Written Answers of 6 May 1988

WALES

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will indicate, assuming the full replacement of rates by the community charge, and the implementation of the Local Government Finance Bill for non-domestic rates and grant in 1988–89(a) for Wales as a whole, (b) for each class of local authorities (including community councils), and (c) for each county and district authority

  Summary of impact of Local Government Finance Bilt for non-domestic rales attd grant in Wales 1988–89

  Community charge

  District or county expenditure

  Tolal community council expenditure

  Revenue support grant

  Proceeds from non- domeslic rate pool

  Community contribution

  Adult population

  County element

  District element

  Average community council element

  Total

  A verage rate hill per adult

  £ thousands

  £ thousands

  £ thousands

  £ thousands

  £ thousands

  Thousands

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  1 Alyn and Deeside

  5,238

  355

  3,046

  1,538

  655

  53·9

  123

  12

  7

  141

  176

  2 Colwyn

  4,678

  6

  2,467

  1,161

  1,050

  40·7

  123

  26

  0

  149

  198

  3 Delyn

  5,704

  296

  3,274

  1,398

  1,032

  49·0

  123

  21

  6

  150

  176

  4 Glyndwr

  3,100

  97

  1,464

  893

  743

  31·3

  123

  24

  3

  149

  155

  5 Rhuddlan

  5,681

  168

  3,960

  1,238

  482

  43·4

  123

  11

  4

  138

  170

  6 Wrexham Maelor

  10,012

  560

  5,516

  2,457

  2,039

  86·1

  123

  24

  7

  153

  162

  7 Carmarthen

  3,848

  446

  2,277

  1,198

  373

  42·0

  131

  9

  11

  151

  123

  8 Ceredigion

  4,467

  346

  2,963

  1,415

  89

  49·6

  131

  2

  7

  140

  136

  9 Dinefwr

  2,355

  147

  1,551

  825

  0

  28·9

  131

  0

  5

  136

  110

  10 Llanelli

  6,659

  916

  4,282

  1,646

  731

  57·7

  131

  13

  16

  160

  137

  11 Preseli Pembrokeshire

  4,818

  242

  3,282

  1,524

  12

  53·4

  131

  0

  5

  136

  126

  12 South Pembrokeshire

  3,277

  258

  2,448

  865

  0

  30·3

  131

  0

  9

  140

  152

  13 Blaenau Gwent

  9,497

  76

  5,741

  1,695

  2,061

  59·4

  120

  35

  1

  156

  116

  14 Islwyn

  7,448

  0

  4,325

  1,427

  1,697

  50·0

  120

  34

  0

  154

  127

  15 Monmouth

  5,571

  271

  2,661

  1,695

  1,215

  59·4

  120

  20

  5

  145

  167

  16 Newport

  13,408

  100

  7,793

  2,799

  2,816

  98·1

  120

  29

  1

  150

  185

  17 Torfaen

  8,430

  268

  4,582

  1,955

  1.893

  68·5

  120

  28

  4

  151

  154

  18 Aberconwy

  4,922

  153

  2,598

  1,184

  1,140

  41·5

  105

  27

  4

  137

  173

  19 Arfon

  5,170

  187

  3,013

  1,158

  999

  40·6

  105

  25

  5

  135

  129

  20 Dwyfor

  3,051

  60

  1,886

  596

  568

  20·9

  105

  27

  3

  136

  160

  21 Meirionnydd

  3,526

  90

  2,041

  713

  772

  25·0

  105

  31

  4

  140

  158

  22 Ynys Mon

  6,303

  214

  3,751

  1,489

  1,062

  52·2

  105

  20

  4

  130

  154

  23 Cynon Valley

  7,130

  28

  4,854

  1,407

  869

  49·3

  137

  18

  1

  155

  108

  24 Merthyr Tydfil

  7,549

  30

  4,959

  1,267

  1,323

  44·4

  137

  30

  1

  168

  124

  25 Ogwr

  11,815

  195

  6,358

  2,905

  2,553

  101·8

  137

  25

  2

  164

  151

  26 Rhondda

  10,260

  0

  7,430

  1,695

  1,135

  59·4

  137

  19

  0

  156

  85

  27 Rhymney Valley

  10,099

  225

  5,522

  2,188

  2,389

  76·7

  137

  31

  3

  171

  139

  28 Taff Ely

  7,750

  456

  4,366

  2,017

  1,367

  70·7

  137

  19

  6

  163

  145

  29 Brecknock

  3,131

  238

  1,794

  902

  435

  31·6

  112

  14

  8

  134

  131

  30 Montgomeryshire

  3,111

  199

  2,015

  1,101

  0

  38·6

  112

  0

  5

  117

  128

  31 Radnor

  1,489

  43

  860

  479

  150

  16·8

  112

  9

  3

  124

  135

  32 Cardiff

  24,827

  59

  19,793

  6,066

  0

  212·6

  110

  0

  0

  110

  179

  33 Vale of Glamorgan

  7,664

  767

  4,970

  2,502

  192

  87·7

  110

  2

  9

  121

  166

  34 Port Talbot

  5,842

  3

  3,115

  1,110

  1,617

  38·9

  164

  42

  0

  205

  154

  35 Lliw Valley

  4,752

  242

  2,625

  1,335

  791

  46·8

  164

  17

  5

  186

  142

  36 Neath

  4,820

  348

  3,158

  1,421

  241

  49·8

  164

  5

  7

  175

  154

  37 Swansea

  22,184

  116

  13,057

  4,092

  5,035

  143·4

  164

  35

  1

  199

  192

  38 Clwyd

  193,981

  —

  110,493

  46,182

  37,307

  304·4

  123

  —

  —

  —

  —

  39 Dyfed

  176,591

  —

  102,479

  39,734

  34,378

  261·9

  131

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40 Gwent

  219,702

  —

  128,617

  50,885

  40,200

  335·4

  120

  —

  —

  —

  —

  41 Gwynedd

  120,437

  —

  74,093

  27,339

  19,005

  180·2

  105

  —

  —

  —

  —

  42 Mid Glamorgan

  280,092

  —

  163,847

  61,034

  55,210

  402·3

  137

  —

  —

  —

  —

  43 Powys

  64,861

  —

  41,895

  13,199

  9,767

  87·0

  112

  —

  —

  —

  —

  44 South Glamorgan

  191,518

  —

  112,869

  45,560

  33,090

  300·3

  110

  —

  —

  —

  —

  45 West Glamorgan

  193,130

  —

  105,216

  42,313

  45,602

  278·9

  164

  —

  —

  —

  —

  46 Districts

  259,586

  8,205

  159,798

  61,357

  38,430

  2,150·4

  —

  18

  —

  —

  —

  47 Total Counties

  1,440,312

  —

  839,507

  326,245

  274,560

  2,150·4

  128

  —

  —

  —

  —

  48 Total Wales

  1,699,898

  8,205

  999,305

  387,603

  312,990

  2,150·4

  128

  18

  4

  150

  —

  Monthly Accessions List
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether his Department deposits copies of(a) the
  598
  area the following items in thousands of pounds: (i) expenditure, (ii) revenue support grant (where appropriate), (iii) share of non-domestic rate pool (where appropriate), (iv) community contribution and (v) adult population together with (vi) the community charge for each county and district authority, showing separately for each district area the average community council charge and (vii) the total community charge; and what is the average rate per adult for 1988–89 in each district area.

