Written Answers of 7 June 1988

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Brush Ltd.
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if Brush Ltd. of Loughborough has filed its accounts or completed an annual return at Companies house for the last financial year.

  Mr. Maude
  The Registrar of Companies informs me that there is no company registered in England and Wales with the name Brush Ltd. However, there are five companies with the prefix Brush which have their registered office in Loughborough. None of these is currently in default of filing annual returns or accounts. Copies of documents are available from the search rooms at Companies house, London and Cardiff.

  Competition Policy
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what submissions he has made to the European Community review of competition policy.

  Mr. Maude
  The Government are participating fully in working party discussions of the European Commission proposal for a merger control regulation. Discussion has so far largely concentrated on clarification of the text of the proposed regulation.

  Rural Development Areas
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether in other parts of the EEC there are assisted areas comparable in nature to the rural development areas in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Atkins
  The information available to me relates to systems of national regional aids which attract European Community financial support. These all include some rural areas, as do the assisted areas in Great Britain. I have no readily available information about additional rural areas which may attract some measure of national assistance. This could not be obtained without disproportionate expense and probably some difficulty of exact comparison with British rural development areas.

  Local Manufacturing Investment
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what measures currently exist to stimulate local manufacturing investment through the restraining of imports from Japan and Taiwan.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  There are no such restraint measures on imports from Japan or Taiwan, except for some quantitative restrictions on certain textile and clothing imports from Taiwan. These restrictions form part of the Community arrangements for textiles and clothing to 426
  allow European industry to adjust to new competition from low-cost suppliers. There are, however, some informal, inter-industry voluntary arrangements with Japanese producers, details of which were given in the written answer of 30 March, Official Report columns 478–79, to a question raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Mr. Fallon).

  Fab Fashions
  Mr. Giles Radice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what report he has received from the Official Receiver investigating the affairs of Fab Fashions; and what action he intends to take against Mr. Godfrey Barnard for auditing the accounts of a company of which he was a director.

  Mr. Maude
  Inquiries into these matters are continuing. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further or speculate on the outcome of those inquiries at this time.

  House of Fraser plc
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the estimated cost to public funds so far of the current inquiry into House of Fraser plc.

  Mr. Maude
  The cost of the investigation up to and including 30 April 1988 totalled £1,032,747.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when inspectors were appointed to carry out the current inquiry into House of Fraser plc; and what is the earliest date on which he expects to receive their report.

  Mr. Maude
  Mr. Phillip Linnell Heslop QC and Mr. Hugh Graham Cazalet Aldous FCA were appointed on 9 April 1987 under the provisions of section 432(2) of the Companies Act 1985 to act as inspectors to investigate the affairs of House of Fraser Holdings plc. Mr. Heslop resigned his appointment on 13 May 1987 and was replaced by Mr. Henry Brooke QC on 15 May 1987. The inspectors are continuing their investigations but I am unable to say when a report will be received.

  Cemetery Assets United Kingdom
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who was the receiver in the case of Cemetery Assets United Kingdom.

  Mr. Maude
  The Registrar of Companies has no record of the appointment of a receiver to this company.

  Mr. John Wyebrow
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what occasions M r. John Wyebrow has been employed by Her Majesty's Government in the capacity of receiver.

  Mr. Maude
  Records in a form which would enable any such appointments to be readily identified are not maintained by my Department.

  Voluntary Restraint Arrangements
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the nature of Her Majesty's Government's support for those voluntary restraint arrangements which remain in effect.
  427
  Mr. Alan Clark
  In the case of those voluntary restraint arrangements which are continuing, the Government have told the industries concerned that for the present they are prepared to accept that the arrangements are justified. The negotiation of the arrangements is a matter for those industries.

  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what date each of the voluntary restraint arrangements listed as remaining in effect in his answer of 30 March to the hon. Member for Darlington,Official Report, column 478, is known to have started.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The inter-industry voluntary restraint arrangements covering footwear from Korea, special steels from Spain and cars and light commercial vehicles from Japan began in 1979. The arrangements for fork-lift trucks, machining centres and numerically controlled lathes with Japan began in 1983.

  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what assessment he has made of the net cost to the economy of the voluntary restraint arrangement on numerically controlled lathes as against any benefit to United Kingdom industry of its continuation;

  (2)what assessment he has made of the balance between the net cost to the economy of the voluntary restraint arrangement on cars from Japan and the benefits to the United Kingdom motor industry of its continuation;

  (3)what assessment he has made of whether the net cost to the economy of the voluntary restraint arrangement on commercial vehicles from Japan outweighs the benefit to United Kingdom industry of its continuation;

  (4)what assessment he has made of whether the net cost to the economy of the voluntary restraint arrangement on fork-lift trucks from Japan outweighs the benefit to United Kingdom industry of its continuation;

  (5)what assessment he has made of whether the net cost to the economy of the voluntary restraint arrangement on machining centres from Japan outweighs any benefit to United Kingdom industry of its continuation.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I refer my hon. Friend to my written answer of 26 April,Official Report, column 92–93, to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr. Hamilton). The Government have no plans to carry out such assessments for vehicles VRAs with Japan.

  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will list those orderly marketing arrangements of which his Department is aware.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I am not aware of any orderly marketing or similar arrangements between United Kingdom industries and third country suppliers affecting imports into the United Kingdom, other than those arrangements set out in the written answer to my hon. Friend on 30 March,Official Report, columns 478–479.

  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will place in the Library a copy of the document in which Her Majesty's Government set out their support for the voluntary restraint arrangement between the United Kingdom footwear industry and the Republic of Korea.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  No, I do not propose to make available correspondence about voluntary restraint arrangements which are continuing.
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  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which of the voluntary restraint arrangements listed in his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington of 26 April,Official Report, columns 91–92, December 1987 have ended, and which remain in effect.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The Government have told the industries concerned that the arrangements should end on 31 December 1987. This information has of course been made public.

  European Single Market
  Sir David Price
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what changes will be necessary in United Kingdom company legislation in order to satisfy the harmonisation requirements of the European Community for the achievement of the single market in 1992.

  Mr. Maude
  The European Community has been working for many years on a series of proposals from the Commission for harmonising company law. The first, second, third, fourth and sixth company law directives have been agreed by the Council of Ministers and implemented in United Kingdom legislation. Agreement has also been reached by the Council of Ministers on the seventh directive on consolidated accounts, the eight directive on qualification of auditors and the regulation for a European economic interest grouping; proposals for relevant changes in United Kingdom company legislation necessary to implement these will be brought forward at the earliest opportunity. A further seven proposals on company legislation were included in the Commission's 1985 White Paper "Completing the Internal Market" but the Government do not consider them all to be necessary for achievement of the single market by 1992. Negotiations have not been completed on any of these—indeed the Commission has not yet published all of its proposals. It is therefore not possible to say at this stage what legislative changes might be necessary if any of these was adopted.

  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what research has been undertaken by his Department into the effects of the completion of the single European market in 1992 on the economies of the regions of the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Maude
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Dr. Thomas) on 13 April at column 159.

  Companies Registration Office
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement about the current costs of running the Companies Registration Office and the charges made for services.

  Mr. Maude
  Provisional figures for 1987–88 shows that expenditure on a memorandum trading account basis at the companies registration offices amounted to £21 million. Fees and charges to cover these costs, together with a contribution towards the costs of running a system of registered companies, amounted to £28 million in the same period.

  New Businesses
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many new businesses were
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  started up in the latest year for which figures are available (a) nationally and (b) in Ealing borough; in what broad areas of commerce; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maude
  During 1986, 193,000 new businesses first registered for VAT in the United Kingdom, and 1,130 in the London borough of Ealing.

  The table gives the analysis of broad trade categories:

  United Kingdom

  Ealing

  Agriculture

  5,500

  —

  Production

  19,600

  105

  Construction

  28,200

  174

  Transport

  8,600

  55

  Wholesaling

  15,100

  131

  Retail

  34,900

  161

  Finance and professional

  16,800

  100

  Catering

  19,400

  65

  Motor trades

  8,800

  45

  Other services

  36,000

  294

  Airbus
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what sterling-dollar exchange was assumed in assessing the likely rate of return on the £450 million launch aid to British Aerospace for the A330/340 projects; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) on 27 May at column 371.

  Research Establishments
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the departmental review of all the research establishments of his Department announced in the White Paper "DTI—the department for Enterprise" (Cm 278) of January will be completed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  [pursuant to the answer, 12 May 1988]: In the White Paper, "DTI—the department for Enterprise", my right hon. and noble Friend and I announced our intention to review DTI's four research establishments (the national physical laboratory, the national engineering laboratory, the laboratory of the Government chemist and Warren Spring laboratory). The review has now been completed.

  We have decided that in future the REs should concentrate on research that is required by Government, whether for statutory, regulatory or policy reasons. We wish to encourage technology transfer and non-research activities arising from this work so that the widest possible benefit can be drawn from it. Consistent with the focus on work for Government as customer, industrially relevant R&D and repayment work for industrial customers will each be limited in future to approximately 10 per cent. of the full cost of each RE. Additionally, each RE will be able, as at present, to spend on strategic research up to 10 per cent. of the full economic cost of such work carried out for DTI. Programmes of industrially relevant R&D will, in general, receive up to 50 per cent. support and will be carried out for groups of companies which have agreed to collaborate to share the benefits and the remaining cost of the work. These criteria are consistent with those announced in the White Paper for the support of extramural R&D.
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  WSL will in future concentrate more heavily on environmental engineering, largely for public sector customers, with a reduction in industrially relevant R&D.

  To give greater flexibility and responsibility to the laboratories, we plan to consider establishing NPL. LGC and WSL as separate agencies, within the public sector. in line with the policy described in "Improving Management in Government: The Next Steps". This seems an appropriate structure for laboratories whose main task is to undertake research for public sector customers.

  NPL, LGC and WSL would thus retain their identities, but the benefits of common services would be fully exploited within the new structure. Work will now be put in hand to develop the agency framework for these laboratories together with that for a fourth agency for the national weights and measures laboratory, and we hope that it will be possible to have them operational by April 1989.

  Roughly three quarters of the work at NEL currently falls into the category of industrially relevant R&D. The principal beneficiary is industry, not Government, and strong signals from industry are needed in guiding the development and direction of the work. This "market pull" is more easily provided and understood when the R&D is carried out in an organisation whose progress depends directly on its success in providing services to industry.

  We have therefore decided in the first instance to invite organisations which have experience of carrying out R&D to make proposals to DTI by 22 July to develop NEL within the private sector. In addition we would be happy to receive proposals from NEL staff.

  We would wish to make suitable arrangements with any new owner for the continuation of the work that NEL does for Government on flow measurement, or to retain that work within DTI, as part of an agency. There will also need to be proper arrangements for the ownership of the assets of NEL. Finally, DTI would be prepared to continue to support industrially relevant R&D carried out at NEL by any new owner, subject to the normal criteria applied to extramural R&D.

  We have taken steps to inform the staff of the REs and their trade union representatives in parallel with my announcement. There will be full consultations with the trade union side on the implications for staff.

WALES

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the total staff and administration cost to his Department of the Chernobyl accident.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The main staff costs have been borne by my Agriculture Department and whilst precise figures are not available their associated staff costs (to the end of May 1988) are estimated to be around £1 million. It is not possible to quantify separately the staff and administration costs incurred on Chernobyl work by other divisions of the Welsh Office.

  Some £385,000 has also been spent on purchasing sheep and other produce for testing, in meeting the costs of laboratory analysis to establish their levels of radioactivity, purchasing live monitoring equipment and for paint used in connection with the mark and release scheme.
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  Compensation to affected north Wales producers amounts to some £3·3 million.

  Health Projects (Joint Funding)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table of the total of funds allocated to joint funding health projects in Wales showing how much came directly from his Department and how much from local authorities and area health authorities, for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Grist
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: The information is available in the form requested only at cash prices for the year in which a project was approved, in respect of commitment rather than expenditure and for projects approved from 1981–82 to date. The year-on-year commitments in each year for newly approved projects and continuing commitments on projects approved since 1981–82 are set out in the following table:

  Welsh Office

  Health Authorities

  Local Authorities

  £

  £

  £

  1981–82

  490,788

  22,070

  26,593

  1982–83

  806,058

  248,696

  175,381

  1983–84

  1,019,520

  642,431

  917,765

  1984–85

  1,304,154

  889,007

  894,609

  1985–86

  1,414,240

  1,089,919

  1,139,697

  1986–87

  1,957,441

  1,379,747

  1,854,967

  1987–88

  1,862,279

  1,473,319

  2,130,813

  1988–89

  2,303,767

  1,816,921

  2,813,395

  Farm Woodland
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he is taking to ensure Welsh farmers are fully aware of the opportunities involved in developing and managing farm woodland.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: My Agricultural Development and Advisory Service staff and the Forestry Commission together offer an expert advisory service on farm woodlands. Advice is also available from the Countryside Commission, Nature Conservancy Council and the Agricultural Training Board through the "Coed Cymru—Welsh Wildwoods" initiative.

  A series of joint ADAS/Forestry Commission displays and exhibitions have been provided at various sites and exhibitions over the past year. Further advice will be available in the publicity material and technical literature which we shall be issuing in the course of the next few months in connection with the new farm woodland scheme which will become operative in the autumn.

  Member

  Affiliation

  *Sir Francis Tombs, FEng (Chairman)

  Chairman, Rolls-Royce plc.

  *Mr. Andrew Bain, FRSE

  Group Economic Adviser, Midland Bank plc.

  Sir John Collyear, FEng

  Chairman, Technology Requirements Board

  *Professor Gordon Edge

  Chief Executive, Scientific Generics Ltd.

  *Mr. Anthony Gill, BSc, FEng

  Chairman, Lucas Industries plc.

  *Mr. Eric Hammond, OBE

  General Secretary, Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbing Union

  *Mr. Terry Harrison

  Chairman, Northern Engineering Industries plc.

  *Dr. Graham Hills, FRSC, FRSE

  Principal and Vice Chancellor, University of Strathclyde

  Professor Leonard Maunder, OBE, FEng

  Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  *Mr. David McMurtry

  Chairman, Renishaw plc

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Language Assistants
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many language assistants went to which countries under the auspices of the exchange of language assistants scheme in the last year for which figures are available; and how many came from which countries in exchange.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The language assistants scheme administered on behalf of my Department by the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges does not operate on the basis of exchanges but of individual appointments arranged with reciprocating countries. In 1987–88, the central bureau arranged for the following English appointments:—

  Countries

  Outgoing

  Incoming

  France1

  1,126

  1,699

  Federal Republic of Germany

  392

  454

  Spain

  114

  156

  Austria

  92

  78

  Italy

  30

  11

  Switzerland

  22

  20

  Canada (Quebec)

  14

  6

  Mexico

  12

  7

  Colombia

  9

  9

  Belgium

  8

  12

  Paraguay

  3

  3

  Uruguay

  3

  3

  German Democratic Republic

  2

  1

  Senegal

  2

  7

  Peru

  2

  4

  Chile

  1

  2

  Costa Rica

  1

  —

  Algeria

  —

  7

  Burkina Faso

  —

  5

  Ivory Coast

  —

  1

  Morocco

  —

  18

  Nigeria

  —

  2

  Tunisia

  —

  4

  1 Including nationals of other Francophone countries studying in France.

  Advisory Council on Science and Technology
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the membership and affiliations of the Advisory Council on Science and Technology; and what criteria are used for making appointments to the council.

  Mr. Jackson
  Appointments to the Advisory Council on Science and Technology are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. I understand that the initial members of ACOST from July 1987 are as follows. Those whose membership of the predecessor body, the Advisory Council on Applied Research and Development was transferred over are asterisked.
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  Member

  Affiliation

  *Professor Stan Metcalfe

  Department of Economics, Manchester University

  *Dr. Dennis Oliver, CBE, FEng

  Business Consultant

  *Professor Sir David Phillips, FRS

  Chairman of Advisory Board for the Research Councils

  Professor Keith Peters, FRCP

  Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith

  Sir George Porter, FRS

  President of the Royal Society

  *Dr. Charles Reece, FRSC

  Director of Research and Technology, Imperial Chemical Industries plc.

  *Dr. Alan Rudge, OBE, FEng, FRSA

  Director of Research and Technology, British Telecom plc

  *Dr. David Smith

  Business Consultant

  *Professor Desmond Smith, FRS, FRSE

  Department of Physics, Heriot Watt University

  Professor Sir Peter Swinnerton-Dyer, FRS

  Chairman, University Grants Committee

  Mr. Hammond has since resigned because of pressure of work. Mr. Gill and Professor Smith have completed their present term of appointment. New members will be announced shortly.

  There are three ex-officio members: the chairmen of the Department of Trade and Industry's technology requirement board, of the Advisory Board for the Research Councils and of the University Grants Committee. All other members are appointed in their personal capacity and are chosen for their eminence and experience in science, technology and industry.

  City Technology Colleges
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will make it his policy to make public at the earliest possible stage the possible reopening as a city technology college of a school for which his permission for closure has been sought; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will make it his policy not to seek to establish a city technology college based on a school subject to closure proposals before him for determination; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Any plans to convert existing schools into CTCs require the publication of statutory proposals which will be decided on their merits. Should potential sponsors wish to approach local authorities to school governors with a view to seeking to establish city technology colleges, they are free to do so. It is for sponsors to make public at a time appropriate to them their plans to establish a CTC.

  Under-fives
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements have been made by his Department for funding groups for the under-fives, currently funded by the community programme, after September 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The community programme is funded by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment. I understand that the under-fives groups currently assisted by it operate in the field of child care rather than education and are therefore unlikely to be eligible for grant from my Department.

  A-levels
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to publish the Higginson report on GCE A-levels; and if he will make a statement.
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  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales, and I are publishing today the report of the committee chaired by Dr. Higginson on GCE advanced levels. We are grateful to Dr. Higginson and his colleagues for the considerable time and energies that they have devoted to its preparation. We broadly welcome the general principles for A-levels set out by the committee in chapter 2 of its report and, in particular, its endorsement of A-levels as demanding, single-subject examinations for able candidates of all kinds and all backgrounds. We have reservations, however, on the committee's detailed proposals for streamlining syllabuses by reducing their factual content. The report indicates widespread support for increased breadth of study for 16 to 18-year-olds undertaking A-level courses in full-time education. It recommends that such students should., if possible, study five subjects, some at A-level and some at GCE advanced supplementary level and, to allow for study of more subjects, that A-level syllabuses should he streamlined, and students should devote more of their timetables to examination studies.

  The Government endorse the general aim of broadening A-level students' programmes of study but do not accept the committee's proposals for achieving that objective through a five-subject programme incorporating leaner A-level syllabuses. The education service already has a substantial agenda for reform: we want the new School Examinations and Assessment Council in particular to concentrate on the tasks of introducing assessment and testing arrangements for the national curriculum and of the establishment, monitoring and review of GCSE.

  We see AS-levels as the key to achieving greater breadth, and hence we welcome the committee's backing for a continuing role for these new examinations, both in securing breadth of study and in supplementing main areas of study. Following the introduction of AS-levels last year, A-level students, by choosing a mix of A and AS-level syllabuses, are already able to put together broader and more balanced programmes of study. The Government will continue to monitor closely the introduction and take-up of AS-levels and will consider, in the light of progress, whether further steps are needed to secure the necessary broadening of post-16 education.

  Assessment and Testing
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is now able to publish the supplementary advice from the task group on assessment and testing and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  When my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I published in January the report of the task group on assessment and testing, I asked the group to give further advice on the administrative and
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  other arrangements needed to support its recommendations, on the application of the framework it proposed to the full range of national curriculum core and other foundation subjects, and on any modifications it might suggest in the light of comment on its report. It has submitted that advice, and we are publishing it today.

  The recommendations of the group have been well received. The Government have therefore decided, in the light of the responses to TGAT's recommendations, and to the interim reports of the mathematics and science working groups, and to consultations on the national curriculum, to adopt the following main principles as the basis for a national system of assessment and testing related to the national curriculum attainment targets:

  (a) attainment targets will be set which establish what children should normally be expected to know, understand and be able to do at the ages of seven, 11, 14 and 16; these will enable the progress of each child to be measured against national standards.

  (b) pupils' performance in relation to attainment targets should be assessed and reported on at ages seven, 11, 14, and 16. Attainment targets should be grouped for this purpose to make the assessment and reporting manageable.

  (c) different levels of attainment and overall pupil progress demonstrated by tests and assessment should be registered on a 10-point scale covering all the years of compulsory schooling.

  (d) assessment should be by a combination of national external tests and assessment by teachers. At age 16 the GCSE will be the main form of assessment, especially in the core subjects of English, mathematics and science.

  (e) the results of tests and other assessments should be used both formatively to help better teaching and to inform decisions about next steps for a pupil, and summatively at ages seven, 11, 14 and 16 to inform parents about their child's progress.

  (f) detailed results of assessments of individual pupils should be given in full to parents, and the Government attaches great importance to the principle that these reports should be simple and clear. Individuals' results should not be published, but aggregated results at the ages of 11, 14 and 16 should be so that the wider public can make informed judgments about attainment in a school or LEA. There should be no legal requirement for schools to publish such results for seven-year-olds, though it is strongly recommended that schools should do so.

  (g) in order to safeguard standards, assessments made by teachers should be compared with the results of the national tests and with the judgments of other teachers.

  We expect these principles to inform the consultations which will take place later this year on the recommendations of the national curriculum mathematics and science working groups, and likewise to inform the thinking of the working groups on English and on design and technology which we announced last month.

  There is a considerable amount of work to be done on the detail of cost-effective arrangements needed to support such a system. The suggestions made by the task group on assessment and testing in its third supplementary report on the moderation system appear complicated and costly;
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  whilst the Government recognise that the issues involved are complex, the support arrangements adopted must be sufficiently simple to enable good progress to be made in introducing the national assessment system. We shall be discussing the issues with the School Examinations and Assessment Council and the National Curriculum Council and also with the local education authorities, the examining groups and other appropriate organisations. We shall also set in hand work on the development of in-service training for teachers, and on the development and piloting of national tests, starting with an examination of available tests to see whether they can appropriately be used.

  As I have already informed the House, our intention is that the first cohort of pupils in primary schools should begin work in autumn 1989 on national curriculum attainment targets and programmes of study for the three core subjects of mathematics, science and English and if possible on technology which is closely linked with science in the primary phase. We also expect first-year pupils in secondary school—11 to 12-year-olds—to start work on attainment targets and programmes of study for mathematics and science in autumn 1989. These subjects will be introduced in Wales on a similar timetable. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales expects to introduce Welsh for the early years of both primary and secondary schools in autumn 1990. We shall give priority to developing assessment and testing arrangements for these subjects and age groups with first results expected for seven-year-olds in 1991 and 14-year-olds in 1992. However, the arrangements will be tried out in schools before there is any formal public reporting of results. We therefore expect that the first results of assessment and testing for seven-year-olds will be available to parents and for publication in the summer of 1992, and for 14-year-olds in the summer of 1993. Assessment in other subjects and for other age groups will be brought in progressively thereafter.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give details of any revised cash limits for his Department's votes.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  [pursuant to his reply, 27 May, column 341]: Part of the answer was omitted from the Official Report; the full text is as follows:

  Subject to parliamentary approval to the necessary Supplementary Estimate, cash limits for the following votes will be revised as follows:

  Vote

  Current cash limit

  Increase/ decrease

  Revised cash limit

  £

  £

  £

  Class XII, Vote 1

  463,655,000

  16,366,000

  480,021,000

  Class XII, Vote 3

  11,843,563,000

  -53,000

  1,843,510,000

  1As announced on 22 April (Official Report, column 577) the cash limit for class XII, vote 3 was increased by £3,100,000.

  Of these changes, £1,900,000 will be charged to the Reserve and £14,436,000 is contained within the planned provision for programmes. There will therefore be no increase in the planned total of expenditure.

  Additional provision is sought for class XII, vote 1 as follows:
  £53,000 to enable the Cranfield Institute of Technology to participate in the programme for manufacturing

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  systems engineering courses. This increase to be offset by a matching reduction in provision on class XII, vote 3.
  £11,413,000 for costs associated with the establishment, subject to the passage of the Education Reform Bill, of the National Curriculum Council; the Schools Examination and Assessment Council; the Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council and the Education Assets Board.
  £1,900,000 for my Department's donation to public services charities to offset the effects of the understatement of the retail price index for centrally administered public service pensions, as foreshadowed by my right hon. friend the Paymaster General's announcement to the House of Commons on 3 May 1988 (Official Report, 4 May, column 400). This increase will be charged to the Reserve, so will not add to the public expenditure planning total.
  £3,000,000 for grants to Inner London boroughs, subject to the passage of the Education Reform Bill, to assist with transitional costs of taking on local education authority responsibilities.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Racial Disadvantage Budget
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what were his Department's estimates for expenditure for the racial disadvantage budget for the years 1985–86 to 1988–89, respectively; and what grants have been given out of that budget to assist organisations or projects working to reduce racial disadvantage during each of the years since the grant was established;

  (2)what steps he has taken to ensure that the grants available out of the racial disadvantage budgets are adequately publicised;

  (3)what measures are taken to ensure the accountability to his Department in respect of grants under the racial disadvantage budget.

  Mr. John Patten
  Supply estimate provision and grants given in each of the years since this subhead was established were as follows:

  £

  1985–86

  Supply estimates provision1

  250,000

  Grants

  Deptford Enterprise Agency

  40,000

  North London Business Development Agency

  40,000

  Black Business in Birmingham

  17,048

  Business in the Community

  5,000

  Total

  102,048

  1986–87

  Supply estimates provision1

  260,000

  Grants

  Deptford Enterprise Agency

  50,000

  North London Business Development Agency

  50,000

  Black Business in Birmingham

  50,000

  Bristol Black Business Association

  20,000

  Business in the Community

  5,000

  Total

  175,000

  1987–88

  Supply estimates provision

  1,170,000

  Grants—Voluntary Services Unit

  National Federation of Self Help Organisations

  30,000

  Leicester Racial Awareness Consortium

  29,338

  438

  £

  Community Roots

  28,065

  Manchester Council for Voluntary Service

  14,950

  Urban Trust

  13,533

  National Council for Voluntary Organisations

  9,500

  Confederation of Indian Organisations

  6,250

  Other Grants

  Project Fullemploy

  89,926

  British Black Business Association

  42,000

  Black Business in Birmingham

  37,500

  Harlesden People's Community Council Bus Garage Project

  26,748

  Wandsworth Enterprise Agency

  20,000

  Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (UK) Ltd.

  15,000

  Tower Hamlets Association for Racial Equality

  15,000

  Tower Hamlets Enterprise Outreach Service

  13,402

  Deptford Enterprise Agency

  10,000

  North London Business Development Agency

  10,000

  Total

  411,212

  1 Ethnic minority business initiative only.

  In the first two years, grants were restricted to projects under the Home Office ethnic minority business initiative: since 1987 grants have also been made to voluntary organisations which work to relieve racial disadvantage and which fall within the normal grants criteria of the voluntary services unit and to other organisations, national or local, for strategic work in relation to racial disadvantage. Many proposals and projects take some time to develop to the point where grant can be given, and the portfolio of grants given under the subhead is building up slower than had originally been hoped.

  The criteria for VSU grants are publicised through a leaflet which is made available to enquirers and are further described in handbooks on the availability of government grants. The ethnic minority business initiative, under which grants are also available, have been widely publicised. The availability of some grants for other strategic purposes has not been given general publicity but relevant Home Office contacts in other Government Departments (including city action teams and task forces), the Commission for Racial Equality, voluntary organisations and charitable trusts know of it and encourage relevant organisations known to them to apply.

  Grants are given on formal conditions which include the timely provision of audited accounts and annual reports, and of copies of any publications, and which reserve the right of the Home Office and National Audit Office to examine books and records and of the Comptroller Auditor General to examine the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the use of the grant. According to circumstances, indicators of performance are also sought and monitored.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken to remedy past inequalities in employment practices in his Department, in compliance with the codes of the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission, respectively.

  Mr. Hurd
  We use data collected on the ethnic origins and sex of staff to help identify disparities in recruitment and promotion. Steps taken to promote greater equality include the use of part-time work, job sharing, flexible working hours, and arrangements for special leave to
  439
  make it easier for those with domestic responsibilities to continue to work; attendance by a number of female staff at women's management development courses run by the civil service college; contacts with ethnic minority communities; and the placing of advertisements in the ethnic and local press.

  All our management training courses, and those for members of recruitment and promotion boards, address equal opportunities and we are currently exploring, with OMCS, what further contribution training might make to progress in this area.

  Westminster Bridge (Parking)
  Mr. Higgins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to why the Metropolitan police are not enforcing parking restrictions on Westminster bridge.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I am advised by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the parking restrictions imposed on Westminster bridge by the highway authority allow vehicles to stop to set down or pick up passengers, and that the Metropolitan police take suitable enforcement action if parking offences come to light.

  Petrol Stations (Alcohol)
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many petrol stations are licensed to sell alcohol in(a) Dyfed, (b) Wales and (c) the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 27 April columns 158–162. The available figures relate to England and Wales only.

  Police
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 19 May,Official Report, column 541, when he next intends to take a decision on the allocation of police manpower.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is too soon to say.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many uniformed police posts were civilianised in the financial years 1980–81 to 1987–88(a) nationally and (b) in the area of the Northumbria police authority.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information available does not cover the period requested. It is estimated that some 3,300

  Weekly arrival numbers of asylum applicants commencing week ending 16 January 1988 until week ending 28 May 1988

  Week ending

  Asylum applicants on arrival

  Afghanistan

  Angola

  Bangladesh

  Bolivia

  Chile

  Colombia

  Ethiopia

  Ghana

  Hungary

  16 January 1988

  37

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  23 January 1988

  33

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  30 January 1988

  18

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6 February 1988

  25

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  13 February 1988

  34

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  20 February 1988

  26

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  27 February 1988

  23

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  5 March 1988

  14

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  12 March 1988

  13

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  19 March 1988

  40

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  26 March 1988

  44

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  440
  police officers, both uniform and plain clothes, have been redeployed in England and Wales as a result of civilianisation in the period 1983–84 until the end of December 1987. I understand that in Northumbria, between 1982–83 and 1987–88, 115 police officers were released in this way.

  England v Scotland Football Match
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those arrested at the England v Scotland football match on Saturday 21 May at Wembley stadium, were arrested(a) in the immediate vicinity of the ground before the kick-off, (b) within the ground before, during and after the match and (c) in the immediate vicinity of the ground after the match; what was the nature of the charges brought in respect of the persons arrested in categories (a), (b) and (c) above; and how many persons were charged in respect of each category.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In category(a) 48 were arrested, of whom 21 were charged; in category (b) 27 were arrested, of whom 11 were charged; and in category (c) 37 were arrested, of whom 26 were charged. The charges related mainly to a variety of public order offences.

  Political Asylum
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, for each week from 10 January to the nearest available date, he will indicate(a) how many people arrived in the United Kingdom and claimed political asylum and (b) of which countries they were nationals; and how many of them were (i) refused leave to enter and removed from the United Kingdom, (ii) refused leave to enter and detained, (iii) refused leave to enter and granted temporary admission and (iv) granted temporary admission pending a decision.

  Mr. Renton
  For the period commencing week ending 16 January 1988 and finishing week ending 28 May 1988, the numbers of persons seeking asylum on arrival in the United Kingdom each week, are listed, by nationality, in the table. The available statistics refer only to the London airports and the Dover seaports.

  There is no central record separating asylum seekers refused leave to enter, detained, granted temporary admission and removal from other passengers in these categories and the rest of the information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  441

  Week ending

  Asylum applicants on arrival

  Afghanistan

  Angola

  Bangladesh

  Bolivia

  Chile

  Colombia

  Ethiopia

  Ghana

  Hungary

  2 April 1988

  30

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  9 April 1988

  14

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  3

  —

  2

  —

  16 April 1988

  14

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  23 April 1988

  53

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  30 April 1988

  40

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7 May 1988

  36

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  14 May 1988

  32

  1

  4

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  1

  —

  21 May 1988

  16

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  28 May 1988

  20

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Totals

  562

  8

  4

  1

  1

  3

  11

  5

  7

  2

  Weekly arrival numbers of asylum applicants commencing week ending 16 January 1988 until week ending 28 May 1988

  Week ending

  Asylum applicants on arrival

  Iran

  Iraq

  Lebanon

  Pakistan

  Peru

  Seychelles

  Sierra Leone

  Somalia

  South Africa

  16 January 1988

  37

  —

  1

  —

  3

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  23 January 1988

  33

  7

  2

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  2

  —

  30 January 1988

  18

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  6 February 1988

  25

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  13 February 1988

  34

  2

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  20 February 1988

  26

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  27 February 1988

  23

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5 March 1988

  14

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  12 March 1988

  13

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  19 March 1988

  40

  1

  1

  —

  —

  2

  2

  —

  —

  1

  26 March 1988

  44

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2 April 1988

  30

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9 April 1988

  14

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  16 April 1988

  14

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  23 April 1988

  53

  6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  30 April 1988

  40

  1

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7 May 1988

  36

  13

  2

  3

  —

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  14 May 1988

  32

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  4

  2

  —

  21 May 1988

  16

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  28 May 1988

  20

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Totals

  562

  51

  6

  6

  7

  3

  16

  4

  7

  1

  Weekly arrival numbers of asylum applicants commencing week ending 16 January 1988 until week ending 28 May 1988

  Week ending

  Asylum applicants on arrival

  SriLanka

  Sudan

  Surinam

  Turkey

  Uganda

  USSR

  Zaire

  Zimbabwe

  Nationality doubtful

  16 January 1988

  37

  4

  —

  —

  16

  8

  —

  —

  —

  1

  23 January 1988

  33

  12

  —

  —

  6

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  30 January 1988

  18

  5

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  6 February 1988

  25

  11

  —

  —

  8

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  13 February 1988

  34

  4

  —

  —

  14

  8

  —

  —

  1

  —

  20 February 1988

  26

  6

  —

  —

  13

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  27 February 1988

  23

  9

  —

  —

  6

  4

  —

  —

  —

  1

  5 March 1988

  14

  7

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  12 March 1988

  13

  5

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  19 March 1988

  40

  5

  —

  —

  10

  12

  —

  —

  —

  2

  26 March 1988

  44

  11

  —

  1

  25

  1

  —

  —

  —

  6

  2 April 1988

  30

  9

  —

  —

  13

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  9 April 1988

  14

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  16 April 1988

  14

  7

  —

  —

  4

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  23 April 1988

  53

  —

  —

  —

  6

  36

  —

  —

  —

  2

  30 April 1988

  40

  13

  —

  —

  10

  9

  —

  —

  —

  2

  7 May 1988

  36

  5

  —

  —

  —

  8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  14 May 1988

  32

  9

  —

  —

  1

  4

  1

  —

  —

  —

  21 May 1988

  16

  5

  1

  —

  —

  4

  —

  3

  —

  —

  28 May 1988

  20

  5

  —

  —

  10

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Totals

  562

  135

  1

  1

  147

  105

  1

  3

  1

  25

  Advanced College of Business and Cultural Studies
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers and immigration were involved in the operation on 8
  442
  May in connection with the Advanced College of Business and Cultural Studies; how many people and of what nationalities were both interviewed and detained in the operation, for how long and where; what was the immigration status of those who were arrested but not

  443
  charged and for how long they were under arrest; and with regard to what breaches of immigration control people were interviewed or charged as a result of the operation.

  Mr. Renton
  Sixty-six immigration officers and 104 police officers were involved in the operation on 8 May concerning the Advanced College of Business and Cultural Studies.

  Sixty-three persons were arrested of whom sixty-one were identified as being apparently in breach of immigration control. Two persons, both Ghanaian, were found not to be offenders and were released after being detained for less than six hours. The remainder have been identified as follows:
  Twenty-nine illegal entrants (twenty-six Ghanaians, two Nigerians, one Sierra Leonean)
  Twenty-two served with notices of intention to deport (nineteen Ghanaians, two Nigerians and one Ivory Coast National)
  One subject of a current deportation order (Nigerian)
  One charged with overstaying (Ghanaian).
  Two charged with working in breach of their conditions (Ghanaians)
  Two found to be offenders but not charged (Ghanaians).

  Inquiries into the immigration status of the remaining four persons (Ghanaians) are continuing. Nineteen of the twenty-nine illegal entrants detected have been removed, and four persons served with a notice of intention to deport have left the United Kingdom.

  Periods Spent detained following arrest were as follows:

  Number

  Six hours or less

  17

  6 to 15 hours

  9

  15 to 20 hours

  12

  1 day

  1

  More than one day

  24

  Of the 13 offenders still detained, three are illegal entrants (two Ghanaians, one Nigerian), nine have been served with a notice of intention to deport (all Ghanaians) and one is subject of a current deportation order (Nigerian).

