as employees in employment for each quarter December 1986 to March 1988 inclusive, as defined prior to the introduction of the concept of the civilian work force in employment in June 1988.
  450
  Mr. Lang
  The table gives the latest estimates of the number of employees in employment, the definition of which has not been affected by the introduction of the concept of the civilian work force in employment.

  Employees in employment

  Thousands

  Scotland

  Unadjusted for seasonal variation

  Seasonally adjusted

  1986

  December

  1,874

  1,874

  1987

  March

  1,862

  1,876

  June

  1,886

  1,880

  September

  1,879

  1,871

  December

  1,877

  1,878

  1988

  March

  1,868

  1,882

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the impact of the new work force definition of including training scheme participants as employees on(a) the monthly percentage unemployment rate and (b) the number of employees in employment.

  Mr. Lang
  For Scotland as a whole the unemployment rate on the work force basis is, on average, 0·2 percentage points lower than the unemployment rate calculated on the previous basis, which did not include participants on work-related Government training programmes in the denominator. The definition of employees in employment has not been changed.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the impact the new adult training programme and withdrawal of general entitlement to benefit for young people under 18 years, w;ill have on the monthly unemployment figures, claimant count, after November.

  Mr. Lang
  Plans are for some 41,000 filled places under employment training in Scotland, in comparison to some 35,000 under existing adult programmes. It will of course take some time for employment training to become fully established.

  As regards income support changes, there are currently around 21,000 claimants aged under 18 on average

  451
  included in the count for Scotland, of whom some 14,000 are school leavers who are already excluded from the seasonally adjusted series. The majority of these will no longer be entitled to benefit.

  Heatwise, Glasgow
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Heatwise, Glasgow, concerning the employment training programme; and what response he has given.

  Mr. Ian Lang
  I visited Heatwise in Glasgow on 11 July and am fully aware of the serious problems the company faces as a consequence of the decision by Glasgow district council not to participate in employment training. For the sake of the long-term unemployed I hope that Glasgow district council, and other local authorities which have adopted a similar stance, will reconsider their position and join the new programme.

  Apprenticeships
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of apprenticeships in Scotland in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.

  Mr. Lang
  I regret that the information is not available in the precise form requested. The table shows the number of apprentices and other trainees in manufacturing industry in Scotland since 1981. In 1988, as a percentage of all manufacturing employees, the number of apprentices and other trainees was higher in Scotland than in any other Great Britain region.

  Apprentices and Trainees in Scottish Manufacturing Industries

  1981–1988

  Year

  Apprentices (000s)

  Other (000s)

  All trainees (000s)

  1981

  13·6

  4·2

  17·8

  1982

  12·3

  4·8

  17·1

  1983

  11·9

  2·8

  14·7

  1984

  8·3

  2·6

  11·0

  1985

  8·3

  2·8

  11·1

  1986

  6·3

  2·7

  9·0

  1987

  5·8

  2·8

  8·6

  1988

  6·1

  4·9

  11·0

  Notes:

  1. The figures refer to March of each year.

  2. Many of those receiving initial skills training under YTS, specifically those without a contract of employment, are not counted as employees and so do not appear in the above table.

  3. With the move away from traditional apprentice training in many industries some long duration schemes of a type which previously could have involved apprenticeships may now be classified as "other training".

  Training Programmes
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of people included in "Employers in Employment" who were participating in Government training programmes for each quarter from December 1986 to March 1988 inclusive, prior to the introduction of the concept of the civilian work force in employment.

  Mr. Lang
  I assume that the hon. Member is referring to employees in employment.

  Estimates of the number of people participating in Government training programmes included in the
  452
  employees in employment statistics for Scotland for each quarter from December 1986 to March 1988 inclusive are shown in the table.

  Number

  December 1986

  41,000

  March 1987

  40,000

  June 1987

  39,000

  September 1987

  41,000

  December 1987

  40,000

  March 1988

  41,000

  Road Accidents
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of culpable homicide were prosecuted under sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Road Traffic Act in 1987.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In 1987, 30 people were prosecuted under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 for causing death by reckless driving. Since, under sections 2 and 3 of the Act, the consequences of the driving do not form part of the charge, no information is available in the criminal statistics on whether or not charges under these sections arose out of an incident in which a death occurred. However, cases of reckless driving involving a death are almost invariably prosecuted under section 1 rather than section 2 or 3.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report the number of (a) fatalities and (b) serious injuries caused by road traffic accidents in (i) each regional authority, (ii) each district authority and (iii) each parliamentary constituency in Scotland for the years 1985, 1986 and 1987.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested for 1985 and 1986 is included at tables 23 and 26 of "Road Accidents Scotland", for 1985 and 1986 respectively, copies of which are available in the Library. The figures for 1987 are as follows:

  Region/district

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  Total

  Borders

  23

  282

  430

  735

  Tweeddale

  1

  46

  54

  101

  Ettrick/Lauderdale

  7

  92

  153

  252

  Roxburgh

  5

  74

  135

  214

  Berwickshire

  10

  70

  88

  168

  Central

  26

  284

  734

  1,044

  Clackmannan

  2

  42

  93

  137

  Stirling

  14

  109

  262

  385

  Falkirk

  10

  133

  379

  522

  Dumfries and Galloway

  26

  225

  544

  795

  Wigtown

  5

  45

  125

  175

  Stewartry

  3

  50

  77

  130

  Nithsdale

  7

  65

  203

  275

  Annandale/Eskdale

  11

  65

  139

  215

  Fife

  33

  308

  973

  1,314

  Kirkcaldy

  8

  11

  394

  513

  North East Fife

  10

  99

  258

  367

  Dunfermline

  15

  98

  321

  434

  Grampian

  72

  484

  2,086

  2,642

  Aberdeen

  10

  137

  822

  969

  Moray

  7

  84

  299

  390

  Banff and Buchan

  10

  84

  361

  455

  Gordon

  24

  110

  353

  487

  453

  Region/district

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  Total

  Kincardine and Deeside

  21

  69

  251

  341

  Highland

  22

  391

  665

  1,078

  Caithness

  3

  61

  67

  131

  Sutherland

  —

  29

  44

  73

  Ross and Cromarty

  4

  89

  105

  198

  Skye and Lochalsh

  1

  32

  87

  120

  Lochaber

  4

  28

  102

  134

  Inverness

  4

  93

  190

  287

  Bandenoch and Strathspey

  6

  42

  48

  96

  Nairn

  —

  17

  22

  39

  Lothian

  73

  1,165

  2,552

  3,790

  Edinburgh

  38

  658

  1,787

  2,483

  West Lothian

  15

  217

  348

  580

  Midlothian

  11

  152

  219

  382

  East Lothian

  9

  138

  198

  345

  Strathclyde

  203

  2,771

  8,303

  11,277

  Glasgow

  52

  897

  2,963

  3,912

  Argyll and Bute

  12

  141

  340

  493

  Dumbarton

  13

  114

  316

  443

  Clydebank

  3

  74

  192

  269

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  4

  32

  126

  162

  Strathkelvin

  6

  83

  268

  357

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  7

  38

  115

  160

  Monklands

  8

  126

  362

  496

  Motherwell

  9

  149

  401

  559

  Hamilton

  7

  132

  320

  459

  East Kilbride

  1

  66

  192

  259

  Eastwood

  5

  44

  123

  172

  Clydesdale

  17

  105

  311

  433

  Renfrew

  15

  233

  714

  962

  Inverclyde

  7

  115

  332

  454

  Cunninghame

  11

  154

  430

  595

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  7

  98

  266

  371

  Kyle and Carrick

  17

  107

  389

  513

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  2

  63

  143

  208

  Tayside

  67

  692

  1,063

  1,822

  Dundee

  17

  190

  359

  566

  Angus

  15

  190

  257

  462

  Perth and Kinross

  35

  312

  447

  794

  Orkney

  3

  24

  28

  55

  Shetland

  4

  32

  57

  93

  Western Isles

  4

  50

  51

  105

  Scotland

  556

  6,708

  17,486

  24,750

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fatal accident inquiries were held in connection with road traffic accidents in 1987; and if he will give a breakdown by region.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Figures are available only for the number of fatal accident inquiries so far instructed in road traffic deaths occurring in 1987. Thirty two such fatal accident inquiries have been instructed. The regional breakdown is set out in the table.

  Number of fatal accident inquiries instructed as a result of road traffic deaths occurring in 1987

  Region

  Number

  Highland

  2

  Grampian

  5

  Tayside

  6

  Fife

  1

  Lothian

  7

  454

  Region

  Number

  Central

  1

  Borders

  2

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1

  Strathclyde

  7

  Orkney

  0

  Shetland

  0

  Western Isles

  0

  Walter Howden
  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent correspondence he has received from Walter Howden, an inmate of Saughton prison, about his term of imprisonment; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Mr. Howden petitioned my right hon. and learned Friend on 4 May 1988 and was given a reply on 16 June. A review of Mr. Howden's suitability for release on life licence is in train.

  East Craigs Seed Testing Station
  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received from trades unions about the future of East Craigs seed testing station, Edinburgh; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Scottish branch of the Institution of Professional Civil Servants formally submitted comments on the report on "The Plant Variety Testing and Seed Certification Systems in the United Kingdom" on 18 July. These comments will be fully taken into account by the agriculture Ministers in deciding on their response to the many recommendations contained in the report.

  Forestry Commission
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total staff complement of the Forestry Commission in each year since 1973.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The figures were as follows:

  Year

  Number of Staff in Post

  1973

  8,527

  1974

  8,298

  1975

  8,304

  1976

  8,252

  1977

  8,077

  1978

  8,168

  1979

  8,323

  1980

  8,129

  1981

  7,952

  1982

  7,545

  1983

  7,249

  1984

  6,836

  1985

  6,273

  1986

  5,967

  1987

  5,798

  1988

  5,528

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of departmental
  455
  programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of (a) the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  Mr. Rifkind
  Evaluation is an integral part of the process of managing programmes. It is therefore not possible to identify separately the resources involved.

  Expenditure on secondary education

  £ million

  Year

  Central Government

  Local Authorities

  At outturn prices

  At 1987–88 prices

  At outturn prices

  At 1987–88 prices

  1979–80

  1·8

  3·2

  342·9

  602·2

  1980–81

  3·2

  4·8

  415·2

  614·9

  1981–82

  3·3

  4·4

  471·9

  636·0

  1982–83

  3·9

  4·9

  506·4

  637·1

  1983–84

  4·3

  5·1

  534·4

  642·1

  1984–85

  4·1

  4·8

  549·3

  632·0

  1985–86

  4·4

  4·7

  565·3

  613·8

  1986–87

  4·9

  5·1

  608·9

  639·5

  1987–88

  5·5

  5·5

  653·6

  653·6

  Notes:

  1. The figures shown are for current expenditure only. Information on capital expenditure by local authorities cannot be split between primary and secondary.

  2. The outturn figures have been revalued to 1987–88 prices by application of the GDP deflator.

  3. The 1987–88 outturn figures are estimated. For other years actual outturn figures have been given.

  4. The central Government expenditure relates mainly to the assisted places scheme and in earlier years to assistance to grant-aided schools.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the amount of finance given to local authority secondary education section in Scotland by industry and commerce in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I regret that this information is not available.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total amount of expenditure on non-advanced further education in Scotland in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  It is not possible to distinguish between expenditure by further education colleges on non-advanced courses and on advanced courses (higher national certificate and higher national diploma). Information on total further education expenditure is as follows:

  £ million

  1979–80

  82·6

  1980–81

  102·0

  1981–82

  115·3

  1982–83

  134·2

  1983–84

  151·7

  1984–85

  158·0

  1985–86

  155·6

  1986–87

  161·4

  1987–88

  181·0

  Health Authorities (Revenue)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate how long it will take to achieve revenue equalisation, as envisaged by the Scottish health authorities revenue equalisation formula.

  Education (Expenditure)
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total expenditure on secondary education in Scotland in each of the years 1979 to 1987 inclusive, in cash and real terms and by central Government and the local education authority section.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The available information is given in the following table:

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The timetable will depend upon a number of factors, notably the movement in boards' SHARE targets, themselves dependent upon other changes, for example in population.

  City Technology Colleges
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what are the education and training objectives of the city technology concept in Scotland;

  (2) if he has any proposals to introduce city technology colleges in 1988–89, 1989–90 and 1990–91;

  (3) if he will give the estimated expenditure for the development of city technology colleges in 1988–89, 1989–90 and 1990–91;

  (4) when he last met representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Confederation of British Industry, the Scottish Trades Union Congress or Strathclyde regional council to discuss the setting up of city technology colleges;

  (5) if he has met representatives of private sector industry about the setting up of city technology colleges;

  (6) whether any public finance will be used to meet the capital or revenue costs of city technology colleges;

  (7) if any private individuals or private sector organisations have agreed to contribute finance to the setting up of city technology colleges; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend and I wish to encourage the establishment with private sector sponsorship of technology colleges in Scotland, and are giving close consideration to proposals to achieve this objective.

  Secondary Schools
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils obtained O-grades or higher certificate in secondary schools in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.
  457
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Details of pupils obtaining SCE higher grade and published annually in the Scottish Examination Board report, copies of which are held in the House of Commons Library. The report also contains information on numbers of S4 pupils obtaining ordinary/standard grades.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils sat O-grades or higher certificate in secondary schools in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is published annually in the Scottish Examination Board report, copies of which are held in the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils attended secondary school in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The number of pupils attending education authority and grant-aided secondary schools is as follows:

  Number

  1979

  421,970

  1980

  419,370

  1981

  415,760

  1982

  410,050

  1983

  401,420

  1984

  387,200

  1985

  361,210

  1986

  344,930

  11987

  327,800

  1 provisional figures.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of pupils in years 4, 5 and 6 in secondary schools in Scotland in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The number of pupils in years 4, 5 and 6 in education authority and grant-aided secondary schools is given in the table.

  S4

  S5

  S6

  Total

  1979

  92,050

  40,210

  13,970

  146,230

  1980

  91,060

  43,300

  14,790

  149,150

  1981

  92,220

  47,380

  17,270

  156,880

  1982

  87,210

  52,330

  18,980

  158,520

  1983

  85,810

  50,950

  19,970

  156,730

  1984

  81,260

  50,550

  19,130

  150,940

  11985

  78,650

  47,380

  17,900

  143,930

  11986

  77,250

  48,410

  17,670

  143,330

  21987

  70,940

  48,970

  18,650

  138,560

  1 Education authority only, stage totals estimated.

  2 Provisional figures.

  Students
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will give the total number of students in Scotland who obtained ordinary national certificates, higher national certificates and city and guilds examination awards in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive;

  (2) if he will give the total number of students in Scotland presented for ordinary national certificates, higher national certificate and city and guilds in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.
  458
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  This information is not readily available.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of students in local authority further education colleges in Scotland in each of the years 1979 to 1987, inclusive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is shown in the following table:

  Students in local authority further education colleges

  Session

  Number

  1979–80

  161,300

  1980–81

  182,000

  1981–82

  173,600

  1982–83

  184,600

  1983–84

  193,800

  1984–85

  202,200

  1985–86

  186,900

  1986–87

  196,800

  This information includes full-time and part-time students on advanced and non-advanced courses in day colleges and evening centres.

  Hip Replacement Operations
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of those awaiting a hip replacement operation in each of the health board areas.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  This information is not available centrally; information is collected only on individual specialties—in this case orthopaedic surgery.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average waiting time for a hip replacement operation in each of the health board areas.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The mean waiting times for a hip replacement operation in each health board are as follows. These relate to patients who were treated and discharged in 1986, and are the latest available.

  Mean waiting time (days)

  Argyll and Clyde

  127·1

  Ayrshire and Arran

  182·5

  Borders

  138·0

  Dumfries and Galloway

  179·6

  Fife

  196·9

  Forth Valley

  165·9

  Greater Glasgow

  126·9

  Grampian

  214·5

  Highland

  270·8

  Lanarkshire

  151·1

  Lothian

  184·2

  Orkney

  —

  Shetland

  —

  Tayside

  252·9

  Western Isles

  —

  I expect the longest waiting times to be reduced by the additional allocation which I have made for this purpose.

  School Leavers
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of pupils in Scotland leaving S4 with no certificate in each of the years 1979 to 1987 inclusive.
  459
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The total number of pupils in Scotland leaving S4 with no Scottish Examination Board certificate is as follows: data for 1986–87 are not yet available.

  Number

  1978–79

  24,450

  1979–80

  23,720

  1980–81

  20,900

  1981–82

  18,990

  1982–83

  16,380

  1983–84

  16.040

  1984–85

  14,140

  1985–86

  11,320

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of pupils in Scotland leaving S4, S5 and S6 in each of the years 1979 to 1987 inclusive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The total number of pupils in Scotland leaving S4, S5 and S6 is as follows:

  S4

  S5

  S6

  Total

  1978–79

  51,200

  25,970

  14,560

  91,740

  1979–80

  49,720

  26,530

  15,480

  91,720

  1980–81

  44,100

  27,000

  16,380

  87,480

  1981–82

  40,090

  29,370

  19,140

  88,610

  1982–83

  36,590

  33,470

  20,930

  90,990

  1983–84

  35,340

  32,670

  21,730

  89,740

  1984–85

  32,260

  32,680

  20,890

  85,820

  1985–86

  31,000

  31,410

  20,660

  83,080

  1986–87

  28,530

  31,230

  20,580

  80,340

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the number of pupils leaving S4, S5 and S6 in secondary schools in Scotland in the years 1988–89, 1989–90 and 1990–91.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The estimates requested are as follows:

  Applications referred to the Forestry Commissioners in the four years to 31 March 1987

  Area of Original Application

  Name

  County/Region

  Gross Area (Hectares)

  Area Proposed for Planting (Hectares)

  Approved by Commissioners

  Refused by Commissioners

  Area Approved for Planting (Hectares)

  Objectors

  Marmers Wood

  Cambridgeshire

  1·5

  1·5

  Refused

  Cambridgeshire County Council

  Black How

  Cumbria

  231·9

  190·9

  Approved

  190·9

  Cumbria County Council

  Thornholme Farm

  Cumbria

  243

  239

  Refused

  Countryside Commission

  Lake District Special Planning Board

  Alwinton Farm

  Northumberland

  31·5

  26

  Approved

  26

  Countryside Commission

  Callaly

  Northumberland

  450

  299

  Approved

  299

  Northumberland County Council

  Wandysteads Farm

  Northumberland

  150·6

  133

  Approved

  133

  Northumberland County Council

  Stone Gill Foot

  Yorkshire

  263

  215

  Refused

  Yorkshire Dales National Park Committee

  Countryside Commission

  Cymerau Farm

  Dyfed

  177

  158

  Refused

  Nature Conservancy Council

  Dyfed County Council

  Ceredigion District Council

  Coed-y-Cerrig

  Gwent

  4·3

  4·3

  Refused

  Nature Conservancy Council

  Dolwgan Isaf

  Gwynedd

  132

  132

  Refused

  Countryside Commission

  Snowdonia National Park Authority

  Hendrewallog

  Gwynedd

  92

  88

  Approved

  88

  Welsh Water Authority

  Cefn Gywngul

  Mid Glamorgan

  42

  42

  Refused

  Rhondda Borough Council

  Fforch Orchy

  Mid Glamorgan

  168

  155

  Refused

  Rhondda Borough Council

  Blaen Nedd Isaf

  Powys

  29·3

  28

  Approved

  20

  Brecon Beacons National Park Authority

  Lluest Dolgwiail

  Powys

  392

  345

  Refused

  Powys County Council

  Welsh Water Authority

  Nant-Y-Brain

  Powys

  397

  390

  Refused

  Brecknock Borough Council

  Powys County Council

  Nature Conservancy Council

  Countryside Commission

  Nether Phawhope

  Borders

  210

  163

  Refused

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Priesthill

  Borders

  185

  170

  Approved

  170

  Borders Regional Council

  Shielsknowe Farm

  Borders

  204

  204

  Refused

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Acharn Farm

  Central

  1,320

  705

  Approved

  581·5

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Auchineden

  Central

  157·8

  157·5

  Approved

  140

  Strathclyde Regional Council Water Department

  460

  Projected number of secondary school leavers

  Thousands

  S41

  S5

  S6

  Total

  1988–89

  26·9

  26·7

  19·4

  73·0

  1989–90

  25·4

  24·7

  18·3

  68·4

  1990–91

  24·7

  23·4

  17·1

  65·2

  1 includes a small number from S3

  Charities
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking in the light of the recommendations of the report, "Efficiency Scrutiny of the Supervision of Charities," relating to the establishment of a register of charities in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend intends to issue in the next few days a consultative memorandum seeking views on a range of options, including the possibility of establishing a register of charities, to improve the supervision of charities in Scotland.

  Forestry
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 8 March,Official Report, column 148, if he will list the names, locations and areas of all of the grant scheme applications which were referred by regional advisory committees to the forestry commissioners in the four years to 31 March 1987; and if he will list in each case (a) whether the commissioners gave approval for forestry grant aid, (b) the area of land approved and (c) the consultee sustaining an objection to the application.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 18 July 1988]: The information is set out in the following table.
  461

  Area of Original Application

  Name

  County/Region

  Gross Area

  Area

  Approved by

  Refused by

  Area

  Objectors

  (Hectares)

  Proposed for Planting (Hectares)

  Commissioners

  Commissioners

  Approved for Planting (Hectares)

  Kinnell Block 1

  Central

  378

  378

  Refused

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Nether Glenny

  Central

  261·8

  255

  Refused

  Stirling District Council

  Lake of Menteith Fisheries Board

  Shielbrae Farm

  Central

  456

  444

  Approved

  444

  Central Regional Council Department of Water and Drainage

  Creag Meagaidh

  Highland

  1,114

  900

  Approved

  530

  Nature Conservancy Council

  Backmoor Wood

  Strathclyde

  56·2

  53·6

  Refused

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Barachander

  Strathclyde

  830

  672

  Refused

  Strathclyde Regional Council Water Department

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Barachander

  Strathclyde

  830

  670

  Refused

  Strathclyde Regional Council Water Department

  (Re-submission)

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Coulter Allers

  Strathclyde

  19·1

  19·1

  Refused

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Loch Mor

  Strathclyde

  348

  267

  Approved

  267

  Strathclyde Regional Council Water Department

  Argyll and Bute District Council

  Narachan Hill

  Strathclyde

  988

  920

  Approved

  920

  Strathclyde Regional Council Water Department

  North Tarsan

  Strathclyde

  96

  95

  Approved

  95

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Wardlaws Farm

  Strathclyde

  32·4

  32·4

  Refused

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Balquhandy and Skymore Hill

  Tayside

  191·5

  179·6

  Approved

  179·6

  Perth and Kinross District Council

  Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland

  Glen Lochay

  Tayside

  207

  186

  Refused

  Nature Conservancy Council

  Stirling District Council

  Central Regional Council

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for forestry grants were referred to the regional advisory committee for each Forestry Commission conservancy in the year to 31 March; how many were resolved by voluntary withdrawal

  Conservancy

  Number of applications referred to Regional Advisory Committees

  Number of applications resolved by voluntary withdrawal or amendment of application

  Number of applications referred by Regional Advisory Committees to Forestry Commissioners

  Applications approved

  Applications refused

  Applications still under consideration

  North England

  3

  —

  —

  1

  2

  East England

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  West England

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wales

  5

  —

  1

  2

  2

  North Scotland

  24

  5

  4

  1

  14

  Mid Scotland

  8

  2

  5

  —

  1

  South Scotland

  3

  2

  —

  —

  1

  Totals

  43

  9

  10

  4

  20

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what species of birds will be displaced by the afforestation of 1,029 hectares of land recently approved for planting in Caithness and Sutherlnd; whether any of those species are listed in annex I of the European Community directive, 79/409/EEC, on the conservation of wild birds; and what advice he received from the Nature Conservancy Council with regard to the afforestation of this land.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: The birds most likely to be displaced on the 1,059 hectares recently cleared for planting by my right hon. and learned Friend are common moorland species such as skylarks, meadow pipits and curlews. As far as is known, the only species of bird listed in annex I of the European Community directive 79/409/EEC which will be affected is
  462
  or amendment; how many were referred to the forestry commissioners; and how many of those were awarded grant approval by the forestry commissoners.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 18 July 1988]: The information is contained in the following table for the year ended 31 March 1988:

  golden plover. The numbers of golden plover are relatively low in the areas to be planted and more abundant on the 1,426 hectares to be left unplanted as a result of my right hon. and learned Friend's decision. The Nature Conservancy Council's advice was that all the land should be left unplanted because of its ecological importance.

  In reaching his decision my right hon. and learned Friend gave careful consideration to the council's advice and to the implications for employment, in accordance with his interim views on the balance between nature conservation and forestry in Caithness and Sutherland as set out in his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro) on 25 January 1988, at columns 71–73.

  Small Business
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. Lang
  [holding answer 19 July 1988]: In recognition of the important role that small firms play in the Scottish economy the Government have introduced a number of schemes of support available from the Scottish Development Agency, the Highlands and Islands Department Board and from the Industry Department for Scotland, where policy responsibility lies. In addition to providing services specific to Scotland, the SDA, HIDB and the Industry Department for Scotland are responsible for the delivery and monitoring in Scotland of United Kingdom services on behalf of other Departments, including the Department of Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry. 1987 saw the achievement of a net increase in the number of registered companies in Scotland by over 2,500 and VAT returns indicate that during the period 1980–85 there was a net increase of nearly 10,000 in the number of new businesses operating in Scotland.

  The following describes the services available to small firms in Scotland during the periods 1986–87 and 1987–88 and some of their achievements.

  Regional Assistance

  IDS made offers to small firms in Scotland of regional selective assistance of £7 million in 1986–87 and £4 million in 1987–88. Under the revised regional development grant scheme, approvals to small firms in 1986–87 amounted to. £47 million and £48 million in 1987–88. Information on the grant offered to small firms under the original RDG scheme is not available.

  Belter Business Services and Better Technical Services Schemes

  During the periods in question, the BBS scheme was administered by IDS, SDA and the HIDB. The scheme allows small companies to have access to subsidised professional business advice and in 1986–87 some 7,947 offers of assistance were made with an associated value of £3 million. In 1987–88 some 9,597 offers of assistance were made with an associated value of £2·9 million. The BTS scheme was available in Strathclyde and parts of Tayside region and allowed small companies to have access to subsidised professional advice of a technical nature. In 1986–87 some 1,295 offers of assistance were made with an associated value of £0·75 million. In 1987–88 1,720 offers were made with an associated value of £1 million. Support under the BTS scheme ceased on 31 March 1988.

  Scottish Development Agency

  SDA support for small business includes the provision of financial assistance, premises and a wide range of advisory services, including the small firms service in Scotland and the administration of DTI's consultancy initiatives, under the enterprise initiative. During 1986–87 the SDA had contact with 21,682 small companies. Some £2 million was invested in 716 small firms creating or safeguarding some 670 jobs. In addition, some 845 small companies received assistance with the costs of attending promotional events. Sixty four small companies were provided with technical advice, while 36 received assistance with market research studies. In the year 1987–88, the agency had contact with 19,125 small firms. Some £2·7 million was invested in 692 small firms creating or safeguarding 800 jobs. In addition, 875 small companies received assistance with the 16costs of attending promotional events. Sixty small firms were provided with technical advice while 30 companies received assistance with market research studies.
  464
  Highlands and Islands Development Board

  As well as delivering the small firms service in its area, the HIDB undertakes a wide range of activities in support of businesses, most of which are small, to help them overcome the difficulties of operating in this peripheral and rural part of the UK. The measures taken include financial support to business, provision of factories and assistance with business advice and training. In 1986–87, the board approved 1,247 offers of financial assistance with an associated value of £19·2 million. This generated private sector investment of some £57·8 million and created or safeguarded 2,400 jobs. For the period 1987–88 the board approved 1,063 offers of financial assistance with an associated value of £14·4 million. This generated private sector support of £44·4 million and created or safeguarded 2,700 jobs. In the period 1986–87, the HIDB completed 2,777 sq m of factory floor space. In this period some 2,654 jobs were housed in HIDB factories. In the period 1987–88, the HIDB completed 6,409 sq m of factory floor space. In this period, some 2,920 jobs were housed in HIDB factories.

  Local Enterprise Trusts

  Local enterprise trusts have proved to be an important feature of the various schemes of support on offer to small businesses in Scotland. The Government have recognised the important contribution which they make in local communities and, in partnership with the private sector, the Scottish Development Agency gave financial support amounting to £0·56 million to 36 enterprise trusts in 1986–87, the latest year for which figures are available. This represented some 20 per cent, of the total funds employed by the trusts. During 1986–87 the 36 trusts had, between them, contact with 20,000 clients from which 2,500 new small businesses were formed. Companies assisted by enterprise trusts created some 6,000 new jobs and some 5,000 jobs were supported or maintained. The SDA bases its financial assistance on its appraisal of each trust's annual management plan which contains details of the previous year's projects and objectives for the future year.

  Deregulation

  The Scottish Office is participating fully in the deregulation initiative. This has resulted in an improved awareness within the Scottish Office of the needs of business and has led to the introduction of a more systematic approach to assessing the financial and other pressures imposed on business by regulation. Scotland will be the first area of the United Kingdom to set up a pilot project which will provide small businesses with a single access point for advice on Government regulations. The pilot will commence on 1 August.

  Public Purchasing

  In each of the last two financial years, IDS has organised a number of seminars for small businesses to increase awareness of the opportunities that exist for selling their goods and services to the public service, and how to go about it. These were attended by several hundred small Scottish companies.

  Departmental Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest figure for the estimated expenditure by his Department on press and public relations during 1988–89.

  Mr. Rifkind
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: The estimated running cost of the Scottish information office in 1988–89 is £1·8 million.

  Gartcosh Steel Mill
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department is now in a person to assess the economic impact on central Scotland of the closure of the Gartcosh steel strip mill.
  465
  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: Comprehensive information on the economic consequences for central Scotland of the closure of the Gartcosh cold rolling mill is not available and could not be derived from regularly available statistical sources. However, I note with satisfaction that over the period June 1987 to June 1988 the numbers of unemployed in Lanarkshire fell by over 5,000. This amounted to a drop in the unemployment rate of more than three percentage points, which is even more substantial than the decline for Scotland as a whole.

  Court and Escort Duties
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has proposals to reduce the amount of time that police and prison officers spend on court and escort duties.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: The Scottish Home and Health Department, in consultation with the Crown Agent, the Scottish Courts Administration and the police, is currently considering whether the resources devoted by the police and prison services to these duties could be reduced without damage to the administration of justice and the security of prisoners. Among the aspects being studied are the scope for civilianisation of court posts and the arrangements for citing police officers as witnesses.

  Housing
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the kind of centrally held information gathered by his Department regarding(a) homelessness in general, (b) young homeless people, (c) housing for the disabled and (d) housing and the elderly.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: Information on homelessness is gathered by the Scottish Development Department from local authorities on a case return basis for each applicant household. This details category of priority need; reasons for loss/threatened loss of accommodation; whether temporary accommodation pending inquiries was provided; circumstances of the household; and type of accommodation secured. Age of applicant households is not collected. Information on homeless households in short stay accommodation is collected quarterly from local authorities.

  Statistical returns collected annually from local authorities give the level and type of provision at 31 March each year, both of special needs housing and bed spaces for the elderly and disabled.

  Shareholdings
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all shareholdings in public and private companies still held by his Department or by the Scottish Development Board.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 12 July 1988]: No shares are held by the Scottish Office. Shareholdings held by the Scottish Development Agency and the Highlands and Islands Development Board are as follows:
  466

  Scottish Development Agency

  Company

  Cost

  £

  Aberdeen Petrol

  15,000

  Afton Dyers

  15,000

  Albyn

  25,000

  Aqualife Ltd.

  10,000

  Armstrong Pack

  15,000

  Assep Ltd

  40

  Atlantic Freshwater PLC

  125,000

  Automatic Truck

  50,000

  Baby Deer Ltd.

  40,000

  Babygro Holding

  2,565

  Bannerman Henry

  50,000

  Bathgate Invest

  50

  Bauteil Holdings Ltd

  274,156

  Berkeley Computer Services Ltd.

  35,125

  Biggar Meats

  50,000

  Biomac

  20,000

  Blair Engineering Ltd.

  50,000

  Bluemink

  150,000

  Cairntech

  39,000

  Caledonian Arenas PLC

  125,000

  Caledonian Brewing Co. Ltd.

  85,000

  Caledonian Transgenics Ltd.

  106,000

  Campbell of Selkirk Ltd.

  60,000

  Carnscot

  25,000

  Carron Phoenix

  19,024

  Carron Plastics

  60,000

  Carronhall Ltd.

  100,000

  Carruthers

  35,600

  Chemflake International Ltd.

  167,561

  Chessbourne International Ltd.

  250,000

  Clyde Helicopters Ltd

  65,000

  Coastal Seafood

  25,000

  Consort Conservation Ltd.

  7,500

  Controlled Therapeutics Corporation

  556,078

  Contrology

  50,000

  Crosslees Investments Ltd.

  144,575

  Cruachem

  298,570

  Damon Biotech

  362,054

  Deeside Game

  15,000

  Design GRP Group Ltd.

  57,500

  Digital Art

  12,000

  Domain Power

  200,000

  Drysdale & Gibb

  20,000

  Dunclare

  88,436

  Dust Jewellery Ltd.

  125,000

  Eastern Photocolour Ltd.

  50,000

  Echo Hotel Ltd.

  1,000,000

  Edin Instruments Ltd.

  225,604

  Elena Mae Ltd.

  75,000

  Eskfood Ltd.

  60,000

  Exacta Holdings Ltd.

  577,506

  Farmdata Ltd.

  59,528

  Fenton Barns

  60,000

  Fife Silica Sands Ltd.

  266,000

  Findlay J.

  50,000

  Fleming Thermodynamics

  70,000

  Forth Valley Foods Ltd.

  150,000

  FSA Limited

  70,000

  Garrion Homes

  70,000

  Gilcomston

  15,000

  Glasgow Garden Festival Ltd.

  100

  Glasgow Heart

  70,000

  Gleddoch Hotels Ltd.

  80,000

  Graphic Information Systems Ltd.

  243,016

  Graphic Print

  30,000

  HAQ Bros.

  25,000

  Highland Forest Products Ltd.

  900,000

  Highland Metals

  94,999

  Hughes, DM Ltd.

  2,500

  Industrial Systems & Control

  50,000

  Instrument and Microelectronic Systems

  100,000

  Integrated Ceramic Components Ltd.

  418,069

  Intellemetrics

  103,251

  International Microelectronics Products

  643,342

  International Twist Drill Ltd.

  305,000

  Inveresk Research International Ltd.

  325,000

  467

  Company

  Cost

  £

  In-Europe Electronics

  444,000

  J. K. Peters & Co. (Trees) Ltd.

  250,000

  JLG Industries

  250,000

  Kames Fish

  3,043

  Kerse Engineering Ltd.

  25,000

  Kineticon Ltd.

  300,000

  Kingston Spinners

  219,500

  Kinshar Ltd.

  50,000

  Kishorn Windows (Scotland) Ltd.

  199,995

  Kitchen versions Ltd.

  1,700

  Kynoch, G&G PLC

  250,000

  Lasalle Ltd.

  245,840

  Le Choc Motif

  25,000

  Liebnitz Lann Limited

  40,000

  Lothian Coated

  5,000

  M & M Indust

  188,500

  Mackinnon International Knitwear Ltd.

  40,000

  Magnum Signs

  25,000

  Marenac Ltd.

  100,000

  McCrindle Pipe

  70,000

  McCrindle & Sons

  70,000

  McLaggan Smith Mugs Ltd.

  25,000

  McMurray

  10,000

  Memex Information Systems Ltd.

  150,000

  Milbro Caledon

  5,000

  Murray Electron

  250,000

  MMEW Ltd.

  40,000

  MRM Engineering

  20,000

  National Hyperbaric Centre

  120,711

  New Scotland Insurance Group PLC

  1,000

  North Cape

  39,999

  North Face

  30,000

  North Sea Assets plc

  427,461

  Northern Circuits Ltd

  30,000

  Novotech Microsystems Ltd

  10,000

  N. S. C. (Cartons) Ltd

  60,000

  Office Workstations Ltd

  132,668

  Omega Diagnost

  20,000

  Optima Holdings Ltd

  100,000

  Paton Holdings

  120,000

  Penman Engineering Ltd

  24,489

  Peoples

  177,992

  Polytun Growers

  50,000

  Precision Chemicals (Manufacturing) Ltd

  35,000

  Premier Brand Canning Ltd

  48,540

  Prep Foods Ltd

  35,000

  Prestwick Holdings plc

  123,250

  Professional Advisers Cost Engineering Ltd

  170,000

  Promat Engineering

  75,000

  Protofeed Ltd

  75,000

  Pure Malt Products Ltd

  150,000

  Qualitube Ltd

  62,500

  Rejaport Ltd

  100,000

  Rhino Toughened

  75,000

  R. D. S. Group Ltd

  280,625

  Sheider

  50,000

  Scintronix Ltd

  250,000

  Scot Consultants International Ltd

  10,000

  Scot Cree Ltd

  20,000

  Scottish Development Finance Ltd

  100

  Scotforms

  30,000

  Scottish Studio

  15,000

  Scottsdale Leisure Ltd

  70,001

  Scott/Bellshill

  40,000

  Scotwest

  30,000

  Seametrix

  40,000

  Shanks and McEwan Group plc

  225,015

  Shield Immunologicals Ltd.

  250,000

  Shoebrokers

  35,000

  Sinclair Spitz

  50,000

  Smith and Telford

  250,629

  Software Engineering Systems Ltd.

  35,000

  Sonsub Ltd.

  150,000

  Spencer, T. Ltd.

  50,000

  Stanley Mills

  19,000

  Stenhouse Ltd.

  10,000

  Stirling Diagnostics

  6,666

  468

  Company

  Cost

  £

  Sterling University

  33,000

  Strathclyde Lifting Services Ltd.

  25,000

  Strathclyde Proc.

  375,000

  Studio Ink

  30,000

  Swiftlogic Ltd.

  60,000

  Swilken Golf

  10,000

  Scottish Exhibition Centre Ltd.

  7,400,000

  S. P. Technology

  20,000

  Tachanalysis

  30,000

  Tait Thomas

  365,000

  Tarbert Fyne Foods Ltd.

  180,000

  Tarquin Photo

  12,189

  Tayside Canners Ltd.

  100

  Tayside Plastics

  10,000

  Textile Rental

  15,000

  The Lodge On The Loch Ltd.

  50,001

  The Mycalex Company Ltd.

  35,000

  Thistle Foods

  25,000

  Thor Ceramics

  25,000

  Timber Terminal

  30,000

  Trilion plc

  105,000

  Turnbull

  20,000

  Valve Instrumentation and Pipe Ltd.

  21,000

  Weathermac

  35,000

  West George Street (375) Ltd.

  250,000

  Whitecross

  25,000

  Wistley Ltd.

  175,000

  Woods G. F. and Co. (Edinburgh) Ltd.

  30,000

  Wright and Jobson

  19,812

  Wrights Trowmill

  40,000

  W. H. Perkins Ltd.

  175,000

  Yarmadillo Ltd.

  158,698

  Zot Engineering Ltd.

  19,000

  Highlands and Islands Development Board

  Company

  Cost (£)

  Acair Ltd.

  2,000

  All Seasons Craobh Haven Ltd.

  1,000

  Ardanaiseig Hotel Ltd.

  25,000

  Atlantic Freshwater plc

  15,000

  Barra Fish Meal and Oil Co. Ltd.

  6,000

  Barratlantic Ltd.

  13,700

  Barbuilean Nurseries Ltd.

  14,000

  Borrowdale Hotel (South Uist) Ltd.

  3,000

  S. G. Brolly and Bros. Ltd

  10,000

  Caithness Glass Holdings Ltd.

  60,300

  Caithness Glass plc

  280,000

  Caley Cruisers Ltd.

  18,000

  Callandish Ltd.

  5,000

  Castlewynd Studios Ltd.

  20,000

  Pat Cheney Jewelley Ltd.

  10,000

  Clansmen Holdings Ltd.

  105,411

  W. K. Cook Engineering (Evanton) Ltd

  120,000

  Craignish Salmon Ltd.

  24,625

  Craignish Salmon (Marketing) Ltd.

  6,000

  Crannog Ltd.

  10,000

  The Crinan Hotel (Argyll) Ltd.

  30,000

  Dalriada Hotels (Tarbert) Ltd.

  9,500

  Esplanade West (Oban) Ltd.

  30,000

  Fort William (Cruachem Hotel) Ltd.

  15,000

  Gaeltec Ltd.

  50,536

  Gairloch Construction Co. Ltd.

  30,000

  Gairloch Seafoods Ltd.

  8,000

  Glenscot Salmon Ltd.

  25,000

  Hambleside Manufacturing Ltd.

  75,000

  Harden Associates Ltd.

  75,000

  Hebridean Seafare Ltd.

  60,000

  Highland China (Scotland) Ltd.

  23,533

  Highland Fish Farmers Ltd.

  41,800

  Highland Heathers Ltd.

  56,000

  Highland Venison Marketing Ltd.

  60,000

  T. M. Hunter Ltd.

  100,000

  Icescot Ltd.

  50,000

  I.G.L. (Scotland) Ltd. (formerly Mark Templeman and Sons (Scotland) Ltd.)

  260,000

  469

  Company

  Cost (£)

  Inverlever Nurseries Ltd.

  15,000

  Islay Creamery Co. Ltd.

  8,000

  Isle of Jura Salmon Ltd.

  80,000

  Jamieson's Spinning (Shetland) Ltd.

  35,000

  Kinloch Damph Ltd.

  15,000

  Kintyre Data Processing Ltd.

  8,000

  Knipoch House Hotel Co. Ltd.

  94,500

  Lamont Country Highland Lodges Ltd.

  30,000

  Liebnitz-Lann Ltd.

  5,000

  W. H. MacKay & Son Ltd.

  150,000

  MacLennan Salmon Co. Ltd.

  25,000

  George V. McLeod (Hotels) Ltd.

  35,000

  Muileann Beag A' Chrotail Ltd.

  26,000

  Mull & West Highland Narrow Guage Railway Company Ltd.

