Written Answers of 22 March 1988

WALES

  Farming Statistics
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated area of land devoted to each predominant farming activity in Wales for the latest available date.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The information is based on the June 1986 agricultural census and is as follows:

  Area in hectares

  Dairying

  320,120

  Livestock

  1,052,298

  Cropping

  49,087

  Pigs and poultry

  8,966

  Other

  67,216

  TOTAL

  1,497,687

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated annual total income derived from, and value of each predominant farming activity in Wales for the latest available date.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Total gross receipts from farming activity in Wales in 1987 (including grants and compensation payments) were provisionally estimated to be £827·7 million; of which milk and milk products represented £274·5 million; cattle fattening and rearing, £199·2 million; sheep, lamb and wool, £159·8 million; and other products, £128·5 million. Other receipts (including grants and compensation payments) were £65·7 million.

  Total net income from farming activities in Wales after taking account of all farming costs including feeding stuffs, fertilisers, machinery, veterinary and medicines and so on and after allowing for depreciation, interest payments, rent and labour costs, was £57·3 million.

  Agricultural Land
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the average value per hectare of agricultural land in Wales for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Based on transactions notified to the Inland Revenue, the average value per hectare of agricultural land in Wales for each of the last 10 years was as follows:

  Year

  £ per hectare

  1978

  1,215

  1979

  1,655

  1980

  2,418

  1981

  2,212

  1982

  2,032

  1983

  2,261

  52

  Year

  £ per hectare

  1984

  2,727

  1985

  2,467

  1986

  2,530

  1987

  2,464

  Hotels (Classification)
  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his reply of 17 November,Official Report, column 466, what is the latest information on the numbers of establishments accepted for crown hotel classification; how many hotels have failed to meet the specifications; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  According to the Wales tourist board the information as at 21 March 1988 is as follows:

  Category

  Number

  Listed

  130

  1 crown

  46

  2 crowns

  305

  3 crowns

  275

  4 crowns

  177

  5 crowns

  31

  Awaiting classification

  16

  Total

  980

  Since the Wales tourist board introduced classification, 55 hotels have failed to meet the criteria, with 11 establishments having been rejected since 1 April 1987.

  The Wales tourist board, following wide consultation, has announced its intention to introduce a qualitative grading scheme for hotel and other serviced accommodation by 1990. The new system is similar to that in operation in Scotland, and will supplement the present crown classification scheme under which establishments are classified by available facilities.

  Forestry
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total area of land approved for forestry planting grants in Wales in each of the last four financial years for which figures are available; and what was the figure for the period 1 April 1987 to 31 January 1988.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The information is as follows:

  Year ended 31 March

  Area of land (hectares)

  1984

  2,175

  1985

  1,811

  1986

  2,466

  1987

  4,580

  The total area of land approved for planting in the period 1 April 1987 to 31 December 1987 was 2,406 hectares. Figures are not yet available for January 1988.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what environmental guidance he will be giving to the Forestry Commission concerning grant approval for new forestry planting in the uplands of Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The existing consultation arrangements, the effectiveness of which will be enhanced by the proposed new grant regime, will continue to balance the environmental and forestry planting objectives in the upland areas of Wales.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  MBFR Talks
  Mr. Kirkhope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what time table the Government envisage for an agreement in the forthcoming conventional arms talks in Vienna; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  We hope the Vienna discussions on a mandate for conventional stability negotiations will reach early agreement and that substantive talks will begin later this year.

  Panama
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's response to the recent events in Panama.

  Mr. Eggar
  We have followed closely recent events in Panama. On 2 March, together with our European Community partners, we issued a statement expressing deep concern at developments and appealing to the present rulers of Panama to open the way for internal peace and democracy.

  Uranium
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the current agreements by(a) the European Community Council of Ministers and (b) the Commonwealth Heads of State on the import of uranium originating in (a) South Africa and (b) Namibia for processing and subsequent re-export for use in a third state, in each state party to such agreements.

  Mr. Mellor
  None specifically. A package of restrictive measures agreed by the European Community Council of Ministers in September 1985 included a prohibition on all new collaboration with South Africa in the nuclear sector. The package of economic measures agreed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in October 1985 included a ban on new contracts for the sale and export of nuclear goods, materials and technology to South Africa.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he possesses concerning the rules currently adopted by the United States Treasury Department pursuant to the comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act 1986 covering the import and safeguarding of South African and Namibian origin uranium(a) processed in the United Kingdom before re-export and (b) contracted before 1 July 1987.

  Mr. Mellor
  The United States Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 prohibits the import of South African origin uranium ore or uranium oxide to the United States. However, articles such as uranium hexafluoride, which are produced from uranium ore or uranium oxide, and which the United States customs service determines to have been substantially transformed outside the United States, are not subject to the import prohibition.

PRIME MINISTER

  Turkish Prime Minister
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Prime Minister when she next expects to meet the Prime Minister of Turkey.

  The Prime Minister
  I expect to meet the Prime Minister of Turkey when I visit that country next month.

  Granborough (Visit)
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Prime Minister if she has any plans to make an official visit to Granborough, near Rugby.

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

  Port Glasgow (Visit)
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Prime Minister if she has any plans to visit Port Glasgow in the near future.

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

  Engagements
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 22 March.

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 22 March.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 22 March.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 22 March.

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, and I also attended the launch of the Tidy Britain Group's litter initiative. In addition to my duties in the House, I shall be having further meetings later today, including one with the Prime Minister of Kuwait. This evening I hope to have an Audience of Her Majesty The Queen.

  Gwynedd
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans she has to pay an official visit to Gwynedd.

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

ENVIRONMENT

  RNAD, Coulport (Floating Jetty)
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if there has been any slippage in the timing of the announcement of the placing of a contract for a floating jetty for the RNAD, Coulport; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The tendering period has been extended by six weeks at the request of the tenderers. A decision on the placing of a contract is expected in the late summer.

  Canary Wharf
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps have been taken by the London Docklands development corporation to set up the employment monitoring group incorporating the local boroughs and the docklands forum as prescribed in the
  55
  master building agreement with the Canary wharf developers Olympia and York; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  The master building agreement allows for the monitoring of local employment. Olympia and York Ltd has instituted written procedures which will be contractually enforced on all companies working on Canary wharf to submit, on a monthly basis, returns of people employed locally and people undertaking training from local areas. These will be submitted directly to the LDDC and the London borough of Tower Hamlets. The LDDC will then at regular intervals provide this information to the docklands forum.

  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many square feet of offices on Canary wharf the master builder agreement between the London Docklands development corporation and Olympia and York commits the developer to build; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  The master building agreement commits the developers of Canary wharf to build 5·4 million sq ft of development in phase 1. The whole development provides in aggregate 12·2 million sq ft of office, retail and hotel floor space. This is a bold and innovative development. It will provide an enormous increase in employment opportunities in docklands, and will add further impetus to the regeneration of docklands as a whole.

  Urban Development Corporations (Land)
  Mr. Boyes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average value of land per acre when invested in each of the currently existing urban development corporations; and at what average price it is currently being sold to developers.

  Nature of Derelict Land

  Hectares

  Spoil Heaps

  Excavation and Pits

  Military etc. Dereliction

  Derelict Railway Land

  Other Forms of Dereliction

  Total of Derelict Land Not Justifying Reclamation

  Beverlcy

  —

  —

  —

  8

  —

  8

  Boothferry

  —

  —

  —

  19

  —

  19

  Cleethorpes

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Glanford

  —

  21

  —

  —

  1

  22

  Grimsby

  —

  —

  —

  9

  62

  71

  Holderness

  —

  22

  —

  —

  —

  22

  Kingston Upon Hull

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Yorkshire

  —

  —

  —

  112

  —

  112

  Scunthorpe

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Urban Development
  Mr. Heddle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report (a) the number of projects approved under the urban development grant programme. (b) the amount of funds provided, (c) the number of jobs created, (d) the number of homes built and (e) the number of acres of derelict land reused since the programme began in 1982.
  56
  Mr. Trippier
  Land has been vested in two of the six English urban development corporations. For information on the London Docklands development corporation I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, North-East (Mr. Banks) on 8 March at column 118.

  The average value of land vested in Merseyside development corporation was £9,200 per acre. Land prices in the urban development area currently range from £35,000 per acre to approximately £250,000 per acre, depending on size, location planning use and MDC expenditure on site preparation and infrastructure.

  Derelict Land
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much of the 632 hectares of derelict land in Humberside that was thought to justify reclamation during the 1982 survey of derelict land in England has been reclaimed and developed; why the remaining 254 hectares of derelict land in Humberside was not thought to justify reclamation; and where this land is located.

  Mr. Trippier
  Information on how much of the 632 hectares of derelict land has been reclaimed since April 1982 is not presently available. The 1988 derelict land survey is currently under way and the results are expected to be published next year. The information sought will than be readily available.

  The decision that 254 hectares of derelict land did not justify reclamation was based on local authorities' own assessments at that time and would include those sites in remote rural areas which were not sufficiently obtrusive to warrant expenditure and sites for which it would be impracticable to consider reclamation because of technical and—or financial reasons.

  The location of the land and the nature of the dereliction is as follows:

  Mr. Trippier
  Since 1982, a total of 282 urban development grants have been approved. A total of almost £137 million of grant has been offered securing private sector investment of £545 million. The grants approved will lead to 25,700 jobs, the construction of 4,700 new homes, the refurbishment of a further 1,900 homes and the reuse of 1,100 acres of land.

  Unified Business Rate
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state(a) the estimated increase in the level of rates that businesses in each of the district council areas of Devon will face when unified business rate is introduced and how that increase will be phased in, and (b) the estimated effect of the proposed rates revaluation on Devon businesses.

  Mr. Howard
  A national non-domestic rate (NNDR) set at the 1987–88 average level would have been set at 224·1p in the pound. This compares with the present poundages in the district council areas of Devon as follows:

  District Councils

  Pence

  Percentage difference

  East Devon

  207·4

  8·0

  Exeter

  203·3

  10·2

  North Devon

  212·7

  5·4

  Plymouth

  207·0

  8·3

  South Hams

  212·3

  5·6

  Teignbridge

  211·9

  5·8

  Mid Devon

  210·6

  6·4

  Torbay

  220·8

  1·5

  Torridge

  215·6

  3·9

  West Devon

  209·2

  7·1

  Annual changes in business rates in Devon percentage

  1980–81 to 1981–82

  1981–82 to 1982–83

  1982–83 to 1983–84

  1983–84 to 1984–85

  1984–85 to 1985–86

  1985–86 to 1986–87

  1986–87 to 1987–88

  East Devon

  8·6

  14·3

  5·5

  8·0

  4·8

  18·8

  6·3

  Exeter

  9·3

  13·4

  5·4

  6·2

  4·7

  18·0

  6·7

  Mid Devon

  11·2

  14·4

  5·5

  8·3

  4·8

  19·4

  6·5

  North Devon

  8·2

  14·8

  5·5

  8·3

  6·2

  18·3

  6·0

  Plymouth

  8·7

  15·4

  5·8

  7·6

  5·1

  17·5

  6·6

  South Hams

  9·1

  14·1

  5·7

  8·0

  5·8

  18·5

  6·8

  Teignbridge

  8·6

  14·0

  6·4

  8·3

  4·8

  17·8

  6·3

  Torbay

  6·7

  13·4

  5·4

  9·2

  6·5

  19·9

  8·0

  Torridge

  8·0

  14·7

  6·3

  8·6

  5·9

  18·6

  7·1

  West Devon

  9·0

  14·6

  5·7

  7·4

  5·6

  19·0

  7·4

  Increase in inflation (RPI index at April)

  12·0

  9·4

  4·0

  5·2

  6·9

  3·0

  4·2

  Prospect Estate, Hampshire
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of the cost to the borough of Rushmoor in Hampshire to effect the major technical repair programme on the Prospect estate for 1988–89 and subsequent years will be met by subsidy.

  Mrs. Roe
  In the first place, this will depend upon the cost of the work undertaken by Rushmoor borough council. The Department is considering a request by the council that the subsidy rules be relaxed in this particular case.

  Cars (Lead-free Petrol)
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to publish regularly updated lists of cars which run on lead-free petrol.

  Mr. Moynihan
  A list of cars capable of running on unleaded petrol without adjustment was prepared by the
  58
  Rates in Devon in the coming year alone are changing by 10 to 12 per cent. as a result of the spending decisions of the local authorities there. Detailed information on the effects of the revaluation is not yet available. Some forecasts suggest it might result in moderate average increases in rateable values in the south-west as a whole, with rather large increases for prime shops and reductions for older factories.

  There will be arrangements to phase in changes in the rates bill resulting from revaluation and the NNDR. There will be an annual ceiling on the amount by which rate bills can increase in any one year. We are considering whether a lower ceiling might be set for small businesses. We intend to take a power to allow for further transitional arrangements after 1995.

  Rates Increases
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state the total rates increase for businesses for each of the years in the period 1980 to 1987 in each of the district council areas of Devon; and what was the increase in the rate of inflation in each year.

  Mr. Chope
  Following is the available information:

  Department in September 1987. This list and a simplified chart have been made freely available to interested organisations and inquirers. An updated list will be available by the end of this month. Details for all new cars are now published twice a year in the Department of Transport's "New Car Fuel Consumption" booklet.

  Petrol
  Sir Trevor Skeet
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what percentage of cars at present on British roads have been designed to operate both on leaded and unleaded petrol;

  (2) what percentage of cars cannot run on unleaded petrol due to risk of engine damage;

  (3) what information he has on the locations in England and Wales where unleaded petrol may be purchased;

  (4) if he will estimate the number of cars that are fitted with three-way catalytic converters;
  59
  (5) if he will make a statement on lean-burn engine technology in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Moynihan
  [holding answer 21 March 1988]: Figures provided by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on the ability of cars to run on unleaded petrol are as follows:

  Per cent.

  R

  U

  L

  E

  Vehicles on the road at December 1986

  56

  —

  35

  9

  New vehicles registered during 1987

  57

  —

  20

  23

  In the above, R denotes refer to dealer for advice on conversion to operate on either unleaded or leaded petrol, U denotes unleaded fuel only, L denotes leaded fuel only, and E denotes either unleaded or leaded fuel may be used without adjustment.
  To date in the United Kingdom a few cars used solely for experimental and test purposes have been fitted with three-way catalytic converters. I understand that the first vehicles fitted with three-way catalytic converters to go on sale in the United Kingdom will do so on Wednesday 23 March.