  Colleges (Immigration Rules)
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many operations have been mounted over the last year by his Department on colleges whose bona fides under the immigration rules were suspect; at which colleges and on which dates such operations took place; how many(a) staff and proprietors and (b) students at such colleges were detained in connection with suspected or alleged immigration offences; and how many were charged with such offences.

  Mr. Renton
  Two operations related to educational establishments have taken place during the last year. The first involved the London School of International Business and took place on 12 February 1988. The proprietor and one other person were arrested and subsequently charged with various offences. No students or alleged students were detained during the operation. The second involved the Advanced College of Business and Cultural Studies and took place on 4 May. Three persons, believed to be the proprietor and two members of staff, were arrested and subsequently released on police bail. No students or alleged students were detained on that day, but on 8 May 444
  63 persons who claimed to be students at the college were arrested. Of these, three have been charged with various immigration offences. Of the remainder, 29 were found to be illegal entrants, 22 were issued with notices of intention to deport, one was found to be the subject of a deportation order, two were found to be offenders but not charged, two were found not to be offenders and four are the subject of further inquiries.

  Clapham Way (Police Raid)
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those arrested on 14 April in the raid on a house in Clapham way were(a) interviewed in connection with immigration offences and (b) detained in connection with such offences; and with regard to what suspected or alleged breaches of immigration control these people were interviewed or charged.

  Mr. Renton
  Nine persons were interviewed by immigration officers in respect of their immigration status. Five of these persons were found to be lawfully in the United Kingdom and the police were informed accordingly. The remaining four persons were found to be illegal entrants and were detained under the Immigration Act prior to their removal.

  Students (Immigration Rules)
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes he is contemplating in the immigration rules governing those seeking entry to the United Kingdom as students or seeking variations of leave in order to remain in the United Kingdom as students; what is the aim of such changes; and with which organisations he has discussed the case for them.

  Mr. Renton
  Consideration is being given to possible changes in the immigration rules so as to ensure that only those pursuing genuine educational courses are treated as students. We are in regular communication with the United Kingdom Council for Overseas Student Affairs on immigration issues affecting overseas students generally, and we have received representations from that body expressing concern about bogus educational establishments. There have been no discussions yet on the specific question of possible changes.

  Mr. Charles Ferrier
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report on the escape of Mr. Charles Ferrier from Verne prison, Weymouth, on Monday 23 May; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which it took place.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Detailed inquiries are being made into the circumstances of the escape of this prisoner, who was recaptured in Weymouth on 25 May. I will write to the hon. Member when the results are available.

  Armley Prison
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received concerning overcrowding at Her Majesty's prison, Armley, in Leeds; and if he will make a statement;
  445
  (2) what plans he has to relieve the overcrowding at Armley prison, Leeds; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question from the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. Redmond) on 22 April 1988 at columns 592–93. My right hon. Friend has received no recent representations concerning overcrowding at the prison.

  Litter-related Offences
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government have any plans to seek to increase the penalties for litter-related offences; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Under the Litter Act 1983 a person convicted of leaving litter in an open place may be fined up to £400. We have no plans to increase this. The Government have, however, given their full support to the Tidy Britain Group, which has initiated a programme of experimental projects designed to examine ways of dealing with the problem of litter.

  Leicestershire Constabulary
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the reasons for his decision not to allocate any further police manpower to the Leicestershire constabulary, following the official request from the chief constable; and whether he will now reconsider his decision.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Increases for provincial forces are granted under a phased programme for which total demand far exceeds the number of additional posts available. My right hon. Friend after careful review of the requests received was unable to meet the request from Leicestershire.

  I appreciate the disappointment which was caused to Leicestershire and to other authorities whose applications were not met. The police authority has been informed that its application will be considered again, together with the applications of other forces, when my right hon. Friend next takes decisions on the allocations of posts to be approved under the programme.

  Guildford and Woolwich Pub Bombings
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce the outcome of the inquiry he authorised into the case of the four persons convicted of the Guildford and Woolwich pub bombings; and what is the reason for the delay.

  Mr. John Patten
  My right hon. Friend will announce his decision on whether to intervene in this case as soon as he has considered fully the police report on the new statements that have been put forward, together with the other material which has been brought to his attention. He hopes to complete this in the not too distant future.

  Downing Street (Hon. Members' Access)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to remove all restrictions on the number of hon. Members who can go into Downing street at any one time; if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis 446
  as to when the present instructions were given to the police on duty there on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I regret that restrictions placed on the number of right hon. and hon. Members who wished to enter Downing street on 26 May to present a petition were the result of a misunderstanding by the police officers on duty there. Fresh instructions have been issued by the police to make it clear that, as hitherto, no restrictions should be placed on the number of hon. Members who need to enter Downing street in the course of their parliamentary duties.

  Dogs (Spiked Collars)
  Miss Fookes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to ban the use of spiked collars for dogs.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have no plans to do so. Where the use of such a collar caused an animal unnecessary suffering, a prosecution could be brought under the Protection of Animals Act 1911.

  Government Data Network
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to provide that the Government data network is not used routinely for the purpose of collecting the personal data relating to individuals who are of interest to the security services; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Renton
  We see no need to do so. The Government data network is a means of transmitting, not of collecting, data.

  Computer Network
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will establish a committee to inquire into the implications of the advent of the Government data network, the enhanced police national computer network and the community charge for the Data Protection Act; whether he will call for a special report from the Data Protection Registrar concerning these issues; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Renton
  No.

  Prisons and Prisoners (Definitions)
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 29 April,Official Report, column 286, regarding the definitions of prisons and prisoners in different Council of Europe countries, what information he has as to which institutions in Council of Europe countries are comparable to prisons run by the prison department in the United Kingdom but which are not classified as prisons in the Council of Europe's prison statistics.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information available in the comparability of the statistics published by the Council of Europe was given in a recent article in the Home Office research bulletin, "International Comparisons of Prison Populations" by Patrick Collier and Roger Tarling, (issue number 23, 1987, pages 48–54).

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Attorney-General what action the Lord Chancellor has taken to remedy past inequalities in employment practices in his Department, in compliance with the codes of the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission, respectively.

  The Attorney-General
  The Lord Chancellor's Department has agreed policies on race relations and equality of opportunities for women which comply with the appropriate code of practice. The policy statements were circulated to all staff in 1984. The Department has recently sent a copy of the first of a series of leaflets on equal opportunities to each member of staff. A second leaflet on sexual harassment will be issued. Specific guidance on equal opportunities is given at relevant training courses and there is compulsory training on equal opportunities for all managers.

  Other examples of action taken are: the provision of women-only training and a career break scheme; advertising part-time working and job-share opportunities for staff; a survey of the ethnic origin of all staff; participation in feature articles to publicise career opportunities in the Department; participation in the schools liaison scheme and the use of inner city job centres to fill vacancies.

  NHS (Lottery)
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Attorney-General what discussions have taken place between the Crown Prosecution Service and the organisers of the proposed lottery for the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  The National Health Lottery scheme was first referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions by the Gaming Board of Great Britain on 16 May on the basis that the proposed scheme appeared to contravene the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976. The Director obtained counsel's opinion and formed the view that the operation of the scheme would result in the commission of offences under the 1976 Act. Letters were written on 23 and 24 May to the company responsible for running the lottery, the latter indicating that the Director would request police inquiries if the lottery draw took place, and on 26 May to the company's solicitors stating which provisions of the 1976 Act the Director considered would be contravened. There has been no meeting between the Director's staff and the company, or its solicitors, to discuss the proposed lottery.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Attorney-General what steps he intends to take in the light of the divisional court ruling of 23 May, to ensure that each case is screened by a legally qualified person employed by the Crown Prosecution Service.

  The Attorney-General
  The divisional court ruling of 23 May is currently the subject of an appeal. Meanwhile the Director of Public Prosecutions has issued a circular to all chief Crown prosecutors advising them of the terms of the court's declaration and stating that those terms must be complied with.
  448
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to the answer of 21 April,Official Report, columns 507–8, as to the number of legally qualified persons employed by the Crown Prosecution Service in its Crown court sections, what steps he intends to take to ensure that in those cases where additional or new evidence comes to light after committal proceedings the case will be reviewed by a legally qualified person.

  The Attorney-General
  Where additional or new evidence or information comes to light after committal, particularly where doubt is cast on the initial decision to proceed, it is the normal practice for the material to be considered by the Crown prosecutor, and, if necessary, for the advice of counsel to be sought. In any event, the material will be included as an additional enclosure in the brief to counsel.

  Paragraph 10 of the code for Crown prosecutors stresses that even when proceedings are under way the Crown prosecutor should continue to exercise a reviewing function. The function is a continuing one, as it is important that cases should be kept under continuous review, not least because the emergence of new evidence or information may sometimes cast doubt on the propriety of the initial decision to proceed.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Attorney-General whether in the light of the divisional court ruling of 23 May, he will state the duties and responsibilities of counsel instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service to appear on behalf of the Crown in a criminal matter in the Crown court.

  The Attorney-General
  The divisional court ruling of 23 May is currently the subject of an appeal. Meanwhile the Director of Public Prosecutions has issued a circular to all chief Crown prosecutors advising them of the terms of the court's declaration and stating that those terms must be complied with. The duties and responsibilities of counsel conducting a case in the Crown court remain as before the decision and are conveniently set out in the report of the committee chaired by the hon. Mr. Justice Farquharson.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Attorney-General whether he intends to take any further steps to encourage legally qualified staff to remain within the Crown Prosecution Service where they have reached the grade of a senior Crown prosecutor.

  The Attorney-General
  The retention of experienced staff within the Crown Prosecution Service is of the greatest importance. With the Director of Public Prosecutions I shall encourage senior Crown prosecutors to take advantage of the new pay offer which includes substantial salary increases at the senior Crown prosecutor grade with additional special salary awards for consistently high performance. These will make career prospects in the service more attractive. In the development of the service careful heed will be taken of the 1987 study of internal communications, as well as of the views of senior Crown prosecutors themselves as to how the attraction of the role of an experienced lawyer in the service may be enhanced.

  Daniel Morgan
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Attorney-General if the Director of Public Prosecutions has completed his
  449
  deliberations following the verdict of unlawful killing at the inquest into the death of Daniel Morgan in March 1987 at Southwark coroner's court in April 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  At the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Daniel Morgan at Southwark coroner's court on 21 April 1988 the Crown Prosecution Service requested a full transcript of the shorthand note of the proceedings. This transcript has not yet been received and consequently a final decision has not been reached by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

  Juries
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Attorney-General what steps are taken to ensure that all those called for jury service can understand the language in which evidence will be given in court.

  The Attorney-General
  The Juries Act 1974 requires jurors to be summoned from amongst all those on the electoral register who are not disqualified by age. However, the jury summons form both explains to the summoned person that excusal may be sought on the grounds of insufficient understanding of English and warns that they may be discharged from duty if there is doubt as to their competence. Though the summons and the accompanying leaflet are printed in English, material is available in Welsh and five major Asian languages. In those comparatively rare cases in which evidence is given in a language other than English, interpreters are used.

  Discontinuance of Cases
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Attorney-General whether he will authorise suitably qualified barristers or solicitor agents in appropriate cases in the magistrates' courts to authorise discontinuance or the offering of no evidence where appropriate or to accept pleas to lesser charges; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  The provisions of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 do not allow the Director to delegate powers to discontinue proceedings to barristers or solicitors in private practice instructed on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service.

  The withdrawal of cases, or the offering of no evidence where appropriate, or the acceptance of pleas to lesser charges than those originally preferred, are matters upon which barrister and solicitors instructed on behalf of the service are instructed to consult with a CPS officer unless there are compelling and urgent reasons for not doing so.

  The policy, practice and procedures of the CPS are kept under a constant review with a view to improving fairness, efficiency and effectiveness. At present there are no plans for the alteration of instructions given to barristers or solicitors instructed on behalf of the service.

  Civil Justice Review
  Mr. Ashby
  To ask the Attorney-General when it is expected that the report of the civil justice review will be published.

  The Attorney-General
  The report of the review body on civil justice has been laid before Parliament today. It contains wide-ranging recommendations, put forward by 450
  an independent advisory committee working with a team of officials. A further announcement will be made when the Government have considered all the proposals.

TRANSPORT

  Bexley Bus Service
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on the Bexley bus service since Easter.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have received one letter from the London Regional Passengers' Committee. The operation of the Bexley bus service is a matter for the management of London Regional Transport.

  Casualty Rates
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of Slate for Transport what is the casualty rate per mile travelled, or nearest appropriate indicator, for(a) private vehicle drivers, (b) private vehicle passengers aged over 18 years, (c) private vehicle passengers aged under 18 years but over five years, (d) private vehicle passengers aged five years and under, (e) motor cyclists, (f) motor cycle pillion passengers aged over 18 years, (g) motor cycle pillion passengers aged under 18 years, (h) cyclists aged over 18 years, (i) cyclists under 18 years but over 11 years., (j) cyclists aged 11 years and under, and (k) commercial lorry drivers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The casualty rates for drivers and riders of pedal cycles, motor cycles, private vehicles and goods vehicles are given in the table:

  Total driver-rider casualty rates: Great Britain 1986

  Rate per 100 million vehicle kilometres

  Rate

  Pedal cyclists

  618

  Motor cycle riders

  888

  Private vehicle drivers

  37·3

  Goods vehicle drivers

  18·0

  Age-specific driver and rider casualty rates cannot be calculated because total annual mileage is only available by type of vehicle and cannot be subdivided by the age of the driver or rider. The total number of casualties for each of the requested road user types is as follows:

  Total casualties: by age and road user type: Great Britain 1986

  Age of casualty

  Type of road user

  0–5

  6–17

  18 or more

  1Total

  Private vehicle driver

  —

  2,361

  88,115

  91,156

  Private vehicle passengers

  3,839

  13,575

  49,579

  68,022

  Motor cycle riders2

  —

  11,147

  36,257

  47,922

  Motor cycle passengers2

  3

  1,022

  3,282

  4,358

  Goods vehicle drivers3

  —

  115

  8,284

  8,480

  Age of casualty

  Type of road user

  0–11

  12–17

  18 or more

  Total

  Pedal cyclists

  3,043

  8,345

  14,388

  26,129

  451
  1 Includes age not known and age unreported.

  2 Includes mopeds, scooters and motor cycle combinations.

  3 Includes light goods vehicles and heavy goods vehicles.

  Miss Lynda Lee-Potter
  Mr. Snape
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will appoint Miss Lynda Lee-Potter as a member of the British Railways Board.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  No, there are currently no suitable vacancies.

  Carlisle-Settle Railway
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what bus services will be available for the present passengers on the Carlisle-Settle line when the service is withdrawn.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I will want to consider that issue in the the light of the further report on hardship which I have asked the TUCCs to submit.

  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make available the details of British Rail's current and estimated revenue and operating costs on the Carlisle to Settle line.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  British Rail estimates that the gross cost of running the line in 1987–88 will have been £2·7 million and revenue about £1 million. Its estimates of costs and revenues in the future if the line stayed open were set out in its financial case for closure, a copy of which was placed in the Library of the House on 25 February 1987. I have now asked BR to update those figures.

  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why the capital and revenue contributions of the joint local authorities to the running of the Carlisle-Settle railway were not included in the list of public and private bodies in the Official Report of 16 May, columns 683–84.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  The local authority contributions had already received wide publicity. But I did refer to them in my reply to the hon. Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Cryer) and my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton and Ripon (Mr. Curry) on 16 May,Official Report, column 677.

  Dual Carriageways
  Mr. Warren
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the average annual daily traffic flows required by his Department to justify dual carriageways on trunk roads; and if he will list the dates and numbers by which this figure has been increased during the last 40 years.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The justification for trunk road schemes is based on a comprehensive appraisal of costs and benefits, not simply on traffic flows. The Department produces guidelines on carriageway standards in relation to traffic flows only for the purpose of establishing which options should be appraised. Dual carriageway standard will be considered for a rural trunk road if the forecast average annual daily traffic flow in the design year, 15 years after the road opens, is in the range 11,000–46,000 vehicles.
  452
  The guidelines reflect the costs and benefits of the different carriageway widths during both normal operating conditions and maintenance. They also take account of the performance of modern vehicles and road design. Earlier figures were not produced in the same way and are not properly comparable.

  Rail Passengers
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the proportion of British Rail's passengers on(a) the provincial sector lines in central Wales, (b) the Fort William to Mallaig lines and (c) the Carlisle to Settle line who travel for leisure purposes.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  So far as(a) and (b) are concerned, no information, because these lines have not been proposed for closure. So far as the Settle-Carlisle line is concerned, a Cumbria county council survey showed that over 60 per cent. of passengers travelled simply for the pleasure of the line, and that 80 per cent. were travelling for leisure purposes generally.

  Private Railways
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average length of time taken for a private concern to be granted statutory authorisation to operate a railway after receipt of the application.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  There is no meaningful "average" time. That depends on the procedure adopted, the complexity of the case, the objections received, and the speed with which the applicants themselves respond to correspondence.

  A33
  Sir David Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents have taken place in each of the last three years on the A33 road between the Chilworth roundabout and the start of the M3 at Bar End; and how many have been fatal.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information is available as follows:

  Year

  Personal injury accidents

  Accidents involving fatalities

  July 1984 to June 1985

  67

  2

  July 1985 to June 1986

  74

  3

  July 1986 to June 1987

  73

  1

  July 1987 to March 1988

  47

  1

  Sir David Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will authorise the necessary work to commence on the upgrading of the Chandler's Ford bypass in the borough of Eastleigh (A33) to motorway standards.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I hope to let a contract for the Compton-Bassett section of the M3 motorway at about the end of the year.

  M1 and M6 (Roadworks)
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects(a) the M1 and (b) the M6 will be free from major road works; and if he will make a statement.
  453
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Not soon.

  This year's major maintenance work on the M I and M6 is due to be completed by the end of November. The volume of traffic on these motorways is high. A continuous programme of maintenance is necessary to keep the roads in good condition. Most major works take place between April and November. We plan and phase work to minimise disruption to road users.

  It may be helpful to explain the arithmetic of motorway renewal. As on average 5 per cent. (about 20 route miles) of M1, M6 are renewed each year, the hon. Member may experience major road works for some time.

  Motorways (Overtaking)
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further steps he proposes to take in order to inform motorists that the middle and fast lanes on the motorways are for overtaking purposes only; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  One and a half million leaflets about motorway driving and safety are currently being distributed to motorists. Like all other driver guidance, these emphasise the importance of good lane discipline.

  Dartford Tunnel
  Mr. McCrindle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next proposes to meet the general manager of the Dartford tunnel joint committee; and if on that occasion he will discuss the case for escorting tankers through the tunnel in view of the delay this occasions to other traffic.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State expects to meet the general manager next on 2 August. Officials have already discussed this subject with him.

  The Dartford tunnel joint committee decided on 3 June to increase from four to six the maximum number of vehicles carrying hazardous goods in escorted convoys in order to cut the number of convoys and the consequent delays to other traffic. The change will come into effect on 1 July. Other improvements have been made recently, including the construction of a new marshalling area for these vehicles on the Essex side.

  Mr. McCrindle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the tunnels in the United Kingdom where tankers are escorted other than the Dartford tunnel.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The authorities responsible for the Mersey tunnels and the Tyne tunnel operate procedures similar to those which apply at Dartford.

  Dartford-Thurrock Bridge
  Mr. McCrindle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current state of progress on the proposed Dartford to Thurrock bridge.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Dartford River Crossing Limited plans to begin construction of the bridge on 1 August if the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Bill receives Royal Assent by 30 June. The bridge is expected to be complete by early 1991.

  Rolling Stock and Locomotives
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 25 April,Official Report, column 71, what allowance as regards the maximum height and size of a passengers seated comfortably, was made by BR in the specifications for Sprinters submitted to his Department; whether there has been any variations in these figures for the super Sprinters; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  This is entirely a matter for British Rail's judgment.

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 25 April,Official Report, column 71, what data or measurements of interior noise levels were included by BR in the specifications for class 155 units submitted to his Department; and what change these figures represented in comparison with current Inter-City rolling stock.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  None. These are entirely matters for British Rail.

  Perivale Underpass
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to improve the drainage arrangements for the Perivale underpass; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The severe storms in West London flooded the underpass on Sunday 8 May 1988. Our agents, the London borough of Ealing, is investigating whether any improvements to the drainage system are required.

ENERGY

  Electricity Industry
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on progress in the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Discussions with the industry are continuing satisfactorily and our aim is to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Industry Matters Scheme
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the Industry Matters scheme.

  Mr. Viggers
  The work of encouraging a better understanding of the importance of industry, begun during Industry Year 1986, is being carried forward in Northern Ireland by an independent company limited by guarantee, Industry Matters (NI) Ltd. The company is involved in a wide range of projects designed to create and develop links between industry and education at all levels, and has also launched an initiative to promote the concept of total quality throughout Northern Ireland industry. Industry Matters' costs are met by contributions from the
  455
  private sector matched by the Department of Economic Development on a pound-for-pound basis up to a limit of £50,000 in any one financial year.

  Fair Employment
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many(a) Protestants and (b) Roman Catholics are employed at present by the Housing Executive in the grades or salary bands (i) PO2 and above, (ii) PO1 and (iii) P/T and 1–4, in each of the six housing areas or regions and in Belfast functional departments;

  (2) how many (a) Protestants and (b) Roman Catholics are employed at present by the Housing Executive in the grades of director and assistant director within the central directorates of development; planning; finance; housing; and personnel and management services;

  (3) how many (a) Protestants and (b) Roman Catholics are employed at present by the Housing Executive in the grades or salary bands PO2 and above in the department of the chief executive and in the departments of information and corporate planning.

  Mr. Needham
  These are matters for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand that the information requested is not currently available.

  A report conducted by the Fair Employment Agency in October 1985 into the religious composition of the non-manual staff of the NIHE concluded that equality of opportunity was being provided. Following a recommendation of the FEA, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is currently undertaking a survey of its staff which is intended to provide a profile of its religious composition. It is anticipated that the report of this survey will be available by the end of the year.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) Protestants and (b) Roman Catholics employed by the Housing Executive in October 1985 have been transferred to different duties, or have resigned their employment, or have been dismissed in the grades or salary bands (i) PO2 and above, (ii) PO1 and (iii) P/T, 1–4, and what were the respective affiliations of their replacements in post in each case.

  Mr. Needham
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive but I understand from the chief executive that the information requested is not available.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Catholic managers at grade or salary bands SOI and above have instituted grievance proceedings, or complaints to the Fair Employment Agency, or the Commissioner for Complaints, or have concluded or are pursuing legal proceedings against the House Executive in consequence of their failure to obtain promotion, or the loss or downgrading of their posts since the Fair Employment Agency report was published in October 1985; and what has been the total cost to the Housing Executive of defending such actions and making compensatory or out-of-court settlements.

  Mr. Needham
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive but I understand from the chief executive that the information cannot be provided in the form requested. Details of cases raised by existing members of staff since October 1985 are as follows:
  456

  Case and means of raising case

  Costs £

  A—One individual

  In-house grievance procedure relating to failure to obtain promotion.

  130

  Finding:—No grievance to answer

  B—One individual

  Complaint to the Fair Employment Agency relating to failure to obtain promotion.

  Not yet determined

  Case continuing.

  C—Two individuals

  Legal proceedings relating to contract of employment case.

  6,000 compensation, 9,433 legal costs

  Settled out of court.

  Legal proceedings relating to contract of employment.

  2,918 to date

  Case continuing.

  These figures do not include in-house administration expenses relating to the investigations. These costs are not readily available and could only be determined at disproportionate cost.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish the full list of organisations of which membership by its employees is proscribed by the Housing Executive on grounds of conflict of interest in any duties involving the planning or maintenance of housing, the planning or apportionment of financial expenditure, the management of tenant-occupied housing, or the recruitment, selection, management and training of employees.

  Mr. Needham
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that the Executive does not maintain a list of organisations of which employees may not hold membership.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Roman Catholic personnel or training staff have instituted actions against the Housing Executive since May 1983, through industrial tribunals or the civil courts on grounds of wrongful dismissal or breach of contract; in how many cases compensatory payments were made in preference to reinstatement; and what were the total legal costs involved in defending these actions on behalf of the Housing Executive and in paying compensation.

  Mr. Needham
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that four officers in the personnel/training section have initiated action against the Executive since May 1983 through a tribunal or civil court.

  The Executive is unable to comment on the religious affiliation of the individuals concerned.

  The Executive made a compensatory payment in lieu of re-engagement in one of these cases, as directed by the industrial tribunal.

  The total costs involved including the compensatory payment amount to £51,644·75 to date.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many complaints by year under the Fair Employment Act (Northern Ireland) Act 1976 have been discontinued by virtue of section 42 of the Act listing the employing body in each case.
  457
  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 20 May 1988]: It is not the practice to release the names of parties in individual complaints. The following table shows by year the number of requests for the issue of a certificate under section 42 of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1976.

  Year

  Number

  1977–78

  3

  1978–79

  1

  1979–80

  Nil

  1980–81

  1

  2

  1981–82

  3

  1

  1982–83

  1

  1983–84

  Nil

  1984–85

  3

  1985–86

  1

  1

  1

  1986–87

  0

  1987–88

  4

  1

  Two of these cases are now the subject of judicial review.

  Orange Parades
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Orangemen's parades take place in Northern Ireland each year; and what is the cost of policing them.

  Mr. Stanley
  The information is not available in the form requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  However, in his annual report for 1987, the Chief Constable reported that 1,863 Loyalist parades and 249 Republican parades had taken place during the year and involved a substantial monetary cost.

  Local Enterprise Development Unit
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will state the number of new jobs produced by the work of the Local Enterprise Development Unit.

  Mr. Viggers
  In the year ended March 1988, the Local Enterprise Development Unit entered into contracts with companies to assist 4,570 jobs. Of this total, 523 related to the development of existing jobs and 4,047 to proposals for the creation of new employment. These results bring the overall total of jobs assisted since the unit's inception in 1971 to 35,271.

  Language Assistants
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many language assistants went to which countries under the auspices of the exchange of languages assistants scheme in the last year for which figures are available; and how many come from which countries in each exchange.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The figures for the current academic year are as follows:
  458

  Countries

  From Northern Ireland

  To Northern Ireland

  France

  61

  65

  Morocco

  —

  2

  Canada

  1

  2

  Ivory Coast

  —

  1

  Switzerland

  1

  —

  Federal Republic of Germany

  8

  15

  German Democratic Republic

  1

  —

  Austria

  1

  3

  Spain

  11

  16

  Mexico

  1

  1

  Italy

  4

  3

  Further Education (Staff)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated cost of the investigations by(a) the Fair Employment Agency and (b) the Northern Ireland Commissioner for complaints into the 40 cases of complaints about selection and promotion of staff in further education colleges during the past five years.

  Mr. Viggers
  The Fair Employment Agency estimates the total cost of its 12 completed investigations at £24,000. Two further cases are pending and are expected to cost some £4,000.

  The office of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints does not hold information in a form which would enable it to provide a meaningful estimate of the cost of investigation of individual complaints.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 12 April,Official Report, column 51, whether he has revised the guidelines to the five education and library boards during the past five years about the criteria for the selection and promotion of staff in further education colleges; and if he will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The selection and promotion of lecturing staff in further education colleges are matters for the management committees of the colleges and education and library boards operating within schemes approved by the Department of Education. There has been no recent revision of these schemes.

  Primary Schools
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at what stage are the proposed schemes for new primary schools at(a) Ballyharry and (b) Ballyhalbert; and what are the anticipated dates for the acceptance of the first pupils at these schools.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The information is as follows:

  (a) Ballyharry: the scheme is now 40 per cent. complete.

  (b) Ballyhalbert: the scheme commenced on 23 May 1988.

  Both schools are expected to accept pupils in September 1989.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish the names of all primary schools which have been closed during the past five years; what was the number of pupils at each school at the date of the final decision to close the school; and whether each school listed is controlled or maintained.
  459
  Dr. Mawhinney
  Details of the primary school closures since 1983 are as follows:

  Controlled

  Enrolment

  Ballymiscaw

  22

  Woodvale

  40

  Robert Bell

  57

  Throne

  27

  Malone

  52

  Agnew Balzani

  22

  Ballyhome

  16

  Ladyhill

  23

  Seacon

  12

  Derrykeigan

  10

  Maxwells Walls

  24

  Ringsend

  7

  John Stewart Memorial

  21

  Ballymontena

  25

  Kirkhills

  21

  Blagh

  11

  Ballystockart

  29

  Ballytrira

  21

  Annadorn

  13

  Castlerobin

  23

  Milford

  16

  Ballynahatty

  22

  Douglas

  25

  Calkhill

  20

  Balteagh

  13

  Mayne

  17

  Riddle Memorial

  132

  Porters Memorial

  38

  Aughagash

  22

  Ballyoran

  221

  Voluntary

  Star of the Sea Boys, Belfast

  90

  St. Anthony's, Belfast

  75

  St. Teresa's, Tullyorier

  15

  Cabra

  40

  St. Columb's Infants, Londonderry

  32

  Ballyphillip Boys'

  171

  In addition, primary school amalgamations involving closures since 1983 are as follows:

  Enrolment

  Controlled

  Hazelbank

  25

  Mullindrean

  30

  Upper Buckna

  30

  Ardmillan

  92

  Ballydrain

  19

  Ballymacashon

  28

  Killinchy

  47

  Lisbarnet

  36

  Magheraberry

  80

  Soldierstown

  19

  Wastelands

  26

  Ballynewry

  33

  Mullabrack

  28

  Markethill

  173

  Cladymore

  64

  Sion Mills

  273

  Urney

  12

  Voluntary

  St. Malachy's Girls', Belfast

  171

  St. Colman's Boys', Belfast

  158

  Note: The above amalgamations involved the closure of the schools bracketed together and the erection of a new school on a new site.

  Crumlin Road Prison
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any plans to improve the sanitary arrangements for prisoners in Her Majesty's prison, Crumlin road, Belfast; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stanley
  There are currently no firm plans to improve the sanitary arrangements at HM prison, Crumlin road, but a survey is being carried out with a view to drawing up a plan to upgrade certain aspects of the building, which may include the sanitation.

  Prisoners
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are currently serving prison sentences in Northern Ireland; what percentage of these are serving sentences for terrorist and related offences; and what percentage of the terrorist offences category are (i) republican and (ii) loyalist.

  Mr. Stanley
  On 15 May there were 1,442 persons serving prison sentences in Northern Ireland. Of these 72·1 per cent. were serving sentences for scheduled offences as defined in the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978. An unknown number of these offences would however have been treated as non-scheduled at court after being certified out by the Attorney-General. Of the persons serving sentences for scheduled offences, based on their believed paramilitary affiliations, 44·7 per cent. are classified as Republican and 33·3 per cent. as Loyalist. These figures do not reflect those prisoners currently held on remand or awaiting trial, nor those persons ordered to be detained in a young offenders centre.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many female prisoners are currently serving sentences in Northern Ireland; and what percentage are serving sentences for terrorist offences.

  Mr. Stanley
  On 15 May there were 19 women serving prison sentences in Northern Ireland. Of these 14 (73·7 per cent.) were serving sentences for scheduled offences as defined in the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978. Some of these offences might however have been treated as non-scheduled at court after being certified out by the Attorney-General. These figures do not reflect those prisoners currently held on remand or awaiting trial, nor those persons ordered to be detained in a young offenders centre.

  De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money owing to public funds as a result of the collapse of De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd has so far been recovered; how much is still outstanding or unaccounted for; and what has been the cost to public funds to date in fees and other related administrative expenses.

  Mr. Viggers
  Of the £77 million public funds invested in De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd, the total amount recovered to date by the joint receivers, Sir Kenneth Cork and Mr. Christopher Hughes of Cork Gully, is £12·6 million. That amount included an award in specie of £1·8 million in respect of property at Dunmurry and a total of £3·54
  461
  million paid to Government Departments as preferential creditors. £53·7 million of the Government's claim against the company, which excludes share capital of £17·8 million but includes interest and royalties due, remains outstanding. At 29 February 1988 the fees, expenses and costs incurred so far in the receivership and various legal actions amounted to £3·9 million.

  Belfast-Dublin Road, Newry (Parking)
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State Northern Ireland how many prosecutions have been brought during the period 1 June 1987 to 1 June 1988 in respect of illegal parking on the Belfast-Dublin road, Newry, in the vicinity of the customs station.

  Mr. Stanley
  Records of parking offences are not maintained on a road by road basis and this information could not therefore be provided except at disproportionate cost.

  Newtown Hamilton (Security System)
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to change the security barrier system currently in operation at Newtown Hamilton, County Armagh.

  Mr. Stanley
  I understand from the RUC that there are no plans to remove the security barriers at present, although the situation is under review.

  Milk Quota
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many farmers in Northern Ireland exceeded their allocated milk quota during the year 1 May 1987 to 31 April 1988.

  Mr. Viggers
  It is not possible at this stage to state precisely how many milk producers in Northern Ireland exceeded their quota during the year 1 April 1987 to 31 March 1988. A number of quota adjustments still require to be made but it is estimated that approximately 4,000 producers may have exceeded their quota. As a result of temporary reallocation of unused quota, the number who have to pay levy could be significantly lower.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he is making in improving the cost-effectiveness of the Northern Ireland prison service.

  Mr. Tom King
  The Government are continually seeking to improve the cost-effectiveness of the Northern Ireland prison service, as is the case with the provision of other public services. Progress has already been made but a particular source of concern for some time has been the increasing cost of housing special category prisoners in three compounds in the old part of Maze prison, even though their numbers have fallen. Accordingly, on Sunday 5 June the remaining 90 special category prisoners were transferred from three compounds in the old part of Maze to two cell blocks in the prison. The prisoners will continue to be held separately from other inmates, and to be treated as special category. Arrangements have been made to reproduce the previous regime to the extent that this is practicable in the different accommodation.
  462
  The closure of the remaining compounds will result in more cost-effective use of prison accommodation. The transfer will also result in more contact between staff and these prisoners than was possible in the compounds; most of the men are serving indeterminate sentences, and the new situation should enable a better assessment to be made of their suitability for release into the community on licence.

  I have therefore agreed that the case of each special category prisoner serving a sentence of life imprisonment or detention at the Secretary of State's pleasure should be reviewed by the Life Sentence Review Board within about six months. The board will review the cases in accordance with the normal criteria which it applies to all prisoners serving indeterminate sentences. The prisoners concerned are being informed of this review, and will have the normal opportunity to make their own written representations to the board.

  Artificial Insemination Service
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether firms or individuals proposing to operate an artificial insemination service for animals require his approval.

  Mr. Viggers
  No. A licence is required from the Department of Agriculture.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Strangford of 11 May, whether the licensing of the artificial insemination services to AI Services (NI) Society Ltd. gives this firm a monopoly for artificial insemination services in Northern Ireland;

  (2) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Strangford of 11 May, whether other private persons or firms can undertake an artificial insemination service in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: AI Services (Northern Ireland) Society Ltd. will be the only organisation authorised to undertake the artificial insemination of cattle on farms in Northern Ireland through a technician service.

  Other private persons or firms can be licensed by the Department of Agriculture to sell semen to cattle producers who will continue to be free to buy semen from other sources other than Al Services and to perform artificial insemination on their own cows under licence from the Department of Agriculture.

  European Charter on Local Self-Government
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has had from individuals and organisations in Northern Ireland concerning ratification of the European charter on local self-government; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 18 April 1988]: I have received two representations concerning the ratification of the European charter of local self-government; these came from the hon. Member for South Down (Mr. McGrady) and the Association of Local Authorities of Northern Ireland.

  North Eastern Library and Education Board
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will place in the Library a copy of the Fair Employment Agency's report on the North Eastern Library and Education Board.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 24 May 1988]: When the report is published by the Fair Employment Agency, a copy will be placed in the Library in the normal way.

  Milk Quotas
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many milk producers were contracted into the Community non-marketing premium schemes during the base year for the calculation of milk quotas.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 25 May 1988]: In Northern Ireland, 801 producers were contracted out of production under the EC non-marketing of milk and dairy herd conversion premium schemes during at least part of 1983, the base year used for the calculation of primary milk quotas.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Southern Africa
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how he decides which political leaders in southern Africa to consult about developments in southern Africa.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Our policy is to maintain contact with a wide range of political opinion in southern Africa.

  Iran (Arms Sales)
  Sir Russell Johnston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the United States Government concerning the alleged sale of arms to Iran; and what response he has sent.

  Mr. Mellor
  We have received no representations from the United States Government on this matter, and we have no reason to think that they hold the views attributed to them in a recent press article.