  22,000

  John F. Munro (Contractors) Ltd.

  10,000

  Murray Seafoods Scotland Ltd.

  20,000

  Nevisprint Ltd.

  50,000

  Nontox Ltd.

  14,000

  Norfrost Ltd.

  60,000

  Norscot Hotels plc

  503,060

  Orkney Meat Ltd.

  10,000

  Osprey Electronics Ltd.

  9,000

  Pairc Salmon Ltd.

  20,000

  Priority Hotels Ltd.

  10,000

  R. K. Carbon Fibres Ltd.

  120,000

  Rotary Precision Ltd.

  20,000

  Sea Farm (Kerry) Ltd.

  10,000

  Seafield Vegetable Growers Ltd.

  50,000

  Searchglen Ltd.

  4,000

  Shallseis Ltd.

  10,000

  Shetland Cold Store Ltd.

  25,000

  Shian Fisheries Ltd.

  10,000

  Shetland Fish Ltd.

  77,752

  Stags Head Hotel (Fort William) Ltd.

  20,000

  Strathspey Railway Co. Ltd.

  7,750

  Tamoor Hotel Ltd.

  20,000

  T. M. M. S. Holdings Ltd.

  80,000

  Uist Isles Woollen Co. Ltd.

  58,000

  Underwater Centre Ltd.

  120,000

  Visitor Centres Ltd.

  30,000

  Westend Shellfish Ltd.

  10,000

  Western Isles Salmon Ltd.

  3,000

  Whiteness Development Co. Ltd.

  10,000

  Williamson Hotels Ltd.

  36,000

  L. Williamson (Shetland) Ltd.

  66,000

  Woodfibres Ltd.

  20,000

  K. V. Wooster International Ltd.

  20,000

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total spending by his Department on press, public relations and advertising, respectively, in 1987–88.

  Mr. Rifkind
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: The running cost of the Scottish information office in 1987–88 was £2·1 million, of which the paid publicity cost was £1 million. A breakdown of cost in the form requested is not available.

  Scottish Film Council
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the reply of 27 January,Official Report, column 296, concerning the proposed amalgamation of the Scottish Film Council with the Scottish Arts Council, if he has now reached a conclusion on this matter.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to respond to the representations received on his consultative paper on the future constitution of the Scottish Film Council; and if he will make a statement.
  470
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answers 13 May and 20 July 1988]: I shall write to the hon. Member and my hon. Friend.

  Crossroads (Scotland) Care Attendant Schemes
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he or his Ministers have met or intend to meet representatives of Crossroads (Scotland) care attendant schemes to discuss continued central Government funding for their schemes.

  Mr. Forsyth
  [holding answer 22 June 1988]: Officials of the Scottish Office and the Training Commission met representatives of Crossroads on 20 July. There are at present no plans for further meetings.

  Medical Clinical Research
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last discussed the state of medical clinical research in Scotland and its priorities with representatives in Scotland of(a) the British Medical Association, (b) the Medical Research Council, (c) the Medical Academic Staff Committee, (d) Scottish universities and (e) medical students and researchers.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 30 June 1988]: My right hon. and learned Friend has not met any of these groups to discuss that topic in particular, but the subject of university medical teaching and research was touched on in the course of a discussion he had with representatives of the British Medical Association on 6 June. I met representatives of the British Medical Association on 25 July. The Scottish Home and Health Deaprtment has also had discussions with the principals of Scottish universities with medical schools on the common interest between the universities and the Health Service, in which the research interest was mentioned, and regularly meets the Medical Research Council to discuss priorities for research.

  Lennox Castle Hospital
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to the current bed occupancy of wards 7 and 8 at Lennox Castle hospital.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 18 July 1988]: I have had inquiries made of the Greater Glasgow health board.

  At present five of the 24 places in wards 7 and 8 are occupied. Revenue funds for the full use of these wards have been made available by the board, but the board is making a careful assessment of patients to ensure that residents who stand to benefit most from the new wards are allocated to them. A clinical exercise of this nature takes time, and the board expect that full occupancy of wards 7 and 8 will be achieved by mid-September and December respectively.

  Teachers
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of teachers in (i) mathematics, (ii) history, (iii) English, (iv) sciences and (v) physical education in(a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Strathclyde, for each year since 1974.
  471
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 14 July 1988]: The full-time equivalent numbers of teachers in education authority secondary schools are given in the table. Information for 1974 to 1978 is not readily available.

  Teacher full-lime equivalent

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Mathematics

  Glasgow

  518

  503

  500

  485

  ..

  499

  ..

  ..

  396

  Strathclyde

  1,563

  1,567

  1,583

  1,617

  ..

  1,658

  ..

  ..

  1,479

  Scotland

  3,245

  3,254

  3,285

  3,343

  ..

  3,406

  ..

  ..

  3,025

  History

  Glasgow

  272

  268

  259

  246

  ..

  218

  ..

  ..

  153

  Strathclyde

  833

  801

  774

  746

  ..

  706

  ..

  ..

  578

  Scotland

  1,713

  1,668

  1,618

  1,566

  ..

  1,494

  ..

  ..

  1,285

  English

  Glasgow

  630

  607

  569

  551

  ..

  537

  ..

  ..

  415

  Strathclyde

  1,771

  1,754

  1,703

  1,717

  ..

  1,732

  ..

  ..

  1,502

  Scotland

  3,636

  3,623

  3,524

  3,519

  ..

  3,511

  ..

  ..

  3,073

  Sciences

  Glasgow

  656

  650

  641

  632

  ..

  627

  ..

  ..

  504

  Strathclyde

  2,126

  2,157

  2,169

  2,201

  ..

  2,200

  ..

  ..

  1,912

  Scotland

  4,411

  4,487

  4,508

  4,545

  ..

  4,561

  ..

  ..

  4,128

  Physical Education

  Glasgow

  354

  345

  338

  322

  ..

  291

  ..

  ..

  241

  Strathclyde

  997

  981

  965

  952

  ..

  912

  ..

  ..

  794

  Scotland

  2,073

  2,058

  2,002

  1,965

  ..

  1,902

  ..

  ..

  1,697

  .. not available.

EMPLOYMENT

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish a table in the Official Report, in the same format as his written reply of 7 July, Official Report, columns 697–98, 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

  Table 1—Receipts against running costs which originate as departmental running costs (£ million)

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–881

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  outturn

  outturn

  outturn

  outturn

  outturn

  outturn

  plans

  plans

  plans

  Receipts relating to fees for training in skillcentres at request of Training Commission and Employment Service

  2

  10

  72

  78

  70

  66

  60

  42

  28

  Receipts relating to fees for professional and executive recruitment services in respect of supervisors for the Community Programme

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  1

  1

  1

  Departmental totals

  2

  10

  72

  78

  70

  68

  61

  43

  29

  1 Estimated.

  472
  receipts in respect of programme expenditure and of running costs expenditure estimated to have been met from other public expenditure programmes.

  Mr. Cope
  The following tables supplement the information on programme expenditure given in the reply to the hon. Member on 7 July 1988, at columns 697–98. For the years 1982–83 to 1990–91 they give a breakdown of receipts received and expected by the Department of Employment group: table 1 shows receipts in respect of running costs which originate as departmental running costs and table 2 gives other receipts in respect of running costs.
  473

  Table 2—Breakdown of other Individual Running Costs Receipts (£ million)

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  11987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Plans

  Plans

  Plans

  Receipts relating to administrative costs of the Community programme

  2

  8

  8

  16

  21

  21

  24

  24

  24

  Receipts relating to fees for training in skillcentres

  2

  1

  9

  10

  11

  15

  26

  28

  30

  Receipts relating to recoveries from National Insurance Fund of the cost of staff in the Employment Service dealing with long-term unemployed.

  6

  4

  3

  3

  3

  8

  4

  3

  3

  Receipts from the sale of COIC publications.

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Receipts relating to fees for professional and executive recruitment services.

  6

  8

  9

  9

  9

  8

  4

  4

  4

  Receipts relating to contributions from the Redundancy and Maternity Pay Funds towards the cost of Industrial Tribunals

  1

  1

  2

  1

  1

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Receipts relating to recovery of administrative costs from the Redundancy and Maternity Pay Funds.

  5

  6

  6

  6

  7

  7

  5

  6

  6

  Receipts from the Agencies and other Government Departments

  5

  5

  4

  4

  6

  16

  16

  17

  17

  Receipts relating to fees for licensing employment agencies and other minor services.

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Receipts relating to recoveries from Department of Health and Social Security of the cost of administration of unemployment benefit and associated payments.

  182

  237

  213

  274

  293

  311

  319

  335

  343

  Receipts relating to the licensing of nuclear installations.

  3

  3

  1

  3

  4

  5

  5

  5

  5

  Other HSC fees and receipts.

  2

  2

  3

  2

  2

  3

  3

  3

  3

  Receipts relating to refund from Maternity Pay Fund for statutory payments made to civil servants.

  3

  3

  4

  4

  4

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Departmental Totals

  221

  281

  266

  335

  365

  401

  412

  427

  441

  1 Estimated

  Note: Because of rounding the sum of the components does not always equate with the totals.

  Discrimination
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any plans to introduce(a) legislation forbidding or (b) guidelines discouraging discrimination in employment on the grounds of age; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Government do not believe that legislation of this nature would be beneficial or practical, and there are no plans to issue official guidelines at the present time.

  Chief Inspector of Factories
  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he last met with the new chief inspector of factories; and what subjects were discussed.

  Mr. Nicholls
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not met the chief inspector of factories designate.

  Single European Market (Tourism)
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the effect upon tourism of the completion of the European market in 1992.
  474
  Mr. Lee
  The completion of the European single Markey in 1992 is likely to have a significant impact on tourism. Increased liberalisation of intra-Community transport will present great opportunities for travel between member states. The removal of internal barriers should encourage United Kingdom operators to expand into the European market as well as European companies to operate in the United Kingdom. This should further stimulate tourism within the Community.

  Factory Inspectors
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide a breakdown of the number of factory inspectors now in post as between the general and specialist categories.

  Mr. Nicholls
  On 1 July 1988 (the last date for which figures are available) the Health and Safety Executive employed 596 factory inspectors and 211 specialist inspectors in the technology division which now gives technical support to HSE as a whole.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on current levels of unemployment in the north-west.

  Mr. Lee
  In June 1988 seasonally adjusted unemployment excluding school leavers was 331,200 in the north-west, compared with 398,900 in June 1987, a fall of 67,700 over the last 12 months.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the reduction in unemployment each month since May 1986; and what has been the increase in the number of persons in employment for each of these months.

  Mr. Lee
  Following is the available information. Table A shows the level of seasonally adjusted unemployed claimants, excluding school leavers, in the United Kingdom for each month together with the change over the previous month from May 1986. Estimates of total employment are not available monthly. Table B gives the quarterly numbers and changes in the work force in employment in the United Kingdom for each quarter month since June 1986.

  Table A

  Unemployed claimants in United Kingdom:

  May 1986 to June 1988

  Seasonally adjusted excluding school leavers

  thousands

  Number

  Change over month

  1986

  May

  3,200·1

  5·2

  June

  3,208·8

  8·7

  July

  3,210·3

  1·5

  August

  3,206·3

  -4·0

  September

  3,185·7

  -20·6

  October

  3,163·5

  -22·2

  November

  3,150·7

  -12·8

  December

  3,120·7

  -30·0

  1987

  January

  3,112·2

  -8·5

  February

  3,066·5

  -45·7

  March

  3,037·3

  -29·2

  April

  3,021·4

  -15·9

  May

  2,950·9

  -70·5

  June

  2,922·2

  -28·7

  July

  2,8731

  -49·1

  August

  2,825·5

  -47·6

  September

  2,772·2

  -53·3

  October

  2,713·6

  -58·6

  November

  2,650·8

  -62·8

  December

  2,613·9

  -36·9

  1988

  January

  2,564·7

  -49·2

  February

  2,532·6

  -32·1

  March

  2,5040

  -28·6

  April

  2,453·1

  -50·9

  May

  2,414·2

  -38·9

  June

  2,375·3

  -38·9

  476

  Table B

  Workforce in employment in United Kingdom:

  June 1986 to March 1988

  Seasonally adjusted

  thousands

  Workforce in employment1

  Change since previous quarter

  June 1986

  24,746

  +50

  September 1986

  24,883

  +137

  December 1986

  24,982

  +99

  March 1987

  25,080

  +98

  June 1987

  25,291

  +211

  September 1987

  25,449

  +158

  December 1987

  25,578

  +129

  March 1988

  25,697

  +119

  1 The work force in employment comprises employees in employment, the self-employed, Her Majesty's Forces and participants in work-related Government training programmes. This last group is not seasonally adjusted.

  Channel Tunnel
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the employment implications for the regions of the United Kingdom outside the south-east of the completion of the Channel tunnel.

  Mr. Lee
  All parts of the United Kingdom should benefit from employment opportunities generated, directly and indirectly, by the operation of the Channel tunnel. I hope that firms in all areas will be able to utilise the tunnel's facility for easier freight transport into Europe, thus putting them in a better position to compete in the European market. I also expect the Channel tunnel to be of considerable benefit to tourism.

  Tourism
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the Government's contribution to the British Tourist Authority and the three tourist boards in the current financial year; if he will break down the expenditure by end use; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each year since 1968 the percentage increase in the number of (i) US and (ii) other visitors together with an index of the Government contribution by way of grant-in-aid in terms of 1987 prices; based on 1968 as 100.

  Mr. Lee
  Estimated Government funding for the British Tourist Authority and the English, Scottish and Welsh tourist boards in the current financial year is as follows:

  (£ million)

  Grant in Aid

  S4 Scheme

  BTA

  23·8

  —

  ETB

  12·4

  13·2

  STB

  6·8

  3·1

  WTB

  5·9

  3·5

  Totals

  48·9

  19·8

  Total Government Contribution

  68·7

  A breakdown of expenditure by end use will not be available until respective annual accounts are produced next year; the accounts for 1987–88 have recently been laid before the House.
  477
  The following table shows visit levels to the United Kingdom since 1968 with the percentage increase for United States and other visits for each year in parentheses. Visitor levels are in thousands.

  Year

  Total visits

  United States visits

  Other visits

  1968

  4,828

  851

  3,977

  1969

  5,821

  1,136

  (+33)

  4,685

  (+18)

  1970

  6,692

  1,567

  (+38)

  5,125

  (+9)

  1971

  7,131

  1,647

  (+5)

  5,484

  (+7)

  1972

  7,459

  1,716

  (+4)

  5,743

  (+5)

  1973

  8,167

  1,605

  (-6)

  6,562

  (+14)

  1974

  8,543

  1,411

  (-12)

  7,132

  (+13)

  1975

  9,490

  1,417

  (0)

  8,073

  (+2)

  1976

  10,808

  1,585

  (+12)

  9,223

  (+14)

  1977

  12,281

  1,814

  (+14)

  10,467

  (+13)

  1978

  12,646

  1,964

  (+8)

  10,682

  (+2)

  1979

  12.486

  1,719

  (-12)

  10,767

  (+1)

  1980

  12,421

  1,695

  (-1)

  10,727

  (0)

  1981

  11,452

  1,716

  (+1)

  9,736

  (-9)

  1982

  11,636

  1,726

  (+1)

  9,910

  (+2)

  1983

  12,464

  2,317

  (+34

  10,147

  (+2)

  1984

  13,644

  2,764

  (+19)

  10,881

  (+7)

  1985

  14,449

  3,166

  (+15)

  11,283

  (+4)

  1986

  13,897

  2,288

  (-28)

  11,609

  (+3)

  1987

  15,445

  2,800

  (+22)

  12,645

  (+9)

  Source: The International Passenger Survey.

  The following table shows levels of grant in aid funding to BTA and the English, Scottish and Welsh tourist boards (excluding the section 4 scheme) since 1969–70, along with an index of this contribution using 1969–70 as 100, based on 1987–88 prices. It is not possible to use 1968 as a base as BTA and the national tourist boards were only established under the Development of Tourism Act 1969 and thus the 1969–70 financial year was the first year in which they were operating.

  Grant-in-aid (£ million) in 1987–88 prices

  Year

  £ million

  Index

  1969–70

  9·778

  100

  1970–71

  22·599

  231

  1971–72

  33·503

  343

  1972–73

  31·525

  322

  1973–74

  36·099

  369

  1974–75

  33·131

  339

  1975–76

  35·302

  361

  1976–77

  36·557

  374

  1977–78

  37·852

  387

  1978–79

  40·062

  410

  1979–80

  40·768

  417

  1980–81

  40·632

  416

  1981–82

  42·494

  435

  1982–83

  47·142

  482

  1983–84

  41·351

  423

  1984–85

  41·773

  427

  1985–86

  39·702

  406

  1986–87

  44·460

  455

  1987–88

  45·265

  463

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether the British Tourist Authority succeeded in raising the additional $800,000 it was originally seeking from the tourist trade in 1986.

  Mr. Lee
  The British Tourist Authority attracted £3·93 million in trade funding for marketing in 1986–87 in addition to the operations originally planned. Of this, £215,000 was in respect of a special advertising campaign to restore levels of visitors from North America. This was 478
  carried out in consultation with British Airways and other firms in the industry which also contributed substantial resources to related marketing efforts.

  Accidents
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the definition of serious injury used in the reporting of accidents in industries covered by the Health and Safety Executive's inspectorate;

  (2) what changes in the definition of serious injury used in the reporting of accidents in industries covered by the Health and Safety Executive's inspectorate have been made in the last 10 years;

  (3) what is the definition of serious injury used in reporting of accidents in the coalmining industry;

  (4) what changes in the definition of serious injury used in reporting accidents in the coalmining industry have been made in the last 10 years.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 require the following injuries and conditions suffered by any person as a result of an accident arising out of or in connection with work to be notified forthwith to the enforcing authority and subsequently reported on an approved form:

  (a) fracture of the skull, spine or pelvis;

  (b) fracture of any bone:

  (i) in the arm or wrist, but not a bone in the hand; or

  (ii) in the leg or ankle, but not a bone in the foot;

  (c) amputation of:

  (i) a hand or foot; or

  (ii) a finger, thumb or toe, or any part thereof if the joint or bone is completly severed;

  (d) the loss of sight of an eye, a penetrating injury to an eye, or a chemical or hot metal burn to an eye;

  (e) either injury (including burns) requiring immediate medical treatment, or loss of consciousness, resulting in either case from an electric shock from any electrical circuit or equipment, whether or not due to direct contact;

  (f) loss of consciousness resulting from lack of oxygen;

  (g) decompression sickness (unless suffered during an operation to which the Diving Operations at Work Regulations 1981 apply) requiring immediate medical treatment;

  (h) either acute illness requiring medical treatment, or loss of consciousness, resulting in either case firom the absorption of any substance by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin;

  (i) acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a pathogen or infected material;

  (j) any other injury which results in the person injured being admitted immediately into hospital for more than 24 hours.

  The regulations do not contain the terms "serious injury"; the Health and Safety Executive normally refers to "major injury" in this context.

  The regulations came into force on 1 April 1986 and repealed the Notification of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1980. The 1980 regulations defined "major injury" as:

  (a) fracture of the skull, spine or pelvis;

  (b) fracture of any bone:—

  (i) in the arm, other than a bone in the wrist or hand;

  (ii) in the leg, other than a bone in the ankle or foot;

  (c) amputation of a hand or foot;

  (d) the loss of sight of an eye; or

  479

  (e) any other injury which results in the person injured being admitted into hospital as an in-patient for more than 24 hours, unless that person is detained only for observation.

  Both sets of regulations apply to all work activities including coalmining.

  The 1980 regulations repealed a number of provisions applying to different industries. Section 116 of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954 required notification of accidents causing "serious bodily injury" but the term was not defined. Otherwise, prior to 1 January 1981 when the 1980 regulations came into force, there was no separate requirement for notifying major injuries.

  Labour Statistics (Basildon)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of(a) male and (b) female unemployment in the constituency of Basildon; and what were the figures for each quarter since 1983.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. The table shows the total number of male and female unemployed claimants in the Basildon parliamentary constituency quarterly from July 1983 to April 1988, together with figures for June 1988 (the latest available date). Unemployment statistics for constituencies are available only from June 1983.

  Number of unemployed claimants—Basildon parliamentary constituency

  Male

  Female

  1983

  July

  4,451

  1,697

  October

  4,484

  1,888

  1984

  January

  4,822

  2,012

  April

  4,623

  1,964

  July

  4,815

  1,988

  October

  4,926

  2,046

  1985

  January

  5,125

  2,148

  April

  4,978

  2,092

  July

  4,722

  1,969

  October

  4,583

  1,909

  1986

  January

  4,793

  2,000

  April1

  4,657

  1,957

  July

  4,432

  1,882

  October

  4,277

  1,882

  1987

  January

  4,508

  1,929

  April

  4,120

  1,804

  July

  3,651

  1,625

  October

  3,316

  1,561

  1988

  January

  3,163

  1,563

  April

  2,818

  1,376

  June

  2,431

  1,275

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Expenditure on social science and humanities research £ million

  4·8

  6·7

  7·4

  14·9

  19·9

  —as a percentage of total departmental expenditure

  0·3

  0·3

  0·3

  0·5

  0·6

  —as a percentage of total R and D expenditure

  40·0

  43·5

  46·0

  73·3

  76·8

  Expenditure on social science and humanities research undertaken:

  —within Department £ million

  1·0

  1·4

  1·3

  1·3

  1·5

  —by universities and polytechnics £ million

  2·1

  1·8

  2·6

  5·6

  9·9

  —by industrial research associations and non-industrial research institutes £ million

  1·0

  2·1

  1·2

  3·0

  1·6

  480
  1 The figures are affected by the change in the coverage of the count in March 1986.

  Employment Act 1988
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what guidance his Department issues on the application of section 26 of the Employment Act 1988 to claimants who decline a place on a training scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  The question refers to section 26 of the Employment Act 1988 which has no direct effect on unemployment benefit claimants. Section 27 does relate to unemployment benefit claimants and it is assumed that the hon. Gentleman intended to inquire about section 27 of the Employment Act which amends section 20 of the Social Security Act 1975.

  All decisions applying to section 20 of the Social Security Act are given by the statutory independent adjudicating authorities.

  Instructions to benefit office staff require that where it appears that a claimant has voluntarily left a course of approved training without good cause or was discharged because of unsatisfactory conduct he should be given an opportunity to make a statement and the matter should be referred to the independent adjudicating authorities.

  Social Science Research
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much has been spent by his Department in each of the 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. Lee
  The figures in the table are for the Department of Employment group (which includes for this period the Department of Employment, the Training Commission, formerly the Manpower Services Commission, and the Health and Safety Executive), and are based on information provided for the annual review of Government-funded research and development (the latest available figures being for 1986–87). The available information relates to gross expenditure on research and development including that performed elsewhere in central Government, for research and development in total and for social science and humanities.

  New Businesses
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what initiatives his Department is taking to encourage people to set up new businesses; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Cope
  The main factor which has encouraged people to set up new businesses is the favourable economic climate which the Government have helped to create through their policies of controlling inflation and reducing rates of taxation. The increase in the number of businesses registering for VAT in 1987 was the highest since 1979 and the number of self-employed people has increased by over 1 million since that date.

  This Department has a range of policies designed to encourage people to set up their own business and to give direct support where appropriate. The enterprise allowance scheme pays unemployed people an allowance of £40 per week for 12 months while they are setting up a business. Over 360,000 people have now benefited from this scheme, and 110,000 places have been provided for the current financial year.

  The loan guarantee scheme also helps new businesses to raise finance and half of the loans arranged through the scheme are for start-ups.

  People planning to set up in businesses can obtain information and business counselling from the Department's small firms service and the network of local enterprise agencies, many of which receive support from this Department.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the net increase in the number of new businesses in(a) Basildon and (b) England and Wales since 1983.

  Mr. Cope
  Between December 1983 and December 1987 the number of businesses registered for VAT in the United Kingdom increased by 121,000. Separate figures for this period are not available for England and Wales or Basildon.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report those Government measures of particular help to small businesses which are the subject of current legislation or are planned; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Cope
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw), on 21 July 1988, at column 732, which sets out some of the specific measures of help to small businesses in the Finance Bill.

  In addition, new companies legislation is planned which will include a number of deregulatory measures of particular help to small companies. These include a simplification of the filing requirements for annual accounts and returns and a measure to enable private companies, with the agreement of their shareholders, to opt out of certain statutory requirements such as the holding of annual general meetings.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list those measures his Department has promoted since 1983 which are of particular help for small businesses; and if he will make a statement.
  482
  Mr. Cope
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer to his related question today to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, and the reply my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw) on 27 July 1988.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received requesting further assistance to small businesses; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Cope
  From time to time representations are made to me about assistance to small firms. A large number of businesses take advantage of the help that is available from this Department and others which is intended to enable them to operate more efficiently and to grow.

  Unemployment Benefit
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people suspended from receipt of unemployment benefit in the Bradford travel-to-work area in the last year to date have appealed against suspension; how many such appeals have been heard; how many appeals have been upheld; how many refused; in how many decisions are outstanding; and what is the average waiting time for an appeal hearing.

  Mr. Lee
  Information is not available in the precise form requested, as there is no right of appeal against suspension of benefit. However, in the Bradford travel-to-work area, of those persons disallowed unemployment benefit between 1 July 1987 and 30 June 1988, 1,201 lodged an appeal. Examination of the available records indicates that 651 appeals have been heard in the same period and 195 appeals are outstanding.

  Information on the average waiting time for an appeal hearing in the Bradford travel-to-work area is included with that for north-east region. At December 1987 (the latest date for which figures are available) the average time between the date on which an appeal against an unemployment benefit decision was lodged and the date on which it was heard was 23·5 weeks.

  Information is not readily available on the number of appeals which were allowed or disallowed in the period and this could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many people have been suspended from unemployment benefit in the Bradford travel-to-work area since 1 January; how many were suspended during the same period of 1987; how many in each period were suspended for the maximum period; and what proportion of the total of those receiving unemployment benefit were represented by those suspended for the maximum period;

  (2) how many people have been suspended from unemployment benefit in the United Kingdom since 1 January; how many people were suspended during the same period of 1987; how many in each period were suspended for the maximum period; and what proportion of the total of those receiving unemployment benefit were represented by those suspended for the maximum period.

  Mr. Lee
  No figures are held on the number of people who have been suspended from receiving unemployment benefit. However, the following table shows the number of
  483
  persons whose benefit was disallowed in the Bradford travel-to-work area and the United Kingdom between 1 January and 30 June 1987 and 1988:

  Number of disallowances of benefit in the Bradford travel-to-work area and the United Kingdom

  Period

  Bradford travel-to-work area

  United Kingdom

  1 January 1987 to 30 June 1987

  24,177

  518,843

  1 January 1988 to 30 June 1988

  22,269

  n/a

  n/a Figures not yet available.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of departmental programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of(a) the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  Mr. Cope
  The process of evaluation of individual programmes is often part of the work itself. I regret therefore that the information as requested is not available.

ENERGY

  Life Jackets
  Mr. Prescott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when his Department received the report of the Robert Gordon institute of technology on the effectiveness of life jackets and survival suits used in the North sea offshore industries; what request he received for the publication of the report; and why it has been delayed.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The report was submitted to my Department in November 1987.

  Following my reply to the hon. Member for Warrington, North (Mr. Hoyle) on 28 April 1988, at column 219, a copy of the report was placed in the Library of the House. Members of the oil industry advisory committee of the Health and Safety Commission have requested publication. One manufacturer of immersion suits has also formally requested publication.

  Since the report was submitted consultations have taken place between my Department, the Department of Transport and standards-setting organisations.

  Additional copies of the report are to be produced and made more widely available.

  Recruitment and Promotion Policy
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what measures he has implemented to ensure that recruitment and promotion policy in his Department does not directly or indirectly discriminate against applicants who were mature students or women returning to work following a career break due to child care.

  Mr. Parkinson
  The criteria against which recruits are evaluated are designed not to discriminate, either directly or indirectly, against mature students or women returning to work-for example, advertisements do not contain upper age limits, and do mention returning to work and our flexible approach to hours of working and provision 484
  for part-time working. Promotion within the Department is on merit, although in some cases a minimum seniority is required. It is the practice for the chairman of a promotion board to evaluate its decisions, at the various stages, to ensure that equal opportunity policies are being implemented.

  Sellafield (Reprocessing)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if, in light of his statement on the wind-down of the fast reactor programme, 21 July,Official Report, column 1288, he will make a statement on (i) the continued necessity for the reprocessing of Magnox spent fuel at Sellafield for the separation of plutonium for the fast reactor core at Dounreay and (ii) the continued necessity for the reprocessing of advanced gas-cooled reactor spent fuel and pressurised water reactor spent fuel from electricity board reactors at the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield for the separation of plutonium for the fast reactor fuel core at Dounreay.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made clear in his statement, we are retaining a position in fast reactor technology. There is a continued need for reprocessing at Sellafield, and BNFL has contracts placed for Thorp.

  European Parliament (Committees)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the departmental responsibilities regarding(a) responding to invitations by the energy committee of the European Parliament to submit written or oral evidence before any of its investigations involving a United Kingdom interest, (b) responding to invitations by any special committee of inquiry of the European Parliament to submit written or oral evidence on topics involving United Kingdom interests and (c) responding to reports by the energy committee of the European Parliament on matters directly concerning United Kingdom nuclear facilities.

  Mr. Parkinson
  On matters falling within the responsibility of my Department I would decide, after consulting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other Departments concerned, whether to respond to invitations by the energy committee or any special committee of inquiry of the European Parliament to submit evidence on topics involving United Kingdom interests. There is no formal procedure under which a member state can respond to reports by committees of the European Parliament.

  Solar Energy
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what research his Department is undertaking into the development of solar energy; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what support his Department is giving for increased use of solar energy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Passive solar design of buildings is the best way to utilise solar energy in the United Kingdom. My Department is supporting a comprehensive research and development programme aimed at encouraging its integration into building design by the mid-1990s. This
  485
  programme is designed to generate convincing information about the benefits of passive solar design in both housing and non-domestic buildings. Thirty-seven projects worth over £6·5 million are under way in the programme, with nearly £2 million expected to be spent in 1988–89.

  Our programme has three main activities. Field studies, which will provide evidence of the energy and financial and non-financial benefits of passive solar design from measurements in real buildings throughout the United Kingdom; design studies, which provide an opportunity for design practices to explore passive solar techniques in a wide range of buliding types and produce a range of exemplar designs; and supporting R and D to improve the understanding of the operation of particular design features.

  Information resulting from these studies will be put into a form that will aim to persuade building developers, designers and users to apply the principles in practice. The programme is also seeking to identify the most appropriate ways of ensuring that the results of the programme are effectively transferred to the industry nationwide.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what representations his Department has received supporting greater use of solar energy; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what representations his Department has received opposing the greater use of solar energy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  My Department has received widespread support for its passive solar design R and D programme and its aim to encourage the integration of the technology into building design by the mid-1990s. Many of the leading design practices are playing an active part in our programme and are incorporating the technology into new buildings, both domestic and non-domestic, throughout the United Kingdom. We have received no representations opposing the greater use of solar energy.

  New Businesses
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what initiatives his Department is taking to encourage people to set up new businesses; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Parkinson
  For an explanation of the way my Department's activities encourage people setting up new businesses, I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw) on 19 July 1988, at columns 557–58, and to the work of the British Coal Enterprise Ltd. in particular.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of departmental programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of(a) the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  Mr. Parkinson
  The Department regards evaluation as an important part of its programmes in order to ensure that value for money is being achieved and that the work and results are in accordance with the Department's objectives. This evaluation takes many forms, including 486
  internal reviews, market research, where appropriate, to measure programme effectiveness, reviews involving bodies like the advisory council on research and development and other external advisers, and reviews undertaken by or involving other parts of Government, for example, the Treasury, the Cabinet Office and interdepartmental reviews.

  Evaluation is encouraged as an integral part of the Department's programmes and costs are included with those of individual programmes or are part of Departments' administrative costs. There are no separately identifiable figures for the costs of such evaluation over the past five years.

  Sullom Voe Oil Terminal
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has received any preliminary reports on the blast at the Sullom Voe oil terminal on 1 July; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  My Department has no statutory responsibility for the operation of installations at the Sullom Voe oil terminal, except for agreeing the suitability of the metering equipment, and flaring and venting consents. My officials were informed of the blast on 4 July in the course of discussions of other matters with the operator of the terminal. Safety matters at the terminal are for the Health and Safety Executive.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he intends to publish any reports received by him concerning the blast at Sullom Voe oil terminal on 1 July.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I have had no reports, except for a routine report by officials that the blast had occurred, and would affect progress on recommissioning of the Ninian fractionation train, which has been out of commission because of corrosion problems.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has received concerning the cause and extent of corrosion damage at Sullom Voe oil terminal; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  My Department has been monitoring the course of repairs to corroded pipework at the terminal, in performance of its duties for assessing the requests that have arisen for increased gas flaring consents while the fractionation trains have been out of commission.

  The operators have indicated that rain water penetrating defective lagging led to the corrosion. They hope to recommission the first fractionation train soon.

  Fast Reactor Programme
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his statement on the fast reactor programme on 21 July,Official Report, column 1288, what changes have been made to the policy of his Department regarding a proposed European demonstration reprocessing plant to be sited at Dounreay vis-à-vis the evidence submitted to the local public inquiry in 1986; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The report of the public local inquiry into the planning application made by the UKAEA and BNFL is being considered by the Secretary
  487
  of State for Scotland. It remains for the European Fast Reactor Collaboration to decide what reprocessing facilities it requires, and when.

  Petroleum Exploration Licences
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will arrange a further opportunity for holders of old-style onshore petroleum exploration licences to convert them into new-style licences.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I have today placed in the Libraries of both Houses the text of a notice to be published in the London and Edinburgh Gazettes as soon as possible inviting applications for landward petroleum exploration licences. The invitation is directed only to those with exploration licences awarded under the previous 1976 or 1982 Petroleum Production Regulations and I have specified that applications may be made between 10 am and 12 noon on 18 October 1988.

  Old-style exploration licences do not permit exploration drilling to be undertaken. The opportunity which I am now giving will enable the holders of old-style licences to apply for a new exploration licence with a view to proceeding to the drilling stage. Holders of old-style licences expiring within the next 12 months who expect to want to undertake exploration drilling are advised to take advantage of this opportunity, since it is unlikely that there will be any further conversion opportunities until the second half of 1989.

  Any wells to be drilled on new licences will also need the agreement of the landowner and occupier, and the consent of the local planning authorities. In certain cases an environmental impact assessment may also need to be prepared.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Child Minders
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider giving tax relief on the cost of a child minder.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  No.

  Company Cars
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual value of the concession to company cars.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I assume the hon. Member is referring to the fact that the company car scales do not fully reflect the value to an employee of having the private use of a company car. Despite the doubling of the scales for 1988–89, that continues to be the case, by a substantial margin, as my right hon. Friend indicated in his Budget statement. But it is not possible to estimate any additional tax yield from changes without detailed assumptions about the level of each of the scales and the extent to which the rules which currently relate to them would continue to apply.

  Child Care
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking to implement the recommendations within his area of responsibility of the European Commission's childcare network report, "Caring for Children—Services and Policies for Childcare and Equal Opportunities in the United Kingdom".

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I have noted the report's recommendations.

  Amusement Machines
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide an estimate for the last four years for which figures are available of(a) the income received from licences for amusement-with-prizes machines and (b) the income received from tax on profits made by amusement-with-prizes machines.

  Mr. Lilley
  Information in respect of income tax from profits earned on amusement-with-prizes machines is not available. Estimates of gaming licence duty accruing are as follows:

  £ million

  1984–85

  37·7

  1985–86

  44·1

  1986–87

  51·4

  1987–88

  163·9

  1 Provisional.

  National Income
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the amount and share of income going to the following tax units for each year since 1978–79, revalued at 1978–79 prices(a) the top 1 per cent., (b) the next 2 to 5 per cent., (c) the next 6 to 10 per cent, and (d) the next 10 to 20 per cent, and subsequent deciles;

  (2)if he will list the tax take for each of the following income groups for each year since 1978–79, revalued at 1978–79 prices (a)the top 1 per cent., (b)the next 2 to 5 per cent., (c)the next 6 to 10 per cent, and (d)the next 10 to 20 per cent, and subsequent deciles;

  (3) if he will detail the percentage shares of income tax paid for each year since 1977–78, by (a)the top 1 per cent., of taxpayers (b)the next 2 to 5 per cent., (c)the next 6 to 10 per cent, and (d)the next 10 to 20 per cent, and subsequent deciles.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The available information is in the table. The analyses are for single people and married couples paying income tax in each year. The quantiles are determined by reference to income tax liability. Estimates are based on the surveys of personal incomes for years up to 1985–86 and projections of the 1985–86 survey for subsequent years; the latter are therefore provisional. For years before 1985–86, estimates of gross income exclude employees' contributions to occupational pension schemes and some investment income on which tax is deducted at source.

  I regret that quantile estimates of gross income before tax for the years 1979–80 to 1982–83 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  489

  Table 1

  Gross incomes before lax at 1978–79 price levels

  Quantile group of taxpayers1 (per cent.)

  £ billion

  Year

  Top 1

  2–5

  6–10

  10–20

  20–30

  30–40

  40–50

  50–60

  60–70

  70–80

  80–90

  Bottom 10

  1978–79

  5·0

  9·9

  9·3

  15·0

  12·6

  10·9

  9·6

  8·5

  7·3

  6·0

  4·9

  3·8

  1983–84

  5·8

  11·0

  9·9

  15·3

  12·4

  10·7

  9·2

  8·0

  6·7

  5·8

  4·7

  3·6

  1984–85

  6·2

  11·6

  10·3

  15·8

  12·7

  10·9

  9·4

  8·3

  7·1

  6·0

  4·9

  3·7

  1985–862

  7·2

  12·2

  10·8

  16·9

  13·7

  11·5

  9·9

  8·6

  7·3

  6·3

  5·3

  4·0

  1986–872

  7·6

  12·8

  11·4

  17·7

  14·3

  12·0

  10·3

  8·8

  7·6

  6·4

  5·4

  4·0

  1987–882

  8·0

  13·5

  12·0

  18·8

  15·0

  12·5

  10·7

  9·3

  7·8

  6·6

  5·5

  4·1

  1988–892

  8·7

  14·5

  12·8

  20·1

  16·0

  13·4

  11·5

  9·9

  8·4

  7·1

  5·9

  4·4

  Table 2

  Share of gross income before tax

  Quantile group of taxpayers1 (per cent.)

  Per cent.

  Year

  Top 1

  2–5

  6–10

  10–20

  20–30

  30–40

  40–50

  50–60

  60–70

  70–80

  80–90

  Bottom 10

  1978–79

  4·9

  9·7

  9·0

  14·6

  12·3

  10·7

  9·4

  8·2

  7·1

  5·8

  4·7

  3·7

  1983–84

  5·6

  10·7

  9·6

  15·0

  12·0

  10·4

  8·9

  7·8

  6·5

  5·6

  4·6

  3·5

  1984–85

  5·8

  10·9

  9·6

  14·8

  11·9

  10·2

  8·8

  7·8

  6·6

  5·6

  4·6

  3·5

  1985–862

  6·4

  10·7

  9·5

  14·8

  12·1

  10·1

  8·7

  7·5

  6·4

  5·5

  4·7

  3·5

  1986–872

  6·0

  11·0

  10·0

  15·0

  12·0

  10·0

  9·0

  8·0

  6·0

  5·0

  5·0

  3·0

  1987–882

  7·0

  11·0

  10·0

  15·0

  12·0

  10·0

  9·0

  8·0

  6·0

  5·0

  5·0

  3·0

  1988–892

  7·0

  11·0

  10·0

  15·0

  12·0

  10·0

  9·0

  8·0

  6·0

  5·0

  5·0

  3·0

  Table 3

  Income tax liabilities at 1978·79 price levels

  Quantile group of taxpayers1 (per cent.)

  £ billion

  Year

  Top 1

  2–5

  6–10

  10–20

  20–30

  30–40

  40–50

  50–60

  60–70

  70–50

  80–90

  Bottom 10

  1978–79

  2·3

  2·6

  2·1

  3·2

  2·5

  2·0

  1·7

  1·4

  1·1

  0·8

  0·4

  0·1

  1979–80

  2·0

  2·5

  2·0

  3·0

  2·4

  2·0

  1·7

  1·3

  1·1

  0·7

  0·4

  0·1

  1980–81

  2·1

  2·6

  2·0

  3·1

  2·4

  2·0

  1·7

  1·4

  1·0

  0·6

  0·4

  0·1

  1981–82

  2·3

  2·7

  2·1

  3·2

  2·4

  2·0

  1·6

  1·4

  1·1

  0·7

  0·5

  0·1

  1982–83

  2·4

  2·8

  2·1

  3·1

  2·4

  2·0

  1·6

  1·3

  1·0

  0·8

  0·4

  0·1

  1983–84

  2·4

  2·9

  2·3

  3·4

  2·6

  2·1

  1·7

  1·3

  1·0

  0·7

  0·4

  0·1

  1984–85

  2·4

  2·9

  2·2

  3·2

  2·4

  1·9

  1·6

  1·3

  1·0

  0·7

  0·4

  0·1

  1985–86

  2·9

  3·1

  2·3

  3·3

  2·4

  2·0

  1·6

  1·3

  1·0

  0·7

  0·4

  0·2

  1986–873

  3·1

  3·2

  2·3

  3·3

  2·5

  2·0

  1·6

  1·3

  1·0

  0·7

  0·4

  0·2

  1987–883

  3·3

  3·3

  2·3

  3·3

  2·5

  2·0

  1·6

  1·3

  1·0

  0·7

  0·4

  0·1

  1988–893

  2·7

  3·3

  2·3

  3·3

  2·5

  2·0

  1·6

  1·3

  1·0

  0·7

  0·4

  0·1

  Table 4

  Quantile shares of income tax

  Quantile group of taxpayers1 (per cent.)