  The approach of British and other European car manufacturers to the use of "lean-burn" technology is discussed in volume 4 of the Fellowship of Engineering's "Manual of Acidic Emission Abatement Technologies" prepared for the Department. Copies of this have been placed in the Library of the House. "Lean-burn" technology is one of the principal approaches to meeting the new European exhaust emission limits.

  The Department regularly receives a list from the United Kingdom Petroleum Industries Association of petrol stations in the United Kingdom where unleaded petrol may be purchased. A map showing these locations is prepared by the Department and both the list and the map are made freely available to interested organisations and inquirers.

  Litter
  Dr. Michael Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what new proposals he has to tackle the litter problem: and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ridley
  [holding answer 21 March 1988]The Government have supported the Tidy Britain Group (formerly the Keep Britain Tidy Group) for many years in its educational and promotional programmes for litter abatement. At my suggestion, the group has rethought its strategy and approach. Over the next 12 months, the group will launch a series of pilot projects across the country which will try out different approaches to demonstrate what can be done and how best it can be done. I shall, with parliamentary approval, increase the grant made by my Department to the group to £1·254 million in 1988–89 to include a contribution to finance the necessary managerial and co-ordinating effort.

  The projects, which will be selected by the group, will aim to enlist the support of all sectors of the community—commerce and industry at both national and local levels, local authorities, public utilities and voluntary groups. Each project will incorporate "before" and "after" studies so that their success can be evaluated. Lessons drawn from the pilot projects will be reviewed at the end of the year, to form the basis for the group to develop a
  60
  major national effort in subsequent years. Litter and public untidiness are neither necessary, nor inevitable. This new experimental initiative by the Tidy Britain Group offers the prospect of a cleaner, tidier Britain in the nineties. To be successful, it will require practical support and commitment from everyone. I am sure that all sections of the House wish to give theirs.

TRANSPORT

  Harrogate and Knaresborough Bypass
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has of the completion date of the inquiry into the Harrogate and Knaresborough southern bypass.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The reopened inquiry closed on 19 February. We await the inspector's report.

  M1 (Fourth Lane)
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to construct a fourth lane on the M1 to act as a feeder into the M25.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We have no such proposals.

  M5 (Repairs)
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) on how many occasions since 1981 individual lanes of the Bridgwater-Exeter section of the M5 motorway have been closed for repair; whether he will estimate how long each such lane closure lasted, excluding temporary lane closures resulting from road accidents; and what representations he has received since January 1987 regarding any inconvenience caused by such lane closures;

  (2) what representations he has received since 1 January 1987 about the condition of the fabric of the M5 motorway between Bridgwater and Exeter; whether it is now in a satisfactory state of repair; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) what was the cost of repair works to the M5 motorway between Bridgwater and Exeter in each financial year since 1976; and what was the cost of the original construction of that section of the motorway, in cash prices and in 1987 prices.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Since 1981 contraflow systems have been in operation on seven occasions with a total duration of about 420 days. Records of other lane closures for routine maintenance operations are not kept.

  Three representations have been received since 1 January 1987 about the Bridgwater-Exeter length of the M5. These related to the inconvenience caused by the works currently in progress on the Taunton bypass section.

  Construction costs of the M5 motorway between Bridgwater (junction 23) and Exeter (junction 30) amounted to £41 million in cash terms. This represents expenditure of the order of £153 million in 1987 prices.

  Maintenance costs since 1976 are as follows:
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  £

  £

  Cash prices 1976

  Cash prices 1987

  1976–77

  2,000

  5,000

  1977–78

  3,000

  6,000

  1978–79

  66,000

  106,000

  1979–80

  508,000

  574,000

  1980–81

  1,946,000

  2,315,000

  1981–82

  248,000

  315,000

  1982–83

  1,216,000

  1,388,000

  1983–84

  1,319,000

  1,553,000

  1984–85

  226,000

  258,000

  1985–86

  1,010,000

  1,130,000

  1986–87

  1,370,000

  1,460,000

  1987–88

  2,467,000

  2,467,000

  Total

  10,381,000

  11,577,000

  Further major maintenance works will be carried out between Huntworth (junction 24) and Taunton (junction 25) starting after Easter and finishing before the spring bank holiday at a cost of about a further £1 million. Additional major maintenance works will be necessary over the next five years as various sections of this length of motorway which will have been in use for between 15 and 20 years will require strengthening or reconstruction.

  Channel Tunnel (Contaminated Soil)
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Moretonunder-Lugg, Herefordshire, was used to store approximately 3,000 drums of contaminated soil from Channel tunnel workings.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  It provided a suitable site for the necessary secure temporary storage.

  Roads (East Anglia)
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has had from Suffolk and Norfolk on roads; what responses he has given; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  My right hon. Friend receives a wide variety of representations both in the context of the statutory procedures for trunk road proposals and otherwise.

  There have been continuing representations from various sources seeking improvements to the trunk road network in East Anglia and in particular that the A11-A47 route between M11 and Great Yarmouth should be dualled throughout. Our positive response to this is demonstrated by the 30 schemes in various stages of preparation valued at £177 million for the three East Anglian counties (including Cambridgeshire). Fifteen schemes currently in the planning process or recently completed, and valued at £130 million for the A11-A47 mean some three quarters of that route will be dual carriageway by the early 1990s. Further improvements will be considered as candidates for the programme when they can be justified, subject to the availability of resources.

  Road Safety Law
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he intends to publish the findings of Dr. North's review of road safety law.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Dr. North has submitted his report on the work of his review over the past three years.62
  Arrangements are being made to get this printed and published so that all concerned and interested can have an opportunity to read it and comment on it.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Enterprise Initiative
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many applications under the enterprise initiative have been received by his Department's regional office in Newcastle.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  DTI/NE Newcastle had received 138 applications for consultancy assistance under the enterprise initiative up to and including 17 March 1988.

  Staff (Redeployment)
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many officials of his Department presently employed at the Billingham office in Stockton-on-Tees will be redeployed(a) within Cleveland and (b) in the northern region.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  We are still considering the DTI's continued presence in Teesside although the bulk of the work at present carried out at the Billingham office will come to an end over the next few years. We will make every effort to redeploy officials presently employed in Billingham to other work or to other offices in the north-east, but I cannot at this stage guarantee redeployment to every official involved.

  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many officials will be employed at the new satellite office of his Department to be established in Middlesbrough under the enterprise initiative.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  One official will inaugurate this satellite office but the final staffing level remains to he decided in the light of its emerging role.

  Departmental Satellite Office
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster where the new satellite office of his Department in Middlesbrough will be situated.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The satellite office will begin operation in Rede house, Corporation road, Middlesbrough. Its longer-term location will be reviewed in line with its emerging role. It will work closely with others concerned with enterprise in Cleveland.

  Departmental Office, Billingham
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he next intends to visit his Department's office in Billingham.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I keep in close touch with the work of my regional offices, but I cannot say when it will be possible for me to visit Billingham.

  Consumer Protection Act 1987
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list all the relevant goods made the subject of prohibition notices under section 13 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the similar provisions under previous acts.
  63
  Mr. Butcher
  No prohibition notices have been made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. Three were made under the Consumer Safety Act 1978:

  Automatic Rice Cooker (1983)

  Sprint 0·6 TA Scissor Jack (1984)

  Expanding Novelties, New Grobots, New Grobugs and New Grobeasts (1985)

  Normally suppliers agree to remove hazardous products from the market voluntarily.

  Pensions and Benefits
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will call for a report from the chairman of the Post Office on action taken by the Post Office following a letter dated 22 January from the area manager, counters, to sub-postmasters, in response to advice from the Department of Health and Social Security that recipients of pensions and benefits might receive those benefits through a bank or building society; and what expenditure the Post Office plans to incur in this respect.

  Mr. Butcher
  No; these are commercial matters for the Post Office.

  Tin Mining (Cornwall)
  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the current position of the Rio Tinto Zinc Corporation plc tin mining operations in Cornwall.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  In 1986 the Government agreed to provide to the RTZ Corporation's subsidiary Carnon Consolidated Ltd. an interest-free loan of up to £15 million and guarantees of commercial loans of up to £10 million. This finance was to assist RTZ to undertake a £31 million capital development programme covering the next five years. It was clear at the outset that the prospects for the tin mines in the longer term were heavily dependent on the course of the price of tin.

  Because of severely depressed tin prices in the last year — particularly over the last few months — Carnon Consolidated Ltd. is again facing serious difficulties. I understand that today the company is announcing the redundancy of some 200 of the present 720 staff employed in their two mines.

  Over the past few weeks, I have had several discussions with RTZ and my officials have been holding detailed talks with RTZ and the management of Carnon Consolidated Ltd. I am pleased to announce that heads of agreement have today been signed between the parties.

  Under the heads of agreement, subject to the parties obtaining various consents, RTZ will sell its interest to a new company to be owned 80 per cent. by present management and 20 per cent. on behalf of employees. RTZ has agreed to provide £10 million in interest-free loans to the new company. The Government have agreed to convert our £10 million guarantees to an interest-free loan in addition to our original £15 million loan which will remain in place.

  I am satisfied that, although the inherent risks of tin mining remain, this help is justified to secure the continuation of mining and employment in Cornwall. It will enable the main elements of the modernisation programme begun in 1986 to be completed and will save at least 500 jobs in the two mines.

  Airbus
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his policy towards the proposal made by the European Commission, on behalf of the continental partners of Airbus, that there should be a clause in the civil aviation agreement to permit support to compensate Airbus Industrie for exchange rate movements of the United States dollar, as revealed in the statement before the European Parliament by M de Clercq on 9 March; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 21 March 1988]: The European position described by Commissioner de Clercq is jointly agreed by the Commission and the four Airbus partner Governments. The Airbus partners and the Commission consider that Government supports to the aircraft industry are consistent with our obligations under the GATT agreement on trade in civil aircraft. How and in what circumstances support is given is a matter for individual Governments; in the United Kingdom, exchange rate movements were one of the risk factors taken into account by the Government in agreeing to provide launch aid.

  Heating and Cleaning Firms (Accounts)
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on what dates the latest annual return and accounts for IHV Industrial Investments Ltd., Industrial Heating and Ventilation Ltd., MPCS Ltd., and Midland Professional Cleaning Ltd., were received.

  Mr. Maude
  [holding answer 21 March 1988]The information requested is as follows:(a) IHV Industrial Investments Ltd.
  Annual return for 1986 received on 5 February 1988.
  Accounts for year ending 28 February 1986 received on 5 March 1987.
  The Registrar of companies is taking action to secure delivery of the 1987 annual return and accounts for the year ending
  28 February 1987.
  (b) Industrial Heating and Ventilating Ltd. Annual return for 1985 received on 9 May 1986. Accounts for year ending 28 February 19:35 received on
  13 May 1986.
  This company is in the process of being wound up following an order of the High Court dated 28 July 1986.
  (c) MPCS Ltd.
  Annual return for 1987 received on 12 January 1988.
  Accounts for year ending 31 October 1987 received on
  11 February 1988.
  (d) Midland Professional Cleaning Services Ltd. No annual returns for accounts have been received from the company since its incorporation on 6 November 1985. The Registrar of Companies is currently considering whether to strike this company from the register of companies using his powers under Section 652 of the Companies Act 1985.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fishing Regulations (Contravention)
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, for each year since 1979, how many
  65
  prosecutions have been brought against (a) EEC nationals and (b) non EEC nationals for contraventions of fishing regulations.

  Mr. Gummer
  The number of prosecutions which have been brought by United Kingdom authorities against(a) EEC nationals and (b) non-EEC nationals for offences connected with fishing, for each year since 1979, is shown in the table.

  (a) EEC nationals

  (b) non EEC nationals

  Total

  1979

  37

  6

  43

  1980

  75

  3

  78

  1981

  79

  10

  89

  1982

  48

  7

  55

  1983

  65

  4

  69

  1984

  63

  13

  76

  1985

  68

  16

  84

  1986

  61

  —

  61

  1987

  87

  —

  87

  Total

  583

  59

  642

  Departmental Staff (Location)
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list by Civil Service grade the number of officials in his Department located outside of London; and what proportion they represent of all officials employed by his Department.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The information requested is as follows:

  Deployment of permanent staff

  Grade level non-industrial staff

  Total staff in grade

  Number outside Greater London

  Percentage of grade out of London

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  —

  Grade 2

  5

  0

  —

  Grade 3

  24

  0

  —

  Grade 4

  18

  7

  39

  Grade 5

  110

  28

  25

  Grade 6

  100

  36

  36

  Grade 7

  678

  399

  59

  SEO and equivalent

  1,219

  981

  80

  HEO and equivalent

  1,674

  1,204

  72

  EO and equivalent

  1,809

  1,264

  70

  AO and equivalent

  2,070

  1,326

  64

  AA and equivalent

  2,201

  1,562

  71

  Non-industrials

  9,909

  6,807

  69

  Industrial staff

  586

  502

  86

  MAFF totals

  10,495

  7,309

  70

HOME DEPARTMENT

  British Visitors' Passports
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions exist on the issuing of British visitors' passports by post offices on Saturdays.

  Mr. Renton
  British visitor's passports, which are obtainable from main post offices in Great Britain, are not at present issued on Saturdays, but we hope to introduce procedural changes which will enable this restriction to be removed.

  Remand Prisoners
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many remand prisoners were being held in London prisons at the latest available date who are(a) over and (b) under 21 years of age;

  (2) how many remand prisoners were being held in London prisons at the latest available date.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The most recent readily available information is given in the table.

  Untried and convicted unsentenced prisoners in Greater London1 prisons on 31 January 1988: by age and type of prisoner

  Number of prisoners2

  Type of prisoner

  Under 21

  21 and over

  All ages

  Untried

  161

  1,779

  1,940

  Convicted unsentenced

  42

  295

  337

  Total

  203

  2,074

  2,277

  1 Brixton, Feltham, Holloway, Latchmere House, Pentonville, Wandsworth and Wormwood Scrubs.

  2 In addition 734 prisoners from the whole of the South East Prison Department Region, most of whom were on remand, were held in police cells.