  Mr. Grist
  Illustrative figures are given in the table. These figures are provisional, and will be updated when better information is received from all local authorities. No allowance has been made for the transitional safety-net arrangements. Average rate bills per adult are on a basis comparable with the community charge figures and exclude any use of balances. The calculations are based on present needs assessments which are under review. The community contribution for community councils is equal to their expenditure.

  monthly accessions list, and (b) the annual publications list in (i) county libraries and (ii) libraries of the colleges of the University of Wales.
  599
  Mr. Peter Walker
  The Welsh Office library sends copies of its monthly accessions and annual publications lists to all county libraries in Wales and to the libraries of the colleges which constitute the University of Wales.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those primary schools in Gwent(a) which have classes where Welsh is the sole or main medium of instruction of first or second language pupils, (b) which have classes of first or second language pupils where some of the teaching is through the medium of Welsh, (c) where Welsh is taught as a second language but not used as a teaching medium, and (d) where no Welsh is taught.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The information is as follows:

  Gwent schools with some classes where Welsh is the sole or main medium of instruction

  Brynmawr, Infant School

  Pengam C.P.

  Pontnewynydd Junior and Infants

  St. Dials Infants

  Sofrydd Junior

  High Cross Junior Mixed and Infants

  Gwent schools with no teaching through the medium of Welsh

  Alexandra Primary

  Bolt Street Primary School

  Clytha Junior and Infant School

  Crindau Junior and Infant School

  Durham Road Junior School

  Durham Road Infant School

  Eveswell Junior School

  Eveswell Infant and Nursery School

  Gaer Junior School

  Gaer Infant School

  Lliswerry Infant School

  Maesglas CP School

  Maindee Junior School

  Maindee Infant School

  Malpas Court Junior and Infant School

  St. Andrew's Junior School

  St. Andrew's Infant School

  St. Woolos Junior and Infant School

  Somerton Primary School

  Tredegar Wharf CP School

  Brynglas Junior Mixed and Infant School

  St. Julians Junior School

  St. Julians Infant School

  Alway CP Junior School

  Alway Infant School

  Ringland Infant School

  Glasllwch CP School

  Milton Infant School

  Milton Junior School

  Ringland Junior School

  Malpas Park Junior and Infant School

  Millbrook Junior School

  Monnow Infant School

  Millbrook Infant School

  Monnow Junior School

  Lliswerry Junior School

  Brynmawr CP Junior School

  Clydach CP School

  Darenfelen CP School

  Gilwern CP School

  Cefn Forest Junior

  Fleu-de-Lis Junior Mixed and Infant

  Dukestown Junior

  Dukestown Infants

  Glanhowy Junior and Infant

  Sirhowy Infant

  Deighton Primary School

  Georgetown County Primary

  Markham Primary

  Argoed Junior Mixed and Infants

  Rhiw Syr Dafydd Junior

  600

  Oakdale Infant

  Blackwood Infants

  Libanus Junior and Infant

  Pontllanfraith Junior Mixed

  Pontllanfraith Infants

  Cwmfelinfach Primary School

  Trinant Infants

  Crumlin Junior and Infants

  Pentwynmawr Junior and Infant School

  Tynewydd Junior and Infants

  Cwmcarn Junior and Infants School

  Waunfawr Junior Infants and Nursery

  Risca Town Church Primary

  Danygraig Junior and Infants

  Hillside Junior and Infants

  Varteg Primary

  Garndiffaith Primary

  Victoria Junior and Infants

  Pentwyn Junior and Infants

  George Street Junior

  Park Terrace Junior and Infants

  Penygarn Infants

  Greenlawn Junior

  Pontymoile Primary

  Griffithstown Infant School

  Goytre Fawr Junior and Infants

  Henllys Junior and Infants

  Park Street Infants

  Llanfoist Church Primary

  Llangattock-Nigh-Usk Church Primary

  Grosmont Junior Mixed and Infants

  Llanover Junior and Infants

  Brynderi Junior and Infants

  Norton Cross Junior and Infants

  Cross Ash Junior Mixed and Infants

  Llangattock-Vibon-Avel Junior and Infants

  Osbaston Infants

  Overmonnow Infants

  Mitchel Troy Church Primary

  Wyesham Infants

  Mathern Church Primary

  Sudbrook Church Primary

  Undy Church Primary

  Rogiet Church Primary

  Abertillery Church Primary School

  Arael Primary

  Blaenau Gwent Infants

  Blaentillery Infants

  Cwmtillery Junior

  Queen Street Junior and Infants

  Beaufort Hill Infants

  Rassau Primary

  Glyncoed Junior

  Glyncoed Infant

  Willowtown Infants

  Briery Hill County Primary School

  Waunlwyd Junior Mixed and Infants

  Winchestown Infant

  Nantyglo Junior and Infant

  Garnfach Infant and Nursery

  Cwmcelyn Infants

  Blaina Junior

  Blaina Infant

  Croesyceiliog North Road Infants

  Green Lane Junior Mixed

  Kemeys Fawr Infants

  Croesyceiliog Junior

  Llanyrafon Primary

  Maendy County Primary

  Oakfield Primary

  Pantside County Primary

  Abergavenny Llwynu Infants

  Langstone Primary

  Pontnewydd County Primary Schoolary

  Gelli Crug Infants

  Garnlydan Primary

  Pontygof Primary

  Penllwyn Infant

  Pembroke Road Infants

  601

  Blackwood Junior

  Trinant Junior School

  Brookfield Junior and Infants

  Fairwater Junior

  Fairwater Infants

  Llanmartin County Primary

  Penygarn Junior

  Pontygarreg Primary

  Ty Isaf Infants

  Pembroke Junior

  Sandy Lane Infants

  St. Mary's Junior Mixed Caldicot

  Ty Sign Junior

  Marshfield Junior and Infants School

  West End Infants

  Coed Eva Infant

  Coed Eva Junior Mixed

  Penllwyn Junior

  Govilon County Primary

  Llanfihangel Crucorney County Primary

  Ty-Sign Infants

  Thornwell Primary

  Lodge Hill Junior

  Greenmeadow Primary

  Coedcae Junior

  Sorfrydd Infants

  Cwm Junior and Infant School

  Llwynu Junior

  Bryn Junior and Infant

  Cefn-Fforest Infants

  Mount Pleasant Junior and Infants

  Durand Junior and Infants

  Llandogo County Primary

  Abercarn Junior Mixed and Infants

  Upper Cwmbran Infants

  Bryngwyn Junior and Infants

  Wyesham Junior

  Harold Road Junior

  Hollybush County Primary

  Lodge Hill Infants

  Cefn Wood County Primary

  Beaufort Hill County Primary School

  Willowtown Junior

  New Inn Infant

  George Street Infants

  Griffithstown Junior

  Raglan Junior

  Croesonen Infants

  Brynhyfryd Junior Infants and Nursery

  Ty'r Graig County Primary

  Duffryn Junior School

  Woodlands Junior

  Woodlands Infants

  Duffryn Infant School

  Ynysddu Junior and Infant School

  Cwmffrwdoer Primary School

  Shirenewton Junior and Infant School

  Pentrepoeth County Primary School

  Trellech County Primary School

  Malpas CIW Junior School

  Malpas Church CV Infant School

  Ponthir CV Primary

  Llantilio Pertholey CV