  Gulf War
  Sir Russell Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government are taking all steps open to them to prevent the direct or indirect supply of weapons from the United Kingdom to either of the protagonists in the Gulf War.

  Mr. Mellor
  Yes. Exports of defence-related equipment to Iran or Iraq continue to be subject to the guidelines announced in the House on 29 October 1985. These are strictly applied.

  Kampuchea
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom citizens are working for relief agencies inside Kampuchea; and if he will make a statement.
  464
  Mr. Eggar
  We have no firm information. The British working in the refugee camps along the Thai-Cambodian border appear to outnumber the few who are working in Cambodia.

  Transylvania (Hungarian Minority)
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has made any representations to the Romanian Government on the subject of the alleged persecution of the Hungarian minority in Transylvania; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  The Romanian authorities are aware of the concern in the United Kingdom about human rights in Romania. We have raised these issues in ministerial contacts. In a speech at the CSCE follow-up meeting in Vienna on 15 April, I drew attention in particular to religious rights and those of national minorities in Romania. We hope that the Vienna meeting will result in improved respect for the rights of national minorities, in Romania as elsewhere.

  Southern Africa (Defence Capability)
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy on supporting the defence capability of Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference states; and if there are any plans to increase the level of support.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We wish to encourage stability in the region and, to that end, give civil aid, military training assistance and limited non-lethal defence equipment to SADCC states to encourage their independent development. We will continue to do so.

  Amritsar (Representations)
  Mr. Bidwell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what requests he has received from Indians resident in the United Kingdom asking him to make representations to the Indian Government on recent events in Amritsar.

  Mr. Eggar
  We have received 24 identical written requests from the International Sikh Youth Federation and a number of Sikh temples. In addition the federation sent a telemessage. We have also received similar requests from four of the temples under cover of letters from hon. Members. We have had no other requests.

  Entry Clearance Fees
  Mr. Lord
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any changes are proposed to entry clearance fees.

  Mr. Eggar
  Revised fees have been introduced along with a new category of entry clearance (double entry), with effect from 1 June 1988. the charges were approved by the Privy Council on 25 May. The principal fees will be as follows:

  £

  (£)

  Single entry clearance

  20

  (no change)

  Double entry clearance

  30

  (new category)

  Multi entry clearance

  44

  (40)

  Settlement and other long term entry clearances

  60

  (50)

  465
  The last fee has been non-refundable since 1 January 1986. All entry clearance fees will be non-refundable from 1 June 1988. From the same date fees will be charged on a per capita, not per passport, basis.

  Mrs. Susan Donnelly
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will instruct Her Majesty's consul in Johannesburg to stay in regular contact with British passport holder Mrs. Susan Donnelly (nèe Wescott); if he will press the South African authorities for an explanation of the circumstances of her arrest and what charges are to be laid against her and how soon; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  As my hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State told the hon. Member on 23 May 1988, consular access has already been obtained to Mrs. Donnelly. Consular officials are also in regular touch with the local police authorities, who are holding Mrs. Donnelly under the provisions of South Africa's Internal Security Act. Our officials will continue to monitor her case and do all that they properly can to assist her.

  Gibraltar (Shooting)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what precise information was available to his Department in the period prior to the shooting of three Irish Republican Army members in Gibraltar on 6 March regarding the nature and scope of any alleged terrorist attack which they were suspected of preparing; what were the sources and timing of that information and what action was taken as a result; whether any civilian employees of Her Majesty's Government were involved at any stage in the operation to locate and apprehend the terrorists; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  The hon. Member is clearly referring to intelligence matters on which it is not our practice to comment.

  Departmental Officials (Language Qualifications)
  Mr. Holland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of his officials at administrative grade are qualified, respectively, at(a) O-level, (b) A or S-level, (c) diploma and (d) university degree level in (i) French and (ii) another European Community language; and what procedures are operated by his Department to ensure that documents of the European Communities placed before the House are properly translated.

  Mrs. Chalker
  For diplomatic service staff the information on language qualifications is as follows:

  (i)(a) 1,383; (i)(b) 914; (i)(c) 367; (i)(d) 313; (ii)(a) 1,733; (ii)(b) 757; (ii)(c) 495; (ii)(d)

  Information on the language qualifications of ODA staff is not held in the same way as information for diplomatic service officers. But my hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development will write to the hon. Member when the information that is available has been assembled.
  466
  The Commission is responsible for the translation of Community documents. To check all translations in London would not be operationally feasible and would greatly delay the depositing of documents in Parliament.

  Arms Control Panel
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when was the last meeting of the Ministers' panel on disarmament arms control and non-proliferation; and what is its composition.

  Mr. Mellor
  The advisory panel on disarmament last met in April 1987. Since 1983 its composition has varied from one meeting to another, according to the agenda. It was established in 1964 to enable Ministers to discuss arms control issues with politicians, academics and non-governmental organisations. In recent years this dialogue has been continued and expanded through a number of increasingly specialised groupings.

  BBC (External Services)
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase the allocation of resources to the external services of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  None. The grants-in-aid for the BBC external services for 1988–89, 1989–90 and 1990–91 were set out in the 1987 public expenditure survey at the level necessary to carry out the prescribed broadcasting output and sustain the 1981 audibility improvement programme.

  Derrick Gregory
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he is making to the Government of Malaysia to commute the death penalty on Derrick Gregory.

  Mr. Eggar
  We are considering the content and timing of a plea for clemency on humanitarian grounds, which might be submitted by the British High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur to the Malaysian Government in support of a petition which Mr. Gregory's lawyer is preparing.

  Turkey
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Turkey concerning the European conventions on the repatriation of prisoners and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  Both the United Kingdom and Turkey are parties to the Council of Europe convention on the transfer of sentenced persons. The convention came into force for Turkey on 1 January 1988. There have been no discussions between our Governments on the operation of the convention, but there has been direct contact between the Home Office and the Turkish Ministry of Justice about individuals who have expressed an interest in transfer, under the terms of the convention, to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home countries. These exchanges are continuing.

  Chile (Exiles)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions have been taken by Her Majesty's ambassador to Chile in respect of(a) the detention of former United Kingdom resident Jamie Caro and (b) the safety of other returning exiles.

  Mr. Eggar
  Sri Caro is a Chilean citizen. We have therefore no consular standing to intervene on his behalf. We are, however, aware of the practical difficulties faced by some Chileans now returning to their own country. Her Majesty's ambassador is in regular touch with returnees from the United Kingdom, who seem to find this helpful. He has discussed some of the returnees' practical difficulties with the Chilean authorities. We do not, however, believe that returning exiles are in any greater physical danger than others in Chile.

  Population (millions)

  GNP per capita (dollars)

  AGR GNP per capita per cent.

  Percentage of Population 15 years old

  Population 15 years old (000s)

  1986

  1986

  1973–86

  1985

  1985

  Brazil

  138·4

  1,840

  1·6

  36·4

  49,366

  China

  1,054·8

  280

  5·9

  29·7

  315,050

  Ethiopia

  43·6

  120

  -0·5

  44·8

  19,528

  India

  780·2

  270

  2·2

  36·8

  279,370

  Kenya

  21·2

  300

  0·2

  52·5

  10,820

  Nigeria

  103·7

  620

  -2·7

  48·3

  45,940

  Sri Lanka

  16·1

  400

  3·3

  34·5

  5,596

  USA

  241·15

  17,450

  1·4

  21·9

  52,083

  United Kingdom

  56·56

  8,890

  1·2

  19·5

  10,942

  Note: AGR =Annual Growth Rate

  Sources: Population, GNP per capita and AGR GNP per capita:

  Social indicators of Development 1987 (World Bank & International Finance Corporation 1987)

  Recent Social and Economic Indicators 1987 (World Bank 1987)

  Population less than 15 years old, percentage and totals:

  World Demographic Estimates and Projection, 1950–2025 (United Nations 1988)

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish as a table in the Official Report, for all African countries for the years 1960, 1970, 1980 and the latest year for which figures are available, information available to him on the

  Primary School Enrolment Rates

  1965

  1973

  Most recent estimate

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Algeria

  81

  53

  109

  75

  106

  83

  Angola

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Benin

  48

  21

  51

  22

  92

  43

  Botswana

  59

  71

  65

  79

  104

  28

  Burkina Faso

  16

  8

  10

  1

  20

  4

  Burundi

  36

  15

  42

  20

  36

  4

  Cameroon

  114

  75

  108

  87

  116

  97

  Cape Verde

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Central African Republic

  84

  28

  88

  41

  98

  51

  Chad

  56

  13

  51

  18

  55

  21

  Comoros

  36

  12

  64

  29

  107

  76

  Congo, People Republic

  134

  94

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cote d'Ivoire

  80

  41

  71

  45

  64

  19

  Djibouti

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Egypt

  90

  6

  85

  57

  94

  72

  Equatorial Guinea

  79

  52

  69

  11

  —

  —

  Ethiopia

  16

  6

  32

  15

  29

  12

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Statistics
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing information available to him for Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, the United States of America and the United Kingdom on (a) the total population, (b) the per capita gross national product in constant 1987 United States dollars, (c) the average annual rate of growth for the period 1970 to 1987, (d) the percentage of the population under 15 years of age and (e) the size of the population under 15 years of age.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Available information on question(a) and for the latest available year on questions (a), (b),(d) and (e) is in the table.

  percentage of infant mortality rates, the percentage of children in school with boys and girls listed separately, and the female percentage of the illiterate population.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Information for the years in question is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Available information is as follows:
  469

  1965

  1973

  Most recent estimate

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Gabon

  146

  122

  105

  100

  124

  121

  Gambia

  29

  12

  44

  21

  91

  55

  Ghana

  82

  57

  80

  62

  75

  59

  Guinea

  44

  19

  40

  20

  44

  20

  Guinea-Bissau

  38

  13

  90

  39

  84

  40

  Kenya

  69

  40

  103

  87

  101

  94

  Lesotho

  74

  114

  87

  123

  97

  126

  Liberia

  59

  23

  80

  45

  95

  57

  Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

  11

  44

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Madagascar

  70

  59

  103

  88

  125

  118

  Malawi

  55

  32

  67

  44

  73

  52

  Mali

  32

  16

  32

  17

  30

  18

  Mauritania

  19

  6

  24

  13

  45

  29

  Mauritius

  105

  97

  108

  106

  105

  106

  Morocco

  78

  35

  78

  45

  97

  62

  Mozambique

  48

  26

  104

  70

  94

  71

  Namibia

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Niger

  15

  7

  25

  14

  34

  19

  Nigeria

  39

  24

  47

  27

  103

  81

  Reunion

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Rwanda

  64

  43

  61

  51

  64

  60

  St. Helena

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  Sao Tome and Principe

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Senegal

  52

  29

  48

  34

  66

  44

  Seychelles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sierra Leone

  37

  21

  47

  30

  —

  —

  Somalia

  16

  4

  76

  42

  32

  18

  South Africa

  91

  88

  105

  105

  —

  —

  Sudan

  37

  21

  59

  34

  57

  41

  Swaziland

  76

  71

  100

  97

  112

  110

  Tanzania

  40

  25

  62

  44

  91

  84

  Togo

  78

  32

  130

  68

  118

  75

  Tunisia

  116

  65

  116

  78

  127

  105

  Uganda

  83

  50

  53

  35

  65

  49

  Western Sahara

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Zaire

  95

  45

  104

  72

  112

  84

  Zambia

  59

  46

  105

  88

  105

  95

  Zimbabwe

  128

  92

  79

  67

  135

  127

  Secondary School Enrolment Rates

  1965

  1973

  Most Recent Estimate

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Algeria

  10

  5

  26

  14

  54

  39

  Angola

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Benin

  5

  2

  6

  3

  32

  12

  Botswana

  5

  3

  16

  16

  26

  30

  Burkina Faso

  2

  1

  2

  1

  5

  3

  Burundi

  2

  1

  3

  1

  5

  3

  Cameroon

  8

  2

  23

  8

  29

  18

  Cape Verde

  —

  —

  9

  8

  12

  9

  Central African Republic

  4

  1

  7

  2

  24

  8

  Chad

  3

  0

  6

  1

  11

  2

  Comoros

  5

  1

  5

  2

  30

  15

  Congo, People Republic

  15

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cote d'Ivoire

  10

  2

  13

  4

  27

  11

  Djibouti

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Egypt

  37

  15

  54

  31

  70

  46

  Equatorial Guinea

  11

  4

  20

  4

  —

  —

  470 471

  1965

  1973

  Most Recent Estimate

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Ethiopia

  3

  1

  9

  4

  14

  8

  Gabon

  16

  5

  22

  12

  30

  20

  Gambia

  8

  4

  15

  5

  29

  13

  Ghana

  19

  7

  45

  28

  45

  27

  Guinea

  9

  2

  20

  7

  20

  7

  Guinea-Bissau

  2

  2

  5

  2

  19

  4

  Kenya

  6

  2

  16

  9

  22

  16

  Lesotho

  4

  4

  12

  14

  17

  26

  Liberia

  8

  3

  25

  8

  33

  13

  Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

  24

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Madagascar

  10

  5

  14

  10

  43

  30

  Malawi

  3

  1

  5

  2

  6

  3

  Mali

  5

  2

  11

  3

  10

  4

  Mauritania

  2

  0

  7

  1

  19

  6

  Mauritius

  34

  18

  42

  35

  54

  48

  Morocco

  16

  4

  21

  12

  37

  25

  Mozambique

  3

  2

  4

  2

  8

  4

  Namibia

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Niger

  1

  0

  3

  1

  —

  —

  Nigeria

  7

  3

  12

  6

  —

  —

  Reunion

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Rwanda

  31

  1

  3

  1

  3

  1

  St. Helena

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sao Tome and Principe

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Senegal

  10

  3

  14

  6

  17

  8

  Seychelles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sierra Leone

  5

  3

  16

  7

  —

  —

  Somalia

  4

  1

  9

  3

  23

  12

  South Africa

  16

  14

  20

  19

  —

  —

  Sudan

  6

  2

  19

  8

  23

  16

  Swaziland

  9

  7

  35

  29

  44

  43

  Tanzania

  3

  1

  4

  2

  4

  2

  Togo

  8

  2

  29

  9

  32

  10

  Tunisia

  23

  9

  21

  28

  32

  27

  Uganda

  6

  2

  6

  2

  10

  5

  Western Sahara

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Zaire

  8

  2

  23

  8

  81

  33

  Zambia

  11

  3

  20

  10

  22

  12

  Zimbabwe

  8

  5

  10

  7

  46

  31

  Infant Mortality Rate (/1,000 births)

  1950–55

  1960–65

  1970–75

  1980–85

  Algeria

  185

  160

  132

  88

  Angola

  231

  200

  173

  149

  Benin

  210

  176

  151

  120

  Botswana

  130

  115

  95

  76

  Burkina Faso

  234

  207

  162

  150

  Burundi

  172

  145

  135

  124

  Cameroon

  190

  154

  119

  103

  Cape Verde

  165

  135

  103

  75

  Central African Republic

  197

  178

  148

  142

  Chad

  211

  189

  166

  143

  Comoros

  140

  124

  106

  88

  Congo, People Republic

  170

  131

  90

  81

  Cote d'Ivoire

  216

  188

  153

  110

  Djibouti

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Egypt

  200

  175

  150

  100

  Equatorial Guinea

  204

  183

  160

  137

  Ethiopia

  190

  170

  155

  155

  472

  1950–55

  1960–65

  1970–75

  1980–85

  Gabon

  194

  163

  132

  112

  Gambia

  207

  204

  192

  174

  Ghana

  148

  127

  110

  98

  Guinea

  225

  202

  181

  159

  Guinea-Bissau

  204

  183

  163

  143

  Kenya

  150

  118

  98

  80

  Lesotho

  160

  145

  130

  111

  Liberia

  194

  176

  155

  132

  Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

  185

  150

  117

  97

  Madagascar

  126

  104

  84

  67

  Malawi

  212

  204

  191

  163

  Mali

  213

  208

  203

  180

  Mauritania

  204

  176

  157

  137

  Mauritius

  99

  61

  55

  28

  Morocco

  180

  155

  122

  97

  Mozambique

  177

  173

  168

  153

  Namibia

  168

  150

  134

  116

  473

  1950–55

  1960–65

  1970–75

  1980–85

  Niger

  207

  186

  166

  146

  Nigeria

  207

  185

  148

  114

  Reunion

  141

  87

  41

  13

  Rwanda

  160

  142

  140

  132

  St. Helena

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sao Tome and Principe

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Senegal

  191

  176

  162

  142

  Seychelles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sierra Leone

  226

  224

  203

  180

  Somalia

  190

  170

  155

  155

  South Africa

  152

  130

  110

  83

  Sudan

  185

  165

  145

  118

  Swaziland

  160

  150

  144

  129

  Tanzania

  160

  143

  130

  115

  Togo

  204

  170

  121

  102

  Tunisia

  175

  155

  120

  85

  Uganda

  160

  125

  116

  112

  Western Sahara

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Zaire

  157

  146

  127

  107

  Zambia

  150

  130

  100

  88

  Zimbabwe

  120

  106

  93

  80

  Notes:

  1. School enrolment rate—percentage of the school-age children as defined by each country and reported to UNESCO. Most countries consider the primary school age to be 6 to 11 years and for secondary 12 to 17 years.

  2. Most recent estimates are generally for 1986.

  Source:

  1. Social Indicators of Development 1987—The World Bank and International Finance Corporation.

  2. World Demographic Estimates and Projections, 1950–2025—United Nations 1988.

  Activity Rates (per cent.) Females

  Activity Rates (per cent.) 1985

  1960

  1970

  1980

  Males

  Females

  Argentina

  16·81

  19·48

  19·53

  52·06

  19·41

  Bolivia

  13·99

  13·85

  13·85

  48·01

  14·85

  Brazil

  11·25

  14·33

  19·63

  53·41

  19·88

  Chile

  14·2

  13·87

  18·27

  51·68

  19·67

  Colombia

  11·84

  12·7

  13·94

  49·63

  14·29

  Costa Rica

  9·75

  11·14

  14·67

  53·99

  15·21

  Dominican Republic

  5·94

  5·98

  7·06

  51·15

  8·22

  Ecuador

  10·69

  10·12

  11·63

  48·59

  11·74

  E1 Salvador

  11·02

  13·56

  16·53

  49·23

  16·62

  Guatemala

  7·83

  8·05

  7·95

  47·67

  8·66

  Haiti

  51·52

  46·42

  38·14

  49·65

  36·23

  Honduras

  7·92

  8·53

  9·2

  49·17

  10·31

  Jamaica

  30·69

  31·56

  39·5

  51·25

  42·53

  Mexico

  9·12

  10·08

  17·32

  48·1

  17·89

  Nicaragua

  11·24

  11·88

  12·84

  46·49

  14·23

  Panama

  14·28

  17·35

  17·94

  50·14

  18·98

  Paraguay

  13·92

  13·67

  13·7

  52·72

  13·78

  Peru

  13·47

  11·97

  15·16

  47·4

  15·35

  Trinidad and Tobago

  17·84

  19·41

  20·91

  53·54

  22·55

  Uruguay

  19·53

  20·7

  22·81

  54·95

  23·27

  Venezuela

  11·55

  12·18

  17·18

  49·18

  18·3

  NOTE: The activity rate is the ratio of the economically active population (all employed and unemployed persons including those seeking work for the first time) aged 10 years and over to the population of all ages.

  Source: World Demographic Estimates and Projections, 1950–2025 United Nations 1988.

  Aga Khan Foundation
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what controls will be put on the use of food granted to the Aga Khan Foundation.

  Nicaragua
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aid the United Kingdom gave to Nicaragua in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will publish a table showing how the aid was used in individual projects.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The United Kingdom has given both bilateral and multilateral aid to Nicaragua. In 1986, bilateral aid was £86,000 of which £82,000 was for disaster relief and the remainder for technical co-operation. In 1987, bilateral aid was nil. The latest figures for multilateral aid to Nicaragua attributable to the United Kingdom are for 1985 when £2·9 million was contributed through all agencies of which £2·3 million was provided through the European Community. In that year, our bilateral aid was £116,000.

  In addition to these amounts, we have co-financed with British voluntary agencies a number of small development projects in Nicaragua.

  Latin America
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing for all countries in Latin America, information available to him for the latest year for which figures are available on the proportions of the male and female population who were economically active and the proportions of the female population economically active in the years 1960, 1970 and 1980.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The information is as follows:

  Mr. Chris Patten
  Her Majesty's Government have not made any donations of food to or through the Aga Khan Foundation; nor do they have any such plans.

  Group of Seven
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average percentage of gross national product given in aid by members of the Group of Seven leading industrialised countries, excluding the United Kingdom, in 1987 or in the latest available year.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  In 1986, the latest year for which official figures are available, the net official development assistance of the Group of Seven leading industrialised countries excluding the United Kingdom represented 0·32 per cent. of their combined GNP.

  World Bank
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the Official Report all those votes taken at meetings of the World Bank since 1979, stating the position Her Majesty's Government took on each vote; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  It is not the policy of Her Majesty's Government to disclose how our executive director voted in the World Bank's executive board.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  Mr. Ieaun Wyn Jones
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 7 June.

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall be having further meetings later today. This evening I hope to have an audience of Her Majesty the Queen.

  Blandford Fly (Dorset)
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the co-ordination between the Department 476
  of the Environment, the Department of Employment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in taking action to combat the scourge of the Blandford fly in Dorset.

  The Prime Minister
  I understand that there is to be a meeting on 8 June between representatives of the Health and Safety Executive, North Dorset district council and the Freshwater Biological Association to discuss the problem of the Blandford fly. Subsequently, if advice from the Independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides is required, all the approving Departments will automatically be involved. I am satisfied that there is good co-ordination between the Departments involved in pesticide approvals.

  Church of Scotland (Reports)
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Prime Minister what response she will be making to the reports dealing with housing and the gap between the rich and poor presented to her at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on 21 May.

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will, in due course, respond on behalf of the Government, to the report "Housing Scotland's People".

  The discussion of poverty appears to rest heavily on the old DHSS low-income families statistics, which used the supplementary benefit scale rates as the yardstick for the measurement of low income. This series has been the subject of a recent technical review, the report of which has been placed in the Library. The report highlights a number of significant weaknesses in the approach, including the fact that under it the more help provided to those dependent on benefit, the more people will appear to be on "low incomes". In addition, there are significant statistical reservations about estimates for Scotland in isolation. The hon. Member may be aware that the recently published "Households Below Average Income—a statistical analysis 1981–85" shows that those in the lowest income groups have seen higher than average increases in real incomes.

  President Evren
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Prime Minister whom President Evren of Turkey will meet when he visits Britain.

  The Prime Minister
  As guest of Her Majesty the Queen, President Evren will meet members of the royal family and Ministers, as well as a number of right hon. and hon. Members, officials, business men and others with an interest in Turkey.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Rifle Club Range
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what information he has as to how much public money was spent on establishing the Palace of Westminster rifle club range; and as to how much public subsidy goes towards its annual expenditure.

  Mr. Wakeham
  There is no record of the Palace of Westminster rifle club range ever having received any public subvention or annual subsidy.

  Sports and Social Club
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what information he has as to how much public money was spent on establishing the Houses of Parliament sports and social club; and what subsidy is given towards its annual expenditure.

  Mr. Wakeham
  There is no evidence of public money having been spent on the establishment of the Houses of Parliament sports and social club. Its annual expenditure is financed by the annual appeal to Members of both Houses, by subscriptions and by profits from the club's facilities.

  Palace of Westminster (Visitors)
  Mr. Ken Hargreaves
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what plans he has to protect from inclement weather visitors to the Palace of Westminster queuing for admission via the Norman Porch.

  Mr. Wakeham
  A number of possible measures has been considered by the authorities of both Houses. No acceptable arrangement has yet been agreed, but the matter is regularly reviewed.

ENVIRONMENT

  Property Services Agency
  Mr. Holt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet completed his assessment of the report of the efficiency scrutiny into project management in the Property Services Agency; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  We have now considered the report, and have produced an action plan which sets out our response to its recommendations and our plans for implementation. I have today placed copies of the report and action plan in the Library.

  Prospect Estate, Rushmoor
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the purpose of discussions currently taking place between his Department and officers of the borough of Rushmoor on the subject of major technical repairs for the Prospect estate; and when he will receive a deputation from the borough.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I met a deputation from the borough of Rushmoor on 26 May and discussed with them the effects of the subsidy rules on projects for the renovation of dwellings on the Prospect estate.

  European Sporting Events (Policing)
  Mr. McCrindle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the co-operation between British Transport Police and their European counterparts regarding the policing of European sporting events involving United Kingdom clubs, including arrangements for travelling thereto and therefrom.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I am advised that the British Transport police have excellent communications with their counterparts in Europe. I understand that they maintain close co-operation, as appropriate, on police intelligence and the travel arrangements of supporters.

  Waste Tips (Gases)
  Mr. McCrindle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to tighten controls over the emission of methane and other gases from waste tips; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The Government put forward a number of proposals for strengthening the regulation of waste disposal in a consultation paper in September 1986. These proposals include empowering local authorities to require continuing precautions at waste disposal sites until they are safe. An announcement will be made shortly about the Government's decisions on these proposals.

  An urgent survey by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to establish the extent of the landfill gas problem is currently in hand. When that exercise is complete, the Government will consider whether further measures are necessary.

  Water Pollution
  Mr. McCrindle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to increase the penalties for pollution of water supplies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The maximum penalties which can be imposed by Magistrates for offences under part II of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 are fines not exceeding £2,000 and terms of imprisonment of up to three months. On indictment there is no limit on the fine that may be imposed, and the term of imprisonment can be up to two years. Penalties for pollution offences are kept under regular review, but there are no immediate plans for increasing them.

  British Waterways Freight Organisation
  Mr. Norman Hogg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions took place with his Department concerning the sale of the British waterways freight organisation; what consultation took place with interested parties; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The British Waterways Board discussed with the Department its proposed approach to the sale of its road freight depots. The board advised staff and trade unions in February that it was seeking private sector involvement to secure the future of the depots. Staff and unions have been given details of the terms of the sale, which enabled staff to transfer on their existing conditions of service.

  Dog Wardens
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in light of the renewed suspension of postal deliveries to the Hanway Estate, Hanwell W7, as a result of canine attacks on postmen, he will exempt local authority expenditure on dog wardens from the ambit of expenditure control; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The Secretary of State has treated this request that he exempt local authority expenditure on dog wardens from the ambit of expenditure control as a representation that he make a specification subtracting this expenditure from total expenditure for block grant
  479
  purposes under powers in the Local Government Finance Act 1987. He has considered this request very carefully but is not minded to make such a specification in the light of the information available to him.

  Sewage Discharges
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which water authorities have so far submitted to his Department their reports for 1987 detailing works which have failed to comply with discharge consent conditions.

  Mr. Moynihan
  All water authorities have submitted reports detailing sewage treatment works which failed to comply with numerical discharge consent conditions in 1987.

  Palace of Westminster Toilets (Cleaning)
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the last five occasions prior to 24 May when the wall tiles in the ladies' toilets of the Committee Room Corridor were fully cleaned; when the floor was cleaned; and if he will give the same information for each of the ladies' toilets in the Palace of Westminster.

  Mr. Chope
  The wall tiles and floors were cleaned in accordance with the terms of the contract on 17, 18, 19, 20 and 23 May.

  Ramsgate Harbour (Access Road)
  Mr. Aitken
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce his decision on the planning application for the Ramsgate harbour access road.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Shortly.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account he has taken of the potential usefulness of using dates of birth in the community charge register as a means of assistance for the assessors.

  Mr. Howard
  There will be no assessors in England and Wales. The Government's view of the usefulness of dates of birth to community charges registration officers in England and Wales was set out by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, during the Committee stage of the Local Government Finance Bill(Official Report, Standing Committee E; 9 February, c. 524).
  480
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether community charge officers will be able to have access to the personal data that may be carried by the Government data network.

  Mr. Howard
  No.

  Waste Disposal
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when methods of litter collection and disposal were last updated; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The collection of litter and its disposal within the general waste stream together with other refuse collected in their respective areas is the responsibility of the relevant local authorities. It is for them to assess and utilise the most up-to-date and cost-effective methods available which are most suitable for their particular areas.

  Hazardous Waste (Shipments)
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he intends to take to make sure that the Government comply with all EEC directives relating to transfrontier shipments of hazardous waste; when Her Majesty's Government will agree a definition of what is hazardous; whether it will adopt the current Belgian definition, and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  We plan to implement the directives by means of regulations to be laid before Parliament before the summer recess, to come into effect in the early autumn.

  The control and supervision procedures introduced by the regulations will apply to special wastes as defined in the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980 and will replace existing controls on imports and exports contained in the 1980 regulations. In addition, the procedures will apply to such imports of non special waste as are notified to waste disposal authorities by a holder in another member state as being "hazardous" in terms of that country's implementation of the directive.

  The effect of the regulations will be to provide waste disposal authorities, both at the port of entry and at the disposal site, with prior notification of shipments and better information on the nature of the waste. Details of the proposed procedures have been circulated to local authority and industry associations.

  Uranium Discharges
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what levels of uranium were discharged into Rivacre brook, and from there into the river Mersey, by British Nuclear Fuels plc Capenhurst in each year from 1983 to 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The annual total uranium alpha activity discharged into the Rivacre brook by British Nuclear Fuels plc from its Capenhurst works in each year from 1983 to 1986 is as follows. Data for 1987 and 1988 are not yet available.

  Year

  Annual discharge in mega becquerels

  1983

  500

  1984

  800

  1985

  900

  1986

  2,000

  These levels demonstrate that the discharge represents an insignificant radiological hazard to members of the public.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will impose an absolute level on discharges of uranium by British Nuclear Fuels plc at Capenhurst; and at what level that will be set.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The certificate of authorisation for the disposal of low level liquid radioactive waste from British Nuclear Fuels plc Capenhurst works into the Rivacre brook, which sets concentration limits on uranium discharges is currently subject to review by the authorising Departments. It is the intention to include limits on total quantities discharged. The review will be completed before the end of the year.

  Ozone Layer
  Miss Fookes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the results of research into the damage to the ozone layer over the Arctic and the Antarctic from the production of chlorofluorocarbons.

  Mr. Moynihan
  It seems evident from recent experiments that the Antarctic ozone hole is caused by man-made CFCs in the special conditions which exist over Antarctica each spring.

  The effect of CFCs on the stratosphere over the Arctic is still far from clear; a large experimental programme (in which the United Kingdom is participating) will take place in the Arctic in January 1989 to try to resolve this. Our stratosphere ozone review group has agreed to provide an up-to-date report on these matters as soon as possible.

  Ealing Council (Borrowing)
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will investigate borrowing by Ealing council against current and future housing investment programme allocations and capital receipts; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The means by which a local authority may borrow are specified in schedule 13 to the Local 482
  Government Act 1972 and regulations made thereunder. If my hon. Friend has reason to believe that Ealing council is raising money by other means, I invite him to place the evidence before the council's auditor.

  Water Byelaws
  Mr. Clifford Forsythe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will implement water byelaw s in England and Wales in accordance with the model issued by his Department in 1986.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Squire) on 27 April 1988, at column 165.

  Legionnaire's Disease
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the recent outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease at the British Broadcasting Corporation he will instruct the Health and Safety Executive to give wider publicity, including advertising, to the dangers of improperly managed water systems in large buildings.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Health and Safety Executive has already published advice in guidance note No. 48 of its environmental hygiene series on the precautionary measures that can be taken to minimise the occurrence of legionnaire's disease. Copies of this guidance note are available from HMSO and I welcome the opportunity provided by my hon. Friend to publicise it further. Copies of the note will be placed in the Library.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  National Farmers Union
  Mr. Favell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the president of the National Farmers Union; and what subjects were discussed.

  Mr. MacGregor
  I last met the president of the National Farmers Union on 16 May when we discussed the Commission's 1988–89 farm price proposals.

  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 issues were discussed.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  My right hon. Friend last met the chairman of the Milk Marketing Board on 25 April, when a number of issues of current concern to the dairy industry were discussed.

  Food Industry (Exports)
  Mr. Bovis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the performance of the food industry in increasing exports to Community partners.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Exports of food from the United Kingdom to other countries of the EC 12 have
  483
  more than doubled since 1980 and now comprise over 70 per cent. of the total of our food exports. This is a considerable achievement. However, given that this represents a little over £2,000 million in a total food market in the rest of the EC12 estimated at over £350,000 million, there are clearly further opportunities to be exploited.

  Surplus Food and Drink
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current total volume and value in sterling of surplus food and drink in the European Economic Community.

  Numbers of Farmers, Partners and Directors on Agricultural holdings, England, June 1987

  Farmers, partners and directors (doing farm work)

  Whole-time

  Part-time

  County by standard statistical region

  Principal farmers and partners

  Other partners and directors

  Total

  Principal farmers and partners

  Other partners and directors

  Total

  Total farmers, partners and directors

  Cleveland

  314

  116

  430

  78

  62

  140

  570

  Cumbria

  4,531

  1,610

  6,141

  947

  676

  1,623

  7,764

  Durham

  1,526

  503

  2,029

  370

  240

  610

  2,639

  Northumberland

  1,657

  666

  2,323

  381

  316

  697

  3,020

  Tyne and Wear

  190

  56

  246

  53

  32

  85

  331

  North Region

  8,218

  2,951

  11,169

  1,829

  1,326

  3,155

  14,324

  Humberside

  2,412

  1,109

  3,521

  620

  508

  1,128

  4,649

  North Yorkshire (North Allerton)

  5,502

  2,006

  7,508

  1,282

  962

  2,244

  9,752

  North Yorkshire (Beverley)

  619

  273

  892

  146

  118

  264

  1,156

  South Yorkshire

  926

  344

  1,270

  312

  201

  513

  1,783

  West Yorkshire

  1,707

  515

  2,222

  971

  386

  1,357

  3,579

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  11,166

  4,247

  15,413

  3,331

  2,175

  5,506

  20,919

  Derbyshire

  2,422

  728

  3,150

  816

  466

  1,282

  4,432

  Leicestershire

  1,807

  666

  2,473

  520

  338

  858

  3,331

  Lincolnshire

  4,004

  1,638

  5,642

  1,065

  893

  1,958

  7,600

  Northamptonshire

  1,213

  450

  1,663

  392

  281

  673

  2,336

  Nottinghamshire

  1,304

  559

  1,863

  348

  284

  632

  2,495

  East Midlands Region

  10,750

  4,041

  14,791

  3,141

  2,262

  5,403

  20,194

  Cambridgeshire

  2,497

  921

  3,418

  667

  513

  1,180

  4,598

  Norfolk

  3,189

  1,082

  4,271

  1,121

  691

  1,812

  6,083

  Suffolk

  2,242

  870

  3,112

  757

  524

  1,281

  4,393

  East Anglia Region

  7,928

  2,873

  10,801

  2,545

  1,728

  4,273

  15,074

  Bedfordshire

  858

  332

  1,190

  218

  167

  385

  1,575

  Berkshire

  460

  136

  596

  265

  119

  384

  980

  Buckinghamshire

  1,085

  326

  1,411

  503

  280

  783

  2,194

  East Sussex

  1,185

  315

  1,500

  677

  295

  972

  2,472

  Essex

  2,151

  872

  3,023

  675

  597

  1,272

  4,295

  Greater London (E)

  99

  26

  125

  21

  24

  45

  170

  Greater London (SE)

  169

  67

  236

  77

  35

  112

  348

  Hampshire

  1,665

  518

  2,183

  771

  410

  1,181

  3,364

  Hertfordshire

  720

  268

  988

  236

  177

  413

  1,401

  Isle of Wight

  323

  84

  407

  107

  63

  170

  577

  Kent

  2,328

  702

  3,030

  1,316

  734

  2,050

  5,080

  Oxfordshire

  1,263

  428

  1,691

  472

  298

  770

  2,461

  Surrey

  833

  190

  1,023

  548

  228

  776

  1,799

  West Sussex

  1,179

  331

  1,510

  556

  285

  841

  2,351

  South East Region

  14,318

  4,595

  18,913

  6,442

  3,712

  10,154

  29,067

  Avon

  1,308

  357

  1,665

  450

  212

  662

  2,327

  Cornwall

  4,405

  1,111

  5,516

  1,600

  750

  2,350

  7,866

  Devon

  7,348

  1,821

  9,169

  1,999

  1,111

  3,110

  12,279

  Dorset

  1,800

  518

  2,318

  697

  435

  1,132

  3,450

  Gloucestershire

  1,937

  542

  2,479

  784

  397

  1,181

  3,660

  Isles of Scilly

  47

  6

  53

  9

  8

  17

  70

  484
  Mr. MacGregor
  A note setting out the volume of EC intervention stocks of agricultural commodities which includes only the surplus quantities held in EC intervention is deposited in the Library of the House and is updated monthly. The estimated book value of the EC stocks excluding depreciation, set out in the most recently deposited note, is £4·0 billion.