  Prisons
  Mr. Temple-Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether for the longer term planning purposes of prison building, any consideration has been given to, or plans exist for, the sale of sites of Her Majesty's prisons at Cardiff, Reading and Swansea;

  (2) what steps would have to be taken to make the proceeds of the sale of existing sites of Her Majesty's prisons for redevelopment purposes available for prison building;

  (3) where, under present rules, the proceeds of the sale of prison sites go.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Under long-standing Treasury rules, proceeds from the sale of prison sites would be surrendered to the Consolidated Fund. Changes to these rules would require detailed discussions with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Whether any such changes to the rules should be proposed is a question to be considered in the first instance by the Prison Building Board; as is the question whether in the longer-term consideration should be given to selling prisons on city centre sites. The seven-member board includes three from the private sector, and its task is to ensure that the prison building programme is delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible.

  Prisoners (Crime Statistics)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy guidance to police authorities regarding the provision of names of people who admit to crimes and who are serving terms of imprisonment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have issued no guidance to police authorities about the provision of names of people who admit to crimes and who are serving terms of imprisonment. The disclosure of police information is a matter for individual chief officers.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to authorise increases in Metropolitan police manpower for 1988–89; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  Under the four-year programme of police manpower increases announced in May 1986, I said that I would be prepared to authorise annual increases in Metropolitan police manpower of up to 300 in the police establishment and 150 in the civil staff ceiling, subject to my being satisfied that earlier increases had been properly used. In 1986–87, I authorised the first of these increases; and for 1987–88, I authorised the second, with the addition of 100 civil staff brought forward from 1988–89 to help with civilianisation.

  I have reviewed manpower in the Metropolitan police. In 1987 officers serving at headquarters were reduced by 344 and the number of officers in areas with direct local responsibility for operations has increased by 752. I have decided to authorise the increase of 300 police officers as envisaged in the programme, and the 50 additional civil staff for 1988–89 not already authorised. These increases will bring the police establishment and civil staff ceiling for 1988–89 to 28,115 and 13,701 respectively.

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement concerning openness in the proceedings of magistrates courts and the possible scope for improved access to the records of such proceedings.

  Mr. Hurd
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor and I are concerned about the allegations of insufficient openness in the magistrates courts which have been published recently in the press and the survey by the Association of British Editors on which they are based.

  It is a well-established principle that, subject to certain exceptions, the administration of justice in this country should take place in open court, to which the public and the press have access, and that any attempt by anyone to circumvent this principle is to be condemned. My noble and learned Friend and I have arranged for officials of our two Departments to meet representatives of the press, the Magistrates Association and the Justices Clerks Society to discuss relations between magistrates courts and the press relevant to the reporting of proceedings, including access to the records.

  I should add that, though I am in no position to comment on them, I understand that the details of the cases mentioned in recent allegations in the press are not accepted as accurate by the clerks of the courts concerned, and that a complaint has been made to the Press Council.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science pursuant to the answer of 4 March,Official Report, column 718, if he will list by Civil Service grade the number of officials in his Department located outside London; and what proportion they represent of all officials employed by his Department in each grade.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The details requested are as follows:
  68

  Officials outside London, by grade

  Percentage of total in the grade

  1 Assistant Secretary

  2

  1 Senior Principal

  6

  368 HMI

  77

  8 Principal

  7

  17 SEO

  26

  59 HEO

  27

  127 E0

  36

  180 AO

  43

  136 AA

  61

  55 Personal Secretaries

  37

  15 Senior data processors

  88

  39 Data Processors

  100

  3 Typing managers

  25

  137 Typists

  71

  3 Senior messengers

  17

  15 Messengers

  29

  2 Porter Messengers

  50

  1 Senior Paperkeeper

  20

  11 Paperkeepers

  28

  I Office Keeper

  25

  2 Photoprinters

  10

  3 Telephonists

  50

  2 Cleaners

  40

ENERGY

  Consultative Documents
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make it his policy that responses received to consultative documents issued by his Department be made publicly available in his Department's library, except where the respondent has specifically asked that this he not done; and if he will arrange for this procedure to be made clear when future consultative documents are issued.

  Mr. Parkinson
  Consultative documents vary widely in form and purpose and accordingly each such case needs to be considered on its merits. However, I will bear in mind the hon. Member's suggestion.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) who will be liable to bear the costs and responsibility for the safe disposal of nuclear waste after privatisation of the electricity supply industry;

  (2) whether the decommissioning of nuclear power stations will be the responsibility of the private company which takes them over; and by whom the cost will be borne.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The operators of nuclear power stations will continue to be responsible for decommissioning and management of radioactive wastes, within the guidelines on safety and environmental protection set by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution, and for their costs.

  Uranium
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if uranium imported to the United Kingdom from Namibia for processing by British Nuclear Fuels Limited and re-export for Chubu Electric Company of Japan, is covered by(a) the International Atomic Energy Authority, (b) Euratom and (c) bilateral safeguards agreements;
  69
  (2) if uranium imported from Namibia to the United Kingdom for processing by British Nuclear Fuels Limited and re-export for Tokyo Electric is covered by safeguards;

  (3) if uranium imported from South Africa to be processed by British Nuclear Fuels Limited for re-export for Tokyo Electric Company is covered by safeguards;

  (4) if uranium imported from South Africa for processing and re-export by British Nuclear Fuels Limited for Taiwan Power Company is covered by (a) International Atomic Energy Authority, (b) Euratom or (c) bilateral safeguards;

  (5) if uranium imported from South Africa to the United Kingdom for processing by British Nuclear Fuels Limited and re-export for Kansai Electric Company is under (a) International Atomic Energy Authority, (b) Euratom or (c) bilateral safeguards.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  All civil nuclear material in the United Kingdom is subject to Euratom safeguards and to the terms of the United Kingdom/Euratom/IAEA agreement.

EMPLOYMENT

  Youth Training
  Ms. Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps the Government have taken to find young people the YTS scheme of their choice within the time recommended.

  Mr. Cope
  Since 1983 the Government have guaranteed that all unemployed school leavers would be offered a YTS place by Christmas and each year this guarantee has been effectively met. This achievement reflects great credit on the Manpower Services Commission which is responsible for providing an appropriate range of places in each locality and the careers service which is responsible for placing young people on YTS within the guarantee period.

  Labour Statistics
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish what information he has about unemployment by ethnic group at regional and metropolitan county level.

  Mr. Lee
  Information about unemployment by ethnic group is available from the labour force survey, but the amount of detail that can be provided is limited by small sample numbers. Estimated unemployment rates by ethnic origin for regions and metropolitan counties, averaged over spring 1984, 1985 and 1986, were published in the March 1988 issue of Employment Gazette (Table 12 on page 177), a copy of which is in the Library. Later estimates will be published when the final results of the 1987 labour force survey become available later this year.

  Unemployed People (Study)
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what new provision he is intending to make to encourage young unemployed people to study whilst unemployed.

  Mr. Cope
  From September all young people aged 16 and 17 will be guaranteed a place on the youth training scheme if they want one, up to their 18th birthday. All 70
  trainees on the scheme take part in off-the-job training and have the opportunity to study for a recognised vocational qualification or a credit towards one.

  Hotels (Classification)
  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to his reply of 19 November,Official Report, column 621, what is the latest information on the numbers of establishments accepted for crown classification in each category including five gold crowns; how many hotels have failed to meet the specification; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  According to figures for England produced by the English tourist board, the information as at 23 February 1988 is as follows:

  Category

  Number

  Listed

  2,147

  1 crown

  573

  2 crowns

  3,009

  3 crowns

  1,801

  4 crowns

  1,215

  5 crowns

  251

  Total

  8,996

  Six of the 5-crown graded hotels have also been given the five gold crown award. Of those establishments which have applied, 125 have failed to meet the criteria for classification.

  European Social Fund
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will itemise, by applicant organisation or body, the source of public authority matching funds, including local authority spending powers where relevant, for European social fund schemes based in Greater London which have been submitted to the European Commission to operate in 1988;

  (2) if he will itemise by recipient organisation or body, the source of public authority matching funds, including local authority spending powers where relevant, for European social fund supported projects based in Greater London in 1987.

  Mr. Cope
  I regret that I cannot provide the information that the hon. Member requests. In submitting applications for European social fund assistance to the European Commission through my Department, organisations are required to provide details some of which they may understandably regard as confidential. It would be wrong of me to publish these without their prior approval.

SCOTLAND

  Education and Culture (European Integration)
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken to implement the a la carte co-operation proposed in the document entitled "European Integration in Education and Culture," which appears in bulletin EC 3–1987, page 111; and if he will make a statement.
  71
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The document to which the hon. Member refers was circulated by the French Prime Minister to his European counterparts last March, but no conclusion has yet been reached on its implementation.

  We shall continue to participate in the Government's overall consideration of the proposals for a la carte co-operation contained in the document.

  Nursing Staff
  Mr. McTaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on funding for schemes to allow nursing staff to update their skills to enable them to return to work.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Former nursing staff can update their skills to enable them to return to clinical practice in the NHS through attending "Back to Nursing" courses, or through participation in nurse banks which offer them temporary postings. These schemes are the responsibility of, and are funded by, individual health boards.

  Mr. McTaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the shortfall in nursing staff in each health board in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Authority

  District

  Region (including community water charge)

  Total

  Borders Region

  36

  172

  208

  Berwickshire

  33

  172

  205

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  35

  172

  207

  Roxburgh

  39

  172

  211

  Tweeddale

  33

  172

  205

  Central Region

  61

  185

  246

  Clackmannan

  59

  185

  245

  Falkirk

  48

  185

  233

  Stirling

  84

  185

  270

  Dumfries and Galloway Region

  37

  172

  209

  Annandale and Eskdale

  38

  172

  210

  Nithsdale

  38

  172

  210

  Stewartry

  38

  172

  210

  Wigtown

  31

  172

  203

  Fife Region

  50

  205

  255

  Dunfermline

  42

  205

  247

  Kirkcaldy

  53

  205

  258

  North East Fife

  55

  205

  261

  Grampian Region

  41

  170

  211

  Aberdeen City

  50

  170

  220

  Banff and Buchan

  38

  170

  208

  Gordon

  36

  170

  206

  Kincardine and Deeside

  31

  170

  201

  Moray

  31

  170

  201

  Highland Region

  33

  172

  205

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  29

  172

  201

  Caithness

  30

  172

  202

  72
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Management information of this kind is not held centrally.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest estimate of the level of community charge for each(a) regional, (b) islands and (c) district council in Scotland taking account of proposed rates levels for the financial year 1988–89.

  Mr. Lang
  The table shows the estimated levels of community charge which would be necessary to replace domestic rate income in 1988–89. The figures may need to be adjusted if in due course my right hon. and learned Friend proposes a rate reduction in relation to any authority and this is approved by Parliament. They are provisional figures calculated on the same basis as those produced by the Scottish Office in respect of earlier years and reflect the latest available information on rate poundages for 1988–89. They do not represent forecasts of the level of community charge when the new system is introduced in 1989–90 and take no account of the proposals for grant safety nets which are under discussion at present between the Scottish Office and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
  73

  Authority

  District

  Region (including community water charge)

  Total

  Inverness

  32

  172

  204

  Lochaber

  42

  172

  214

  Nairn

  28

  172

  200

  Ross and Cromarty

  37

  172

  209

  Skye and Lochalsh

  28

  172

  200

  Sutherland

  23

  172

  195

  Lothian Region

  64

  265

  329

  East Lothian

  67

  265

  331

  Edinburgh City

  69

  265

  334

  Midlothian

  58

  265

  323

  West Lothian

  52

  265

  316

  Strathclyde Region

  67

  209

  276

  Argyll and Bute

  65

  209

  274

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  74

  209

  283

  Clydebank

  58

  209

  267

  Clydesdale

  55

  209

  263

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  57

  209

  266

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  48

  209

  256

  Cunninghame

  71

  209

  279

  Dumbarton

  73

  209

  281

  East Kilbride

  52

  209

  261

  Eastwood

  55

  209

  264

  Glasgow City

  82

  209

  291

  Hamilton

  63

  209

  272

  Inverclyde

  54

  209

  263

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  59

  209

  268

  Kyle and Carrick

  65

  209

  274

  Monklands

  58

  209

  266

  Motherwell

  52

  209

  261

  Renfrew

  64

  209

  273

  Strathkelvin

  58

  209

  266

  Tayside Region

  60

  200

  260

  Angus

  45

  200

  245

  Dundee City

  75

  200

  275

  Perth and Kinross

  49

  200

  249

  Orkney Islands Area

  —

  107

  107

  Shetland Islands Area

  —

  201

  201

  Western Isles Islands Area

  —

  125

  125

  SCOTLAND

  58

  208

  266

  Notes:

  1. Figures for regions are averages of their component districts; the figures for Scotland as a whole are an average of all regions and islands.

  2. The total charge may not be the sum of the constituent parts, as a result of rounding.

  3. The figures are based on rate poundages for 1988–89, the Registrar-General's estimate of persons 18 plus at June 1986, and domestic rateable values at April 1987.

  Education
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many children received primary school education in(a) Fife and (b) north-east Fife in the last five years for which information is available;

  (2) how many children have received nursery school education in (a) Fife and (b) north-east Fife in the last five years for which information is available;

  (3) how many children received secondary school education in (a) Fife and (b) north-east Fife in the last five years for which information is available;
  74
  (4) how many school teachers have been employed in (a) Fife and (b) north-east Fife in (i) primary schools, (ii) secondary schools and (iii) nursery schools in the last five years for which information is available.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested in respect of education authority schools in Fife is set out in the table. Information for Fife, North-East can be obtained from Fife regional council.

  The figures for 1987 are provisional. Teacher numbers have been provided in full-time equivalent terms.
  75

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Primary

  Pupils

  31,388

  31,005

  31,105

  30,602

  30,554

  Teachers

  1,579·3

  1545·0

  1,541·4

  1,516·0

  1,516·1

  Secondary

  Pupils

  26,194

  25,208

  24,371

  23,606

  22,469

  Teachers

  1,814·3

  1,784·5

  1,736·9

  1,742·0

  1,686·6

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1987

  Nursery

  Pupils

  3,171

  3,499

  3,850

  4,056

  4,279

  Teachers

  58·4

  60·6

  77·2

  79·0

  100·3

  Forestry
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the rates of grant will be under the new forestry grant arrangements announced in the Budget statement; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The rates of grant will be announced later this week.

  Training Programmes
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the training programmes available in Greenock and Port Glasgow, with particular reference to whether the unemployed persons will be able to respond to new job opportunities, especially with regard to the Inverclyde initiative.