  Llanfair Kilgeddin Junior and Infant CV

  Llandewi Rhydderch CV

  Overmonnow Junior School

  St. Arvans Primary

  Portskewett VC Infants

  Raglan Infants

  Llanellen CV Junior and Infants

  Usk VC Infants and Junior School

  Caerwent Infants

  St. Peters CV Junior and Infants

  Osbaston Junior

  St. David's Romsan Catholic Junior and Infant school

  St. Josephs Roman Catholic Primary School

  St. Mary's Roman Catholic Junior School

  St. Mary's Roman Catholic Infant School

  St. Michael's Roman Catholic Primary School

  St. Patricks Roman Catholic Primary School

  602

  St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Primary School

  St. David Lewis Roman Catholic Primary School

  Brynmawr RC School

  St Mary's Brynmawr CIWVP Aided

  Magor VA Primary

  Caerleon Endowed Junior School

  Caerleon Endowed Infants School

  All Saints RC Primary School

  St. Josephs RCP School

  Abergavenny RC

  St. Felix Blaenavon RC

  St. Alban's RC Primary

  Cwmbran RC Junior and Infants

  Abersychan RC Junior and Infants

  St. David's RC Junior and Infants Cumbran

  Chepstow St Marys RC Primary

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those primary schools in South Glamorgan(a) which have classes where Welsh is the sole or main medium of instruction of first or second language pupils, (b) which have classes of first or second language pupils where some of the teaching is through the medium of Welsh, (c) where Welsh is taught as a second language but not used as a teaching medium, and (d) where no Welsh is taught.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The information is as follows:

  South Glamorgan Schools with some classes where Welsh is the sole or main medium of instruction.

  Lansdowne Primary School

  Ysgol Gymraeg Penarth

  Ysgol Gymraeg St Ffransis

  Ysgol Gymraeg Sant Baruc

  Ysgol Iolo Morganwg

  Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Grufydd

  Ysgol—y—Wern

  Ysgol Gymraeg Coed y Gof

  Ysgol Bro Eirwg

  South Glamorgan Schools with leaching through the medium of Welsh as a first or second language

  Tonyrywen School

  Eglwys Newydd Primary

  Llanishen Fach CP School

  Rhiwbeina Junior School

  Rhiwbeina Infants School

  South Glamorgan Schools with no teaching through the medium of Welsh

  Millbank CP School

  Adamsdown CP School

  Albany Primary School

  Allensbank Primary School

  Baden Powell CP School

  Birchgrove Primary School

  Trelai CP School

  Fairwater Primary School

  Gabalfa Primary School

  Gladstone CP School

  Gladstone Infant and Nursery School

  Grangetown Junior School

  Grangetown CP School

  Hawthorn Junior School

  Hawthorn Infant School

  Herbert Thompson Junior

  Herbert Thompson Infants

  Hywel DDA County Junior

  Hywel DDA Infants and Nursery

  Kitchener Primary School

  Marlborough Junior School

  Marlborough Road Infants

  Moorland Primary School

  Radnor Primary School

  Rhydypenau Primary School

  Roath Park CP School

  Greenway Primary

  Severn Junior School

  Severn Infant and Nursery School

  Stacey Primary School

  603

  Windsor Clive County Junior

  Windsor Clive Infant and Nursery

  Caerau Infant School

  Peter Lea Primary

  Cefn Onn CP School

  Bryn Hafod Primary School

  Cwrt-yr-Ala Junior School

  Pen y Bryn Primary

  Rumney Junior School

  Rumney Infants and Nursery

  Coed Glas Primary

  Glan-yr-Afon Junior

  Lakeside Primary School

  Pentrebane CP School

  Glan-yr-Afon Infants

  Trowbridge Infants and Nursery

  Mountstuart Primary

  Eglwys Wen CP School

  Llanedeyrn Primary School

  Springwood CP School

  Ninian Park Primary

  Trowbridge Junior School

  Viriamu Jones Primary

  Coryton CP School

  Glyncoed Infants School

  Glyncoed Junior School

  Bryn Celyn Junior School

  Bryn Celyn Infants School

  Albert CP School

  Barry Island Primary

  Cadoxton Junior School

  Cadoxton Infants School

  Cogan Primary School

  Colcot CP School

  Dinas Powys County Infants

  Fairfield Primary

  Gladstone CP School

  High St. Primary School

  Holton Junior School

  Holton County Infants

  Jenner Park Primary

  Llancarfan CP School

  Llanfair CP School

  Llangan CP School

  Maendy CP School

  Palmerston Primary School

  Radyr CP School

  Rhws CP School

  Romilly Junior School

  Romilly Infants School

  Sully Primary School

  Tongwynlais CP

  Victoria Primary School

  Llanilltud Fawr Primary

  Murch Junior School

  St. Athan Junior School

  St. Athan Infants School

  St. Illtyd's Junior School

  Llysfaen CP School

  Evenlode CP School

  Llandough Primary

  Eagleswell Junior School

  Y Bont Facn Primary

  Bryn Deri CP School

  St. Illtyd's Infants School

  Danescourt Junior School

  Gibbonsdown Junior School

  Eagleswell Infants and Nursery School

  Gibbonsdown Infants and Nursery School

  Oakfield Junior School

  Oakfield Infants and Nursery Unit

  Danescourt Infants

  St. Mellons CIW Primary

  Penarth Church-in-Wales

  St. Nicholas C/W Primary

  Peterston S.Ely CIW School

  Gwenfo CIW Primary

  St. Alban's Roman Catholic Primary

  St. Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Primary

  St. Francis Roman Catholic Junior School

  604

  St. Francis Infants School

  St. Joseph's Primary

  St. Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School

  St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Primary

  St. Peter's Junior School

  St. Peter's Infants and Nursery School

  St. Cadc's Primary School

  St. Anne's CIW Infants

  St. Monica's CIW School

  St. Paul's CIW Primary

  Tredegarville CIW Junior Infants

  Llandaff City CIW Junior

  Llandaff City CIW Infants

  Christ the King Roman Catholic Primary School

  St. John Lloyd Roman Catholic School

  Holy Family Roman Catholic Junior and Infants

  St. Mary the Virgin CIW

  St. Philip Evans Roman Catholic Junior

  All Saints CIW Primary

  St. Philip Evans Roman Catholic Infants School

  St. Helen's Infants and Nursery School

  Pendoylan CIW Primary School

  St. Andrews Major CIW

  Llansannor and Llanharry CIW

  St. Fagans CIW

  Primary St. David's CIW Primary

  St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary

  St. Helen's Roman Catholic Junior

  St. Bernadette's Primary School

  St. David's CIW Junior and Infants

  All Saints CIW Primary

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those primary schools in Mid Glamorgan(a) which have classes where Welsh is the sole or main medium of instruction of first or second language pupils, (b) which have classes of first or second language pupils where some of the teaching is through the medium of Welsh, (c) which teach no Welsh, and (d) where Welsh is taught as a second language but not used as a teaching medium.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The information is as follows:

  Mid Glamorgan schools with teaching through the medium of Welsh as a first or second language

  Blaengarw Infants School

  Blaenrhondda Primary School

  Penygawsi County Primary School

  Ynyswen Infants School

  St. Brides Major CIW Primary

  Mid Glamorgan schools with some classes where Welsh is the sole or main medium of instruction

  Ysgol Santes Tudful

  Penderyn County Primary School

  Abercynon Infant School

  Coedybrain Infant School

  Dolau County Primary School

  Gwaelod-y-Garth Primary School

  Ysgol Gynradd Pont-Sion-Norton

  Heol-y-Celyn Primary School

  Tiryberth Primary School

  Ysgol Gynradd Aberdar

  Ysgol Gynradd Garth Olwg

  Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tyderwen

  Ysgol Ifor Bach

  Ysgol Gynradd Tonyrefail

  Ysgol Gynradd Caerffili

  Ysgol Gynradd Llwyncelyn

  Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bargod

  Ysgol Gynradd Ynyswen

  Ysgol Gynradd Penybont

  Creigiau Primary School

  Ysgol Gynradd Rhymni

  Ysgol Gynradd Rhydy Grug

  Ysgol Gynradd Llantrisant

  Ysgol Gynradd Bodringallt

  Ysgol Y Ferch Corneli

  605

  Ysgol Gynradd Castellau

  Ysgol Llyn Y Forwyn

  Ysgol Gymraeg Evan James

  Mid Glamorgan schools with no teaching through the medium of Welsh

  Abercanaid Primary School

  Cyfarthfa Junior School

  Brecon Road Infant School

  Caedraw Primary School

  Dowlais Infant School

  Gellifaelog Primary School

  Mount Pleasant Primary School

  Pant Primary School

  Pentrebach Infant School

  Gwaunfarren Primary School

  Heolgerrig Primary School

  Troedyrhiw Junior School

  Troedyrhiw Infant School

  Twynyrodyn Junior School

  Twynyrodyn Infant School

  Gelligeg Junior School

  Gelligeg Infant School

  Goetre Junior School

  Goetre. Infant School

  Gwernllwyn Junior School

  Ynysowen Junior School

  Edwardsville Junior School

  Ynysowen Infant School

  Oaklands Primary School

  Abercerdin Primary School

  Aberllechau CP School

  Aber Infant School

  Bargoed Infant School

  Betws Junior School

  Alaw Primary School

  Abernant CP School

  Bedlinog Junior School

  Blaengarw Junior School

  Blacnclydach Infant School

  Abertaf Primary School

  Bedlinog Infant School

  Cilfnydd CP School

  Brynnau CP School

  Blacnllechau Infant School

  Brithdir Primary School

  Coedpenmaen CP School

  Blaenycwm Primary School

  Bodringallt Junior School

  Blaengwawr Primary School

  Coed-y-Brain Junior School

  Coedylan Primary School

  Bodringallt Infant School

  Bryncethin Junior School

  Craig-yr-Eos Infant School

  Cacgarw CP School

  Cwmlai Primary School

  Cwmclydach Junior School

  Cwmaber Junior School

  Capcoch CP School

  Brynmenyn Primary School

  Gilfach Goch Infant School

  Cwmclydach Infant School

  Deri Primary School

  Bryntirion Infants School

  Glanffrwd Infant School

  Cymmer Junior Mixed School

  Caradog Primary School

  Blaencaerau Junior School

  Glantaf Infant School

  Cymmer CP Infant School

  Derwendeg CP School

  Graig-y-Wion CP School

  Dinas (TAI) Junior School

  Carnetown Primary School

  Dunraven CP School

  Ffynnon Taf Primary School

  Cefn Cribwr Primary School

  Hawthorn CP School

  Cefnpennar Infant School

  606

  Dyffryn Infant School

  Comin Junior Mixed School

  Fochriw Primary School

  Coety CP School

  Hendreforgan Junior School

  Ferndale Junior Mixed School

  Gelligaer Village Infant School

  Hendreforgan Infant School

  Ferndale Infant School

  Comin County Infants School

  Cwmfelin CP School

  Llanilltud Faerdref Junior

  Gelli CP School

  Gilfach Fargod Primary School

  Ffaldau CP School

  Llanilltud Faerdref Infants

  Coed-yr-Esgob CP School

  Cwmaman County Infant School

  Fronwen Primary School

  Hafod CP School

  Glan-y-Nant Infant School

  Garth Junior School

  Maes-y-Coed CP School

  Cwmbach Infant School

  Craig Bedlinog Infant School

  Hendrefadog Infant School

  Cwmdar CP School

  Glynogwr CP School

  Hcolycyw CP School

  Parclewis CP School

  Llwyncelyn Infant School

  Cynon Infant School

  Hendre Junior School

  Litchard Junior School

  Llanharan County Primary School

  Llwynypia County Primary School

  Darrenlas Primary School

  Hendre Infant School

  Llangrallo County Primary School

  Hengoed Junior School

  Llangynwyd County Primary School

  Penrhiwfer Infant School

  Llanhari County Primary School

  Maerdy Junior Mixed School

  Glynrwyn Infant School

  Hengoed Infant School

  Pontsion Norton County Primary School

  Maerdy Infant School

  Glynhafod County Junior School

  Llancaeach Junior School

  Pontyclun Junior School

  Parc Primary School

  Mynydd Cynffig County Junior

  Pwllgwaun Infant School

  Gwernifor County Junior School

  Mynydd Cynffig County Infants

  Rhigos County Primary School

  Tonyrefail Primary School

  Pentre Primary School

  Hirwaun Junior School

  Llanfabon Infant School

  Nantyffyllon County Primary School

  Nantgarw Infant School

  Pentyrch County Primary School

  Penygraig Junior Mixed School

  Hirwaun Infant School

  Nantymoel Junior School

  Penygraig Infant School

  Llwydcoed Primary School

  Nantymoel Infant School