  Percent

  Year

  Top 1

  2–5

  6–10

  10–20

  20–30

  30–40

  40–50

  50–60

  60–70

  70–80

  80–90

  Bottom 10

  1977–78

  11·9

  13·0

  10·1

  15·0

  12·0

  10·0

  8·1

  7·2

  5·1

  4·4

  2·5

  0·8

  1978–79

  11·2

  12·8

  10·5

  15·7

  12·3

  9·9

  8·8

  6·7

  5·4

  4·0

  2·0

  0·7

  1979–80

  10·4

  13·0

  10·4

  15·7

  12·4

  10·4

  8·6

  6·8

  5·6

  3·7

  2·3

  0·7

  1980–81

  10·9

  13·5

  10·4

  16·1

  12·3

  10·2

  8·5

  7·1

  5·2

  3·3

  1·8

  0·7

  1981–82

  11·3

  13·5

  10·6

  15·6

  12·1

  9·9

  8·1

  6·7

  5·3

  3·8

  2·4

  0·7

  1982–83

  11·7

  13·7

  10·5

  15·5

  12·1

  9·9

  8·2

  6·6

  5·2

  3·7

  2·2

  0·7

  1983–84

  11·4

  14·0

  10·8

  16·2

  12·5

  10·1

  8·1

  6·4

  4·9

  3·5

  1·9

  0·6

  1984–85

  11·8

  14·6

  11·1

  15·7

  11·9

  9·6

  7·8

  6·3

  4·9

  3·5

  2·1

  0·7

  1985–86

  13·8

  14·5

  10·7

  15·4

  11·6

  9·3

  7·6

  6·1

  4·7

  3·4

  2·1

  0·7

  1986–873

  14·0

  15·0

  11·0

  15·0

  11·0

  9·0

  7·0

  6·0

  5·0

  3·0

  2·0

  1·0

  1987–883

  15·0

  15·0

  11·0

  15·0

  11·0

  9·0

  7·0

  6·0

  5·0

  3·0

  2·0

  1·0

  1988–893

  13·0

  15·0

  11·0

  15·0

  12·0

  9·0

  8·0

  6·0

  5·0

  3·0

  2·0

  1·0

  1 Counting married couples as one and combining their incomes.

  2 Provisional; includes estimates of occupational pension schemes and some investment income on which tax is deducted at source.

  3 Provisional.

  Note: Figures may not sum to 100 per cent. due to rounding.

  P11D Declaration
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received regarding the raising of the lower limit for the P11D declaration; and if he will make a statement.
  490
  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Moray (Mrs. Ewing) on 17 May at column 435.

  Disposable Wealth
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many adults in the United Kingdom had disposable wealth in 1979(a) over £5,000 but less than £10,000, (b) over £10,000 but less than £20,000 and (c) over £20,000; and if he will give details of the numbers for equivalent amounts in real terms for each year since 1980.

  Mr. Norman Lament
  The available estimates are published in "Inland Revenue Statistics" (IRS). The latest estimate of the distribution of marketable wealth for 1979 is given in summary form in IRS 1984 table 4.8 with a fuller distribution of identified wealth in IRS 1983 table 4.12. Estimates have not been made in real terms but estimates in current prices are to be found as follows:

  IRS

  Table

  Marketable wealth:

  1980

  1986

  4·7

  1981–85

  1987

  7·5

  Identified wealth:

  1980

  1984

  4·12

  1981

  1985

  4·11

  1982

  1986

  4·11

  1983

  1987

  7·1

  1984

  1986

  Appendix D1

  1985

  1987

  7·3

  Estimates for 1984 and 1985 are provisional. "Identified wealth" is wealth whose distribution can be estimated directly from capital transfer tax statistics.

  Taxable Benefits
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will bring up to date his reply of 6 April 1987 Official Report, column 78, concerning taxable benefits together with an estimate of (a) the amount by which the scale charges for company cars fall short of the true value of the benefit and (b) the estimated yield from taxing the full value;

  (2) what is his estimate of the real and the taxable value of benefits subject to (a) special and (b) general rules, together with the estimated revenue therefrom.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The available information, based on projections from data relating to 1985–86, on the taxable value of benefits and the tax yield arising are as follows:

  Benefit provided by the employer—1988–89

  Taxable value

  Tax yield £ million

  Cars and free fuel for private use

  2,400

  700

  Private medical insurance

  260

  80

  Other expense payments and benefits

  360

  120

  TOTAL

  3,020

  900

  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer indicated in his Budget statement that independent studies had suggested that the 1987–88 scale charges represented only about one quarter of the value of the benefit of a company car. But it is not possible to estimate any additional tax yield from changes without detailed assumptions about the level of each of the scales and the extent to which the rules which currently relate to them would continue to apply.
  492
  The taxable value of free fuel for private use provided by an employer is calculated by reference to a set of scale charges. For private medical insurance premiums and most other expense payments and benefits—the main exceptions being beneficial loans and accommodation provided by an employer—the taxable value is the cost to the employer of providing the benefit. The taxable value of beneficial loans is calculated by reference to the difference between the official rate of interest (which broadly reflects commercial rates) and the actual rate of interest paid; accommodation provided by an employer is taxed by reference to the annual value of the accommodation, less any rent paid. The Inland Revenue does not collect information on any other basis of valuation.

  Taxation
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of total taxation income tax and national insurance contributions combined constituted in 1979 and in each subsequent year.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Following is the information:

  Income tax and national insurance contributions as a percentage share of total taxes and national insurance contributions

  Per cent.

  1979–80

  45·4

  1980–81

  45·6

  1981–82

  44·5

  1982–83

  44·4

  1983–84

  44·6

  1984–85

  43·3

  1985–86

  43·5

  1986–87

  44·4

  1987–88

  43·7

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for an employee on (a) average earnings and (b) 10 times average earnings the marginal rate of income tax and national insurance contributions.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: The table shows the marginal rate of income tax and NIC of a married man on (a) average earnings and (b) 10 times average earnings under the 1988–89 tax and NIC regimes. The calculations assume that the man's earnings are his only source of income and that he has no reliefs or allowances other than the married man's allowance. Average earnings are those for full-time males paid at adult rates whose pay is unaffected by absence and are estimated at £244·70 per week in 1988–89.

  Marginal rate of income tax and NIC1

  Per cent.

  Average earnings

  34

  10 times average earnings

  40

  1 Assuming contracted in to SERFS.

  Social Security Expenditure
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of total expenditure social security, health and personal social services combined constituted in each year from 1979 to date.

  Mr. Major
  The table shows, for the financial years 1979–80 to 1988–89, public expenditure (net of receipts) on
  493
  social security, health and personal social services as a percentage of the public expenditure planning total, excluding privatisation proceeds, the adjustment made to bring the sum of individual estimated outturns in line with the Treasury's view of the likely overall outturn (1987–88) only and the reserve (1988–89) only.

  Percentages

  1979–80 outturn

  39·9

  1980–81 outturn

  41·2

  1981–82 outturn

  43·3

  1982–83 outturn

  44·5

  1983–84 outturn

  44·9

  1984–85 outturn

  44·7

  1985–86 outturn

  46·5

  1986–87 outturn

  47·4

  1987–88 estimated outturn

  147·6

  1988–89 plans

  47·8

  Source: Table 5.11, The Government's Expenditure Plans, 1988–89 to 1990–91, Cm. 288-I.

  1 The figure for 1987–88 does not include the additions to health authority cash limits provided for in Spring Supplementary Estimates.

  Age Allowances
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing (i) the gain to the Exchequer in the current financial year at present rates of tax of abolishing the age allowances and (ii) the cost of retaining them without the income limit.

  Mr. Norman I.amont
  The yield in a full year at 1988–89 levels of income of abolishing the age allowances for taxpayers aged 65 and over is estimated to be about £400 million. If the age allowances were retained and the income limit abolished, the cost to the Exchequer would be £190 million.

  The estimates are based on a projection of the 1985–86 survey of personal incomes and are therefore provisional.

  Tax Allowances
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for direct tax allowances and reliefs listed in table 6.5 of Cm. 288-I, his estimate of the cost in a full year at current rates of incomes and tax for items which will cost the Exchequer £10 million or more.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I regret that the estimates could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the estimated direct revenue cost in income tax at the standard and higher rates in a full year at current rates of mortgage interest relief, life assurance pensions relief, retirement annuity premium relief and investment income relief of occupational pension funds.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Available estimates are as follows. The cost of mortgage interest relief in 1988–89 is based on the actual mortgage interest rate between April and July and on the assumption that mortgage interest rates remain at the recently announced levels of 11·5 per cent, from August. All estimates are provisional.
  494

  Estimated direct revenue cost 1988–89 £ million

  Mortgage interest relief

  4,750

  —of which relief at the excess over the basic rate

  300

  Life assurance premium relief

  470

  Employees' contributions to occupational pension schemes allowed as a deduction for income tax purposes

  1,700

  Employers' contributions to occupational pension schemes not treated as taxable benefits in kind in the hands of the employees

  2,600

  Retirement annuity premium relief

  450

  —of which relief at the excess over the basic rate

  100

  Relief on investment income of occupational pension funds (assuming relief at the basic rate)

  4,400

  National Savings
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report tables showing for those above and for those below pensionable age, the estimated number of tax units in receipt of more than £200 gross in national savings accounts and bonds and the average amount received, together with his estimates for 1988–89; and if he will divide the figures to show the amounts for those above and those below pensionable age by range of total income up to a lower limit of £100,000 and distinguishing between single persons, one-earner and two-earner married couples.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I regret that the information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mortgages
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing by range of income and tax status an estimate of the saving to the Exchequer in a full year by setting off investment income against mortgage interest qualifying for relief under the mortgage interest relief at source scheme.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The extent of any saving would depend upon the precise rules proposed for offsetting investment income against payments of mortgage interest and, in particular, on the way in which this restriction would impinge on the system of mortgage interest relief at source (MIRAS).

  Stamp Duty
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report his estimate of receipts from stamp duty in the current financial year and in 1987–88 for transactions in (a) housing and (b) shares.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The information is as follows:

  1987–88

  1988–89

  £ million

  £ million

  (a) Residential property

  800

  1,000

  (b) Shares

  965

  600

  Overseas Debt
  Mr. Lord
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's progress in implementing the debt initiative for the most debt-ridden countries put forward by him.

  Mr. Lilley
  The United Kingdom has converted aid loans into grants for 14 African countries and has taken part in Paris Club reschedulings for 10 sub-Saharan African countries which have resulted in repayment periods of 15 to 20 years. Reducing interest rates on rescheduled officially guaranteed debts is one of the options included in the agreement at the Toronto economic summit. The United Kingdom will choose this option when the agreement is implemented.

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the amount of the debts owed to the United Kingdom by less-developed countries, the annual interest payments due, the current account deficits of those countries, the extent of any debt write-offs in the past 12 months and the proportion of each less developed country's debt owed to the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: At end-December 1986 £1,225 million was outstanding from less-developed countries to the Overseas Development Administration. The Export Credits Guarantee Department's amounts at risk are published in its "Summary of Audited Trading Results 1986/87." United Kingdom commercial banks' claims on developing countries are listed in the Bank of England's quarterly bulletin. Comprehensive figures on other private debts are not available.

  In April 1988 the International Monetary Fund, in its world economic outlook, estimated that in 1987 developing countries had a surplus of $4·4 billion on the current accounts of their balance of payments.

  In the calendar year 1987 the ODA wrote off £26·2 million in claims on developing countries. This comprises £24·7 million charged to the aid programme in respect of conversion of aid loans to grants and other exceptional debt relief and £1·5 million in refinancing grants.

  It is not possible to calculate the amount of annual interest payments due to the United Kingdom or the proportion of developing countries' debt owed to the United Kingdom.

  Taxpayers
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people make up the 1 per cent, of taxpayers who pay the most tax; and at what level of income does this 1 per cent, begin.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  It is estimated that in 1988–89 the top 1 per cent, of income tax payers comprises 210,000 single people and married couples, each with total income of at least £50,000.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in the tax district which serves Nottingham are in the top 1 per cent, of taxpayers.
  496
  Mr. Norman Lamont
  A tax district serves the residents of a number of places, according to who is their employer. Information about the amount of income tax payable is not compiled for smaller areas of residence than counties.

  Millionaires
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has of the number of millionaires in Britain.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The latest provisional estimate is that about 10,000 individuals owned wealth exceeding £1 million in 1985.

  Friendly Societies
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has received any representations from the friendly society movement seeking a new legislative framework which will enable them to compete more effectively with other financial institutions; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lilley
  I received a memorandum from the friendly societies liaison committee earlier this month. I intend to meet its representatives to discuss its proposals.

  London Clearing Banks
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the matter of his reply dated 14 July 1986,Official Report, columns 680–81, concerning the profits of the London clearing banks, he will provide the corresponding figures for 1986 and 1987.

  Mr. Lilley
  The information requested, updated to include 1986 and 1987, is as follows:

  Pre-tax profits of London clearing banks

  Actual

  Adjusted to 1987 prices

  £ million

  £ million

  1987

  290

  290

  1986

  3,040

  3,167

  1985

  2,556

  2,747

  1979

  1,571

  2,833

  1969

  212

  1,242

  The figures are drawn from the annual reports of Barclays, Lloyds, Midland and National Westminster.

  EC (Budget)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will bring up to date the figures on net contributions to the EEC budget in the evidence submitted by Her Majesty's Government to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee on the financial and economic consequences of United Kingdom membership of the European Communities (page 76 of HC57-II Session 1984–85).

  Mr. Peter Brooke
  The updated figures are set out in the table:
  497

  Net contribution to the EC Budget

  £ million

  Year

  Net contribution before refunds or VA T abatements (cash)

  Negotiated refunds

  VAT abatements

  Net contribution after refunds and abatements (cash)'1

  Net contribution after refunds and abatements in constant 1987 prices2

  1975

  -56

  —

  —

  -56

  -170

  1976

  167

  —

  —

  167

  441

  1977

  369

  —

  —

  369

  854

  1978

  822

  —

  —

  822

  1,708

  1979

  947

  —

  —

  947

  1,718

  1980

  804

  98

  —

  706

  1,070

  1981

  1,090

  693

  —

  397

  539

  1982

  1,625

  1,019

  —

  606

  765

  1983

  1,454

  807

  —

  647

  776

  1984

  1,184

  528

  —

  656

  755

  1985

  2,035

  61

  166

  1,808

  1,965

  1986

  2,273

  —

  1,701

  572

  599

  1987

  2,866

  —

  1,153

  1,713

  1,713

  1 United Kingdom figures showing payments to the Community budget on a cash flow basis. Budget refunds and abatements are credited to the year in which they are paid.

  2Constant prices have been constructed using the GDP deflator at market prices.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a revision of the tables on pages 33–36 of Cm. 288-II to take account of what was agreed at the EEC summit meeting on financing the EEC budget and of the current year's budget settlement.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: I regret I cannot provide the information requested. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the hon. Gentleman on 22 February, at column 17, the overall effect of the EEC summit agreement will be to increase the United Kingdom's net contribution after abatement by about £200 million to £300 million a year compared to the 1·4 per cent, own resources ceiling, and by an estimated £100 million to £200 million a year compared with the effective level of spending in 1987. Revised estimates of the United Kingdom's net payments to Community institutions which take account of the new financing arrangements and this year's budget will be published in the Autumn Statement.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the sum of £200 was established as the level above which the cost of answering a parliamentary question is considered disproportionate; and if he will place a note in the Library detailing how this sum was arrived at, and the cost assumptions currently used when calculating the cost of parliamentary questions.

  Mr. Brooke
  The disproportionate cost threshold was set at £200 in 1982, being increased to £250 in March 1988 to maintain the value of the cost threshold in real terms.

  The disproportionate cost procedure is designed to identify and draw to ministerial attention the most expensive 1 to 2 per cent, of parliamentary questions. This does not alter the discretion of individual Ministers to decide that a particular question should be answered partially or in full, regardless of cost.

  The cost of answering a parliamentary question is based on staff time, using average rates of pay and associated costs (such as national insurance and superannuation for the Civil Service grades concerned) and on substantive non-staff costs such as computer usage.

  Arts Sponsorship (Tax Relief)
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost to the Revenue of tax relief on business sponsorships of the arts; and how many companies have claimed such relief for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The cost is not known precisely but is currently thought to be no higher than £10 million. The number of companies claiming relief is not known.

  Theatre Tickets (VAT)
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the receipts from value added tax on theatre tickets for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Lilley
  This information is not directly available. The estimated yield of value added tax based on consumers' expenditure on admissions to theatres, concerts and similar live entertainment for the last five years is:

  VAT Yield

  Nearest £5 million

  1983–84

  35

  1984–85

  35

  1985–86

  40

  1986–87

  50

  1987–88

  155

  1 Estimated

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table for the years 1982–83 to 1990–91 bringing together on the same basis the analysis of charges against public expenditure by departmental programme, Official Report,columns 375–76, 25 May, an analysis of charges by functional composition consistent with table 2.7 of Cm. 288-I.

  Mr. Major
  My reply on 22 July explained that the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of Department programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of(a)the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  Mr. Brooke
  The process of evaluation of my Department's programmes is part of the work itself. It is therefore not possible to identify separately the resources involved.

  Budget Council
  Mr. Summcrson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent meeting of the European Community's Budget Council.

  MECU

  Expenditure ceilings

  Draft budget

  ecu

  £

  ecu

  £

  Commitment appropriations

  FEOGA guarantee

  28,624

  19,886

  28,127

  19,541

  Structural funds

  9,522

  6,615

  9,478

  6,585

  R & D and integrated Mediterranean programmes

  1,708

  1,187

  1,583

  1,100

  Other policies

  2,468

  1,715

  2,298

  1,596

  Reimbursements and administration

  5,153

  3,580

  5,081

  3,530

  Monetary reserve

  1,000

  695

  1,000

  695

  TOTAL

  48,475

  33,677

  47,567

  33,046

  Total payment appropriations1

  46,885

  32,572

  46,009

  31,964

  1 There is only a global ceiling for payments.

  Provision for agricultural guarantee expenditure is almost 500 mecu (£350 million) below the limit agreed at the Brussels Council and given legal effect in the Budget discipline decision. The draft budget also includes provision of 1·45 becu (£1 billion) for the cost of depreciating existing agricultural stocks; and of 1 becu (£695 million) for a monetary reserve which can be drawn upon only to cover unforeseen additional expenditure of over 400 mecu (£280 million) arising from changes in the $/ecu exchange rate.

  Non-obligatory expenditure (DNO) in the draft budget totals 13·5 becu (£9·4 billion) in commitments and 12 becu (£8·3 billion) in payments. In accordance with the conclusions of the Brussels European Council, the Budget Council distinguished between so-called "privileged" and "non-privileged" expenditure. In the first category, the draft budget provides for the substantial increase in appropriations for the structural funds agreed at the Brussels Council and for research and development appropriations at a level consistent with the framework programme adopted in September 1987. As regards non-privileged DNO, the Budget Council reduced the proposed provision in the PDB by an amount sufficient to ensure that, for this category of expenditure, the growth of both payments and commitments was contained within half the maximum rate of 5·8 per cent, communicated by the Commission. The growth of DNO as a whole in the draft budget is some 16·6 per cent, in commitments and some 17·7 per cent, in payments. The fact that the Council substantially exceeded the overall maximum rate was an inevitable consequence of the increase in provision for the structural funds.
  500
  Mr. Brooke
  The Budget Council met in Brussels on 26 July. I represented the United Kingdom.

  The Council established a first reading draft budget for 1989 totalling 47·6 becu (£33·1 billion) in commitment appropriations and 46·0 becu (£32·0 billion) in payment appropriations, respectively 470 mecu (£325 million) and 480 mecu (£335 million) below the figures proposed by the Commission in the preliminary draft budget (PDB).

  The 1989 budget is the first to be subject to the new arrangements for budgetary discipline arising from the Brussels European Council of 11–12 February and to the inter-institutional agreement (IIA) between the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament which incorporates expenditure ceilings for 1988–92. The following table shows that the first reading draft budget is some way within those ceilings.

  The draft budget implies an own resource call up rate of 1·15 per cent, of Community GNP compared with own resources sub-ceiling for 1989 of 11·7 per cent.

  The European Parliament will consider the draft budget at its plenary session in October and is entitled to make amendments and modifications within the ceilings for individual categories of expenditure set out in the II A. The Budget Council will consider these amendments and modifications at its second reading of the budget in November.

  HMSO
  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the future of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.

  Mr. Lawson
  My right hon. Friend the Paymaster General said in a written answer on 21 July 1987, at column 112, that the Government have no present plans to privatise Her Majesty's Stationery Office. That remains the present position. However, the Government see every advantage in removing unnecessary constraints and encouraging the management of the office to continue to develop the business on commercial lines. It has therefore been decided to establish Her Majesty's Stationery Office in the autumn as one of the new-style executive agencies as foreseen by the Prime Minister in her announcement on 18 February 1988, at column 1149 et seq, about the future management of the Civil Service. Her Majesty's Stationery Office will remain a trading fund within central Government, accountable direct to Treasury Ministers,

  501
  but the controller and chief executive will have greater freedom, within parameters agreed by Ministers, to manage the day-to-day affairs of the agency and in particular to introduce an organisational and pay structure better suited to the most efficient achievement of the agency's aims and objectives. Details of the new structure will be worked out with the Treasury during the next few months. The proposed changes will be the subject of full consultation with the trade unions.

  Residence Rules
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any proposals for amending the residence rules and the basis of liability to United Kingdom tax of resident individuals.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The present rules on United Kingdom residence and domicile which determine the basis of an individual's liability to United Kingdom income tax and capital gains tax are complex, long-standing and lack a firm statutory basis. Possible changes to these rules need careful consideration and discussion. With my agreement, therefore, the Inland Revenue is today issuing a consultative document which suggests a possible approach to overcome the deficiencies of the present rules. The aim is to move in the direction of greater simplicity, certainty and neutrality, and to relate liabilities to United Kingdom tax more closely to the degree of an individual's connection with this country.

  The Revenue is issuing a press release today giving further details. Comments on the consultative document should be received by 30 November. We shall carefully consider all comments and representations which are made before introducing any legislative changes. I have placed copies of the document in the Library.

  Reduction in income tax liability under independent taxation for

  Quantile group based on income

  quantiles1 of all tax units2 £ million

  quantiles1 of married couples £ million

  quantiles3 of married people £ million

  Top 5 per cent.

  400

  260

  90

  Top 10 per cent.

  440

  400

  140

  Bottom 70 per cent.

  160

  210

  450

  Bottom 60 per cent.

  130

  200

  430

  Bottom 50 per cent.

  100

  170

  400

  Bottom 30 per cent.

  —

  130

  350

  Bottom 10 per cent.

  —

  50

  200

  All

  670

  670

  670

  1 Based on all income of tax unit, ie combining income of husband and wife.

  2 Married couples and single people.

  3 Based on each married person's own income.

  All estimates are provisional and subject to considerable uncertainty; and I regret that it is not possible to provide estimates for the top 1 per cent, of taxpayers.

  Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total spending by his Department on press, public relations and advertising, respectively, in 1987–88.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: Expenditure during 1987–88 was as follows:

  £

  Press and public relations

  591,460

  Advertising

  44,723

  Income Tax
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the reduction in income tax liability as a result of the introduction of independent taxation in its first full year of operation for(a) the top 1 per cent, of taxpayers, (b) the top 5 per cent, of taxpayers, (c) the top 10 per cent, of taxpayers, (d) the bottom 70 per cent, of taxpayers, (e) the bottom 60 per cent, of taxpayers, (f) the bottom 50 per cent, of taxpayers, (g) the bottom 30 per cent, of taxpayers and (h) the bottom 10 per cent, of taxpayers, with the percentages defined by reference to the joint income of husband and wife.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 20 June 1988]: Estimates are given in the table. The first column gives the reduction for quantiles of all married couples and single people liable to income tax and the second column gives quantiles based on married couples only. The quantiles in these two columns are defined by the total income of each current tax unit, that is counting a married couple as one unit. The third column gives the reduction in liability for husbands and wives (counted separately) who are liable to income tax on the basis of their own income. The quantiles in this column are calculated by reference to the income of each individual. This approach is more appropriate for analysing the income tax reductions of independent taxation than approaches in which the incomes of married couples are combined. Reductions in income tax liability relate to a full year at 1990–91 projected levels of income. The 1988 Budget proposals for income tax rates and allowances have been indexed to 1990–91 according to the statutory formula.

  These figures do not include the marketing costs on sales of Government shareholdings (some £44,616,000 including VAT in 1987–88) which are financed from the sales proceeds.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest figure for the estimated expenditure by the Treasury on press and public relations during 1988–89.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: The estimated expenditure for the current year is £586,515.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest figure for the number of staff presently employed in the press and public relations office of the Treasury.
  503
  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: The number of press and public relations staff employed in the Treasury on 1 July 1988 was 11.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest figure for the number of staff presently employed on press and public relations duties by those parts of the former Management and Personnel Office for which he now has responsibility.

  Mr. Peter Brooke
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: Nil.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest figure for the estimated expenditure on press and public relations during 1988–89 by those parts of the former Management and Personnel Office for which he now has responsibility.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: Nil.

  Departmental Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest figure for the estimated spending in 1988–89 by the Treasury on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: The estimated expenditure for 1988–89 is £49,000, none of which is likely to be on television and radio advertising.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest figure for the estimated spending in 1988–89 by those parts of the former Management and Personnel Office for which he now has responsibility on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: Nil.

  Multiple Share Applications
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for which privatisation share issue the first computer program to identify multiple share applications was designed; whether it has been purchased by his Department for use in conjunction with subsequent flotations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: The Government place a high priority on detecting multiple applications in privatisation sales. Methods of detection are a matter for the fraud auditors appointed for each sale, but computers have been used as an aid to detection in every sale since the British Gas sale in 1986 and we would expect them to be used in future sales. Different programmes are used in each sale, as the methods of collecting applications and techniques of detection change. Innovation in computer programmes to improve detection of multiple applicants is one of the criteria in the selection of fraud auditors.

  Customs and Excise (Ethnic Monitoring)
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total cost of preparing, printing, posting and processing the results of the ethnic survey questionnaire recently sent to Customs and Excise staff.
  504
  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: This expenditure is included in the Department's general administrative costs and cannot be separately identified without incurring disproportionate expense.

  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement regarding the purposes of the ethnic survey questionnaire sent to Customs and Excise staff for completion.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: The ethnic survey questionnaires issued to staff in Customs and Excise will provide the Department with statistical information about the number, grade and location of employees from ethnic minorities. The information will be used in monitoring the career progression of these staff to ensure they receive equality of treatment in respect of training, promotion and allocation to duties.

  Rating
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in the discussions between the Inland Revenue valuation officer and the Scottish Assessors Association regarding the harmonisation of rating practices.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: Significant progress has been made and the prospect of reaching agreement in many important areas in time for the 1990 revaluation is good.

  Domestic Credit
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the extent to which the expansion of domestic credit is under control; what effect the influx of foreign funds has had on this; what measures he has taken to sterilise the influx and with what results; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each year since 1972 and the current year to date the expansion of domestic credit and the increase in sterling M3 in cash and in percentage terms.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: Domestic credit is monitored as part of the continuous and comprehensive assessment of monetary conditions on which interest rate decisions are based. External influences are taken into account together with all other relevant factors.

  The Government's policy is to ensure that, over time, any net foreign exchange intervention is fully funded.

  Sterling M3 is now called M3. Figures for M3 and its credit counterparts are available in the annual supplement of Economic Trends 1988, and more recent figures are in Financial Statistics.

  Government Expenditure
  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 1978 central Government expenditure on goods and services as a percentage of gross domestic product, less the extraction of oil and gas.

  Mr. Major
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: The available information is as follows:
  505

  Central Government expenditure on goods and services as a percentage of GDP at market price, less extraction of mineral oil and natural gas

  Percentage

  1978

  13·0

  1979

  13·0

  1980

  14·3

  1981

  14·7

  1982

  14·9

  1983

  15·2

  1984

  15·1

  1985

  14·8

  1986

  14·1

  1987

  13·6

  Source: Based on United Kingdom National Accounts Statistics.

  Incomes
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report tables showing by range of total income up to a lower limit of £100,000, for those above and those below pensionable age and distinguishing between single persons, one-earner and two-earner married couples, the estimated saving to the Exchequer of abolishing all allowances and reliefs other than the basic single and married allowances; and if he will provide similar tables on the 1990 basis of separate taxation of husbands and wives.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: An answer will be given after summer recess.

  Market Researchers
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether companies using the services of market researchers are advised to issue P45s on completion of their services.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: Companies employing market researchers do not normally issue forms P45 on the completion of an assignment, unless there is no intention of providing the researcher with a further assignment or the researcher indicates that the employment has ceased and requests a form P45.

  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what decision has been taken by the Inland Revenue concerning the taxation status of market researchers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: The status of market research interviewers, like the employment status of all other workers, depends on the terms on which they are engaged and work. The Inland Revenue's evaluation of the terms which normally apply leads it to believe that in general market researchers are engaged under contracts of employment.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Earnings Taper
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Squire),Official Report, 29 June, column 269, whether he intends to take any steps to
  506
  ensure that the single homeless living in hostel accommodation who are in full-time training and work placements do not experience a 100 per cent, taper on their earnings, if they earn more than £5 a week;

  (2) if he will give his current estimate of the number of social security recipients living in hostel accommodation who undertake full-time training or work placements and have a 100 per cent, taper on their earnings, under the provisions of the Social Security Act 1986;

  (3) which social security recipients, other than the single homeless living in hostel accommodation and undertaking training or work placements have a 100 per cent, taper on their earnings.

  Mr. Scott
  Single people who are working fewer than 24 hours a week will have the first £5 of any earnings disregarded, or £15, if they have an underlying entitlement to the disability or lone-parent premium in income support. The number of income support recipients living in hostels and whose part-time earnings exceed their earnings disregard is not known. Each spouse in a married couple unemployed for less than two years has a part-time earnings disregarded of £5. Couples unemployed for more than two years have a combined disregard of £15. Any income support recipient or dependant whose part-time earnings exceed his or her disregard has those earnings taken fully into account. We have undertaken to monitor the effects of the earnings disregards and to consider their implications. People who are in remunerative work for 24 hours or more a week are not entitled to income support. No full-time workers now experience combined income tax and benefit withdrawal rates of 100 per cent, or more.

  Departmental Offices (Norwich)
  Mr. John Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services in respect of the local offices of his Department at Chantry house and Baltic house, Norwich, how many items of unlinked correspondence were recorded each month since 11 April.

  Mr. Scott
  For the months since 11 April 1988, the totals of income support and supplementary benefit correspondence which were unlinked after two days at the Chantry house and Baltic house offices of the Department were:

  30 April 1988

  31 May 1988

  30 June 1988

  Chantry house

  0

  18

  0

  Baltic house

  17

  38

  4

  No records are maintained on unlinked correspondence for other local office benefits.

  Mr. John Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services in respect of the local offices of his Department at Chantry house and Baltic house, Norwich, what was the average number of new claims and cases awaiting review which were recorded as outstanding each month since 11 April; and how many related to supplementary benefit claims and to single payment claims.

  Mr. Scott
  The number of cases outstanding at the two Norwich offices is as follows:
  507

  Chantry House

  Baltic House

  April

  May

  June

  April

  May

  June

  1. (a) Income support claims

  181

  126

  125

  178

  182

  273

  (b) Assessment reviews

  78

  44

  46

  359

  173

  73

  2. (a) Supplementary benefit claims

  22

  0

  0

  136

  17

  1

  (b) Single payments

  10

  0

  0

  37

  3

  13

  Source: Internal management information statistics. This information is provisional only and subject to amendment.

  Mr. John Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services in respect of the local offices of his Department at Baltic house and Chantry house, Norwich, how many social fund applications were made each month for budget loans; crisis loans and community care grants since 11 April; how many applications in each of these

  Norwich (Chantry House)

  Norwich (Baltic House)

  April

  May

  June

  April

  May

  June

  Community care grants

  23

  32

  49

  5

  19

  37

  Budgeting loans

  64

  112

  163

  53

  153

  226

  Crisis loans

  61

  113

  126

  33

  55

  63

  These data are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Details of the number of applications processed and the number of awards made each month are in the Library.

  Mr. John Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, in respect of the local offices of his Department at Baltic house and Chantry house, Norwich, what load of current cases each office has carried(a) in the past six months, and (b) since 11 April; how many new claims for income support were made each month; and how many claims were determined.

  Mr. Scott
  The live case load for each office requested is:

  Chantry house

  Baltic house

  April

  May

  June

  April

  May

  June

  Claims received

  879

  741

  864

  520

  943

  1,017

  Determinations made

  698

  796

  865

  342

  939

  926

  Source: Internal management statistics. This information is provisional and subject to amendment.

  Poverty and Unemployment Traps
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will update again the information given in the first paragraph of the section on poverty and unemployment traps which appears on page 94 of the current issue of "Social Trends", taking into account changes in housing benefit, and the transition from supplementary benefit to income support in April, but assuming that income tax and national insurance remain at current levels; and if he will update again the information given in the second paragraph of the section on poverty and unemployment traps which appears on page 94 of the current issue of "Social Trends" assuming that a married couple with four children were faced with social security changes in April, but assuming that there will be no change in the level of national insurance contributions or income tax.

  Mr. Scott
  For a full-time working family paying income tax and national insurance contributions, and
  508
  categories were determined each month; and how many applications in each of these categories were granted each month.

  Mr. Scott
  The following numbers of social fund applications were made to the two Norwich offices:

  Chantry house

  Baltic house

  Supplementary benefit live load as at 17 November 1987

  15,350

  17,684

  Income support live load as at 31 May 1988

  13,129

  14,633

  Those figures may, however, overstate the number of people receiving supplementary benefit. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the footnote to the replu given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hyndburn (Mr. Hargreaves) on 31 March 1988, at columns 660–61.

  (Source: 100 per cent, count of cases in action which includes a small number of cases not actually in receipt of benefit.)

  The number of income support claims received and determined for each office is as follows:

  receiving income-related benefits, an extra £1 of gross earnings can lead to an increase in income tax of 25p, a 9p increase in national insurance contributions, 46p reduction in family credit and a 17p reduction in housing benefit—a total of 97p. Only 45,000 out of 17 million working heads of tax units are likely to have combined income tax and benefit withdrawal rates in excess of 90 per cent. In April 1987, 70,000 working heads experienced a combined rate in excess of 100 per cent.

  After the addition of benefits, the net income of a hypothetical married couple with four dependent children (aged 3, 8, 11 and 16), and paying average rent and local authority rates, would be £123·25 at gross weekly earnings of £75. This figure would rise to £140·90 at gross earnings of £165. Prior to the reform of social security, net income at £75 gross earnings would have been about £127. It would then have fallen below this level until gross earnings reached £165.
  509
  The effects under the reformed social security scheme are cushioned somewhat by the fact that family credit is paid for 26 weeks irrespective of any subsequent change in circumstances.

  Supplementary Benefit
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the number of, or estimates of, people who were in November 1987(a) in receipt of supplementary benefit and (b) dependent upon supplementary benefit in respect of the offices of his Department at Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Eston and Redcar.

  Mr. Scott
  The number of people in receipt of supplementary benefit on 18 November 1987 was:

  Number

  Stockton

  20,321

  Middlesbrough

  23,141

  Hartlepool

  12,365

  Eston

  8,445

  Redcar

  9,492

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

  I regret that information on the number of people dependent upon supplementary benefit is not available at local level.

  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will update the answer given to the hon. Member for Birkenhead,Official Report, 9 December, column 206, to give the number of claimants and dependants below and above retirement age for each year since 1979, who have been dependent on supplementary benefit for over five years.

  Mr. Scott
  The table shows and up-dates the number of claimants below and above pension age who have been dependent on supplementary benefit for five or more years since 1979. Information about their dependants is not immediately available. When it is I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Supplementary pension claimants (thousands)

  Supplementary allowance claimants (thousands)

  November 1979

  1,053

  234

  December 1980

  1,054

  251

  December 1981

  1,087

  281

  December 1982

  1,090

  308

  December 1983

  1,057

  348

  December 1984

  1,041

  409

  February 1986

  1,026

  535

  May 1987

  1,033

  659

  Source: Annual Statistical Enquiries.

  There was no annual statistical inquiry in 1985: the one due in December that year was deferred until February 1986.

  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the total number of 16 and 17-year-olds claiming supplementary benefit in September in each of the years 1979 to 1987 inclusive.

  Mr. Scott
  Information about the number of 16 and 17-year-olds claiming supplementary benefit in any given 510
  period is not available. The numbers in receipt of supplementary benefit on a day in each of the months indicated are shown in the following table:

  Date

  Total number of 16/17-year-olds in receipt of supplementary benefit (thousands )

  November 1979

  79

  December 1980

  141

  December 1981

  166

  December 1982

  183

  December 1983

  175

  December 1984

  184

  February 1986

  168

  May 1987

  141

  Source: Annual sample statistical inquiries.

  Notes: No inquiry was held in 1985.

  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will detail the extent to which the increase in the number of persons living at or below the supplementary benefit level since 1979 has been due to an increase in the real value of the scale rates;

  (2) what proportion of the increase in the number of persons living at 100 per cent, or below the supplementary benefit level is accounted for by the real increase in the value of benefits over the periods (a) 1979 to 1983 and (b) 1979 to 1985.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how far the fall in the number of persons living(a) below supplementary benefit level, (b) on supplementary benefit and (c) at between 100 and 140 per cent, of supplementary benefit level is accounted for by the changes in the real value of the supplementary benefit scale rate between 1979 and 1985.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 8 July 1988]: The information requested is as follows. The increase attributable to higher supplementary benefit real values is greater in some instances than the increase which actually occurred. Thus, if supplementary benefit had increased only in line with prices, the numbers of people in these ranges would have reduced. Supplementary benefit recipients do not, as a general rule, have incomes of 100 per cent, of the supplementary benefit scale rates. Two individuals shown in the low-income tables as having similar incomes may have incomes which are significantly different because two quite separate scale rates are applied.

  Percentage of the increase in the number of people in benefit units attributable to real terms increases in the supplementary benefit scale rates 1979–85

  Per cent.

  1. People in units receiving supplementary benefit

  30

  2. People in units not receiving supplementary benefit but with RNR below 100

  220

  3. Total: Rows 1 and 2 together

  150

  4. People in units not receiving supplementary benefit and with RNR between 100 and 140

  140

  1 The corresponding figure for the period 1979 to 1983 is 40 per cent.

  Notes:

  (1) Relative net resources is a concept expressing the net income of people not in receipt of supplementary benefit as a proportion of the supplementary benefit scale rates. A full explanation of how RNR is calculated may be found in the technical notes included in "Low Income Familes—1985", copies of which are available in the Library.

  (2) Further information on the relative net resource distribution of

  511
  persons in benefit units receiving supplementary benefit or housing benefit supplement may be found in the reply given to the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 17 June, at column 366.

  Disabled People (Report)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what considerations he has given to "Last On The List: Community Services for People with Disabilities", an independent report published by the King's Fund Institute, a copy of which has been sent to him; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  We welcome the publication of this report, as it sets out a valuable overview on the ways that services are being provided for people with physical disabilities. The report is receiving careful consideration and it is proposed to discuss its implications further with interested parties. It will also be taken into account in framing the Government's proposals on community care policy, following consideration of Sir Roy Griffiths' recent report. The report is not, however, addressed solely to Government and we hope that it will stimulate similar consideration and discussion amongst service providers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the reply dated 25 March 1987,Official Report, columns 199–200, concerning reduced rate national insurance contributions, if he will provide figures for the gross and net contributions, taking into account the figures supplied on the same date in reply to a question asking for an update of table 40.13 of social security statistics 1985, 25 March, Official Report, column 200.

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

  Mrs. Mildred Edwards
  Mr. Mudd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne can expect a reply to his letter to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, dated 27 January, concerning Mrs. Mildred Edwards, departmental reference PO(5) 1223/63.

  Mr. Scott
  A reply was sent on 11 April.

  Ynys Môn
  Mr. leuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for each local office of his Department in Ynys Môn(a) the load of current cases which each office has carried during the last six months, (b) the number of new claims for income support made in each month since 11 April, (c) the number of claims for income support determined during each month since 11 April for income support and (d) the number of social fund applications made, and the number determined, in each month since 11 April for (i) budget loans, (ii) crisis loans and (iii) community care grants.

  Mr. Scott
  The constituency of Ynys Môn is served by the local office at Anglesey, but the boundaries are not conterminous.
  512
  The information requested is as follows:

  Number

  Supplementary benefit live load at 17 November 1987

  7,323

  Income support live load at 31 May 1988

  6,588

  Note: These are the only figures available for the period. The source is a 100 per cent. count of cases in action. These figures may, however, overstate the number of people receiving supplementary benefit. The footnote to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hyndburn (Mr. Hargreaves), 31 March 1988 c 660–61 refers.

  Income support

  11 to 29 April 1988

  May 1988

  June 1988

  Claims made

  278

  448

  623

  Claims determined

  220

  356

  454

  Note: These figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Social Fund applications

  11 to 29 April 1988

  May 1988

  June 1988

  Budgeting loans

  43

  78

  120

  Crisis loans

  25

  38

  56

  Community care grants

  17

  20

  25

  Details of the number of social fund applications determined each month for each office have already been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for each local office of his Department in Ynys Môn the average number of new claims and cases awaiting review which were recorded as outstanding in each month since 11 April; how many were related to (i) supplementary benefit claims and (ii) single payment claims; and how many items of unlinked correspondence were recorded in each month since 11 April.

  Mr. Scott
  The constituency of Ynys Môn is served by the local office of Anglesey, but the boundaries are not conterminous.

  The amount of work outstanding in each month since 11 April 1988 is as follows:

  11 to 29 April

  May

  June

  Income support claims

  58

  92

  169

  Assessment reviews

  231

  118

  59

  Supplementary benefit claims

  67

  10

  2

  Single payment claims

  57

  174

  49

  These figures are provisional and are subject to amendment.

  I regret that no details are available about unlinked correspondence.