  Farmers
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers there are in each county in England at the latest convenient date.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The information requested is shown in the table.
  485

  Whole-time

  Part-time

  County by standard statistical region

  Principal farmers and partners

  Other partners and directors

  Total

  Principal farmers and partners

  Other partners and directors

  Total

  Total farmers, partners and directors

  Somerset

  3,686

  1,005

  4,691

  1,207

  646

  1,853

  6,544

  Wiltshire

  1,805

  603

  2,408

  636

  397

  1,033

  3,441

  South West Region

  22,336

  5,963

  28,299

  7,382

  3,956

  11,338

  39,637

  Hereford and Worcester

  4,142

  1,282

  5,424

  1,622

  839

  2,461

  7,885

  Shropshire

  3,331

  1,002

  4,333

  866

  597

  1,463

  5,796

  Staffordshire

  2,944

  866

  3,810

  909

  510

  1,419

  5,229

  Warwickshire

  1,465

  500

  1,965

  514

  290

  804

  2,769

  West Midlands

  296

  93

  389

  122

  69

  191

  580

  West Midlands Region

  12,178

  3,743

  15,921

  4,033

  2,305

  6,338

  22,259

  Cheshire

  2,883

  886

  3,769

  840

  472

  1,312

  5,081

  Greater Manchester

  936

  292

  1,228

  358

  200

  558

  1,786

  Lancashire

  3,814

  1,300

  5,114

  1,050

  703

  1,753

  6,867

  Merseyside

  352

  115

  467

  88

  73

  161

  628

  North West Region

  7,985

  2,593

  10,578

  2,336

  1,448

  3,784

  14,362

  England

  94,879

  31,006

  125,885

  31,039

  18,912

  49,951

  175,836

  Source: June census.

  Note: Figures exclude minor holdings not included in June census.

  Farm Workers
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farm workers are employed in each county in England at the latest convenient date.

  Numbers of workers and salaried managers engaged on agricultural holdings, England, June 1987

  All workers (excluding salaried managers)

  County by standard statistical region

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Salaried managers

  Cleveland

  443

  94

  537

  27

  Cumbria

  4,228

  659

  4,887

  83

  Durham

  1,731

  487

  2,218

  31

  Northumberland

  2,723

  480

  3,203

  80

  Tyne and Wear

  322

  99

  421

  8

  North Region

  9,447

  1,819

  11,266

  229

  Humberside

  5,491

  1,831

  7,322

  234

  North Yorkshire (North Allerton)

  7,058

  1,739

  8,797

  224

  North Yorkshire (Beverley)

  1,370

  1,437

  2,807

  62

  South Yorkshire

  1,356

  495

  1,851

  31

  West Yorkshire

  2,343

  808

  3,151

  71

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  17,618

  6,310

  23,928

  622

  Derbyshire

  2,601

  796

  3,397

  50

  Leicestershire

  2,703

  934

  3,637

  108

  Lincolnshire

  9,393

  4,701

  14,094

  447

  Northamptonshire

  2,207

  551

  2,758

  121

  Nottinghamshire

  2,550

  1,088

  3,638

  121

  East Midlands Region

  19,454

  8,070

  27,524

  847

  Cambridgeshire

  5,514

  3,016

  8,530

  244

  Norfolk

  8,556

  4,615

  13,171

  368

  Suffolk

  5,722

  2,653

  8,375

  314

  East Anglia Region

  19,792

  10,284

  30,076

  926

  Bedfordshire

  1,676

  756

  2,432

  90

  Berkshire

  1,299

  568

  1,867

  109

  Buckinghamshire

  2,121

  783

  2,904

  154

  East Sussex

  2,362

  1,241

  3,603

  124

  Essex

  5,082

  2,658

  7,740

  289

  Greater London (East)

  243

  203

  446

  22

  486
  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The information requested is shown in the table.
  487

  County by standard statistical region

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Salaried managers

  Greater London (South East)

  414

  330

  744

  29

  Hampshire

  4,616

  2,351

  6,967

  349

  Hertfordshire

  1,768

  614

  2,382

  141

  Isle of Wight

  543

  269

  812

  19

  Kent

  7,363

  8,240

  15,603

  376

  Oxfordshire

  2,950

  982

  3,932

  198

  Surrey

  2,272

  1,655

  3,927

  192

  West Sussex

  3,499

  2,827

  6,326

  283

  South East Region

  36,208

  23,477

  59,685

  2,375

  Avon

  1,929

  1,565

  3,494

  113

  Cornwall

  4,428

  1,314

  5,742

  68

  Devon

  7,687

  1,813

  9,500

  151

  Dorset

  3,378

  859

  4,237

  149

  Gloucestershire

  3,202

  1,363

  4,565

  180

  Isles of Stilly

  56

  35

  91

  2

  Somerset

  5,104

  1,562

  6,666

  142

  Wiltshire

  4,006

  882

  4,888

  249

  South West Region

  29,790

  9,393

  39,183

  1,054

  Hereford and Worcester

  6,473

  3,931

  10,404

  247

  Shropshire

  4,654

  1,506

  6,160

  121

  Staffordshire

  3,739

  1,048

  4,787

  79

  Warwickshire

  2,397

  872

  3,269

  120

  West Midlands

  440

  312

  752

  14

  West Midlands Region

  17,703

  7,669

  25,372

  581

  Cheshire

  4,261

  1,006

  5,267

  159

  Greater Manchester

  1,138

  469

  1,607

  18

  Lancashire

  4,883

  1,911

  6,744

  137

  Merseyside

  634

  289

  923

  18

  North West Region

  10,866

  3,675

  14,541

  332

  England

  160,878

  70,697

  231,575

  6,966

  Source: June census.

  Note: Figures exclude minor holdings not included in June census.

  Somerset Wetlands
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how long he estimates the Somerset wetlands will continue to qualify as an environmentally sensitive area at current rates of drying out; and whether he will facilitate the introduction of a system of water table management aimed at preserving the levels, and moors, wetland status.

  Mr. Gummer
  My officials have met representatives from Wessex water authority, the NCC and RSPB to discuss their recent report on declining water levels and breeding wading bird numbers in the Somerset levels and moors. As a result, it has been agreed that a joint technical assessment of the current situation will be carried out in consultation with IDBs, environmental and farming interests. Proposals for remedial action will be examined if they are found to be necessary.

  Alternative Land Use
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications have been received under the farm diversification grant scheme; and what progress has been made towards meeting the targets for applications under the scheme.
  488
  Mr. Gummer
  By the end of April we had received 514 applications under the scheme in England. Grant has now been approved worth £686,000 on total capital investments of £2·745 million. We are delighted by the enthusiastic response from farmers to this new scheme.

  Feed Additives
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had on the use of(a) Carbadox and (b) Olaquindox as an animal feed additive.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I am not authorised to consult representative organisations on the authorisation of medicinal feed additives. The following committees have been consulted at various times on one or other of these products:

  (a) the veterinary products committee.

  (b) the chief medical officers committee on mutagenicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment.

  (c) the chief medical officers committee on carcinogenicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment.

  Radionuclide Sampling
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make available the
  489
  information contained in the document "Radionuclide Sampling in the Environment 1987", in the form of a map with sampling points marked as accurately as possible; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I assume the publication referred to is "Radionuclide Levels in Food, Animals and Agricultural Products 1987". The information in section A of the document is given by product and by country. Section B gives a summary of live monitoring of sheep in Cumbria, Wales and by county outside the restricted areas. Section C gives laboratory results of sheepmeat sampling by zones within the restricted areas. The document summarises 279,000 monitoring results and the cost of individual mapping would be disproportionate.

  Badgers (Tuberculosis)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many badgers have been killed by his Ministry in each parish in 1986 and 1987 as a result of herd breakdown of tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 4 May to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Davies) at columns 482–84. All badgers taken in those removal operations were killed for post mortem examination.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 19 May,Official Report, column 569, when he expects the live testing of badgers for tuberculosis to begin and on what scale.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: Until the laboratory tests have been completed and the results validated it is not possible to say when the live testing of badgers for tuberculosis will begin, or on what scale.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any further information regarding the timing and scale of use of the tuberculosis vaccine for badgers.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 20 May at col. 612.

  Sheep Paint
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the paint issued to farmers in Cumbria to mark their sheep following the restrictions after Chernobyl contained no label indicating that it was harmful.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The tins did carry a warning in the form of a manufacturer's label.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library the data sheet of application details of Dac-Chlor A.A. paint issued to farmers to mark sheep in the restricted areas following the Chernobyl disaster.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Examples of the written instructions issued by the Ministry to farmers concerning the application of Doc Chlor AA paint are being placed in the Library of the House.
  490
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the tins of paint issued to farmers to mark their sheep in the restricted area of Cumbria, following the Chernobyl disaster were collected in by his staff when the paint had been used and the tins emptied; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The used tins were collected for accounting purposes and to ensure that all supplies had been fully utilised.

  Whaling Commission
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the Whaling Commission; and what subjects were discussed.

  Mr. Gummer
  I opened the 39th annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission last year and issued a statement to this year's meeting which has just taken place in New Zealand re-emphasising the need to uphold the moratorium on commercial whaling, stressing that it should not be undermined by misuse of provisions for scientific whaling and stating that further attention should be paid to a number of issues including humane killing to further the IWC's important responsibilities in the conservation and proper use of the world's natural resources.

  Free Food
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make arrangements for the constituents of South Hams to receive free deliveries of beef and butter recently announced, which are currently unavailable because of a lack of delivery arrangements.

  Mr. MacGregor
  Applications were invited until 29 February from non-profit making organisations willing and able to distribute beef and butter to the needy. Although a large number of applications were received, none were from South Hams. Since the whole of the United Kingdom's allocation of funds has been divided between the 127 designated organisations, it would not be appropriate to entertain late applications. Nor do the rules of the scheme permit us to accept late applications as qualifying for the use of European Community funds.

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total staff and administration cost to his Department of the Chernobyl accident.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Precise figures are not available, but on a broad assessment of the Department's programmes for food safety and for the radiological protection of our food supply I estimate that staff costs resulting from the Chernobyl accident are of the order of £1·9 million. In addition, my Department has spent some £0·4 million on the purchase of samples and of materials and equipment for analytical purposes and for monitoring.

  Nutrition Information
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to provide
  491
  consumers with suitable information to assist them in using the nutrition information provided voluntarily by manufacturers on food labels designed to enable individuals to achieve a balanced diet.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The major step we have taken in this area is the issue of voluntary nutrition labelling guidelines to encourage manufacturers and retailers providing nutrition information to do so in a standard format. This will enable consumers to compare foods more easily and to make healthy choices. We fully recognise the need to provide consumers with educational material to help them obtain maximum benefit from nutrition labelling. We have a very successful free booklet "Look at the Label" on understanding food labels and this is currently being updated to take account of the advent of nutrition labelling. Another valuable guide is our "Manual of Nutrition". The Health Education Authority has produced material on diet and health and there are numerous books by private authors available to the general public. A wide range of useful nutrition information is also produced by food manufacturers and retailers.

  Storm Damage
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is in a position to announce the Government's conclusions on the recommendations made by the House of Commons Select Committee on Agriculture and by the forest windblow action committee for further financial assistance for the restoration of woodlands damaged by the storm of 16 October 1987.

  Mr. MacGregor
  I am replying today to the Select Committee and a copy of my response will be placed in the House of Commons Library. Both the Select Committee and the forest windblow action committee recommended further financial assistance to deal with the rehabilitation of storm damaged woodland. The action committee in particular recommended:

  (i) a short-term transport subsidy aimed at encouraging the movement of pine and beech wood to more distant markets (supported by the Select Committee);

  (ii) a supplement to the normal Forestry Commission grants for replanting woodlands damaged in the storm of 16 October 1987.

  After careful consideration of these recommendations, I have taken the view that the action committee's second proposal would provide a longer-lasting and more direct benefit than a transport subsidy in respect of the woodlands concerned. I recognise that owners whose woodlands suffered storm damage on 16 October 1987 will incur additional costs both in preparing sites for planting and in the planting itself. As an incentive to replant in these circumstances, I therefore intend to make special supplements of £150 per hectare for conifers and of £400 per hectare for broadleaves available over the next five years on top of the Forestry Commission's normal planting grants in respect of restocking in these storm-damaged woodlands. These supplements will be provided for eligible restocking carried out by applicants under the new woodland grant scheme and for those who still qualify under the commission's old schemes. On mature consideration the Government have concluded that such a supplement is the best way of meeting the Select Committee's concern that we consider whether
  492
  more support should be available to help repair the damage. The European Commission is being informed under the provisions of article 93 of the treaty of Rome.

  I have decided that there is an insufficient case for a transport subsidy. In reaching this conclusion, I have to take account of the fact that the loss of timber value, as opposed to the replanting cost, is insurable. The effect of a subsidy would be to reduce the insurable loss which it is not appropriate for the Government to undertake. Moreover, where there is a local glut after a storm prices will decline in any event and as a result it will be more economic for purchasers of timber to transport it, including over greater distances. Such a subsidy in these circumstances would be unlikely to provide cost-effective benefits.

  Full details of the administrative arrangements for the new supplements will be announced by the Forestry Commission as soon as possible, but any owners who have already taken steps to secure the replanting of their storm-damaged woods under the commission's grant schemes will not be placed at a disadvantage as we have agreed that the supplement may be applied to them retrospectively.

  It is estimated that the total cost of the supplements, covering the replanting of some 5000 hectares of conifers and 7000 hectares of broadleaves, will come to £3·5 million over the five-year period. There will be no addition to the overall provision for public expenditure programmes set out in Cm 288-II.

  I hope that full advantage will be taken of these special supplements, so that the much-loved landscapes so sadly affected by the storm can eventually be restored to their former state.

  Budgie Seed
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the proposal to increase the levy on budgie seed made by the European Commission; and whether this proposal will fall under the majority voting procedures within the Council of Ministers

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  We remain firmly opposed to this proposal, which would lead to unjustifiable increases in the import levies for canary seed, buckwheat and millet. The proposal is made under article 43 of the treaty of Rome, and may therefore be adopted by qualified majority.

  New Zealand Lamb
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider pressing for a minimum import price for New Zealand lamb imported into the European Community.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: The European Council in February 1988 invited the Commission to prepare a mandate for negotiations with third countries on the import arrangements for sheepmeat. The Commission envisaged that this might contain a number of points including the respecting of import price discipline.

  We shall consider the draft mandate and the appropriateness of the individual elements in it once the Commission submits it to the Council.

  Pigmeat MCAs
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the pigmeat monetary compensation amount regime.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: We have received a substantial number of representations on this subject. My right hon. Friend has made clear in the Agriculture Council our commitment to press for the complete elimination of all United Kingdom MCAs in the pigmeat sector.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many people are at present employed in agriculture and related employment in the United Kingdom, the English regions, Wales,

  Table 1

  Numbers engaged on agricultural holdings: 1958–1987

  Thousands

  Farmers, partners and directors (doing farm work)

  Spouses of farmers, partners and directors (doing farm work)

  Salaried managers

  All workers

  Total labour force

  1987

  United Kingdom

  284·9

  76·9

  7·9

  297·3

  666·9

  England

  188·4

  51·9

  7·0

  236·0

  483·2

  Wales

  33·8

  7·8

  0·3

  19·7

  65·6

  Scotland

  27·2

  7·8

  0·6

  23·0

  58·6

  Northern Ireland

  35·4

  5·3

  not collected

  18·6

  59·4

  1978

  United Kingdom

  303·3

  79·8

  8·3

  365·6

  757·0

  England

  200·8

  54·6

  7·2

  286·9

  549·4

  Wales

  34·9

  0·8

  0·4

  22·7

  68·7

  Scotland

  28·5

  8·0

  0·8

  35·9

  73·2

  Northern Ireland

  39·1

  6·5

  not collected

  20·2

  65·7

  1968

  United Kingdom

  —

  —

  —

  450·1

  —

  England

  —

  —

  —

  344·2

  —

  Wales

  —

  —

  —

  23·1

  —

  Scotland

  —

  —

  —

  50·2

  —

  Northern Ireland

  —

  —

  —

  32·5

  —

  1958

  United Kingdom

  —

  —

  —

  730·3

  —

  England

  —

  —

  —

  551·3

  —

  Wales

  —

  —

  —

  39·3

  —

  Scotland

  —

  —

  —

  88·4

  —

  Northern Ireland

  —

  —

  —

  51·2

  —

  Source: June census.

  Table 2

  Numbers engaged on agricultural holdings in England by region 1978 and 1987

  Thousands

  Region

  Farmers, partners and directors (doing farm work)

  Spouses of farmers, partners and directors (doing farm work)

  Salaried managers

  All workers

  Total labour force

  1987

  North

  14·3

  3·9

  0·2

  11·3

  29·7

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  20·9

  4·9

  0·6

  23·9

  50·4

  East Midlands

  20·2

  4·7

  0·8

  27·5

  53·2

  East Anglia

  15·1

  3·7

  0·9

  30·1

  49·7

  South East

  29·1

  7·6

  2·4

  59·7

  98·7

  South West

  39·6

  11·7

  1·1

  39·2

  91·6

  West Midlands

  22·3

  4·1

  0·6

  25·4

  54·4

  North West

  14·4

  4·1

  0·3

  14·5

  33·3

  494
  Scotland and Northern Ireland; what are the corresponding figures for 1978, 1968, and 1958; and in each case what is the percentage difference compared with the present situation.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  [holding answer 27 May 1989]: Numbers of persons engaged in agriculture in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom as a whole at June 1987 are shown in the following table (1) along with corresponding figures for the years 1958, 1968 and 1978 as far as these are available. No figures are available for employment related to agriculture. Table 2 shows the numbers engaged in agriculture in the regions of England in 1978 and 1987. This table excludes minor holdings which do not make an annual census return. Comparable regional figures are not available for 1958 or 1968 because of change in definition. The final table shows the percentage reductions between each of the previous dates and 1987 in the number of farm workers, the only category for which data are available for all years.
  495

  Region

  Farmers, partners and directors (doing farm work)

  Spouses of farmers, partners and directors (doing farm work)

  Salaried managers

  All workers

  Total labour force

  1978

  North

  15·3

  4·0

  0·3

  13·9

  33·5

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  22·5

  5·1

  0·6

  27·9

  56·0

  East Midlands

  22·7

  5·3

  0·8

  34·4

  63·3

  East Anglia

  17·7

  4·1

  1·0

  40·0

  62·8

  South East

  32·2

  7·7

  2·5

  72·7

  115·2

  South West

  43·3

  11·5

  1·0

  46·0

  101·9

  West Midlands

  24·3

  6·0

  0·7

  30·1

  61·1

  North West

  16·0

  4·3

  0·3

  16·5

  37·1

  source: June census.

  Table 3

  All workers—Percentage reduction

  1958 to 1987

  1968 to 1987

  1978 to 1987

  per cent.

  per cent.

  per cent.

  United Kingdom

  59·3

  33·9

  18·7

  England

  57·2

  31·4

  17·8

  Wales

  49·9

  14·7

  13·2

  Scotland

  74·0

  54·2

  35·9

  Northern Ireland

  63·7

  42·8

  7·9

  Regions

  North

  n/a

  n/a

  18·7

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  n/a

  n/a

  14·3

  East Midlands

  n/a

  n/a

  20·0

  East Anglia

  n/a

  n/a

  24·7

  South East

  n/a

  n/a

  17·9

  South West

  n/a

  n/a

  14·8

  West Midlands

  n/a

  n/a

  15·6

  North West

  n/a

  n/a

  12·1

  n/a = Not available.

EMPLOYMENT

  North-West (Tourism)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his Department's proposals to encourage foreign tourists to visit the north-west of England.

  Mr. Lee
  The British Tourist Authority has, in conjunction with the North West tourist board and the Northern Consortium developed a range of promotional activities to encourage overseas visitors to the north-west of England. These include brochures and videos on holidays in the region, travel guides and sales missions aimed at overseas tour operators and travel agents.

  Equal Pay
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his Department's policies on the implementation of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value, in the light of the decision in Hayward v. Cammell Laird Shipbuilders Ltd.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Government fully support the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. We monitor closely the working of the Equal Pay and Sex Discrimination Acts to see whether they are operating fairly and effectively. We shall continue to do this in the light of this important decision and of other test cases still before the courts.

  Skill Shortages
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about current proposals to deal with skill shortages.

  Mr. Cope
  The strength of the economy is leading to increasing demand for skills. We have made a massive increase in our investment in training since 1979, particularly for young people and the unemployed. Employers need to continue to take advantage of this whilst also stepping up their own investment in the skills of their employees.

  Adult Training Programme
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the plans for the new adult training programme employment training.

  Mr. Fowler
  The new employment training programme is to come into operation on 5 September on the basis of the unanimous recommendations of the Training Commission which I have accepted in full. The commission has made considerable progress on the detailed implementation arrangements and has just begun the process of signing contracts under the new programme.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is considering making any changes in the proposed adult training schemes.

  Mr. Nicholls
  No. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State accepted in full the recommendations made to him by the Training Commission—and recently announced his decisions on some detailed issues arising from the Commission's recommendations. The new employment training programme will come into operation as planned on 5 September.

  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many local authorities and voluntary organisations have indicated that they will not participate in the adult training scheme unless the arrangements for the scheme are changed.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Training Commission is currently in negotiation with potential providers of training for the new programme including local authorities and voluntary organisations. They were asked for proposals or clear expressions of interest by 3 June. It is, therefore, too early to take a firm view on how many will take part. But it is clear that large numbers are serious about getting involved. Training Commission officials have been and are
  497
  giving them all possible help. I urge all local authorities and voluntary organisations, particularly existing community programme sponsors and agents, who have indicated interest to submit proposals as soon as possible.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received on the adult training scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The community programme and our provision for unemployed adults will be replaced by employment training from 5 September. I have received a number of representations from hon. Members and others about this important new programme which will provide quality training for longer-term unemployed people.

  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received on the principle of trainees on the adult training scheme receiving their full entitlement to benefit plus a training allowance; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I have received a number of representations from hon. Members and others about the payments to be made to participants on employment training. Decisions by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on the training allowance implement the unanimous recommendations made by the Training Commission and will ensure that all participants will be better off on the programme than remaining unemployed and claiming benefit.

  Ms. Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment under what conditions single parents who wish to participate in the adult training scheme will be eligible for child care allowance.

  Mr. Nicholls
  All lone parents who participate in employment training will be entitled to have child care costs of up to £50 a week for each child placed with a childminder, nursery or creche registered with a local authority met by the Training Commission.

  Mr. Kirkhope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to meet representatives of the Trade Union Council general council to discuss the adult training scheme.

  Mr. Nicholls
  My right hon. Friend met representatives of the TUC general council on 18 May to discuss employment training. There are no plans for a further meeting.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the maximum weekly top-up payable to participants on the adult training scheme beyond the £10 to £12 per week to be paid by the Manpower Services Commission without incurring benefit loss or tax liability; and what would he the effect of employers deciding to make a payment of more than £5 weekly.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Under DHSS regulations, regular voluntary payments of up to £5 a week per family unit may be disregarded for the purposes of assessing entitlement to income support or housing benefit. Such payments are not liable to income tax. If a payment in excess of £5 were made to a trainee in receipt of income support, the first £5 would be disregarded and the balance deducted £1 for £1 from his or her benefit entitlement. The payment would not be liable to income tax.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. John Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current levels of unemployment in Hampshire and the south-east.

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988, the number of unemployed claimants in the county of Hampshire was 40,800, a fall of 17,000, or more than 29 per cent. compared with a year ago. The comparable figure for the south-east region was 549,700, a fall of 171,700 or nearly 24 per cent. over the year.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current levels of unemployment in Yorkshire.

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988, the number of unemployed claimants in the counties of South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire was 205,700, a fall of 39,400 or more than 16 per cent. compared with a year ago.

  Mr. Lester
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the proportion of population of working age in employment in the United Kingdom and in the European Community.

  Mr. Lee
  Taking working ages as 15 to 64 years the proportion in 1985 was 66 per cent. in the United Kingdom and 57 per cent. in the European Community as a whole.

  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on current levels of unemployment in the south-west.

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988, seasonally adjusted adult unemployment in the south-west region was 145,400, compared with 186,900 in April 1987, a fall of 22.2 per cent. over the last 12 months.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current levels of unemployment in the west midlands.

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988, seasonally adjusted adult unemployment in the west midlands region was 249,200, compared with 313,000 in April 1987, a fall of 20.4 per cent. over the last 12 months.

  Mr. Andrew MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current levels of employment.

  Mr. Lee
  In December 1987, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 24,735,000 people in the employed labour force in Great Britain. The employed labour force is the sum of employees in employment, the self-employed and H.M. forces.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present level of employment in Suffolk.

  Mr. Lee
  Employment statistics for counties and smaller areas are available only for dates when censuses of employment are taken, and the most recent are for September 1984. There were then 221,000 employees in employment, excluding self-employed people and members of Her Majesty's forces, in the county of Suffolk.
  499
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current levels of unemployment in East Anglia.

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988, seasonally adjusted adult unemployment in the East Anglia region was 55,400 compared with 76,000 in April 1987, a fall of 27·1 per cent. over the last 12 months.

  Mr. Gerald Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current levels of employment in the London borough of Southwark.

  Mr. Lee
  Employment statistics for local areas are available only for dates when censuses of employment are taken and the most recent are for September 1984. There were then 130,700 employees in employment, excluding self-employed people and members of Her Majesty's forces, in the London borough of Southwark.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the level of unemployment in Liverpool, Riverside.

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988 the number of unemployed claimants in the Liverpool, Riverside parliamentary constituency was 9,922, a fall of 1,126 over the last 12 months.

  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of job vacancies at jobcentres for the last month for which figures are available.

  Mr. Lee
  On 8 April 1988, the number of unfilled vacancies at jobcentres in the United Kingdom was 253,700, seasonally adjusted and excluding community programme vacancies. This figure represents only about one third of all vacancies in the economy.

  Mr. Brandon-Bravo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the rate of the fall in unemployment in the last 12 months in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988 the level of seasonally adjusted adult unemployment in the United Kingdom was 2,455,000, a fall of 566,000 over the last 12 months—the largest annual fall since similar records began in 1948.

  Mr. Hayward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the fall in the level of unemployment since July 1986.

  Mr. Lee
  Unemployment (seasonally adjusted excluding school leavers) fell by 755,000 between July 1986 and April 1988. This is the largest sustained fall on record.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the rate of fall in long-term unemployment during the last 12 months in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Lee
  Over the 12 months to April 1988 there was a record annual fall of 266,000 in the number of unemployed claimants who had been unemployed for one year or more in the United Kingdom.

  Sir John Farr
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how the number of unemployed persons in the Leicester travel-to-work area has changed in the past 12 months.
  500
  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988, the number of unemployed claimants in the Leicester travel-to-work area was 19,075, a fall of 5,505 or 22·4 per cent. over the last 12 months.

  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest figure for the percentage increase in unemployment since May 1979; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  Between May 1979 and April 1988 the seasonally adjusted level of adult unemployment increased by 113 per cent. on a consistent basis. However, since July 1986 unemployment has fallen by 755,000. It is now, 2,455,000, the lowest figure since October 1981.

  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current levels of employment in Greater London.

  Mr. Lee
  In December 1987, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,937,000 people in the civilian employed labour force in Greater London. The civilian employed labour force is the sum of employees in employment and the self-employed.

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

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988, seasonally adjusted adult unemployment in the north-west region was 341,100, compared with 410,800 in April 1987, a fall of 17 per cent. over the last 12 months.

  Mr. Miscampbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present level of unemployment in the Blackpool and Fylde travel-to-work area.

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988 the number of unemployed claimants in the Blackpool travel-to-work area, which includes within its boundaries the Fylde local authority district, was 14,757.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the respective numbers of unemployed, as at June 1979 and June 1987 in the following constituencies(a) Amber Valley, (b) Mid-Worcestershire, (c) Lancashire, West, (d) Staffordshire Moorlands, (e) Hendon, South, (f) Darlington and (g) Fylde.

  Mr. Lee
  The following information is in the Library. The table shows the number of unemployed claimants, for each of the parliamentary constituencies requested, at June 1987. Figures for parliamentary constituencies are available only from June 1983.

  Unemployed claimants: June 1987

  Parliamentary constituency

  Amber Valley

  3,825

  Mid Worcestershire

  5,086

  West Lancashire

  6,309

  Staffordshire Moorlands

  2,867

  Hendon South

  2,553

  Darlington

  5,326

  Fylde

  2,486

  Local Enterprise Agencies
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many local enterprise agencies are currently in existence.
  501
  Mr. Cope
  There are currently 416 local enterprise agencies throughout the United Kingdom. Of these, 365 are approved under the terms of the 1982 Finance Act, which allows business sector sponsors tax relief on their contributions to the agencies. There are 309 agencies in England of which 189 receive Government support under the local enterprise agency grant scheme.

  Redundancies (Northern Region)
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many redundancies were notified in the northern region(a) at the latest month and (b) in the same date in 1987.

  Mr. Nicholls
  In April, there were 2,693 advanced notifications of redundancies in the northern region compared with 2,134 in April last year. Some of the advanced notifications of redundancies are normally averted.

  European Year of the Traveller
  Mr. Bevan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has on proposals to make 1990 the European year of the traveller.

  Mr. Lee
  The European Parliament has adopted a proposal that 1990 be designated European year of the traveller. The European Commission is now involved in drawing up detailed proposals on the activities that might be involved. I await these proposals with interest.

  Vacancies
  Mr. Oppenheim
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many vacancies were advertised in jobcentres in January 1983 and in January 1988.

  Mr. Lee
  In January 1988 the number of unfilled vacancies registered at jobcentres in the United Kingdom, seasonally adjusted and excluding community programme vacancies, was 249,500. The corresponding figure for January 1983 was 121,600. It is estimated that about one third of vacancies are notified to jobcentres.

  Factory Inspectors
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many new factory inspectors have been appointed in the latest period for which figures are available; and how many have left in the same period.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Between 1 May 1987 and 30 April 1988, a total of 20 factory inspectors joined the Health and Safety Executive and 44 left. Some 30 successful candidates from a recent recruitment exercise should be joining H SE shortly. A further recruitment programme for factory inspectors is under way.

  Part-time Workers
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will consider the extension of full employment protection rights to part-time workers.

  Mr. Nicholls
  No. To do so would impose additional costs on employers and discourage them from recruiting part-time workers.

  Community Work
  Dr. Michael Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what progress is being made in linking unemployment benefit to work associated with benefiting the community; and if he will make a statement

  Mr. Nicholls
  It is open to people in receipt of unemployment benefit to undertake voluntary work in the community if they wish. This does not affect their entitlement to benefit so long as they remain available for work.

  Hotel Building
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total of section 4 tourist grants awarded for hotel building in England and Wales in 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  The total section 4 assistance offered to hotels and guesthouses in England and Wales in the 1987–88 financial year was £4·6 million.

  Enterprise Allowance
  Mr. Couchman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many unemployed people have been helped to start a business during the last 12 months through the enterprise allowance scheme.

  Mr. Cope
  During the year April 1987 to March 1988, a total of 106,305 people joined the scheme. 110,000 places will be available during the current year.

  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the number of people currently receiving the trading allowance on the enterprise allowance scheme.

  Mr. Cope
  At the middle of May 1988 there were over 93,000 people receiving the enterprise allowance.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are currently participating in the enterprise allowance scheme.

  Mr. Cope
  At the middle of May 1988, over 93,000 people were participating in the enterprise allowance scheme.

  Job Vacancies (Bury)
  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many job vacancies in Bury were reported in the first quarter of 1988 and what were the figures for the previous five years.

  Mr. Lee
  The table shows the number of new notified vacancies, excluding community programme vacancies, at the Bury jobcentre in the first quarter of each year from 1984. Vacancy statistics for local areas are only available on a consistent basis from April 1983.

  Bury jobcentre—Inflow of notified vacancies

  Quarter ended March

  Year

  Number

  1984

  773

  1985

  827

  1986

  1,001

  503

  Year

  Number

  1987

  1,150

  1988

  1,631

  Small Firms Service
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many inquiries were handled by the small firms service during the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many inquiries were received by the small firms service during the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Cope
  In the period May 1987 to April 1988 inclusive, the small firms service in England handled 266,497 inquiries.

  Equal Opportunities Commission
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he next expects to meet the chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission; and what matters will be discussed.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I shall be meeting Mrs. Foster on 4 July for an initial discussion following her appointment as EOC chairman. I expect our discussion to range over a variety of topics concerning the promotion of equal opportunities in employment.

  Youth Unemployment
  Mr. Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the present level of youth unemployment in the London boroughs, and the prospects for jobs.

  Mr. Lee
  In April 1988 the number of unemployed claimants aged under 18 years of age in the Greater London region was 7·777, a fall of 28·2 per cent. over the last 12 months.

  Self-Employment
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are currently self-employed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  In December 1987, the latest date for which figures are available, there were an estimated 2,863,000 self-employed people in Great Britain.

  Restart
  Mr. Crowther
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any plans to extend beyond the pilot areas the practice of recalling for further restart interviews those who have not taken up any of the offers made at their earlier interview.

  Mr. Lee
  As announced in the White Paper, "Training for Employment", the restart programme will be further developed during 1988–89. An important aspect of this development will be the gradual introduction of follow-up interviews throughout the country. They will be carried 504
  out by both restart counselling staff and by claimant advisers, and will be offered to those who most need additional help. This will include those who decline all offers of help at their main restart interview.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of jobs created by the construction of the Channel tunnel.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have been asked to reply.

  It is estimated that about 100,000 man years of work will be generated in the United Kingdom by Eurotunnel and British Rail work on the Channel tunnel and its equipment during its construction.

  Retraining Grants
  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to review the availability of Manpower Services Commission grants for retraining; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Training Commission has a range of grant schemes to encourage the training of employees, including retraining. These are regularly reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet employers' needs and provide value for money.

  Disabled People
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any plans to improve the services provided by his Department for disabled people.

  Mr. Lee
  As announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment during the debate on the Local Government Bill on Wednesday 9 March,Official Report, column 346, I am reviewing the policies and programmes that my Department supports for disabled people. Plans for improvements to services will be developed in the light of this review.

  Young Persons (Advice)
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements are being made by his Department to provide advice on employment or training to young people who cease to be eligible for benefits on 4 September.

  Mr. Cope
  From September 12 when most young people under 18 will cease to be eligible for income support, the Government are extending their guarantee of a YTS place to all 16 and 17-year-olds who are not in work or further education. As a result, no young person under 18 need be unemployed. Advice and help in applying for training and employment opportunities will be promptly and readily available, as now, from the careers services provided by local authorities and from my Department's jobcentres.

  Building and Construction Sites (Safety)
  Mr. Madel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he next plans to meet the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission to discuss safety on building and construction sites; and if he will make a statement.
  505
  Mr. Nicholls
  I have not planned to meet the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission to discuss safety on building and construction sites. The Government fully support the Health and Safety Executive's approach to improving safety standards in this area, which was outlined in the debate on 2 December 1987. It includes the current series of blitzes and other initiatives designed to effectively impress on employers and others the importance of safety.

  Enterprise Agencies
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement on the progress of enterprise agencies.

  Mr. Cope
  There are now over 400 local enterprise agencies in the United Kingdom. My Department, through the local enterprise agency grant scheme, encourages the development of viable agencies in England; 189 agencies were supported in 1987–88.

  Lost Working Days (Strikes)
  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many working days were lost by strike action in January 1979 and January 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  The number of working days lost through stoppages of work due to industrial disputes in January 1979 is 2,966,000. The comparable figure for January 1988 is provisionally estimated as 92,000 lost working days.

  Overtime
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the average number of hours of overtime worked per manufacturing industry employee during the last quarter of 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  The information available relates to overtime hours worked by operatives in manufacturing industry. During the last quarter of 1987 the average number of weekly overtime hours worked per operative was 3·7 seasonally adjusted. This compares with between 3 and 3·25 hours per week observed in each quarter of 1985 and 1986.

  Job Clubs
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many job clubs are currently in operation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  At 31 March 1988, a total of 1,204 job clubs were in operation. The employment service expects to increase substantially the number of places available in job clubs in 1988–89 compared with 1987–88.

  Youth Training Scheme
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement on the two year youth training scheme.