  Trallwng Infant School

  Penyrenglyn Junior Mixed School

  Newtown Primary School

  Newton Primary School

  Trefforest County Primary School

  Pontlotyn Infant and Nursery School

  Penyrenglyn Infant School

  Pengeulan County Primary School

  Rhydri Primary School

  Nottage County Primary School

  607

  Pontrhondda County Primary School

  Senghenydd County Primary School

  Oldcastle Junior School

  Trehopcyn County Primary School

  Pontygwaith County Primary School

  Penrhiwceibr Junior School

  Oldcastle Infant School

  The Graig Junior Mixed School

  Pandy Infant School

  Trerobart CP School

  Penrhiwceibr Infant School

  St. Gwladys County Mixed Junior

  Pencoed County Junior School

  Porth Infant School

  Penywaun Infant and Nursery School

  South Bargoed Infant School

  Pencoed Infant school

  Perthcelyn County Infant School

  Tirphil Primary School

  Penybont Primary School

  Ton Junior Mixed School

  Ynysboeth Junior School

  Craig-Yr-Hesg CP School

  Ynysboeth CP Infant School

  Pil County Primary School

  Llwyncrwn Primary School

  Ton County Infant School

  Penywaun County Junior School

  Trelewis Primary School

  Plasnewydd Junior School

  Tonypandy CP School

  Twyn County Junior School

  Plasnewydd Infant School

  Gwauncclyn Infant School

  Cwmbach County Junior School

  Twyn Infant School

  Gwauncelyn Junior School

  Trealaw CP School

  Glenboi CP School

  Ystrad Mynach County Junior

  Cefn Primary School

  Treherbert County Infant School

  Ystrad Mynach County Infants

  Treorchy Primary School

  Cwmifor Junior School

  Tondu Infant School

  Cwm Ifor Infant School

  Trelales CP School

  Gwaunmeisgyn Junior School

  Williamstown Primary School

  Gwaunmeisgyn Infant School

  Maesybryn Primary School

  Tylorstown Primary School

  Lansbury Park Junior School

  Lansbury Park Infant School

  Tynewydd Junior School

  Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary School

  Plas-Y-Felin Infant School

  Plasyfelin Junior School

  Tynyrheol Primary School

  Ynyshir Infant School

  Greenhill Primary School

  Croesty County Primary School

  Maesyfelin Infant School

  Pandy'r Betws Infants School

  Marlas Infant School

  Corneli Junior School

  Rhiwgarn Infant School

  Penrhys Infant School

  Llangewydd Junior School

  Penrhys Junior School

  Bryntirion Junior School

  Porth Junior Mixed School

  Porthcawl Primary School

  Litchard Infant School

  Cefn Glas Infant School

  West Park Primary School

  Bryncethin Infant School

  Brackla Junior School

  Afon-y-Felin Primary School

  608

  Tonysguboriau County Primary School

  Upper Rhymney Primary School

  Lower Rhymney Primary School

  Abertysswg Primary School

  Elliot Town Primary School

  Phillipstown Primary School

  Cwmsyfiog Primary School

  Aberbargoed County Junior School

  Abergargoed Infant School

  Maesycwmmer Primary School

  Bedwas Junior School

  Tyn-y-Wern Junior School

  Tyn-y-Wern Infant School

  Machen Primary School

  Graig-y-Rhacca Junior School

  Ysgol-y-Graig Primary

  Blaenllynfi Infant School

  Graig-y-Rhacca Infant School

  Bedwas Infant School

  Hendredenny Park Primary

  Cwm Glas Infant School

  Gelligaer Village Junior School

  Pontlotyn Junior School

  Tondu Junior School

  Ynyshir Junior Mixed School

  Cwmaber County Infant School

  Edwardsville Infant School

  Garth Infant School

  Brackla Infant School

  Tremains Primary School

  Penyfai CIW Primary

  St. Illtyds RC Primary School

  St. Marys RC Primary School

  St. Aloysius Primary School

  Our Ladys RC Primary School

  St. Helen's RC Primary School

  St. Mary's and St. Patricks

  St. Michael's RC Primary School

  St. Gabriel and Raphael RC Primary School

  St. Margaret's RC Primary

  St. Robert's RC Primary

  Aberdare Town CW. Primary

  Cwmbach CIW. Primary School

  Wick Marcross CIW. Primary

  St. Mary's RC Primary School

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those primary schools in West Glamorgan (a) which have classes where Welsh is the sole or main medium of instruction of first or second language pupils, (b) which have classes of first or second language pupils, where some of the teaching is through the medium of Welsh, (c) which teach no Welsh and (d) where Welsh is taught as a second language but not used as a teaching medium.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The information is as follows:

  West Glamorgan Schools with some Classes where Welsh isthe sole or main medium of instruction.

  Ysgol Gymraeg Lonlas

  Ysgol Gymraeg Bryn-Y-Mor

  Clydach Infant School

  Ysgol Gynradd Cwmgors

  Cwmllynfell C.P. School

  Ysgol Gynradd Felindre

  Garnswllt CP School

  Glyn Primary School

  Ysgol Gynradd Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen

  Ysgol Gymraeg Rhosafan

  Ysgol Gymraeg Castellnedd

  Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bryniago

  Ysgol Gynradd Blaendulais

  Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmnedd

  Ysgol Gymraeg Pontybrenin

  Ysgol Gynradd Pontardawe

  West Glamorgan Schools with Teaching through the medium of Welsh as a first or second Language