  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for each local office of his Department in Ynys Mon by staffing grades(a) the current staff complement, (b) the number of permanent staff currently in post, (c) the number of temporary staff currently in post, (d) the number of staff members currently being trained, (e) the number of qualified officers engaged in training staff and (f) the annual turnover of permanent staff.
  513
  Mr. Scott
  Ynys Môn is served by Anglesey integrated local office. The requested information in respect of that office is as follows:

  Grade

  Complement 1988–89

  Permanent staff in post

  Temporary staff' in post

  Turnover

  1 July 1988

  1 July 1988

  Senior Executive Officer

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Higher Executive Officer

  4

  4

  —

  —

  Local Officer 1

  25

  25

  —

  —

  Local Officer 2

  39

  37

  —

  6

  Administrative Assistant

  12

  11

  2

  5

  Typist

  2

  1

  —

  —

  TOTAL

  83

  79

  2

  11

  The information regarding turnover relates to the year ending 31 March 1988.

  On 1 July 1988 there were three LO1s and one LO2 being trained by means of self-instruction. Two LO1s supervise and assist their training as and when required in addition to other LO1 duties.

  Family Income Supplement
  Mr. Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much family income supplement rose in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms between (i) 1979 and 1988, (ii) 1979 and 1985 and (iii) 1983 and 1985.

  (i) Period November 1979 to April 1987

  (1)

  (2)

  (3)

  (4)

  (5)

  November 1979 actual

  April 1987 actual

  November 19791 expressed in April 1987 prices

  Actual increase column 2 over column 1

  Real value increase column 3 over column 2

  £

  £

  £

  £

  per cent.

  £

  per cent.

  Family income supplement.

  Prescribed amount for one child family where child is aged:

  Under 11

  56·00

  100·70

  94·61

  44·70

  79·8

  6·09

  6·4

  11–15

  56·00

  101·75

  94·61

  45·75

  81·7

  7·14

  7·5

  16 and over

  56·00

  102·80

  94·61

  46·80

  83·6

  8·19

  8·7

  Maximum amount for one child family, where child is aged:

  Under 11

  13·50

  25·85

  2·81

  12·35

  91·5

  3·04

  13·3

  11–15

  13·50

  26·40

  22·81

  12·90

  95·6

  3·59

  15·7

  16 and over

  13·50

  26·90

  22·81

  13·40

  99·3

  4·09

  17·9

  1 Based on the movement in the General Index of Retail Prices (all items) between November 1979 and April 1987.

  (ii) Period November 1979 to November 1985

  (1)

  (2)

  (3)

  (4)

  (5)

  November 1979 actual

  November 1985 actual

  November 19791 expressed in November 1985 prices

  Actual increase column 2 over column 1

  Real value increase column 3 over column 2

  £

  £

  £

  £

  per cent.

  £

  per cent.

  Family income supplement.

  Prescribed amount for one child family where child is aged:

  Under 11

  56·00

  97·50

  89·15

  41·50

  74·1

  8·35

  9·4

  11–15

  56·00

  98·50

  89·15

  42·50

  75·9

  9·35

  10·5

  16 and over

  56·00

  99·50

  89·15

  43·50

  77·7

  10·35

  11·6

  Maximum amount for one child family, where child is aged:

  Under 11

  13·50

  25·00

  21·49

  11·50

  85·2

  3·51

  16·3

  11–15

  13·50

  25·50

  21·49

  12·00

  88·9

  4·01

  18·7

  16 and over

  13·50

  26·00

  21·49

  12·50

  92·6

  4·51

  21·0

  1 Based on the movement in the General Index of Retail Prices (all items) between November 1979 and November 1985.

  514
  Mr. Scott
  The information requested is shown in the tables. The latest relevant date for comparison purposes for family income supplement is April 1987, the date of the last uprating. Family income supplement was replaced by family credit in April 1988, but it is not possible to make direct comparisons of the rates of family credit with family income supplement because the structure of the schemes is different.
  515

  (iii) Period November 1983 to November 1985

  (1)

  (2)

  (3)

  (4)

  (5)

  November 1983 actual

  November 1985 actual

  November 19831 expressed in November 1985 prices

  Actual increase column 2 over column 1

  Real value increase column 3 over column 2

  £

  £

  £

  £

  per cent.

  £

  per cent.

  Family income supplement.

  Prescribed amount for one child family where child is aged:

  Under 11

  85·50

  97·50

  94·63

  12·00

  14·0

  2·87

  3·0

  11–15

  85·50

  98·50

  94·63

  13·00

  15·2

  3·87

  4·1

  16 and over

  85·50

  99·50

  94·63

  14·00

  16·4

  4·87

  5·1

  Maximum amount for one child family, where child is aged:

  Under 11

  22·00

  25·00

  24·35

  3·00

  13·6

  0·65

  2·7

  11–15

  22·00

  25·50

  24·35

  3·50

  15·9

  1·15

  4·7

  16 and over

  22·00

  26·00

  24·35

  4·00

  18·2

  1·65

  6·8

  1Based on the movement in the General Index of Retail Prices (all items) between November 1983 and November 1985.

  Low Incomes
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has any plans to implement the recommendations of the Social Services Committee that the Government should publish data on low income for each country in the United Kingdom and for each English region; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The Select Committee will receive a formal response to its recommendations in the usual way. It would not be appropriate to comment until the Government have responded to the Committee.

  Young People (Benefits)
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the number of 16 and 17-year-olds who will lose their general entitlement to benefit in September; and if he will also give an estimate of the number likely to retain their entitlement.

  Mr. Scott
  Our best estimate is that some 70,000 school leavers will be affected by the September changes removing general income support entitlement and guaranteeing a YTS place and a training allowance. In some 18,000 cases income support dependency additions will be payable during the child benefit extension period because the young person's parents will be in receipt of income support. We estimate that of the order of 4,000 young people with good reason for living independently will be entitled to income support in their own right during the child benefit extension period only.

  A possible 90,000 16 and 17-year-olds already in receipt of income support before September will instead receive bridging allowance from the Department of Employment for a limited period until they take up a place on the youth training scheme.

  A total of some 18,000 young people will continue to be entitled to income support in their own right. These will include lone-parents and the severely disabled.

  Fraud
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list for each of his Department's offices the number of people whose claims were disqualified because of(a) fraud and (b) suspected fraud for the years 1983 to 1987:
  516
  (2) if he will list the sums discovered to have been obtained by (a) fraud and (b) suspected fraud for each office of his Department for each of the years from 1983 to 1987;

  (3) if he will list for each of his Department's offices the amount expected to be detected by managers in respect of claims that are either fraudulent or as suspected of being so in 1987 and 1988.

  Mr. Scott
  I regret that the information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average numbers of days that his Department assumes that a person ceases to claim benefit after having a claim refused by reason of proved or suspected fraud or other wrongful claims.

  Mr. Scott
  Where the amount of benefit in payment is reduced or extinguished following a fraud investigation, it is estimated that on average the changed position will continue for 32 weeks. This is based on a study by the Department's operational research services, a copy of whose report is in the Library.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he intends to review the operation of the social fund; and what proposals he has to encourage people to claim benefit to which they are entitled.

  Mr. Scott
  There is continuous review of the operation of the social fund as part of the constant processes of monitoring and policy evaluation. There is a range of booklets, leaflets and posters giving prospective applicants to the social fund details of both the regulated and discretionary payments available under the scheme.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the social fund budget profiles separately for grants and loans for each of the Bradford local offices of his Department and the Keighley office for each month of the financial year 1988–89; and what is expenditure so far.

  Mr. Scott
  The profiles set for these offices at the beginning of the financial year were:
  517

  Loans

  Grants

  Per cent.

  £

  Per cent.

  £

  Bradford East

  April

  2·23

  9,800

  2·23

  4,150

  May

  8·88

  39,024

  8·88

  16,529

  June

  8·88

  39,024

  8·88

  16,529

  July

  8·88

  39,024

  8·88

  16,529

  August

  8·88

  39,024

  8·88

  16,529

  September

  8·56

  37,618

  8·56

  15,933

  October

  9·47

  41,616

  9·47

  17,626

  November

  9·49

  41,705

  9·49

  17,664

  December

  8·27

  36,343

  8·27

  15,393

  January

  7·87

  34,585

  7·87

  14,649

  February

  9·19

  40,387

  9·19

  17,106

  March

  9·40

  41,309

  9·40

  17,496

  Bradford West

  April

  2·23

  9,982

  2·23

  4,248

  May

  8·88

  39,731

  8·88

  16,906

  June

  8·88

  39,731

  8·88

  16,906

  July

  8·88

  39,731

  8·88

  16,906

  August

  8·88

  39,731

  8·88

  16,906

  September

  8·56

  38,299

  8·56

  16,296

  October

  9·47

  42,371

  9·47

  18,029

  November

  9·49

  42,460

  9·49

  18,067

  December

  8·27

  37,002

  8·27

  15,744

  January

  7·87

  35,212

  7·87

  14,983

  February

  9·19

  41,118

  9·19

  17,496

  March

  9·40

  42,058

  9·40

  17,896

  Bradford South

  April

  2·23

  8,848

  2·23

  3,754

  May

  8·88

  35,233

  8·88

  14,948

  June

  8·88

  35,233

  8·88

  14,948

  July

  8·88

  35,233

  8·88

  14,948

  August

  8·88

  35,233

  8·88

  14,948

  September

  8·56

  33,963

  8·56

  14,409

  October

  9·47

  37,574

  9·47

  15,941

  November

  9·49

  37,653

  9·49

  15,974

  December

  8·27

  32,813

  8·27

  13,921

  January

  7·87

  31,225

  7·87

  13,248

  February

  9·19

  36,463

  9·19

  15,469

  March

  9·40

  37,296

  9·40

  15,823

  Keighley

  April

  2·23

  4,197

  2·23

  1,825

  May

  8·88

  16,713

  8·88

  7,268

  June

  8·88

  16,713

  8·88

  7,268

  July

  8·88

  16,713

  8·88

  7,268

  August

  8·88

  16,713

  8·88

  7,268

  September

  8·56

  16,111

  8·56

  7,006

  October

  9·47

  17,823

  9·47

  7,751

  November

  9·49

  17,861

  9·49

  7,767

  December

  8·27

  15,565

  8·27

  6,769

  January

  7·87

  14,812

  7·87

  6,441

  February

  9·19

  17,296

  9·19

  7,522

  March

  9·40

  17,692

  9·40

  7,694

  Profiles are only a management guide to anticipated expenditure and are adjusted monthly in the light of actual expenditure.

  Details of actual expenditure to date have been placed in the Library.

  There have been technical problems with the social fund microcomputers. These are being corrected as quickly as possible. As a result these figures may be subject to revision.

  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many appeals to the social fund inspectorate were received at the social security office at Erdington in Birmingham on Friday 22 July; and when the papers for these appeals were sent to the social fund inspectorate.
  518
  Mr. Scott
  One application for a review by the social fund inspectorate was received in Erdington social security office on 22 July and the papers were forwarded on 27 July.

  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many social fund officers are employed at the social security office at Erdington in Birmingham; what training has been given to these social fund officers; and what training will be given to them in future.

  Mr. Scott
  There are seven social fund officers currently employed at the Erdington office. Details of the training given to social fund officers was provided in the reply to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. Corbyn) on 15 December 1987, at columns 483–84. All seven officers have completed their training. The ongoing training needs of social fund officers are the subject of continual review.

  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications for crisis loans were rejected by the social fund officers at the social security office at Erdington in Birmingham in April, May and June.

  Mr. Scott
  Information on numbers of social fund applications processed is in the Library.

  Private Pensions
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his Department's practice with regard to warning applicants for private pension schemes that they may forfeit state benefits and any local authority benefits dependent on his Department's qualifications, if income from a private pension exceeds a given level.

  Mr. Scott
  The leaflets and guides which the Department issues in relation to each benefit explain the current effect, if any, of receipt of an occupational pension on the benefit concerned. These leaflets and guides are available from local social security offices and post offices. It would not be practicable for the Department to give definitive information to individuals about the likely effect—possibly up to 40 years later—of their entitlement to an occupational or personal pension on state and local authority-administered benefits.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what facilities he is providing to ensure that family credit claims are processed rapidly; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The central unit which previously administered family income supplement has been expanded to handle the higher level of claims expected under family credit, and an entirely new computer system has been developed and brought into use. Arrangements provide for priority to be given to claims where people have just started work following unemployment and to cases referred by local offices as being in financial difficulties whilst awaiting the award of family credit.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the total number of applications for family credit which have been processed and paid from his Department's office areas for Leeds road, Law Russell house and Westfield house in Bradford; and if he will make a statement;
  519
  (2) what is the number of applicants for family credit from the office areas for Leeds road, Law Russell house and Westfield house in Bradford; how many people were in receipt of family income supplement for those same areas; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  Family credit claims are dealt with centrally, as were claims for family income supplement, and no information is available about claims from particular local areas for either benefit.

  Single Payments
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications for single payments and supplementary benefit claims had been made before 11 April; and how many are outstanding at his Department's offices serving the London borough of Lambeth.

  Mr. Scott
  The London borough of Lambeth is served by 10 local social security offices. The boundaries of these offices are not conterminous with those of the borough. Local offices do not record single payments claims outstanding. Instead, a record is kept of the number of cases awaiting action. Figures for outstanding supplementary benefit claims and cases awaiting action on single payment claims at the close of business on 8 April and on 30 June are given in the table. The figures are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Single payment cases

  Supplementary benefit claims

  8 April

  30 June

  8 April

  30 June

  Office

  Balhara

  246

  4

  303

  nil

  Battersea

  271

  194

  458

  nil

  Brixton

  397

  34

  356

  287

  Camberwell

  318

  85

  283

  6

  Crystal Palace

  292

  247

  673

  235

  Kennington Park

  416

  1728

  193

  2

  Oval

  525

  12,085

  368

  6

  Peckham

  230

  51

  343

  3

  Southwark

  238

  42

  341

  20

  Streatham

  402

  1475

  611

  74

  1The later figures exceed the earlier ones because take-up campaign claims were sent to a central clearing office for sorting and onward transmission to the appropriate local office. Some claims made on or before the 8 April did not therefore arrive in local offices until after that date.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost of supplementary benefit single payments for each of his Department's local offices in the county of Cleveland in May 1985, 1986 and 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply to him on 25 July.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Favell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of council house tenants are receiving housing benefit in(a) Glasgow, (b) Manchester, (c) Stockport, (d) Bristol and (e) Barnet.

  Mr. Scott
  The latest available information is given in the table.
  520

  Proportion of council house tenants receiving assistance through the housing benefit scheme 1987

  Percentage

  Glasgow

  73

  Manchester

  70

  Stockport

  72

  Bristol

  68

  Barnet

  62

  Source:

  The information for English authorities is derived from the publication "Housing Rent Statistics at April 1987" produced by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. The figure for Glasgow is derived from the local authority housing stock as published in "Rating Revenue Estimates of Income and Expenditure 1987" produced by CIPFA Scotland; and rent rebate information from the local authority housing benefit subsidy claims for 1987–88.

  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table giving the latest estimate of the number of tenants in receipt of housing benefit(a) by tenure, (b) by reason of eligibility for benefit and (c) whether the claims are standard or certificated.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 27 June 1988]: The information available is in the tables.

  Housing Benefit: Estimated number of tenants receiving housing benefit 1988–89

  Table 1—By tenure type

  Rent rebate/allowance 000's

  Rate rebate 000's

  Local authority tenants

  3,430

  3,385

  Private tenants

  1,055

  815

  Note: (1) There is a significant overlap between rent rebate/ allowances and rate rebates. Some tenants may receive help with both rent and rates whereas some may be receiving assistance with only rent or rates.

  Table 2—By reason of eligibility

  Client group

  number 000's

  Pensioners aged 80 and over

  485

  Pensioners aged 60 to 79

  2,075

  Sick and disabled

  165

  Lone parents

  495

  Couples with children

  640

  Others

  640

  Notes:

  (1) Information cannot be separated by tenure type.

  (2) Figures rounded to nearest 5,000.

  Table 3—By tenants recieving/not receiving income support

  number 000 's

  Receiving income support

  2,645

  Not receiving income support

  1,850

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the implications for staff who have previously been working for his Department's offices situated in the London borough of Southwark of the proposed creation of the Department of Social Security; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The decision to divide the DHSS into two separate Departments has only just been made and detailed arrangements will be announced later. One of our
  521
  first concerns will be to ensure that proper arrangements are made to protect the legitimate interests of staff. The trades unions representing the staff affected will, of course, be consulted.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will show the effects of the proposed community charge benefit taper of 15 per cent., with tapers of(a) 20 per cent., (b) 12·5 per cent., (c) 10 per cent, and (d) 7·5 per cent., by showing for each of these tapers the cost at 1988–89 prices of paying community charge benefit to each of the following categories of income units, showing for each category how many income units he estimates would actually receive community charge benefit and how many would be entitled to community charge benefit (i) all income units, (ii) income units consisting of a single person over pensionable age, (iii) income units consisting of a couple both of whom are over pensionable age, (iv) income units consisting of a single person with dependent children, (v) income units consisting of a single person of less than pensionable age without dependent children, (vi) income units consisting of a married or cohabiting couple one or both of whom is of less than pensionable age, without dependent children, (vii) income units consisting of a married or cohabiting couple with dependent children and (viii) any income units not included in the categories above;

  (2) what he now estimates will be (a) the total cost of community charge benefits in 1990–91 at 1988–89 prices, (b) the total number of income units in receipt of community charge benefits in 1990–91, (c) the total number of income units entitled to community charge benefits, whether or not they claim and receive benefit, (d) the total cost in 1988–89 of rate rebates, (e) the total number of income units in households which are in receipt of rate rebates in 1988–89, (f) the total number of income units in households which are entitled to rate rebates on 1988–89, whether or not rebate is actually claimed and received and (g) the cost of administering rate rebates in 1988–89 and the cost of administering community charge benefits in 1990–91, at 1988–89 prices; and if he will attribute any additional cost of community charge benefit compared to rate rebates to (i) payment of benefit to non-householders, (ii) the reduction in the taper from 20 per cent, to 15 per cent., (iii) increased administrative costs and (iv) other reasons.

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

  Asbestos
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what progress has been made with the production of a leaflet to give information on claims for industrial disablement benefit, to those diagnosed as suffering from an asbestos-related illness; and when he expects it to be published;

  (2) what organisations outside his Department will be consulted by the officials asked to investigate the possibility of producing a leaflet to give information on claims for industrial benefits to those suffering from an asbestos-related illness.
  522
  Mr. Scott
  A leaflet giving information about claiming industrial injuries disablement benefit for an asbestos-related prescribed disease will be published as soon as resources are available. It is not normal practice to consult organisations outside the Department about such a leaflet.

  Benefits
  Mr. McKelvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average time taken to calculate entitlement to transitional payments; and when claimants are likely to receive benefit.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 14 July 1988]: The information requested is not yet available.

  Ms. Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his answer of 5 May,Official Report, columns 550–51, if he is in a position to state what stage negotiations have reached with the local authority associations regarding their role in administering the claims for transitional payments and the reimbursement of administrative costs solely for the additional work arising out of transitional protection.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 15 July 1988]: Agreement was reached in June with the local authority associations on the information to be provided by local authorities to the new transitional payments unit and the procedures which would be set up to obtain it. Apart from the detailed payment arrangements, negotiations with the associations on the financial support for local authorities' additional administrative costs have now also been completed. The Government are allocating £1 million among authorities for their costs in preparing to assist the transitional payments unit and authorities will be paid £5 for each completed inquiry form returned to the unit.

  Ms. Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, if, pursuant to his statement of 27 April,Official Report, columns 356–61, and the answer of 5 May, Official Report, columns 550–51, he will state what arrangements are being made and what resources are available to compensate local authorities for the costs of the publications and other information which they produced for claimants and which have had to be reissued in the light of the changes announced on 27 April and 5 May; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 15 July 1988]: The publicity campaign carried out nationally through two press advertising campaigns, leaflet RR4 "Housing Benefit New Rules" and posters should ensure that local authorities' additional publicity costs arising from the changes to the schemes are minimised. However, we are making an addition of £2 million to the housing benefit administration costs grant payable to authorities in 1988–89 to reflect their additional workload and costs as a result of the change in the capital rule.

  Severe Disablement Allowance
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of(a) abolishing the 80 per cent, test of disablement for severe disablement allowance, (b) increasing the rate of severe disablement allowance to the same rate as invalidity benefit and (c) both (a) and (b).
  523
  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 18 July 1988]: I regret that information is not available on which to base reliable estimates of the cost of abolishing the 80 per cent, disablement condition for severe disablement allowance. It is estimated that the net cost of paying the allowance at the same rate as invalidity benefit to current recipients would be around £210 million a year.

HEALTH

  Immunisation
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider making immunisation against certain diseases a precondition of children attending school.

  Mrs. Currie
  Such an idea would effectively make immunisation compulsory. It has not been public policy for immunisation to be compulsory, with the exception of smallpox, which ceased to be so in 1948. Some other European countries without compulsory vaccination achieve equally high immunisation rates as those which employ compulsion, and very high rates are already achieved in many parts of this country already.

  However, we are about to launch a major publicity campaign to introduce a combined immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella, both in the second year of life and, for a limited period as a "catch-up" programme, at pre-school entry. Children should already be called at the latter stage for booster immunisations against diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis. We look to general practitioners, health authorities and parents for active support for this programme.

  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to ensure the levels of immunisation of children against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and measles, including MMR, exceed 90 per cent, by 1990.

  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice on contra-indications is given to general practitioners and other doctors administering pertussis vaccine.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Chief Medical Officer has written to all doctors in England about the current upsurge of measles cases, reminding them of the need to improve levels of immunisation. We are also releasing very shortly to all doctors and to members of the nursing profession involved in immunisation a revised edition of the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation's memorandum "Immunisation Against Infectious Disease" which includes comprehensive expert advice on contraindications to all immunisations, including pertussis. I shall arrange for a copy of the memorandum to be placed in the Library when it is published. Health professionals and authorities are also being urged to increase their efforts to raise immunisation rates, particularly in relation to the introduction of a combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) on 1 October this year.

  The level of immunisation and the efforts required to meet targets set for 1990 have been discussed at recent ministerial reviews of regional health authorities and family practitioner committees.

  Doctors
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects the number of women doctors to reach parity with male doctors in the main career grades in the National Health Service.

  Mrs. Currie
  It is not possible to make a forecast of this kind. The proportion of women among medical students has risen from 22 per cent, in 1965 to 46 per cent, in 1987, but it is likely to be some years before the increased number of women entering the profession is fully reflected throughout the career structure.

  The Department sponsored the recently published research study by Ms. Isobel Allen, "Doctors and their Careers", which highlighted the problem of women doctors in reaching top medical jobs. A copy of the study is in the Library. We are raising the problems identified with the medical profession and health authorities as part of our policy to ensure that women seeking medical careers have equal opportunity for employment and promotion.

  Coronary Heart Disease
  Mr. Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment his Department has made of the annual cost to both the National Health Service and the social services of the treatment of coronary heart disease, taking into account the costs of working days lost through illness, disability payments, unemployment benefits and similar other social costs; and if he will specify such costs.

  Mrs. Currie
  Comprehensive statistics on a precisely consistent basis are not available, but estimates can be made for some cost components. The annual cost to the National Health Service in England is estimated at approximately £560 million per annum. This includes expenditure on hospital in-patients and out-patients treated for coronary heart disease, an attribution of the costs of the general medical services, and the net ingredient cost of pharmaceutical preparations for treating heart disease.

  The number of days of certified incapacity for sickness and invalidity benefit is readily available only on a Great Britain basis. The number of days attributable to coronary heart disease in the period 7 April 1986 to 4 April 1987 was 40·5 million. This statistic excludes periods of incapacity covered by statutory sick pay and working days lost by certain groups of workers who do not claim these benefits. It includes days of incapacity for which invalidity benefit was claimed by men aged 65 to 69 and women aged 60 to 64. It is not possible to attribute costs to these days.

  Ethnic Monitoring
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when the monitoring of recruitment in respect of ethnic minorities was introduced in his Department; and where and by whom.

  Mrs. Currie
  Recruitment monitoring was introduced throughout the Department in July 1987 and is conducted by designated equal opportunities officers.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services by what means managers in his Department are encouraged to utilise all possible advertising outlets to attract, in particular, applicants in minority groups; what
  525
  advertisements were placed in the ethnic minority press and radio; which local ethnic employment groups were consulted; when and by whom; and with what results.

  Mrs. Currie
  Guidance for managers on recruitment and ethnic monitoring of job applicants was issued in July 1987. The guidance emphasises the importance of liaison with local community groups, particularly the community relations officer and representatives of ethnic minority groups, when running local recruitment exercises. A central record of recruitment advertising is not kept, but the Department has used a variety of outlets to attract applications from ethnic minority groups including:contact with community relations officers, employment agencies and ethnic community leaders;
  advertising in local press, including free press;
  advertising in the London area in ethnic minority press such as The Voice, Asian Times, Caribbean Times and New Life. In 1987 three advertisements placed in Asian Times, The Voice and New Life (circulations 19,000, 38,000 and 40,000) produced 13, 87 and four applications respectively.

  Snuff and Chewing Tobacco
  Sir Dudley Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what medical evidence he has on the safety of(a) snuff and (b) chewing tobacco.

  Mrs. Currie
  Medical evidence on the carcinogenicity of snuff and chewing tobacco was summarised in the monograph of the International Agency on Research into Cancer (Vol. 37). It concluded that there is sufficient evidence that oral use of snuffs of the types commonly used in North America and western Europe is carcinogenic to humans; that there is limited evidence that chewing tobacco of the types used in these areas is carcinogenic to humans and that there is inadequate evidence that nasal snuff is carcinogenic to humans. These forms of tobacco usage avoid certain effects specifically associated with the combustion of tobacco. However, the nicotine present in tobacco has addictive properties; nicotine may be related to some of the other non-carcinogenic adverse effects on health which can arise in people who smoke tobacco.

  London Ambulance Service
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what survey his Department has conducted into the present efficiency of the London ambulance service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The South West Thames regional health authority, which is responsible, on behalf of the four Thames regions, for the management of the London ambulance service continually monitors the efficiency of the service in order to ensure that the best possible service is provided to patients.

  Heparin
  Mr. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment his Department has made of the drug Heparin as an anti-clotting post-operational treatment to prevent death from pulmonary embolism.

  Mrs. Currie
  Products containing Heparin have been licensed for the prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Use for particular patients is a matter for clinical decision.

  Physiotherapists
  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many vacancies there are for physiotherapists in funded and frozen posts by regional health authority.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that information on establishments is not collected centrally. However, the results of most recent sample surveys of health authorities suggest that nationally about 3·6 per cent, of funded posts for physiotherapists are unfilled after three months.

  Mortality Rates
  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the latest available figures for mortality rates by(a) regional health authority, and (b) district health authority.

  Mrs. Currie
  The latest available information is published in table 4.2 of "Key Population and Vital Statistics, local and health authority areas 1986", a copy of which is in the Library.

  RAWP Formula
  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will outline the methodology and the criteria used to determine deprivation in the recent report of the resource allocation working party formula.

  Mrs. Currie
  The research for the review of the RAWP formula looked at the relationship between a range of proxy measures of need for health care, and the use of health services, and allowed for the effects of the availability of services on their use.

  Existing composite indices of deprivation, all based on data from the 1981 census, were examined. Details of the research are given in the final report on the review of the resource allocation working party formula, which is in the Library. Annex D to the report describes the indices of deprivation that were considered.

  Abortions
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many abortions were performed in 1987 on residents and non-residents at each of the following gestational ages: less than nine weeks, nine to 12 weeks, 13 to 16 weeks, 17 to 20 weeks, 21 to 24 weeks and 25 weeks and over on each of the following grounds; one with other, two alone, three with or without two, four alone, four with any other except one and five and six;

  (2) how many abortions were performed in 1987 on residents and non-residents at each of the following gestational ages: less than nine weeks, nine to 12 weeks, 13 to 16 weeks, 17 to 20 weeks, 21 to 24 weeks and 25 weeks and over, on women in each of the following age groups; under 15 years, 15 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, 35 to 39 years, 40 to 44 years and 45 years and over.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information is given in the tables.
  527

  Legal abortions in England and Wales (1987 terminations) for residents of England and Wales: Grounds then age by gestation weeks

  Gestation in completed weeks

  Total

  Under 9

  9–12

  13–16

  17–20

  21–24

  25 and over

  Not stated

  Statutory Grounds

  Total

  156,191

  53,821

  81,961

  13,336

  5,629

  1,409

  24

  11

  1 (With any other)

  475

  118

  288

  40

  15

  13

  1

  —

  2 (Alone)

  137,348

  48,375

  71,555

  11,602

  4,618

  1,184

  4

  10

  3 (With or without 2)

  16,499

  5,048

  9,575

  1,390

  425

  59

  1

  1

  4 (Alone)

  1,224

  85

  229

  243

  512

  138

  17

  —

  4 (With any other except 1, excluding 4 alone)

  638

  194

  311

  58

  59

  15

  1

  —

  5

  3

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  4

  1

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Age in years

  Under 15

  907

  198

  454

  144

  71

  40

  —

  —

  15

  2,858

  633

  1,543

  392

  224

  66

  —

  —

  16–19

  35,167

  9,239

  19,532

  4,064

  1,859

  469

  2

  2

  20–24

  49,256

  16,785

  25,762

  4,424

  1,839

  432

  10

  4

  25–29

  31,243

  11,983

  15,988

  2,198

  853

  211

  8

  2

  30–34

  18,960

  7,823

  9,586

  1,101

  375

  72

  2

  1

  35–39

  12,639

  5,143

  6,424

  720

  275

  75

  1

  —

  40–44

  4,757

  1,874

  2,460

  263

  121

  37

  —

  2

  45 and over

  390

  137

  206

  29

  11

  7

  —

  —

  Not stated/unknown

  14

  6

  6

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  156,191

  53,821

  81,961

  13,336

  5,629

  1,409

  24

  11

  Legal abortions in England and Wales (1987 terminations) for non-residents of England and Wales: grounds then age by gestation weeks

  Gestation in completed weeks

  Total

  Under 9

  9–12

  13–16

  17–20

  21–24

  25 and over

  Not stated

  Statutory Grounds

  Total

  18,085

  4,677

  6,024

  3,205

  2,782

  1,396

  —

  1

  1 (with any other)

  5

  2

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2 (alone)

  17,279

  4,401

  5,642

  3,123

  2,735

  1,377

  —

  1

  3 (with or without 2)

  748

  256

  367

  72

  40

  13

  —

  —

  4 (alone)

  9

  3

  2

  3

  1

  —

  —

  —

  4 (with any other except 1, excluding 4 alone)

  44

  15

  12

  5

  6

  6

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Age in years

  Under 15

  83

  5

  7

  22

  23

  26

  —

  —

  15

  227

  26

  34

  51

  72

  43

  —

  1

  16–19

  3,315

  481

  935

  766

  727

  406

  —

  —

  20–24

  6,051

  1,428

  2,021

  1,142

  985

  475

  —

  —

  25–29

  3,768

  1,184

  1,325

  583

  473

  203

  —

  —

  30–34

  2,310

  776

  849

  324

  257

  104

  —

  —

  35–39

  1,572

  530

  596

  213

  150

  83

  —

  —

  40–44

  682

  229

  233

  87

  84

  49

  —

  —

  45 and over

  77

  18

  24

  17

  11

  7

  —

  —

  Not stated/unknown

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  18,085

  4,677

  6,024

  3,205

  2,782

  1,396

  —

  1

  Legal abortions in England and Wales (1987 terminations) for residents and non-residents of England and Wales: grounds then age by gestation weeks

  Gestation in completed weeks

  Total

  Under 9

  9–12

  13–16

  17–20

  21–24

  25 and over

  Not slated

  Statutory grounds

  Total

  174,276

  58,498

  87,985

  16,541

  8,411

  2,805

  24

  12

  (with any other)

  480

  120

  289

  42

  15

  13

  1

  —

  2 (alone)

  154,627

  52,776

  77,197

  14,725

  7,353

  2,561

  4

  11

  3 (with or without 2)

  17,247

  5,304

  9,942

  1,462

  465

  72

  1

  1

  4 (alone)

  1,233

  88

  231

  246

  513

  138

  17

  —

  4 (with any other except 1, excluding 4 alone)

  682

  209

  323

  63

  65

  21

  1

  —

  5

  3

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  4

  1

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Age in years

  Under 15

  990

  203

  461

  166

  94

  66

  —

  —

  15

  3,085

  659

  1,577

  443

  296

  109

  —

  1

  16–19

  38,482

  9,720

  20,467

  4,830

  2,586

  875

  2

  2

  20–24

  55,307

  18,213

  27,783

  5,566

  2,824

  907

  10

  4

  25–29

  35,011

  13,167

  17,313

  2,781

  1,326

  414

  8

  2

  528 529

  Gestation in completed weeks

  Total

  Under 9

  9–12

  13–16

  17–20

  21–24

  25 and over

  Not stated

  30–34

  21,270

  8,599

  10,435

  1,425

  632

  176

  2

  1

  35–39

  14,211

  5,673

  7,020

  933

  425

  158

  2

  —

  40–44

  5,439

  2,103

  2,693

  350

  205

  86

  —

  2

  45 and over

  467

  155

  230

  46

  22

  14

  —

  —

  Not stated/unknown

  14

  6

  6

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  174,276

  58,498

  87,985

  16,541

  8,411

  2,805

  24

  12

  Abortions

    Definitions of statutory grounds
    1. The continuance of the pregancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman greater than if the pregnancy were terminated.
    2. The continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman greater than if the pregnancy were terminated.
    3. The continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk or injury to the physical or mental health of any existing child(ren) in the family of the pregnant woman greater than if the pregnancy were terminated.
    4. There is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped.
    5. In emergency to save the life of the pregnant woman.
    6. In emergency to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.

  Conceptions
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the numbers of conceptions in 1987 which(a) led to maternities and (b) were terminated under the terms of the Abortion Act 1967, among residents of England and Wales aged under 14 years, 15 years, 16 years, 17 years, 18 years and 19 years, giving in each case the rate per 1,000 population in each age group.

  Number and rates of conceptions for girls aged 19 and under resident in England and Wales: 1986

  Age of mother at conception

  All conceptions

  Conceptions leading to maternities

  Conceptions terminated under the 1967 Abortion Act

  Number

  1Rate

  Number

  1Rate

  Number

  1Rate

  Under 14

  292

  0·9

  120

  0·4

  172

  0·5

  14

  1,980

  5·7

  809

  2·3

  1,171

  3·4

  15

  6,922

  18·5

  3,293

  8·8

  3,629

  9·7

  16

  15,425

  41·9

  8,933

  24·3

  6,492

  17·6

  17

  24,776

  64·8

  16,101

  42·1

  8,675

  22·7

  18

  32,177

  83·6

  22,456

  58·4

  9,721

  25·3

  19

  37,205

  93·5

  27,419

  78·9

  9,786

  24·6

  1 Rates per 1,000. The rates for girls under 14 is based on the number aged 13.

  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the numbers of conceptions in 1987 which(a) led to maternities and (b) were terminated under the terms of the Abortion Act 1967, among residents of England and Wales aged under 16 years, 16 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, 25 to 29 years, 30 to 34 years, 35 to 39 years and 40 years and over.

  Mrs. Currie
  The estimated number of conceptions in the calendar year 1987 will be derived from the births and legal abortions data for 1988, which are not yet available. The following table gives the latest available information, which is for the estimated number of conceptions occurring during the year 1986. A commentary on these statistics, together with details of the definitions and methods of estimation, will be included in the next issue of Population Trends to be published in September.

  Conceptions to women resident in England and Wales: 1986

  Age of mother at conception

  All conceptions

  Conceptions leading to maternities

  Conceptions terminated under the 1967 Abortion Act

  All ages

  818,917

  671,259

  147,658

  Under 16

  9,194

  4,222

  4,972

  16–19

  109,583

  74,909

  34,674

  20–24

  253,131

  208,356

  44,775

  25–29

  253,799

  225,557

  28,242

  530
  Mrs. Currie
  The estimated number of conceptions in the calendar year 1987 will be derived from the births and legal abortions data for 1988, which are not yet available. The following table gives the latest available information, which is for the estimated number of conceptions occurring during the year 1986. A commentary on these statistics, together with details of the definitions and methods of estimation, will be included in the next issue of Population Trends to be published in September.

  Age of mother at conception

  All conceptions

  Conceptions leading to maternities

  Conceptions terminated under the 1967 Abortion Act

  30–34

  133,024

  115,352

  17,672

  35–39

  50,266

  37,503

  12,763

  40 and over

  9,920

  5,360

  4,560

  Births
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the total numbers of live births and still births in England and Wales in 1987, giving the numbers of each that were(a) legitimate, (b) jointly registered illegitimate and (c) solely registered illegitimate.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information requested is as follows:

  Live and still births in England and Wales: 1987

  Live births

  Still births

  Total births

  681,571

  3,423

  Legitimate

  523,080

  2,404

  Jointly registered illegitimate

  107,957

  571

  Solely registered illegitimate

  50,474

  448

  Mentally Handicapped People
  Mr. Cleiland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the total number of mentally handicapped people over the age of 18 years who were cared for in hospitals and homes run by health authorities in England and Wales prior to 16 March;

  (2) what is the total number of mentally handicapped people over the age of 18 years currently cared for in health authority hospitals and homes in England and Wales.

  Mrs. Currie
  On 31 December 1986, the latest date for which information is available centrally, there were 30,652 patients aged over 18 years resident in NHS mental handicap hospitals and hospital units in England, and 2,140 mentally handicapped people aged over 18 years resident in NHS community units in England. Figures for Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Community Care
  Mr. Clelland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what records are kept to show where health authority patients have been resettled in the community; and how their resettlement and the progress of their rehabilitation into the community has been monitored.

  Mrs. Currie
  Oversight of services is maintained nationally through the Health Service planning and review system and the work of the social services inspectorate. It is for professional staff locally to decide what records to keep and how to monitor the progress of individual patients discharged into the community.

  Mr. Clelland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how standards of community care are defined; and which body has responsibility for their maintenance.

  Mrs. Currie
  Health and social services authorities have a management responsibility to set and maintain standards in their services. The social services inspectorate, the health advisory service and the national development team for people with a mental handicap advise on professional practice. Under the Registered Homes Act 1984, health and local authorities are responsible respectively for the statutory inspection and registration of independent nursing homes and independent residential care homes. The "Handbook for Health Authorities: Registration and Inspection of Nursing Homes" and the code of practice for residential care "Home Life", give detailed guidance. Copies are available in the Library.

  Ex-mental Patients
  Mr. Clelland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the guidelines used to define rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-mental patients.

  Mrs. Currie
  Our policy is that mentally disordered people who are judged by the clinical team to be no longer in need of in-patient care should be subject to planned discharge from hospital. Planning should take full account of the patient's potential for resettlement and integration into the community, the ability of the individual's family to cope and the facilities and services provided by health and local authorities, voluntary organisations and the private sector which are available to meet his or her particular needs. Rehabilitation programmes are essential before discharge and should be followed up thereafter.

  Cervical and Breast Cancer
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the establishment of fund-raising organisations which claim to provide cervical and breast cancer screening units but which fail to gain charitable status and then fold, he has any proposals for further action to seek to prevent abuse, increase monitoring and strengthen powers available to prevent such fund-raising activity; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  District Health Authorities
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines his Department offers as to which agenda items should be taken in private at district health authority meetings.

  Mrs. Currie
  Health authorities are subject to the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 under which they may by resolution exclude the public from the whole or part of a meeting"whenever publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, or for other special reasons stated in the resolution and arising from the nature of that business or proceedings".

  Guidance as to the application of the Act to health authorities is contained in circular HC(81)6. We expect as much business as possible to be conducted in public.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) to whom generalist members of district health authorities are accountable;

  (2) to whom local authority appointed members of district health authorities are accountable.

  Mrs. Currie
  All health authority members are appointed for their personal contribution. They are not appointed to represent any particular section or interest. District health authorities are responsible through their regional health authority to the Secretary of State for the provision of health services within their boundaries.

  District General Managers
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services to whom a district general manager is responsible.

  Mrs. Currie
  District general managers are directly accountable to their employing authority.

  Health Authorities (Disputes)
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what factors determine whether he will intervene when a dispute arises between a district and regional health authority.

  Mrs. Currie
  The provision of services at local level is a matter for the district health authority, which will be held accountable by the regional health authority. Any differences should be resolved through discussions between the health authorities concerned.

  Private Hospitals
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list those recommendations made by Körner which applied to private hospitals; and when they were implemented;
  533
  (2) what plans he has to collect information suggested by Körner from private hospitals on the same basis as the information collected from National Health Service hospitals.

  Mrs. Currie
  There are no Körner recommendations which apply to private hospitals. Körner recommends that information be collected about NHS patients treated in private hospitals under contractual arrangements, such information to be on the same basis as that collected about NHS hospital stays. I refer the hon. Member to paragraph 8.30(b) of the first Körner report, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  There are no plans to introduce the Körner recommendations about NHS patients and facilities to private patients in private hospitals. The information that we require from the Körner system is intended to help us in running the National Health Service.

  NHS Patients (Private Hospitals)
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish information about(a) the length of in-patient stays, (b) mortality, (c) the nurse-patient ratio, (d) the junior doctor-patient ratio and (e) the senior doctor-patient ratio for all private hospitals which treat National Health Service patients under contractual arrangements with district health authorities.

  Mrs. Currie
  Statistical information concerning National Health Service patients treated under contractual arrangements with private hospitals is included in the activity information submitted to the Department by health authorities. Information on the numbers of private hospital staff involved in contractual arrangements is not collected centrally. The available data are currently being processed and decisions will be taken in due course as to how much of the information can usefully be published on a routine basis.

  Griffiths Report
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he has to review the working of the management style and structures introduced into the National Health Service following the Griffiths report.

  Mrs. Currie
  All aspects of the provision of hospital services are being examined as part of our review of the National Health Service. General management has been successfully introduced into the NHS and we remain committed to the principles set out in Sir Roy Griffiths' report.

  Mental Illness (Ethnic Monitoring)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he has any information on the relative proportion of people receiving treatment for mental illness by ethnic group; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he has any information with respect to the numbers of people committed under different sections of the Mental Health Acts by ethnic group; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) what steps were taken as a result of the MIND report, a copy of which has been sent to him, about the disproportionate number of Afro-Caribbeans held in mental institutions, to investigate the causes and to alter the provisions of facilities; and if he will make a statement.
  534
  Mrs. Currie
  The MIND report, "A Place of Safety", dealt primarily with the use of police powers under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983. This part of the Act is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. We are aware that there is a concern that ethnic minorities may be over-represented among patients detained under the powers of the Mental Health Act.