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement on the progress of the YTS.
  506
  Mr. Cope
  At the end of April 1988 there were 381,000 young people training on the two-year YTS. Over 50 per cent. of trainees entering their second year on the scheme have already gained a vocational qualification. Latest survey results show that when young people leave YTS, 75 per cent. go into jobs or into further education and training. The YTS is firmly established among young people as a natural and valued start to working life, while employers welcome YTS as the means to ensuring a highly trained and adaptable work force.

  Accidents at Work
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals he has to reduce accidents at work.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Health and Safety Commission and Executive currently have a number of initiatives under way to reduce the number of accidents at work. I expect the commission to submit proposals for the next three years to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State later this year.

  Centres for the Unemployed
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to ensure continuance of the centres for the unemployed after the ending of the community programme.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Applications for the continuance of centres for the unemployed will be considered in the same way as all other proposals under the new programme for unemployed adults, employment training.

  Long-term Unemployment
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what have been the results of the trial use of outreach workers and video facilities to make contact with the longer-term unemployed.

  Mr. Lee
  The employment service is trying a number of outreach activities to make its services more accessible to unemployed people, including the long-term unemployed. The main projects are:Specialist "inner city officers" working from jobcentres.
  Direct access to jobs and information through videos and information technology.
  Advertising of jobs on television.
  These projects are still being evaluated.

  Registered Disabled People
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of registered disabled people unemployed on 30 April.

  Mr. Lee
  I regret that this information is not available. The only count made of unemployed registered disabled people is of those who choose to register for work at jobcentres. The latest figures available show that on 8 January there were 21,765 unemployed registered disabled people registered for work at jobcentres.

  Benefit Changes
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment in how many cases his Department's attention or that of the Manpower Services Commission
  507
  has been drawn to individuals in the various employment and training schemes being placed in difficulty as a consequence of the social security and housing benefit changes.

  Mr. Nicholls
  None.

  Growth
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment which sectors of the industrial and service industries are currently showing the most growth and potential for growth throughout the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Lee
  During 1987, employment in the United Kingdom grew fastest in banking, insurance and finance (by 7 per cent.), construction (by 4 per cent.) and transport and communications (by 3 per cent.). In addition, employment in tourism-related industries grew by over 3 per cent. in 1987.

  The Department does not make forecasts of employment changes. However with the economy about to enter its eighth successive year of growth, all sectors of the economy should benefit from the continuation of the Government's current economic policies.

  Child Care Payments
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the reasons for the current rate of take up of the child care payments in the 10 pilot programme areas.

  Average hourly earnings of full-time employees on adult rates excluding overtime, in April of each year

  Pay not affected by absence;

  Pence per hour

  In cash terms

  In real terms

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Full-time males

  South East

  507· 0

  553·6

  607·9

  544·6

  577·0

  607·9

  East Anglia

  410·9

  443·7

  477·5

  441·3

  462·5

  477·5

  South West

  422·0

  455·1

  491·4

  453·3

  474·4

  491·4

  West Midlands

  418·7

  454·8

  482·1

  449·7

  474·0

  482·1

  East Midlands

  401·0

  439·7

  496·6

  430·7

  458·3

  469·6

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  417·3

  441·4

  470·5

  448·2

  460·1

  470·5

  North West

  434·0

  464·0

  497·8

  466·2

  483·6

  497·8

  North

  419·9

  451·1

  482·0

  451·0

  470·2

  482·0

  Part-time males

  South East

  418·2

  422·1

  427·6

  449·2

  440·0

  427·6

  East Anglia

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  South West

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  West Midlands

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  East Midlands

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  North West

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  North

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  ¨

  Full-time females

  South East

  370·3

  403·6

  438·1

  397·7

  420·7

  438·1

  East Anglia

  299·0

  328·8

  345·3

  321·2

  342·7

  345·3

  South West

  316·2

  342·1

  361·2

  339·6

  356·6

  361·2

  West Midlands

  313·6

  340·0

  361·6

  336·8

  354·4

  361·6

  East Midlands

  298·5

  327·6

  342·6

  320·6

  341·5

  342·6

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  307·8

  323·1

  346·1

  330·6

  336·8

  346·1

  North West

  323·3

  349·9

  363·2

  347·3

  364·7

  363·2

  North

  311·3

  334·2

  359·2

  334·4

  348·3

  359·2

  Part-time females

  South East

  281·7

  300·8

  323·8

  302·6

  313·5

  323·8

  East Anglia

  260·5

  272·9

  286·5

  279·8

  284·4

  286·5

  South West

  246·6

  267·8

  280·5

  264·9

  279·1

  280·5

  West Midlands

  252·6

  266·5

  284·9

  271·3

  277·8

  284·9

  East Midlands

  240·3

  264·0

  280·7

  258·1

  275·2

  280·7

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  247·5

  263·2

  284·1

  265·8

  274·3

  284·1

  508
  Mr. Cope
  Under the pilot scheme in 10 areas, child care payments were made available for lone parents who are eligible for the new job training scheme. People who are registered as unemployed for more than six months are eligible for the new job training scheme, but those, including lone parents who are on benefits, who are not registered as unemployed, are not eligible.

  The employment training programme, which will replace the new job training scheme from September, will extend child care payments for lone parents, on these terms, nationally. In addition, we have announced that lone parents, all of whose children are in full-time education, and who have received income support on DHSS order books for at least six months, will be eligible for the programme and for child care payments.

  Wages
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average hourly wage for(a) full-time female employees, (b) part-time female employees, (c) full-time male employees, and (d) part-time male employees, in the English regions since 1985, in cash and real terms.

  Mr. Lee
  The available information, based on average hourly earnings excluding overtime, is provided in the table.
  509

  In cash terms

  In real terms

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1985

  1986

  1987

  North West

  248·7

  267·4

  284·8

  267·1

  278·7

  284·8

  North

  247·5

  258·3

  276·3

  265·8

  269·2

  276·3

  Note:

  Cash figures revalued to April 1987 prices using the Retail Price Index (all items) as at April each year.¨denote not available.

  Source: New Earnings Survey.

  Industrial Tribunals
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many cases of unfair dismissal because of trade union activity have been brought before industrial tribunals in each of the last 10 years; and what percentage were successful.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The best available information on the number of complaints since 1979 of unfair dismissal because of trade union membership or activity which have been heard by industrial tribunals is set out in the table.

  Year

  Number of complaints heard by-industrial tribunals

  Percentage of complaints successful

  1979

  263

  12·5

  1980

  255

  13·3

  1981

  82

  22·0

  1982

  126

  16·7

  1983

  132

  15·9

  1984

  150

  14·0

  1985

  179

  32·4

  1986–87

  226

  22·6

  Figures for 1987–88 are not yet available.

  Figures for 1978 can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Single Market
  Sir David Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what changes will be necessary in United Kingdom employment legislation in order to satisfy the harmonisation requirements of the European Community for the achievement of the single market in 1992.

  Mr. Cope
  No directives have been adopted in the context of completion of the single market in 1992 which require changes in the United Kingdom employment legislation.

  Building Sites (London)
  Mr. Patchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what were the estimated number of building sites in London during 1987 and the number of inspectors in the field in London, inspecting these sites during 1987.

  Mr. Nicholls
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: The HSE does not keep estimates of the number of building sites and cannot provide the information sought. On 31 December 1987, a total of 12 qualified inspectors were employed on construction work in London.

  Building Sites (Prosecutions)
  Mr. Patchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the final outcome in terms of 510
  (a) construction sites visited, (b) prohibition and improvement notices issued and (c) prosecutions initiated, with the results, for the series of visits to construction sites carried out by the Health and Safety Executive in 1987.

  Mr. Nicholls
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: During the series of construction site blitzes carried out by the Health and Safety Executive in 1987, a total of 4,289 construction sites were visited, 1,006 prohibition and 28 improvement notices were issued, and 25 prosecutions were initiated. The present series of construction blitzes will continue until September 1988. The results of prosecutions initialed are not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

THE ARTS

  Libraries
  Mr. Haynes
  To ask the Minister for the Arts how many complaints he has received in the past 12 months from library users that public libraries are not sufficiently client-orientated.

  Mr. Luce
  None, but a number of the representations made on the Green Paper, "Financing our public library service: four subjects for debate", have advocated the development of more client-orientated services.

  British Telecom
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what information he has on sponsorship of the arts undertaken by British Telecom.

  Mr. Luce
  I am delighted by the recent increase in British Telecom's programme of arts sponsorship. Under the business sponsorship incentive scheme, I have made 12 awards of £115,394 to match new sponsorships by BT headquarters, BT mobile communications and seven BT regions. I know that a number of other BT regions also support local arts activities.

  Premium Book Subscription Schemes
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what evidence he has of the outcome of premium book subscription schemes in(a) New Zealand and (b) West Germany.

  Mr. Luce
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: I understand that the schemes operated in New Zealand and West Germany are not premium book subscription schemes of the kind proposed in my Green Paper.

SCOTLAND

  AIDS
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report for each health authority in Scotland the number of persons suffering from AIDS; and if he will disaggregate the statistics by age and sex.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  To the end of April 1988, reports had been received of 56 cases of persons with AIDS in Scotland, of whom 50 were male and six were female. 26 of the males and five of the females were alive at that date. Disaggregations by age are not available. As the figures of AIDS cases and deaths for particular health board areas are, in some cases, very low, and as their publication may in consequence endanger medical confidentiality, geographical breakdowns are not published.

  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his Department's latest estimate of the number of people in Scotland that are currently HIV positive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  We have not made an estimate of the number of people in Scotland who are HIV positive. Of those who have chosen to be tested for HIV antibodies, by the end of March 1988 1,436 had been found to be HIV positive.

  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many terminations of pregnancy have occurred in Scotland because the mother is HIV positive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  There have been 26 terminations of pregnancy since 1985 on women who were recorded as HIV positive.

  New Hospitals
  Mr Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each health board the dates of approval for all new hospitals approved since 1979.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is as follows.

  All projects approved since 1979

  Approval-in-principle

  Argyll and Clyde

  Ravenscraig Phase III(a) (Alcohol and Rehabilitation Unit)

  November 1985

  Oban Hospital

  May 1986

  Campbeltown Hospital

  December 1987

  Dunoon and District General Hospital

  April 1982

  Merchiston Hospital

  May 1984

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Dunlop House

  March 1985

  Seafield Hospital

  March 1985

  Acute Hospital, Ayr

  October 1985

  Biggart Hospital

  April 1984

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Services for the Mentally Handicapped

  October 1985

  Annan Hospital (geriatric)

  October 1980

  Forth Valley

  Bonnybridge (psychogeriatric)

  January 1982

  Royal Scottish National Hospital Larbert

  April 1979

  Sauchie Hospital

  June 1979

  512

  Approval-in-principle

  Falkirk Royal Infirmary

  June 1979

  Grampian

  Royal Cornhill

  October 1985

  Woodend Geriatric Hospital

  April 1979

  Inverurie Hospital

  June 1980

  Woodend Hospital—Glenburn Wing

  April 1979

  Greater Glasgow

  Parkhead Psychiatric Development Phase II

  September 1982

  Rutherglen (geriatric)

  May 1981

  Leverndale Support Services

  June 1985

  Eastern District College of Nursing

  June 1979

  Lennox Castle (2 intensive care units)

  September 1986

  Woodilee 3 x 30 bed units

  December 1987

  Leverndale Phase I(a)

  November 1983

  Lennox Castle

  May 1983

  Lanarkshire

  Kirklands Phase II

  July 1979

  Geriatric, Psychogeriatric and Psychiatric Project:

  a. Hairmyres

  December 1985

  b. Udston

  December 1985

  (including 30 place day hospital)

  Kirklands Hospital Phase I

  July 1979

  Kirklands Hospital Phase I(a)

  July 1979

  Kirklands Residential

  July 1979

  Lothian

  Princess Margaret Rose Spinal Paralysis and Rehabilitation Unit

  September 1982

  City Hospital (Pharmacy)

  May 1983

  Edinburgh Dental Hospital

  May 1986

  Orkney

  Balfour Hospital

  August 1985

  Tayside

  Perth Royal Infirmary

  April 1979

  Western Isles

  Stornoway Lewis Hospital

  May 1986

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether community charge officers will be able to ask for information concerning an individual from gas, water and electricity boards; and whether those boards could exchange information about individuals to the community charge officer.

  Mr. Lang
  Under section 17(3) of the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987, community charges registration officers have access, for the purpose of carrying out their functions, to information held by regional councils as water authorities. They have no access to information held by electricity boards or British Gas plc (Scotland), except in the unlikely event (which may also apply to regional councils as water authorities) of these bodies being "responsible persons" in relation to particular premises for community charge registration purposes. None of the bodies mentioned will have access to the community charges register beyond that provided for in section 20(2) of the 1987 Act.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish all cost estimates made in relation to the implementation of the community charge in Scotland.
  513
  Mr. Lang
  The only cost estimates made by my right hon. and learned Friend were those contained in the explanatory and financial memorandum to the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Bill. A record of all the estimates made by local authorities and others is not held centrally.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will issue advice to Scottish local authorities to inform community charge officers that they should indicate on the forms they send to members of the public that the names and addresses of individuals which are collected in relation to the community charge can be sold or disclosed to other organisations without their consent or knowledge.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend is considering whether any restriction should be placed on the parts of the community charges register available for inspection by the public which may be made available for sale. Pending that consideration, I do not consider that formal notification to individuals of the present position on sale of the register is required. It is already made clear in the notice to be sent to registered persons informing them of their entry in the register (schedule 1 to the Community Charges (Registration) (Scotland) Regulations 1988) that certain parts of the register will be available for public inspection.

  Prosthetists
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department has costed a National Health Service workshop and prosthetists limb fitting service.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the numbers of prosthetists working in the Health Service who are(a) contractor employed and (b) employed by the health boards.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  There are two contractor-employed prosthetists working in the Health Service in Scotland and 18 employed by health boards.

  Kerb Crawling
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many arrests for kerb crawling have been made by Strathclyde police in Glasgow in the last 12 months and the previous 12 months;

  (2) how many convictions there have been in Glasgow for kerb crawling in the last 12 months and the previous 12 months.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There is no statutory offence of kerb crawling in Scotland. Depending on the circumstances, incidents involving kerb crawling may be charged as breach of the peace but statistics on such convictions are not separately identifiable in the Scottish Home and Health Department classification of crimes and offences.

  Prostitution
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many convictions there have been in Glasgow for soliciting in the last 12 months and the previous 12 months.
  514
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In 1987, 444 persons were convicted in Glasgow of offences relating to prostitution. The figure for 1986 was 504.

  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many owners of saunas in Glasgow have been arrested for offences in connection with prostitution in the last 12 months and the previous 12 months;

  (2) how many managers of saunas in Glasgow have been arrested for offences in connection with prostitution in the last 12 months and the previous 12 months.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Statistics on arrests are not held centrally.

  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many owners of saunas in Glasgow have been convicted for offences in connection with prostitution in the last 12 months and the previous 12 months;

  (2) how many managers of saunas in Glasgow have been convicted for offences in connection with prostitution in the last 12 months and the previous 12 months.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I regret that the information requested is not available.

  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many licence holders operating saunas in Glasgow have had their licences revoked because of reasons connected with prostitution in the last 12 months and the previous 12 months.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I understand that saunas in Glasgow are not required to be licensed by the local authority.

  Fishing Vessels (Pressure Stock Licences)
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of pressure stock licences attaching to fishing vessels in each port of registration(a) at the outset of the scheme and (b) at the most recent date for which information is available.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Licences issued by DAFS to vessels based on Scottish ports numbered 1,204 at the start of the scheme and 1,168 at 30 April 1988. The table below gives the port of registration of vessels concerned, including a small number registered outwith Scotland.

  List of numbers of pressure stock licences by registry ports issued in Scotland

  Registration port

  3 February 1984

  30 April 1988

  Aberdeen (A)

  43

  35

  Alloa (AA)

  —

  1

  Arbroath (AH)

  28

  27

  Ayr (AR)

  6

  9

  Ballantrae (BA)

  78

  66

  Buckie (BCK)

  93

  103

  Banff (BF)

  123

  119

  Broadford (BRD)

  7

  15

  Campbeltown (CN)

  47

  32

  Castlebay (CY)

  10

  9

  Dundee (DE)

  —

  1

  Fraserburgh (FR)

  104

  115

  Inverness (INS)

  97

  96

  Kirkwall (K)

  28

  23

  Kirkcaldy (DY)

  58

  49

  Leith (LH)

  90

  87

  Lerwick (LK)

  79

  66

  Montrose (ME)

  6

  11

  Oban (OB)

  36

  33

  515

  Registration port

  3 February 1984

  30 April 1988

  Peterhead (PD)

  109

  111

  Rothesay (RO)

  3

  3

  Stornoway (SY)

  47

  42

  Tarbert (TT)

  22

  21

  Ullapool (UL)

  16

  23

  Wick (WK)

  31

  29

  Belfast (B)

  1

  6

  Blyth (BH)

  1

  2

  Berwick (BK)

  5

  6

  Brixham (BM)

  1

  —

  Boston (BN)

  1

  —

  Beamaris (BS)

  2

  1

  Colchester (CK)

  1

  1

  Caernarvon (CO)

  1

  1

  Castletown (CT)

  1

  1

  Exeter (E)

  —

  1

  Fleetwood (FD)

  4

  2

  Grimsby (GY)

  2

  2

  Guernsey (GU)

  2

  —

  Hull (H)

  5

  3

  Hartlepools (HL)

  —

  1

  Lynn (LN)

  1

  —

  Lowestoft (LT)

  —

  1

  Newry (N)

  1

  1

  Penzance (PZ)

  1

  1

  Rye (RX)

  —

  1

  Ramsey (RY)

  1

  2

  Swansea (SA)

  1

  1

  Scarborough (SH)

  2

  2

  North Shield (SN)

  2

  —

  St. Ives (SS)

  2

  2

  Whitehaven (WA)

  2

  1

  Whitby (WY)

  3

  3

  Totals

  1,204

  1,168

  Note: All English, Welsh, Manx, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland registered vessels are based in Scotland.

  Cervical Tests
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be able to publish figures showing how long patients in the Greater Glasgow health board area are having to wait for results of cervical smear tests, as well as the comparable figures for the last 10 years.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Strathkelvin and Bearsden (Mr. Galbraith) on 17 May 1988 at column 395.

  Private Hospital, Clydebank
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the level of private funding for the proposed Health Care International hospital at Clydebank.

  Mr. Lang
  The company and its financial advisers have provided, on a commercially confidential basis, full details of the financial structure which is proposed for the projected Health Care International hospital at Clydebank.

  Health Care International
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives from Health Care International; and what subjects were discussed.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. and learned Friend met representatives from Health Care International during a visit to the Harvard university medical centre on 12 516
  October 1987. The subjects discussed were American public and private sector provision, and arrangements for the supply of blood to the hospital which HCI proposes to build in Clydebank.

  Beaches
  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to clean up the beaches on the south-west coast of Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Responsibility for the cleanliness of beaches rests with the district or islands council concerned, while monitoring the quality of bathing waters is the responsibility of the river purification authorities. If, however, the hon. Member has a particular problem in mind he may like to write to me about it.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each year since 1970 the number of patients on hospital in-patient waiting lists in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The number of persons on in-patient waiting lists for National Health Service hospitals in Scotland at 30 September in each year is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1970

  51,482

  1971

  51,675

  1972

  52,468

  1973

  61,079

  1974

  56,182

  1975

  54,614

  1976

  53,381

  1977

  55,387

  1978

  62,464

  1979

  71,247

  1980

  67,387

  1981

  65,228

  1982

  86,365

  1983

  88,338

  1984

  83,077

  1985

  77,677

  1986

  80,732

  11987

  77,772

  1 Provisional.

  Hospital Building
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each year since 1970 the amount spent at 1970 prices on new hospital building in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The figures are given below. They relate solely to hospital and community health new works and exclude spending on upgradings, repairs, maintenance and equipment.

  £ million

  1970–71

  9·4

  1971–72

  8·2

  1972–73

  9·5

  1973–74

  11·3

  1974–75

  11·7

  1975–76

  11·3

  1976–77

  8·8

  1977–78

  10·4

  1978–79

  10·4

  1979–80

  10·9

  517

  £million

  1980–81

  10·4

  1981–82

  2·6

  1982–83

  13·3

  1983–84

  11·5

  1984–85

  9·9

  1985–86

  10·0

  1986–87

  7·8

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for every hospital completed since 1979 the date on which the appropriate health board was notified of approval.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: The information is as follows.

  All projects completed since 1979

  Approval-in-principle

  Argyll and Clyde

  Johnstone Hospital

  1978

  Dunoon and District General Hospital

  April 1982

  Merchiston Hospital Phase I

  January 1973

  Merchiston Hospital

  May 1984

  Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley

  December 1971

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Crosshouse Hospital

  September 1964

  Biggart Hospital

  1April 1984

  Borders

  Hay Lodge, Peebles

  May 1974

  Borders General

  May 1974

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Annan Hospital (geriatric)

  October 1980

  Fife

  Glenrothes Hospital

  January 1974

  Whyteman's Brae, Kirkcaldy

  November 1973

  West Fife District General Hospital

  March 1976

  Forth Valley

  Royal Scottish National Hospital, Larbert

  April 1979

  Sauchie Hospital

  June 1979

  Falkirk Royal Infirmary

  June 1979

  Grampian

  Woodend Geriatric Hospital

  April 1979

  Inverurie Hospital

  June 1980

  Spynie Hospital, Elgin

  November 1972

  Ugie Hospital, Peterhead

  October 1978

  Woodend Hospital—Glenburn Wing

  April 1979

  Woodlands Hospital

  November 1976

  Greater Glasgow

  Blawarthill Hospital

  May 1978

  Canniesburn Hospital

  May 1978

  Gartloch Hospital

  May 1978

  Gartnavel Hospital

  May 1978

  Mearnskirk Hospital

  May 1978

  Stobhill Hospital

  May 1978

  Belvidere Hospital Phase I

  May 1978

  Woodilee Hospital Phase I

  May 1978

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary Phase I

  December 1966

  Stobhill Hospital

  May 1978

  Gartloch Hospital

  June 1978

  Leverndale Phase I(a)

  November 1983

  Lennox Castle

  May 1973

  Highland

  Lochaber Hospital

  June 1976

  Raigmore Hospital, Inverness

  June 1973

  Caithness Hospital Phase II

  October 1973

  Lanarkshire

  Kirklands Hospital Phase I

  July 1979

  518

  Approval-in-principle

  Kirklands Hospital Phase I(a)

  July 1979

  Kirklands Residential

  July 1979

  Lothian

  Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Phase I

  December 1959

  Royal Edinburgh Phase I

  March 1972

  Astley Ainslie Hospital

  October 1974

  Herdmanflat Hospital

  April 1974

  Royal Victoria Hospital, Edinburgh

  January 1974

  Shetland

  Montfield Hospital

  May 1978

  Tayside

  Irvine Memorial Hospital, Pitlochry

  June 1977

  Murray Royal Hospital, Perth

  January 1977

  Perth Royal Infirmary

  June 1977

  Royal Liff Hospital, Dundee

  October 1977

  Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital

  June 1977

  Aberfeldy Cottage Hospital

  June 1977

  1 Date of approval of tender.

  Acute Beds
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each health board the number of acute medical and surgical beds in private clinics in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Information in the form requested is not available.

  Coal Imports
  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on which countries export coal to Scotland, via Rotterdam, in the current year.

  Mr. Lang
  Such information is not held by my tight hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland: questions concerning Government policy on imports into the United Kingdom are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of Slate for Energy. The latest information on coal imports is set out in the reply given to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang) by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy on 4 March.

  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to how much coal, expressed(a) in tonnes and (b) in monetary value, had been imported by the South of Scotland Electricity Board so far in the current year.

  Mr. Lang
  I am advised by the South of Scotland Electricity Board that it has taken delivery of approximately 30,000 tonnes of imported coal in the current financial year to date. The monetary value of the imports is a confidential matter between the board and its suppliers.

  Housing Transfers
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has given any advice to any of the new town development corporations on the transfer of blocks of houses with sitting tenants to any private developer or any other housing body; and if he will make a statement

  Mr. Lang
  No such advice has been issued.
  519
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he proposes to give advice to any of the new town development corporations on the transfer of blocks of houses with sitting tenants to any private developer or any other housing body prior to the announced intention to amend the New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  No transfer of tenanted houses to other landlords in the period before wind-up of the development corporations will take place without the consent of the tenants involved. Advice to development corporations will be issued following enactment of the Housing (Scotland) Bill currently before Parliament.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that no new town tenant can be transferred to any other landlord under a management agency agreement without the prior consent of the tenant.

  Mr. Lang
  Any decision to transfer to another landlord in the period before wind-up of a development corporation is a matter for the tenant, as was made clear by my hon. Friend, the Minister responsible for home affairs and the environment when he responded to the hon. Member during Committee stage consideration of the Housing (Scotland) Bill—First Scottish Standing Committee, 25 February 1988, column 1023. The options for housing transfer at wind-up will be considered in the detailed and wide-ranging review which was announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State on 13 May.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that any new town tenant transferred to a new landlord under a management agency agreed between a new town development corporation and a private developer or any other housing body will retain existing security of tenure.

  Mr. Lang
  Since ownership of the house in such circumstances would remain with the development corporation, any tenants affected by a management agency agreement would retain their existing statutory right to security of tenure.

  Housing Debt
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any proposals to write off existing housing debt on any blocks of new town houses purchased by a private developer or any other housing body from a new town development corporation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  No specific proposals have yet been submitted by development corporations to the Secretary of State and any such proposal would require to be considered on its merits.

  New Town Housing Stock
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each of the five new towns details of any discussions which have taken place between new town officials and private developers or any other housing body on the management under an agency agreement of any part of the new town housing stock.

  Mr. Lang
  Preliminary discussions have taken place between representatives of Quality Street and Glenrothes 520
  development corporation, which included the possibility of a management agency covering a portion of the housing stock. Those discussions were exploratory and no commitments were made on either side. No such discussions have as yet taken place in the other four towns, although an exploratory meeting has been arranged between Livingston development corporation and Quality Street, at the latter's request.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if any advice has been given to any of the new town development corporations to enter into discussions with private developers on the disposal or management of the new town housing stocks; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The Scottish new town development corporation continue to receive advice on the Government's housing policy objectives in the regular meetings which take place between officials of my Department and those of the corporations. There is nothing new about discussions between private housing developers and development corporations.

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what have been the total staff and administration cost to his Department of the Chernobyl accident.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Staff and associated administration costs relating to the Chernobyl accident which have been incurred by the Scottish Office in the period to the end of May 1988 are estimated to be in the region of £0·9m. In addition, some £464,000 has been spent on such matters as purchasing sheep and other produce for testing; the laboratory analysis of these to establish the levels of radioactivity; associated transport costs; and purchasing live monitoring equipment and paint used in connection with the mark and release scheme. Compensation to farmers in the restricted areas in Scotland has so far amounted to £1·6m.

  Forestry
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total area of land for which forestry grant applications were submitted in each year from 1 April 1983 to date in(a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland; and in each country what was the area of land (i) withdrawn before decision on forestry grant was reached and (ii) refused grant-aid by the Forestry Commission.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 10 May]: The information is as follows

  Hectares

  Year to 31 March

  England

  Wales

  Scotland

  Area of land for which applications for grant were submitted

  1984

  16,537

  3,314

  60,567

  1985

  20,505

  2,977

  56,570

  1986

  28,709

  5,824

  78,479

  1987

  37,528

  6,920

  103,634

  1988

  32,881

  5,317

  89,164

  Area of land for which applications for grant were withdrawn

  1984

  511

  155

  14,737

  1985

  143

  300

  26,979

  1986

  1,690

  113

  13,902

  521

  Year to 31 March

  England

  Wales

  Scotland

  1987

  7,243

  905

  27,143

  1988

  4,265

  738

  31,207

  Area of land for which applications for grant were refused

  1984

  175

  1

  Nil

  1985

  36

  634

  944

  1986

  2

  Nil

  1,870

  1987

  32

  425

  Nil

  1988

  587

  119

  1,091

  Notes:

  1. The figures given in the above tables comprise the total areas of land covered by applications, and include unplantable land areas which it is proposed to leave unplanted for other reasons

  Discharges1 ofnon residents treated in each health board 1979–86

  All specialties

  Health board of treatment

  1979

  1980

  1981

  21982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Argyll and Clyde

  5,214

  4,785

  5,174

  4,215

  4,911

  4,760

  4,466

  4,813

  Ayrshire and Arran

  1,493

  1,178

  1,263

  1,239

  1,416

  1,435

  1,443

  1,430

  Borders

  342

  377

  319

  345

  332

  296

  368

  421

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1,033

  798

  826

  755

  734

  726

  712

  798

  Fife

  542

  476

  474

  462

  422

  490

  488

  543

  Forth Valley

  2,435

  1,985

  1,599

  1,614

  1,683

  1,606

  1,816

  1,733

  Grampian

  4,230

  3,858

  4,083

  3,832

  4,293

  4,515

  4,564

  4,549

  Greater Glasgow

  39,589

  41,496

  42,689

  39,315

  44,947

  47,766

  50,183

  50,645

  Highland

  3,133

  2,969

  3,139

  3,123

  3,349

  3,453

  3,353

  3,550

  Lanarkshire

  4,905

  4,318

  4,146

  4,212

  4,229

  3,891

  3,583

  3,952

  Lothian

  17,814

  17,929

  18,675

  17,452

  19,001

  18,146

  19,544

  18,411

  Orkney

  47

  42

  58

  40

  36

  49

  58

  61

  Shetland

  326

  226

  210

  153

  135

  126

  94

  141

  Tayside

  7,689

  7,845

  7,950

  7,610

  8,751

  9,048

  9,852

  9,319

  Western Isles

  124

  76

  71

  66

  105

  75

  47

  61

  TOTAL

  88,916

  88,358

  90,676

  84,433

  94,344

  96,382

  100,571

  100,427

  1 Including day cases.

  2 Low figures coincide with industrial action in the health service.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has as to the total amount of additional revenue which would be collected if child benefit were to be counted as part of taxable earnings; and what this sum would represent in terms of a reduction in the standard rate of income tax.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The income tax liability arising from taxing child benefit in 1988–89 would be about £1,100 million. This estimate assumes that child benefit received by married couples would be taxed as the husband's income. A reduction of Ip in the basic rate of tax would cost about £1,400 million in a full year at 1988–89 levels of income.

  Band of gross income

  Families receiving child benefit

  Number of children

  Child benefit expenditure

  (thousands)

  (per cent.)

  (thousands)

  (per cent.)

  (thousands)

  (per cent.)

  Under £5,000

  560

  (8·3)

  780

  (6·4)

  290

  (6·4)

  £5,000 to £10,000

  1,770

  (26·2)

  3,350

  (27·6)

  1,260

  (27·6)

  £10,000 to £15,000

  1,830

  (27·1)

  3,210

  (26·5)

  1,210

  (26·5)

  £15,000 to £20,000

  1,220

  (18·1)

  2,280

  (18·8)

  860

  (18·8)

  £20,000 to £25,000

  650

  (9·7)

  1,150

  (9·5)

  430

  (9·5)

  £25,000 to £50,000

  640

  (9·4)

  1,180

  (9·8)

  450

  (9·8)

  Above £50,000

  80

  (1·2)

  180

  (1·5)

  70

  (1·5)

  6,750

  (100·0)

  12,120

  (100·0)

  4,570

  (100·0)

  Notes:

  (1) Estimates are based on the 1985 family expenditure survey, supplemented by the survey of personal incomes, and updated to 1988–89 levels
  522
  and existing woodland, as well as land intended for new planting or restocking.

  2. The areas of land shown as withdrawn include cases in which applicants decided not to proceed because of objections or modifications to their proposals put forward by the Forestry Commission or consulted authorities which were expected to result in the application being refused in whole or in part.

  Patients (Treatment Statistics)
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each year since 1979 the number of patients treated in each health board from outside that health council's area.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 26 May]: The information is given in the table.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the total amount of child benefit together with the number of families and children in respect of which it is paid arid the percentage which each figure represents for the following income bands(a) under £5,000, (b) £5,000 to £10,000, (c) £10,000 to £15,000, (d) £15,000 to £20,000, (e) £20,000 to £25,000, (f) £25,000 to £50,000, (g) £50,000 to £100,000, and (h) £100,000 and over.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: Information about the incomes of families receiving child benefit is not routinely collected. The following estimates of the distribution of gross incomes of recipient families in 1988–89 are therefore made on the basis of sample survey data which are subject to normal sampling and response variation.
  523
  of earnings and benefit rates.

  (2) Income is measured on a gross basis and is the family's total income from all sources including benefits.

  (3) No detailed breakdown is possible for an income band above 50,000 because of sample sizes.

  (4) All figures rounded to the nearest 10,000.

  (5) Estimates assume 100 per cent. take-up of income-related benefits.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in employment in the United Kingdom since 1983; and what equivalent figures he has for those countries subject to the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system.

  Mr. Lilley
  Figures for civilian employment in the United Kingdom and in the member countries of the ERM are given in "Eurostat", March 1988, page 39.

  Growth Rates
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has as to what has been the average rate of growth of the countries subject to the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system since 1985; which country has enjoyed the highest and which the lowest rate of growth; and what have been the respective rates of growth.

  Mr. Lilley
  Figures for GDP for each of the ERM countries are given in "Eurostat", March 1988, page 35.

  Inflation
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has as to what has been the average rate of inflation of the economies subject to the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system since 1985; which country has enjoyed the lowest rate of inflation and which the highest; and what were the respective rates.

  Mr. Lilley
  Consumer price indices are given for all ERM member countries in "OECD Main Economic Indicators", monthly.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the rate of inflation in the British economy since January 1985; and what information he has as to how many countries within the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system have had a higher rate of inflation.

  Mr. Lilley
  Consumer price indices for the United Kingdom and for all the ERM member countries are given in "OECD Main Economic Indicators", monthly.

  Mr. Andrew MacKay
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the current level of inflation.

  Mr. Lilley
  The retail prices index rose by 3·9 per cent. in the year to April.

  Productivity
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the growth in productivity in the United Kingdom since 1983; and what equivalent figures he has for productivity of each of the economies subject to the European monetary system.

  Mr. Lilley
  One measure of the productivity of labour is real GDP divided by the number of persons employed.524
  GDP figures for the United Kingdom, on the average basis, are given in "Economic Trends", April 1988, page 6 and for the other countries in the "OECD National Accounts", volume 1. Figures for civilian employment for all the countries can be found in "Eurostat", March 1988, page 39.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the annual growth of productivity for the whole economy since 1980.

  Mr. Major
  Between 1980 and 1987, output per head in the whole economy increased by 20·5 per cent. This represents an annual average increase of 2·7 per cent. over the period.

  Pound Sterling
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the rate of exchange of the pound sterling with the currencies subject to the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system has altered since January 1986.

  Mr. Lilley
  The average sterling exchange rate index against those currencies participating in the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system has fallen by 3·7 per cent. since January 1986.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Burnley on 20 May,Official Report, column 583, how many of the representations received on the value of the pound were from the glass-making industry; to what effect they were made; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Burnley on 20 May, Official Report, column 583, how many of the representations on the value of the pound were from the aerospace aviation industry or its supplier; to what effect they were made; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Burnley on 20 May, Official Report, column 583, how many of the representations received on the value of the pound were from the textiles industry; to what effect they were made; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) pursuant to the answer given to the hon. Member for Burnley on 20 May, Official Report, column 583, how many of the representations received on the value of the pound were from the motor industry or its suppliers; to what effect they were made; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lilley
  My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations on the exchange rate from several different sectors of industry.

  Job Creation
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has as to what has been the average level of job creation since 1983 of the economies whose currency is subject to the exchange rate
  525
  mechanism of the European monetary system; which country enjoyed the highest level of job creation and which the lowest; and what were the respective levels.

  Mr. Lilley
  "Eurostat", March 1988, page 39 gives data on civilian employment for each member country of the ERM. These data generally relate to numbers of jobs rather than numbers of persons.

  Economic Growth
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the growth of the United Kingdom economy since January 1985; and what equivalent figures he has for those economies subject to the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system.