  Mr. Lang
  Yes. The full range of Manpower Services Commission training and employment measures is available in Greenock and Port Glasgow and, together with other training initiatives supported by the Scottish Development Agency and the Inverclyde Enterprise Trust, should greatly enhance the job prospects of local unemployed people in the more buoyant labour market now prevailing.

  Labour Statistics
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the latest unemployment figures for Greenock and Port Glasgow; and if he will break these figures down by district council ward.

  Mr. Lang
  On 11 February 1988 (the latest date for which information is available) the number of unemployed claimants in each electoral ward of the Greenock and Port Glasgow parliamentary constituency was as shown in the table.

  Ward name

  Unemployed claimants

  Port Glasgow East

  760

  Port Glasgow South

  664

  Clune Brae

  583

  Port Glasgow West

  381

  Gibshill

  735

  Blairmore

  434

  Bellville

  521

  Greenock East Central

  665

  Broomhill

  329

  Gateside

  367

  Bow

  537

  76

  Ward name

  Unemployed claimants

  Larkfield

  517

  Upper Larkfield

  566

  Greenock South

  484

  Greenock West Central

  315

  Greenock West End

  191

  Costituency total

  8,049

  This informaton is available in the Library.

  Hotels (Classification)
  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his reply of 17 November,Official Report, column 540, what is the latest information or he numbers of establishments accepted for crown hotel classification; how many hotels have failed to meet the specifications; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The figures given in my answer of 17 November, at columns 539–40, represented the final results of the classification and grading inspections carried out in 1987. The Scottish tourist board has commenced this year's round of inspections, and results for 1988 will be available in the autumn.

  Forestry
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Scotland) area of land referred to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Scotland) by the Forestry Commission, in total and for each regional conservancy in Scotland, under forestry grant consultation procedures during the period 1 April 1987 to 31 January 1988; and if he will list in each case the area of land for which the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Scotland) advised it was(a) acceptable to award planting grant approval and (b) inappropriate to award grant on agricultural grounds.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  During the period 1 April 1987 to 31 January 1988, a total of 25,616 hectares of land was referred to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland by the Forestry Commission under the procedures for consultation on forestry grant scheme applications. The Department advised that it had no objections on agricultural grounds to applications affecting 23,179 hectares and notified the Forestry Commission of agricultural objections to 2,437 hectares.
  77
  Within Scotland, this information is collected for each DAFS area office rather than by regional conservancy. The statistics for the period 1 April 1987 to 31 January 1988 are as set out:

  Area Office

  Area referred

  Area cleared

  Area not cleared

  (in hectares)

  (in hectares)

  (in hectares)

  Aberdeen

  211

  211

  —

  Ayr

  1,432

  1,377

  55

  Dumfries

  2,794

  1,890

  904

  Dundee

  325

  325

  —

  Edinburgh

  207

  207

  —

  Galashiels

  3,755

  2,876

  879

  Glasgow

  537

  537

  —

  Keith

  2,483

  2,309

  174

  Kirkwall

  —

  —

  —

  Inverness

  2,529

  2,476

  53

  Oban

  3,266

  2,970

  296

  Perth

  2,014

  2,008

  6

  Portree

  162

  162

  —

  Stirling

  584

  514

  70

  Thurso

  5,317

  5,317

  —

  Total

  25,616

  23,179

  2,437

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what environmental guidance he will be giving to the Forestry Commission concerning grant approval for new planting in the uplands and highlands of Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro) on 17 March at columns 670–71.

  Training Programmes
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the training programmes available in Monklands, with particular reference to whether unemployed persons will be able to respond to new job opportunities, especially in respect of the Coatbridge project.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 17 March 1988]Yes. The full range of Manpower Services Commission training and employment measures is available in the Monklands area and, together with other training initiatives supported by the Scottish Development Agency and the Monklands enterprise trust, should greatly enhance the job prospects of local unemployed people in the more buoyant labour market now prevailing.

  Drink-Driving Accidents
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are, for each year since 1975, the figures for death caused by drink and driving accidents in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 1 February 1988]: Information is not available for the years 1975–78. For the years for which it is available, the figures can be expressed only as a range because the information is incomplete. From 1979 to 1985, the latest year for which figures are available, the estimated numbers of death in accidents in which at least one driver was, or was reckoned to have been, over the legal limit are set out in the table:
  78

  Deaths associated with drunk driving

  Minimum

  Maximum

  All road deaths aged 16 and over

  All road deaths

  1979

  199

  222

  725

  810

  1980

  195

  218

  635

  700

  1981

  190

  204

  616

  677

  1982

  165

  178

  635

  701

  1983

  129

  141

  551

  624

  1984

  126

  139

  519

  599

  1985

  111

  116

  535

  602

  It is encouraging that the estimated numbers of such deaths have diminished over the period, both absolutely and as a proportion both of road deaths aged 16 and over and of all road deaths. I hope, however, that we shall all play our part in reducing the numbers much further.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Arms Finds
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what evidence he has of arms found in Ireland having come via Libya;

  (2) what evidence he has of the countries of origin of the arms recently found in Ireland.

  Mr. Tom King
  I understand that weapons and explosives recently recovered in Ireland were manufactured in a number of countries including the Soviet Union, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, the United States of America, Belgium, France, Great Britain, the Irish Republic, Norway and Portugal. There is evidence that some of the arms were shipped to Ireland from Libya and investigations are continuing.

  Consultative Documents
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy that responses received to consultative documents issued by his Department be made publicly available in his Department's library, except where the respondent has specifically asked that this not be done; and if he will arrange for this procedure to be made clear when future consultative documents are issued.

  Mr. Tom King
  I do not believe that such a policy would be appropriate for the Northern Ireland Office or Northern Ireland departments, but respondents to consultative documents may of course make their views public, if they wish to do so.

  RUC (Chief Constable)
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what subjects he expects to discuss at his next meeting with the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

  Mr. Stanley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Wallace) on 25 February at columns 335–36.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received
  79
  concerning the implications for security in Northern Ireland of the joint co-ordinated enactment by different countries of similar laws on terrorism; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Tom King
  I have received no such representations, but the Government are strongly committed to the development of international co-operation in the fight against terrorism and recognise the importance of such co-operation in defeating the terrorist in Northern Ireland.

  Cross-border Security
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on cross-border security arrangements.

  Mr. Tom King
  Both this Government and the Irish Government are committed to the development of security co-operation and are at one in their determination to root out terrorism and the evil that it brings.

  Practical security co-operation is primarily a matter for the two police forces involved, the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Garda Siochana, supported as necessary by members of the armed forces. We shall continue to look for ways of developing further the cooperation that already exists.

  Persons convicted of scheduled murder and sentenced to life/pleasure between the ages of 16 and 21 years

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Others

  Total

  Year/Age

  16–17

  17–18

  18–19

  19–20

  20–21

  16–17

  17–18

  18–19

  19–20

  20–21

  16–17

  17–18

  18–19

  19–20

  20–21

  1971

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1972

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  5

  1973

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  2

  2

  4

  1

  2

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  15

  1974

  1

  2

  3

  5

  3

  4

  1

  2

  1

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  25

  1975

  2

  6

  7

  6

  2

  2

  7

  5

  2

  1

  —

  —

  3

  1

  —

  44

  1976

  3

  2

  2

  —

  2

  5

  6

  4

  6

  6

  —

  —

  —

  2

  1

  39

  1977

  1

  1

  2

  3

  3

  3

  2

  6

  7

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  30

  1978

  —

  —

  3

  1

  —

  2

  —

  3

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  12

  1979

  —

  1

  —

  1

  2

  —

  2

  1

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9

  1980

  —

  —

  2

  2

  3

  —

  —

  1

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10

  1981

  —

  2

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  1982

  —

  —

  —

  1

  3

  —

  —

  —

  1

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9

  1983

  —

  —

  1

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  5

  1984

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  2

  2

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  7

  1985

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  4

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  3

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1988

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Totals

  7

  15

  22

  21

  27

  18

  21

  30

  25

  25

  —

  2

  5

  5

  2

  225

  Average years served

  10·11

  10·67

  11·26

  11·04

  8·07

  11·65

  11·20

  11·34

  9·88

  9·37

  —

  70·8

  8·73

  9·7

  9·91

  —

  Notes:

  1. This table does not include 7 prisoners who were under 16 years at date of crime.

  2. The classifications in the table are based on the believed paramilitary affiliations of the prisoners at the time of their arrest.

  3. The average years served takes account of the periods served (a) by those who have been released on licence and (b) those still in custody.

  Prisoners (Sentences)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners sentenced to be held at the Secretary of State's pleasure(a) have been released and (b) have been released and were subsequently convicted of scheduled offences committed after their release, since 1970, showing, in each case, whether they were Republican or Loyalist prisoners and their average length of time served.

  Police Complaints Commission
  Mr. Gow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he had consultations with representatives of the Government of the Irish Republic before he announced the names of members of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Tom King
  [holding answer 4 March 1988]: The Irish Government put forward proposals on the composition of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland, in accordance with article 6 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

  Murder Convictions
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners were convicted of murder as a scheduled offence in Northern Ireland aged (i) 16 years, (ii) 17 years, (iii) 18 years, (iv) 19 years, (v) 20 years and (vi) 21 years of age since 1971; to which community they belonged; and what has been their average sentence served.

  Mr. Tom King
  [holding answer 17 March 1988]: The information requested is set out in the table:

  Mr. Tom King
  [holding answer 17 March 1988]: The information is set out in the table. No prisoner released on licence from detention during the pleasure of the Secretary of State has been subsequently convicted of a scheduled offence.

  Persons serving pleasure released on licence since 1970

  Year

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Others

  Totals

  1981

  —

  11

  —

  1

  1982

  —

  —

  1

  1

  81

  Year

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Others

  Totals

  1983

  2

  —

  —

  2

  1984

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1985

  5

  2

  —

  7

  1986

  5

  5

  —

  10

  1987

  4

  7

  —

  11

  1988 (to date)

  2

  —

  —

  2

  Totals

  18

  15

  1

  34

  Average years served

  10·56

  10·47

  10·33

  —

  Note: The classifications in the table are based on the believed paramilitary affiliation of the prisoners at the time of their arrest.

  1 Released on medical grounds.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many requests he has received since 22 February for the reconsidering of their sentences from(a) prisoners held in Northern Ireland at the Secretary of State's pleasure; and (b) other prisoners indicating (i) whether they were Loyalist or Republican prisoners, (ii) the age at which the offenders were committed, (iii) the nature of the offences for which they were sentenced and (iv) the number of cases he has re-examined.

  Mr. Tom King
  [holding answer 17 March 1988]: Since 22 February one Republican prisoner serving life for murder committed when he was 18 has petitioned asking for the date fixed for the review of his sentence by the life sentence review board to be brought forward. The request has been refused. There have been nine other cases during the period in which representations have been made on behalf of life or pleasure prisoners.

  Anglo-Irish Agreement
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in the Official Report the names of the persons recommended to him by the Government of the Irish Republic under article 6 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, indicating how many so recommended were resident in (a) the Irish Republic, and (b) Northern Ireland; how many and whom he has appointed; and to which positions.

  Mr. Tom King
  [holding answer 10 March 1988]: I gave part of the information sought in my reply of 9 March to the hon. Member for Upper Bann (Mr. McCusker) at column 230.

  The names of persons willing to serve on public bodies, including persons suggested through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat, are held in a central register. Persons are selected from this register because of their suitability for the proposed appointment and the contribution which they are likely to make to the work of the public body concerned. It is not my practice to publish details of individuals so appointed.

  All the persons suggested through the Anglo-Irish Secretariat are resident in Northern Ireland. I do, of course, welcome recommendations from all organisations and individuals, including elected members, in Northern Ireland for people of ability who could serve on public bodies.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Nursing Care (Support)
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total level of public financial support for(a) private residential and (b) private nursing care for each year since 1979.

  Mrs. Currie
  Information in the form requested is not held centrally. Following is the available expenditure information derived from annual accounts and financial returns submitted to the Department by health authorities and local authorities in England, respectively.

  In addition, people in homes may be able to get help with fees through supplementary benefit. Information on the amount of total expenditure on supplementary benefit payments to people in residential care and nursing homes was given in my reply to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman) on 17 December 1987 at column 704.

  Health authorities1 expenditure with contractual hospitals and homes £ million

  Local authorities2 expenditure on private residential care £ million

  1979–80

  22·3

  47·3

  1980–81

  27·5

  58·9

  1981–82

  30·9

  70·0

  1982–83

  33·5

  79·6

  1983–84

  36·4

  86·8

  1984–85

  39·9

  89·8

  1985–86

  43·2

  65·8

  1986–87

  45·2

  not yet available

  1 Total hospital and community health services expenditure with contractual hospitals and homes (including contracts with voluntary organisations, etc.).

  2 Net expenditure on all private residential care incurred under personal social services programmes.

  Trent Regional Health Authority (Administrators)
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the wage and salary bill for the people employed by Trent regional health authority on administrative duties in each year since 1982.

  Mr. Newton
  Following is information for the total salaries and wages costs of all staff within the purview of the administrative and clerical Whitley Council (for example, chief ambulance officers, computer and finance staff, legal advisers, supplies managers, storekeeper clerks, and so on) derived specifically from the annual accounts of the Trent regional health authority.

  All regional health authorities provide specialist support functions for their regions as a whole and the Trent regional health authority also directly manages certain ambulance and blood transfusion services which include elements of staff exemplified above. For more detailed information my hon. Friend may wish to contact the chairman of the Trent regional health authority who may be able to assist.

  £000

  1982–83

  4,910

  1983–84

  7,141

  1984–85

  7,868

  1985–86

  7,598

  1986–87

  8,896

  83
  Notes:

  1. The figures include the cost of employer's national insurance and superannuation contributions and the costs of non-National Health Service (agency, etc.) staff. The costs of general managers are also included from 1985–86.

  2. The figures exclude all expenditure by district health authorities within the Trent region.

  Eye Treatment
  Mr. Boyes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons are presently on waiting lists for eye treatment in(a) the Northern regional health authority and (b) Sunderland district health authority.

  Mr. Newton
  At 31 March 1987, the latest date for which information is available centrally, there were 3,735 cases on Northern region in-patient waiting list for the ophthalmology specialty. The corresponding figure for Sunderland district health authority was 918.