  Mental health statistics are not currently collected centrally by ethnicity. There are no immediate plans to introduce the national monitoring of the ethnic origins of National Health Service patients, although the subject is under constant review by the Department.

  It is essential that psychiatric patients receive care and treatment in a way appropriate to their illness, and that such care should be offered in a way acceptable to them, independently of racial origins.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what research he has carried out with respect to the needs of patients from different ethnic minorities with respect to provision of mental health facilities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Department is currently funding a project concerned with mental and other health needs of ethnic minorities in an inner-city context, undertaken by a small voluntary organisation, NAFSIYAT, which runs an inter-cultural therapy centre in north London. A final report on this project is expected next year.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State For Social Services what steps he takes to ensure that mental health provision and treatment for mental illness is made available for members of ethnic minority groups; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  It is for health and social services authorities to identify and take account of the needs of all sections of the community in planning and funding local mental health services. The importance of this work was emphasised at a seminar on ethnic minority health last November for health authority chairmen and managers. Ministers also drew attention to the difficulties which needed to be overcome when mentally ill patients and those treating them had different cultural backgrounds. In addition, where appropriate, Ministers are raising questions on improving health services for ethnic minorities through the review system.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has taken to ensure that the training of those involved with the treatment of patients suffering from mental illness recognises the particular problems of patients from ethnic minorities.

  Mrs. Currie
  This is a matter for the bodies responsible for the education and training of professional staff. I understand, however, that the particular needs of members of ethnic minorities are covered in the training syllabuses of the nursing and social work professions, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists has established a special committee to consider any special training needs arising from mental illness among people from the ethnic minorities.

  Care Orders (Privately Run Schools)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the criteria applied by his
  535
  Department for registering privately run schools which cater for young persons under care orders by local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  Responsibility for the registration of privately run schools in a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science, who is writing to the hon. Member.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of departmental programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of(a) the amount allocated for evaluation and (b) the Department's total budget.

  Mrs. Currie
  The process of evaluation of the Department's programmes is part of the work itself. It is therefore not possible to identify separately the resources involved.

  Current child abuse research sponsored by DHSS

  Researcher

  Abstract

  1. Dr. F. Boddy, Dr. D. Gough, Glasgow University

  Professional Interventions in Child Abuse

  This study will examine, evaluate literature on interventive strategies in cases of child abuse and attempt to provide a synthesis of present knowledge of value to those working in the field.

  2. Dr. Bentovim, Professor Graham, Great Ormond Street, Hospital/Institute of Child Health

  Child Sexual Abuse

  This study will look at characteristics and outcome of a treatment programme provided to the victims of child sexual abuse and their families.

  3. Margery Smith, Great Ormond Street, Hospital/Institute of Child Health

  Normal Sexual Knowledge in Children

  The aim is to collect systematic and reliable information on:

  (i) sexual knowledge in children;

  (ii) normal behaviour in families.

  A second aim of the study is to see whether children in the community can be distinguished from children who have been sexually abused on the basis of their sexual knowledge and behaviour.

  4. Jane Gibbons, NISW

  Longitudinal Study of Children on NSPCC Abuse Registers

  A feasibility study to examine the possibility of tracing children placed on registers maintained by the NSPCC; identifying the services supplied at the time; and assessing the outcome for the child several years later (seven years).

  5. Elaine Farmer, Bristol University

  Decision Making Intervention and Outcomes in Respect to Children at risk of Abuse

  The aims of this study are to explore the process of decision making and intervention in relation to a group of children at risk of abuse in two local authorities, and to relate these to outcomes over a two year period. Attention will be given to the way in which risk is reassessed over time and to the way in which decisions are made to remove or restore children home.

  6. Christine Hallett, Leicester University

  A Study of Coordination in Child Abuse

  The research aims to study the policies and practices of interagency coordination in child abuse. The research has three dimensions: a conceptual analysis and literature review; a study of professional perspectives using case vignettes and a study of coordination in a sample of cases in selected areas.

  Wakefield District Health Authority
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if, in view of the fact that the Yorkshire regional health authority inquiry into Wakefield health authority did not look at the policy issues affecting the relationship between its chairman and district general manager and the role of the regional health authority in this situation, he will, as a matter of urgency, reconsider

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Nicholas Winter ton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will commission a research project using information collated from medical records and information from the courts of new cases in order to study the link between the abuse of children and the marital status of and stability of relationship between the carers of the victim, taking full account of whether or not the abuser was the natural parent of the victim, whether he or she had at the time time of abuse been married or was cohabitating with the victim's other parent, and whether at the time of abuse the abuser was separated, divorced or distanced from the other parent of the victim.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: Child abuse is a priority field for research sponsored by the Department, and there is a substantial programme of research, details of which follow. It is well known that disruption of normal family life may be a factor in some child abuse cases and there are no plans at present to focus solely on this question.

  his decision not to set up a full independent public inquiry into the Wakefield health authority's proposed introduction of cook-chill catering and related matters;

  (2) what action he proposes to take on the first recommendation of the report of the Yorkshire regional health authority inquiry into Wakefield health authority concerning the chairman of Wakefield health authority, a copy of which has been sent to him.
  537
  Mrs. Currie
  We are considering the report, which was received only this week.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department was consulted by Yorkshire regional health authority concerning its direction to Wakefield health authority to spend its share of the non-recurrent grant in December 1987 on meeting the additional costs of implementing cook-chill catering; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The region informed the Department in advance of discussion with its districts as to how it expected them to use the additional non-recurrent funds allocated in December, including in Wakefield's case that the money should be used to implement cook-chill, thereby securing recurrent savings. No formal direction was issued by the region to its districts.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will request the Yorkshire regional health authority to publish its report on the management of Wakefield district health authority; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  No.

  Childhood Cancers
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his answer of 19 July,Official Report, column 604, on childhood cancers on north Humberside, what expert advice has been sought; and when he expects to receive it.

  Mrs. Currie
  Experts on medical statistics have been asked for an assessment of the report on childhood cancers on north Humberside and for advice on the further work which may be required. It is too early to say when their advice will be received.

  Leukaemia
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current level of Government funding for research into the epidemiology of leukaemia; and what have been the comparable figures over the previous five years.

  Mrs. Currie
  In 1986–87 (the latest year for which figures are available) the Department spent £2·7 million on directly commissioned cancer research. I regret that comparable information for the previous five years is not readily available. It is not possible separately to identify expenditure on research into the epidemiology of leukaemia, but the Department's programme contains the following:

  —A programme of research at the Childhood Cancer Research Group, Oxford.

  —Studies arising from the report on the investigation of the possible increased incidence of leukaemia in west Cumbria.

  —A case control study of childhood leukaemia and other cancers in the West Berkshire and Basingstoke, and the North Hampshire district health authorities. The Medical Research Council, the main Government agency for medical research in the United Kingdom, which receives its grant-in-aid from the Department of Education and Science, supports a considerable amount of research into the epidemiology of leukaemia.

  538
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services which cancer registries and research organisations are involved in the research into the epidemiology of leukaemia; what form the co-ordination between them will take; and what will be the rôle of the Government's Chief Medical Officer.

  Mrs. Currie
  A large number of organisations including the cancer registries, Medical Research Council, Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, medical research charities, and the Health Departments are involved in epidemiological research and the analysis of statistics on leukaemia. These activities are brought together in the United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee on Cancer Research (UKCCCR) which also fulfils a co-ordinating role between the governmental and charitable organisations that fund research into leukaemia and other cancers.

  A medically qualified official from the Department attends the UKCCCR on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the implications for staff who have previously been working for his Department's offices situated in the London borough of Southwark of the proposed creation of the Department of Health; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The decision to divide the DHSS into two separate Departments has only just been made and details have still to be worked out. One of our first concerns will be to ensure that proper arrangements are made to protect the legitimate interests of staff. The trades unions representing the staff affected will, of course, be consulted.

  Spectacles
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the new National Health Service voucher values will be to take account of the imposition of value added tax on spectacles.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Government have introduced an amendment to the Finance Bill which, if approved, would apply VAT to spectacles from 1 September. We have decided that the new voucher values shown in the table would apply from that date if VAT is implemented. The imposition of VAT should not result in prices increasing by 15 per cent. The prices of spectacles already include the VAT which the opticians pay on their purchases of appliances. The only new element of VAT is the tax in the retail margin.

  Voucher type

  Current value

  New value

  (£)

  (£)

  Single Vision

  A

  15·50

  16·25

  B

  25·50

  27·00

  C

  42·00

  44·00

  Bifocal

  D

  29·50

  31·00

  E

  50·00

  52·50

  F

  85·00

  89·00

  Hospital Eye

  G

  85·00

  89·00

  Service Only

  H

  25·00

  26·50

  539

  Voucher type

  Current value

  New value

  (£)

  (£)

  Supplements

  Childs small frame

  30·00

  31·50

  Specially made frame (hospital eye service)

  30·00

  31·50

  National Blood Transfusion Service
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has completed his consideration of the National Health Service management consultancy services report on the organisation of the national blood transfusion service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  We have decided that new management arrangements are needed for the supraregional and national dimension of the national blood transfusion service. We therefore intend that operational responsibility at the national level for the NBTS and the Central Blood Laboratories Authority (CBLA) will be exercised on behalf of the Health Ministers for England and Wales by the NHS management board and undertaken by its director of operations, in consultation in respect of Wales with the director, NHS Wales. Day-to-day implementation of the national strategy will be delegated to a new national director of the NBTS and a small supporting staff.

  The key objectives will be:

  (a) to implement a cost-effective strategy for ensuring an adequate supply of blood throughout England and Wales;

  (b) to implement a cost effective strategy for the supply of plasma to the blood products laboratory of the CBLA;

  (c) to co-ordinate the activities of the NBTS and the CBLA;

  (d) to promote the efficiency of the NBTS.

  In implementing the objectives in (a) and (b) a priority task will be to remove financial disincentives by having a national system of processing and handling charges both between transfusion centres and between them and CBLA. No charges will be made, of course, for freely donated blood.

  The national director will be Dr. Harold Gunson, who is at present the regional transfusion director for north western region.

  I have arranged for copies of the report to be placed in the Library.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will publish the total number of cases deferred other than those listed by KHO7a; and if he will give the reasons for those deferrals.

  (2) if he will break down the figures given in KHO7a into those cases where treatment has been (a) postponed and (b) cancelled.

  Family practitioner services

  Gross expenditure and charge income

  Estimated plans1 out-turn

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  (a) Pharmaceutical services

  Gross3

  790·119

  973·700

  1,124·725

  1,290·047

  1,430·575

  1,550·749

  1,657·132

  1,787·071

  1,976·129

  2,171·776

  Income Prescription charges collected by (1) Pharmacists

  -34·615

  -61·257

  -75·395

  -89·510

  -96·020

  -104·528

  -110·131

  -128·021

  -139·322

  -133·671

  540
  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 5 May 1988]: I regret that the information requested is not available centrally.

  NHS Expenditure and Charges
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) when he will provide a substantive reply to the questions on health charges tabled by the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie for priority written answer on 25 May;

  (2) when he will provide a substantive reply to the questions on health charges tabled by the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie for priority with written answer on 7 July.

  Mrs. Currie
  I replied to the hon. Member today.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a table, consistent with the reply of 27 May, Official Report, columns 375–76, indicating the receipts in the years 1982–83 to 1990–91 classified as charges 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. Currie
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will publish in the Official Report tables which provide for (a) pharmaceutical services, (b) general dental services and (c) general ophthalmic services covering the period 1979–80 to 1988–89, gross expenditure, details of income analysed by source, and net expenditure incurred on Supply Votes and public expenditure programmes;

  (2) if he will publish in the Official Report tables which provide, for (a) pharmaceutical services, (b) general dental services and (c) general ophthalmic services covering the period 1979–80 to 1988–89, gross expenditure, details of income analysed by source and net expenditure incurred on Supply Votes and public expenditure programmes.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answers 25 May and 7 July 1988]: The information requested is given in the table. The figures for 1987–88 are the latest forecasts of outturn for that year and differ from those underlying the public expenditure White Paper, Cm. 288-II, which were based on Winter Supplementary Estimates for that year. The figures for 1988–89 are the planning figures underlying Cm. 288-II and are necessarily indicative. They form the basis of the Main Estimate for the year currently before Parliament. They will be reviewed in the light of up-to-date information during the course of the year and if necessary supplementary estimates submitted to Parliament at the appropriate stage.
  541

  Estimated plans1 out·turn

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  (2) Dispensing doctors

  -1·734

  -3·161

  -3·934

  -4·847

  -5·294

  -5·969

  -7·057

  -7·718

  -7·892

  -7·645

  Prepayment certificate sales

  -2·862

  -7·334

  -8·769

  -10·458

  -10·883

  -12·303

  -13·540

  -14·628

  -15·700

  -15·918

  Less (1) Prescription charge refunds

  0·275

  0·528

  0·900

  1·385

  1·479

  1·381

  1·531

  1·352

  2·183

  2·095

  (2) Charges collected in respect of prescriptions written by hospital doctors and dispensed by community pharmacists

  0·290

  0·471

  0·578

  0·638

  0·674

  0·671

  1·441

  1·131

  0·966

  0·943

  Total charge income

  -38·646

  -70·753

  -86·620

  -102·792

  -110·044

  -120·748

  -127·756

  -147·884

  -159·765

  -154·196

  Net

  751·473

  902·947

  1,038·105

  1,187·255

  1,320·531

  1,430·001

  1,529·376

  1,639·187

  1,816·364

  2,017·580

  (b) General denial services

  Gross

  336·404

  419·120

  481·083

  538·445

  584·440

  640·379

  660·026

  741·744

  827·366

  889·200

  Income Charges collected by dentists

  -69·777

  -92·633

  -115·521

  -141·709

  -1560·80

  -171·321

  -196·866

  -221·670

  -237·409

  -286·482

  Charges collected by Health Centres

  -0·072

  -0·108

  -0·127

  -0·144

  -0·154

  -0·177

  -0·187

  -0·186

  -0·200

  -0·246

  Charges collected by Family Practitioner Committees

  -0·015

  -0·022

  -0·030

  -0·039

  -0·040

  -0·034

  -0·041

  -0·044

  -0·060

  -0·054

  Less Refunds

  0·180

  0·276

  0·571

  0·844

  0·994

  1·031

  1·016

  0·949

  0·900

  1·482

  Total charge income

  -69·684

  -92·487

  -115·107

  -141·048

  -155·280

  -170·501

  -196·078

  -220·951

  -236·769

  2-285·300

  Net

  266·720

  326·633

  365·976

  397·397

  429·160

  469·878

  463·948

  520·793

  590·597

  603·900

  (c) General Ophthalmic services

  Gross3

  89·868

  104·033

  125·713

  201·096

  161·657

  172·880

  143·099

  128·716

  151·065

  160·300

  Income Charges collected by opticians

  -27·613

  -28·915

  -32·253

  -380·86

  -43·783

  -44·140

  -11·798

  -0·782

  —

  —

  Charges collected by Family Practitioner Committees

  -0·010

  -0·012

  -0·018

  -0·013

  -0·023

  -0·016

  -0·022

  -0·019

  —

  —

  Less4 Refunds

  0·103

  0·116

  0·166

  0·253

  0·368

  0·388

  0·297

  0·291

  —

  —

  Total charge income

  -27·520

  -28·811

  -32·105

  -37·846

  -43·438

  -43·768

  -11·523

  -0·510

  -0·000

  -0·000

  Net

  62·348

  75·222

  93·608

  163·250

  118·219

  129·112

  131·576

  128·206

  151·065

  160·300

  1 These are the figures underlying the public expenditure White Paper (Cm. 288·11) and are subject to in·year review.

  2 The basis is given in the reply to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman) on 12 April, at columns 104·5.

  3 Certain amounts appropriated in aid are offset against gross expenditure on the Phs and GOS (for example, receipts from drug manufacturers)

  4 The cessation of supply of NHS glasses in 1985·86 following the introduction of the voucher scheme resulted in the reduction, then cessation of GOS charge income.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will publish in the Official Report a table providing a detailed analysis of the various line entries for charges in the years 1982–83 to 1990–91 in table 14.1 of Cm. 288-II;

  (2) if he will publish in the Official Report a table providing a detailed analysis of the various line entries for charges in the years 1982–83 to 1990–91 in table 14.1 of Cm. 288-II;

  (3) if he will provide a detailed breakdown for the years 1982–83 to 1990–91, by nature of item and functional area of charge, of the receipts to his programme classified memberconstituency charges for the purposes of the public expenditure survey.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answers 25 May and 7 July 1988]: The requested information is given in the table.

  Analysis of charge income in table 14.1 of Cm. 288–11

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  estimated outturn

  plans

  plans

  plans

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  Hospital and community health services and central health miscellaneous services1

  Prescription charges

  5

  6

  6

  7

  7

  7

  7

  8

  8

  Private patients

  52

  56

  56

  60

  62

  65

  68

  72

  75

  Overseas visitors

  —

  1

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Road traffic accidents

  6

  7

  7

  8

  8

  8

  9

  9

  9

  Laboratory services

  5

  6

  6

  7

  8

  8

  8

  8

  8

  Special hospital receipts

  1

  1

  1

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Other

  6

  8

  9

  9

  12

  10

  11

  12

  12

  TOTAL2

  75

  85

  87

  95

  101

  102

  107

  113

  116

  Family practitioner service

  Prescription charges

  103

  110

  121

  128

  148

  148

  154

  161

  168

  542
  The 1987–88 income figures for prescription and dental charges in the family practitioner services underlying Cm. 288-II were based on winter Supplementary Estimates. Later forecasts of outturn are as given in my other reply to the hon. Member today.

  The figures for 1988–89 and later years are the planning figures underlying Cm. 288-II and are necessarily indicative. Those for 1988–89 form the basis of the main Estimates for that year currently before Parliament. These figures for the family practitioner services will be reviewed in the light of up-to-date information during the course of the year and if necessary Supplementary Estimates submitted to Parliament at the appropriate Supply stage. The income in later years will be determined, where appropriate, by the level of charges, when these come to be set by Parliament, and by the volume of chargeable activity.
  543

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  estimated outturn

  plans

  plans

  plans

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  Dental charges

  141

  155

  171

  196

  221

  245

  3285

  334

  361

  Ophthalmic charges

  38

  43

  44

  12

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  TOTAL2

  282

  308

  336

  336

  370

  393

  4439

  495

  529

  Personal social services5

  Residential care

  274

  287

  296

  352

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Support services

  36

  40

  44

  50

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Day care

  22

  24

  24

  25

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Administration

  3

  3

  3

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other

  1

  1

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  TOTAL2

  336

  355

  368

  433

  474

  472

  493

  510

  530

  1 Hospital and community health services and Central health miscellaneous services totals have been combined to overcome the effect of transfers of services between the two sub-programmes.

  2 Differences between totals in the analysis and table 14.1 are due to roundings in individual items. The convention used in Cm. 288–11 was to round the last two years to the nearest £10 million.

  3 The basis is given in the reply to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman) on 12 April, at columns 104–5.

  4 Differs from table 14.1 which included assumed receipts of £80 million from the reconstitution of the GPFC.

  5 Total receipts only are indicated for the years 1986–87 to 1990–91. They are estimates based on the proportional relationship between gross and net expenditure in previous years and a breakdown of this figure would be meaningless.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the period 1958 to 1988, in a form consistent with the written answer of 29 March 1982, Official Report, columns 27–30 (a) prescription charges per form or item (b) the real charge, as measured after adjusting by (i) the retail price index and (ii) the gross domestic product deflator (c) the proportion of prescriptions for which the nominal payment was in fact made (d) the proportion of patients receiving prescriptions exempted from the nominal payment and (e) the estimated proportions of the (y) adult and (z) total population estimated to liable to make the nominal payment.

  Prescription charge per item1

  Prescription charge per item revalued to 1987 prices using:

  Proportion of prescriptions

  RPI

  GDP Deflator

  paid3 2

  £

  £

  £

  per cent.

  1 December 1956 5p per item

  1958

  0·05

  0·41

  0·44

  —

  1959

  0·05

  0·40

  0·44

  —

  1960

  0·05

  0·40

  0·42

  —

  1 March 1961 10p per item

  1961

  0·09

  0·71

  0·75

  —

  1962

  0·10

  0·76

  0·79

  —

  1963

  0·10

  0·75

  0·78

  —

  1964

  0·10

  0·72

  0·74

  —

  1 February 1965 charges abolished

  1965

  0·01

  0·06

  0·06

  —

  1966

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1967

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10 June 1968 12·5p per item

  1968

  0·07

  0·42

  0·44

  —

  1969

  0·125

  0·73

  0·75

  —

  1970

  0·125

  0·68

  0·69

  —

  1 April 1971 20p per item

  1971

  0·18

  0·90

  0·92

  —

  1972

  0·20

  0·93

  0·94

  —

  1973

  0·20

  0·84

  0·88

  —

  1974

  0·20

  0·71

  0·73

  —

  1975

  0·20

  0·57

  0·58

  —

  1976

  0·20

  0·50

  0·52

  —

  1977

  0·20

  0·44

  0·45

  37

  1978

  0·20

  0·40

  0·41

  37

  16 July 1979 45p per item

  1979

  0·31

  0·55

  0·55

  36

  1 April 1980 70p per item

  1980

  0·66

  0·99

  0·98

  30

  1 December 1980 £1·00 per item

  1981

  1·00

  1·34

  1·35

  25

  1 April 1982 £1·30 per item

  1982

  1·23

  1·53

  1·54

  25

  1 April 1983 £1·40 per item

  1983

  1·38

  1·64

  1·65

  22

  1 April 1984 £1·60 per item

  1984

  1·55

  1·76

  1·78

  22

  1 April 1985 £2·00 per item

  1985

  1·90

  204

  2·06

  20

  1 April 1986 £2·20 per item

  1986

  1·90

  1·98

  2·00

  18

  544
  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 7 July 1988]: The requested information on the prescription charge per item, together with the proportion of prescriptions for which such charges were paid, is given in the table. In addition, some 5 per cent, of all prescriptions dispensed are covered by pre-payment certificates.

  Information is not available on the estimated proportion of patients, or of the population who are exempt from the single item prescription charge. It is thought however that approximately half the population is exempt from all prescription charges.
  545

  Prescription charge per item1

  Prescription charge per item revalued to 1987 prices using:

  Proportion of prescriptions

  RPI

  GDP Deflator

  paid3 2

  £

  £

  £

  per cent.

  1 April 1987 £2·40 per item

  1987

  2·35

  2·35

  2·35

  18

  1 April 1988 £2·60 per item

  1988

  2·55

  2·45

  2·44

  *

  1 For years for which the charge was changed in the course of the year, the values above are weighted averages according to the number of months at each rate.

  2 Relates to prescriptions for which the single item charge was made.

  3 Data not available prior to 1977.

  * Not yet available.

  Acute Hospitals
  Mr. Feam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the average daily occupancy of acute hospital beds in England by region and age groups(a) birth to four years, (b) five to 14 years, (c) 15 to 44 years,

  Regional health authority

  All ages

  0 to 4 years

  5 to 14 years

  15 to 44 years

  45 to 64 years

  65 to 74 years

  75 years and over

  Estimated average number of beds occupied daily, acute sector, 1979

  Northern

  7,002

  377

  351

  1,514

  1,879

  1,408

  1,473

  Yorkshire

  8,586

  532

  441

  1,992

  2,227

  1,729

  1,667

  Trent

  8,241

  487

  426

  1,782

  2,210

  1,641

  1,695

  East Anglian

  3,666

  157

  163

  787

  965

  822

  772

  North West Thames

  8,678

  417

  341

  2,073

  2,232

  1,766

  1,849

  North East Thames

  10,302

  405

  342

  2,136

  2,718

  2,298

  2,403

  South East Thames

  9,036

  590

  598

  1,733

  2,202

  1,924

  1,990

  South West Thames

  6,186

  304

  356

  1,196

  1,287

  1,288

  1,755

  Wessex

  5,434

  289

  304

  1,016

  1,315

  1,203

  1,308

  Oxford

  4,375

  274

  249

  972

  1,098

  866

  917

  South Western

  6,443

  301

  295

  1,111

  1,536

  1,509

  1,691

  West Midlands

  10,381

  720

  596

  2,064

  2,733

  2,136

  2,132

  Mersey

  6,202

  454

  332

  1,286

  1,587

  1,242

  1,301

  North Western

  9,836

  736

  550

  2,098

  2,740

  2,105

  1,607

  SHA's

  2,085

  316

  241

  470

  596

  308

  156

  England

  106,452

  6,358

  5,584

  22,229

  27,:t23

  22,243

  22,715

  Estimated average number of beds occupied daily, acute sector, 1982

  Northern

  6,746

  350

  316

  1,257

  1,858

  1,332

  1,633

  Yorkshire

  8,220

  545

  331

  1,582

  2,079

  1,761

  1,923

  Trent

  8,109

  477

  378

  1,673

  2,!44

  1,647

  1,791

  East Anglian

  3,650

  177

  133

  697

  959

  870

  814

  North West Thames

  7,633

  397

  279

  1,607

  1,725

  1,557

  2,068

  North East Thames

  10,704

  417

  336

  2,176

  2,644

  2,451

  2,681

  South East Thames

  8,555

  455

  409

  1,529

  2,042

  1,842

  2,279

  South West Thames

  5,732

  281

  237

  1,047

  1,204

  1,167

  1,795

  Wessex

  5,334

  277

  278

  929

  1,163

  1,126

  1,560

  Oxford

  4,303

  275

  179

  928

  1,001

  892

  1,028

  South Western

  6,463

  290

  244

  1,040

  1,461

  1,435

  1,993

  West Midlands

  10,396

  752

  470

  2,129

  2,602

  2,172

  2,272

  Mersey

  5,946

  490

  250

  1,061

  1,514

  1,191

  1,440

  North Western

  9,598

  702

  468

  1,896

  2,620

  2,024

  1,888

  SHA's

  1,969

  267

  158

  427

  648

  308

  162

  England

  103,358

  6,151

  4,464

  19,978

  25,664

  21,776

  25,325

  Estimated average number of beds occupied daily, acute sector, 1983

  Northern

  6,904

  362

  359

  1,343

  1,905

  1,316

  1,618

  Yorkshire

  8,326

  518

  354

  1,661

  2,135

  1,811

  1,848

  Trent

  8,284

  469

  354

  1,739

  2,139

  1,602

  1,980

  East Anglian

  3,761

  153

  142

  770

  1,026

  804

  867

  North West Thames

  7,555

  422

  254

  1,482

  1,774

  1,588

  2,036

  North East Thames

  10,454

  406

  333

  2,171

  2,825

  2,218

  2,500

  South East Thames

  8,529

  425

  398

  1,567

  2,012

  1,904

  2,222

  South West Thames

  5,791

  274

  229

  1,071

  1,461

  1,095

  1,661

  Wessex

  5,369

  291

  223

  978

  1,210

  1,188

  1,480

  Oxford

  4,281

  226

  171

  913

  1,018

  821

  1,134

  South Western

  6,419

  277

  228

  1,092

  1,432

  1,435

  1,955

  West Midlands

  10,437

  592

  544

  2,038

  2,762

  2,092

  2,409

  Mersey

  5,796

  428

  277

  1,054

  1,549

  1,166

  1,322

  North Western

  9,630

  673

  433

  1,902

  2,755

  2,001

  1,866

  SHA's

  1,920

  319

  165

  473

  560

  283

  120

  England

  103,454

  5,833

  4,462

  20,254

  26,562

  21,324

  25,018

  546
  (d) 45 to 64 years, (4)65 to 74 years and (f) 75 years and over for each year from 1974 to the last year for which figures are available.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 20 July 1988]: The information that can be provided without incurring disproportionate cost is given in the table.
  547

  Regional health authority

  All ages

  0 to 4 years

  5 to 14 years

  15 to 44 years

  45 to 64 years

  65 to 74 years

  75 years and over

  Estimated average number of beds occupied daily, acute sector, 1984

  Northern

  6,876

  351

  297

  1,258

  1,792

  1,353

  1,825

  Yorkshire

  8,118

  559

  330

  1,623

  2,079

  1,770

  1,757

  Trent

  8,187

  473

  321

  1,757

  2,111

  1,585

  1,940

  East Anglian

  3,684

  145

  150

  787

  964

  782

  857

  North West Thames

  7,299

  361

  215

  1,448

  1,737

  1,421

  2,117

  North East Thames

  10,046

  407

  319

  2,085

  2,581

  2,045

  2,609

  South East Thames

  8,186

  474

  321

  1,442

  1,898

  1,759

  2,293

  South West Thames

  5,672

  263

  215

  1,083

  1,251

  1,195

  1,667

  Wessex

  5,380

  286

  203

  1,019

  1,213

  1,103

  1,557

  Oxford

  4,248

  246

  171

  935

  1,006

  788

  1,102

  South Western

  6,358

  272

  232

  1,068

  1,472

  1,411

  1,903

  West Midlands

  10,361

  629

  442

  2,071

  2,722

  2,060

  2,438

  Mersey

  5,566

  371

  234

  1,075

  1,589

  1,107

  1,189

  North Western

  9,488

  641

  394

  1,915

  2,611

  1,935

  1,992

  SHA's

  1,848

  382

  148

  367

  528

  275

  147

  England

  101,316

  5,860

  3,993

  19,930

  25,552

  20,588

  25,392

  Estimated average number of beds occupied daily, acute sector, 1985

  Northern

  6,784

  338

  333

  1,327

  1,687

  1,342

  1,758

  Yorkshire

  7,978

  559

  355

  1,563

  2,069

  1,634

  1.798

  Trent

  8,246

  488

  446

  1,704

  2,028

  1,576

  2,004

  East Anglian

  3,758

  175

  127

  808

  982

  778

  888

  North West Thames

  7,172

  361

  251

  1,352

  1,624

  1,512

  2,072

  North East Thames

  9,759

  434

  298

  2,163

  2,393

  1,833

  2,637

  South East Thames

  8,139

  480

  381

  1,442

  1,857

  1,795

  2,186

  South West Thames

  5,611

  294

  191

  992

  1,148

  1,120

  1,867

  Wessex

  5,485

  265

  313

  1,014

  1,252

  1,091

  1,551

  Oxford

  4,346

  283

  159

  911

  1,019

  750

  1,223

  South Western

  6,420

  294

  206

  1,149

  1,397

  1,329

  2,046

  West Midlands

  10,379

  644

  393

  2,063

  2,608

  2,163

  2,508

  Mersey

  5,494

  386

  288

  1,000

  1,396

  1,075

  1,350

  North Western

  9,353

  642

  389

  1,881

  2,645

  1,919

  1,877

  SHA's

  1,734

  313

  131

  375

  525

  253

  138

  England

  100,658

  5,955

  4,259

  19,744

  24,628

  20,169

  25,903

  Nursing and Residential Homes
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to establish such guidelines for the care of persons residing in nursing and residential homes as will ensure the early development of improved standards of care through the provision of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody and similar health-related support services; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Edwina Currie
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: This is our policy already. Through registration and inspection under the Registered Homes Act 1984, health and local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that appropriate and acceptable levels of care are provided to all patients and residents. It is a statutory requirement that the person registered in respect of a nursing home should provide and maintain adequate medical, surgical and nursing equipment and adequate treatment facilities to meet the needs of patients.

  In 1985, the National Association of Health Authorities produced a handbook for health authorities, which the Department commended to all registering health authorities. The handbook provides comprehensive advice on all aspects of registration and inspection and advice relating to individual client groups. I understand a supplement is to be issued in September.

  People living in residential care homes are entitled to receive the same standard of remedial care as other members of the community and the full range of remedial facilities provided by the local health authority or social
  548
  services authority should be available to them. "Home Life: a code of practice for residential care" gives guidance about the provision of these services by authorities.

  Copies of the handbook and "Home Life" are in the Library.

  Health Authorities (Staff)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing for each regional health authority the number of whole-time staff employed and number of hours worked of (a) hospital nurses, (b) midwives, (c) health visitors, (d) district nurses, (e) ancillary staff, (f) ambulance personnel and (g) administrative and clerical staff for each year from 1974 to the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: Such information as can be provided without incurring disproportionate costs is shown in the tables.

  Number of whole-time staff employed and number of hours worked have been interpreted as whole-time equivalents.

  Although not in the precise form requested, some additional information for years prior to 1981 can be obtained from two tables in Regional Trends publications, copies of which are in the Library. The particular tables are:

  Health authorities: analysis by type of staff and practitioner, and primary health care nursing services: staff employed, within section 4—health.
  549

  NHS staff m post at 30 September 1981

  Whole-time equivalents

  Region

  Hospital nursing staff1 including agency

  Hospital and community midw ives including agency

  Health visitors2

  District nurses3

  Ancillary staff

  Ambulance staff

  Administrative and clerical staff

  1. Northern RHA

  22,183·6

  1,315·2

  617·5

  1,039·4

  11,673·0

  1,473·0

  6,162·0

  2. Yorkshire RHA

  25,487·1

  1,690·6

  687·9

  1,103·8

  13,478·0

  1,606·0

  7,083·0

  3. Trent RHA

  29,183·3

  2,079·8

  860·3

  1,386·1

  16,739·0

  1,842·0

  8,952·0

  4. East Anglian RHA

  11,790·1

  881·7

  327·6

  549·5

  6,037·0

  599·0

  3,877·0

  5. North West Thames RHA

  24,687·7

  1,515·4

  732·0

  895·6

  12,995·0

  492·0

  8,799·0

  6. North East Thames RHA

  27,576·0

  1,743·6

  648·0

  987·6

  15,092·0

  566·0

  0,481·0

  7. South East Thames RHA

  26,496·3

  1,706·4

  686·8

  1,235·5

  15,249·0

  938·0

  9,341·0

  8. South West Thames RHA

  21,601·2

  1,201·3

  661·0

  973·0

  11,030·0

  638·0

  6,718·0

  9. Wessex RHA

  17,954·1

  1,183·7

  554·4

  797·5

  8,799·0

  947·0

  5,460·0

  10. Oxford RHA

  13,401·1

  1,040·4

  462·0

  737·8

  6,395·0

  753·0

  4,762·0

  11. South Western RHA

  22,443·7

  1,071·0

  607·5

  932·1

  10,735·0

  1,408·0

  6,734·0

  12. West Midlands RHA

  34,432·8

  2,097·9

  1,004·9

  1,602·3

  16,955·0

  1,873·0

  10,830·0

  13. Mersey RHA

  18,988·9

  1,189·0

  485·7

  756·0

  9,466·0

  852·0

  5,391·0

  14. North Western RHA

  29,637·7

  2,167·4

  908·5

  1,527·3

  14,935·0

  1,649·0

  9,761·0

  20. London post-graduate special health authorities

  4,243·6

  148·0

  —

  —

  2,484·0

  —

  1,798·0

  London Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40·0

  2,587·0

  91·0

  DEB/PPA

  —

  —

  —

  —

  76·0

  —

  3,561·0

  England Total

  330,107·2

  21,031·4

  9,244·1

  14,523·2

  172,177·0

  18,221·0

  108,800·0

  Source: DHSS annual census of NHS non-medical manpower.

  NHS staff m post at 30 September 1981

  Whole-time equivalents

  Region

  Hospital nursing staff1including agency

  Hospital and community midwives including agency

  Health visitors2

  District nurses3

  Ancillary staff

  Ambulance staff

  Administrative and clerical staff

  1. Northern RHA

  22,377·2

  1,323·2

  620·7

  1,062·2

  11,402·0

  1,474·0

  6,094·0

  2. Yorkshire RHA

  25,339·1

  1,570·6

  680·8

  1,132·9

  13,324·0

  1,622·0

  7,085·0

  3. Trent RHA

  29,505·5

  2,073·2

  909·0

  1,433·8

  16,564·0

  1,890·0

  9,019·0

  4. East Anglian RHA

  12,114·3

  873·9

  344·0

  562·7

  6,035·0

  626·0

  3,854·0

  5. North West Thames RHA

  24,375·1

  1,416·7

  777·5

  970·3

  12,410·0

  484·0

  8,476·0

  6. North East Thames RHA

  30,022·5

  1,722·6

  655·1

  1,055·1

  16,043·0

  584·0

  10,119·0

  7. South East Thames RHA

  26,392·4

  1,656·2

  757·9

  1,263·8

  14,970·0

  942·0

  9,366·0

  8. South West Thames RHA

  21,166·5

  1,165·1

  644·8

  940·6

  10,529·0

  637·0

  6,489·0

  9. Wessex RHA

  18,260·1

  1,196·2

  566·4

  816·7

  8,747·0

  954·0

  5,483·0

  10. Oxford RHA

  13,597·4

  1,014·8

  447·8

  692·3

  6,256·0

  762·0

  4,715·0

  11. Southwestern RHA

  22,541·6

  1,041·0

  607·4

  950·3

  10,6330

  1,424·0

  6,807·0

  12. West Midlands RHA

  34,537·5

  2,124·2

  1,046·7

  1,598·5

  16,827·0

  1,849·0

  10,826·0

  13. Mersey RHA

  19,154·6

  1,108·0

  495·9

  773·5

  9,351·0

  870·0

  5,349·0

  14. North Western RHA

  30,712·7

  2,023·8

  919·0

  1,596·6

  14,924·0

  1,688·0

  9,809·0

  20. London post-graduate special health authorities

  4,740·7

  240·6

  26·4

  48·5

  2,399·0

  —

  1,805·0

  London Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40·0

  2,519·0

  87·0

  DEB/PPA

  —

  —

  —

  —

  72·0

  —

  3,421·0

  England Total

  334,837·2

  20,549·7

  9,499·4

  14,897·8

  170,525·0

  18,324·0

  108,803·0

  Source: DHSS annual census of NHS non-medical manpower.

  NHS staff in post at 30 September 1983

  Whole-time equivalents

  Region

  Hospital nursing staff1including agency

  Hospital and community midwives including agency

  Health visitors2

  District nurses3

  Ancillary staff

  Ambulance staff

  Administrative and clerical staff

  1. Northern RHA

  22,688·6

  1,383·9

  651·0

  1,069·7

  11,17:5·5

  1,482·4

  6,218·5

  2. Yorkshire RHA

  24,924·0

  1,726·9

  735·3

  1,162·9

  13,131·8

  1,630·2

  7,102·6

  3. Trent RHA

  29,321·2

  2,112·8

  905·9

  1,441·1

  16,158·2

  1,903·7

  9,019·9

  4. East Anglian RHA

  12,176·6

  921·9

  347·6

  554·8

  6,028·8

  638·0

  4,055·1

  5. North West Thames RHA

  23,886·1

  1,446·6

  718·1

  968·4

  12,082·0

  467·1

  8,495·9

  6. North East Thames RHA

  29,814·4

  1,891·2

  647·8

  1,083·0

  15,433·7

  565·0

  10,169·1

  7. South East Thames RHA

  26,209·4

  1,780·9

  753·2

  1,269·6

  14,456·8

  942·7

  9,381·8

  8. South West Thames RHA

  21,186·7

  1,179·9

  641·9

  978·4

  10,200·7

  632·6

  6,614·1

  9. Wessex RHA

  18,399·8

  1,278·2

  575·6

  865·1

  8,588·6

  942·9

  5,646·1

  10. Oxford RHA

  13,362·0

  1,104·2

  505·8

  684·4

  6,108·5

  750·0

  4,697·7

  11. South Western RHA

  22,235·4

  1,210·2

  608·0

  975·7

  10,332·5

  1,437·8

  6,892·6

  550 551

  Region

  Hospital nursing staff1 including agency

  Hospital and community midwives including agency

  Health visitors2

  District nurses3

  Ancillary staff

  Ambulance staff

  Administrative and clerical staff

  12. West Midlands RHA

  33,981·4

  2,340·4

  1,044·2

  1,557·0

  16,466·4

  1,889·3

  11,121·0

  13. Mersey RHA

  18,934·9

  1,159·9

  498·4

  794·9

  8,944·1

  894·2

  5,320·2

  14. North Western RHA

  30,293·2

  2,300·9

  1,048·0

  1,666·3

  14,563·5

  1,702·8

  9,810·5

  20. London post·graduate special health authorities

  4,741·8

  237·7

  27·1

  53·3

  2,397·5

  —

  1,855·3

  London Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40·2

  2,518·3

  87·6

  DEB/PPA

  —

  —

  —

  —

  74·9

  —

  3,477·0

  England Total

  332,155·4

  22,075·3

  9,707·8

  15,124·3

  166,183·7

  18,396·9

  109,964·8

  Source: DHSS annual census of NHS non-medical manpower.

  NHS staff in post at 30 September 1984

  Whole-time equivalents

  Region

  Hospital nursing staff1 including agency

  Hospital and community midwives including agency

  Health visitors2

  District nurses3

  Ancillary staff

  Ambulance staff

  Administrative and clerical staff

  1. Northern RHA

  22,476·0

  1472·7

  630·8

  1,107·3

  10,657·9

  1,423·5

  6,314·9

  2. Yorkshire RHA

  24,935·1

  1,782·4

  726·6

  1,168·7

  12,085·0

  1,603·5

  7,271·4

  3. Trent RHA

  29,467·7

  2,115·3

  909·7

  1,502·1

  14,942·4

  1,904·8

  9,328·0

  4. East Anglian RHA

  12,509·9

  962·0

  278·8

  574·9

  5,549·0

  645·9

  4,134·7

  5. North West Thames RHA

  23,742·1

  1,479·1

  676·9

  997·1

  11,018·9

  455·9

  8,445·2

  6. North East Thames RHA

  29,920·0

  1,901·3

  579·9

  1,041·6

  13,860·7

  537·3

  10,064·7

  7. South East Thames RHA

  25,802·4

  1,819·6

  649·5

  1,252·1

  12,546·6

  958·1

  9,265·5

  8. South West Thames RHA

  20,864·6

  1,216·1

  624·8

  954·1

  9,049·8

  595·6

  6,416·6

  9. Wessex RHA

  18,620·2

  1,315·4

  565·0

  867·8

  8,048·1

  952·2

  5,709·7

  10. Oxford RHA

  13,713·8

  1,143·2

  465·4

  704·1

  5,682·3

  749·9

  4,891·8

  11. South Western RHA

  22,268·1

  1,213·4

  599·0

  975·9

  9,542·6

  1,430·4

  6,818·5

  12. West Midlands RHA

  33,931·5

  2,506·0

  1,008·5

  1,547·4

  15,235·1

  1,848·6

  11,150·9

  13. Mersey RHA

  18,429·2

  1,173·2

  491·0

  798·1

  8,233·4

  909·7

  5,448·9

  14. North Western RHA

  30,445·6

  2,283·9

  1,093·4

  1,671·0

  13,568·3

  1,584·0

  9,748·7

  20. London post-graduate special health authorities

  4,567·9

  230·8

  —

  13·0

  2,065·7

  —

  1,725·4

  London Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40·7

  2,504·5

  82·8

  DEB/PPA

  —

  —

  —

  —

  75·2

  —

  3,487·2

  England Total

  331,694·2

  22,614·5

  9,299·1

  15,174·4

  152,201·6

  18,103·8

  110,304·2

  Source: DHSS annual census of NHS non-medical manpower.