  Mr. Lilley
  Growth is usually measured as the increase in GDP (or GNP) at constant prices. Quarterly and annual GDP figures for the United Kingdom are given in

  Planning total by function in real terms1

  1978–79 to 1990–91

  Index numbers (1978–79 = 100)

  1987–88

  1978–79 outturn

  1979–80 outturn

  1980–81 outturn

  1981–82 outturn

  1982–83 outturn

  1983–84 outturn

  1984–85 outturn

  1985–86 outturn

  1986–87 outturn

  estimated outturn

  1988–89 plans

  1989–90 plans

  1900–91 plans

  Defence

  100

  105

  108

  110

  118

  121

  129

  127

  125

  124

  121

  122

  122

  Overseas services, including overseas aid

  100

  96

  60

  57

  71

  82

  87

  78

  86

  95

  78

  94

  90

  Agriculture, fisheries, food and forestry

  100

  105

  115

  107

  129

  139

  132

  149

  110

  121

  123

  124

  128

  Industry, energy, trade and employment

  100

  89

  94

  109

  91

  89

  112

  83

  83

  69

  72

  64

  58

  Of which: Employment and training2

  100

  101

  131

  137

  129

  151

  155

  158

  177

  173

  178

  175

  172

  Arts and libraries

  100

  101

  102

  109

  110

  112

  116

  116

  124

  128

  127

  128

  128

  Roads and transport

  100

  104

  106

  104

  100

  96

  97

  92

  91

  89

  91

  89

  88

  Housing

  100

  108

  91

  61

  52

  57

  55

  48

  43

  40

  44

  42

  42

  Other environmental services

  100

  102

  99

  93

  96

  99

  98

  91

  90

  90

  84

  85

  85

  Law, order and protective services

  100

  108

  112

  120

  124

  130

  140

  137

  145

  158

  161

  162

  162

  Education and science

  100

  99

  101

  100

  101

  101

  101

  98

  104

  109

  109

  109

  109

  Health and personal social services

  100

  103

  111

  113

  114

  116

  119

  119

  124

  130

  131

  133

  135

  Of which: Health

  100

  102

  110

  113

  115

  116

  119

  119

  124

  129

  131

  133

  135

  Social security

  100

  101

  103

  114

  121

  126

  130

  134

  139

  139

  139

  142

  144

  Miscellaneous expenditure

  100

  101

  100

  108

  107

  82

  86

  88

  95

  101

  105

  130

  108

  Planning total

  100

  101

  102

  104

  106

  107

  111

  108

  109

  110

  113

  116

  119

  1 Real terms figures are the cash outturns or plans adjusted by excluding the effect of general inflation as measured by the GDP deflator.

  2 Includes expenditure on employment and training in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  Source: Table 5.12, Public Expenditure White Paper, 1988–89 to 1990–91, Cm 288–1.

  Developing Countries (Debt)
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing for each developing country for each year from 1983 the proportion of export earnings constituted by debt service charges.

  Mr. Lilley
  The information is contained in the 1987–88 edition of the "World Debt Tables" (volume II) published by the World Bank. A copy is available in the statistical section of the Library.

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing the percentage of all non-oil developing country debt, for each year from 1973 to 1987, at variable interest rates.

  Mr. Lilley
  The percentage of public and publicly guaranteed long-term debt outstanding and disbursed at
  526
  "Economic Trends", April 1988, page 6. (The average estimate at 1980 prices is the preferred measure for calculating growth rates.) Annual figures for the United Kingdom and all the member countries of the ERM, are given in the "OECD National Accounts." volume 1.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing public expenditure by main programme in real terms for each year from 1975 onwards, taking 1975 as the base year at 100.

  Mr. Major
  The table shows, in index form (1978–79= 100), the changes in real terms in the public expenditure planning total by function since 1978–79. Figures for earlier years are not readily available on a comparable basis.

  variable interest rates for non-oil developing countries, for 1975 and for each year from 1980 to 1986 (the latest available year), is as follows:

  Percentage of public and publicly guaranteed long-term debt outstanding and disbursed at variable interest rates, non-oil developing countries, 1975, 1980–1986

  Year end

  Percentage

  1975

  16·6

  1980

  31·1

  1981

  34·4

  1982

  35·5

  1983

  39·8

  1984

  39·9

  1985

  39·8

  1986

  43·6

  Note:

  Non-oil developing countries are defined as all countries included in the World Bank debt tables less those classified as "oil exporters".

  Source: World debt tables, 1987–88 edition, World Bank.
  527
  Comparable information for each year from 1973 to 1979 (other than for 1975) may be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Figures for the percentage of total debt at variable interest rates are unavailable.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received seeking an exemption from value added tax for hospital radio stations in respect of equipment bought by them; and what response he has made.

  Mr. Lilley
  My right hon. Friend has received no further representations since the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 6 May at column 649.

  Period

  New registrations

  Deregistrations

  Net increase

  From

  To

  30 December 1978

  21 December 1979

  169,058

  122,258

  46,800

  22 December 1979

  5 January 1981

  173,907

  149,979

  23,928

  6 January 1981

  5 January 1982

  142,961

  103,235

  39,726

  6 January 1982

  2 February 1983

  164,990

  148,032

  16,958

  3 February 1983

  3 January 1984

  180,310

  147,243

  33,067

  4 January 1984

  4 January 1985

  184,333

  154,324

  30,009

  5 January 1985

  6 January 1986

  184,392

  170,448

  13,944

  7 January 1986

  5 January 1987

  190,259

  167,266

  32,993

  6 January 1987

  7 January 1988

  202,232

  154,426

  47,806

  Economic Output
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the growth of economic output over the latest 12 months period for which figures are available.

  Mr. Major
  Preliminary estimates show that the output-based measure of gross domestic product increased by 4½ per cent. between the first quarter of 1987 and the first quarter of 1988.

  Customs Posts
  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was by port the number of customs posts at 1 May; and what was the figure on 1 June 1986.

  Mr. Lilley
  For operational reasons the number of customs officers employed in each of the 155 ports and airports controlled by customs is not published.

  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total number of customs posts at ports and airports at 1 May; what was the figure on 1 June 1986; and how the customs budget has changed over the same period.

  Mr. Lilley
  The total number of customs officers deployed at ports and airports at 1 June 1986 was 6,900 and at 1 May 1988 the provisional figure is 7,700.

  The total cost of administration of customs work for the financial year ending 31 March 1986 was £161·8 million and for the year ending 31 March 1988 the provisional cost is £203 million.

  Exchange Rate
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has estimated the effect of the exchange rate on the rate of employment; and if he will make a statement.
  528
  Mr. Anderson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the overall costs of administration, collection and enforcement of value added tax.

  Mr. Lilley
  The overall cost of the administration, collection and enforcement of value added tax is estimated to be £244 million for the year ended 31 March 1988.

  Mr. Holland
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of companies(a) registering for value added tax and (b) deregistering for value added tax in each available year since and including 1979.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 23 May 1988]: Figures for businesses registering and deregistering for value added tax in each year since 1979 are as shown by the table:

  Mr. Lilley
  Exchange rate policy is part of total economic policy. The firm financial discipline inherent in the Government's economic strategy has contributed to the longest period of continuous employment growth in almost 30 years.

  Civil Servants (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. McCusker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he has taken to set up monitoring procedures to examine the religious affiliation of civil servants employed by his Department in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  Her Majesty's Treasury does not employ any civil servants in Northern Ireland.

  Customs Station, Donnally
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the new customs station, currently under construction at Donnally, Newry, to become operational.

  Mr. Lilley
  The new customs station at Damolly, Newry is expected to become operational on 1 November 1989.

  Business Investment
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest forecast for business investment in 1988.

  Mr. Major
  Business investment is forecast to grow by 9 per cent. in 1988, as shown in chapter 3 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report.

  Retail Prices Index
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table

  529
  showing the increase in the retail prices index for each of the last nine years and his estimate for this figure in the current year.

  Mr. Lilley
  The figures are given in the table.

  Retail Prices Index

  Percentage increase on previous year

  per cent.

  1979

  13·4

  1980

  18·0

  1981

  11·9

  1982

  8·6

  1983

  4·6

  1984

  5·0

  1985

  6·1

  1986

  3·4

  1987

  4·2

  Forecast 1988 Q4 on 1987 Q4 is 4 per cent.

  Government Departments (Personal Data)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to ensure that any new use or disclosure of personal data between participating Departments on the Government data network is subject to prior approval of the Data Protection Registrar;

  (2) if he will describe the intended process of authorisation of disclosures of personal data between Departments that may arise following the introduction of the Government data network; and if he will make it his policy to place a copy of any document or future document which describes that authorisation process in the Library.

  Mr. Brooke
  The process of authorisation of disclosures of personal data between Departments is governed by their registrations under the Data Protection Act 1984. Compliance is a matter for the Departments concerned.

  Government Data Network
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will describe the changes brought to the design of the Government data network as a result of his discussions with the Data Protection Registrar.

  Mr. Brooke
  The Data Protection Registrar has been kept informed from the outset of the proposals for

  Married couples liable to income tax 1988–89

  Number of couples

  Average income

  Total income (lower limit)

  all

  where wife has no income

  with wife's income1

  where wife has no income

  where both spouses have income

  husband

  wife1

  £'000

  '000s

  '000s

  '000s

  £

  £

  £

  4

  110

  100

  10

  4,500

  4,600

  50

  5

  310

  130

  180

  5,600

  4,500

  1,100

  6

  440

  190

  250

  6,500

  5,300

  1,300

  7

  470

  200

  270

  7,500

  5,900

  1,600

  8

  630

  270

  360

  8,500

  6,500

  2,000

  9

  590

  230

  360

  9,500

  7,400

  2,100

  10

  1,440

  520

  920

  11,000

  8,500

  2,500

  12

  1,950

  570

  1,380

  13,400

  10,400

  3,100

  15

  2,420

  480

  1,940

  17,300

  12,700

  4,600

  20

  2,000

  340

  1,660

  23,500

  17,400

  6,400

  30

  530

  80

  450

  34,400

  26,000

  8,000

  40

  150

  30

  120

  44,500

  34,600

  9,600

  50

  80

  20

  60

  54,800

  43,500

  10,700

  60

  40

  10

  30

  64,700

  51,100

  13,500

  530
  maintaining security on the Government data network, including arrangements for controlling access. He has expressed no reservations about the proposals.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now quantify the cost savings that will arise over the next 10 years as a result of the Government data network.

  Mr. Brooke
  In assessing the value for money of the Government data network, its costs were compared with the viable alternatives—using comparable public services, or implementing separate networks similar to GDN.

  The savings from using the GDN service are estimated at around 45 per cent. and 30 per cent. respectively. Actual savings will depend on the use made of the service.

  Manufacturing Output
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about manufacturing output during the last 12 months for which figures are available.

  Mr. Major
  In the first quarter of 1988 manufacturing output was 5½ per cent. higher than a year earlier.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give, for the latest year available, the number of tax units who are married couples falling within each £1,000 income band up to an income of £30,000 and thereafter in £10,000 income hands up to £100,000; and if he will specify the number of wives and husbands falling within each band, giving the average incomes of wives and husbands within each band separately and the same figures in aggregate for those tax units on incomes in excess of £100,000.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 13 May 1988]: Provisional estimates for married couples liable to income tax in 1988–89 are given in the table. I regret that a more detailed analysis is not possible, because estimates are based on a projection of the 1985–86 survey of personal incomes. The table shows the average income of husbands where the wife has no income and average incomes of both husband and wife where both spouses have income.
  531

  Number of couples

  Average income

  Total income (lower limit)

  all

  where wife has no income

  with wife's income1

  where wife has no income

  where both spouses have income

  husband

  wife1

  £'000

  '000s

  '000s

  '000s

  £

  £

  £

  70

  80

  20

  60

  117,000

  92,600

  22,200

  All

  11,240

  3,190

  8,050

  14,500

  13,700

  4,400

  1 Earnings, pensions, and investment income.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Holland
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of companies paying corporation tax at(a) the full rate and (b) the small companies rate as applicable for each available year since and including 1979.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 23 May 1988]: Estimates of the numbers of companies liable to pay corporation tax on their profits in accounting periods ending in financial years 1978–79 to 1985–86 are shown in the table. Figures for more recent years are not sufficiently complete to provide a reliable estimate. The 1985–86 estimate is provisional. These numbers have on this occasion been reduced to take account of the fact that CT liabilities are eliminated for some companies by tax already deducted or paid.

  Companies liable to Corporation Tax

  Accounting periods ending in:

  Numbers '000

  1978–79

  195

  1979–80

  200

  1980–81

  210

  1981–82

  220

  1982–83

  235

  1983–84

  245

  1984–85

  260

  1985–86

  300

  In respect of 1985–86 about 20,000 companies have liabilities at the full rate and a further 20,000 are in the transitional band between the small companies rate and the full rate. Equivalent figures for earlier years are not available. Membership of company groups affects the point at which marginal and full rates apply and recently available information on this aspect has been used in deriving these estimates.

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the total amount of inheritance tax payable in respect of an inheritance of £1 million of a capital distribution made to an individual from an accumulation and maintenance trust where the settlor has survived for seven years.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 23 May 1988]: Gifts are exempt from inheritance tax where donors

  Name of public body or department (1,2,3)

  Category of public body (4)

  Statutory requirement

  Form and place of publication (5)

  Agricultural Training Board, The

  NDPB

  Agricultural Training Board Act 1982

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Arts Council of Great Britain

  NDPB

  Royal Charter 1967

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Audit Commission for Local Authorities in England and Wales

  NDPB

  Local Government Finance Act 1982

  Annual accounts available from Body

  532
  survive seven years. This applies also to distributions from accumulation and maintenance trusts where the settlor has survived seven years.

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much inheritance tax would be payable in respect of an inheritance in 1988–89 amounting to £1 million by a single individual on his or her 21st birthday comprising(a) a gift of shares from his father in an unquoted company comprising a controlling interest and constituting business property valued at, before relief £200,000, (b) cash from his mother who has made no previous gifts of £100,000, (c) a gift of a farm from his uncle who survives for seven years after the gift of the value of £500,000 and (d) capital distribution of £200,000 from an accumulation and maintenance trust set up by his father who survives for seven years, where no gifts have been made by his father other than (a) and (d).

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 23 May 1988]: Because the donors at (a) (c) and (d) have survived their gifts by seven years and the gift by the donor at (b) is below the 1988–89 taxable threshold, (an exemption which also applied under capital transfer tax) no inheritance tax would be payable in 1988–89 on any of these gifts. However, if the donors at (a), (c) and (d) had died within seven years of their gifts, inheritance tax would have been payable at their deaths with business and agricultural property reliefs on the gifts at (a) and (c) as under capital transfer tax.

  Trading Services (Accounts)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the accounts for trading services operated by departments of certain other public bodies for which the Treasury has directed or approved the form of accounts according to the procedure of section G, paragraph 4 of Government Accounting (1986), indicating (a) the category of accounts so prescribed, (b) the statutory basis for this requirement of the period over which this has been done by convention and (c) the form and place of publication of such accounts.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 25 May 1988]: The information available is as follows:
  533

  Name of public body or department (1,2,3)

  Category of public body (4)

  Statutory requirement

  Form and place of publication (5)

  Aycliffe and Peterlee Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  Black Country Development Corporation

  NDPB

  Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Board of Trustees of the Royal Armouries

  NDPB

  National Heritage Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  British Museum

  NDPB

  Legislation pending

  Annual accounts available from Body

  British Tourist Authority

  NDPB

  Development of Tourism Act 1969

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation

  NDPB

  Local Government Planning and land Act 1980

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Central Office of Information

  Department

  Exchequer and Audit Departments Acts 1866 and 1921

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Clothing and Allied Products Industry Training Board

  NDPB

  Industrial Training Act 1982

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Co-operative Development Agency

  NDPB

  Co-operative Development Agency Act 1978

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Commission for Local Authority Accounts in Scotland

  NDPB

  Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Commission for the New Towns

  NDPB

  New Towns Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Commonwealth Development Corporation

  NDPB

  Commonwealth Development Corporation Act 1978

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Construction Industry Training Board

  NDPB

  Industrial Training Act 1982

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Countryside Commission

  NDPB

  Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Countryside Commission for Scotland

  NDPB

  Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board

  NDPB

  Crown Agents Act 1979

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and Administrations

  NDPB

  Crown Agents Act 1979

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Crown Suppliers Trading Fund, The

  Trad Fund

  Government Trading Funds Act 1973

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Cumbernauld Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  Cwmbran Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Development Board for Rural Wales

  NDPB

  Development of Rural Wales Act 1976

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Development Commission

  NDPB

  Miscellaneous Financial Provisions Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  East Kilbride Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  Engineering Industry Training Board

  NDPB

  Industrial Training Act 1982

  Annual accounts available from Body

  English Industrial Estates Corporation

  NDPB

  English Industrial Estates Corporation Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from Body

  English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting

  NDPB

  Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  English Tourist Board

  NDPB

  Development of Tourism Act 1969

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Erskine Bridge Tolls

  Supp'l Account

  Erskine Bridge Tolls Act 1968

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Export Credits Guarantee Department

  Department

  Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 s5

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Fleet Air Arm Museum

  NDPB

  National Heritage Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Food from Britain

  NDPB

  Agricultural Marketing Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from Body

  General Practice Finance Corporation

  NDPB

  National Health Service Act 1966

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Glenrothes Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  Greater Manchester Residuary Body

  NDPB

  Local Government Act 1985

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Health and Safety Commission

  NDPB

  Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Health and Safety Executive

  NDPB

  Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Her Majesty's Stationery Office Trading Fund

  Trad Fund

  Government Trading Funds Act 1973

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Highlands and Islands Development Board

  NDPB

  Highlands and Islands Development (Scotland) Act 1965

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England

  NDPB

  National Heritage Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Home-Grown Cereals Authority

  NDPB

  Cereals Marketing Act 1965

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Horticultural Development Council

  NDPB

  Industrial Organisation and Development Act 1947

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Hotel and Catering Training Board

  NDPB

  Industrial Training Act 1982

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Housing Corporation

  NDPB

  Housing Act 1964

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Imperial War Museum

  NDPB

  Legislation pending

  Annual accounts available from Body

  534 535

  Name of public body or department (1,2,3)

  Category of public body (4)

  Statutory requirement

  Form and place of publication (5)

  Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce

  Department

  Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 s5

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Irvine Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  Land Authority for Wales

  NDPB

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Livingston Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  London Docklands Development Corporation

  NDPB

  Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980

  Annual accounts available from Body

  London Residuary Body

  NDPB

  Local Government Act 1985

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Manpower Services Commission

  NDPB

  Employment and Training Act 1973

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Meat and Livestock Commission

  NDPB

  Agriculture Act 1967

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Merseyside Development Corporation

  NDPB

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Merseyside Residuary Body

  NDPB

  Local Government Act 1985

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Milton Keynes Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  Museums and Galleries Commission

  NDPB

  Royal Charter 1986

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Army Museum

  NDPB

  National Heritage Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Biological Standards Board

  NDPB

  Biological Standards Act 1975

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland

  NDPB

  Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  National Dock Labour Board

  NDPB

  Dock Work Regulation Act 1976

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Enterprise Board

  NDPB

  Industry Act 1975

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Galleries of Scotland—Board of Trustees

  NDPB

  National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Gallery

  NDPB

  Legislation pending

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Library of Scotland—Board of Trustees

  NDPB

  National Library of Scotland Act 1925

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Maritime Museum

  NDPB

  Legislation pending

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  NDPB

  Museums and Galleries on Merseyside Order 1986

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Portrait Gallery

  NDPB

  Legislation pending

  Annual accounts available from Body

  National Research Development Corporation

  NDPB

  Development of Inventions Act 1967

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Nature Conservancy Council

  NDPB

  Nature Conservancy Council Act 1973

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Board

  NDPB

  Industrial Training Act 1982

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Oil and Pipelines Agency

  NDPB

  Oil and Pipelines Act 1985

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Ordnance Survey

  Department

  Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921 s5

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Peterborough Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  Pilotage Commission

  NDPB

  Pilotage Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Plastics Processing Industry Training Board

  NDPB

  Industrial Training Act 1982

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Registrar of Public Lending Right

  NDPB

  Public Lending Right Act 1979

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Road Transport Industry Training Board

  NDPB

  Industrial Training Act 1982

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Royal Air Force Museum

  NDPB

  National Heritage Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Board of Trustees

  NDPB

  National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

  NDPB

  National Heritage Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Royal Mint, The

  Trad Fund

  Government Trading Funds Act 1973

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth

  NDPB

  National Heritage Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport

  NDPB

  National Heritage Act 1983

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Science Museum

  NDPB

  Legislation pending

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Scottish Development Agency

  NDPB

  Scottish Development Agency Act 1975

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Scottish Sports Council

  NDPB

  Royal Charter 1972

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Scottish Tourist Board

  NDPB

  Development of Tourism Act 1969

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Sea Fish Industry Authority

  NDPB

  Fisheries Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Severn Bridge Tolls

  Supp'l Account

  Severn Bridge Tolls Act 1965

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  South Yorkshire Residuary Body

  NDPB

  Local Government Act 1985

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Sports Council

  NDPB

  Royal Charter 1972

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Sports Council for Wales

  NDPB

  Royal Charter 1972

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Tate Gallery

  NDPB

  Legislation pending

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Teesside Development Corporation

  NDPB

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Telford Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  536 537

  Name of public body or department (1,2,3)

  Category of public body (4)

  Statutory requirement

  Form and place of publication (5)

  Trafford Park Development Corporation

  NDPB

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Tyne and Wear Development Corporation

  NDPB

  Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

  Trad Fund

  Atomic Energy Authority Acts 1954 and 1986

  Annual accounts available from Body

  United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting

  NDPB

  Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Victoria and Albert Museum

  NDPB

  Legislation pending

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Wales Tourist Board

  NDPB

  Development of Tourism Act 1969

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Wallace Collection

  NDPB

  Legislation pending

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Warrington and Runcorn Development

  NDPB

  New Towns Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Corporation

  (Dev Corpns Report)

  Washington Development Corporation

  NDPB

  New Towns Act 1981

  Annual accounts available from HMSO (Dev Corpns Report)

  Welsh Development Agency

  NDPB

  Welsh Development Agency Act 1975

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  Welsh National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting

  NDPB

  Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979

  Annual accounts available from HMSO

  West Midlands Residuary Body

  NDPB

  Local Government Act 1985

  Annual accounts available from Body

  West Yorkshire Residuary Body

  NDPB

  Local Government Act 1985

  Annual accounts available from Body

  Notes:

  1. This information has been extracted from a new computerised database being built up by the Treasury. There is a risk that the names of some bodies may not yet he on the database, but the list is substantially complete.

  2. The list includes bodies producing commercial style accruals accounts, and some bodies at present producing cash accounts which in tend to move over to an accruals basis shortly.

  3. The list excludes Memorandum Trading Accounts (MTAs): as Government Accounting paragraph G: 4(c) explains these are informal working documents. Treasury "direction" of the form that MTAs take is through the dissemination of general guidelines to departments.

  4. The abbreviations used to categorise public bodies are:

  "NDPB": non-departmental public body;

  "Department": a Government department;

  "Trad Fund": a trading fund established under the Government Trading Funds Act, plus the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority; and

  "Supp'l Account": an account for a service conducted by a department, for which audited commercial style accounts are produced and published.

  5. The references in the final column to indicate the form and place of publication mean:

  "Annual accounts available from HMSO": these are formal "White Paper", accounts as defined in Government Accounting (Section 0 Paragraph 185), printed by HMSO and laid before Parliament;

  "Annual accounts available from Body": the accounts are not laid before Parliament, but copies may be obtained from the body itself.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated capital cost of the proposed customs facility at Waterloo station for Channel tunnel passengers.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: Discussions are at present taking place between Customs and British Rail about the facilities that will be required at Waterloo for the clearance of Channel tunnel passengers. The provision and capital funding of the facilities are the responsibility of British Rail.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated annual running cost of the proposed customs facility at Waterloo station for Channel tunnel passengers.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: The arrangements for Customs clearance at Waterloo station have yet to be finalised and it is too early at this stage to estimate what the running costs will be.

  European Investment Bank (Loans)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (I) why exchange risk cover for European Investment Bank loans of over $25 million will not be applied to loans made to local authorities which are not 538
  part of a European Community integrated operation; and what was the cost to the Treasury of the last five years of the operation of the scheme;

  (2) why the ½ per cent. interest rate subsidy formerly available for European Investment Bank borrowers has not been reinstated; and, over the last five years of the scheme's operation, how much local authorities in the United Kingdom benefited from the ½ per cent. interest rate subsidy.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answers 26 May 1988]: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Mr. Watts) on 2 December 1987 at column 614, which sets out the reasons for the withdrawal of interest rate subsidy available under the official exchange cover scheme. Loans over$25 million made to local authorities, whether or not they are part of a European Community integrated operation, are eligible for exchange risk cover.

  In the period to 2 December 1987 local authorities borrowed £570 million under the scheme. During this time, the interest rate benefit available to borrowers has varied from¼ to ½ per cent. However, this does not reflect the true cost of operating the scheme. Local authorities borrow under the scheme for the benefit of the reserves, so any calculation must take into account the interest earned on that part of the United Kingdom's official reserves raised by this means and the cost to the Government of the

  539
  sterling finance, but the sums involved cannot be hypothecated. Moreover, the calculation would also have to take into account any exchange rate gain or loss made on repayment of the loans and any changes in overseas interest rates in relation to those charged on public sector debt during the life of the loans. These calculations cannot be made until the loans have run their full term.

  European Community (Contributions)
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the United Kingdom net contribution to the EEC for each of the last eight years; and what is the most likely estimate for the current year and 1989 expressed both in terms of payments made during the year and payments attributed to the year in question.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: The information requested for the period 1980 to 1987 is set out in the table. Estimates of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the Community budget for 1988–89 and 1989–90 (on a payments basis) and 1988 and 1989 (on a budget basis) are contained in the last public expenditure White Paper (Cm. 288-II, pages 33 to 36). These estimates did not take account of the agreement at the Brussels European Council on 11 to 13 February on the future financing of the Community. This agreement is likely to increase our net contribution to the Community budget by some £200 to £300 million a year.

  Net contribution to Community budget

  Payments basis1

  Budget basis2

  £ million

  £ million

  1980

  706

  269

  1981

  397

  115

  1982

  606

  682

  1983

  647

  766

  1984

  656

  709

  1985

  1,808

  759

  1986

  572

  943

  1987

  1,713

  31,135

  1 These figures show the net payments actually made during calendar years, irrespective of the Community budget to which they relate or from which they are financed. Receipts flowing directly to the United Kingdom private sector are excluded.

  2 These figures show the United Kingdom's net contribution in respect of particular budgets, regardless of when the payments and receipts actually took place. They include an estimate of receipts flowing directly to the United Kingdom private sector and certain payments to other member states which nevertheless benefit the United Kingdom by allowing us to import CAP produce at prices below CAP levels. They take account of our net contribution to the "unallocated budget", which consists mainly of the Community's aid expenditure.

  3 Estimate.

  EC (Budget)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a table showing details of total payments to the European Economic Community budget for 1987 and total receipts for each of the member countries of the European Economic Community.

  Mr. Brooke
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: Details of payments made by the European Economic Community to member states in 1987 are not readily available. The own resources payments made by member states to the Community in 1987 were as follows:—
  540

  mecu

  Belgium

  1,702

  Denmark

  845

  Germany

  9,385

  Greece

  340

  Spain

  1,700

  France

  7,330

  Ireland

  338

  Italy

  5,192

  Luxembourg

  74

  Netherlands

  2,372

  Portugal

  342

  United Kingdom

  5,728

  Source: European Commission documents.

  Mortgage Interest Relief
  Mr. Summerson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date in August mortgage interest tax relief becomes applicable to a property.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the proposed change to a residence basis for mortgage interest relief. Under clause 41 of the Finance Bill this will take effect from I August 1988.

  Manufacturing Investment
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of successive Budget changes on investment in manufacturing industry in the regions.

  Mr. Kirkhope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of successive Budget changes on investment in manufacturing industry in the north.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of successive Budget changes on investment in manufacturing industry in the north.

  Mr. Major
  The reductions in tax rates and increases in allowances in recent Budgets have improved incentives and stimulated enterprise, which will have contributed to higher investment throughout the country.

DEFENCE

  RAF Feltwell
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the role of the proposed deep space tracking station at RAF Feltwell in relation to(a) the United States Air Force global positioning system and (b) any other systems; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 21 March 1988 at column 7.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the overall rates of low-level flying accidents in the Royal Air Force, expressed as a percentage of flying hours and low-level flying hours since 1980.

  Mr. Freeman
  As was explained to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) at column 82 on 8

  541
  December 1987, records of hours flown at low level by military aircraft are not held centrally. The rate of major accidents (per 10,000 hours flown by Royal Air Force aircraft at all levels worldwide) which occurred during low level operations was as follows:

  Per cent.

  1980

  0·12

  1981

  0·11

  1982

  0·22

  1983

  0·17

  1984

  0·14

  1985

  0·10

  1986

  0·08

  1987

  0·18

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many low-level sorties were flown by the RAF in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the Federal Republic of Germany; in each year since 1980.

  Mr. Freeman
  Separate records of low-level sorties flown by the RAF in the United Kingdom are not available, but those for all British military aircraft (both fixed wing and helicopter) were as follows.

  Number

  1980

  180,860

  1981

  194,620

  1982

  1106,920

  1983

  1118,920

  1984

  109,244

  1985

  115,063

  1986

  123,488

  1987

  123,293

  1Before 1984 sorties were not recorded directly but have been calculated from movements. On average there are 2·5 movements per sortie.

  Figures for RAF fixed wing low-level sorties in the Federal Republic of Germany are not available prior to 1984. Those for 1984 onwards are given below. These do not include helicopter sorties because these are not centrally recorded.

  Number

  1984

  18,752

  1985

  18,124

  1986

  16,853

  1987

  15,900

  RAF Jets (Accidents)
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the overall rate of fast jet major flying accidents in the Royal Air Force, expressed as a percentage of fast jet flying hours, for each year since 1980.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 18 April to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours), at columns 336–8.

  RAF (Accidents)
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the overall rate of major flying accidents in the Royal Air Force, expressed as a percentage of flying hours, for each year since 1980;

  (2) what are the annual totals of serious flying accidents to United Kingdom military aircraft for each year since 1980;
  542
  (3) how many aircrew have been injured in Royal Air Force Tornado accidents since 1980;

  (4) how many aircrew have been killed in Royal Air Force Tornado accidents since 1980;

  (5) how many Royal Air Force Tornados have been seriously damaged in flying accidents since 1980;

  (6) how many Royal Air Force Tornados have been destroyed in flying accidents since 1980.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer the hon. Member to the annual Statements on the Defence Estimates which, since 1980, have published relevant information about all accidents to aircraft of the three Services which have involved loss of, or serious damage to the aircraft or which have resulted in fatalities or serious injuries. The most recently published information is in Cm. 344-II, tables 5.8 and 5.9.

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many serious accidents involving Royal Air Force Tornados have occurred during low-flying operations since 1980 in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) the Federal Republic of Germany and (c) other locations.

  Mr. Freeman
  Since entering service with the Royal Air Force in 1980, major accidents to Tornado aircraft during low-flying operations have been as follows:

  Number

  United Kingdom and surrounding waters

  6

  Federal Republic of Germany

  4

  United States of America

  1

  Tornado Aircraft
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he intends to order an attrition batch of Tornado aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Nine Tornado GR1 aircraft have already been ordered as replacements for expected attrition losses. A possible further purchase of Tornado aircraft is under consideration.

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many night vision targeting pods he intends to order for the Royal Air Force Tornado aircraft.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  A contract for the supply of 10 advanced laser designator pods for Tornado GR1 aircraft has been awarded to Ferranti Defence Systems Ltd.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans exist to sell Tornado F2 aircraft withdrawn from RAF service to overseas customers.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: There are no plans to sell the Tornado F2 aircraft currently in storage at RAF Athan to overseas customers.

  Chipmunk Aircraft
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average number of flying hours carried out per trainee Royal Air Force pilot in de Havilland Chipmunk aircraft.

  Mr. Freeman
  Sixty-five.

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long he expects de Havilland Chipmunk aircraft to remain in Royal Air Force service.
  543
  Mr. Freeman
  The Chipmunk is expected to remain in service with the Royal Air Force until about the turn of the century.

  Hawk Aircraft
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the cost of rewinging Royal Air Force Hawk aircraft.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  An initial order for an improved design of wing for Hawk aircraft in Royal Air Force service has been placed with British Aerospace. The total cost of the programme will be governed by the outcome of a competition which my Department currently plans to hold for the supply of further production quantities.

  Redtop Missiles
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department intends to use the Redtop missiles from Lightning aircraft for training purposes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  No. When the Lightning is withdrawn from service later this month, the remaining Redtop missiles will be disposed of as no further economical use has been found for them. The Lightning is being replaced by Tornado F3 armed with Skyflash medium-range and Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles.

  ASR 1238
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make a decision on ASR 1238.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  A decision on ASR 1238 is not expected for some months.

  European Fighter Aircraft
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects a decision to be made on the ordering of an interim engine for the European fighter aircraft.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The assessment of the competing bids is well advanced and I would expect the result to be announced later this year.

  Canberra Aircraft
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much longer he expects Canberra aircraft to remain in Royal Air Force service.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  On current plans the Canberra is expected to remain in service into the next century.

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Canberras are still in Royal Air Force service.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Four units of Canberras are currently in service with the Royal Air Force.

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has any intention of selling Canberra planes presently in Royal Air Force service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No Canberra aircraft presently in service with the Royal Air Force are being offered for sale. A few non-effective aircraft may, however, be disposed of later this year once spares recovery has been completed.

  Jet Provosts
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long he expects Jet Provost aircraft to remain in Royal Air Force service.

  Mr. Freeman
  The majority of Jet Provost aircraft are due to be replaced by the Tucano by the mid-1990s, although a few Jet Provosts are expected to remain in service with the Royal Air Force until the turn of the century.

  RAF Waddington
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of building hangars for Boeing AWACS aircraft at RAF Waddington.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  One hangar is being built at RAF Waddington for the United Kingdom E-3 fleet, at a cost of some £5 million.

  Jet Provosts and Chipmunks
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Shorts of Belfast contribute any funds to his Department to keep Jet Provost and de Havilland Chipmunk aircraft in Royal Air Force service.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No.

  United States Navy, Brawdy
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has as to whether there are any plans to withdraw the operating personnel from the United States naval facility at Brawdy, Wales, with a view to introducing remote control operation of the facility.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I understand that there are no current plans to change the United States Navy manning at RAF Brawdy.

  Air Combat (Manoeuvring Instrumentation)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the deployment of an air combat manoeuvring instrumentation range off the east coast of Britain; and whether any decisions on research, development or procurement of such a system have been made.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply of 11 May at column 134, to my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Mr. Porter).

  Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British military personnel are currently serving with the joint strategic target planning staff; and what is their function.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  A senior RAF officer is serving as a member of SACEUR's liaison team with the joint strategic target planning staff. There are no representatives of Her Majesty's Government with the staff.

  Netway
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the function of the Netway communication system; what is the total cost of procuring the system; and where it will be deployed.
  545
  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Netway communication system is being procured as part of the RAF station transport management aid (STAMA), a system for the routine management and operation of vehicles which will be deployed in most RAF stations. The Netway system will be used to provide communications between remote terminals and the computer processor on the larger STAMA installations. The costs of the system are a matter of commercial confidentiality.

  North Sea Platforms
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what military use is made of offshore oil and gas platforms in the North sea.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Offshore oil and gas platforms are occasionally used by the armed forces for training purposes. Military helicopters may also refuel on such platforms when crossing the North sea.

  AWACS
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it is planned to fit Royal Air Force AWACS with the radar upgrades currently being developed by Boeing for the United States Air Force AWACS fleet.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  When the time comes to upgrade the radar in the United Kingdom's AWACS we shall look very closely at the benefits of participating in any United States air force programme.

  Loan Service Personnel
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which Departments' Votes the salaries and operating costs of United Kingdom loan service personnel serving in overseas countries are borne.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The salaries and other costs of loan service personnel, which are borne initially on Defence Votes, are charged to the foreign Governments concerned or to the FCO and are recovered to Defence Votes as appropriations-in-aid.

  Aerazur Parachutes
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Aerazur/GQ 8m low-level parachute is in service with British forces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No such parachute is in service with British forces. However, initial trials to assess possible contenders to satisfy a requirement to replace the existing in-service mass drop parachute have taken place. No final decision on a future development and production contract has yet been taken.

  Nirex
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice on the disposal of defence radioactive wastes is being provided to his Department by United Kingdom Nuclear Industry Radioactive Waste Executive Ltd.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Ministry of Defence liaises with UK Nirex Ltd. on a regular basis on the disposal of defence radioactive wastes; the advice received is similar to that given to other nuclear operators.

  British Geological Survey
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contracts currently held by his Department with the British Geological Survey; and what is the purpose of each.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Three contracts were placed with the British Geological Survey in 1986 but these were all completed in 1987. No further contracts have been placed. It is not the Department's practice to release details of individual contracts for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

  United States Aircraft
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the United States authorities concerning the possibility of basing United States air force F-15E aircraft in Britain; and what is the Government's policy on such a deployment.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 3 December 1987 at column 709.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has as to what contracts have been awarded to British Aerospace to service United States air force F-15 aircraft; and what arrangements have been made in support of such contracts.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The servicing of United States air force F-15 aircraft, based in the Federal Republic of Germany, is a commercial matter for British Aerospace and the United States air force.