  609

  Godrergraig Primary School

  Trethmelyn Primary School

  Rhiwfawr Primary School

  Trebannws Primary School

  Y Wern Primary School

  Y Login Fach Primary School

  West Glamorgan schools with no teaching through the medium of Welsh

  Brynhyfryd Junior School

  Brynhyfryd Infants School

  Brynmill Primary School

  Cadle Junior School

  Cadle Infants School

  Cwn Primary School

  Cwmbwrla Primary School

  Cwmrhydyceirw Primary School

  Danygraig Primary School

  Dunvant Junior School

  Gendros Primary School

  Glais Primary School

  Gors Junior School

  Gors Infants School

  Graig Infants School

  Grange Primary School

  Gwyrosydd Junior School

  Gwyrosydd Infants School

  Hafod Primary School

  Manselton Primary School

  Mayhill Junior School

  Mayhill Infants School

  Morriston Junior Boys School

  Morriston Infants School

  Oystermouth Primary School

  Pentrechwyth Primary School

  Pentrepoeth Junior Girls School

  Pentrepoeth Infants and Nursery School

  Plasmarl County Primary School

  Sketty Primary School

  St. Helen's Primary School

  St. Thomas's Primary School

  Terrace Road County Primary School

  Townhill Primary School

  Waunarlwydd Primary School

  Waun Wen Primary School

  Clwyd Primary School

  Ynystawe County Primary School

  Clase Infant School

  Clase Junior School

  Portmead Primary School

  Mayals County Primary School

  Cwmglas Primary School

  Trallwn County Primary Infant School

  Arfryn Primary School

  Blanymaes Primary School

  Trallwn County Primary Junior School

  Parkland Primary School

  Birchgrove Infants School

  Dunvant Infant School

  Newton County Primary School

  Whitestone County Primary School

  Hendrefoilan Primary School

  Birchgrove Junior School

  Alltwen County Primary School

  Blaendulais Primary School

  Bishopston Primary School

  Blaengwrach CP School

  Casllwchwr Primary School

  Cila CP School

  Blaenhonddan CP School

  Abergwynfi Junior School

  Clydach Junior School

  Brynhyfryd CP School

  Abergwynfi Infant School

  Craigcefnparc CP School

  Clun Primary School

  Baglan Primary School

  Crwys CP School

  Coedffranc Junior School

  Bryn CP School

  Coedffranc Infant School

  610

  Central Junior School

  Creunant Primary School

  Central Infant School

  Cwmafan Junior School

  Crymlyn CP School

  Cwmafan Infant School

  Cwn Nedd Primary School

  Cymer Afan Primary School

  Dyffryn Afan CP School

  Eastern Primary School

  Gorseinon County Junior School

  Gnoll Primary School

  Glan-Y-Mor CP School

  Gorseinon Infants School

  Glyncorrwg Primary School

  Catwg CP School

  Llansawel CP School

  Llanforlais Primary School

  Maesmarchog CP School

  Pontrhlydlyfen Primary School

  Llangyfelach CP School

  Llanrhidian Primary School

  Melin Junior School

  Sandfields Primary School

  Tonmawr Primary School

  Mynachlog Nedd Junior School

  Penclawdd Junior School

  Penclawdd Infant School

  Neath Abbey Infants

  Tirmorfa Primary School

  Pengelli Primary School

  Croeserw Primary School

  Penllergaer Primary School

  Tywyn Primary School

  Penyrheol Primary School

  Llangiwg Primary School

  Tonnau Primary/Comm. School

  Pontarddulais Primary School

  Ynysfach Comm. Primary School

  Blaenbaglan Primary School

  Pontlliw CP School

  Ynysmaerdy CP School

  Crynallt Junior School

  Rhos CP School

  Hengwrt CP School

  Rhydyfro Primary School

  Groes CP School

  Tairgwaith Primary School

  Crynallt Infant School

  Tregwyr Junior School

  Tregwyr Infant School

  Tre Uchaf CP School

  Craigfelen Primary School

  Pennard Primary School

  Knelston Primary School

  Dyfnant CP School

  Waunceirch CP School

  Pontybrenin Primary School

  Talycopa Primary School

  Glyncollen Primary School

  Melin County Infant School

  Cilffriw Primary School

  St. Josephs Junior School

  St. Josephs Infants School

  St. David's RC Primary School

  St. Illtyd's RC Primary

  Christchurch CIW School

  St. Josephs RC Primary School

  St. Josephs RC Primary School

  St. Josephs Infant School

  Bryncoch CIW School

  Ald Davies' CIW School

  St. Therese's RC School

  St. Josephs RC Junior School

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Aflatoxin
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list in the Official Report the number and respective weight of imported cargoes of peanuts containing aflatoxin greater than the voluntary limit of 0·03 mg/kg for each of the last five years; and if he will indicate in respect of each cargo the ultimate purpose for which the peanuts were used.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  This information is not available.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has consulted the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds concerning the introduction of statutory limits of aflatoxin in nuts.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  No.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria are applied in determining the safe level of aflatoxin in nuts and nut products used for(a) human consumption, (b) feed stuffs for birds and animals which are kept for the production of meat, wool, and so on, (c) pet food and (d) wild bird food.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Davies) on 21 April at column 565 and the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment to the hon. Member for Caerphilly on 18 April at column 279.

  Licensed Trade (Tenant's Security)
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the working of the code of practice on tenant's security in respect of the licensed trade.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  My Department has received very few complaints from tenants about the working of the code since it was introduced by the Brewers' Society in 1973. I am, however, aware of the view expressed by some hon. Members concerning its application in two recent cases.

TRANSPORT

  Carlisle-Settle Railway Line
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further representations he has received on the future of the Settle-Carlisle railway.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I continue to receive various representations from hon. Members local authorities and others with an interest in the line. I hope that my right hon. Friend will be able to make an announcement about the line's future shortly.

  Road Traffic Statistics
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total amount of road traffic from the Republic of Ireland which passed through the United Kingdom on its way to the continent of Europe during the last year for which full figures are available.
  612
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  No figures are available for car or coach traffic. Regarding goods traffic, it is estimated that in 1987 around 14,000 Irish-registered road goods vehicles left British ports for mainland Europe, most of which would have entered Great Britain from the Republic carrying (or going to fetch) goods in transit to (or from) mainland Europe. This and earlier figures are published in "Road Goods Vehicles on Roll-on Roll-off Ferries to Mainland Europe, 4th Quarter 1987" Department of Transport bulletin (88)1, a copy of which is in the Library. The figure does not include non-Irish foreign vehicles carrying Irish trade—a much smaller number; nor does it include British vehicles, either towing trailers making transit journeys, or otherwise carrying Irish trade with Europe between British ports.

  Rail Service (Bedford-St. Pancras)
  Mr. John Carlisle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received any recommendations from the emergency services regarding the rail service between Bedford and St. Pancras.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  I have received no such recommendations. Perhaps my hon. Friend could write if he has any specific incident in mind.

  M40
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give his latest estimate for completion of the M40.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Construction of some sections of the M40 extension between Oxford and Birmingham is already under way. Subject to the outcome of the recent public inquiry, work on the final section between Waterstock and Wendlebury, near Oxford, could start next year to enable the whole motorway extension to be open to traffic in 1991.

  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review his conclusions on the adequacy of the proposed two-lane section of the M40 to take anticipated traffic flows up to the year 2000.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The proposals for the Waterstock to Wendlebury section of the M40 were the subject of a public inquiry which ended in January. Before reaching final decisions on the standard of the road, we will carefully consider all the views expressed. together with the recommendations of the independent inspector.

  Continental Passenger Trains
  Mr. Warren
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assurances he has received from British Rail that its main lines will be able to be used by continental passenger trains, following the opening of the Channel tunnel, without the need for passengers to change to British Rail rolling stock to complete their journey; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Mitchell
  Most existing continental passenger trains are too wide and high for much of the British system. British Rail and French and Belgian railways are therefore jointly planning to operate a new fleet of high-speed passenger trains and night sleepers through the Channel tunnel. These trains will be designed to operate on all three networks.

ENVIRONMENT

  Council House Sales
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how may council tenants over the ages of 70, 80 and 90 years, respectively, have(a) applied to buy and (b) bought their council homes for each year since 1980 for which figures are available.

  Mrs. Roe
  Information is not collected on the age of tenants applying to buy or buying their council homes.

  Licensed Trade Tenants
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the question of licensed trade tenants' security; if he will bring forward proposals for making them subject to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We have received three representations since 1985, in addition to those received by MAFF. In 1985 my Department reviewed the Landlord and Tenant Act, part II, including proposals for extending its provisions to cover licensed trade tenants. Wide consultation revealed insufficient grounds for amending the legislation; that remains the position.

  Water Authorities
  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the increases in both domestic and business charges by all the regional water authorities for each of the past five years.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The information requested on increases in domestic water charges was set out in the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) on 29 June 1987 Official Report, column 46. Information on business charges will require time to prepare. I will answer that part of the hon. Member's as soon as it is available.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the annual return on assets by all the regional water authorities for each of the past five years.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The information requested is set out for English water authorities in the table.

  Achieved rate of return (DOE services) per cent.

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Northumbrian

  1·62

  1·75

  1·78

  2·11

  2·39

  Northwest

  1·36

  1·16

  0·72

  1·37

  1·69

  Severn Trent

  1·36

  1·10

  1·00

  1·39

  1·97

  Yorkshire

  1·31

  1·25

  0·99

  1·35

  1·74

  Anglian

  2·29

  1·69

  1·59

  1·83

  2·43

  Thames

  0·88

  0·90

  1·13

  1·68

  1·80

  Southern

  1·22

  0·97

  0·93

  1·56

  1·91

  Wessex

  1·31

  1·08

  0·77

  1·28

  1·99

  Southwest

  1·52

  1·39

  1·46

  1·88

  2·05

  Source: Water Authorities' Annual Reports and Accounts.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines are given to regional water authorities on the revaluation of assets which are underground; and if he will make a statement.
  614
  Mr. Moynihan
  Guidance on accounting matters is given to each water authority in a letter from the Department which is reproduced in their annual accounts which are laid before Parliament and placed in the Library. The Water Authorities (Return on Assets) Order 1987, SI No. 2022, 1987 prescribes the basis on which assets are to be valued for the purposes of the order.