  NHS staff in post at 30 September 1985

  Whole-time equivalents

  Region

  1Hospital nursing staff including agency

  Hospital and community midwives including agency

  2Health visitors

  3District nurses

  Ancillary staff

  Ambulance staff

  A4 Administrative and clerical staff

  1. Northern RHA

  22,749·1

  1,492·5

  675·3

  1,135·4

  10,017·3

  1,396·0

  6,116·8

  2. Yorkshire RHA

  25,159·4

  1,791·0

  789·5

  1,187·2

  11,302·9

  1,595·5

  7,016·6

  3. Trent RHA

  30,417·2

  2,148·5

  931·5

  1,580·0

  13,989·8

  1,934·4

  9,014·2

  4. East Anglian RHA

  12,983·3

  954·1

  373·8

  587·3

  4,853·5

  674·5

  4,028·3

  5. North West Thames RHA

  23,365·6

  1,510·7

  791·9

  1,069·2

  9,565·9

  455·5

  7,839·6

  6. North East Thames RHA

  29,071·5

  1,882·8

  708·7

  1,083·6

  12,562·8

  541·5

  9,812·0

  7. South East Thames RHA

  25,540·5

  1,778·1

  746·3

  1,226·1

  11,356·3

  949·4

  8,902·4

  8. South West Thames RHA

  20,580·4

  1,212·0

  651·1

  979·8

  7,587·4

  628·6

  6,022·7

  9. Wessex RHA

  19,058·1

  1,326·6

  602·7

  907·3

  7,577·8

  946·0

  5,448·5

  10. Oxford RHA

  13,463·5

  1,185·0

  568·8

  704·3

  5,012·2

  757·4

  4,687·3

  11. Southwestern RHA

  22,661·4

  1,286·9

  662·6

  1,003·4

  8,814·8

  1,441·4

  6,670·9

  12. West Midlands RHA

  34,728·9

  2,550·6

  1,111·3

  1,631·6

  14,370·5

  1,880·2

  11,0121

  13. Mersey RHA

  18,6750

  1,188·6

  517·0

  795·8

  7,631·4

  892·5

  5,274·7

  14. North Western RHA

  30,597·6

  2,364·6

  1,153·8

  1,680·4

  12,788·0

  1,604·9

  9,394·2

  20. London post-graduate special health authorities

  4,623·2

  226·9

  —

  19·0

  1,832·2

  2,490·5

  6,302·1

  London Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40·7

  —

  86·0

  DEB/PPA

  —

  —

  —

  —

  76·0

  —

  3,419·8

  England Total

  333,674·6

  22,898·6

  10,284·3

  15,590·8

  139,379·3

  18,188·1

  111,048·1

  Source: DHSS annual census of NHS non-medical manpower.
  552 553

  NHS staff in post at 30 September 1986

  Whole-time equivalents

  Region

  Hospital nursing staff1 including agency

  Hospital and community midwives including agency

  Health visitors2

  District nurses3

  Ancillary staff

  Ambulance staff

  Administrative and clerical staff

  1. Northern RHA

  22,993·0

  1,517·0

  691·0

  1,162·1

  9,199·5

  1,401·3

  6,262·5

  2. Yorkshire RHA

  25,355·0

  1,829·6

  742·6

  1,106·4

  9,868·5

  1,640·1

  7,024·2

  3. Trent RHA

  30,928·6

  2,127·6

  955·8

  1,524·4

  12,973·1

  1,968·1

  8,899·6

  4. East Anglian RHA

  13,110·6

  939·9

  374·9

  587·1

  4,494·8

  769·8

  4,029·7

  5. North West Thames RHA

  23,646·2

  1,509·5

  809·7

  988·5

  7,788·8

  488·4

  7,735·6

  6. North East Thames RHA

  28,890·4

  1,938·5

  738·8

  1,010·7

  11,060·9

  590·5

  9,794·2

  7. South East Thames RHA

  24,916·8

  1,850·2

  834·2

  1,241·1

  10,109·3

  956·5

  8,945·8

  8. South West Thames RHA

  20,330·2

  1,204·1

  638·7

  966·0

  6,409·0

  666·6

  5,909·0

  9. Wessex RHA

  19,405·3

  1,312·3

  608·4

  909·8

  6,623·3

  990·2

  5,441·9

  10. Oxford RHA

  13,6020

  1,202·5

  5630

  691·9

  4,477·2

  814·5

  4,662·1

  11. South Western RHA

  22,942·9

  1,332·7

  680·2

  969·8

  8,064·2

  1,470·2

  6,732·1

  12. West Midlands RHA

  35,352·9

  2,565·3

  1,118·0

  1,570·2

  13,186·1

  1,936·0

  11,283·1

  13. Mersey RHA

  18,801·4

  1,218·8

  501·7

  800·3

  6,698·0

  946·7

  5,306·4

  14. North Western RHA

  30,897·1

  2,385·4

  1,173·3

  1,638·1

  11,638·7

  1,667·8

  9.563·4

  20. London post-graduate special health authorities

  4,523·3

  219·6

  —

  20·0

  1,559·7

  —

  6,275·0

  London Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  37·8

  2,659·1

  79·7

  DEB/PPA

  —

  —

  —

  —

  78·3

  —

  3,406·9

  England Total

  335,695·9

  23,152·7

  10,430·2

  15,186·7

  124,267·1

  18,965·7

  111,351·2

  Source: DHSS annual census of NHS non-medical manpower.

  1 Includes qualified nurses, unqualified nursing staff and learners.

  2 Includes health visitors in both the community and school health services, health visitor field work teachers, TB visitors with HV certificates; dual/triple parts (HV/DN/MID and bank health visitors. Excludes HV students.

  3 Includes district nurse practical work teachers, registered/enrolled nurses assisting district nurses, dual parts (DN/MID) and bank district nurses. Excludes tutorial staff, other nursing staff in district nursing and district nurse students.

  4 1985 and 1986 figures include general managers.

  Child Protection Services (London)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he plans to publish the social services inspectorate survey of child protection services in London; and if he will distribute copies to all London hon. Members.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 25 July 1988]: I am today placing copies of the report in the Library. The report was discussed with London directors at a meeting on 18 July. They are now examining the report and will be taking action locally where needed. Some directors, however, reported a continuing rise in the numbers of registrations of child abuse and it may therefore take some time before there is a satisfactory resolution of the problem of unallocated cases. The inspectorate will continue to monitor progress and to work with boroughs with the worst problem.

  I am also placing in the Library copies of the report by the social services inspectors on child protection services in Haringey. That report makes recommendations and puts forward a sensible action plan to tackle the serious problems it identifies. These can all be implemented within the resources available to Haringey. The council has already reported to me on the work that it has in hand to implement the key recommendations of the report.

  Listeriosis
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will institute an immediate inquiry 554
  into the possible connection between cook-chill food and the incidence of listeriosis; and what steps have been taken to ensure that no risk exists in National Health Service hospitals using this system of catering to patients who are pregnant or elderly or with weakened immune systems;

  (2) what advice he has received from the chief medical officer on the possible connection between the incidence of listeriosis and cook-chill catering in National Health Service hospitals; and what urgent action he proposes to take.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: While the incidence of listeriosis is increasing, only two cases are known to have been associated with food in the United Kingdom, neither of which was connected with the cook-chill catering system. There is no evidence to suggest the system is connected with this increased incidence and we have no plans to institute an enquiry. The Public Health Laboratory Service is investigating the food histories of all reported cases of listeriosis.

  Hernia Repairs and Hip Replacements
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the number of hernia repairs and hip replacement operations performed in each region, each year, since 1974 to the latest date for which figures are available.

  Mrs. Currie
  [holding answer 22 July 1988]: Such information as can be provided without incurring disproportionate costs is given in the following tables.
  555

  Estimated number of hernia operations (Codes1: 410–412,515) performed in NHS non-psychiatric hospitals, by region of treatment, England 1979–85

  Region of treatment

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  England

  69,210

  76,740

  75,400

  63,450

  74,000

  73,780

  74,810

  Northern

  4,200

  4,820

  4,560

  3,330

  4,620

  4,960

  4,020

  Yorkshire

  5,330

  6,040

  5,670

  4,340

  5,940

  5,400

  6,130

  Trent

  6,130

  7,540

  7,080

  5,060

  6,690

  7,380

  7,700

  East Anglian

  3,220

  3,610

  3,760

  3,150

  3,660

  3,630

  4,290

  North West Thames2

  4,920

  5,070

  4,860

  4,240

  4,760

  4,800

  5,110

  North East Thames2

  6,500

  7,560

  6,760

  6,690

  6,930

  6,620

  6,070

  South East Thames2

  6,260

  6,270

  6,850

  5,840

  6,240

  6,030

  5,820

  South West Thames2

  4,440

  4,090

  4,610

  3,580

  4,720

  4,500

  4,350

  Wessex

  4,440

  4,600

  5,110

  4,960

  4,200

  4,630

  4,730

  Oxford

  3,460

  4,260

  4,450

  3,610

  3,510

  3,840

  3,840

  South Western

  5,070

  5,390

  4,930

  4,350

  5,320

  4,940

  5,260

  West Midlands

  6,760

  7,380

  7,090

  6,330

  7,250

  7,130

  7,650

  Mersey

  2,870

  3,120

  3,050

  2,260

  3,300

  3,180

  3,230

  North Western

  5,430

  6,730

  6,380

  5,400

  6,590

  6,510

  6,340

  Special Heath Authorities2

  180

  260

  240

  310

  270

  230

  270

  Notes:

  In 1979 and 1982 surgical activity in the NHS was affected by industrial action.

  1 OPCS classification of surgical operations and procedures—3rd revision: 1975.

  2 Because of NHS restructuring in 1982, regional figures are not strictly comparable over the whole period.

  Estimated number of total hip replacements and other arthroplasty of hip operations (Codes1: 810,811) performed in NHS non-psychiatric hospitals, by region of treatment, England, 1974–1985

  Region of treatment

  1974

  1975

  1976

  1977

  1978

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  England

  21,100

  22,400

  25,110

  27,080

  28,060

  29,520

  32,550

  33,440

  33,730

  37,320

  37,970

  37,650

  Northern

  810

  1,170

  1,240

  1,180

  1,440

  1,630

  1,490

  1,780

  1,560

  1,470

  2,010

  2,060

  Yorkshire

  1,590

  1,760

  1,830

  1,660

  1,790

  1,860

  2,110

  2,340

  2,200

  2,620

  2,540

  2,470

  Trent

  1,260

  1,340

  1,840

  1,830

  1,780

  2,200

  1,880

  2,600

  2,530

  2,900

  3,190

  3,330

  East Anglian

  920

  1,160

  1,130

  1,290

  1,200

  1,410

  1,920

  1,530

  1,680

  1,980

  1,890

  1,560

  North West Thames2

  1,140

  1,240

  1,390

  1,450

  1,630

  1,740

  1,770

  2,020

  2,100

  2,260

  2,350

  2,480

  North East Thames2

  2,360

  2,140

  2,180

  2,610

  2,470

  2,330

  2,690

  2,780

  3,460

  3,940

  3,550

  3,660

  South East Thames2

  2,410

  2,110

  2,230

  2,920

  3,040

  2,820

  3,100

  2,910

  3,110

  3,130

  3,320

  2,850

  South West Thames2

  2,090

  2,020

  2,470

  2,400

  2,560

  2,320

  2,370

  2,510

  2,590

  3,060

  2,880

  2,640

  Wessex

  1,070

  1,590

  1,780

  2,340

  2,110

  2,220

  2,370

  2,580

  2,620

  2,670

  2,780

  2,730

  Oxford

  1,080

  1,180

  1,510

  1,620

  1,620

  1,810

  1,940

  1,750

  1,970

  2,180

  2,060

  2,090

  South Western

  1,300

  1,750

  1,950

  1,840

  2,140

  2,220

  2,620

  2,360

  2,350

  2,650

  2,740

  2,840

  West Midlands

  2,220

  2,110

  2,430

  2,370

  2,560

  3,080

  3,530

  3,510

  3,610

  3,660

  3,950

  4,020

  Mersey

  700

  750

  1,000

  850

  1,110

  850

  990

  1,330

  1,190

  1,400

  1,530

  1,550

  North Western

  1,650

  1,590

  1,640

  2,300

  2,110

  2,600

  3,270

  3,000

  2,720

  3,390

  3,180

  3,330

  Special Health Authorities2 3

  490

  490

  480

  410

  500

  400

  490

  440

  40

  20

  0

  20

  Notes: In 1975, 1978–79 and 1982 surgical activity in the NHS was affected by industrial action.

  1 OPCS classifications of surgical operations and procedures—3rd revision 1975.

  2 Because of NHS restructuring in 1982, the regional figures are not strictly comparable over the whole period.

  3 Special health authorities.

  Essex Hospitals
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many individual representations he has received in opposition to West Essex health authority plans for Princess Alexandra hospital, Harlow, and the corresponding downgrading of St. Margaret's hospital, Epping, and the Hertfordshire and Essex hospital, Bishop's Stortford.

  Mrs. Currie
  [pursuant to her reply, 27 May 1988, c. 419]: The number of letters we had received direct from members of the public about changes to services at St. Margaret's and the Herts and Essex hospitals proposed by West Essex health authority was about 250, not several thousand as stated. A petition with several thousand signatures was mistakenly included in the earlier total.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much inward investment has been 556
  attracted to the Province during his term of office; and if he is considering any further initiatives, similar to the Locate in Scotland initiative by the Scottish Office.

  Mr. Tom King
  Since I took office on 2 September 1985, 21 new projects, which are expected to create 1,330 jobs, have been finalised. The aggregate investment associated with those projects has been £47·15 million.

  These investments reflect the hard work of the Northern Ireland Industrial Development Board and we have no current plans to alter the basis of its operation.

  Fair Employment
  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he now expects to publish a Bill on fair employment in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when it is the Government's intention to publish the Bill on religious equality of opportunity in employment in Northern Ireland.
  557
  Mr. Viggers
  The preparation of the legislation is well in hand, and a Bill will be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish the representations he has received from employers in Northern Ireland following the publication of the fair employment White Paper.

  Mr. Duffy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes will be made in the proposals contained in the fair employment White Paper following the representations received since its publication.

  Mr. Viggers
  The broad framework of policy and proposals for legislation is set out in the White Paper. The Government will give careful consideration to representations which are received, but I cannot anticipate the detailed provisions of the Bill.

  The question of the publication of such representations is a matter for those who submitted them.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from employers in Northern Ireland following publication of the fair employment White Paper.

  Mr. Viggers
  Representations have been received from the Northern Ireland chamber of commerce and industry, the Engineering Employers' Federation and the Federation of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors.

  Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act 1971
  Mr. Clay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received seeking the repeal of the payments for Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  In the last year there have been a number of questions on this subject from hon. Members and a letter from Derry city council.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Northern Ireland unemployment figures for June.

  Mr. Tom King
  There were 115,640 unemployed at 9 June 1988. I am pleased to note that this represented a decrease of 516 from May and a decrease of 9,910 from June 1987.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about trends in employment in Northern Ireland during the last five years.

  Mr. Viggers
  At March 1988, the latest date for which figures are available, there were an estimated 495,580 employees in employment in Northern Ireland. This figure is 1,850 higher than the corresponding estimate five years ago and 5,000 higher than the figure one year ago.

  Security
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken to improve security in Northern Ireland since 30 June.
  558
  Mr. Tom King
  Since 30 June, the reorganisation of Army deployments has been completed with the establishment of a new brigade headquarters in Armagh. Various new physical improvements have been completed. New legislative measures to combat terrorism have been brought forward. A proposal for a draft Police and Criminal Evidence Order has also been published. Meetings between senior Royal Ulster Constabulary and Garda Siochana officers have continued and a further meeting between the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Commissioner of the Garda Siochana took place at the Intergovernmental Conference on 27 July, which discussed a number of proposals for further improving the level of cross-border security co-operation.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in the Province.

  Mr. Tom King
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Brent, East (Mr. Livingstone).

  Cross-border Co-operation
  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied with the level of cross-border co-operation.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Co-operation takes place over a wide range of activities, and we and the Irish Government are committed to developing it further.

  Education
  Mr. Bid well
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent meetings he has had with the educational groups.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many representations he has received recently from interest groups in the education field; and on what subjects.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I have in recent months, received a large number of representations, written and oral, on a wide range of educational topics. These include representations on the consultation paper on education reform, substitution provision in schools, school development proposals, the cross-community contact scheme, youth service review and funding for arts, museums, sport and community services.

  Mr. Anthony Hughes
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary as to when he expects police inquiries into the death of Mr. Anthony Hughes at Loughgall on 8 May 1987 to be concluded; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I understand that the RUC have completed their investigations. The Director of Public Prosecutions (Northern Ireland) will decide whether any criminal proceedings should be brought.

  Protection Rackets
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on current progress on the ending of the protection racket system operating against firms in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The combating of paramilitary racketeering has a high priority in our overall law and order drive. Protection rackets have proved most difficult to counter, chiefly because of evidential difficulties. Nevertheless, determined police efforts have continued and there have been 12 successful court cases since the beginning of 1987, with a number of other cases currently pending.

  We have been examining the best ways further to tackle the protection racketeers. In particular, we look to a forthcoming major administrative initiative to help spearhead this drive, an action which should be complemented by the forthcoming Prevention of Terrorism Bill, which will provide us with a further opportunity to fill any gaps in the legislative support being given to the RUC. We intend in the Bill to broaden further and to strengthen our attack on paramilitary racketeering.

  Planning Applications
  Mr. Clifford Forsythe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many planning applications have been approved during 1986 and 1987 in(a)the borough of Newtownabbey and (b)the borough of Antrim.

  Mr. Needham
  In Newtownabbey borough, 544 planning applications were approved in 1986, and 459 in 1987. The corresponding figures for Antrim borough were 466 and 363.

  Anglo-Irish Agreement
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has received any representations from the public concerning recent developments affecting the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Agreement.

  Mr. Tom King
  I have received occasional letters from the public about the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

  Sir John Farr
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his latest assessment of the effect that the Anglo-Irish Agreement has had on the level of violence in the Province, and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Tom King
  I believe that, through the operation of the structures established following the agreement, co-operation on security across the border continues to develop, to the benefit of our common anti-terrorist effort.

  Community Groups
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the level of funds for community groups in the Province.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  In 1987–88, £37–24 million was provided to community groups through the action for community employment scheme, the community volunteering scheme and the youth training programme. In addition, £9·78 million was paid in grants to the health and social services boards and district councils to support community services and voluntary groups.
  560
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings he has had recently with representatives from community groups in the Province.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Ministers and officials frequently meet representatives from community groups; some seven meetings have taken place at ministerial level in the past six months.

  Housing Order 1988
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many representations he has received on the draft Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  During the consultation period on the proposal for a draft Housing (Northern Ireland) Order, submissions were received from 58 organisations and individuals. I also met representatives from four of the main voluntary organisations concerned with homeless-ness to discuss their views.

  International Investment Ltd.
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for
  Northern Ireland if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary on the progress of investigations into the affairs of International Investment Limited (in liquidation) Gibraltar.

  Mr. Tom King
  I have nothing further to add to the information I gave to the hon. Gentleman when I wrote to him on 27 June 1988.

  Harland and Wolff
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with Mr. Ravi Tikkoo on the future of the Harland and Wolff shipyard; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  My right hon. Friend met Mr. Tikkoo earlier this year. Discussions are being carried out by my officials and their advisors.

  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met trades union representatives from Harland and Wolff; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had any recent meetings with trades union representatives from Harland and Wolff. He is, however, due to meet the Northern Ireland council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in the near future to discuss general economic issues.

  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the state of current dicussions on his plans to privatise Harland and Wolff.

  Mr. Tom King
  The Government have appointed merchant bankers to advise on possible privatisation. Preliminary discussions have been held with Tikkoo Cruise Line Ltd. but these are at a very early stage.

  A number of other parties have also expressed an initial interest.

  Northern Health Board
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recent High Court decision on health service cuts and closures in the Northern health board area.

  Mr. Needham
  I wholeheartedly welcome the court's decision on this matter, since it frees the Northern board to proceed with its plans for 1988–89, which include service developments totalling over £800,000.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met National Health Service trade unions to discuss the High Court's recent decision on the service cuts planned by the Northern health board; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  The judgment in this case was given only on 8 July and I have not met the trade unions during the intervening period.

  I am glad of course that this case has been resolved and that the board can now proceed with implementing its operational plan—including the development of new services at a cost of more than £800,000.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will next have meetings with Ministers of the Republic of Ireland; and what subjects he will discuss.

  Mr. Tom King
  I met Irish Ministers yesterday at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference.

  I gave details of our discussions in a reply earlier to a question from the hon. Member for Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan).

  IRA (Aid)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about efforts by the Royal Ulster Constabulary to prevent aid to the Irish Republican Army from outside Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I understand that the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is in regular contact with law enforcement agencies throughout the United Kingdom and in other countries with a view to preventing the supply of arms and funds to terrorist organisations in Northern Ireland.

  Concessionary Fares
  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce full concessionary fares for pensioners throughout the Province.

  Mr. Needham
  No. I have no plans to extend the existing scheme, which entitles persons over the age of 65, as well as children under 16 and the registered war disabled, to concessionary travel throughout Northern Ireland at half-fare on all scheduled bus and rail services, without restriction on time of travel or length of journey. Registered blind persons travel free. These concessions are financed by grants to the bus and rail companies amounting to some £6 million a year.

  Gaelic Athletic Association
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ask the chairman of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights when his predecessor received the representations of the hon. Member for Epping Forest against the continued discrimination against members of the armed forces and police by the Gaelic Athletic Association; and when the commission expects to report.

  Mr. Tom King
  Representations by my hon. Friend on this issue were referred to the commission, which is an independent body, in 1984. I understand that a final completion date has not been fixed for the commission's major review of the adequacy and effectiveness of legislation to prevent discrimination on grounds of religious or political belief. However, the commission's report on fair employment (Cm. 237) referred to the matter raised by my hon. Friend, at paragraph 14.4

  Consultants
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the cost to his Department of employing management or computer consultants for each year from 1983 to 1987.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The total cost to all Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:

  Financial Year

  £

  1983–84

  3,309,283

  1984–85

  3,841,035

  1985–86

  4,006,116

  1986–87

  5,125,405

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract extant in his Department as at 1 January 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The following management and computer consultancy contracts were extant at 1 January 1987:

  Firms

  Subject of assignment

  Barnard Systems

  DOE land registry BIS-IPSE

  DANI animal health

  NIO prison officers payroll

  Beecom Management Consultants Ltd.

  To provide work study staff under an agency agreement

  Finance for managers consultancy service for client company

  Beecom (NI) Ltd.

  II appreciation training

  DOE roads service integrated systems

  DOE water service integrated systems

  Belfast Information Technology Service

  "Hands On" IT sessions

  British Telecom

  Government network

  Business Information Systems-Beecom

  Management and finance accounting systems, IT sessions

  Cap Industry Ltd.

  To maintain the computerised rates assessment and collection system in NI

  CCTA

  DFP methodology support

  DFP strategy development

  DOE strategy study

  Centre House Management

  Financial appraisal for IDB

  563

  Firms

  Subject of assignment

  CIPFA Computer Services Ltd.

  Implementation of IT strategy

  H. Cloutt Associates

  VME technical consultancy

  Computer Learning Centre

  "Hands On" IT sessions

  Computing Consultancy and Services

  Report on software, staff availability and demand

  Elsdon Computer Services Ltd. (London)

  Development of payroll system under VME (virtual machine environment)

  Ernst and Whinney

  Review on internal audit in Northern Ireland Civil Service

  Ewbank Preece

  Feasibility study

  Gilpin Black Associates

  Objective setting exercise

  Goldblatt Management Consultancy

  Carpet sector Review

  Financial appraisals for IDB

  Marketing appraisals for IDB

  Gresham Computer Personnel Southampton

  VME operations consultancy

  P. Hyde

  IT "The Human Dimension"

  Industrial Training Service Ltd.

  Development of Youth Training Programme (YTP) workscheme Enterprise training for YTP trainers

  Industrial Training Services

  Provide specialist advice and input to IDB's executive development programme

  Johnson Andrews & Co.

  Sales development training programme

  Learmouth Burchett Management Systems

  DANI works service

  Lindsay Marketing Services

  Marketing appraisal for IDB

  Management Development Services (NI) Ltd

  Consulting support service to participants in the enterprise allowance scheme

  Market Research NI

  Market appraisal for IDB

  McCormick Tracey & Mullarbey

  Meat plant survey

  McFarland Edmund

  International investment and market research

  Market appraisal for IDB

  Mclver Jenkins Associates Ltd.

  Marketing advice

  NI Council on Alcohol

  Alcohol awareness

  Coopers and Lybrand Associates

  The development and implementation of a departmental information technology strategy for social security benefit payments

  Marketing appraisals for IDB

  Financial appraisals for IDB

  To carry out a survey of standard capital grants scheme claimants

  Energy consultants—to advise on the technical and economic aspects of private sector electricity generation and to evaluate competing private and public sector proposals for the next tranche of generating capacity required in Northern Ireland

  To assist the Department to supervise and monitor the affairs of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company and the three subsidiary transport operating companies

  Enabling study for Northern Ireland Prison Department

  David Rigby Associates

  Linen task force update Marketing appraisal for IDB

  Deloitte Haskins and

  Financial appraisals for IDB

  Sells

  To devise a system to meet the management, accounting and information needs of the Department's works service

  564

  Firms

  Subject of assignment

  Denton Hall Burgin and Warrens

  To negotiate and draft contractural arrangements with private sector electricity generators for the generation and sale of electricity to Northern Ireland Electricity

  PA Management Consultants

  Organisational change in DED

  Pactel

  Evaluation of benefits of Belfast London information system

  Peat Marwick

  Financial appraisal for IDB

  PE Consultancy Services

  Marketing appraisal for IDB

  Price Waterhouse

  Assistance with statutory audits Investment appraisal

  Professional qualification in internal audit

  Toolmaking requirements for a tooling facility for injection moulding; Financial appraisals for IDB

  Purchasing Index (UK) Ltd.

  Road vehicle-mobile plant purchasing and management in Department of Agriculture(Northern Ireland)

  QUB (Department of Agriculture)

  Cheese survey

  Queen's University

  Basic book-keeping

  Belfast

  Investment appraisal

  Professional qualification on internal audit

  N. M. Rothschild and Sons Ltd.

  Financial consultants—to advise on the viability of the financial structure underlying private sector electricity generating proposals

  Rowena Mills Associates

  Marketing appraisal for IDB

  Software Ireland

  DFP valuation and lands office

  DED companies registry

  DFP methodology support

  IT awareness

  Users role in micro-computers

  Software Ireland and Beecom

  IT awareness programme (users role in system development)

  Software Ireland Ltd.

  Computerisation of valuation and lands office

  Touche Ross

  Assessment of audit needs, development of audit processes and assistance with computer audit, both for departmental internal audit and the statutory audit function

  Touche Ross Management

  Monitoring Harland and Wolff on behalf of DED

  Consultants

  To monitor Short Bros plc

  University of Ulster

  Investment appraisal

  Warner International

  Marketing appraisal for IDB

  Electricity Generation
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Government's investment appraisal of Kilroot II and the competing public and private sector lignite proposals for electricity generation is likely to be completed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  The investment appraisal of the competing power station proposals has been completed and the Government have decided that Kilroot phase II will be developed to meet the need for new generating capacity in Northern Ireland. It has also been decided to set in hand immediately an examination of ways of privatising the entire Northern Ireland electricity system.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had on the future of electricity generation in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  I announced on 15 July that the Government have decided to meet the need for new
  565
  generating capacity in Northern Ireland, which will occur in the mid-1990s by installing the third and fourth generating sets in the Kilroot power station as dual coal-oil fired units.

  On the same day I announced plans to examine ways of privatising the entire Northern Ireland electricity system.

  Handicapped Persons (Central Heating)
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will extend the provision of central heating in respect of handicapped adaptations from those who are totally immobile to those in the severely handicapped categories; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  The Northern Ireland Housing Executive can make house renovation grants to all disabled people to help meet the cost of any necessary adaptations to their homes. Such grants are made only following assessment of the needs of each disabled person by professional staff of health and social services boards.

  If professional staff recommend that adaptations, including modification of existing heating systems or the installation of alternative systems, are necessary, grants are made available.

  Child Care
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to implement the recommendations within his area of responsibility of the European Commission's childcare network report "Caring for Children—Services and Policies for Childcare and Equal Opportunities in the United Kingdom".

  £ million

  Armagh

  Omagh

  Dunmurry-Sprucefield

  Capital works

  Maintenance

  Capital works

  Maintenance

  Capital works

  Maintenance

  1982–83 (cash terms)

  0·4

  1·3

  0·2

  1·1

  3·0

  1·5

  (at 1988–89 prices)

  0·5

  1·7

  0·3

  1·5

  3·9

  2·0

  1983–84 (cash terms)

  0·4

  1·4

  0·7

  1·1

  3·3

  l·7

  (at 1988–89 prices)

  0·5

  1·8

  0·9

  1·4

  4·1

  2·1

  1984–85 (cash terms)

  1·5

  1·3

  0·4

  1·1

  2·5

  2·1

  (at 1988–89 prices)

  1·8

  1·5

  0·5

  1·3

  3·0

  2·5

  1985–86 (cash terms)

  1·7

  1·1

  0·4

  1·0

  3·2

  2·0

  (at 1988–89 prices)

  1·9

  1·3

  0·5

  1·1

  3·6

  2·3

  1986–87 (cash terms)

  3·2

  1·3

  0·4

  1·1

  2·1

  2·0

  (at 1988–89 prices)

  3·5

  1·5

  0·5

  1·2

  2·2

  2·2

  1987–88 (cash terras)

  3·9

  1·2

  0·9

  1·0

  3·1

  1·8

  (at 1988–89 prices)

  4·0

  1·3

  0·9

  1·1

  3·2

  1·9

  1988–89 Projection

  4·2

  1·3

  1·3

  1·1

  2·0

  2·1

  Cash terms have been repriced using the GDP factors. Figures are not available in the form requested for earlier years, but the total expenditure in Northern Ireland in those years was:

  Capital works

  Maintenance

  £ million

  £ million

  1980–81 (cash terms)

  2·8

  3·1

  (at 1988–89 prices)

  4·3

  4·7

  1981–82 (cash terms)

  3·5

  4·0

  (at 1988–89 prices)

  4·9

  5·5

  The Drainage NI Order 1973 does not charge the Department of Agriculture with responsibility for the prevention of flooding but its ongoing programme of
  566
  Mr. Needham
  This detailed report and its recommendations are currently being considered. They cover the areas of responsibility of a number of Government Departments, both at national level and in Northern Ireland.

  Flooding
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the costs of repairing the damage caused to flood protection works by the floods of last October fall on the drainage division's maintenance budget.

  Mr. Viggers
  Yes. The 1987–88 maintenance budget of the Department of Agriculture's drainage division was increased by £80,000 to allow for purchase of additional materials for repair of damage caused to flood banks last October.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table in the Official Report to show the sums of money in cash and real terms for each year since 1980 expended on (a)capital works and (b)maintenance on river drainage in (i) the Armagh area, (ii) the Dunmurry-Sprucefield area and (iii) the Omagh area; what are his projections for the current year; and if he will indicate what extra sums he has made available to prevent a repetition of the floods of last October, and what extra sums have been made available to repair damage caused by these floods in the current year.

  Mr. Viggers
  The information is as follows for the years 1982–83 to 1987–88 together with a projection of current year expenditure.providing flood protection in vulnerable areas has been supplemented by an additional £1 million in the current year.

  The Department's maintenance effort has been concentrating on the repair of those flood defences requiring immediate attention in October 1987 and account continues to be taken of damage caused at that time in prioritising future works programmes.

  Disabled People (Discrimination)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps his Department is taking to eliminate discrimination against the disabled in Northern Ireland.
  567
  Mr. Viggers
  Our approach towards the disabled in Northern Ireland is directed towards enabling them to acquire the training, skills, opportunities and support they need to secure employment. A range of measures is available to provide practical help to employers.

  Belfast
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what new funds are being provided to promote enterprises, employment and social improvement in the poorer parts of Belfast; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Beaconsfield (Mr. Smith) on 19 July 1988 at column 562

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations took place with Lisburn district council and Newtonabbey district council before the Whitehouse, Coole and Collin wards were included in areas of special need contained in "Making Belfast Work".

  Mr. Needham
  Wards within the Belfast urban area were assessed as areas of need on the basis of objective indices of deprivation and this did not, therefore, require consultation with any of the district councils.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria were used in defining areas of social need as Catholic West Belfast and Protestant West Belfast as contained in the map on figure 1 of "Making Belfast Work".

  Mr. Needham
  As the published material indicates, wards within the area were designated as either Protestant or Catholic on the basis of the 1981 census of population, after making allowance for those persons not stating their religion and those not enumerated. Objective indices of deprivation were used in defining the areas of social need.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the amount of money invested in the area defined in the document "Making Belfast Work" published by his Department, as Catholic West Belfast, in projects for industrial development, housing, assistance to voluntary projects, health and social services and education for each year from 1970 through to 1980 and from 1980 until 1987.

  Mr. Needham
  The area in the document is defined by reference to council wards. The information requested is not held at ward level and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  MVs Portaferry and Strangford
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many days MV Portaferry and MV Strangford vessels operated from Strangford to Portaferry and from Portaferry to Strangford in each of the years 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88.

  Mr. Needham
  The Strangford lough ferry service was run using either the MV Strangford Ferry or the MV Portaferry for all or part of the daily scheduled period of service on 363 days in 1984–85, 339 days in 1985–86, 349 days in 1986–87 and 365 days in 1987–88.
  568
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many days the MV Portaferry and MV Strangford vessels were scheduled to operate from Strangford to Portaferry and from Portaferry to Strangford in each of the years 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88.

  Mr. Needham
  The Strangford lough ferry service, operated by the MV Strangford Ferry as the main vessel and by the MV Portaferry as a standby-vessel, was, and is, scheduled to run every day of the year apart from Christmas day.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Department of the Environment will replace the MV Portaferry vessel on the Strangford-Portaferry route; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  The Department of the Environment has no present plans to replace the MV Portaferry. The Department's aim is to ensure that the MV Portaferry is maintained as is required to enable the vessel to act as a safe and effective standby for the main Strangford lough ferry service vessel, the MV Strangford Ferry.

  Schools (Cleaning Services)
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) why the education and library boards in Northern Ireland have decided to employ contract cleaning services in all their schools from 1 September; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what steps will be taken to ensure that the same standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained under the contract cleaning services scheme in all schools in Northern Ireland.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: Experience in other public bodies has shown that savings are possible by subjecting services to competitive tendering and education and library boards were requested by the Department to consider the market testing of a number of services, including cleaning. However, the extent to which they will employ contract cleaning services in their schools is not yet known.

  The maintenance of standard of hygiene and cleanliness in controlled and maintained schools is the responsibility of the appropriate education and library board.

  For voluntary schools and independent schools this responsibility rests with the individual school authority.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what efficiency savings will be made in each of the education and library boards in Northern Ireland due to the introduction of contract cleaning services in schools from 1 September.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: The Southern education and library board obtained tenders for a pilot scheme for cleaning services at 26 of its schools in its area and awarded contracts for 16 schools; the estimated saving in the period 1 September 1988 to 31 March 1989 is £29,000. The other boards have not yet subjected their cleaning services to competitive tendering.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the education and library board budget in each education and library boards was used for cleaning services for all types of schools in each of the years from 1980–81 to 1987–88.
  569
  Dr. Mawhinney
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]The information is as follows:

  Belfast

  North-Eastern

  South-Eastern

  Southern

  Western

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  1980–81

  8·18

  6·85

  5·11

  6·05

  5·77

  1981–82

  7·94

  6·49

  5·11

  6·07

  5·80

  1982–83

  7·95

  6·19

  5·19

  6·13

  5·93

  1983–84

  8·13

  6·19

  5·33

  6·06

  5·58

  1984–85

  7·88

  6·10

  5·23

  6·09

  5·73

  1985–86

  8·36

  6·44

  5·34

  6·38

  6·02

  1986–87

  6·69

  6·20

  5·29

  5·94

  5·70

  1987–88

  6·90

  6·52

  5·53

  6·24

  6·09

  These figures include cleaning and caretaking services; separate figures for cleaning are not available.

  Short Brothers
  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he proposes to take steps to prevent any foreign countries from purchasing the missile division of Short Brothers, Northern Ireland;

  (2) if he will take steps to prevent Libyan interests from purchasing the missile division of Short Brothers, Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]In considering any approaches relating to the company the national and other interests will be fully taken into account.

  Public Order (Charges)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list all those elected councillors and hon. Members who have been charged under the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and the outcome of the subsequent trials; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  [holding answer 21 July 1988]: This information is not readily available and could not be obtained except at disproportionate cost.

  Economic League
  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information is available to him on the activities or associations of the Economic League in Northern Ireland; and whether the Royal Ulster

  Name

  Date of death

  Circumstances

  Francis Rowntree

  22 April 1972

  Francis Rowntree was hit in the head by a rubber baton round fired during rioting at Divis Flats in Belfast on 20 April 1972. He died in hospital two days later.

  Tobias Molloy

  16 July 1972

  On 16 July 1972 a number of rubber baton rounds were fired by the security forces when a crowd of youths attacked an army checkpoint near Strabane, Tobias Molloy is believed to have been struck by one of the rounds and was reported dead on arrival in hospital, across the border, in the Republic of Ireland.

  Stephen Geddis

  30 August 1975

  On 28 August 1975, as the army moved in to dismantle a barricade built by youths at a road junction in Belfast, they were stoned by a crowd. The security forces fired a number of plastic baton rounds and later Stephen Geddis was admitted to hospital with head injuries from which he died the following day.

  Brian Stewart

  10 October 1976

  On 4 October 1976 the security forces fired a number of plastic baton rounds to disperse a crowd of around 500 people who were stoning them in the Turf Lodge area of Balfast Shortly afterwards Brian Stewart was admitted to hospital suffering from a fractured skull; he died on 10 October.

  570
  Constabulary has investigated whether that body might receive, possess or circulate information or misinformation which might be useful to some terrorist groups.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  [holding answer 15 July 1988]: I understand that no such information is held by my Department, nor has any such investigation been carried out by the RUC.

  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Government at any level in Northern Ireland have or have had contacts with the Economic League, receive information or representations from it or give information to it or have had such contacts with individuals or bodies whom Government might regard as acting for or with the Economic League.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  [holding answer 15 July 1988]: I am not aware of any such relationships between my Department and the Economic League.

  Plastic Bullets
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list, for each incident involving death or injury by plastic bullet rounds in Northern Ireland since 1972, the victim, the date of the incident, the circumstances leading to death or injury, the amount of compensation paid, if any, and whether it was paid under criminal injuries compensation legislation or other provisions.

  Mr. Ian Stewart [holding answer 8 July 1988]
  Since 1972, 13 people have died after being struck by plastic baton rounds. During the same period two people died as a result of rubber baton round injuries. The names of those who died and the details of the circumstances of each death are as follow:
  571

  Name

  Date of death

  Circumstances

  Michael Donnolly

  9 August 1980

  On 9 August 1980 the security forces fired a number of plastic baton rounds during a period of sustained rioting in Leeson Street in Belfast. Michael Donnolly was struck by one of these rounds and died a short time later in hospital.

  Paul Whitters

  25 April 1981

  On 15 April 1981 during rioting in Londonderry masked youths approached a bakery throwing stones and breaking windowes and apparently intending to hijack a lorry. The security forces fired a plastic baton round at the crowd which hit one of them, Paul Whitters, on the head. He was admitted to hospital where he died 10 days later.

  Julie Livingstone

  13 May 1981

  On 12 May 1981 members of the security forces in an armoured vehicle in Belfast fired 3 plastic baton rounds when they were attacked by youths throwing petrol bombs. Julie Livingstone was seen to fall and she later died as a result of a head injury.

  Carol Ann Kelly

  22 May 1981

  On 19 May 1981 in the Twinbrook area of Belfast two army landrovers came under attack from youths throwing stones and other missiles, and the security forces fired two plastic baton rounds. Carol Ann Kelly was struck on the head by the second of these baton rounds and she died in hospital three days later.

  Henry Duffy

  22 May 1981

  On 22 May 1981, during a period of heavy rioting in the Bogside area of Londonderry, the security forces fired a number of plastic baton rounds when they came under attack from youths throwing petrol and nail bombs. Henry Duffy was hit in the head by a baton round and died after admission to hospital.

  Norah McCabe

  9 July 1981

  In the early hours of 8 July 1981 two police landrovers were attacked with stones and other missiles whilst travelling on the Falls Road in Belfast. At the junction of Linden Street a plastic baton round was fired from one of the landrovers and Norah McCabe was struck on the head, she died the following day in hospital.

  Paul Doherty

  31 July 1981

  On 24 July 1981 following disturbances and demonstrations in connection with the Republican hunger strike, barricades were erected outside Divis Flats in Belfast. As the army removed these barricades they were stoned and petrol bombed by youths on the road and in the adjacent flats. A member of the security forces fired two plastic baton rounds and one of these struck Peter Doherty, who was near an open window in the kitchen of a flat. He died a week later.