  Fuel Costs
  Mr. Holt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals he has, in the light of the mild winter and savings in the cost of special cold weather payments, to reduce domestic fuel costs for those persons aged over 80 years on income support.

  Mr. Scott
  This winter exceptionally cold weather payments have been made available at 78 DHSS local offices in England, Scotland and Wales. Like all previous severe weather schemes, the current arrangements are intended to provide extra help with heating costs only during periods of exceptionally cold weather. The longterm cost of such schemes has always been estimated on this basis.

  The levels of fuel prices are a matter for the fuel industries concerned. However, income support claimants will get a weekly benefit out of which to meet all their day-to-day expenses, including fuel costs. Premiums will be available to certain groups with particular needs. All pensioners will he entitled to a premium, but those aged 80 or over will receive a higher rate.

  Dystonia
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what evidence he has on the extent to which dystonia is transmitted(a) by inheritance and (b) by other identifiable causes;

  (2) what is the incidence of dystonia in the United Kingdom; and if he will list the hospitals which offer treatment for this disability;

  (3) whether he will assist with funding for the Dystonia Society.

  Mrs. Currie
  Dystonia is the medical name given to prolonged spasms of muscle contraction affecting various parts of the body. Often it has no known cause. It can be a symptom of various underlying neurological disorders. We do not collect statistics on the incidence or causes of this condition and have no plans to do so. It is, however, known to be relatively uncommon. Appropriate treatment is available in many hospitals; where neurosurgical treatment is necessary, this is provided in specialist centres.

  We are not currently assisting with the funding of the Dystonia Society, but the organisation could be among those considered for a grant next year under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968.

  White Hart Training Centre, Harrogate
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many students have been taken through courses at the White Hart training centre in Harrogate; at what cost per student-course type; and if he has any comparable figures for private college training.

  Mr. Newton
  I regret that information is not available in the form requested. However, information supplied by the NHS training authority based on figures available for the past two and a half years shows an annual average of 378 separate courses at the White Hart training centre consisting of 13,188 trainee days or 35 trainees per course. The average cost is £1,423 per course or £41 per trainee day. Private institutions used by the authority to provide similar management education and development courses to those provided at the training centre charge the authority around £200 per trainee day.

  Children's Work
  Mr. Archer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what information is available to his Department on(a) the number of children engaged in milk rounds, (b) the extent to which such work begins before 7 am and (c) the proportion of such children in possession of a permit along the lines recommended in departmental guidance in 1976;

  (2) what information is available to his Department on (a) the number of children engaged in the regular delivery of newspapers or other similar material, (b) the extent to which such work begins before 7 am and (c) the proportion of such children in possession of a permit along the lines recommended in departmental guidance in 1976;

  (3) what information is available to his Department on (a) the number of children engaged in commercial kitchens, (b) the extent to which such work ends after 7 pm and (c) the proportion of such children in possession of a permit along the lines recommended in departmental guidance in 1976;

  (4) what information is available to his Department on (a) the number of children engaged in the picking or preparation of fruit or vegetables, (b) the extent to which such work exceeds 25 hours per week, and (c) the proportion of such children in possession of a work permit along the lines recommended in departmental guidance in 1976;

  (5) what information is available to his Department on (a) the number of children engaged in outwork, and (b) the proportion of such children in possession of a permit along the lines recommended in departmental guidance in 1976;

  (6) what information is available to his Department on (a) the number of children engaged in the retail sector, (b) the extent to which such work ends after 7 pm, (c) the extent to which the total hours worked per day exceeds that recommended in departmental guidance in 1976 and (d) the proportion of such children in possession of a permit along the lines in that guidance;

  (7) if he has any plans to introduce legislation to provide for the right of entry of education welfare officers to premises where they have reason to believe that children are working illegally;

  (8) if he has any plans to seek to amend section 18 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 with respect to

  85
  (a) the minimum permitted age of employment, (b) the earliest or latest hours of the day or (c) the total number of hours on school days or Sundays on which such employment is permitted.

  Mrs. Currie
  I regret that information is not available on the number of children engaged in specific occupations, nor on the number who hold permits (usually known as employment cards). Nearly all local authority byelaws provide for the issue of permits as recommended in departmental guidance of 1976.

  The Children and Young Persons Act 1933 prohibits the employment of children over 13 before 7 am or after 7 pm and for more than two hours on any school day or Sunday. The 1933 Act and the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act 1920 restrict the occupations in which children may be engaged. The Department's guidance issued in 1976 recommends that further restrictions on hours and occupations be provided for in local authority byelaws made under the 1933 Act including, for example, the prohibition of work in commercial kitchens and the restriction of employment of children under 15 to no more than 25 hours during school holidays.

  The overriding aim of the legislation and byelaws is that children may only be employed to the extent that their health, education and general welfare do not suffer. Local authorities have powers, exercised through the education welfare service, to enforce the byelaws; and under section 59 of the Education Act 1944 to prohibit and restrict the employment of any child.

  Education welfare officers (EWOs) can warn and bring charges against employers if the Education Act and bye-laws are infringed; section 59 of the 1944 Act empowers local education authorities to require information from parents and employers. If an EWO suspects that a child is employed in premises to which the EWO has no right of entry, in an occupation which is prohibited under the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act 1920, he can alert the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE has powers to take immediate action if a child is found to be working illegally in any industrial undertaking. EWOs also liaise where appropriate with social services departments which have statutory duties and powers to investigate circumstances in which children may be at risk.

  We consider that the safeguards which exist in legislation and byelaws to protect children from exploitation at work are generally adequate; we have no plans to amend the legislation.

  Nurses (Grading)
  Mr. McTaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has for the funding of a new clinical grading structure for nursing staff; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The nurses' pay review body has been asked to recommend rates of pay for the new clinical grading structure as part of its recommendations on nurses' pay from 1 April 1988. The Government will await the report of this body before taking a decision on funding.

  Invalid Care Allowance
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the number of carers of elderly, sick or disabled people currently in receipt of the invalid care allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  About 95,000 at 14 March 1988.

  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to increase the value of the invalid care allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  We are pledged to maintain the value of invalid care allowance in line with the movement of prices and, since coming to office in 1979, we have more than done so.

  Oral Tobaccos
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether long cut oral tobacco is exempt from the proposed ban on certain oral tobaccos under section 11(5) of the Consumer Protection Act 1987;

  (2) which British tobacco manufacturers will be affected by the proposed ban on certain oral tobaccos under section 11(5) of the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

  Mrs. Currie
  Long cut oral tobaccos vary in composition. A particular brand would be exempt only if subject to duty under the Tobacco Products Duty Act 1979. The Department wrote to British tobacco manufacturers, amongst others, on 26 February to inform them of the Government's proposals to ban the supply of certain oral tobacco products and to seek their representations on the matter. We shall not be in a position to say precisely which companies would be affected until those representations have been received.

  Dental Charges
  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many free dental examinations were provided under the National Health Service in the most recent year for which figures are available; what percentage of these will, under the new arrangements for charging, continue to be free; and what estimate has been made of the likely percentage reduction in examinations among those who will now be required to pay.

  Mrs. Currie
  In 1986–87, the latest year for which figures are available, the number of free examinations provided under the general dental service in England was 29·043 million. If the examinations had been chargeable, we estimate that 47 per cent. would have been provided free of charge to exempt patients and to patients for whom the charge would have been remitted on grounds of low income. We see no reason to expect any reduction in the number of examinations provided as a result of the proposed charge.

  Optical, Prescription and Dental Charges
  Mr. Millan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the optical charges, prescription charges and dental charges operative from 1 April with the comparable figures in each case for May 1979.

  Mr. Newton
  The information requested is as follows:

  OPTICAL CHARGES
  87
  There have been no charges under the general ophthalmic service since NHS spectacles were replaced by the optical voucher scheme from 1 July 1986. Details of increased voucher values with effect from 1 April 1988 were circulated in the Official Report, 29 February at column 661. Lens charges as at May 1979, in the general ophthalmic and hospital eye service, were as follows:

  £ per lens

  Single vision lens

  2·90

  Bifocal lens

  5·50

  Lens of any other description

  6·15

  The only fixed charges in the hospital eye service at present are maximum charges for lenses, and a charge for contact lenses. The rates from 1 April 1988 are as follows:

  £ per pair

  Maximum charge for single vision lenses

  32·00

  Maximum charge for other spectacle lenses

  52·00

  Contact lens charge

  25·00

  Item

  May 1979

  April 1988

  £

  £

  Prescription charges

  item charge

  00·20

  2·60

  season ticket:

  4 monthly

  —

  13·50

  6 monthly

  2·00

  —

  annual

  3·50

  37·50

  Dental charges

  metal based denture with

  1–3 teeth

  15·00

  64·00

  4–8 teeth

  16·00

  69·00

  more than 8 teeth

  17·00

  71·00

  more than one metal based denture

  30·00

  —

  synthetic resin based denture having

  1–3 teeth

  10·00

  26·00

  4–8 teeth

  11·00

  34·00

  more than 8 teeth

  12·00

  40·00

  synthetic resin based full upper and lower dentures

  20·00

  59·00

  maximum charge for other combination of synthetic resin based dentures

  20·00

  62·00

  bridges

  as for metal dentures

  65·00 (acid etch retained) 150·00 (other)

  crowns, inlays, pinlays

  10·00

  75 per cent, of cost

  other treatment

  full cost up to five pounds

  75 per cent, of cost

  maximum charge for course of treatment

  30·00

  150·00

  Social Security Regulations
  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to amend social security 88
  regulations to prevent future abuse on the lines of that among shift workers at the Pirelli plant in Carlisle who were in receipt of full unemployment benefit while doing shift work at weekends.

  Mr. Portillo
  We are actively looking at how to amend the rules.

  Mr. J. Ashley French (Pension)
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services why Mr. John Ashley French, of 6, Brecon Flats, Salisbury avenue, Westcliff on Sea, Essex, has not received his retirement pension in respect of his national insurance No. HA/31/96/36/D, despite having returned the appropriate forms to the Newcastle office in September 1987.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 25 February 1988]: Payment of retirement pension to Mr. French commenced on 7 March and arrears have been paid back to the date of his retirement on 10 January 1988. I regret that difficulties in determining Mr. French's correct entitlement led to delay in the award of retirement pension.

  NHS (Growth)
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) following the announcement of additional money to the National Health Service on 16 December 1987, what he now expects the real growth in National Health Service resources to be during the current year;

  (2) if he will detail the calculations supporting his statement, Official Report, 16 December 1987, column 1102, that National Health Service expenditure will grow by 3 per cent. in 1988–89.

  Mr. Newton
  [holding answer 11 January 1988]: Including the additional resources I announced on 16 December 1987, gross expenditure on the NHS in England in 1987–88 is now expected to be some 5·5 per cent. higher in real terms than in 1986–87. The figure, of course, also includes other substantial additional resources made available during the course of the year, including those to assist in meeting the costs of review body awards and of extra pressures arising from HIV infection and AIDS. For 1988–89, the planning total in the recent White Paper represents a further increase of over 1 per cent. in real terms, after allowing for forecast general inflation of 4·25 per cent. during the year.

  Expenditure on the hospital and community health services, to which my statement on 16 December 1987 was directed, was at that time expected to rise in England (on the figures given in the Autumn Statement) from £11,382 million in 1987–88 to £12,091 million—an increase in real terms of 1·7 per cent., after allowing for general inflation. While the extra £75 million for 1987–88 announced on 16 December together with the funds provided to reflect a change in health authorities carry forward arrangements, has the effect of reducing this percentage increase to about 1 per cent., in either case, account must be taken of the benefit of cash-releasing cost improvements and income generation, expected to be equivalent to a further real terms increase in available resources approaching 1·5 per cent., and of other improvements in efficiency contributing to the effective availability of resources for patient care.

  Abortion
  Mr. Ken Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give a breakdown by regional health authority of the numbers and percentages of

  Notifications of abortions carried out under the Abortion Act 1967 to resident women: Regional Health Authority of usual residence, gestation 18 completed weeks and over, procedure. Numbers and percentages 1986

  Procedure

  Regional Health Authority of usual residence

  Northern

  Yorkshire

  Trent

  East Anglian

  North West Thames

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Hysterotomy (only)

  4

  3·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  5·4

  —

  —

  Hysterectomy (only)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Vacuum aspiration(only)

  2

  1·5

  2

  0·7

  4

  1·3

  1

  1·1

  6

  1·4

  Vacuum aspiration with D and C or D and E

  1

  0·8

  8

  2·6

  —

  —

  10

  10·8

  64

  15·0

  D and C or D and E

  11

  8·4

  17

  5·6

  8

  2·5

  9

  9·7

  174

  40·9

  Other surgical

  —

  —

  2

  0·7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  0·2

  Prostaglandins (only)

  44

  33·6

  80

  26·1

  144

  45·3

  28

  30·1

  35

  8·2

  Prostaglandins with other agents

  45

  34·4

  86

  28·1

  151

  47·5

  28

  30·1

  133

  31·2

  Other medical

  1

  0·8

  1

  0·3

  2

  0·6

  4

  4·3

  —

  —

  Other and combined methods

  23

  17·6

  110

  36·0

  9

  2·8

  8

  8·6

  13

  3·1

  Total

  131

  100·0

  306

  100·0

  318

  100·0

  93

  100·0

  426

  100·0

  Note:

  Includes six notifications of unknown gestation.

  D and C = Dilitation and Curettage.

  D and E = Dilitation and Evacuation.

  Procedure

  Regional Health Authority of usual residence

  North East Thames

  South East Thames

  South West Thames

  Wessex

  Oxford

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Hysterotomy (only)

  —

  —

  1

  0·2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  0·8

  Hysterectomy (only)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Vacuum aspiration (only)

  18

  3·3

  3

  0·6

  5

  1·9

  3

  1·2

  4

  1·6

  Vacuum aspiration with D and C or D and E

  142

  25·9

  100

  21·4

  51

  19·4

  7

  2·8

  36

  14·1

  D and C or D and E

  217

  39·5

  134

  28·6

  75

  28·5

  14

  5·5

  69

  19·1

  Other surgical

  2

  0·4

  1

  0·2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Prostaglandins (only)

  34

  6·2

  26

  5·6

  18

  6·8

  33

  12·9

  18

  7·0

  Prostaglandins with other agents

  109

  19·9

  183

  39·1

  93

  35·4

  159

  62·4

  138

  53·9

  Other medical

  1

  0·2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  0·4

  2

  0·8

  Other and combined methods

  26

  4·7

  20

  4·3

  21

  8·0

  38

  14·9

  7

  2·7

  Total

  549

  100·0

  468

  100·0

  263

  100·0

  255

  100·0

  256

  100·0

  Note:

  Includes six notifications of unknown gestation.