  Norfolk House, East Kilbride
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment the Property Services Agency has made of the potential of Norfolk house in East Kilbride for the location of Civil Service work, what number of posts of(a) temporary and (b) a permanent nature are to be located on the site; and what is the nature of the work to be undertaken.

  Mr. Chope
  There is no current Civil Service requirement for accommodation in the East Kilbride area for which Norfolk house would be suitable. Norfolk house is surplus to requirements and is on the market for disposal.

  Combustion Plants
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the oil industry concerning the European Community directive on large combustion plants; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  My officials have regular discussions with representatives of the oil industry about this draft directive, and my noble Friend the Minister for Environment, Countryside and Water was recently in correspondence with the president of the United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association on this subject.

  London Boroughs (Debts)
  Sir Hugh Rossi
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answers to the hon. Members for Hornsey and Wood Green of 28 April and for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) of 14 March,Official Report, column 459, why the information placed in the Library is incomplete for the London boroughs; and if he will now provide the information on indebtedness for all London boroughs.

  Mr. Chope
  [holding answer 4 May 1988]The information, which related to 1986–87, placed in the Library is incomplete because the following authorities had not submitted returns: Camden, Greenwich, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Brent, Ealing, Haringey, Harrow. Southwark and Harrow have since submitted returns, but the table provides information for all London boroughs for 1984–85, the latest year for which complete information is available.

  Capital Debt and Total Capital Debt per head of population at end of 1984–85

  Total Debt (£000)

  Debt per head of population (£000)

  Camden

  558,684

  3104

  Greenwich

  356,276

  1649

  Hackney

  400,130

  2128

  615

  Total Debt (£000)

  Debt per head of population (£000)

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  227,770

  1508

  Islington

  589,736

  3574

  Kensington and Chelsea

  252,758

  1859

  Lambeth

  528,881

  2168

  Lewisham

  337,080

  1453

  Southwark

  550,306

  2548

  Tower Hamlets

  184,188

  1270

  Wandsworth

  334,683

  1297

  Westminster

  234,179

  1287

  Barking and Dagenham

  91,597

  615

  Barnet

  167,530

  562

  Bexley

  111,556

  512

  Brent

  347,212

  1362

  Bromley

  119,202

  400

  Croydon

  151,699

  476

  Ealing

  274,678

  950

  Enfield

  198,840

  756

  Haringey

  421,275

  2106

  Harrow

  123,380

  611

  Havering

  119,789

  499

  Hillingdon

  228,911

  987

  Hounslow

  232,752

  1176

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  73,113

  546

  Merton

  144,982

  884

  Newham

  372,853

  1784

  Redbridge

  133,887

  590

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  82,331

  511

  Sutton

  87,157

  513

  Waltham Forest

  182,655

  850

  City of London

  245,621

  49,124

  Property Transactions
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to make a public announcement on the completion of any property transactions involving the acquisition of new accommodation.

  Mr. Chope
  [holding answer 3 May 1988]: No. This would not be practicable as the PSA is constantly relinquishing and acquiring property as part of the management of a civil estate comprising about 8,800 properties.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Newtownards Vehicle Inspection Centre
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in relation to the Newtownards vehicle inspection centre(a) the operating hours each day, (b) the number of vehicles being tested each day and (c) the present waiting list of vehicles requiring tests; and what provision there is at present for overtime work at this centre.

  Mr. Needham
  The operating hours of the Newtownards vehicle inspection and driving test centre are 8.25 am-4.55 pm, Monday to Friday inclusive. The number of vehicles being tested each day is 110. On 22 April 1988 the waiting time for test appointments was four weeks for goods vehicles and six weeks for private cars.

  There is no provision at present for overtime working at this centre.

  Car Parking (Newtownards)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what free car parking he proposes(a)
  616
  to retain and (b) to provide in Newtownards for persons travelling into the town to work in shops and commercial premises.

  Mr. Needham
  It is the intention of the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) that the existing car parks at Ann street, Upper Court street and Talbot street, Newtownards should remain free of charge for the foreseeable future.

  Potatoes
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many potato producers in Northern Ireland have been seriously affected by the potato surplus between September 1987 and March 1988.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 4 May 1988]: Information on the effect on individual producers is not available to the Department of Agriculture.

  Army Information Services
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which officials in charge of the Army Information Services at HQ, Northern Ireland, since 1971 have been interviewed by an official inquiry or by other official persons in connection with(a) psychological information, (b) an alleged shoot to kill policy, (c) alleged political disinformation, and (d) any alleged use of forged documentation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 28 April 1988]: I have been asked to reply.

  It is not the practice to comment on specific individuals.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Southern Africa
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy on relations with Southern Africa in the light of the Gersony report, sponsored by the United States State Department, on conditions in Mozambique; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  We encourage peaceful solutions to regional problems. Our substantial aid programme contributes to the relief of suffering and the promotion of economic development in Mozambique. The Gersony report bears out our view of RENAMO as responsible for widespread and premeditated atrocities and as lacking any general support amongst the Mozambican people.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received since 1 January regarding South African-backed incursions into Mozambique; what representations he has made to the South African Government on such matters; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  We have no evidence of recent incursions. We condemn cross-border violations in either direction.

  Republic of Ireland
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of the Irish Republic about the
  617
  claim to part of the United Kingdom embodied in articles 2 and 3 of the Republic's constitution; and what further representations he intends to make.

  Sir Geoffrey Howe
  None. Article 1 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement explicitly states that both Governments"affirm that any change in the status of Northern Ireland would only come about with the consent of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland."

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why no Government dwellings were completed on St. Helena in 1987–88, and how many are expected to be completed in 1988–89.

  Mr. Eggar
  No Government dwellings were built last year on St. Helena because the Public Works Department was fully committed to other major projects such as the Prince Andrew school and the bulk fuel installation. However, £165,000 was made available from our aid programme for use by the private sector through the Housing Assistance Board.

  St. Helena's housing policy for 1988–89 is still under consideration and it is not yet known how many dwellings will be built this year.

DEFENCE

  Chile (Arms Purchases)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has received any inquiries from the Government of Chile regarding the possible purchase of Javelin antiaircraft missiles from Short Brothers.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It has been the policy of successive British Governments not to comment on matters relating to the supply of defence equipment to foreign Governments.

  AQD Laboratories, Harefield
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has yet reached a decision as to whether there is a continuing service requirement for the AQD Laboratories at Harefield; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  AQD, Harefield, closed on 26 February 1988. Since there is no further defence requirement for the site it will be passed to the PSA which will arrange for its disposal on the open market.

  AWACS
  Sir Eldon Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects each of the seven Boeing AWACS aircraft ordered in place of Nimrod AEW, to be available for active service in the Royal Air Force; to what extent these anticipated in-service dates differ from those originally promised and announced; and if the delivery and technical performance of the various auxiliary systems that Boeing is purchasing from its subcontractors are now guaranteed.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced to the House on 18 December 1986, at column 1352, the AWACS aircraft will 618
  be delivered into RAF service starting in 1991. Since that announcement there has been no slippage in the anticipated in-service dates.