  Peter McGuinness

  9 August 1981

  On 9 August 1981 police on the Whitewell Road in Belfast were attacked with stones and petrol bombs by about 50 youths. As two petrol bombs burst on the roof of a police vehicle the security forces fired one plastic baton round and Peter McGuinness, who had been demonstrating with the crowd, was hit in the chest and died shortly afterwards.

  Stephen McConomy

  19 April 1982

  On 16 April 1982, as a suspected explosives device was examined by the army, an armoured vehicle came under attack from rioters, Stephen McConomy was one of a group of youths near the vehicle. He was hit by a plastic baton round and died three days later in hospital.

  John Downes

  12 August 1984

  On 12 August 1984 the police attempted to arrest Mr. Martin Galvin, the banned Noraid publicity director, at a rally in Andersonstown, West Belfast to mark the thirteenth anniversary of the introduction of internment, in the disturbances which followed the security forces fired a number of plastic baton rounds. John Downes died after being struck by one of them.

  Keith White

  14 April 1986

  On 31 March 1986 following rioting in Portadown, Keith White was struck by a plastic baton round. He died in hospital from his injuries on 14 April 1986.

  Since 17 March 1981, when records were first collated, 417 people are recorded as having been injured by baton rounds. More detailed information concerning these alleged injuries is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The information in respect of compensation is not available in the form requested, but between 1982 and 1988 (to 8 July) 48 of the claims made under the Police Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 against the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary for deaths and injuries from baton rounds have been settled at a figure of £505,516. Information relating to such claims made against the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) Northern Ireland Order 1977 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Regarding the details of those of the 48 settled claims that were concluded in court and are therefore in the public domain, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given him today to his written question.
  572
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many actions were brought against the Royal Ulster Constabulary by individuals or the families of individuals injured or killed by plastic bullets in each year since 1972.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  [holding answer 8 July 1988]: The information requested is not readily available since 1982 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  However, since 1982, 183 cases, of which 107 have been concluded and 76 are pending, involving the use of plastic baton rounds, have been brought against the RUC. These cases include civil bills, writs and letters of claim, and cover claims for personal injury or death and also damage to property.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if for those actions brought against the Royal Ulster Constabulary by individuals or the families of individuals injured or killed by plastic bullets since 1972, he will list(a) the outcome in each case whether
  573
  compensation was paid, to whom, in what amount and on what date and (b) for those cases settled out of court, amounts of compensation paid, to whom and on what date.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  [holding answer 8 July 1988]: The complete information is not available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  However, since 1982, 107 cases have been concluded as follows:

  (a) 48 cases were concluded with an amount of £505,516 paid in compensation. No admissions of liability were made in these cases.

  (b) Liability was denied in 35 cases.

  (c) 15 cases were disallowed at court.

  (d) In nine cases there were no further proceedings.

  It would not be appropriate to give details of individual cases that were concluded out of court or the names of recipients of settlements in court. The other details of the 15 out of the 48 concluded cases that were settled in court were as follows:

  Date of incident

  Amount paid

  Date of settlement

  9 August 1981

  3,000

  20 December 1983

  8 July 1981

  2,000

  7 February 1985

  21 May 1981

  1,000

  14 December 1984

  9 August 1980

  1,500

  11 December 1984

  24 April 1981

  2,000

  21 March 1983

  2 August 1981

  3,000

  18 December 1984

  22 May 1981

  8,500

  4 June 1985

  20 April 1981

  515

  3 November 1983

  8 July 1981

  41,000

  19 December 1984

  9 August 1986

  1,000

  29 December 1987

  9 August 1980

  1,250

  27 December 1984

  15 July 1981

  750

  21 April 1982

  12 August 1984

  10,000

  18 December 1986

  9 August 1980

  750

  27 December 1984

  8 May 1981

  14,050

  8 July 1987

  Total

  90,315

  Educational Qualifications
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will list the percentages of the total post-primary school population, who have attained passes in qualifications such as City and Guilds and B Tec certificates in each of the years 1985, 1986 and 1987;

  (2) if he will list the percentages of the total post-primary school population, who have attained passes at each grade level including upgraded status in CSE and GCE O and A-level in each of the years 1985, 1986 and 1987.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: The information is not available.

  Electrical Equipment Testing
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to guarantee the same standards of consumer protection after the discontinuing of electrical equipment testing services in the industrial science division of the Department of Economic Development.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: Following a review of the work of the Department of Economic Development's industrial science division it has been possible to reinstate the service for the testing of electrical
  574
  equipment and the same standards of consumer protection will therefore be provided as before the service was temporarily suspended.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review his recent decision to discontinue electrical equipment testing in the industrial science division of the Department of Economic Development, taking into account the increased financial burdens which will be placed on local authorities required to despatch articles to Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: I have had representations from a number of local authorities in Northern Ireland and from consumer organisations about the difficulties they are encountering in getting electrical equipment tested. A review has been conducted of the work of the Department's industrial science division and it has been possible to reinstate this service. Some increase in charges will be necessary so that the service covers its cost and the local authorities are being informed of these increases.

  Schools (Cleaners)
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were employed as cleaners in primary, secondary and further education in Northern Ireland in each of the years from 1980–81 to 1987–88.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  [holding answer 27 July 1988]: The information is as follows in respect of grant-aided controlled and maintained schools (including nursery and special schools):

  Cleaners

  1980–81

  5,313

  1981–82

  5,155

  1982–83

  5,194

  1983–84

  5,257

  1984–85

  5,262

  1985–86

  5,188

  1986–87

  4,984

  1987–88

  5,072

  At present some 78 per cent, of cleaning staff' are employed on a part-time basis.

  A breakdown of these figures on a sectoral basis is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The figures also exclude voluntary grammar schools for which such information is not held centrally.

DEFENCE

  Submarine Compex
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, subsequent to the publication of the results of frigate compex report in March 1987, the results of the submarine compex exercise are now available.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  My predecessor announced on 5 March 1987 the results of the comparison exercise for the refits of two Leander class frigates. A detailed report has now been drawn up to compare the commercial refits of the Oberon
  575
  class submarine HMS Otter at Humber Shiprepairers Limited, and her sister ship HMS Osiris undertaken at Devonport royal dockyard.

  Against an allocation of 105 weeks at the outset (including five weeks for sea trials), the submarine Otter was taken in hand on 3 December 1984 and completed on 2 March 1987, a period of 117 weeks inclusive. In effect, this was a delay of only one week since Humber Shiprepairers Limited was granted an 11-week extension to repair the port main engine at the Ministry of Defence's cost and liability. The Osiris refit commenced on 16 December 1985 and was completed on 11 June 1987, a period of just over 90 weeks inclusive. With less work to undertake, Devonport dockyard had contracted, during the refit, to complete in this time scale. Both refits achieved the required quality standards, having been examined by the same acceptance authorities, and both submarines are now operational.

  The comparison of costs was again carried out by the Ministry of Defence's principal director of accountancy services, independently of the director general of ship refitting. In order to place the two refits on a comparable basis, the principal director of accountancy services made adjustments for differences in specification work content, condition of the ships, and yard facilities. He also took into account the work subcontracted by Humber Shiprepairers Limited, services provided to Humber Shiprepairers Limited and Devonport by the Ministry of Defence, and inflation between the different refit time scales. The costs were finally adjusted for the differences in the amount of work actually done on the respective submarines, with the result that the dockyard cost was assessed as approximately 30 per cent, more than Humber Shiprepairers Limited for comparable work.

  Overall the performance of both yards was commendable in different ways. For HSL to complete Otter's refit to time and quality with no previous warship experience was most creditable, particularly in the light of the disruption to its schedules due to the poor quality of some of the Ministry material supplied to it. On the other hand, Devonport completed Osiris in a time not achieved for 13 years and to a high-quality standard. The report concludes that private ship repairers can compete with the royal dockyards, despite the latter's depth of experience, and recommends that, in view of the cost advantage, suitable ship repair yards should be invited to tender for future Oberon class refits. It describes the problems that arise during refits and suggests how these can be solved. Except as noted below the conclusions and recommendations of compex have been disseminated and are already being used by DGSR in the naval refit programme, the great majority of which is conducted now under commercial disciplines.

  The Government are committed to the extension of competition as part of their policy of putting the royal dockyards under commercial management. The recommendation about future Oberon class refits will therefore be taken into account as decisions are made in each case. The recommended introduction of reduced complement refits will need further thought because of the budgetary implications.

  Compex proved that the private ship repair sector was capable of conducting both submarine and surface warship refits. It has confirmed the opportunities for tightening our refit procedures across the board to achieve better value for money. It also confirms that we should
  576
  pursue the goal of greater competition to reap those benefits in the future. The transfer of the royal dockyards to commercial management was wholly consistent with this policy.

  I have placed in the Library copies of the executive summary of the report on the submarine refits, and will place copies of the full report there shortly.

  Military Lands Act 1892
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list in chronological order the byelaws made under the Military Lands Act 1892 that were in force on 1 July; and if he will place a copy of each of these byelaws in the Library.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 18 May, at column 509, listing byelaws made under the Military Lands Act 1892 since May 1979. All these were extant on 1 July although the RAF Greenham Common Byelaws 1985 and the RAF Fylingdales byelaws are currently sub judice.

  In addition, byelaws made before May 1979 affecting principal Army training areas include:

  Byelaws

  Cinque Ports Training

  Lydd Ranges Byelaws 1939

  Area:

  Hythe Ranges Byelaws 1986

  Shorncliffe and District Military Lands Byelaws 1976

  Dover and District Military Lands Byelaws 1976

  Salisbury Plain Training

  Bulford Ranges Byelaws 1963

  Area:

  Imber Ranges Byelaws 1963

  Larkhill Artillery Ranges Byelaws 1965

  Perham Down Ranges Byelaws 1969

  The Porton and Winterbourne Gunner Military Lands Byelaws 1977

  Otterburn Training Area:

  Otterburn Training Area Byelaws 1971 (as amended by the Otterburn Training Area (Amendment) Byelaws 1980)

  Stanford Training Area:

  Stanford Training Area Byelaws 1970 (as amended by the Stanford Training Area (Amendment) Byelaws 1975)

  Sennybridge Training Area:

  Sennybridge Training Area Byelaws 1974

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many vehicles are owned by his Department and by each branch of the armed forces; and how many of these have been converted to run on unleaded petrol.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Ministry of Defence owns 87,500 vehicles which are allocated as follows:

  Vehicles

  Royal Navy

  3,000

  Army

  58,000

  Royal Air Force

  10,000

  Procurement Executive

  2,000

  Held in vehicle storage depots

  14,500

  A significant proportion of the current stock runs on diesel fuel, but it is not possible to provide the precise number without disproportionate effort. Other vehicles in

  577
  the current stock which cannot run on unleaded petrol will not be specifically converted, but, as and when they need to be replaced, they will be replaced whenever possible by vehicles which run on either diesel or unleaded petrol.

  Ethnic Monitoring
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the results of the ethnic monitoring of recruitment carried out in accordance with his equal opportunities action plan; and how many and what percentage of people from ethnic minorities were shown in such ethnic monitoring exercises to be employed at each grade or level of his Department.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply I gave him on 17 June at column 343.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the results of the ethnic monitoring of recruitment commenced in 1987 to become available.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Not before the end of the year.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what response he has received to the voluntary survey of the ethnic origins of all non-industrial and industrial staff thus far carried out.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The response rate to the three phases of the survey of non-industrial staff completed to date was 79 per cent. Information on the response rate to the survey of industrial staff is not yet available.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. Sainsbury
  NDPBs and other bodies sponsored by the Ministry of Defence are responsible for arrangements for recruitment and personnel management of staff they employ. Bodies 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.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many of the respondents from ethnic minorities employed in his Department in grade seven and above were in grades one, two, three, four, five, six and seven, respectively;

  (2) how many of the respondents from ethnic minorities employed in his Department were senior executive officers and higher executive officers, respectively.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I regret this information cannot be provided. The code of practice governing the protection of data collected through ethnic origins surveys requires Departments not to publish information in a way which could lead to individuals being identified.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will institute a monitoring exercise in 578
  accordance with the code of the Commission for Racial Equality in order to ascertain figures for ethnic minorities in part-time posts in his Department.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Department now has the capability to monitor the number of ethnic minorities in part-time posts, and the number of such persons currently employed part-time is 27.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will place in the Library the results of the survey of ethnic origins of all non-industrial and industrial staff now being conducted by his Department, as and when each of the three phases are completed.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The results of the surveys of the ethnic origins of MOD staff will be published by the Cabinet Office and copies of the reports will be placed in the Library.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the strength of his equal opportunities unit; how many members thereof are female and from ethnic minorities, respectively, and whether the equal opportunities officer is female or from an ethnic minority or both.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The unit consists of three people, two men and one women, none of whom is from the ethnic minorities.

  Staff (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advertisements he has placed in the ethnic press in order to encourage more applicants from the ethnic minorities; and when.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Recruitment advertisements are run for two months out of every three throughout the year. Advertisements have been placed in The Voice, The Asian Times, The Sri Lankan Monthly, New Life and Sing Tao.

  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what scheme his Department participates which provides training for potential executive officer recruits; and in what way this encourages more applicants from ethnic minorities.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The MOD is co-operating with the Cabinet Office in developing an access training course to enhance the job-related skills of candidates who wish to re-apply to enter the Civil Service through the executive officer competition. A pilot course is planned for the autumn.

  Bisley Camp
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what statutory authority he has power to sell or otherwise dispose of any part of the Bisley camp and its ranges; and if he will name the property developers presently preparing(a) the residential and (b) the commercial developments.

  Mr. Freeman
  Bisley camp and its ranges are the property of the National Rifle Association and any question of disposal would be its responsibility.
  579
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total area of the ranges at Bisley; and whether he has any plans to dispose of any part of that area.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 22 July 1988]: The ranges at Bisley are owned by the National Rifle Association from which MOD leases a number of administrative buildings; we have no plans to reduce these requirements.

  USAF (Air Refuelling)
  Mr. Kirk wood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if refuelling at low levels was practised over the United Kingdom or surrounding waters by the United States Air Force B52 aircraft deployed at RAF Fairford in May.

  Mr. Freeman
  No.

  Flying (Mallet Blow Exercises)
  Mr. Kirk wood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether flying during future Mallet Blow exercises will be allowed during the period between sunset plus 30 minutes and sunrise minus 30 minutes.

  Mr. Freeman
  Flying during the periods sunset plus 30 minutes is considered for those Mallet Blow exercises which take place at a time of the year when dusk is early. The next such exercise is planned to take place in April. No flying in the period before sunrise is planned for aircraft participating in Mallet Blow exercises.

  Table 1

  Running costs receipts

  £ million

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  516

  610

  645

  670

  704

  818

  777

  808

  828

  A more detailed analysis of running costs receipts for the period 1985–86 to 1990–91 is provided in tables 2 and 3. Table 2 reflects receipts arising from other public

  Table 2

  Running cost receipts from other government departments

  £ million

  Vote

  Section1

  Description

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  Appropriations-in-Aid of

  1

  BZ

  Army Personnel costs

  0·2

  0·2

  0·2

  0·3

  0·3

  0·3

  LZ

  Educational services

  2·5

  2·3

  2·4

  2·6

  2·7

  2·8

  2

  AZ

  Departmental expenses

  1·0

  0·9

  0·9

  1·0

  1·0

  1·0

  Total

  3·7

  3·4

  3·5

  3·9

  4·0

  4·1

  Table 3

  Other running cost receipts

  £ million

  Vote

  Section1

  Description

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  Appropriations-in-Aid of

  1

  AZ

  Naval Personnel costs

  10·4

  9·3

  16·3

  13·3

  13·6

  13·9

  BZ

  Army Personnel costs

  168·S

  169·9

  163·7

  169·9

  174·1

  178·5

  CZ

  Air Force Personnel costs

  19·6

  24·2

  23·0

  22·5

  23·1

  23·7

  DZ

  Civilian Personnel costs

  60·2

  66·6

  73·2

  79·0

  81·0

  83·0

  EZ

  Movements

  23·7

  16·4

  13·4

  12·4

  12·7

  13·0

  FZ

  Accommodation etc Stores

  8·1

  9·2

  9·5

  10·1

  10·4

  10·7

  GZ

  Clothing and Victualling

  98·5

  95·2

  100·7

  105·6

  108·2

  110·9

  Uranium Ammunition
  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will update his report on the development of depleted uranium ammunition for Her Majesty's forces.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Further to the replies given by my hon. Friend on 17 January 1985, at columns 183–84, I can announce that a minimum series of trial firings of Phalanx ammunition will be conducted at the royal aircraft establishment, West Freugh, commencing in August this year. The amounts of DU involved will be no more than that previously approved for other MOD ranges.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a table in the Official Report, in the same format as the reply of 7 July, Official Report, column 707–4, 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. Archie Hamilton
  The figures provided in answer to the hon. Member on 7 July 1988, at columns 701–4, related to receipts in respect of programme expenditure. MOD running costs receipts anticipated for the period 1982–83 to 1990–91 are detailed in table 1:

  expenditure programmes. Figures on the same basis for 1982–83 to 1984–85 are not readily available and could be produced only with disproportionate effort.
  581

  Vote

  Section1

  Description

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  HZ

  Liquid fuels and utilities

  49·0

  49·5

  51·5

  56·9

  58·3

  59·8

  LZ

  Other Services

  207·0

  234·9

  303·5

  272·2

  290·2

  297·5

  Vote 1 Total

  645·0

  675·2

  754·8

  741·9

  771·6

  791·0

  2

  AZ

  PE Headquarters costs

  4·9

  6·9

  42·9

  10·9

  11·2

  11·5

  BZ

  Research and Development establishment costs

  0·1

  0·1

  4·0

  4·6

  4·7

  4·8

  CZ

  Other PE outstanding costs2

  —

  —

  —

  0·1

  0·1

  0·1

  Total Vote 2

  50

  7·0

  46·9

  15·6

  16·0

  16·4

  4

  AZ

  Defence Works services2

  15·7

  17·0

  12·7

  15·7

  16·1

  16·5

  5

  AZ

  Ship refitting and repair2

  0·6

  1·4

  0·3

  —

  —

  —

  Total Defence

  666·3

  700·6

  814·7

  773·2

  803·7

  823·9

  1 Sections reflect the 1988–89 Supply Estimates structure.

  2—indicates receipts of less than £0·1 million.

  The amount of receipts in respect of programme expenditure met from other public expenditure programmes is not readily available and could be produced only at disproportionate effort.

  Catering
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will consider the privatisation of the services' catering arrangements; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the number of officers and other ranks in each grade in each service who are wholly or partly responsible for catering, including the ordering, transporting and holding of stocks of foodstuffs and kitchen equipment and materials, the total cost including all administrative overheads, pension provision etc. and the cost per meal served.

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

  Recruitment and Promotion Policy
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he has implemented to ensure that recruitment and promotion policy in his Department does not directly or indirectly discriminate against applicants who were mature students or women returning to work following a career break due to child care.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The MOD, in common with other Government Departments, is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants for recruitment, and candidates for promotion, are considered wholly on their merits and on an equal basis. The instructions and training given to those in the MOD who are responsible for recruitment and promotion specifically cover the need to avoid discrimination, whether direct or indirect, including discrimination in the circumstances referred to in the question.

  RAF (Reserve Forces)
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in attempts to make greater use of reserve forces in the Royal Air Force.

  Mr. Freeman
  Trials to evaluate the potential use of Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve aircrew have recently been concluded. The trials have shown that while it is not possible to replace regular crew members on RAF VC10s by means of reservists and the trial is being terminated, there is some scope for Volunteer Reserve air electronics
  582
  operators to augment the Nimrod maritime reconnaissance force in time of tension and war. Accordingly, the possibility of developing and expanding this capability is being examined. In addition, a further trial has recently been set in hand to assess the feasibility of using some test pilots and navigators from the commercial sector in a reserve role to provide front-line aircrew in war.

  In the case of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, a trial has been carried out to establish the feasibility of recruiting and retaining a dedicated support force (the RAuxAF Support Force). The force adds to our ground defence capability, thus relieving regular uniformed personnel of diversionary tasks. The trial was a considerable success and attracted its full quota of 350 volunteers. We are hoping to build further upon this promising foundation.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the use of landfill sites for the disposal of military radioactive waste; what use has been made of this technique in the past; what steps are taken to ensure that no environmental contamination takes place; and what measurements have been made of the actual level of contamination.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Ministry of Defence believes that shallow land burial is an appropriate and safe method of disposing of its low-level radioactive waste. It is the normal method for disposal of low-level radioactive waste, which arises from a variety of sources including hospitals and industry.

  All disposals are measured and recorded. Regular monitoring of the disposal sites and surrounding area is carried out by the appropriate agencies to ensure that no harm to the local population or the environment occurs from past disposals.

  Dartmoor (Mock Battles)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to put advance notices in the local press and in post offices, similar to those warnings given on live firing days, when mock battles using blank ammunition, flares, explosions and thunder flashes are planned by his Department on Dartmoor.

  Mr. Freeman
  The advance notification on live firing on Dartmoor range is intended to warn the public of the closure of these areas for safety reasons and is a
  583
  requirement under the byelaws. Training or range areas are not closed when the training taking place involves no live firing as this does not constitute a danger to the public; there is, therefore, no need to give advance notice to the public of this form of training.

  RNADs Milford Haven and Trecwn
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will meet representatives of the work force of Milford Haven and Trecwn RNADs before 30 September to discuss the consultative document "The Future of RNADs Milford Haven and Trecwn" issued on 25 July.

  Mr. Freeman
  Yes.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when it was originally intended to issue the report on the future of RNADs Milford Haven and Trecwn.

  Mr. Freeman
  No specific date was fixed for the publication of the consultative document. It was issued as soon as the relevant Ministry of Defence departments had considered all aspects of this complex question, and the Welsh Office had been consulted.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the main features of the normal rules for order of redundancy referred to in paragraph 11 of the consultative document on the future of the royal naval arms depots at Milford Haven and Trecwn.

  Mr. Freeman
  Redundancy procedures would be implemented only if a final decision to close Milford Haven is taken after completion of the consultative process and it was not possible to offer alternative jobs within the MOD. However, the normal rules for redundancy can be summarised as follows:

  Selection of employees for redundancy

  1. The head of establishment will select the employees to be declared redundant from these categories and in this order:

  a. VOLUNTEERS. Those aged 57 to 60 years being given preference.

  b. EMPLOYEES AGED 65 AND OVER

  1. The oldest should normally be declared redundant first.

  2. In industrial grades from which there is in line promotion, eg to chargehand, certain stores grades etc., employees in the higher grade aged 65 or over will be declared redundant before those in the lower grade under 65, despite the absence of redundancy in the higher grade, provided that there are employees in the lower grade suitable for promotion.

  c. DILUTEES. Where the redundancy occurs in a craft grade, dilutees employed in the craft concerned will be declared redundant before fully qualified craftsmen.

  d. EMPLOYEES OVER THE MINIMUM RETIREMENT AGE. Provided the correct inefficiency or ill health procedures have been followed, and there has been no subsequent improvement, the head of establishment may call on industrial employees over the minimum retirement age (60 in most cases) to retire if on account of health or reduced ability they are no longer capable of carrying out the full duties of their grade.

  e. OTHER EMPLOYEES. If the number of employees under sub-paragraphs a to d is insufficient to resolve the redundancy, the head of establishment will select other employees to make up the required number. In doing so, while having regard to the efficiency of the establishment, and therefore, to the general proficiency and reliability of individual employees, and their suitability for other work, he will adhere as closely as possible to the order determined by the length of service, that is, reverse order of seniority.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list by age, sex and length of service the 584
  total number of staff in each category E grade employed at royal naval arms depots (a) Milford Haven and (b) Trecwn.

  Mr. Freeman
  I will write to my hon. Friend with the information requested.

  Apprentice Training School (RNAD Milford Haven)
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had or he intends to have with the Training Commission and other interested parties concerning the apprentice training school at RNAD Milford Haven.

  Mr. Freeman
  None. There are no plans to close the apprentice training school at present.

  RNAD Milford Haven
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many industrial or commercial companies have made representations to him concerning their possible purchase or use of the site of royal naval arms depot Milford Haven.

  Mr. Freeman
  There has been one inquiry of which my hon. Friend will already be aware.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give his estimate of the cost of(a) removing the explosive impregnation from the site of royal naval arms depot Milford and (b) of removing all existing buildings from the site in order that it might be available for industrial or commercial use.

  Mr. Freeman
  The estimated cost of(a) certifying RNAD Milford Haven free from explosives is estimated at between £500,000 and £1 million and (b) no estimate of the cost of removing all existing buildings has been made, nor is one considered necessary at this stage, as the future of the site has still to be decided.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what other defence uses for the Milford Haven royal naval arms depot have been considered.

  Mr. Freeman
  There is no naval requirement for RNAD Milford Haven. The Army and Royal Air Force have no present need of extra storage space and no other defence uses have been identified, as yet, which are considered to be feasible.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what non-defence uses by other Departments for the Milford Haven royal naval arms depot have been invited and considered.

  Mr. Freeman
  It would be inappropriate at this stage to invite other Government Departments to consider alternative uses for the RNAD Milford Haven site. If no futher use is found for it, our normal practice would be to offer the site for sale on the open market. I will ensure that there is full consultation with the Welsh Office and public authorities.

  Borders Tactical Training Area
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the percentage increase in the size of the Borders tactical training area represented by the recent expansion of this area;
  585
  (2) on what date the military low-flying management group recommended the recent extension of the Borders tactical training area;

  (3) what increase is planned in the number of military training flights authorised to fly at less than 250 ft above the ground in the Borders tactical training area;

  (4) if he will make a statement on the extension of the Borders tactical training area;

  (5) what population density threshold was used in determining the new boundaries of the Borders tactical training area;

  (6) what types of low-level training at less than 250 ft altitude, other than work-up training for exercises in the United States of America and Canada, are conducted in the Borders tactical training area;

  (7) how long it takes in terms of (a) years and (b) the cumulative number of low-flying sorties, for the training value obtained from extending low-flying into new, unfamiliar territory to decline to a level at which it ceases to be operationally valuable;

  (8) what are the specified standards which a Royal Air Force pilot must achieve before being permitted to fly at less than 250 ft;

  (9) what changes have taken place since 1979 in the amount of operational low-flying training at less than 250 ft which is calculated to be the minimum operationally necessary;

  (10)if he will list the changes to the boundaries of the Borders tactical training area since 1979, specifying the geographical location and date of any changes;

  (11) if he will list the planned periods of operational low-flying training to be conducted in the Borders tactical training area up to the end of 1988;

  (12) what proportion of low flying at less than 250 ft in the Borders tactical training area is conducted between the hours of (a) 7 am and 7 pm (b) 7 pm and 11 pm and (c) 11 pm and 7 am; and what changes are planned in these proportions;

  (13) if he will list the major accidents to Royal Air Force aircraft since 1979 which occurred during flights authorised to fly at less than 250 ft.

  (14) if he will publish statistics indicating the rate of accidents to Royal Air Force aircraft flying at less than 250 ft;

  (15) how many complaints have been received in each year since 1979 about low flying by aircraft authorised to fly at less than 250 ft.

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

  Low Flying
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what geographical area, expressed(a) by county and (b) by parliamentary constituency, is covered by low flying area 17.

  Mr. Freeman
  Low flying area 17 covers(a) parts of the counties of Cumbria, Durham, Iancashire and North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire and (b) the parliamentary constituencies of Barrow and Furness, Workington, Carlisle, Copeland, Westmorland and Lonsdale, and Morecambe and Lunesdale, and parts of the parliamentary constituencies of Penrith and The Border, Durham,
  586
  North-West, Bishop Auckland, Sedgefield, Darlington, Richmond, Yorks, Skipton and Ripon, Keighley, Pendle, Ribble Valley, Iancaster and Wyre.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what geographical area, expressed(a) by county and (b) by parliamentary constituency, is covered by low flying area 18.

  Mr. Freeman
  Low flying area 18 covers(a) the Isle of Wight and parts of the counties of Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex, Dorset, and Hampshire and (b) the parliamentary constituencies of Thanet, North, Thanet, South, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Ashford, Hastings and Rye, Bexhill and Battle, Eastbourne, Lewes, Brighton, Kemptown, Brighton, Pavilion, Hove, Shoreharn, Worthing, Arundel, Isle of Wight, Bournemouth, West, Bournemouth, East, Christchurch, Southampton, Test, Southampton, Itchen, Eastleigh, Gosport, Portsmouth, South, Portsmouth, North and Havant and parts of the parliamentary constituencies of Faversham, Mid-Kent, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Wealden, Mid-Sussex, Crawley, Horsham, Chichester, Hampshire, East, Fareham, Winchester, Romsey and Waterside, New Forest, Dorset, North and Poole.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the: Secretary of State for Defence what geographical area, expressed(a) by county or region and (b) by parliamentary constituency, is covered by low flying area 15.

  Mr. Freeman
  There is currently no low flying area 15 in the United Kingdom low flying system.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what geographical area, expressed(a) by county or region and (b) by parliamentary constituency is covered by low flying area 13.

  Mr. Freeman
  Low flying area 13 covers(a) parts of the counties of Borders, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, Durham and Northumberland and (b) parts of the parliamentary consitituencies of Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Hexham, Durham, North-West, Penrith and The Border, and Dumfries.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what geographical area, expressed(a) by county and (b) by parliamentary constituency, is covered by low flying area 9.

  Mr. Freeman
  Low flying area 9 covers(a) part of the counties of Shropshire and Staffordshire and (b) parts of the parliamentary constituencies of Shropshire, North, Wrexham, Stafford, The Wrekin, Ludlow, Shrewsbury and Atcham, and Montgomery.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the number and dates of accidents since 1979 involving aircraft training in the United Kingdom low-flying system;

  (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that no aircraft or aircrew of any foreign country will be allowed to train in the extended United Kingdom low-flying system area announced on 9 June.

  Mr. Freeman
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
  587
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what increase is planned in the number of night low-level training sorties over the United Kingdom as a result of the operational deployment of the Royal Air Force's thermal imaging and laser designator pod.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 5 May 1988]: I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the requirement for an advanced airborne laser designating pod. No decision has yet been made regarding the purchase of such a system which, if procured, is unlikely to be in service before the end of the decade, when it would be only one of a number of electro-optical devices. As such, its introduction would be unlikely to have a significant effect on the night flying requirement.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating in the Otterburn danger areas, D512 and D512A;

  (2) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating in the Spadeadam danger areas, D510;

  (3) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating in the Garelochhead danger areas, D601;

  (4) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating over the landward portion of the danger area known as D119;

  (5) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating over the landward portion of the South Uist danger area, D 701;

  (6) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating over the landward portion of the Lydd danger area, D 044;

  (7) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating over the landward portion of the Eastney danger area, D 035;

  (8) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating over the landward portion of the Bhzhearty danger area, D 708;

  (9) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating over the landward portion of the Loch Ryan danger area, D 402;

  (10) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating in the Porton danger area, D 127;

  (11) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating in (a) the Warcop danger area, D 407, (b) the Catterick danger areas, D 408A, D 409A and D 409B, (c) the Stanford danger area, D 208, (d) the Ferrybridge danger area, D 203, (e) the Pontrilas danger area, D 147, (f) the Pembrey danger area, D 118, (g) the landward portion of the Cowden danger area, D 307, (h) the landward portion of the Donna Nook danger area, D 307, (i) the landward portion of the Wainfleet danger area, D 306, (j) the landward portion of the Holbeach danger area, D 207, and (k) the Dartmoor danger area, D 011;

  (12) what is the minimum permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating over the landward portion of the Luce bay danger area, D 403.

  Mr. Freeman
  The permitted height for fixed-wing military aircraft operating over ranges and danger areas varies according to the aircraft involved, the training being undertaken, the prevailing climatic conditions and 588
  whether activity is by day or by night. In general, aircraft may transit such areas at 250 ft minimum separation distance (msd) when a range or danger area has not been activated or, where it has been activated, with the prior approval of the danger area co-ordinating authority. Over certain ranges, service aircraft may descent to 100 ft msd during their final approach to target. Royal Air Force Harriers may descend to 85 ft msd. In exceptional circumstances and where specifically authorised, certain Royal Navy aircraft operating in danger areas and ranges may descent to 50 ft msd. Aircraft conducting trials under Procurement Executive auspices do so to meet trial aims; in each case the minimum permitted height is determined by safety considerations.

  Body Searches
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance has been issued to Ministry of Defence police concerning the compatibility of body searches of the type applied to Ms. Mann-Cairns at RAF Greenham common with the relevant provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw) on 27 July 1988.

  World War 2 (Records)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take immediate steps to declassify records relating to the prisoners held by the Japanese at Mukden during world war 2; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Documents relating to the prisoners held at Mukden during world war 2 are public records. Their status has been determined in accordance with the requirements of the Public Record Acts and there is no reason to change this.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent by his Department in each of the past five years on the evaluation of departmental programmes; and what proportion this constitutes of (a) the amount allocated for evaluation and(b) the Department's total budget.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Department gives careful evaluation to its programmes at every stage of the procurement process. This evaluation is part of the normal responsibilities of project managers and other MOD staff. The costs of this activity are included in the Department's overall running costs, but cannot be identified in the way requested.

  Correspondence
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the hon. Member for Taunton can expect a reply to his letter of 22 March, enclosing letters from Taunton United Nations Association and West Somerset CND, about statements and developments on NATO nuclear rearmament.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I am afraid that we have no record of having received the letter to which my hon.
  589
  Friend refers. However, if my hon. Friend would send a further copy of the correspondence to which he refers, we will, of course, provide a reply as soon as possible.

  British Forces Overseas (Rates)
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a table showing the total amount by receiving state of payments made by Her Majesty's Government to them in lieu of rates, or their equivalent, and direct payments for services provided for British service men; if such payments are made to central Government of the receiving states or the respective local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 14 July 1988]: Her Majesty's Government make the following payments for services provided for British service men to central Government or their respective local authorities:

  £

  Belize

  Water and drainage

  8,190

  Kenya

  Water and drainage

  2,817

  Canada

  Refuse collection

  173

  Education Services

  272,720

  Environmental Services

  7,573

  Water and drainage

  121,747

  Norway

  Water and drainage

  148

  Refuse collection

  19,650

  Denmark

  Water and drainage

  195

  Refuse collection

  4,000

  Turkey

  Water and drainage

  700

  Refuse collection

  938

TRANSPORT

  Tractors
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the percentage change in first quarter tractor registrations for each United Kingdom region.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information requested is as follows:

  New registrations of tractors1 1st Quarter 1988 compared to 1st Quarter 1987.

  Percentage increase

  North

  56

  Yorks and Humberside

  16

  East Midlands

  8

  East Anglia

  -16

  South East

  8

  South West

  14

  West Midlands

  21

  North West

  52

  Wales

  80

  Scotland

  13

  Northern Ireland2

  36

  1 Agricultural machines, including agricultural tractors, fishermen's tractors, tractors, agricultural engines and locomotive ploughing engines.

  2 Agricultural machines, but also including digging machines, mobile cranes, works' trucks, mowing machines and showmen's and general haulage vehicles.

  Cross-Channel Traffic
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, further to his reply of 20 May concerning the 1973 forecasts for cross-Channel traffic, he will add the actual figures for 1980 and the latest forecast for 1990 and the year in which the tunnel is due to be completed; and who is responsible for ensuring that the fares charged by the cross-Channel ferries for passengers and accompanied vehicles are not fixed collusively.

  Mr. Portillo
  The actual figures for 1980, comparable with those given earlier for 1986 and which correspond as closely as possible to the 1973 forecast categories, are as follows:

  Shipping Services

  1980 Pasiengers

  (millions)

  Accompanied vehicle passengers

  9·0

  Other passengers

  7·7

  Air Services

  22·5

  Total Passengers

  39·2

  Roll-on/Roll-off and Container Traffic

  115·4

  1 million tonnes

  Regarding current forecasts for future years, I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 18 May, at column 460, to my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Adley).

  The tunnel is due to be completed in 1993. The Director General of Fair Trading is responsible for monitoring undertakings given by ferry companies. Any allegations of collusive pricing would be a matter for him to consider under the competition legislation.

  M40 Extension
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress on continuation of the M40 extension.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The two contracts on the Warwick section started last year and are well under way. Completion is expected in summer 1989. Three of the contracts on the Banbury section have now been let. Tenders for the remaining one, and also for the Gaydon section contract, are due to be returned on 5 August. We expect the whole of the Banbury section and the Gaydon section to be open to traffic: by autumn 1990.

  Revised proposals for the Waterstock to Wendlebury section, north-east of Oxford were considered at a public inquiry which ended earlier this year. The inspector's report is awaited.

  EC Transport Ministers
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met his counterparts from the other European Community states; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last attended the EEC Council of Transport Ministers; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. Portillo
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not met his European counterparts since the EC Transport Council on 20 and 21 June. I have therefore nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for Eltham (Mr. Bottomley) on Monday 4 July, at column 488.

  Community Bus Schemes (Cornwall)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding community bus schemes in Cornwall; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  None since May 1987. Community bus schemes are nourishing in Cornwall. Eight of them receive support from the rural transport development fund.

  Air Traffic Control
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to privatise air traffic control.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  It is for the airport operator to decide who provides airport navigation services at a particular airport. At some airports these services are already provided by private sector suppliers. There are no plans to privatise en route air traffic control services.

  Channel Tunnel (Rail Links)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the chairman of British Rail to discuss rail links to the north of England and Scotland from the Channel tunnel.

  Mr. Portillo
  Neither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State nor my predecessor as Minister of State have discussed this specific subject with the chairman recently, but they have discussed the pattern of Channel tunnel rail services in general terms with him from time to time. Under section 40 of the Channel Tunnel Act, British Rail is required to publish by the end of 1989 a plan setting out its proposals for services through the Channel tunnel. It is are currently consulting interested parties.

  London Transport (Fares)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding fare levels on public transport in London.

  Mr. Portillo
  I receive representations on fare levels from time to time but the level and distribution of fares is a matter for the public transport operators.

  Aviation Fatal Accidents
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the inquiry set up by the civil aviation authority into the increase in general aviation fatal accidents in 1987 to be completed; and whether any preliminary conclusions have been reached.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The investigation has been completed. The authority hopes to publish the report within the next few weeks. In the meantime the hon. Member might like to refer to the Official Report, 31 March 1988 at columns 1289–93.

  Heavy Lorries (PAC Report)
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to be in a position to announce what action he intends to take on the Public Accounts Committee's report on the regulation of heavy lorries.
  592
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I refer my hon. Friend to Cm. 367—the Public Accounts Committee's eighteenth report on the regulation of heavy lorries.

  M6 (Congestion)
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the causes of the congestion and delays on the northbound carriageway of the M6 between junctions 6 and 23 on the afternoon of 8 July.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Traffic flows were heavy on the M6 that day. The major maintenance work under way between junctions 6 and 7, and essential resurfacing and bridge works between junctions 16 and 17 and junctions 21 and 23, all of which involved contraflow working, will have exacerbated the congestion.

  East Coast Ports
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will publish tables showing the number of vessels using English east coast ports over the past 18 months; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  The numbers of ship arrivals in 1987, compiled from Lloyd's of London shipping data, are in the table. No figures are available yet for 1988.

  Number

  North East

  Blyth

  454

  Tyne

  1,441

  Sunderland

  528

  Tees and Hartlepool

  4,889

  Other North East ports

  854

  Humber

  Hull

  3,032

  Goole

  1,267

  Ouse wharves

  1,097

  Trent wharves

  2,349

  Humber wharves

  1,271

  Immingham

  3,975

  Grimsby

  721

  Haven

  Felixstowe

  5,355

  Ipswich

  1,981

  Harwich

  2,452

  Other ports

  374

  Thames and Kent

  Colchester

  1,084

  London

  111,500

  Medway

  3,546

  Ramsgate

  2,250

  Dover

  22,112

  Folkestone

  2,076

  Other ports

  489

  Wash and North East Anglia

  Boston

  1,091

  King's Lynn

  1,045

  Great Yarmouth

  1,590

  Other ports

  1,141

  All East Coast ports

  79,964

  1 Provisional.

  Central London Rail Study
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is(a) the earliest and (b) the latest date by which the central London rail study will be (i) completed and (ii) published.

  Mr. Portillo
  I hope to be able to announce the findings of the central London rail study before the end of the year.

  Monorails
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department has on the number of monorails in use in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no direct responsibility for monorail systems. As far as we are aware, the only systems currently in use are in amusement parks and similar locations.

  Seat Belts
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current front seat belt wearing rate; and what were the figures for each month since January 1983.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The latest survey for which results are available is October 1987. The table shows the seat belt wearing rates for front-seat drivers and passengers for each survey since January 1983:

  Counting month

  Percentage wearing rates

  Drivers

  Passengers

  1983

  January

  53

  54

  February

  93

  93

  March

  94

  95

  April

  95

  95

  May

  95

  95

  June

  94

  95

  July

  94

  95

  August

  95

  96

  September

  95

  96

  October

  95

  94

  November

  94

  96

  December

  95

  96

  1984

  January

  95

  96

  February

  95

  95

  March

  95

  96

  April

  95

  96

  May

  95

  95

  June

  95

  96

  August

  94

  95

  October

  94

  96

  December

  95

  96

  1985

  February

  95

  96

  April

  93

  94

  June

  94

  95

  August

  94

  95

  October

  93

  94

  December

  94

  95

  1986

  April

  94

  94

  October

  94

  94

  1987

  April

  94

  95

  October

  94

  94

  594
  These rates are thought to be the highest in the world.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations he has received supporting the introduction of the compulsory wearing of rear seat belts by adults; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what is his Department's policy on the wearing of rear seat belts by adults; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if he has any plans to review the operation of section 33A of the Road Traffic Act 1972; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) what estimate his Department has of the effect on the rate of road accidents fatalities in the United Kingdom in 12 months if the wearing of rear seat belts were made compulsory; and if he will make a statement;

  (5) what evidence is available to his Department on the level and trend of voluntary use of rear seat belts either in the United Kingdom or abroad; and if he will make a statement;

  (6) how much he expects to spend during the years 1988 and 1989, respectively, in campaigns to encourage the voluntary wearing of rear seat belts;

  (7) what research his Department is currently undertaking on the effects of the compulsory wearing of front seat belts; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Seat belts save lives. The transport and road research laboratory and independent experts agree that the wearing of front seat belts saves at least 200 lives and prevents 7,000 serious injuries each year.