  Joint Medical Support Plan
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of the joint medical support plan in United Kingdom home defence.

  Mr. Freeman
  The joint medical support plan for the United Kingdom base covers the management and care of battle casualties arising from general war operations within the United Kingdom and NATO areas.

  Services Medical Planning Committee
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the functions of the joint services medical planning committee.

  Mr. Freeman
  The function of the joint services medical planning committee is to co-ordinate joint operational medical policy to meet the requirements of operational planning conducted on behalf of the United Kingdom commanders in chief, and advise the United Kingdom commanders in chief, as appropriate, on medical matters arising from joint operational plans.

  Artillery
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the number of nuclear-assigned units of 155mm artillery is to be increased to compensate for the withdrawal of 8in howitzers; and if he will make a statement.
  547
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  In accordance with long-standing plans, the number of 155mm systems deployed in BAOR will be increased for the purpose of replacing 105mm Abbot guns. There are, however, no plans to increase the number of 155mm nuclear certified systems to compensate for the withdrawal from the 8in nuclear artillery role.

  Weapons Storage and Security
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if there are any plans to purchase the weapons storage and security systems from the United States of America for use on RAF airfields.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Various options are being examined to improve the storage of our air-delivered nuclear weapons but no firm decisions have yet been taken. There are, consequently, no plans at present to purchase the United States weapons survivability and security system for use by the Royal Air Force.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has been given by the United States authorities concerning the year in which the United States Air Force is expected to seek Congressional approval for the commencement of construction of weapons storage and security system vaults at(a) RAF Bentwaters, (b) RAF Upper Heyford, (c) RAF Lakenheath, (d) RAF Greenham Common and (e) RAF Molesworth.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It is understood that the United States Administration seeks Congressional approval each year for the funding of the construction programme for weapon survivability and security systems for the following fiscal year. No decision has yet been made on the year in which approval would be sought for sites in United Kingdom.

  Submarine Reactors
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if any options for disposal of decommissioned nuclear submarine reactors on civil-owned land have been considered.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Woolwich (Mr. Cartwright) on 13 April at column 137.

  United States Forces (Mildenhall)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans exist to move the headquarters of the United States third air force from Mildenhall; and what is the location of its new base.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. Corbyn) on 12 April at column 35.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans exist to move the United States naval air facility from Mildenhall to Greenham Common;

  (2) what plans exist to move the United States air force airborne command and control EC-135 aircraft from Mildenhall to Greenham Common.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  None.

  NATO Force Goals
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if the forces specified in NATO force goals are necessarily to be assigned to NATO command in time of crisis or war; if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  No.

  United States' HI-CAMP Programme
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance has been provided by the United Kingdom to the United States Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency's HI-CAMP programme; and whether the United States of America is providing the United Kingdom with any technical or scientific results from this programme.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Under long-standing international arrangements the MOD has collaborated in the United States defence advanced research projects agency's HI-CAMP programme by participation in joint trials and in the analysis of the data resulting. There has been a full exchange of scientific results between the United States and the United Kingdom.

  Polaris
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Polaris missile test launches have been conducted in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  There have been a total of 31 test launches of United Kingdom Polaris missiles since 1979. These took place as follows:

  Year

  Number of missiles fired

  1979

  5

  1980

  5

  1982

  4

  1983

  6

  1985

  3

  1986

  4

  1987

  4

  Defence Exports Sales Organisation
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those countries in receipt of official development assistance from the United Kingdom which were visited by representatives of the Defence Exports Sales Organisation in any year since 1979.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I have been asked to reply.

  Representatives of Defence Export Services Organisation travel very extensively and there must be few places in the free world which they have not visited at some time. Because of the confidentiality of many of the matters involved it is not the practice to list individual countries which have been visited.

  Non-nuclear R and D Establishments
  Mr. John Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to receive the report of the study groups inquiring into the feasibility of agency management in the non-nuclear research and development establishments of the Ministry of Defence.
  549
  Mr. Sainsbury
  I expect to receive the report of the study group during the summer.

  Naval Documents (Firth of Forth)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the discovery of naval documents floating in the Firth of Forth.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The document in question, classified restricted, listed work which had been specified during the recent routine refit of HMS Hermione in Rosyth royal dockyard. The circumstances of the loss and subsequent discovery are being investigated.

  Greenham Common
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times since 1979 he has consented to building on common land at Greenham Common under the Law of Property Act 1925.

  Mr. Freeman
  Developments at RAF Greenham Common have been subject to the planning procedures applicable to Crown land; no consents have been sought under the Law of Property Act 1925.

  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many orders of compulsory purchase have been made concerning common land at Greenham Common; and how many negotiated purchases have been agreed, in the past two years.

  Mr. Freeman
  No compulsory purchase orders have been made by the Ministry of Defence for land at Greenham Common; parts of Greenham and Crookham Commons were requisitioned under emergency powers in the last war and the freeholds were later acquired by agreement.

  No land has been purchased at RAF Greenham Common in the past two years.

  Mr. Michael McNair Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the officer commanding the 3rd United States air force about the likely future use of RAF Greenham Common once the INF treaty has been ratified and the first cruise missiles have been taken back to the United States of America.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The withdrawal of ground-launched cruise missiles from RAF Greenham Common will not be complete until towards the end of the three-year reduction period which commenced on the entry into force of the INF treaty. No detailed discussions have yet taken place on the future use of the base after the missiles are withdrawn and firm decisions are not expected for some time.

  Bullying
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the measures to combat bullying in the Army, outlined to the House in the Army debate on 26 January,Official Report, columns 256–58.

  Mr. Freeman
  The further detailed examination mentioned in the statement in the Army debate, which in many cases has been concerned with quantifying the 550
  manpower requirement for the measures outlined, has been continuing; the Army Board of the Defence Council has strongly endorsed the outcome and the way ahead. Taking them in the order announced in the House, the present position on the various measures is as follows:

  At the recruiting and entry stage, medical screening will be improved, by increasing the medical cover at five particular depots where such support is currently provided on a part time basis. In addition, the briefing of civilian medical practitioners will be improved, to give them a fuller appreciation of service medical requirements and the rigours of military training. As part of this process, the Army will implement by March next year a sytem under which all civilian doctors engaged in recruiting attend an annual training day.

  The review of the current procedures for selecting and training instructors for recruit training establishments continues. One improvement already agreed, and now being implemented, is the introduction of a new man-management pack, to be included in the training of all instructors. Additionally, a specialised training and management course will be mandatory for either the second in command or the training officer of each training unit.

  In order to allow officers and NCOs to devote more time to their primary training and supervisory roles, just over 100 extra posts are to be re-established in the Army's training organisation in United Kingdom, to undertake and alleviate the pressures of unit administration. The additional posts will provide for 22 extra company seconds in commands, 14 additional company quarter-master sergeants, and 66 more corporals. All these posts will have been re-established, and filled, by the end of March next year.

  As a means of improving welfare arrangements for single personnel in the Army, an additional 92 posts will be established for members of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS). Roughly one third of these posts will be within the United Kingdom Army training organisation where the build-up will start later this summer. Other posts will be added, as recruitment allows, in major units and barracks complexes in Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, and throughout north-west Europe. An additional WRVS personnel management post will be created at the beginning of July, to co-ordinate the recruitment, training and administration of these extra supporting staff.

  The content and extent of man-management training on all Army officers' warrant officers', and noncommissioned officers' courses is being re-examined. Special attention is being devoted to young officers' courses, and to the guidance on man management given to commanding officers.

  All improper initiation ceremonies have been formally banned, and instructions and guidance issued throughout the Army relating to such practices, to the handling of alcohol abuse which has sometimes led to such incidents, and to the importance of "out of hours" supervision of soldiers. In addition, the chain of command throughout the Army has been formally reminded of the need for all cases of alleged bullying or other unacceptable behaviour to be reported without delay, thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken where substantiated.

  The costs of these measures are estimated at £500,000 for the current financial year, rising to £2 million a year thereafter as the additional staff are recruited.

  House Sales (Boscombe Down)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will offer for sale to sitting tenants houses in Cadnam crescent, Beaulieu road and Lyndhurst road at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Sitting tenants living in Cadnam crescent, Beaulieu road and Lyndhurst road, whose houses have already been declared surplus to Defence requirements, will receive letters by the end of July asking them if they wish to purchase their houses. Consideration is currently being given to whether any additional houses in Cadnam crescent can be declared surplus and a decision on those will be made in due course.

  Property Services Agency (Restructuring)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the implications for the management of the Salisbury Plain training area and the management of the housing stock occupied by military and civilian personnel in south Wiltshire, following the announcement of the restructuring of the Property Services Agency by the Secretary of State for the Environment.

  Mr. Freeman
  I do not foresee any changes in the policy for management of the Salisbury Plain training area or the housing stock occupied by military and civilian personnel in south Wiltshire as a result of the restructuring of the Property Services Agency. South Wiltshire will continue to be managed by the defence land agent at Durrington who will, from 1 October 1988, report directly to the Ministry of Defence rather than to the Property Services Agency.

  Great Britain

  Republic of Ireland

  Northern Ireland

  Others

  5th Royal Enniskillen Dragoon Guards

  413

  6

  101

  2

  Queen's Royal Irish Hussars

  346

  24

  154

  4

  Irish Guards

  486

  51

  235

  9

  Royal Irish Rangers

  492

  82

  978

  18

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many recruits from(a) Great Britain, (b) Northern Ireland and (c) the Republic of Ireland joined each of the Irish regiments in the Regular Army during each of the past five years.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Forged CIA Documents
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brent East, 28 March,Official Report, column 362, whether forged CIA identity documents have been prepared by members of the Army information services in Northern Ireland at any time from 1971 to the current date.

  Mr. Freeman
  It is not our practice to comment on operational matters.
  552
  Defence estate management policy has always been the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence and will remain so in future.

  Civil Servants (Religious Affiliations)
  Mr. McCusker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what monitoring procedures he has implemented to examine the religious affiliation of civil servants employed by his Department in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  In common with other home Civil Service Departments with personnel located in Northern Ireland the Ministry is collecting data by means of a voluntary survey which will be regularly updated.

  Royal Irish Rangers
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to deploy the Royal Irish Rangers Regiment in Northern Ireland within the period between 1 July 1988 and 30 June 1989.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The possibility of deploying Irish named regiments to Northern Ireland is kept under consideration.

  Irish Regiments
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers from(a) Great Britain, (b) the Republic of Ireland and (c) Northern Ireland now serve in each of the Irish regiments of the Regular Army.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The number of soldiers currently serving in Irish Regiments in the Regular Army is listed by place of birth:

  Departmental Contracts
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to encourage British companies to tender for, and to obtain, contracts for the supply of vehicles and field communications systems to his Department.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Our general policy is for contracts in these particular fields—along with most others—to be gained competitively. To help provide the fullest measure of encouragement for Companies to compete arrangements have been established to provide for the regular publication of all tender opportunities over £500,000 in the MOD Contracts Bulletin.

  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to restrict tendering for contracts to supply his Department to companies on an approved list; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Ministry seeks to offer the widest practicable opportunity to companies to bid for MOD requirements where this can lead to better value for
  553
  money. Accordingly invitations to tender are not restricted to companies on an approved list. However, the Ministry would normally place headquarter contracts only with companies on its defence contractors list.

  M.L. Vehicles
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will place orders for the supply of M.L. vehicles for his Department; and if he will make a statement.

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

  Ocean Venture 88 Exercise
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's forces participated in the Ocean Venture 88 exercise held earlier in the current year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  No British forces participated in Exercise Ocean Venture 88.

  Nuclear Weapons Accident Training
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the nuclear weapons accident training that currently takes place at Catterick will be moved when the Royal Air Force fire service is transferred from Catterick to Manston; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It has been the policy of successive Governments not to discuss the locations or roles of particular units which may he involved in responding to, or training for, an accident involving nuclear weapons.

  SDI (Contracts)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contracts for research and development that have been awarded to universities and other research institutions in the United Kingdom as part of the strategic defence initiative programme, together with the purpose and cost of each contract.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No. It is for those universities or other research institutions who hold SDI research contracts to decide whether to divulge such information publicly.

  Harriers (Crash)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which a United States Navy pilot was killed flying a Royal Air Force Harrier on 2 November 1987;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the estimated frequency of pilots from other nations flying the aircraft of the British armed forces, the level of authority required for pilots of other nations to fly British armed forces aircraft and whether that authority was given in the case of the accident on 2 November 1987 involving a Royal Air Force Harrier piloted by United States Navy pilot.

  Mr. Freeman
  On 2 November 1987, two Royal Air Force Harrier aircraft from No. 3 squadron, RAF Gutersloh collided over the Otterburn training range while undertaking bombing practice during Exercise Mallet Blow. The pilots, Flight Lieutenant D. R. Sunderland and 554
  Lieutenant (United States Navy) J. R. Carver, were both killed. The accident has been the subject of an RAF board of inquiry. A summary of its findings will be published in due course and a copy placed in the Library of the House in the usual way.

  Lieutenant Carver had been flying with the RAF as an exchange pilot, in accordance with the usual regulations governing such arrangements. Aircrew exchanges between the services and those of other countries take place on a regular basis. In addition, non-UK personnel occasionally undertake flying training with the services as part of sponsored training schemes, or familiarisation flights for commercial or other reasons. All aircrew are subject to the same rigorous procedures as United Kingdom personnel. It would not be possible, without undue cost and effort, to quantify precisely the frequency of flights undertaken in service aircraft by non-United Kingdom personnel, since this varies over time. All such flights are, however, authorised by the appropriate authority.

  Vehicle Checks
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Wiltshire concerning the reports received of Army personnel stopping vehicles on 11 May at 11.45 pm on the A345 at Figheldean.

  Mr. Freeman
  No. These allegations have not been substantiated by the civil police.

  Search and Rescue Stations
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secrertary of State for Defence what search and rescue stations presently exist; what facilities are present on these stations; what equipment is used; what planes and helicopters are used; what are their numbers; how many sorties were flown in the last five years, by year; how many rescues took place; and what new facilities have been provided in the past year.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 May 1988]: Military search and rescue helicopters are currently based as follows:

  Helicopters

  RAF Lossiemouth

  2 Sea Kings

  RAF Leuchars

  2 Wessex

  RAF Boulmer

  2 Sea Kings

  RAF Leconfield

  2 Wessex

  RAF Coltishall

  2 Sea Kings

  RAF Manston

  2 Wessex

  RNAS Portland

  2 Sea Kings

  RNAS Culdrose

  2 Sea Kings

  RAF Chivenor

  2 Wessex

  RAF Brawdy

  2 Sea Kings

  RAF Valley

  2 Wessex

  HMS Gannet at Prestwick

  1 Sea King

  The helicopters at all these stations are fitted with standard rescue helicopter equipment to meet national and international standards and are supported by appropriate ground facilities. With regard to the ground facilities provided in the past year, I refer the hon. Member to my reply on 13 May to the hon. Member for Angus, East (Mr. Welsh) at column 262 in respect of RAF Leuchars.

  In addition, one RAF Nimrod operates from RAF Kinloss or RAF St. Mawgan as appropriate in the long-range search and rescue role. It is fitted with droppable rescue equipment.
  555
  Suitably equipped RAF mountain rescue teams are based at RAF Leuchars, RAF Kinloss, RAF Valley, RAF St. Athan, RAF Stafford and RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Within the past year a new headquarters has been built for the team at RAF Stafford; a new headquarters is currently under construction at RAF Leeming for the team at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

  With regard to sorties flown and rescues achieved, I refer the hon. Member to the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1988", Vol. 2, table 6.2.

  Helicopter Orders
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what orders he has placed for new helicopters since 1 January; and what new orders he intends to place between now and the end of the year.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: A development contract for a light battlefield version of the Lynx helicopter was let in March and, subject to satisfactory resolution of contractual issues, an order for 16 of the type is expected to be placed shortly. Delivery is planned to start at the end of 1990.

  Low-frequency Transmissions (Rugby)
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the health risks associated with electromagnetic radiation in the context of very low frequency transmissions in the Rugby area; what is regarded as the minimum safe distance for persons living or working in the vicinity of such a transmitter; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: Such transmissions pose no health threat to people living and working in the area.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the role of the very low frequency communications facility at Rugby; whether it is subject to United Kingdom control; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) how many United States personnel are based at the very low frequency communications facility at Rugby; what are their ranks; and what are their functions.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 27 May 1988]: The facility, which is an unmanned site, provides a communications relay station for United States forces stationed in Europe.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Aborted Foetuses (Tissue)
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will establish an inquiry into the implications for medical ethics of the operations performed on 3 March and 7 April at the midland centre for neurosurgery and neurology which involved the transplant of live tissues from aborted foetuses;

  (2) if he will make it his policy to prevent the use of National Health Service facilities for the performing of operations involving the transplant of live tissue from aborted foetuses;

  (3) what information he has as to whether the mothers of the aborted foetuses used as donors of live tissues in
  556
  operations performed on 3 March or 7 April at the midland centre for neurosurgery and neurology were in any way related or connected with the recipients of the transplanted cells;

  (4) what information he has to whether the mothers of the aborted foetuses used as donors of live tissues in operations performed on 3 March or 7 April at the midland centre for neurosurgery and neurology received any payment in connection with the procedures.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what special administrative procedures were adopted prior to the operations performed at the midland centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology on 3 March and 7 April which involved the transplanting of foetal cells to the brains of adult patients suffering from Parkinson's disease;

  (2) if consent was obtained from (a) those patients receiving transplanted foetal cells, (b) the mothers of the aborted or stillborn foetuses from whom the transplanted cells were taken, (c) the local ethical committees and (d) his Department prior to the operations performed on 3 March and 7 April at the midland centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology which involved the transplanting of foetal cells to the brains of adult patients suffering from Parkinson's disease;

  (3) if he will publish in the Official Report the guidelines issued by his Department on the use of transplant operations of live cells taken from aborted or stillborn foetuses;

  (4) if the parents of the aborted or stillborn foetuses used as donors during operations performed at the midland centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology on 3 March and 7 April in the treatment of Parkinson's disease were told the precise use to which the foetal material would be put;

  (5) how many of the foetuses from which live cells were taken for operations at the midland centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology on 3 March and 7 April in the treatment of Parkinson's disease were (a) aborted or (b) stillborn; and in the case of (a) what was the number of weeks of gestation;

  (6) under which statutory grounds the foetuses involved as donors of living cells for transplant operations at the midland centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology on 3 March and 7 April were aborted.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make it his policy to incorporate into the forthcoming Bill on human embryo experimentation a clause protecting aborted foetuses from being used as donors of live tissue in transplant operations;

  (2) whether his Department is aware of any evidence that the use of live cells from aborted babies in transplant operations is of long-term benefit to sufferers from Parkinson's disease; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if he will make it his policy to introduce a moratorium on the use of aborted foetuses as donors of live cells in transplant operations until such time as the House can legislate on this matter;

  (4) if he will list the names and occupations of the members of the local ethical committee which gave permission for the use of live cells from aborted foetuses to be used in transplant operations at the midland centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology on 3 March and 7 April; and

  557
  if he will publish in the Official Report the details of the application which they were asked to consider and the form in which such an application was made;

  (5) if he will call for a report from the chairmen of the relevant regional and district health authorities as to the circumstances in which operations involving the transplant of live tissue from aborted babies were performed on 3 March and 7 April at the midland centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology.

  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the status and responsibilities of hospital ethical committees; if he will monitor use of foetal material; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Bernard Braine
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines have been issued by his Department with regard to the ethical implications involved in the use of human foetal brain cells in the treatment of Parkinson's disease; what is the source of supply of such material; how that supply is organised; what the required age of gestation of the foetus involved; what is the method of abortion used; what pain is caused to the foetus in the operation; if an anaesthetic is used separately on the foetus; what steps are taken to obtain the mother's consent in each case; whether any payment is involved and to whom; what information he has as to whether there is any connection between the doctors involved in these abortions with those requesting the foetal material; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The Department's current guidance is that any research involving a foetus or fetal material should be subject to approval by the local ethical committee, and that such committees should base their consideration on the code of practice set out in the report on the advisory group on the use of foetuses and fetal material for research (known as the Peel report, published in 1972). The code's provisions include that there should be no known objection on the part of the parent; that no payment should be made for the material; and that responsibility for deciding whether the material may be used for research should not rest with those conducting the research.

  Local ethical committees, which are also the subject of separate guidance, are advisory bodies to safeguard patients' interest and to advise health authorities on the ethics of clinical research investigations. Information on ethical research committee membership is not held centrally.

  In the two cases to which the questions refer, the fetal material used was obtained from a nursing home approved under the 1967 Abortion Act, under arrangements approved by the Secretary of State for that nursing home to supply fetal material to the Birmingham university medical centre for a number of research projects. It is a condition of the Secretary of State's approval that the provisions of the code of practice recommended by the advisory group on the use of foetuses and fetal material for research are adhered to. All women whose foetuses may be used to provide material which may be passed to the medical centre are invited to sign a declaration to the effect that they have no special wishes concerning the disposal of material arising from their pregnancy. Material provided to the medical centre is provided anonymously. Information about patients and the circumstances of their abortions cannot be released for reasons of confidentiality, but I am assured that the women concerned received no
  558
  payment in connection with the procedures, nor were they known to be in any way related to or connected with the recipients of the transplanted cells.

  I understand from inquiries made of the appropriate health authorities that the transplant operations were conducted with the consent of the patients who received the transplants and the consent of the local ethical committee, which I understand considered the issues involved with great care and over a long period of time.

  A third operation involving the transplantation of fetal brain tissue to a patient suffering from Parkinson's disease has now been performed at the midland centre for neurosurgery and neurology. This also was done in accordance with the Peel code of practice and existing clinical guidance.

  In view of the continued advance of medical techniques since the Peel report was published, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, together with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, has decided to set up a committee with the following terms of reference:
  "In the light of recent developments in the field of human tissue transplantation, and other relevant medical research, to review the Report of the Advisory Group on the Use of Fetuses and Fetal Material for Research (the "Peel Report"), and in particular to consider whether any modifications or additions should be made to the Recommended Code of Practice in that Report."

  The committee will be chaired by the Rev. Dr. J. Polkinghorne FRS, Dean of Trinity hall, Cambridge arid its membership will comprise Sir Raymond Hoffenberg, president of the Royal College of Physicians of London, Professor Ian Kennedy, Professor of medical law arid ethics, Kings College, London and Dr. Sally McIntyre, director MRC sociology unit, University of Glasgow.

  Influenza
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of flu' were reported in each year since 1982.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that this information is not held centrally.

  Since influenza is not a notifiable disease no national statistics are collected; however the communicable disease surveillance centre does monitor the types of virus in circulation. During the winter of 1987–88 this sample monitoring indicated that the level of influenza infection in England and Wales was relatively low. The last epidemic was in 1975–76.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the annual total of cases in which section 136 of the Mental Health Act was used for the last 10 years.

  Mrs. Currie
  The figures in the table show the number of admissions to NHS mental illness and mental handicap hospitals and units in England under the provisions of section 136 of the Mental Health Act for each year since 1977.
  559

  Admissions under section 136, Mental Health Act

  Year

  Number

  1977

  1,497

  1978

  1,608

  1979

  1,561

  1980

  1,883

  1981

  1,907

  1982

  1,885

  1983

  1,853

  1984

  1,959

  1985

  1,832

  1986

  1,523

  Elderly People
  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of national income Her Majesty's Government spend on programmes for elderly people.

  Mr. Moore
  About 8·2 per cent. of national income in the United Kingdom is spent by the Government on the social security benefit expenditure and the health and personal social services programmes for elderly people.

  Disabled People (Benefits)
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much is being spent on benefits for disabled people at the current time; and how much was being spent in 1979.

  Mr. Scott
  The amount, in cash terms, spent on benefits for people who are long-term sick or disabled was as follows:

  Great Britain

  £ million

  1978–79

  1,780

  1987–88

  6,750

  Black Report
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what action his Department is currently taking arising from the publication of the Black report, "Inequalities in Health."

  Mrs. Currie
  The Black report was published in 1980. Since then the Government have made significant increases in the resources available to the Health Service, and the overall health of the nation has continued to improve. Many of the underlying objectives behind the recommendations of the report were in line with the Government's polices set out in "Care in Action", so in many instances the same end has been pursued by different means.

  The Government have taken a number of steps to promote good health and to ensure the equitable distribution of health care resources. Unhealthy lifestyles and unhealthy diets create major risks to health. One of the Government's main aims in setting up the Health Education Authority was to give greater emphasis to disease prevention and health promotion. We are determined that all social groups should have the information they need to make wise choices to protect their health. The first major campaign of the new
  560
  authority, in conjunction with the Government, has been directed at coronary heart disease, which disproportionately affects men from lower socio-economic groups.

  The Government have pursued a policy of allocating health authority resources more fairly across the country using the resource allocation working party's approach. Substantial progress has been made in bringing regions closer to their RAWP targets, and this year all regions are within 96 per cent. of target. The review of the RAWP formula has been looking, amongst other issues, at whether the formula should be revised to make it more sensitive to the impact of social deprivation or need for health care.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how much money was spent on preparing for and publicising the changes in the housing benefits system introduced on 11 April; and how much he estimates will be spent on preparing for and publicising the amendments for the housing benefits scheme announced on 27 April;

  (2) how much money each local authority administering the housing benefits scheme, introduced on 11 April, has spent on preparing for and publicising the scheme; and how much he estimates each authority will spend on preparing for, and publicising the amendments to the scheme announced on 27 April.

  Mr. Portillo
  The Department centrally spent about £400,000 on publicising the changes to the housing benefit scheme introduced on 1 April, and made available to local authorities in total a grant of £25 million to support their costs in preparing for the reformed housing benefit scheme; information on actual costs incurred by individual authorities is not available centrally. The cost to authorities of implementing the changes to the scheme announced on 27 April cannot be estimated until the Department completes consultations with the local authority associations on the detailed procedures, and until figures are available for the number of claims expected.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the numbers of housing benefit claimants as at June 1979 and June 1987 in each of the following constituencies(a) Amber Valley, (b) Mid Worcestershire, (c) West Lancashire, (d) Staffordshire Moorlands, (e) Hendon South, (f) Darlington and (g) Fylde.

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

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the latest details of the arrangements under which claimants will be able to apply for and receive their transitional payments of housing benefit; and what steps his Department is taking to make sure that all those who qualify will receive their transitional help.

  Mr. Portillo
  Leaflet RR4 "Housing Benefit—New Rules" which contains a claim form for transitional payments is available from local authorities, DHSS local offices and post offices. A separate leaflet outlining the scheme has been sent to the various organisations advising
  561
  claimants. Advertisements drawing attention to transitional payments and to the availability of the leaflet appeared in the national press during the week commencing 23 May.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a revised version of the table showing gainers and losers from the structural change to housing benefit, Official Report 18 December 1987, columns 915–918, resulting from his increase in the capital cut-off limit announced on 27 April, and a similar table showing the cash position as a result of the transitional help announced on the same date, excluding the effect of local authority rate and rent increases.

  Mr. Portillo
  The tables published previously remain the best guide to the structural effect of the reforms. The increase in the capital limit to £8,000 is expected to bring back into the scheme about 100,000 households. The transitional payments reduce the size of cash losses but do not affect the overall structural figures for housing benefit.

  Artificial Limbs
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list the companies that currently supply artificial limbs to the National Health Service;

  (2) if his Department has costed a contract-based limb fitting service for the National Health Service.

  Mr. Scott
  These are matters for the Disablement Services Authority, to which the hon. Member should address his questions.

  AIDS
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many babies have so far been born in England who were HIV positive at birth;

  (2) how many babies have been born in England to mothers who are HIV positive.

  Mr. Newton
  The number of babies born to mothers who are HIV positive is not known, since pregnant women are not routinely tested for HIV antibodies. However, to the end of March the communicable disease surveillance centre had received reports of a total of 20 children who have antibodies to HIV and whose mothers are known to he infected or at high risk. The presence of antibody at birth is not necessarily an indication of infection, and it is probable that some of these babies will eventually be shown to be free of infection.

  Solvent Abuse
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, West (Mr. Janner) on 20 April,Official Report, column 463, if he will give the nature and extent of the drug misuse services for solvent abuse.

  Mrs. Currie
  The Department has asked health authorities to give priority to the development of services for drug misusers and has provided extra resources to enable them to do so. These services provide counselling, advice and information and, where necessary, detoxification.

  Information on the full extent to which local drug misuse services are able to help solvent misusers is not held
  562
  centrally. Recent research, based on reports from local drug projects, shows, however, that for about half of those seeking help, solvent misuse was, in varying degrees. a problem.

  Mental Institutions
  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many former mental institutions have been disposed of by his Department as surplus assets, how many have been retained by his Department for other use; and of those sold off, what proportion of the income has been retained by the originating district health authorities.

  Mrs. Currie
  The information requested is not routinely collected and to collect it by means of a special exercise would involve disproportionate cost. I would however refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a question from the hon. Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Cryer) on 16 February at column 564. That information was the result of a special exercise.

  Our policy is that all proceeds should be retained by the health service for reinvestment in the service with a significant proportion being passed to the district health authority which initiated the sale. Proceeds from the sale of former mental institutions are required to be used for the development of services for the mentally ill or mentally handicapped.

  State Pension
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current value in real terms of the basic state pension in 1979 terms.

  Mr. Scott
  The basic pension of £19·50 payable from November 1978 would be worth £40·19 at April 1988 prices. The current basic pension rate is £41·15, a real terms increase of 2·4 per cent.

  Supplementary Benefit (Gallup Survey)
  Ms. Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the results of the Gallup survey for the National Audit Office of supplementary benefit claimants' satisfaction with the service provided by his Department's local offices; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  We have found the results of the Gallup Survey to be a valuable supplement to the Department's own customer research. Some of the findings are encouraging; for instance the local office service provided for supplementary benefit (now income support) pensioners is generally well received. But there are criticisms too, for example, of a lack of privacy for local office callers, which officials will be seeking to put right. It is our intention to commission independent customer research of this type on a regular basis from 1989–90 onwards.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he last met representatives of the pensioners' organisations; and what issues were discussed.

  Mr. Scott
  I met representatives of Pensioners' Voice on 9 May, when we discussed a wide range of matters affecting the elderly.

  Surplus Property (Sale)
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what criteria will be used to determine the proportion of receipts from the sale of surplus property by health authorities which will be allocated to the district health authority initiating the sale.

  Mrs. Currie
  No criteria are issued, but the policy is that district health authorities should benefit from the disposals they initiate subject to regional health authorities' retaining the flexibility to exercise their strategic role.

  Disability Premium
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether offices of his Department will accept backdated certificates where a claimant of disability premium in receipt of income support who is under 60 years of age and who has been incapable of work for 28 weeks, but who has not previously submitted medical certificates for this period; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The award of the disability premium is, in the first instance, a matter for the office of the chief adjudication officer and local adjudication officers. I refer the hon. Member to the guidance issued by that office to local adjudication officers, a copy of which is held in the Library. The relevant guidance is at paragraphs 27092 and 11459 et seq.

  Long-term Institutional Care
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were discharged from long-term institutional care for each year since 1979; what proportion they constituted; and how many were subsequently detained by the police within 12 months of the date of discharge.

  Value of child support1 for each child in standard rate tax-paying families expressed at April 19882 prices (£)

  Children under age 11

  Children aged 11–15

  Children aged 16 and over

  Date3

  1st child

  2nd child

  3rd4 child

  1st child

  2nd child

  3rd4 child

  1st child

  2nd child

  3rd4 child

  April 1958

  7·04

  9·27

  9·96

  8·75

  11·07

  11·59

  10·56

  12·79

  13·39

  April 1959

  6·44

  8·76

  9·36

  7·99

  10·39

  11·00

  9·62

  11·94

  12·63

  April 1960

  6·40

  8·70

  9·38

  7·93

  10·32

  10·92

  9·55

  11·86

  12·54

  April 1961

  6·23

  8·47

  9·13

  7·72

  10·05

  10·63

  9·30

  11·54

  12·21

  April 1962

  5·89

  8·01

  8·64

  7·31

  9·51

  10·06

  8·80

  10·92

  11·55

  April 1963

  6·62

  8·70

  9·31

  8·01

  10·24

  10·70

  9·47

  11·62

  12·16

  April 1964

  6·49

  8·53

  9·13

  7·85

  10·04

  10·49

  9·28

  11·39

  11·92

  April 1965

  6·51

  8·51

  8·94

  7·93

  9·86

  10·37

  9·36

  11·29

  11·79

  April 1966

  6·28

  8·21

  8·63

  7·66

  9·52

  10·01

  9·04

  10·90

  11·39

  April 1967

  6·10

  7·97

  8·37

  7·44

  9·25

  9·71

  8·78

  10·59

  11·05

  April 1968

  5·84

  7·31

  7·76

  7·12

  8·60

  8·98

  8·40

  9·81

  10·26

  April 1969

  5·53

  7·23

  7·66

  6·75

  8·45

  8·87

  7·96

  9·66

  10·03

  April 1970

  5·24

  6·85

  7·25

  6·39

  8·00

  8·40

  7·54

  9·15

  9·50

  April 1971

  6·10

  7·73

  8·10

  7·05

  8·73

  9·10

  8·05

  9·68

  10·05

  April 1972

  5·74

  7·27

  7·62

  6·63

  8·21

  8·56

  7·57

  9·10

  9·45

  April 1973

  5·21

  6·52

  6·84

  6·16

  7·43

  7·75

  6·93

  8·20

  8·52

  April 1974

  5·98

  7·08

  7·36

  6·88

  7·91

  8·22

  7·63

  8·65

  8·97

  April 1975

  5·24

  7·24

  7·24

  5·98

  7·99

  7·99

  6·63

  8·66

  8·66

  April 1976

  5·49

  7·21

  7·21

  6·12

  7·83

  7·83

  6·69

  8·38

  8·38

  April 1977

  5·28

  6·04

  6·04

  5·81

  6·57

  6·57

  6·27

  7·01

  7·01

  April 1978

  6·28

  6·28

  6·28

  6·78

  6·78

  6·78

  7·19

  7·19

  7·19

  April 1979

  7·79

  7·79

  7·79

  7·79

  7·79

  7·79

  7·79

  7·79

  7·79

  November 1980

  7·23

  7·23

  7·23

  7·23

  7·23

  7·23

  7·23

  7·23

  7·23

  November 1981

  7·14

  7·14

  7·14

  7·14

  7·14

  7·14

  7·14

  7·14

  7·14

  November 1982

  7·49

  7·49

  7·49

  7·49

  7·49

  7·49

  7·49

  7·49

  7·49

  November 1983

  7·94

  7·94

  7·94

  7·94

  7·94

  7·94

  7·94

  7·94

  7·94

  November 1984

  7·97

  7·97

  7·97

  7·97

  7·97

  7·97

  7·97

  7·97

  7·97

  November 1985

  7·72

  7·72

  7·72

  7·72

  7·72

  7·72

  7·72

  7·72

  7·72

  July 1986

  7·70

  7·70

  7·70

  7·70

  7·70

  7·70

  7·70

  7·70

  7·70

  564
  Mrs. Currie
  I am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member all the information he seeks, as no record is kept centrally on individual patients or the outcome of patients after discharge.

  The table shows the numbers of discharges, after a stay of five years or more, into the community from National Health Service mental illness and mental handicap hospitals and units in England. The table also shows these discharges as a percentage of all discharges inclusive of transfers and irrespective of duration of stay. Comparable figures for 1979 are not readily available.

  Discharges from mental illness and mental handicap hospitals and units in England, after a duration of stay of five years or more.

  Mental Illness

  Mental handicap

  Year

  Number

  Percentage of all discharges

  Number

  Percentage of all discharges

  1980

  804

  0·5

  657

  3·5

  1981

  818

  0·5

  764

  3·5

  1982

  733

  0·4

  764

  3·0

  1983

  821

  0·5

  967

  3·1

  1984

  981

  0·5

  1,375

  3·8

  1985

  987

  0·5

  1,522

  3·9

  1986

  1,082

  0·6

  1,951

  4·7

  Note: Excludes transfers to other NHS hospitals and Special hospitals.

  Child and Family Allowances
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will update the information in his reply about child and family allowance of 15 January,Official Report, columns 441–444, expressed in April prices to include the years 1988–89.