  D and C = Dilitation and Curettage.

  D and E = Dilitation and Evacuation.

  Regional Health Authority of usual residence

  South Western

  West Midlands

  Mersey

  North Western

  Wales

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Hysterotomy (only)

  1

  0·5

  5

  0·8

  1

  3·9

  3

  1·0

  1

  0·5

  Hysterectomy (only)

  —

  —

  1

  0·2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Vacuum aspiration (only)

  3

  1·5

  7

  1·1

  1

  0·6

  3

  1·0

  1

  0·5

  Vacuum aspiration with D and C or D and E

  5

  2·6

  —

  —

  1

  0·6

  2

  0·7

  9

  4·0

  D and C or D and E

  12

  6·2

  13

  2·0

  15

  8·2

  76

  25·9

  9

  4·0

  Other surgical

  2

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Prostaglandins (only)

  72

  36·9

  304

  47·8

  24

  13·2

  61

  20·8

  56

  25·1

  90
  abortions performed by each commonly used technique on pregnancies of 18 weeks or more gestation in the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Newton
  The information requested is shown in the table.
  91

  Regional Health Authority of usual residence

  South Western

  West Midlands

  Mersey

  North Western

  Wales

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Number

  Per cent.

  Prostaglandins with other agents

  89

  45·6

  301

  47·3

  113

  62·1

  113

  38·6

  142

  63·7

  Other medical

  1

  0·5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  2·1

  —

  —

  Other and combined methods

  10

  5·1

  5

  0·8

  21

  11·5

  29

  9·9

  5

  2·2

  Total

  195

  100·0

  636

  100·0

  182

  100·0

  293

  100·0

  223

  100·0

  Note:

  Includes six notification of unknown gestation.

  D and C = Dilitation and Curettage.

  D and E = Dilitation and Evacuation.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Mortgages
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will clarify which mortgages held by unmarried home sharers will be affected by the new tax rules which he proposed in his Budget.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The residence basis of mortgage interest relief announced in my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement will apply to all loans for house purchase made on or after 1 August. A loan will be treated as having been made before 1 August provided it was applied in pursuance of a binding contract to purchase the property made before that date and provided the offer of the loan was made by the lender before that date and was evidenced in writing by the lender before that date. Full details will be included in the Finance Bill.

  Petrol Duty
  Sir Trevor Skeet
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the duty on petrol will require to be harmonised by 1992.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 21 March 1988]: The Commission has proposed harmonisation of the excise duty on petrol by 1992. The proposal would cause difficulties for a number of member states, including the United Kingdom, and has important implications for a wide range of Community and national policies including transport, energy and environment. As decisions on the proposals require unanimity, the United Kingdom's position is fully safeguarded.

  Arms Cargo (Prestwick)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information is available to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise regarding a cargo of arms which stopped over at Prestwick airport on a Great Southern Airways flight from France to the United States of America on 24 November 1987; whether all the necessary procedures for such a cargo were carried out; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 17 March 1988]: I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Great Southern Airways flight from France to the United States of America on 14 November 1987. (There was no such flight on 24 November).
  92
  The aircraft in question landed at Prestwick airport to refuel and stayed under Customs control while it was on the ground. The aircraft's cargo remained on board during the brief stopover and was therefore not subject to specific Customs formalities.

  Newry Customs Post
  Mr. McCusker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the closure of Newry Customs post on Saturday 5 March; what efforts were made to warn the public about its closure; and what disciplinary action is being taken against those who did not turn up for work.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 14 March 1988]: The Newry Customs post did not open for normal business on 5 March following a telephone threat on the previous evening. Customs agents were given prior warning and arrangements made to ensure that information on imports and exports was obtained. The question of disciplinary measures does not arise as this was a management decision.

  Mr. McCusker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the normal Saturday opening hours of the Newry Customs post; how many people are normally employed at the post on a Saturday; whether they are scheduled in as part of their normal working week; and what is the total estimated cost of keeping the post open on a Saturday.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 14 March 1988]: The normal Saturday opening hours of Newry Customs station are 7.30 am to 9 pm. Staff on the station are on shift working five out of six days Monday to Saturday. Thirty-five officers are scheduled to attend at the station on Saturday as part of their normal working week. The estimated cost of keeping the station open on a Saturday is £3,000.

  Customs and Excise (Cargoes)
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will define what Her Majesty's Customs and Excise treat as a genuine trade need, in relation to an approval to extend the list of cargoes which can operate through a port.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 14 March 1988]: Customs' approval of wharves and transit sheds for the importation and exportation of goods is dependent on several factors, including the physical security of the port and transit

  93
  sheds; the provision of adequate facilities for the safe handling and practical examination of goods; and firm evidence of a genuine trade need.

  Evidence of a genuine trade need means that intending users should be able to demonstrate a firm commitment to use the facility, indicate the volume and nature of traffic envisaged and, in cases where facilities are available at other ports nearby, show why these cannot conveniently be used.

  VAT
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list(a) all the goods and services which are currently zero rated for value added tax purposes, and (b) all goods and services which have been granted temporary exemption from value added tax by the European Community.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 8 March 1988]: In respect of goods and services currently zero-rated for value added tax purposes, I refer the hon. Member to my answer to his question on 4 December 1987 at columns 721–24.

  The sixth Council directive of 17 May 1977 allowed temporary exemption from value added tax to be afforded to certain goods and services, provided that such exemption existed in the member state concerned on 1 January 1978. These goods and services are listed in annex F of that directive.

  Garnishee Orders and Bankruptcy
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state(a) the number of garnishee orders and (b) the number of bankruptcy proceedings instituted in (i) 1984, (ii) 1985, (iii) 1986 and (iv) 1987 by the Inland Revenue; how many proceedings for bankruptcy were instituted where the bankruptcy notice was below £900; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The number of bankruptcy notices (or, from 1987 onwards, statutory demands under the Insolvency Act 1986) issued by the Inland Revenue were:

  Number

  1984

  1,879

  1985

  1,832

  1986

  2,069

  1987

  2,956

  The number of garnishee orders and the number of bankruptcy notices below £900 cannot be ascertained without disproportionate cost.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reduction in projected tax receipts for 1988–89 would result from reducing the income tax rate to 35 per cent. for those at present paying tax at a highest marginal rate of 40 per cent., assuming the 35 per cent. tax rate applied on all taxable income between £18,701 and £21,300.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Taxpayers whose marginal rate would be 40 per cent. under a 1987–88 tax regime indexed to 1988–89 by the statutory formula would gain around £30 million in a full year from the reduction of the 40 per 94
  cent. rate to 35 per cent. The cost assumes that the reduction does not apply to taxpayers with marginal rates above 40 per cent.

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what would be the net change in tax paid by an average taxpayer at present paying tax at a marginal rate of(a) 60 per cent., (b) 55 per cent., (c) 50 per cent., (d) 45 per cent., (e) 40 per cent. and (f) 27 per cent. of the introduction of tax rates of 25 per cent., 35 per cent. and 45 per cent. with the allowances for 1988–89 as set out in the Autumn Statement and with the 25 per cent. rate of tax applied on taxable income up to £18,700, the 35 per cent. rate applied on taxable income in the band of £18,701 to £21,300 and the 45 per. cent. rate on taxable income over £21,300;

  (2) what would be the net change in tax paid by an average taxpayer at present paying tax at a marginal rate of (a) 60 per cent., (b) 55 per cent., (c) 50 per cent., (d) 45 per cent., (e) 40 per cent. and (f) 27 per cent. of the introduction of tax rates of 25 per cent. and 40 per cent. with the allowances as set out for 1988–89 in the Autumn Statement and with the 25 per cent. rate of tax applied on taxable income up to £18,700, the 40 per cent. rate on taxable income in excess of £18,701.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The table shows the average gain to a taxpayer at the mid-point of each marginal rate band and at a taxable income of £50,000 from introducing a 25 per cent. basic rate and(a) a single higher rate of 40 per cent. and (b) two higher rates of 35 per. cent. and 45 per cent. It has been assumed that the first and second higher rate thresholds are £18,700 and £21,300 respectively and that personal allowances under indexation in 1988–89 are as given in table 4.1 of the Autumn Statement 1987. Gains are calculated by comparing tax liabilities under each regime (a) and (b) with those under the 1987–88 regime indexed to 1988–89 levels.

  Marginal rate1

  Taxable income2

  per cent.

  £

  3 £ per year

  4 £ per year

  27

  9,350

  187·00

  187·00

  40

  20,000

  374·00

  439·00

  45

  23,900

  504·00

  504·00

  50

  30,650

  1,049·00

  711·50

  55

  38,950

  2,086·50

  1,334·00

  60

  50,000

  4,089·00

  2,784·00

  1 Marginal rate under the indexed 1987–88 regime.

  2 Income after reliefs and allowances.

  3 Gain from 25 per cent. basic rate, 40 per cent. higher rate.

  4 Gain from 25 per cent. basic rate, 35 and 45 per cent. higher rates.

  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each year since 1979(a) the basic rate of income tax, (b) each of the higher rates of income tax and (c) Government revenue from income tax (i) at the basic rate and (ii) at each of the higher rates, adjusted for inflation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The available information is in the tables. I regret that further information can be provided only at disproportionate cost. Estimates are based on liability to income tax and not on income tax receipts which cannot be broken down into the different rates of tax. Estimates for the years to 1985–86 are based on the survey of personal incomes for that year; estimates for later years are based on a projection of the 1985–86 survey and are therefore provisional.
  95

  Rates of tax 1978–79 to 1987–88

  Per cent.

  Reduced rate

  1978–79 to 1979–80

  25

  Basic rate

  1978–79

  33

  1979–80 to 1985–86

  30

  1986–87

  29

  1987–88

  27

  Income tax liabilities at each rate of income tax at 1987–88 prices1

  £ billion

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  21986–87

  21987–88

  Reduced rate

  9·0

  7·8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Basic rate

  28·0

  28·2

  35·4

  35·8

  35·7

  37·3

  35·4

  36·0

  36·7

  36·2

  Higher rate: total of which at rate of

  3·8

  3·5

  3·7

  4·6

  4·5

  4·2

  4·8

  6·2

  6·8

  7·7

  40

  0·51

  —

  0·72

  —

  —

  —

  0·95

  —

  —

  1·01

  45

  0·41

  —

  0·79

  —

  —

  —

  1·01

  —

  —

  1·39

  50

  0·33

  —

  0·70

  —

  —

  —

  0·92

  —

  —

  1·37

  55

  0·38

  —

  0·40

  —

  —

  —

  0·54

  —

  —

  0·86

  60

  0·31

  —

  1·06

  —

  —

  —

  1·39

  —

  —

  3·08

  65

  0·33

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  70

  0·31

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  75

  0·41

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  83

  0·81

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Investment Income Surcharge

  0·47

  0·41

  0·36

  0·39

  0·36

  0·30

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Tax Liability

  41·2

  39·9

  39·4

  40·8

  40·6

  41·7

  40·2

  42·3

  43·5

  43·9

  1 Using the GDP deflator.

  2 Provisional. Based on a projection of the 1985–86 Survey of Personal Incomes.

  Income tax liabilities1 at 1987–88 prices

  £ billion

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  11985–86

  11986–87

  21987–88

  Reduced rate

  9·0

  7·8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Basic rate

  28·0

  28·2

  35·4

  35·8

  35·7

  37·3

  35·4

  36·0

  36·8

  36·3

  Higher rate of which

  3·8

  3·5

  3·7

  4·6

  4·5

  4·2

  4·8

  5·6

  6·0

  6·8

  40

  0·51

  —

  0·72

  —

  —

  —

  0·95

  —

  —

  0·97

  45

  0·41

  —

  0·79

  —

  —

  —

  1·01

  —

  —

  1·36

  50

  0·33

  —

  0·70

  —

  —

  —

  0·92

  —

  —

  1·32

  55

  0·38

  —

  0·40

  —

  —

  —

  0·54

  —

  —

  0·82

  60

  0·31

  —

  1·06

  —

  —

  —

  1·39

  —

  —

  2·28

  65

  0·33

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  70

  0·31

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  75

  0·41

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  83

  0·81

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Investment Income Surcharge

  0·47

  0·41

  0·36

  0·39

  0·36

  0·30

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total tax liability

  41·2

  39·9

  39·4

  40·8

  40·6

  41·7

  40·2

  41·6

  42·0

  43·1

  Source: Survey of Personal Incomes.

  Note: Provisional figures given to Mr. Martin on 15 March for us in Budget Debate, but not used on 15, 16, 17 March.

  1 Estimates are based on income tax payable, not on the amount paid.

  2 Provisional. Based on a projection of the 1984–85 Survey of Personal Incomes.

  Nationalised Corporations
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the financial costs to the Exchequer of(a) British Leyland/Austin Rover Group, (b) British Coal and (c) all other deficit-producing nationalised corporations for each of the years from 1970 to 1987; and what is the forecast for 1988.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The information requested is as follows:
  96

  Per cent.

  Higher rate

  1978–79

  40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 83

  1979–70 to 1987–88

  40, 45, 50, 55, 60

  Investment income surcharge

  1978–79

  10, 15

  1979–80 to 1983–84

  15

  (£ million at outturn prices)

  Rover

  BCC

  Other deficit NIs

  1970–71

  —

  (36)

  89

  1971–72

  —

  118

  212

  1972–73

  —

  175

  391

  1973–74

  —

  681

  150

  1974–75

  —

  78

  202

  1975–76

  246

  128

  1,142

  1976–77

  100

  (1)

  159

  1977–78

  295

  159

  991

  97

  Rover

  BCC

  Other deficit NIs

  1978–79

  67

  432

  1,203

  1979–80

  150

  336

  1,446

  1980–81

  300

  711

  1,961

  1981–82

  S20

  1,991

  4,380

  1982–83

  370

  663

  2,702

  1983–84

  90

  1,033

  1,635

  1984–85

  —

  1,912

  1,774

  1985–86

  —

  104

  1,668

  1986–87

  680

  672

  1,109

  Daily Mail and General Trust
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the application of the Daily Mail and General Trust to change its residence from the United Kingdom to Holland.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The application is at present the subject of judicial review proceedings in the High Court in which a reference has been made to the European Court of Justice under article 177 of the treaty of Rome. The oral hearing of the reference is due to be heard in Luxembourg on 22 March. In these circumstances I can make no further comment.