  We continue to monitor the usage and effects of front-seat belt wearing. The usage rate remains high at 95 per cent. This autumn we shall undertake a survey of seat belt use among rear-seat occupants.

  We have not received any recent representations supporting the introduction of compulsory wearing of rear-seat belts by adults, although responses to our road safety consultation paper "The Next Steps" generally supported the view that this should remain a goal for the longer term. Our current aim is to increase the voluntary use of rear restraints and their voluntary fitting in cars which do not already have them. We estimate that the wearing of rear-seat belts by adults could reduce deaths and serious injuries among rear seat adult passengers by at least 50 per cent.

  All new cars registered from April last year must be fitted with rear restraints. That should encourage their use. It will take some years before most cars are fitted with them. We therefore believe that it would be premature at this stage to consider making rear-seat belt wearing by adults compulsory.

  We will continue to take every opportunity to advise people to use seat belts. Over the next year some 27 million leaflets will be distributed with all vehicle excise licence reminders.

  A27 (Worthing)
  Mr. Higgins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library full details of the cost-benefit analysis carried out by the consultants he appointed to examine the future route of the A27 in the Worthing area.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Full details of the results of the economic analysis carried out by the consultants on each of their four favoured routes, using the Department of
  595
  Transport's 1986 cost-benefit analysis (COBA) computer programme, are contained in the consultants' report. A copy is now being placed in the Library.

  Mr. Higgins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what origin and destination surveys were carried out by the consultants he appointed to consider the future route of the A27 in the Worthing area.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  None. The consultants made use of traffic information surveys by West Sussex county council in 1978, 1982 and 1983, which included roadside interviews.

  Settle-Carlisle Line
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what requests he has made to the transport users consultative committees for Yorkshire and the north-west regarding public hearings into any hardship caused by the closure of the Settle to Carlisle section of British Rail; and if he will make a statement,

  Mr. Portillo
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has requested a supplementary report from the transport users consultative committees for north-eastern and north-western England under section 56(10) of the Transport Act 1962 to notify him of any changes in the use of the line which would lead them to modify their advice. It is for the committees to decide their own procedure for undertaking this task.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to what mileage of rail on the Settle to Carlisle section of British Rail is continuously welded flat-bottomed rail, as to its current value and as to what would be the replacement cost of either flat-bottomed or bull-head track of equivalent weight; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  This information is not available.

  Pavement Parking
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the responses to the discussion paper on pavement parking; what action he now proposes to take in respect of pavement parking; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Over 450 responses were received it would not be practicable to publish them. We shall announce the outcome of the review as soon as possible.

  Refrigerated Vehicles
  Mr. Irvine
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the expected effects of the recent European Community directive permitting an increase in the width of refrigerated vehicles to 2·6 m.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Thick-walled refrigerated vehicles operating between EC member states may be 2·6 m wide as from 1 January 1989. We are therefore circulating proposals to increase the permitted width of refrigerated vehicles in Britain. This will assist British operators who already use refrigerated vehicles complying with the maximum limit of 2·58 m currently allowed by the construction and use regulations. It will further help operators by allowing future vehicles to be built at 2·6 m wide.

  Direction Signs
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the outcome of his consultation on the report of the review of direction signs.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The results of that consultation have been considered in the context of the wider revision of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1981. These regulations cover not only directional signs, but a wide range of signs which play an essential part in promoting safety on our roads. All signing needs reviewing from time to time in the light of new traffic needs, road safety research and new technology.

  We intend to make a thorough overhaul of the current regulations with several purposes in mind. First, we need to implement the new arrangements for white on brown tourist signs, and certain other changes either proposed in the direction signs review or associated with our demonstration project at Guildford. Second, we need to make changes for road and rail safety reasons (in particular, in connection with signing on motorways, at low bridges and at level crossings). In addition, changes in signing are needed to cater for bus deregulation, to regularise changes already authorised by special procedure, to simplify certain signs (particularly for parking restrictions), to introduce greater flexibility in varying signs, and more generally to consolidate various amending regulations made since 1981.

  I am in touch with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales about the early issue of general consultation letters on the substance of all these changes. We shall be consulting local authority associations particularly on the financial implications of the proposals. When the comments received in response to this consultation have been considered, the intention is to circulate for more detailed comment a draft statutory instrument giving effect to the changes which it has been decided to make. Our target is to introduce the revised regulations by autumn 1989.

  A3 (Grayshott)
  Mr. Mates
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will publish details of the junction arrangements for access to Grayshott off the A3 at Hindhead following his recent announcement of the preferred route.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Full details will not be available until the detailed design has been completed. I will send my hon. Friend a plan giving an indication of what is currently envisaged.

  Institute of Motorcycling
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he proposes to take in the light of the information pack provided by the Institute of Motorcycling for callers to its freephone number, an example of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Yes, I congratulate the Institute of Motorcycling on the emphasis in its material on road safety and the encouragement given to new and young riders to take proper training. I recommend anyone thinking of taking up motor cycling to ring the IMC's Bikeline on 0800 400 483.

  Dim-dip Devices
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a further statement on the result of the recent European Court judgment with particular reference to the question of whether dim-dip devices should still be fitted to motor vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply of Tuesday 12 July, at columns 140–41.

  The requirement for all new cars to have dim-dip devices will be waived only where a vehicle fully meets the requirements of the EC vehicle lighting installation directive (76/756/EEC) and has a headlamp-levelling device.

  The object of both types of device is to cut road accidents by enabling the headlights to be used to make the vehicle fully visible without dangerous dazzle. This is particularly important in towns where the interaction between street lights and vehicle lights can create hazards, especially on wet roads.

  The advantage of the dim-dip system is that it is cheaper, always automatic rather than at the driver's discretion, and not dependent on the very precise initial setting for full effectiveness. I believe it will be in the interests of road safety, as well as to the advantage of manufacturers, car owners and other road users for all new cars to continue to be fitted with dim-dip devices.

  Unlike other countries we have not made it directly illegal to drive on side lights. It is better to have self-working dim-dip.

  We shall shortly be consulting in the usual way on the draft Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations to give effect to this judgment.

  Driving Instructors
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the effect of the current programme of check-testing of driving instructors on the register of approved driving instructors.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The object of the approval system is to ensure that driving instructors have the right skills to help their pupils learn to drive safely and with consideration. The rolling programme of check tests at the higher standard introduced in 1985 has revealed a significant number who fall below this standard. Instructors who cannot raise their performance are removed from the register. The programme of check tests over the next two years aims to cover all existing instructors.

  Motor Cycles
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which motor cycle manufacturing companies have approached him individually to discuss road and machine safety.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Norton, Triumph and BMW.

  Drinking and Driving
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will publish the results of the roadside surveys of drinking and driving conducted earlier in the current year.
  598
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  As soon as possible.

  Suzuki Four-wheel Drive Vehicles
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what information he has on the safety record of four-wheel drive vehicles manufactured by Suzuki;

  (2) what investigations have recently been conducted by his Department into the safety record of four-wheel drive vehicles manufactured by Suzuki;

  (3) if he has any plans to seek to prevent further sales of four-wheel drive vehicles manufactured by Suzuki;

  (4) if he has any plans to seek to obtain the recall of four-wheel drive vehicles manufactured by Suzuki.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  [holding answer 26 July 1988]: The Department is investigating allegations by the Consumers' Association that these vehicles are unstable under certain conditions. The question is being discussed with both Suzuki and the Consumers' Association. The Department is studying the test results available and seeking to establish whether (here is any unacceptable road safety risk.

  Horses and Riders
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent steps he has taken to remind other road users of the need to give due consideration to horses and riders on the public highway; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Advice to road users on the consideration needed when encountering horses on the roads is given in the Highway Code and the Department's "Driving" manual. Our TV filler, "Passing Horses," is shown once a week on average. Valuable current guidance is also issued by the British Horse Society and the AA, and we endorse this.

  The basic message is "slow down, allow plenty of room, and don't sound your horn or rev your engine."

  Second Severn Crossing
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his proposals for the second Severn crossing in the light of new estimates of(a) the capacity of the present bridge and (b) future traffic flows.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made to the House today.

  Social Science Research
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been spent by his Department in each of the 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 Bottomley
  The available information relates to gross expenditure on research and development including that performed elsewhere in central Government for research and development in total and for social science and humanities. On this basis the figures are in £ million pounded.
  599

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  £ million

  £ million

  £ million

  £million

  £ million

  Social science and humanities

  1·0

  1·0

  1·2

  2·4

  2·2

  Percentage of total Department of Transport expenditure (research and development plus social science and humanities)

  3·8 per cent.

  3·4 per cent.

  3·5 per cent.

  8·8 per cent.

  8·3 per cent.

  Social science and humanities within the Department of Transport

  0·4

  0·4

  0·5

  1·5

  1·6

  Social science and humanities within higher education institutions

  0·2

  0·2

  0·2

  0·2

  0·2

  Social science and humanities within industrial research associations and non-industrial research institutions

  0·0

  0·1

  0·0

  0·0

  0·1

  Zeros indicate less than £005 million.

  Road Accident Statistics
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the number of(a) drivers and (b) front seat passengers (i) killed and (ii) injured in motor vehicle accidents in each month since 1980.

  Drivers and front seat passengers of cars

  Killed and injured

  Great Britain 1980–1987

  Killed

  Injured

  Total

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  1980

  January

  115

  47

  7,065

  2,936

  7,180

  2,983

  February

  95

  35

  5,636

  2,543

  5,731

  2,578

  March

  92

  48

  6,607

  2,967

  6,699

  3,015

  April

  100

  39

  5,281

  2,669

  5,381

  2,708

  May

  95

  62

  5,958

  3,107

  6,053

  3,169

  June

  114

  64

  6,305

  3,177

  6,419

  3,241

  July

  102

  50

  6,436

  3,482

  6,538

  3,532

  August

  104

  75

  6,223

  3,569

  6,327

  3,644

  September

  132

  58

  6,298

  3,114

  6,430

  3,172

  October

  136

  47

  7,508

  3,520

  7,644

  3,567

  November

  117

  43

  7,379

  3,452

  7,496

  3,495

  December

  137

  69

  7,758

  3,497

  7,895

  3,566

  Total

  1,339

  637

  78,454

  38,033

  79,793

  38,670

  Killed

  Injured

  Total

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers i

  Front seat passengers

  1981

  January

  111

  45

  6,476

  2,890

  6,587

  2,935

  February

  106

  38

  5,982

  2,829

  6,088

  2,867

  March

  98

  48

  6,841

  3,187

  6,939

  3,235

  April

  84

  46

  5,810

  3,003

  5,894

  3,049

  May

  94

  52

  6,438

  3,358

  6,532

  3,410

  June

  105

  64

  5,794

  2,912

  5,899

  2,976

  July

  123

  56

  6,632

  3,436

  6,755

  3,492

  August

  109

  58

  5,929

  3,344

  6,038

  3,402

  September

  130

  51

  7,057

  3,545

  7,187

  3,596

  October

  153

  62

  7,963

  3,726

  8,116

  3,788

  November

  134

  49

  7,394

  3,254

  7,528

  3,303

  December

  99

  44

  7,417

  3,460

  7,516

  3,504

  Total

  1,346

  613

  79,733

  38,944

  81,079

  39,557

  Killed

  Injured

  Total

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  1982

  January

  115

  44

  6,355

  2,665

  6,470

  2,709

  February

  104

  54

  5,875

  2,567

  5,979

  2,621

  March

  131

  46

  6,507

  2,904

  6,638

  2,950

  April

  108

  56

  5,656

  2,825

  5,764

  2,881

  May

  103

  49

  6,304

  3,201

  6,407

  3,250

  June

  115

  46

  6,760

  3,375

  6,875

  3,421

  July

  122

  65

  6,225

  3,444

  6,347

  3,509

  600
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information requested is given in the tables. The data refer to car occupants as seating position is only identified for these vehicles.
  601

  Killed

  Injured

  Total

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  August

  122

  64

  6,855

  3,862

  6,977

  3,926

  September

  125

  47

  6,761

  3,435

  6,886

  3,482

  October

  137

  63

  7,787

  3,827

  7,924

  3,890

  November

  138

  51

  8,633

  3,786

  8,771

  3,837

  December

  152

  73

  9,073

  4,209

  9,225

  4,282

  Total

  1,472

  658

  82,791

  40,100

  84,263

  40,758

  Killed

  Injured

  Total

  Drivers

  Front seat passenger

  Drivers

  Front seat passenger

  Drivers

  Front seat passenger

  1983

  January

  120

  46

  6,427

  2,756

  6,547

  2,802

  February

  95

  31

  5,120

  1,958

  5,215

  1,989

  March

  100

  37

  5,807

  2,364

  5,907

  2,401

  April

  89

  30

  5,808

  2,669

  5,897

  2,699

  May

  82

  43

  5,882

  2,716

  5,964

  2,759

  June

  89

  32

  5,256

  2,446

  5,345

  2,478

  July

  60

  34

  5,680

  2,859

  5,740

  2,893

  August

  84

  48

  5,133

  2,592

  5,217

  2,640

  September

  113

  48

  6,399

  2,807

  6,512

  2,855

  October

  126

  49

  6,684

  3,136

  6,810

  3,185

  November

  122

  46

  6,544

  2,517

  6,666

  2,563

  December

  118

  36

  7,201

  2,844

  7,319

  2,880

  Total

  1,198

  480

  71,941

  31,664

  73,139

  32,144

  Killed

  Injured

  Total

  Drivers

  Front seat passenger

  Drivers

  Front seat passenger

  Drivers

  Front seal passenger

  1984

  January

  92

  30

  6,619

  2,523

  6,711

  2,553

  February

  86

  36

  5,651

  2,254

  5,737

  2,290

  March

  81

  40

  6,109

  2,495

  6,190

  2,535

  April

  84

  41

  5,408

  2,452

  5,492

  2,493

  May

  87

  51

  6,466

  2,895

  6,553

  2,946

  June

  92

  42

  6,050

  2,683

  6,142

  2,725

  July

  81

  45

  6,146

  2,970

  6,227

  3,015

  August

  96

  46

  5,911

  2,953

  6,007

  2,999

  September

  122

  55

  6,815

  3,075

  6,937

  3,130

  October

  122

  51

  7,691

  3,095

  7,813

  3,146

  November

  138

  56

  8,484

  3,294

  8,622

  3,350

  December

  156

  51

  8,343

  3,628

  8,499

  3,679

  Total

  1,237

  544

  79,693

  34.317

  80,930

  34,861

  Killed

  Injured

  Total

  Drivers

  Front seat passenger

  Drivers

  Front seat passenger

  Drivers

  Front seal passenger

  1984

  January

  104

  29

  6,374

  2,510

  6,478

  2,539

  February

  73

  37

  5,727

  2,248

  5,800

  2,285

  March

  86

  35

  6,770

  2,814

  6,856

  2,849

  April

  94

  38

  6,031

  2,756

  6,125

  2,794

  May

  91

  34

  6,370

  2,956

  6,451

  2,990

  June

  99

  29

  6,695

  3,080

  6,794

  3,118

  July

  108

  37

  6,904

  3,187

  7,012

  3,224

  August

  119

  53

  7,254

  3,733

  7,373

  3,786

  September

  112

  43

  6,533

  2,833

  6,645

  2,876

  October

  117

  37

  7,048

  2,894

  7,165

  2,931

  November

  133

  50

  9,350

  3,735

  9,483

  3,785

  December

  117

  37

  7,893

  3,347

  8,010

  3,384

  Total

  1,253

  45.9

  82,949

  36,102

  84,202

  36,561

  602 603

  Killed

  Injured

  Total

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  1986

  January

  98

  45

  7,383

  2,708

  7,481

  2,753

  February

  91

  29

  6,378

  2,378

  6,469

  2,407

  March

  102

  35

  7,305

  3,145

  7,407

  3,180

  April

  95

  29

  6,929

  2,770

  7,024

  2,799

  May

  116

  42

  7,471

  3,419

  7,587

  3,461

  June

  100

  37

  6,403

  2,820

  6,503

  2,857

  July

  105

  48

  7,157

  3,271

  7,262

  3,319

  August

  132

  52

  7,630

  3,715

  7,762

  3,767

  September

  101

  45

  6,391

  2,776

  6,492

  2,821

  October

  124

  52

  8,613

  3,469

  8,737

  3,521

  November

  148

  52

  8,966

  3,597

  9,114

  3,649

  December

  128

  48

  9,190

  3,556

  9,318

  3,604

  Total

  1,340

  514

  89,816

  37,624

  91,156

  38,138

  Killed

  Injured

  Total

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  Drivers

  Front seat passengers

  1987

  January

  78

  30

  5,952

  2,256

  6,030

  2,286

  February

  97

  33

  6,624

  2,401

  6,721

  2,434

  March

  84

  41

  7,300

  2,703

  7,384

  2,744

  April

  114

  38

  6,577

  2,799

  6,691

  2,837

  May

  114

  32

  7,314

  3,353

  7,428

  3,385

  June

  113

  52

  8,113

  3,224

  8,226

  3,276

  July

  125

  47

  7,584

  3,352

  7,709

  3,399

  August

  109

  53

  7,311

  3,736

  7,420

  3,789

  September

  106

  49

  7,610

  3,298

  7,716

  3,347

  October

  125

  38

  9,107

  3,613

  9,232

  3,651

  November

  140

  44

  8,574

  3,303

  8,714

  3,347

  December

  122

  34

  8,617

  3,333

  8,739

  3,367

  Total

  1,327

  491

  90,683

  37,371

  92,010

  37,862

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the number of rear seat passengers(a)killed and (b) injured in road accidents; and how many were restrained, in each month since 1980.

  Rear seat passenger casualties by severity, use of restraint and month:

  Great Britain: 1980

  Killed

  Injured

  Total1

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  January

  1

  14

  35

  1,199

  36

  1,213

  February

  —

  9

  32

  1,089

  32

  1,098

  March

  —

  16

  21

  1,318

  21

  1,334

  April

  —

  13

  29

  1,223

  29

  1,236

  May

  1

  24

  32

  1,617

  33

  1,641

  June

  —

  19

  36

  1,497

  36

  1,516

  July

  —

  21

  47

  1,691

  47

  1,712

  August

  1

  15

  54

  2,012

  55

  2,027

  September

  —

  25

  26

  1,462

  26

  1,487

  October

  —

  20

  38

  1,407

  38

  1,427

  November

  —

  21

  36

  1,440

  36

  1,461

  December

  —

  14

  22

  1,535

  22

  1,549

  Total

  3

  211

  408

  17,490

  411

  17,701

  1 Excluding restraint usage unknown.

  Rear seat passenger casualties by severity, use of restraint and month:

  Great Britain: 1981

  Killed

  Injured

  Total1

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  January

  1

  15

  32

  1,125

  33

  1,140

  February

  1

  10

  25

  1,160

  26

  1,170

  March

  —

  22

  22

  1,273

  22

  1,295

  April

  —

  17

  33

  1,493

  33

  1,510

  May

  —

  17

  49

  1,635

  49

  1,652

  June

  —

  26

  44

  1,439

  44

  1,465

  604
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information requested is given in the tables. The data refer to car occupants as seating position is only identified for these vehicles.
  605

  Killed

  Injured

  Total1

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  July

  —

  22

  56

  1,793

  56

  1,815

  August

  —

  23

  48

  1,949

  48

  1,972

  September

  —

  32

  55

  1,587

  55

  1,619

  October

  —

  26

  35

  1,790

  35

  1,816

  November

  1

  22

  37

  1,426

  38

  1,448

  December

  15

  53

  1,375

  53

  1,390

  TOTAL

  3

  247

  489

  18,045

  492

  18,292

  1 Excluding restraint usage unknown.

  Rear seat passenger casualties by severity, use of restraint and month:

  Great Britain: 1982

  Killed

  Injured

  Total1

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  January

  —

  9

  46

  1,030

  46

  1,039

  February

  —

  19

  49

  1,141

  49

  1,160

  March

  1

  21

  44

  1,262

  45

  1,283

  April

  —

  16

  38

  1,367

  38

  1,383

  May

  3

  21

  62

  1,580

  65

  1,601

  June

  1

  23

  65

  1,581

  66

  1,604

  July

  —

  27

  65

  1,688

  65

  1,715

  August

  2

  27

  78

  2,083

  80

  2,110

  September

  —

  24

  71

  1,539

  71

  1,563

  October

  1

  21

  58

  1,703

  59

  1,724

  November

  —

  22

  65

  1,502

  65

  1,524

  December

  —

  9

  49

  1,635

  49

  1,644

  Total

  8

  239

  690

  18,111

  698

  18,350

  1 Excluding restraint usage unknown.

  Rear seat passenger casualties by severity, use of restraint and month: Great Britain: 1983

  Killed

  Injured

  Total1

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  January

  —

  10

  49

  1,204

  49

  1,214

  February

  —

  13

  123

  1,034

  123

  1,047

  March

  1

  21

  92

  1,324

  93

  1,345

  April

  —

  27

  144

  1,677

  144

  1,704

  May

  —

  24

  131

  1,826

  131

  1,850

  June

  —

  19

  103

  1,544

  103

  1,563

  July

  1

  30

  140

  1,992

  141

  2,022

  August

  —

  20

  109

  1,910

  109

  1,930

  September

  —

  32

  129

  1,810

  129

  1,842

  October

  2

  29

  122

  1,946

  124

  1,975

  November

  5

  26

  85

  1,438

  90

  1,464

  December

  1

  26

  109

  1,666

  110

  1,692

  Total

  10

  277

  1,336

  19,371

  1,346

  19,648

  1Excluding restraint usage unknown.

  Rear seat passenger casualties by severity, use of restraint and month: Great Britain: 1984

  Killed

  Injured

  Totall

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  January

  —

  21

  80

  1,367

  80

  1,388

  February

  —

  16

  85

  1,284

  85

  1,300

  March

  —

  17

  77

  1,469

  77

  1,486

  April

  1

  19

  116

  1,621

  117

  1,640

  May

  1

  20

  101

  1,851

  102

  1,871

  June

  2

  31

  137

  1,824

  139

  1,855

  July

  1

  28

  127

  2,069

  128

  2,097

  August

  1

  39

  125

  2,083

  126

  2,122

  September

  2

  33

  112

  1,831

  114

  1,864

  October

  —

  26

  114

  1,809

  114

  1,835

  November

  —

  19

  146

  2,003

  146

  2,022

  December

  2

  33

  154

  2,022

  156

  2,055

  Total

  10

  302

  1,374

  21,233

  1,384

  21,535

  1Excluding restraint usage unknown.

  606 607

  Rear seat passenger casualties by seventy, use of restraint and month: Great Britain: 1985

  Killed

  Injured

  Total1

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  January

  —

  13

  107

  1,308

  107

  1,321

  February

  —

  22

  85

  1,365

  85

  1,387

  March

  —

  22

  84

  1,629

  84

  1,651

  April

  1

  22

  111

  1,853

  112

  1,875

  May

  3

  27

  125

  1,822

  128

  1,849

  June

  1

  24

  126

  1,793

  127

  1,817

  July

  2

  30

  140

  2,255

  142

  2,285

  August

  1

  33

  162

  2,509

  163

  2,542

  September

  —

  26

  120

  1,,729

  120

  1,755

  October

  1

  12

  104

  1,693

  105

  1,705

  November

  —

  23

  128

  2,038

  128

  2,061

  December

  2

  14

  116

  1,893

  118

  1,907

  Total

  11

  268

  1,408

  21,887

  1,419

  22,155

  1Excluding restraint usage unknown.

  Rear seat passenger casualties by severity, use of restraint and month:

  Great Britain: 1986

  Killed

  Injured

  Total1

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  January

  —

  24

  131

  1,427

  131

  1,451

  February

  —

  12

  109

  1,154

  109

  1,166

  March

  3

  29

  125

  1,898

  128

  1,927

  April

  1

  16

  132

  1,507

  133

  1,523

  May

  3

  32

  188

  2,084

  191

  2,116

  June

  1

  25

  179

  1,643

  180

  1,668

  July

  1

  19

  199

  2,022

  200

  2,041

  August

  —

  26

  203

  2,435

  203

  2,461

  September

  3

  24

  156

  1,517

  159

  1,541

  October

  —

  25

  170

  1,964

  170

  1,989

  November

  2

  29

  178

  2,025

  180

  2,054

  December

  —

  17

  190

  1,897

  190

  1,914

  Total

  14

  278

  1,960

  21,573

  1,974

  21,851

  1Excluding restraint usage unknown

  Rear seat passenger casualties by severity, use of restraint and month:

  Great Britain: 1987

  Killed

  Injured

  Total1

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  Restrained

  Not restrained

  January

  2

  16

  106

  1,154

  108

  1,170

  February

  1

  14

  138

  1,216

  139

  1,230

  March

  —

  10

  154

  1,374

  154

  1,384

  April

  1

  26

  200

  1,544

  201

  1,570

  May

  —

  17

  189

  1,825

  189

  1,842

  June

  3

  20

  219

  1,664

  222

  1,684

  July

  3

  24

  233

  2,025

  236

  2,049

  August

  2

  26

  287

  2,226

  289

  2,252

  September

  1

  29

  240

  1,687

  241

  1,716

  October

  1

  19

  269

  1,869

  270

  1,888

  November

  1

  16

  183

  1,560

  184

  1,576

  December

  3

  25

  267

  1,668

  270

  1,693

  Total

  18

  242

  2,485

  19,812

  2,503

  20,054

  1Excluding restraint usage unknown

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the proportion of rear seat passengers, who are killed on being thrown clear of their vehicles in an accident.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Provisional figures for 1987 show that of 164,396 casualties in cars and light vans, 26,810, or 16 per cent, were rear seat occupants. Of these, 2,486 were wearing a safety restraint.

  Information is not collected on a national basis on occupants thrown from the vehicle in which they were travelling. In-depth crash injury studies have been taking place in selected areas since January 1984 in which a
  608
  sample of accidents involving cars less than six years old is selected for investigation. Of a total of 6,201 cars in 2,342 accidents of all severities, there were 790 rear seat occupants, of which 593 were casualties. Of these, 37 (5 per cent.) died of their injuries, three of them being partially ejected and a further nine completely ejected.

  Cars (Child Safety Restraints)
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Government are considering any cash incentives for the purchase of car safety seats, with a view to encouraging their take-up; and if he will make a statement.
  609
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No. People who can afford a car can afford either to buy the child restraints necessary to carry their children safely, or to take advantage of one of the many loan schemes now operating.

  More important is the question of information and publicity. The Child Accident Prevention Trust recently published an excellent report, "The Safety of Children in Cars". We are discussing with the CAPT how to take forward its recommendations on increasing the use of child restraints by voluntary means.

  Tolls
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to announce the abolition of tolls on(a) the Severn bridge and (b)other estuarial crossings.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No.

  Motorways
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of new motorway were completed in each of the last five years; and at what cost.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information is as follows:

  Length of new motorway completed (miles)

  Cost (£ million)

  1983–84

  49·4

  357·1

  1984–85

  14·1

  92·3

  1985–86

  54·3

  328·1

  1986–87

  29·5

  219·0

  No new motorway was completed in 1987–88; 43·6 miles are currently under construction at a cost of £237·9 million.

  Motorway (Accidents)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) fatal and (b) non-fatal accidents occurred on each motorway for each of the last five years; and if he will express the figures as a percentage of the total number of road accidents for those years.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information required is given in the following tables. The data for 1987 are provisional. They are not expected to change.

  Accidents on individual motorways: by severity: GB 1983–1987

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  All

  Percentage of all road accidents

  1983

  M1

  30

  796

  826

  0·34

  M2

  2

  81

  83

  0·03

  M3

  4

  85

  89

  0·04

  M4

  25

  581

  606

  0·25

  M5

  14

  283

  297

  0·12

  M6

  30

  562

  592

  0·24

  M7

  0

  0

  0

  0·00

  M8

  8

  138

  146

  0·06

  M9

  0

  27

  27

  0·01

  M10

  1

  7

  8

  0·00

  M11

  4

  83

  87

  0·04

  M18

  0

  21

  21

  0·01

  M20

  3

  53

  56

  0·02

  M23

  0

  32

  32

  0·01

  610

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  All

  Percentage of all road accidents

  M25

  3

  91

  94

  0·04

  M26

  2

  2

  4

  0·00

  M27

  1

  31

  32

  0·01

  M40

  0

  51

  51

  0·02

  M42

  0

  7

  7

  0·00

  M45

  0

  5

  5

  0·00

  M50

  0

  12

  12

  0·00

  M53

  2

  25

  27

  0·01

  M54

  1

  0

  1

  0·00

  M55

  0

  13

  13

  0·01

  M56

  3

  72

  75

  0·03

  M57

  1

  30

  31

  0·01

  M58

  0

  29

  29

  0·01

  M61

  1

  46

  47

  0·02

  M62

  10

  237

  247

  0·10

  M63

  0

  50

  50

  0·02

  M65

  0

  0

  0

  0·00

  M66

  0

  17

  17

  0·01

  M69

  0

  15

  15

  0·01

  M73

  0

  6

  6

  0·00

  M74

  1

  18

  19

  0·01

  M80

  2

  6

  8

  0·00

  M90

  0

  28

  28

  0·01

  M180

  0

  15

  15

  0·01

  M181

  0

  0

  0

  0·00

  M271

  0

  10

  10

  0·00

  M275

  0

  11

  11

  0·00

  M876

  1

  7

  8

  0·00

  Rest

  3

  122

  125

  0·05

  All

  152

  3,705

  3,857

  1·59

  Accidents on individual motorways: by severity: GB 1983–1987

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  All

  Percentage of all road accidents

  1984

  M1

  33

  868

  901

  0·36

  M2

  9

  81

  90

  0·04

  M3

  2

  112

  114

  0·05

  M4

  17

  623

  640

  0·25

  M5

  14

  262

  276

  0·11

  M6

  37

  658

  695

  0·27

  M7

  0

  1

  1

  0·00

  M8

  7

  121

  128

  0·05

  M9

  0

  20

  20

  0·01

  M10

  0

  5

  5

  0·00

  M11

  5

  125

  130

  0·05

  M18

  0

  33

  33

  0·01

  M20

  2

  60

  62

  0·02

  M23

  0

  47

  47

  0·02

  M25

  5

  181

  186

  0·07

  M26

  0

  1

  1

  0·00

  M27

  4

  49

  53

  0·02

  M40

  4

  85

  89

  0·04

  M42

  0

  5

  5

  0·00

  M45

  0

  4

  4

  0·00

  M50

  1

  16

  17

  0·01

  M53

  1

  31

  32

  0·01

  M54

  1

  17

  18

  0·01

  M55

  0

  17

  17

  0·01

  M56

  3

  79

  82

  0·03

  M57

  0

  36

  36

  0·01

  M58

  1

  21

  22

  0·01

  M61

  2

  46

  48

  0·02

  M62

  7

  282

  289

  0·11

  M63

  1

  56

  57

  0·02

  M65

  0

  0

  0

  0·00

  M66

  0

  15

  15

  0·01

  M69

  0

  11

  11

  0·00

  M73

  0

  5

  5

  0·00

  M74

  4

  26

  30

  0·01

  M80

  1

  10

  11

  0·00

  M90

  4

  30

  34

  0·01

  611

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  All

  Percentage of all road accidents

  M180

  1

  13

  14

  0·01

  M181

  0

  1

  1

  0·00

  M271

  0

  7

  7

  0·00

  M275

  0

  8

  8

  0·00

  M876

  0

  1

  1

  0·00

  Rest

  6

  171

  177

  0·07

  All

  172

  4,240

  4,412

  1·74

  Accidents on individual motorways: by severity: GB 1983·1987

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  All

  Percentage of all road accidents

  1985

  M1

  50

  903

  953

  0·39

  M2

  1

  58

  59

  0·02

  M3

  9

  134

  143

  0·06

  M4

  20

  619

  639

  0·26

  M5

  18

  314

  332

  0·14

  M6

  28

  604

  632

  0·26

  M7

  0

  2

  2

  0·00

  M8

  4

  145

  149

  0·06

  M9

  2

  24

  26

  0·01

  M10

  0

  7

  7

  0·00

  M11

  3

  121

  124

  0·05

  M18

  1

  30

  31

  0·01

  M20

  3

  74

  77

  0·03

  M23

  3

  45

  48

  0·02

  M25

  15

  271

  286

  0·12

  M26

  0

  5

  5

  0·00

  M27

  2

  62

  64

  0·3

  M40

  2

  56

  58

  0·02

  M42

  0

  7

  7

  0·00

  M45

  0

  5

  5

  0·00

  M50

  0

  14

  14

  0·01

  M53

  0

  45

  45

  0·02

  M54

  1

  11

  12

  0·00

  M55

  1

  12

  13

  0·01

  M56

  2

  86

  88

  0·04

  M57

  0

  44

  44

  0·02

  M58

  0

  23

  23

  0·01

  M61

  3

  40

  43

  0·02

  M62

  12

  317

  329

  0·13

  M63

  1

  72

  73

  0·03

  M65

  0

  3

  3

  0·00

  M66

  0

  13

  13

  0·01

  M69

  1

  13

  14

  0·01

  M73

  0

  15

  15

  0·01

  M74

  1

  24

  25

  0·01

  M80

  1

  10

  11

  0·00

  M90

  3

  29

  32

  0·01

  M180

  1

  25

  26

  0·01

  M181

  0

  0

  0

  0·00

  M271

  0

  3

  3

  0·00

  M275

  0

  7

  7

  0·00

  M876

  0

  3

  3

  0·00

  Rest

  4

  164

  168

  0·07

  All

  192

  4,459

  4,651

  1·89

  Accidents on individual motorways: by severity: GB 1983·1987

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  All

  Percentage of all road accidents

  1986

  M1

  42

  962

  1,004

  0·41

  M2

  4

  87

  91

  0·04

  M3

  4

  136

  140

  0·06

  M4

  24

  725

  749

  0·30

  M5

  17

  313

  330

  0·13

  M6

  35

  659

  694

  0·28

  M7

  0

  0

  0

  0·00

  M8

  6

  152

  158

  0·06

  612

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  All

  Percentage of all road accidents

  M9

  3

  26

  29

  0·01

  M10

  0

  11

  11

  0·00

  M11

  4

  119

  123

  0·05

  M18

  2

  39

  41

  0·02

  M20

  2

  51

  53

  0·02

  M23

  2

  53

  55

  0·02

  M25

  15

  517

  532

  0·21

  M26

  0

  6

  6

  0·00

  M27

  0

  80

  80

  0·03

  M40

  2

  73

  75

  0·03

  M42

  0

  22

  22

  0·01

  M45

  0

  6

  6

  0·00

  M50

  0

  11

  11

  0·00

  M53

  0

  29

  29

  0·01

  M54

  0

  23

  23

  0·01

  M55

  1

  16

  17

  0·01

  M56

  4

  67

  71

  0·03

  M57

  1

  20

  21

  0·01

  M58

  0

  19

  19

  0·01

  M61

  4

  45

  49

  0·02

  M62

  11

  293

  304

  0·12

  M63

  2

  64

  66

  0·03

  M65

  0

  7

  7

  0·00

  M66

  1

  21

  22

  0·01

  M69

  2

  21

  23

  0·01

  M73

  2

  11

  13

  0·01

  M74

  0

  26

  26

  0·01

  M80

  2

  9

  11

  0·00

  M90

  4

  29

  33

  0·01

  M180

  2

  18

  20

  0·01

  M181

  0

  3

  3

  0·00

  M271

  0

  9

  9

  0·00

  M275

  1

  8

  9

  0·00

  M876

  0

  4

  4

  0·00

  Rest

  3

  170

  173

  0·07

  All

  202

  4,960

  5,162

  208

  Accidents on individual motorways: by severity: GB 1983–1987

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  All

  Percentage of all road accidents

  1987

  M1

  43

  1,033

  1,076

  0·45

  M2

  2

  75

  77

  0·03

  M3

  5

  174

  179

  0·07

  M4

  27

  664

  691

  0·29

  M5

  16

  295

  311

  0·13

  M6

  41

  728

  769

  0·32

  M7

  0

  3

  3

  0·00

  M8

  8

  150

  158

  0·07

  M9

  0

  19

  19

  0·01

  M10

  0

  3

  3

  0·00

  M11

  7

  142

  149

  0·06

  M18

  1

  35

  36

  0·02

  M20

  5

  65

  70

  0·03

  M23

  2

  69

  71

  0·03

  M25

  15

  672

  687

  0·29

  M26

  0

  9

  9

  0·00

  M27

  3

  85

  88

  0·04

  M40

  4

  65

  69

  0·03

  M42

  1

  44

  45

  0·02

  M45

  0

  2

  2

  0·00

  M50

  0

  8

  8

  0·00

  M53

  1

  44

  45

  0·02

  M54

  0

  18

  18

  0·01

  M55

  3

  12

  15

  0·01

  M56

  0

  95

  95

  0·04

  M57

  1

  21

  22

  0·01

  M58

  0

  34

  34

  0·01

  M61

  6

  40

  46

  0·02

  M62

  9

  310

  319

  0·13

  M63

  0

  49

  49

  0·02

  M65

  0

  8

  8

  0·00

  613

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  All

  Percentage of all road accidents

  M66

  0

  23

  23

  0·01

  M69

  0

  18

  18

  0·01

  M73

  0

  6

  6

  0·00

  M74

  2

  31

  33

  0·01

  M80

  0

  2

  2

  0·00

  M90

  2

  27

  29

  0·01

  M180

  1

  20

  21

  0·01

  M181

  0

  2

  2

  0·00

  M271

  0

  8

  8

  0·00

  M275

  0

  6

  6

  0·00

  M876

  0

  8

  8

  0·00

  Rest

  7

  192

  199

  0·08

  All

  212

  5,314

  5,526

  2·31

  Motor Cyclists (Leg Protection)
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take into account the comments on the draft specification for leg protection by Dynamic Research Inc. of California, a copy of which has been sent to him, in his current research into leg protectors for motor cyclists.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  All useful contributions to developing effective leg protectors will be taken into account.

  I hope soon to be able to read a commentary on the Dynamic Research Inc. comments.

  Motorways (Repairs)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of new motorway are proposed up to December 1989; what are the estimated costs involved; how many miles of motorway are expected to be repaired by December 1989; what is the cost involved; and if he will list the number of miles and cost per motorway.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Sixteen miles of new motorway are under construction and expected to be open by December 1989, at a total cost of £96 million. They are:
  614

  Scheme

  Length

  Cost

  miles

  £ million

  M40 Oxford-Birmingham (Warwick section)

  11·0

  52·0

  M63/M66 Portwood-Denton

  5·0

  44·4

  The following new motoway is under construction:

  Scheme

  Length

  Cost

  miles

  £ million

  M40 Oxford-Birmingham (Banbury bypass)

  27·6

  141·9

  Seven motorway widening schemes are also expected to be completed by the end of December 1989, widening 24·6 miles at a cost of £103·6 million.

  Our plans have been to renew 80 miles of motorway in each of the years 1988–89 and 1989–90, at a cost of £102 million in 1988–89. We are considering the effect of the rephasing of capital maintenance works announced in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Squire) on 20 June.

  The figures for individual motorways in the original programme of major renewal schemes for 1988–89 are set out in the table; minor schemes are not included. The programme for 1989–90 has not yet been drawn up.

  Motorway

  Length

  Cost

  (miles)

  (£ million)

  M1

  11·9

  18·4

  M2

  4·4

  7·6

  M3

  3·5

  3·0

  M4

  5·5

  5·3

  M5

  7·7

  6·6

  M6

  10·5

  10·7

  M11

  1·9

  2·1

  M25

  6·4

  10·8

  M40

  2·7

  1·0

  M42

  1·9

  3·4

  M50

  2·3

  3·5

  M56

  3·7

  3·5

  M62

  4·8

  3·2

  M63

  2·1

  1·5

  M69

  2·5

  3·5

  A1(M)

  5·8

  5·5

  77·6

  89·6

  SIR ALAN WALTERS
  SIR ALAN WALTERS
  EC COMMISSION: RECRUITMENT OF STAFF
  EC COMMISSION: RECRUITMENT OF STAFF
  SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY
  SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY
  RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM: REPORT ON DEFENCE USE
  RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM: REPORT ON DEFENCE USE
  TELEPOINT SERVICES
  TELEPOINT SERVICES
  SPACE POLICY: RESPONSE TO SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT
  SPACE POLICY: RESPONSE TO SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT
  FIFTH TV CHANNEL: STUDY
  FIFTH TV CHANNEL: STUDY
  "PLANNING FOR THE URBAN CYCLIST" CONGRESS
  "PLANNING FOR THE URBAN CYCLIST" CONGRESS
  SDI: FOUR-POINT AGREEMENT
  SDI: FOUR-POINT AGREEMENT
  GREENLAND WHITE-FRONTED GEESE
  GREENLAND WHITE-FRONTED GEESE
  BARNACLE GEESE
  BARNACLE GEESE
  AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT: POLLUTION CONTROL
  AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT: POLLUTION CONTROL
  POLLUTION CONTROL: CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS
  POLLUTION CONTROL: CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS
  TREES: REPLACEMENT PLANTING GRANTS
  TREES: REPLACEMENT PLANTING GRANTS
  HAZARDOUS WASTES: SHIPMENT DIRECTIVE
  HAZARDOUS WASTES: SHIPMENT DIRECTIVE
  HOUSING ASSOCIATION HOSTELS: FUNDING
  HOUSING ASSOCIATION HOSTELS: FUNDING
  TOURIST COACHES: WHEEL CLAMPING
  TOURIST COACHES: WHEEL CLAMPING
  PRISONERS: SEGREGATION REVIEW ARRANGEMENTS
  PRISONERS: SEGREGATION REVIEW ARRANGEMENTS
  PRISONERS IN POLICE CUSTODY
  PRISONERS IN POLICE CUSTODY
  THERAPISTS IN THE NHS: SALARY SCALES
  THERAPISTS IN THE NHS: SALARY SCALES
  SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE: STAFFING
  SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE: STAFFING