  Mr. Scott
  The information is as follows:
  565

  Children under age 11

  Children aged 11–15

  Children aged 16 and over

  Date3

  1st child

  2nd child

  3rd4 child

  1st child

  2nd child

  3rd4 child

  1st child

  2nd child

  3rd4 child

  April 1987

  7·54

  7·54

  7·54

  7·54

  7·54

  7·54

  7·54

  7·54

  7·54

  April 1988

  7·25

  7·25

  7·25

  7·25

  7·25

  7·25

  7·25

  7·25

  7·25

  1 The combined value of child tax-allowances after Clawback and Family Allowance/Child Benefit.

  2 Based on the movement in the General Index of Retail Prices at April 1988.

  3Child Tax Allowance ceased after the 19787–79 Tax Year end and benefit up-rating dates are shown from 1979 onwards.

  4And subsequent children.

  Cyclotron Trust
  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a grant to the cyclotron trust.

  Mr. Newton
  We are making a grant of £6 million to the cyclotron trust, as a contribution towards the £10·4 million capital cost of the cyclotron which the trust plans to provide in a new facility at St. Thomas' hospital. The cyclotron is used for treating cancers including some which are not normally responsive to conventional radiotherapy and can also enable some patients to avoid disfiguring surgery; 60 per cent. of the cyclotron's capacity will be reserved for NHS patients, and we shall meet up to 60 per cent. of the direct running costs in so far as they are not met from other sources. The project is an important instance of partnership between the public and voluntary sectors.

  Mentally Senile Patients
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to ensure health authorities have adequate nursing provision to allow for mentally senile patients to be cared for separately from those recovering from physical illnesses.

  Mrs. Currie
  Decisions on the numbers and deployment of nursing staff are matters for local National Health Service management. Health authorities are aware of the need to provide separate services for elderly physically frail and elderly mentally ill people so that mixing of mentally alert with confused patients on the same ward is avoided as far as possible.

  Registered Homes Act 1984
  Mr. Sims
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether residents of homes not required to be registered under the Registered Homes Act 1984 will be entitled to income support.

  Mr. Portillo
  There are certain circumstances in which residents of homes not required to be registered under the Registered Homes Act 1984 will be entitled to income support to the appropriate residential care or nursing home limit. These are set out in regulation 19(3), of the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987, as amended by the Income Support (General) Amendment Regulations 1988, which define "nursing home" and "residential care homes". All residents of homes mentioned specifically in this regulation will be entitled to income support, subject to the normal qualifying criteria.

  Mr. Sims
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether residents of homes with less than four beds not required to be registered under the Registered Homes Act 1984 will receive income support.
  566
  Mr. Portillo
  Subject to the normal qualifying criteria people in homes with fewer than four beds not required to be registered under the Registered Homes Act 1984 will be entitled to income support up to the appropriate residential care home limit if the conditions set out in regulation 19(3) of the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 are met. Where the conditions are not met residents will be entitled to income support up to the ordinary board and lodging limits.

  Child Abuse (Cleveland)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to receive the report of Mrs. Justice Butler-Sloss's inquiry into child abuse in Cleveland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The report was received yesterday. Arrangements are in hand for publication as soon as is practicable, which is likely to be in about a month's time.

  Electro-convulsive Therapy
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of cases in which electro-convulsive therapy has been administered in each year since the treatment became available; what proportion of patients voluntarily submitted to electroconvulsive therapy treatment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  I am sorry I cannot give the hon. Member the information he seeks in the form requested, as no record is kept centrally of either the number of individual patients to whom electro-convulsive therapy was administered, or the circumstances of its administration.

  The data held centrally are in the table which shows the number of courses of treatment and the total number of treatments by electro-convulsive therapy administered each year in special hospitals and National Health Service mental illness hospitals and units since statistics were collected in 1979. A patient may undergo more than one course of treatment during the year.

  Electro-convulsive therapy treatments and courses: England 1979–80

  Year

  Treatments

  Courses

  1979

  159,193

  26,400

  1980

  160,277

  25,441

  1981

  147,419

  24,407

  1982

  139,307

  22,578

  1983

  128,526

  21,350

  1984

  125,357

  19,850

  1985

  137,940

  20,948

  1986

  129,757

  19,308

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the preparation procedure for the administration of electro-convulsive therapy to an involuntary patient.
  567
  Mrs. Currie
  The clinical management of a detained patient prior to the administration of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), as with any other patient, is a matter for the professional judgment of the medical and other staff directly involved in the patient's care.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the Official Report those institutions which employ electro-convulsive therapy treatment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  The table lists all the mental illness hospitals and units, in England, whose medical staff administered electro-convulsive therapy during 1986, the latest year for which figures are available, irrespective of whether the actual treatment was carried out at this site or another.

  ECT-Mental illness hospitals and units in England 1986

  Northern Regional Health Authority

  Winterton

  St. George's Morpeth

  St. Nicholas

  Cherry Knowle

  Garlands

  St. Mary's

  St. Luke's, Middlesbrough

  North Tees

  South Shields General

  Hartlepool General

  Durham County

  Newcastle General

  West Cumberland

  Brighton Clinic

  Royal Victoria Infirmary

  Darlington Memorial

  Furness General

  Yorkshire Regional Health Authority

  High Royds

  Stanley Royd

  Clifton, Moorlands and Southfields

  De La Pole

  Scalebor Park

  Broadgate

  Naburn

  St. James', Leeds

  Lynfield Mount

  St. Luke's, Huddersfield

  Airedale General

  Pontefract General

  Bootham Park

  Halifax General

  St. Mary's, Scarborough

  Leeds General Infirmary

  Grimsby District General

  Scunthorpe General

  Norman House Day Units

  Trent Regional Health Authority

  University, Nottingham

  The Pastures

  Middlewood

  St. John's, Lincoln

  Carlton Hayes

  Saxondale

  The Towers

  Kingsway

  Rauceby

  Mapperley

  Northern General Psychiatric Unit

  Loversall

  Rotherham District general

  Barnsley District general

  Doncaster Royal Infirmary

  Walton

  Kings Mill

  Whitleywood Clinic

  Leicester General

  568

  St. Francis

  Bassetlaw District General

  Chesterfield and North Derby Royal Mental Health Unit

  East Anglian Regional Health Authority

  Fulbourne

  St. Andrews

  St. Audry's

  Hellesdon

  St. Clements, Ipswich

  St. Nicholas

  New West Suffolk General

  West Norwich (Yare clinic)

  Heath Road Wing, Ipswich

  Fermoy Unit, Queen Elizabeth

  Peterborough District

  Hinchingbrooke

  North West Thames Regional Health Authority

  Shenley

  St. Bernards Wing, Ealing

  Horton

  Napsbury

  Fairfield, Hitchen

  Hillend

  Northwick Park

  Barnet General

  Ashford

  Queen Elizabeth II

  West Middlesex

  Lister

  Bedford General

  Luton and Dunstable (Faringdon Wing)

  Shrodells Wing (Watford General)

  St. Mary's (Patterson Wing)

  Hillingdon

  Charing Cross (Fulham)

  St. Mary Abbotts

  Central Middlesex

  Wembley

  Gordon Hospital

  St. Charles Hospital

  North East Thames Regional Health Authority

  Claybury

  Friern and Halliwick

  Warley

  Goodmayes

  Severalls

  Runwell

  London (St. Clements)

  Basildon

  Princess Alexandra

  German

  Chase Farm

  Whittington

  St. Luke's, Woodside

  Hackney

  Royal Free

  St. Anns General

  St. Pancras and University College

  London (Whitechapel)

  The Middlesex

  Whipps Cross

  St. Bartholomews

  South East Thames Regional Health Authority

  Hither Green

  Bexley

  Cane Hill

  Tooting Bec

  Maidstone District

  St. Augustine's

  Hellingley

  Stone House

  Farnborough

  Guys

  All Saints Chatham

  Joyce Green

  Greenwich District

  569

  Lady Chicester

  New Cross

  St. Thomas

  Dulwich (North Wing)

  Burmarsh Ward (William Harvey)

  Queen Charlotte's Eversfield

  South West Thames Regional Health Authority

  Springfield

  Netherne and Fairdene

  Brookwood

  Long Grove

  Graylingwell

  Warlingham Park

  St. Francis

  Abraham Cowley (St. Peters)

  Epsom District

  Frimley Park

  Atkinson Morleys

  Kingston

  Queen Mary's Roehampton

  Crawley

  Sutton (Chiltern Wing)

  The Ridings (Southlands)

  Wessex Regional Health Authority

  Basingstoke District (Park Prewett)

  Roundway

  St. James: Portsmouth

  Herrison

  Knowle

  The Old Manor

  Whitecroft

  Moorgreen

  St. Ann's, Poole

  Depatment of Psychiatrity (Royal S. Hants.)

  Seymour Clinic

  Royal United Bath

  Oxford Regional Health Authority

  St. Marys (Martin Roth Unit)

  St. John's, Stone

  St. Crispin

  Fairmile

  Littlemore

  Warneford

  Wexham Park

  Tindal General

  Wycombe District

  Kettering and District

  Horton General (The Elms)

  Milton Keynes

  Stoke Mandeville

  South Western Regional Health Authority

  Exe Vale

  St. Lawrence's, Bodmin

  Horton Road and Coney Hill

  Tone Vale

  Glenside

  Mendip and Meare Manor

  Moorhaven and the Gables

  Barrow

  North Devon District

  Yeovil District

  Bristol District

  Royal Cornwall (City)

  Lexham Lodge Day

  Gloucester House Day

  Langdon

  West Midlands Regional Health Authority

  St. Matthews

  St. Edwards

  All Saints

  Highcroft

  Central, Warwick

  St. George's, Stafford

  Royal Shrewsbury (Shelton)

  Rubery Hill

  570

  Barnsley Hall

  Hollymoor

  Walsgrave

  New Cross

  Burton Road

  Worcester Royal (Newtown Branch)

  John Connolly

  City General, Stoke

  Midland Nerve

  Kidderminster General

  Department of Geriatric Medicine (Dudley Road)

  George Elliot

  Mersey Regional Health Authority

  Winwick

  Rainhill

  West Cheshire

  Parkside

  Sefton General

  Greaves Hall

  Whiston

  Walton, Liverpool

  Leighton

  Fazakerley

  Royal Liverpool

  Arrowe Park

  Clatterbridge

  North Western Regional Health Authority

  Prestwich

  Whittingham

  Lancaster Moor and Ridge Lea

  North Manchester General

  Withington

  Bolton General

  Stepping Hill

  Oldham and District General

  Billinge

  Burnley General

  Bridgewater

  Tameside General (Hyde ESMI)

  Fairfield General

  Victoria

  Brich Hill

  Queens Park

  Ormskirk and District General

  Leigh Infirmary

  Rossendale General

  Wesham Park

  Royal Preston (Avondale Unit)

  Ribbleton

  Hope

  York House

  Gaskell House

  Eaves Lane

  Cheadle Royal

  Special Health Authorities

  Bethlem Royal and Maudsley

  National Hospitals for Nervous Diseases

  Special Hospitals

  Rampton

  Broadmoor

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to take steps to increase the level of staff provision available to undertake electro-convulsive therapy treatment.

  Mrs. Currie
  The allocation of staff to the administration of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is a matter for the professional judgment of those responsible for the clinical management of the patient concerned.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of Stale for Social Services if he has any plans to change the

  procedures under which electro-convulsive therapy treatment is administered.
  571
  Mrs. Currie
  The clinical procedure for the administration of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is a matter for the professional judgment of those staff with direct responsibility for patient care.

  There are no plans at present to change the legal requirements governing the administration of ECT to patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. A code of practice for the guidance of professionals involved in the treatment of mental disorder is in preparation, as required by section 118 of the Act, and this will cover procedures for the administration of ECT.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average time between a recommendation of electro-convulsive therapy treatment by an involuntary patient's consultant, the agreement of an independent consultant under the Mental Health Act 1983, and the beginning of treatment.

  Mrs. Currie
  This information is not collected centrally, although the Mental Health Act Commission does arrange for the independent "approved" doctor to provide a second opinion within two working days of receiving the request for that opinion from the detained patient's consultant.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many cases the recommendation of electro-convulsive therapy treatment on an involuntary patient by that patient's consultant was overruled by the Mental Health Act Commission, in each of the last five years.

  Mrs. Currie
  This information is not readily available, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, the second biennial report (1985–1987) of the Mental Health Act Commission (section 7) contains statistical information collected by the commission relating to "Consent to Treatment and Second Opinions" which the hon. Member may find of interest. A copy of this report is in the Library.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines his Department issues on the circumstances in which a person who expresses his wish not to receive electro-convulsive therapy treatment may have that wish overruled.

  Mrs. Currie
  Other than in cases of emergency and in the case of patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, ECT cannot be given to patients without their consent. The Act provides that treatment can be given without the patient's consent where a second medical opinion from an independent, approved doctor (obtained through the Mental Health Act Commission) is obtained to the effect that the treatment is necessary and should be given. Before providing this second opinion, the independent doctor must consult two other persons who have been professionally involved with the patient's treatment; one a nurse, and the other neither a nurse nor a doctor.

  GP and Hospital Visits
  Sir David Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in 1987(a) visited a general practitioner at least once, (b) had at least one consultation in a National Health Service hospital and (c) were admitted as an in-patient to a National Health Service hospital at least once.
  572
  Mrs. Currie
  Figures are not available in the form requested. The 1986 general household survey has provided the following figures on the use of health services in Great Britain.

  (1) 14 per cent. consulted a NHS general practitioner in the 14 days before interview.

  (2) 13 per cent. attended an outpatient or casualty department in a three-month reference period.

  (3) 9 per cent. underwent an inpatient stay in a I2-month reference period.

  Health Care
  Sir David Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average expenditure per person in the United Kingdom in 1987 for total health care provision broken down into convenient age groups.

  Mr. Newton
  In 1986, the latest year for which information is available from the national accounts published by the Central Statistical Office, the average expenditure per person in the United Kingdom on health care (public and private) was £384. No breakdown of this total is available by age, but an analysis of gross expenditure on health and personal social services in England in 1985–86 is published in "The Government's Expenditure Plans 1988–89 to 1990–91" (Cm 288-II)—chart 14.4.

  Sir David Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average expenditure per person in the United Kingdom in 1987 for health care provision in the public sector, and private sectors respectively.

  Mr. Newton
  In 1986, the latest year for which information is available from the national accounts published by the Central Statistical Office, the average expenditure per person in the United Kingdom on health care was:

  £

  Public sector1

  361

  Private sector

  23

  1 Excludes expenditure on Local Authority personal social services.

  It is estimated that in 1987–88 United Kingdom gross expenditure on the National Health Service was equivalent to £380 per person. Later figures for private sector expenditure are not yet available.

  Tendering
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Waveney on 24 May, in respect of regional health authority competitive tendering, he will undertake a central initiative to make all solicitors', architects', quantity surveyors' and engineers' services subject to tender.

  Mrs. Currie
  Not at this time. I am satisfied with the pace at which health authorities are themselves opening up these services to competition.

  South West Thames RHA (Land)
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on how much surplus land is owned by South West Thames regional health authority; how much has been disposed of during the last five years; and what disposal plans it has for the future.
  573
  Mrs. Currie
  The South West Thames regional health authority held 130 acres of land on 21 March 1987, comprising sites exceeding one acre which had been declared surplus. Disposals during the last five years were as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Total area (acres)

  Total receipts

  1983–84

  7

  2·4

  1984–85

  38

  10·5

  1985–86

  32

  9·1

  1986–87

  98

  30·2

  1987–88

  Not available

  25·4

  During the 1988–89 financial year the Regional Health Authority anticipates disposal of about 100 acres of land.

  Disabled Persons
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Caernarfon (Mr. Wigley) of 19 May,Official Report, column 559, why no formal meetings have taken place since October 1987 with local authority associations on the implementation of the Disabled Persons (Services Representation and Consultation) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  Since October 1987 much work has been done on the Act which has not required formal meetings. We are now, however, in touch with the associations to arrange a further meeting.

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Mr. John Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if those multiple sclerosis sufferers who are under pensionable age and who because of the varying effects of the condition work intermittently, thereby failing to meet the two-year period requirement, will be taken into account for disregard payment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  Where entitlement to income support is interrupted for longer than eight weeks because a member of a couple is in work, it will be necessary for them to receive benefit for a futher two years in order to qualify for the higher earnings disregard. However, multiple sclerosis sufferers will qualify sooner if they are entitled to the disability premium. Entitlement to the disability premium depends on whether the person satisfies the criteria for receiving it, as set out in paragraphs 11 and 12 of schedule 2 to the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987.

  Teenagers (Detention)
  Mr. John Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when the transitional social security payments protection becomes operative for teenagers who have been held in detention.

  Mr. Scott
  The new rules for people who lost significant sums in housing benefit and income support when the new schemes were introduced are set out in leaflets RR4 (housing benefit) and SB22 (income support). These leaflets explain how people may claim. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library.

  Children and Young Persons (Amendment) Act 1986
  Mr. Walters
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when the hon. Member for Westbury can expect replies from the Minister for Health to his letters of 22 January and 28 March about the need for speedy implementation of the Children and Young Persons (Amendment) Act.

  Mr. Newton
  I replied to my hon. Friend on 2 June.

  Rent Rebates
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of tenants, by tenure, who would cease to qualify for a rent rebate allowance, and the savings in expenditure that would be made, if the rent taper were increased to 70 per cent.

  Mr. Portillo
  We estimate that if the rent taper were increased from 65 to 70 per cent. there would be a public expenditure saving of some £50 million; 90,000 local authority tenants would lose their rent rebates and 20,000 private tenants their rent allowances.

  Disability Benefits
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what he anticipates will be the time scale for the review of disability benefits the Government expects to undertake following publication of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys survey reports; and what arrangements for consultations it will include

  Mr. Scott
  When all the relevant results of the surveys are available, we shall consider what conclusions can be drawn from them concerning benefits for disabled people. We have not yet decided what form that consideration will take, but will make an announcement in due course about consultation with interested organisations on the implications of the survey results.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there will be any exemptions other than for one registered disabled to one eight-week limit for the payment of the bridging allowance; and whether young people who are not incapable of work but unable through disability to find a suitable YTS place will be able to claim income support after September.

  Mr. Portillo
  Payment of bridging allowance will be limited to a maximum of eight weeks in any period of 12 months in all cases except where a young person is registered disabled.

  The Government have guaranteed a youth training scheme place to all young people under 18 who are capable of work, whether disabled or not. We cannot envisage a situation in which a young person would be too disabled to take up a YTS place and yet would be judged by the adjudicating authorities to be insufficiently disabled to be entitled to income support.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to publish the first part of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys survey of disablement; what areas will be covered by this and the further reports; and what the timetable is for publication of the further report.

  Mr. Scott
  There are four surveys covering adults and children separately, with each group further separated
  575
  between private households and communal establishments. Fieldwork for the last—children in communal establishments—was completed earlier this year.

  We hope to publish the first report early in September. This will contain information about the overall prevalence of disability in adults and also report on the methods and concepts used in all the surveys, including the approach taken to the scaling of severity of disability. The second report, containing information about the financial circumstances of disabled adults, is likely to be published in November. Further reports will follow in 1988 and 1989 to cover disabled adults' use of services (including communal establishments), and to provide the same general range of information about children as about adults.

  Income Support
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether 16 and 17-year-olds who satisfy any one of the conditions of regulation 13(2) of the Income Support (General) Regulations will ever be entitled to income support while in relevant education for longer than the child benefit extension period; and when regulations on these matters will be available.

  Mr. Scott
  Amending regulations will be laid before Parliament shortly to ensure that 16 and 17-year-olds who satisfy the conditions of regulation 13(2) (a) to (e) or (h) will be entitled to income support at all times from September 1988.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the 40 per cent. voluntary unemployment deduction is applied to the income support of those(a) who are not required to be available for work on grounds of severe hardship and (b) who are appealing against a decision that they are not incapable of work; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  One of the basic conditions of entitlement to income support is that a person must be available for work unless he or she comes within one of the groups of people who are exempt by regulations from that condition. If a person who is normally required to be available for work is not in fact available, but an adjudication officer is satisfied that refusal of income support would cause hardship to the claimant or his or her family, income support will be paid with a 40 per cent. reduction in the claimant's personal allowance.

  If a person who has been sick, and therefore exempt from the availability requirement, is considered by the regional medical officer of the Department of Health and Social Security to be fit for work, and he or she declines to seek suitable work, or places unreasonable restrictions on his or her availability, the adjudication officer may disallow the claim. If the claimant appeals against the decision that he is fit for work, income support can continue to be paid pending the outcome of the appeal. A 40 per cent. reduction in the claimant's personal allowance will be made but there will be no requirement to show hardship in order to receive payment.

  In each case the reduction is modified to 20 per cent. if any member of the claimant's family is pregnant or seriously ill and there is less than £200 capital.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claimants lost their transitional 576
  addition because of the change in the Income Support (General) Amendment Regulations 1988 (SI 663) which specified that the disability or higher pension premiums were awarded only if the partner who receives invalidity benefit or severe disablement allowance is the claimant, rather than, as previously, either partner; what was the reason for this change; and what advice was given or is being given to claimant couples in such circumstances.

  Mr. Scott
  No claimants lost their transitional addition as a result of this amendment to the Income Support (General) Amendment Regulations. The amendment affects members of couples, one of whom has been in hospital longer than 52 weeks. In this situation income support no longer treats the couple as members of the same household and requires a separate claim from each partner. However, under the rules governing invalidity pension and severe disablement allowance, any dependency benefit is normally paid to the partner at home. Thus a fully fit person claiming in his or her own right could have qualified for the disability premium by virtue of another person's entitlement to a qualifying benefit.

  The change restored the original policy intention. As it was made before 11 April 1988 no claimant lost benefit, and no special advice was or is considered necessary.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, whether the Government intend to disregard savings or mobility allowance in applying the capital rule for income support; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  No. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshaw (Mr. Morris) on 17 May 1988 at columns 412–13.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people fail to satisfy the conditions of entitlement to income support because their mobility allowance savings take their capital over the limit allowed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  I have no knowledge that anyone has failed to satisfy the conditions of entitlement to income support because their savings of mobility allowance exceed £6,000.

  Social Fund
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether copies of local social fund guidance indicating local priorities will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  In the interests of good liaison we expect local office managers to make available, by such means as they judge best, copies of the local office priorities to interested agencies and individuals.

  Pensions
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pensioners currently receive an enhancement of 25p per week on account of their being aged 80 years or more; and what is the additional administration cost of this arrangement.

  Mr. Scott
  Nearly 2 million pensioners were receiving the age addition in September 1987. The addition is added automatically by computer and the extra administrative costs of paying it are therefore small.

  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list all those official engagements in the previous 12 months at which the subject of the illness myalgic encephalomyelitis has been raised.

  Mrs. Currie
  Representatives from the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Association met my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 21 March and had earlier had a meeting with officials.

  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the British Medical Association on the illness myalgic encephalomyelitis.

  Mrs. Currie
  None.

  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has had from organisations seeking help for the sufferers of myalgic encephalomyelitis

  Mrs. Currie
  The Department has received representations from the ME Association and from the Tayside post viral fatigue syndrome support group.

  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many sufferers of myalgic encephalomyelitis are at present being treated in the United Kingdom.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that these figures are not held centrally.

  Psychiatric Care
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of the total cost to the National Health Service of psychiatric care; and what percentage of the health budget, is attributable to such care.

  Mr. Newton
  It is estimated that the cost of providing psychiatric care covering the treatment of in-patients, out-patients and day patients for mental illness and mental handicap patients was £1,555·5 million at 1985–86 prices, some 16 per cent. of total expenditure on hospital and community health services. Because of data limitations, this figure does not fully cover all community health service expenditure on this care group, neither does it cover expenditure on the family practitioner services.

  Mental Illness
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will give the approximate cost to the National Health Service for an in-patient in a mental hospital for(a) three months, (b) six months, (c) nine months and (d) 12 months;

  (2) if he will give the approximate cost to the National Health Service for an out-patient in a mental hospital for treatment lasting (a) six months, (b) 12 months and (c) two years.

  Mrs. Currie
  For information on the average treament costs per inpatient day and per outpatient attendance by type of hospital (including those categorised as "Mental Illness" or "Mental Handicap") for health regions and England as a whole I refer the hon. Member to the 578
  Department's annual publication "Health Service Costing Returns" (the latest being for 1986–87)—copies of which are held in the Library.

  Health Commissioner
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what financial support he will make available to enable families to meet the costs of bringing matters to the attention of the Health Commissioner.

  Mrs. Currie
  No costs need to be incurred by complainants in bringing matters to the attention of the Health Service Commissioner.

  Benefit Claimants (Banks)
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the use by benefit claimants of banks as opposed to post offices; and what weight he gave to the likely impact of his policy on sub-post offices.

  Mr. Portillo
  Claimants in receipt of benefits paid by computer are offered the choice of payment either by direct credit to a bank account or by order book at a post office. Full consideration was given to the likely impact on the post office network but it is clear that many claimants find payment directly to a bank more convenient.

  Family Incomes
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many families with children have incomes in excess of £30,000 in 1988–89.

  Mr. Scott
  The estimated number of families with children with gross incomes from all sources (including benefits) in excess of £30,000 per annum in 1988–89 is 370,000. This figure is based on projections from the 1985 family expenditure survey, supplemented by information from the survey of personal incomes.

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give for 1978–79 and 1988–89 the average income before and after tax of(a) families with children and (b) families and individuals without children.

  Mr. Scott
  Estimates for the financial year 1978–79 can be provided only at disproportionate cost. Only projections are available for 1988–89 which cannot be provided on a basis consistent with historic data. The latest year for which historic data are currently available is 1985; estimates for that year and the calendar year 1979 are as follows:

  £ per week

  Families with children

  Families and individuals without children

  Income Before Tax

  1979 (1979 prices)

  123

  75

  1985 (1985 prices)

  225

  138

  Income After Tax

  1979 (1979 prices)

  101

  62

  1985 (1985 prices)

  180

  112

  Notes:

  1. Income is the family's total income from all sources including benefits.
  579
  2. The figures used for tax include National Insurance Contributions.

  Source: Family Expenditure Survey 1979 and 1985.

  Women Doctors
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will report on the research project funded by his Department on women doctors' careers.

  Mr. Newton
  The report "Doctors and their Careers", by Isobel Allen, published today, is the outcome of a research project funded by the Department. We are grateful to Ms. Allen for her work. Women already account for more than 50 per cent. of the intake at several medical schools, and are forming an increasing proportion of the medical work force. It is essential that we make full use of their talents.

  We shall of course take account of Ms. Allen's findings in considering the wider report we expect later this year from the national steering group on equal opportunities for women in the National Health Service. Meanwhile, action is already under way, or is being set in hand, on a number of the issues identified by her report. In particular, the "Achieving a Balance" programme for reforming the hospital medical staffing structure addresses the problem of career blockages in the hospital service, and of ensuring better careers guidance and counselling at all stages of training.

  We have already reviewed, with representatives of the medical profession and the NHS, the system for part-time training of senior registrars, and a review for the registrar grade has started. We are also examining the doctors' retainer scheme which aims to help doctors with domestic commitments keep in touch with medicine. We recognise the demand for more part-time career posts and will discuss with representatives of the NHS and the medical profession the possibility of increasing these.

  I have today announced new measures to reduce the pressures on some junior hospital doctors arising from undesirably long contracted hours of duty.

  We will be bringing to the attention of the royal colleges and faculties, and consulting them about how to address, the report's findings of a perception among young doctors that assumptions about appropriate career patterns are too rigid, that patronage is too important in determining advancement, and that certain specialties are seen as unsuitable for women. We shall also discuss with the royal colleges and faculties, with post-graduate deans and with health authorities, ways of eliminating questioning by appointments boards which can be seen as discriminatory.

  To assist this process, we are arranging two seminars to promote consideration of Ms. Allen's report by representatives of the health authorities and the medical profession.

  Junior Hospital Staff
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to reduce the hours of work of junior hospital medical and dental staff.

  Mr. Newton
  I am today publishing a new scheme to reduce the hours of work of junior hospital doctors and dentists. Under the scheme, local professional working parties will be set up in every district to advise on the elimination, wherever possible, of regular rota commitments which require a junior to be on duty, on average,580
  more than one night and weekend in three. This initiative will be carried forward in conjunction with a systematic review to assess the number of medical staff required in each region to provide essential support for consultants in the acute specialties.

  Some progress has already been made as a result of action taken in 1982 to ban regular rota commitments for junior hospital medical staff more onerous than one night or weekend in every two, and to set one night or weekend in every three as the target maximum commitment. The number of rotas more onerous than one in three in England fell from 5,000 in 1982 to 3,500 in 1985, representing in the latter year less than 20 per cent. of junior posts. The average number of contracted hours of duty fell from 87·7 in 1982 to 85·7 in 1986. As reported by juniors themselves, average weekly hours of work (as distinct from hours of duty) fell from 58·3 in 1981 to 57 in 1985.

  There remains nevertheless a significant number of juniors whose commitments are undesirably heavy: a recent survey identified 1,463 juniors in England whose contracted hours of duty exceeded 104 per week, which is broadly equivalent to a one in two rota. We have therefore concluded that further measures are needed to reinforce the progress already made.

  We are establishing a scheme under which, in every district health authority, local professional working parties will be set up to advise on the elimination wherever possible of regular rota commitments which require a junior to be on duty more than one night or weekend in every three. This will be accompanied by a systematic assessment of the number of medical staff required in each region to provide essential support for consultants in the acute specialties, which is itself part of the "Achieving a Balance" programme for reforming the hospital medical staffing structure.

  Details of the scheme are set out in circular EL(88)P82, which is being sent to health authorities this week and of which a copy has been placed in the Library.

  Dental Charges (Forms)
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average cost of processing the four-page form F1D, filled in by patients wishing to claim exemption from National Health Service dental charges; what was the average cost of processing the eight-page revised form F1D that replaced it; and what is now estimated to be the cost of processing the 17-page form AG1 that replaced the revised form F1D on 11 April.

  Mr. Portillo
  [holding answer 29 April 1988]: I regret that reliable estimates which would provide cost comparisons between the forms F1D, the revised F ID and the AG1 are not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Form AG1 covers a variety of possible situations and the length of time it will take to process will depend on the circumstances of each individual case. However, as the AG1's new design replaces a number of previous separate claim forms which will now be processed in one central office rather than locally, I do not expect there to be higher processing costs.

  Weekly Spending Power
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for
  581
  Norfolk, North (Mr. Howell) of 17 May, Official Report, columns 402–6, if he will provide figures for net weekly spending power on the same basis and for the same groups with weekly earnings of £190, £200, £210, £220, £230, £240, £250, £260, £270, £280, £290, £300, £350 and £400.

  New System from April 1988

  Earnings head

  Tax

  NI

  Family credit

  Child benefit

  Rent

  Rent rebate

  Rates

  Rate rebate

  Fares to work

  Net weekly spending power

  Single person aged 25 or over

  190·00

  34·98

  17·10

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  107·68

  200·00

  37·48

  18·00

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  114·28

  210·00

  39·98

  18·90

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  120·88

  220·00

  42·48

  19·80

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  127·48

  230·00

  44·98

  20·70

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  134·08

  240·00

  47·48

  21·60

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  140·68

  250·00

  49·98

  22·50

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  147·28

  260·00

  52·48

  23·40

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  153·88

  27000

  54·98

  24·30

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  160·48

  280·00

  57·48

  25·20

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  167·08

  290·00

  59·98

  26·10

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  173·68

  300·00

  62·48

  27·00

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  180·28

  350·00

  74·98

  27·45

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  217·33

  400·00

  87·48

  27·45

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  254·83

  Married couple

  190·00

  27·81

  17·10

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  114·85

  200·00

  30·31

  18·00

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  121·45

  210·00

  32·81

  18·90

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  128·05

  220·00

  35·31

  19·80

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  134·65

  230·00

  37·81

  20·70

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  141·25

  240·00

  40·31

  21·60

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  147·85

  250·00

  42·81

  22·50

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  154·45

  260·00

  45·31

  23·40

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  161·05

  270·00

  47·81

  24·30

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  167·65

  280·00

  50·31

  25·20

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  174·25

  290·00

  52·81

  26·10

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  180·85

  300·00

  55·31

  27·00

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  187·45

  350·00

  67·81

  27·45

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  224·50

  400·00

  80·31

  27·45

  0·00

  0·00

  15·94

  0·00

  8·45

  0·00

  5·85

  262·00

  Married couple with one child aged 11

  190·00

  27·81

  17·10

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  119·39

  200·00

  30·31

  18·00

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  125·99

  210·00

  32·81

  18·90

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  132·59

  220·00

  35·31

  19·80

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  139·19

  230·00

  37·81

  20·70

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  145·79

  240·00

  40·31

  21·60

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  152·39

  250·00

  42·81

  22·50

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  158·99

  260·00

  45·31

  23·40

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  165·59

  270·00

  47·81

  24·30

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  172·19

  280·00

  50·31

  25·20

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  178·79

  290·00

  52·81

  26·10

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  185·39

  300·00

  55·31

  27·00

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  191·99

  350·00

  67·81

  27·45

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  229·04

  400·00

  80·31

  27·45

  0·00

  7·25

  17·82

  0·00

  9·28

  0·00

  5·85

  266·54

  Married couple with two children aged 8 and 11

  190·00

  27·81

  17·10

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  124·82

  200·00

  30·31

  18·00

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  131·42

  210·00

  32·81

  18·90

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  138·02

  220·00

  35·31

  19·80

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  144·62

  230·00

  37·81

  20·70

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  151·22

  240·00

  40·31

  21·60

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  157·82

  250·00

  42·81

  22·50

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  164·42

  260·00

  45·31

  23·40

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  171·02

  270·00

  47·81

  24·30

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  177·62

  280·00

  50·31

  25·20

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  184·22

  290·00

  52·81

  26·10

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  190·82

  300·00

  55·31

  27·00

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  197·42

  350·00

  67·81

  27·45

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  234·47

  400·00

  80·31

  27·45

  0·00

  14·50

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  271·97

  582
  Mr. Scott
  The information requested is provided in the tables. The assumptions are as set out in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, North (Mr. Howell) on 17 May at columns 402–6. Typically, however, families in these income ranges are unlikely actually to be paying average local authority rents and rates. Income tax is on a post-budget basis.
  583

  Earnings head

  Tax

  NI

  Family credit

  Child benefit

  Rent

  Rent rebate

  Rates

  Rate rebate

  Fares to work

  Net weekly spending power

  Married couple with three children aged 8, 11 and 15

  190·00

  27·81

  17·10

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  132·07

  200·00

  30·31

  18·00

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  138·67

  210·00

  32·81

  18·90

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  145·27

  220·00

  35·31

  19·80

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  151·87

  230·00

  37·81

  20·70

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  158·47

  240·00

  40·31

  21·60

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  165·07

  250·00

  42·81

  22·50

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  171·67

  260·00

  45·31

  23·40

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  178·27

  270·00

  47·81

  24·30

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  184·87

  280·00

  50·31

  25·20

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  191·47

  290·00

  52·81

  26·10

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  198·07

  300·00

  55·31

  27·00

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  204·67

  350·00

  67·81

  27·45

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  241·72

  400·00

  80·31

  27·45

  0·00

  21·75

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  279·22

  Married couple with four children aged 3,8, 11 and 15

  190·00

  27·81

  17·10

  1·45

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  140·77

  200·00

  30·31

  18·00

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  145·92

  210·00

  32·81

  18·90

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  152·52

  220·00

  35·31

  19·80

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  159·12

  230·00

  37·81

  20·70

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  165·72

  240·00

  40·31

  21·60

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  172·32

  250·00

  42·81

  22·50

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  178·92

  260·00

  45·31

  23·40

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  185·52

  270·00

  47·81

  24·30

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  192·12

  280·00

  50·31

  25·20

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  198·72

  290·00

  52·81

  26·10

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  205·32

  300·00

  55·31

  27·00

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  211·92

  350·00

  67·81

  27·45

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  248·97

  400·00

  80·31

  27·45

  0·00

  29·00

  19·12

  0·00

  9·80

  0·00

  5·85

  286·47

  584

  LONDON UNDERGROUND: CRIME PREVENTION
  LONDON UNDERGROUND: CRIME PREVENTION
  LISTED BUILDINGS: PRESERVATION OF SETTING
  LISTED BUILDINGS: PRESERVATION OF SETTING
  VAT AND THE RPI
  VAT AND THE RPI
  DTI RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENTS
  DTI RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENTS
  CIVIL JUSTICE: REVIEW BODY'S REPORT
  CIVIL JUSTICE: REVIEW BODY'S REPORT
  NUCLEAR WEAPONS: POTENTIAL EFFECT
  NUCLEAR WEAPONS: POTENTIAL EFFECT