  Couples (Tax Advantages)
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a full list of the relative tax advantages enjoyed to date by(a) couples cohabiting outside marriage and (b) married partners.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 16 March 1988]: A list of the tax penalties on marriage and the measures proposed in the Budget to remove them is contained in an Inland Revenue press release "Removing Tax Penalties on Marriage" published on Budget day.

  Taxation
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated yield from all sources of taxation including excise and other duties for 1988–89; what was the comparable yield for 1978–79 revalued at 1988–89 prices; and if he will publish a breakdown by categories of the real increase in taxes between 1978–79 and 1988–89 in the form of his answer of 1 May 1987,Official Report, column 295.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 17 March 1988]: The estimated total yield from all sources of taxation including local authority rates and national insurance contributions is £173 billion in 1988–89; the yield in 1978–79 revalued at 1988–89 prices using the GDP deflator is £125 billion. The other information requested is in the table.

  Income Tax

  Defence1 expenditure

  Number of3 taxpayers

  Expenditure per taxpayer

  United Kingdom4 population

  Expenditure per head of population

  £ million

  million

  £

  000s

  £

  1978–79

  7,486

  25·9

  289

  56,178

  133

  1979–80

  9,216

  25·9

  356

  56,240

  164

  1980–81

  11,190

  25·2

  444

  56,330

  199

  98

  £ billion 1988–89 prices

  change on 1978–79

  Income tax

  +1·1

  Non-North Sea corporation tax1

  +9·2

  Capital Taxes

  +2·9

  Employee's NICs

  +6·1

  Employers' NICs

  +3·6

  NIS

  -4·5

  LA rates

  +6·6

  Stamp duties

  +1·0

  Taxes on expenditure, excluding LA rates, NIS and stamp duties

  +20·0

  North Sea revenues2

  +2·4

  Other3

  -1·1

  Total change in taxes, royalties and national insurance contributions

  +47·5

  1 Including mainstream and advance corporation tax.

  2 Before advance corporation tax (ACT) set-off.

  3 Adjustments for ACT set-off against North Sea corporation tax plus accruals adjustment.

  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing (a) the yield in real terms in the years 1978–79 and (b) the estimated yield for 1988–89 in the light of his Budget proposals from (i) direct taxes including national insurance and (ii) indirect taxes.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 17 March 1988]: Following is the information:

  £ billion

  1988–89 prices1

  1978–79

  1988–89

  Change

  (a.) Direct taxes of which income tax

  60·9 (40·9)

  81·6 (42·1)

  +20·7 (+1·1)

  (b.) Indirect taxes

  64·4

  91·2

  +26·8

  (c.) Total taxes, royalties and national insurance and other contributions2

  125·3

  172·8

  +47·5

  1 Revalued using the GDP deflator.

  2 Components do not add to total because of rounding.

  Ministry of Defence (Budget)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the average amount a taxpayer in the United Kingdom contributed through direct and indirect taxes to the budget of the Ministry of Defence for each year since 1978–79; and what estimate he has of the level of such contribution in 1987–88.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 18 March 1988]: Tax revenues are not hypothecated to particular programmes. The following table shows defence expenditure per income taxpayer and per head of population.
  99

  Defence1 expenditure

  Number of3 taxpayers

  Expenditure per taxpayer

  United Kingdom4 population

  Expenditure per head of population

  £ million

  million

  £

  000s

  £

  1981–82

  12,553

  24·8

  506

  56,352

  223

  1982–83

  14,364

  24·6

  584

  56,306

  255

  1983–84

  15,474

  24·3

  637

  56,347

  275

  1984–85

  17,187

  23·8

  722

  56,460

  304

  1985–86

  17,954

  23·9

  751

  56,618

  317

  1986–87

  18,149

  24·1

  753

  56,763

  320

  1987–88

  18,6422

  24·7

  755

  n/a

  n/a

  Notes:

  1 As in public expenditure White Paper.

  2 Forecast outturn on defence votes as given in Supply Estimates 1988–89 (Cm. 328).

  3 From Inland Revenue Statistics 1987. Figures for 1984–85 onwards are provisional.

  4 From Annual Abstract of Statistics 1988. Estimates for mid-calendar years.

  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of elderly homeowners who received tax relief on loans for home improvements in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I regret that this information is not available.

DEFENCE

  Chemical Warfare
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research his Department is conducting into improved methods of combating chemical warfare; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  My Department carries out research at the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, into defensive measures to protect our armed forces against attack by chemical weapons. The work falls into three main areas: the detection of chemical agents; the protection of personnel and equipment; and therapy, including both pre-treatment to increase the body's natural resistance and treatment after exposure.

  Trident
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current progress of the Trident programme.

  Mr. Stevens
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current progress of the Trident programme.

  Mr. Franks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current progress of the Trident programme.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current progress of the Trident programme.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  As reaffirmed in the Navy debate earlier this month, the Trident programme is proceeding satisfactorily and on schedule. I am glad to be able to announce that the invitation to tender for the third submarine was issued to VSEL last week.

  Conventional Defence
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the conventional defence improvement initiative; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the conventional defence improvement initiative; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the conventional defence improvement initiative; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the conventional defence improvement initiative; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The conventional defence improvements exercise to remedy key deficiencies was reviewed by NATO Defence Ministers at their December meeting who welcomed the progress being made.

  Submarine Nuclear Reactors
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set up an inquiry into faults in submarine nuclear reactors.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  No.

  Dual-capable Aircraft
  Mr. Eastham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many types of dual-capable Royal Air Force aircraft are based in the Federal Republic of Germany.

  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many types of dual-capable Royal Air Force aircraft are based in the Federal Republic of Germany.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many types of dual-capable Royal Air Force aircraft are based in the Federal Republic of Germany.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many types of dual-capable Royal Air Force aircraft are based in the Federal Republic of Germany.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  One.

  Greenham Common (Byelaws)
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to have completed his consideration of the implications of the recent judgment relating to Greenham Common byelaws.

  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to have completed his consideration of the implications of the recent judgment relating to Greenham Common byelaws.

  Mr. Sedgemore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to have completed his consideration of the implications of the recent judgment relating to Greenham Common byelaws.

  Ms. Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to have completed his consideration of the implications of the recent judgment relating to Greenham Common byelaws.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to appeal against the decision given in Reading Crown court.

  Soviet Weaponry
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their conventional weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Thorne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their conventional weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their conventional weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer my hon. Friends to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wyre Forest (Mr. Coombs) on 17 March at columns 626–27.

  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their nuclear weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Tracey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their nuclear weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Cyril D. Townsend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their nuclear weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The Soviet Union is continuing to modernise its very substantial range of nuclear capable forces. New missiles are either being deployed or at an advanced stage of development. A new road-mobile ICBM, the SS-25, has been deployed and the world's first rail-mobile ICBM, the SS-X-24, will be deployed shortly. The Typhoon and Delta IV SSBNs, which have recently entered service, both carry new multiple warhead missiles. A number of other systems are also being introduced,102
  including sea and air-launched cruise missiles, with the AS-15 air-launched cruise missile and SS-N-21 submarine-launched cruise missile already in service. The longer range SS-NX-24 is also at an advanced stage of development. Additionally, deployment of a new strategic aircraft, the Blackjack, which is also capable of carrying cruise missiles, could begin before the end of the decade. Finally, improved nuclear artillery is also being deployed in large numbers, while all short-range nuclear surface-to-surface missiles are being, or are about to be, replaced with, for example, FROG battalions being converted to the longer range SS-21.

  Nuclear Forces (Modernisation)
  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received about modernising Britain's nuclear forces so as to maintain effective deterrence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received about modernising Britain's nuclear forces so as to maintain effective deterrence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Favell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received about modernising Britain's nuclear forces so as to maintain effective deterrence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received about modernising Britain's nuclear forces so as to maintain effective deterrence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Britain's independent nuclear forces continue to make a very significant contribution to NATO's ability to deter aggression; the value of this contribution is fully recognised by our allies who have welcomed the Government's determination to keep our forces fully effective and up to date.

  Lance Missile
  Mr. McTaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to update the Lance missile.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to update the Lance missile.

  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to update the Lance missile.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to update the Lance missile.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  In the first instance the development of a successor to the Lance missile system is a matter for the United States Government. No decisions on the modernisation of the Lance missiles in service with British forces have yet been taken.

  Nuclear Disarmament
  Mr. John Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals for nuclear disarmament he will take to the NATO nuclear planning group meeting at Kolding in April.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals for nuclear disarmament he will take to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nuclear planning group meeting at Kolding in April.
  103
  Mr. Heffer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals for nuclear disarmament he will take to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nuclear planning group meeting at Kolding in April.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin).

  Defence Contractors
  Mr. Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of those companies on the register of defence contractors applied to join the register for the first time within the last year.

  Dr. Twinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of those companies on the register of defence contractors applied to join the register for the first time within the last year.

  Mr. Couchman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of those companies on the register of defence contractors applied to join the register for the first time within the last year.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The number of contractors on the defence contractors' list in 1987 increased by about 7 per cent. over the previous year. I welcome this increase and hope to see a continuing growth.

  Mr. Bendall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many companies are now on the register of defence contractors, and what steps he is taking to increase this number.

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many companies are now on the register of defence contractors; and what steps he is taking to increase this number.

  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many companies are now on the register of defence contractors; and what steps he is taking to increase this number and, in particular, to encourage this smaller business.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr. Burns).

  Military Ambulances
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the timetable for tendering for the Ministry of Defence's next military ambulance order.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Our next tendering exercise for ambulances will be for 41 crash rescue ambulances required for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. The requirement will be advertised in the contracts bulletin later this month with tenders due for issue in mid-May. A further requirement for two-stretcher ambulances to replace the current Bedford vehicle will form part of a larger van order which will be advertised in the contracts bulletin in April for tender issues in May or June 1988.

  INF Treaty
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met his United States counterpart to discuss ratification of the intermediate nuclear forces treaty.
  104
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met his United States counterpart to discuss ratification of the intermediate nuclear forces treaty.

  Sir Antony Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met his United States counterpart to discuss ratification of the intermediate nuclear forces treaty and associated matters.

  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met his United States counterpart to discuss ratification of the intermediate nuclear forces treaty.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  My right hon. Friend maintains regular contact with the United States Secretary for Defence, as with his counterparts in other NATO countries. He last met Mr. Carlucci before the INF treaty was signed, and it would therefore have been premature to discuss ratification of the treaty on that occasion.

  Frigates
  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many frigates over the age of 20 years he expects to be in service with the Royal Navy in 1990.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many frigates over the age of 20 years he expects to be in service with the Royal Navy in 1990.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many frigates over the age of 20 years he expects to be in service with the Royal Navy in 1990.

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many frigates over the age of 20 years he expects to be in service with the Royal Navy in 1990.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Of the frigates currently in the fleet, 16 would be over the age of 20 years on 1 January 1990. It is not possible to forecast exactly how many of the 16 will be in service in 1990, as plans for the withdrawal of ships from the active fleet are kept under review. However, on current plans four are due to be withdrawn before 1990.

  Mr. Douglas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the up-to-date position with regard to frigate orders which his Department expects to place in 1988.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on 26 January 1988 at columns 181–82.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many type-23 frigates he expects to order in the next five years.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Decisions have yet to be taken on the size and timing of future orders.

  European Fighter Aircraft
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest estimated cost of the European fighter aircraft project.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford (Ms. Ruddock) on 5 November 1987 at column 888.
  105
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if stealth technology will be included in the specification for the European fighter aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It would not be in the public interest to give details of the specification for the European fighter aircraft.

  Soviet Submarines
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their submarine forces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their submarine forces; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their submarine forces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their submarine forces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer my hon. Friends to my statement during the Navy debate on 3 March at column 1174. During the 1980s five major new classes of Soviet submarines have been introduced into service — the Typhoon and Delta IV nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, the Sierra and Akula nuclear-powered attack submarines, and the Oscar nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine. This new generation of submarines poses an increased threat to NATO in terms of offensive capability, difficulty of detection and survivability. In addition, older classes of boats continue to be modernised, and their capabilities significantly improved.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. John Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the size of the Territorial Army; and what it was in 1979.

  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the size of the Territorial Army today; and what it was in 1979.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the size of the Territorial Army today; and what it was in 1979.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the size of the Territorial Army today; and what it was in 1979.

  Mr. Freeman
  The strength of the Territorial Army at 31 January 1988 was 75,019. The corresponding figure at 31 January 1979 was 59,103.

  Mine-laying Vessels
  Mr. David Young
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many mine-laying vessels are currently in service with the Royal Navy.
  106
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many mine-laying vessels are currently in service with the Royal Navy.

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many mine-laying vessels are currently in service with the Royal Navy.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Renfrew, West and Inverclyde (Mr. Graham).

  NATO Strategy
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met his West German counterpart to discuss the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation strategy.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for Manchester, Central (Mr. Litherland), for Redcar (Ms. Mowlam) and for Gateshead (Ms. Quin) on 26 January at column 185.

  Trucks
  Mr. Allan Roberts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning the delay in the announcement of the contract to construct 1,500 4-tonne trucks for the Ministry of Defence.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  We are still considering the services' needs for further 4-tonne vehicles pending the entry into service of the new 4-tonne range in 1990. We have had a number of representations from interested parties expressing a hope for an order to be placed with All Wheel Drive Ltd. who took over the former Bedford factory late last year.

  Defence Procurement
  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what benefits have accrued as a result of the more commercial approach by his Department to defence procurement.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what benefits have accrued as a result of the more commercial approach by his Department to defence procurement.

  Mr. Holt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what benefits have accrued as a result of the more commercial approach by his Department to defence procurement.

  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what benefits have accrued as a result of the more commercial approach by his Department to defence procurement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The commercial approach, involving greater emphasis on competition, tauter contractual conditions and clearer incentives has already achieved substantial cost savings, some examples of which were included in the "Statement on Defence Estimates 1987" (CM101–1). The approach also provides the opportunity for the MOD to benefit from new technological developments and has helped exports by stimulating more efficient use of industrial resources, thereby making British industry more competitive.
  107
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on changes in departmental procurement procedures since the appointment of Mr. Peter Levene as chief of defence procurement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Government continue to pursue value for money in defence procurement through the use of competition wherever practicable. Vigorous efforts are being made to appoint prime contractors for each project, with clearly defined responsibilities under incentive contracts. Procedures have been revised to ensure that interim payments are made only against demonstrated achievement. Greater emphasis is now placed on the potential export sales of equipment developed for our armed forces and on civil applications of the technology, as well as the possibility of adopting existing commercial products and technologies. Procedures call also for a full examination of means of meeting our needs through collaboration with allies, whether by joint development, reciprocal purchases or other means.

  Following the recent scrutiny report, "Learning From Experience", which made some recommendations on how to improve further the management of projects, the Department has in hand further improvements building on those already mentioned above.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has considered any revisions to procurement contract arrangements following receipt of the report from Messrs. Jordan, Lee and Cawsey.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The report "Learning From Experience" acknowledged the many improvements that have already been made in procurement procedures in recent years, particularly in contractual arrangements. The report's own recommendations are more concerned with technical and management issues. Most recommendations have been accepted and are being implemented.

  Defence Technology (Research)
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to ensure that the benefits of research into defence technology are transferred where appropriate to the civil sector.

  Mr. Whitney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to ensure that the benefits of research into defence technology are transferred, where appropriate, to the civil sector.

  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to ensure that the benefits of research into defence technology are transferred, where appropriate, to the civil sector.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  A wide range of measures has been taken to facilitate the exploitation of defence research for the benefit of the wider economy. These include the development of collaborative research initiatives with the civil sector on work of mutual interest, the establishment of Defence Technology Enterprises Ltd., and the recently launched civil industrial access scheme which is designed to give firms improved access to the facilities and expertise of the defence research establishments.

  Hydrogen Bombs
  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to replace any of the Royal Air Force's hydrogen bombs with air-launched cruise missiles.

  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to replace any of the Royal Air Force's hydrogen bombs with air-launched cruise missiles.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for Bristol, South (Ms. Primarolo) and for Deptford. (Ms. Ruddock).

  Anti-submarine Capability
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the Navy's operations in the Gulf have on its anti-submarine capability in the north Atlantic.

  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the Navy's operations in the Gulf have on its anti-submarine capability in the north Atlantic.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for Barnsley, East (Mr. Patchett) and for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn).

  Binary Munitions
  Mr. Caborn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts regarding the deployment of binary munitions in western Europe.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts regarding the deployment of chemical weapons in western Europe.

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts regarding the deployment of chemical weapons in Western Europe.

  Mr. Snape
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts regarding the deployment of binary munitions in Western Europe.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts regarding the deployment of chemical weapons in Western Europe.

  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts regarding the deployment of binary munitions in Western Europe.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Members to my reply to the hon. Member for Oxford, East (Mr. Smith on 16 March at column 578.

  F111 Aircraft
  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his United States counterpart on the possible siting of additional F111 aircraft at RAF Upper Heyford, Greenham Common, Lakenheath or elsewhere.

  Mr. Clay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his United States
  109
  counterpart on the possible siting of additional F111 aircraft at RAF Upper Heyford, Greenham Common, Lakenheath or elsewhere.

  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his United States counterpart on the possible siting of additional Fill aircraft at RAF Upper Heyford, Greenham Common, Lakenheath or elsewhere.

  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his United States counterpart on the possible siting of additional F111 aircraft at RAF Upper Heyford, Greenham Common, Lakenheath or elsewhere.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Details of discussions between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the United States Secretary of Defence are confidential.

  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the number of United States F111 aircraft based in the United Kingdom was last reviewed.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The composition and deployment of all United States nuclear-capable forces based in the United Kingdom are the subject of regular exchanges between the British and United States Governments at both ministerial and official level.

  NATO Nuclear Planning Group
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what matters he expects to discuss at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nuclear planning group meeting in Denmark in April.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what matters he expects to discuss at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nuclear planning group meeting in Denmark in April.

  Mr. Jack Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what matters he expects to discuss at the NATO nuclear planning group meeting in Denmark in April.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Wallace) on 22 January at column 899.

  Submarine Nuclear Reactors
  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set up an inquiry into faults in submarine nuclear reactors.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set up an inquiry into faults in submarine nuclear reactors.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set up an inquiry into faults in submarine nuclear reactors.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier to day to the hon. Member for Dumbarton (Mr. McFall).

  Small Firms Initiative
  Mr. Waller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with his Department's small firms initiative; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn, Hatfield (Mr. Evans) and my right hon. Friend the Member for Chertsey and Walton (Sir G. Pattie).

  British Army of the Rhine
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action is being taken to implement the recommendations of the National Audit Office report on the British Army of the Rhine.

  Mr. Freeman
  The NAO study of the costs of British Forces Germany is under consideration by the Public Accounts Committee. The Government's response to any recommendations of the PAC will be made by Treasury Minute in the usual way.

  Departmental Offices
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many buildings his Department occupies as office space in central London; and what is the annual cost to his Department.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many buildings his Department occupies as office space in central London; and what is the annual cost to his Department.

  Mr. Allen Adams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many buildings his Department occupies as office space in central London; and what is the annual cost to his Department.

  Mr. Maxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many buildings his Department occupies as office space in central London; and what is the annual cost to his Department.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Ministry of Defence occupies 28 buildings in central London at an assessed annual cost of £41·6 million.

  Exercise Fire Focus
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome and cost of Exercise Fire Focus.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome and cost of Exercise Fire Focus.

  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of the United Kingdom military manoeuvres around the Falkland Islands.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Exercise Fire Focus, designated to practise the reinforcement of the Falkland Islands, is still in progress, and it would be premature to comment on its outcome. The costs of the exercise (excluding those which would have been incurred had the exercise not been taking place) are estimated to be about £3 million, most of which is attributable to airlift costs.

  Departmental Land
  Mr. Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the nature and purposes of his Department's land holdings; and how much of them he plans to sell over the next five years as surplus to requirements.

  Mr. Freeman
  The defence estate exists to meet the needs of the services and the Procurement Executive for operational bases, support facilities, accommodation and training areas. Regular reviews ensure that Ministry of Defence land holdings are used efficiently and are no larger than necessary. Our policy is not to acquire additional land without careful scrutiny and confirmation that the requirement cannot be met from within existing resources. During the next five years it is planned to dispose of some 7,000 acres although some acquisitions will also be required over the same period, particularly to meet our shortage of training land.

  Dual-capable Artillery Pieces
  Mr. Buchan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many types of dual-capable artillery pieces are deployed with the British Army of the Rhine.

  Mr. Flannery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many types of dual-capable artillery pieces are deployed with the British Army of the Rhine.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many types of dual-capable artillery pieces are deployed with the British Army of the Rhine.

  Mr. Bidwell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many types of dual-capable artillery pieces are deployed with the British Army of the Rhine.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  One.

  Widows' Pensions
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning service widows' pensions.

  Mr. Freeman
  Numerous representations have been received, both in the course of meetings with representative organisations and through correspondence. The majority of these have been concerned with the position of war widows.

  Contracts
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total value of contracts placed competitively by his Department in 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total value of contracts placed competitively by his Department in 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total value of contracts placed competitively by his Department in 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  In financial year 1986–87, the latest period for which figures are available, the total value of work placed in a competitive environment was the highest 112
  ever at £4·9 billion. We continue to seek competition wherever reasonable and practicable to achieve the best value for money in defence procurement. Where competition is not possible, we seek to maximise value for money through the use of taut terms and conditions and incentive arrangements.

  Firefighting (Military Establishments)
  Mr. Terry Fields
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to improve or increase the firefighting resources at military establishments.

  Mr. Freeman
  The criteria, on the basis of which the fire defence resources at military sites are established, are at present under review. Whilst it is not possible at this stage to assess the outcome of this review, it may lead in due course to changes in the current provision at establishments, with the aim of providing satisfactory fire cover in the most efficient way.

  Northern Ireland (Troop Levels)
  Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops are currently serving in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  As at 31 December 1987 (the most recent available figure) 17,251 service men and women were serving in the security forces in Northern Ireland.

  Multiple Launch Rocket System
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans for the introduction into service of the multiple launch rocket system.

  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans for the introduction into service of the multiple launch rocket system.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans for the introduction into service of the multiple launch rocket system.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) earlier today.

  Self-propelled Howitzer
  Mr. Haynes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to make a further announcement about a new self-propelled howitzer for the Army.

  Mr. Allen McKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to make a further announcement about a new self-propelled howitzer for the Army.

  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to make a further announcement about a new self-propelled howitzer for the Army.

  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to make a further announcement about a new self-propelled howitzer for the Army.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It is hoped a decision on the 155 mm self-propelled howitzer can be reached later this year.

  Conventional Forces
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work is being conducted in his Department
  113
  to estimate accurately the balance of conventional forces (a) in Europe and (b) worldwide between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Warsaw pact countries.

  Mr. Wall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work is being conducted in his Department to estimate accurately the balance of conventional forces(a) in Europe and (b) worldwide between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Warsaw pact countries.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work is being conducted in his Department to estimate accurately the balance of conventional forces(a) in Europe and (b) worldwide between North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Warsaw pact countries.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work is being conducted in his Department to estimate accurately the balance of conventional forces(a) in Europe and (b) worldwide between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Warsaw pact countries.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  My Department continually updates its estimates of conventional forces in Europe and unclassified figures indicating the broad numerical balance are published annually in the "Statement on the Defence Estimates."

  My Department, in consultation with our NATO allies, also looks at the broad balance of NATO and Warsaw pact forces worldwide.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their chemical weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their chemical weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Soviet modernisation of their chemical weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Pembroke (Mr. Bennett) on 18 March at column 717.

  MBFR Talks
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the mutual and balanced force reduction talks in Vienna; and what is the current imbalance between the Warsaw pact countries and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation forces in tanks and armoured vehicles in the European theatre.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Progress in the mutual and balanced force reduction talks in Vienna has been disappointing, due to the East's refusal to provide the necessary information concerning force levels and the lack of a positive response to Western proposals tabled in December 1985.
  114
  Figures indicating the broad numerical balance between NATO and Warsaw pact forces from the Atlantic to the Urals (including the number of tanks) are contained in the annual "Statement on the Defence Estimates." Last year's figures reflected an overwhelming Warsaw pact superiority in armoured forces, including a 3:1 tank superiority.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the European countries which either possess their own nuclear weapons or allow other countries to site nuclear weapons on their soil or territorial waters.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The Soviet Union aside, the United Kingdom and France are the only European nations to possess their own nuclear forces. It is not our practice to comment on the location of nuclear weapons.

  Anglo-French Defence Cooperation
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of Anglo-French defence co-operation.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  We enjoy a close relationship with France in the defence field and over the coming months will be discussing bilaterally the scope for greater military co-operation with the aim of strengthening the European pillar of NATO.

  Soldiers (Hunting)
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many hours per annum soldiers of all ranks spend in hunting.

  Mr. Freeman
  Hunting during duty hours may be undertaken only in mounted units at the commanding officer's discretion as part of training in equestrian skills. It is not recorded as a separate activity from the other varied duties of officers and soldiers.

  Nuclear Weapons (Montebello Agreement)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the precise classes of nuclear weapons covered by the Montebello agreement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 26 February 1988 at column 378, and to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, North (Mr. Baker) on 21 March at columns 7–8.

  RAF Regiments (Weapons)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the weapons with which RAF regiment units assigned to the cruise missile deployments at RAF Greenham Common and RAF Molesworth are equipped; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  It is not our normal practice to give details of the equipment available to operational units.

  Journalists (Hospitality Costs)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of fares and hospitality in arranging for journalists to visit his Department's facilities in 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The cost of arranging for journalists to visit MOD facilities during 1987–88 is expected to be in the region of £28,000.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to his Department of the visit by reporter Ian Bevitt and photographer Rod Sibbald, including fares and hospitality, to Belize; how many briefings were given to them; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  Travel costs of about £175 were met by my Department and the journalists concerned were hosted at the expense of the unit they visited in Belize, which recruits from the readership area of their newspaper. They received briefing at HQ British forces and at three Army and RAF units in Belize.

  Carrasco International Airport (Emergency Landing)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answers to the hon. Members for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) and Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 15 March,Official Report, column 526, what was the direction of the flight path of the Hercules aircraft which took off from Carrasco airport on 10 March immediately after its take off; and what was the outcome of contact between it and aircraft of the Argentine air force.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The Hercules C-130 which made an emergency diversion to Carrasco in Uruguay on 9 March, proceeded directly on leaving Carrasco, to Ascension Island. At no time did the aircraft come into contact with aircraft of the Argentine Air Force.

  RAF Lossiemouth
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the results of the review of the use of RAF Lossiemouth as a master diversion airfield.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  We expect consideration of the review to be completed and an announcement made very shortly.

  Nimrod (Offset Benefits)
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what offset benefits have been realised by British industry as a result of the cancellation of the Nimrod programme.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  As previously stated in reply to the right hon. Member for Llanelli (Mr. Davies) on 1 December 1987 at column 568, the Boeing company has submitted its first six-monthly report under the AWACS offset programme. Evaluation of the report, which claims credit for a wide range of contracts placed with United Kingdom companies since November 1986, is still under consideration. It is not therefore possible to state how much credit will be granted on the first report and hence the benefit realised to British industry.

  Defence Contracts
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the criteria employed by his Department for setting the approved standards contractors are required to meet when they tender for Ministry of Defence contracts.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Given that there is a need for a company's product or service, it would be included on the defence contractors list after a satisfactory assessment of quality assurance and financial viability. Any tenders received are judged on the basis of overall value for money.

  ADAS: CHARGES
  ADAS: CHARGES
  HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
  HORNIMAN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
  DES PERSONNEL: TEACHING EXPERIENCE
  DES PERSONNEL: TEACHING EXPERIENCE
  REMAND PRISONERS: ESCAPES FROM CUSTODY
  REMAND PRISONERS: ESCAPES FROM CUSTODY
  QUESTION TIME: MINISTERIAL REPLIES
  QUESTION TIME: MINISTERIAL REPLIES
  POPULATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
  POPULATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
  NHS: STAFF STATISTICS
  NHS: STAFF STATISTICS
  MAGISTRATES' COURTS: REPORTING OF PROCEEDINGS
  MAGISTRATES' COURTS: REPORTING OF PROCEEDINGS