  The delivery and technical performance of the various auxiliary systems that Boeing is purchasing from its subcontractors form part of Boeing's overall contractual commitment to deliver complete AWACS aircraft meeting our performance requirements. The programme is currently on schedule with no major technical problems.

  Israel
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give figures for trade between Israel and Britain, for each of the past five years, in military products.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It has been the policy of successive Administrations not to give details of defence equipment sales. We maintain restrictions on arms sales to Israel because of the continuing Israeli military presence in Lebanon.

  Ammunition and Explosives (Storage)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to his answer of 20 April concerning ammunition and explosives stored near to population areas, whether, following the Donnington fires, he will review his Department's policy in connection with(a) planning applications which involve the encroachment of buildings towards the defence estate, (b) the possible removal of ammunition and explosives stores from current defence estate sites where population areas have built-up nearby, and (c) the encroachment of the defence estate toward residential areas; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  I am satisfied with the present procedures for consultation between local planning authorities and my Department in respect of planning applications for developments in areas surrounding certain Ministry of Defence establishments, including depots holding ammunition and explosives, neither of which are stored at Donnington. There are, however, major difficulties in relocating ammunition and explosives depots from those areas which have already become built-up, although stringent safety rules are enforced. We are equally concerned to ensure that hazard zones around certain Ministry of Defence establishments do not affect members of the public and, although the Crown is not bound by the Town and Country Planning Acts, it is my Department's policy to observe similar planning procedures.

  US Nuclear Submarines
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the implications for continued sharing of nuclear defence information under the Anglo-American mutual defence agreement of the leaked documents on the maintenance of US nuclear submarines at Holy Loch published in The Scotsman newspaper on 22 April;

  (2) what is his assessment of the implications for the operational practice of United States submarines allocated to NATO duty of the leaked documents published in The Scotsman newspaper on 22 April originating at the Holy Loch submarine base;

  (3) what are the implications of the leaked documents from the United States naval base at Holy Loch published

  619
  in The Scotsman newspaper on 22 April for the ordering programme for the Polaris-Poseidon material management system.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The loss of internal United States Navy documents which I understand were unclassified is a matter for the United States authorities. I am assured that there are no implications of the kind referred to by the hon. Member.

  Atomic Energy Authority
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if any work is carried out for his Department at the Atomic Energy Research establishment operated by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority at Harwell; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  MOD uses the services of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority establishment at Harwell as appropriate on normal commercial terms.

  Corsham Bunker Complex
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning the Corsham Bunker complex belonging to his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a number of representations making speculative remarks about the Corsham site, on which I am not prepared to comment.

  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the purpose and functions of his Department's Corsham Bunker complex.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  No.

  Mr. Colin Wallace (Dossier)
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces and civil servants have been interviewed in connection with the dossier of information submitted to the Prime Minister on 1 November 1984 by Mr. Colin Wallace.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 20 July 1987 at columns 93–94.

  Irish Republic
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions, in each year from 1973 to the current date, members of the armed forces on duty have crossed into the Irish Republic.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]From records held, the number of occasions when members of Her Majesty's armed forces on duty have crossed into the Republic of Ireland by year since 1982 is as follows. The figures include crossings both on land and in the air. Records of such occasions prior to 1982 are not available.
  620

  Year

  Number

  1982

  45

  1983

  31

  1984

  31

  1985

  27

  1986

  50

  1987

  55

  11988

  11

  1 As at 27 April 1988.

  On the vast majority of occasions the border was crossed as a result of navigational errors; these incidents were notified to the Irish Government. On the remaining occasions, the border was crossed with the agreement of the Irish Government.

  Covert Operations (Forgery)
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the forging of documents by Army printing presses in Northern Ireland, in connection with covert operations.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]It is not the practice to comment on operational matters.

  Northern Ireland Training and Advisory Team
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Brent, East on 28 March,Official Report, column 364, when information on the Northern Ireland training and advisory team became unavailable.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: I have nothing to add to my previous answer.

  Royal Engineer Survey Troop
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Brent, East on 28 March,Official Report, column 364, on what basis detailed records relating to the Royal Engineer survey troop were destroyed or disposed of.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: They were destroyed when no longer required.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Brent, East on 28 March,Official Report, column 364, what other Royal Engineer survey troops were stationed at Castledillon in 1974–75; and what was their numerical designation.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: None.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Brent, East on 28 March,Official Report, column 364, on what date the Royal Engineer survey troop was formed; and on what date it was dispersed;

  (2) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Brent, East on 28 March, Official Report, column 364, on what date the 4th Field Survey Troop, Royal Engineers, was formed; and when it was disbanded.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: 4 Field Survey Troop Royal Engineers was formed in early 1973 at Castledillon, and disbanded in late 1975, since there was no longer a requirement for the unit.

  Records (Destruction)
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the destruction of original records kept by his Department.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: The policy regarding the destruction of original records by the Ministry of Defence is governed by the Public Records Acts of 1958 and 1967.

  Army Information Services
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of the scripts of Army Information Services presentations at Commander Land Forces study days at Army Headquarters Northern Ireland from January 1975 to the current date.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: No.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of all printed material designed and printed at Army Headquarters Northern Ireland and disseminated to the public from 1972 to the current date.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: No. Comprehensive records of such published documents since 1972 could not be compiled without disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions members of the Army Information Services have planted hoax bombs between 1973 and the current date; and whether such devices were subsequently dismantled by an Army explosive ordnance disposal team.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: I am aware of none. Such an act would not have been part of the duties of a member of the Army Information Services and would have been illegal.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if any members of the Army Information Services in Northern Ireland, including those involved in psychological operations, have ever carried or been involved in possession of captured terrorist weapons or explosives in public places from 1972 to the current date;

  (2) if, from 1972 to the current date, members of the Army Information Services in Northern Ireland, have ever been asked to masquerade as members of paramilitary groups; and whether such activity included the carrying of captured terrorist weapons or explosives.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: I am aware of none.

  Firearms (Silencers)
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions firearms fitted with silencers have been used by members of the Army in Northern Ireland against civilian targets in each year since 1972.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: I am aware of none.

  Psychological Operations
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where courses have been held on psychological warfare and psychological operations in which his Department was involved in each year from 1972 to the current date in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: Courses were held, until their closure, at the joint warfare establishment at Old Sarum, Salisbury (1972–78), and at the joint warfare wing of the National Defence College at Latimer (1978–82). Since 1982 responsibility for the courses has transferred to MOD central staff. With regard to courses in the United States of America, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on 7 March 1988 at column 59.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis civil servants or Army personnel have been selected to attend psychological warfare and psychological operations courses from 1972 to the current date.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: Information for the period 1972–73 is no longer available. From 1973 to the present day eligibility for attendance has extended to any officer of the rank of lieutenant-commander or equivalent and above. For those MOD posts which may require a further understanding of psychological operations techniques attendance is mandatory before appointment is taken up.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report the syllabus of courses in psychological warfare and psychological operations in which his Department was involved (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in the United States of America, from 1972 to the current date.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: No.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the officers commanding the information policy unit, information liaison unit and the information planning unit in Northern Ireland, underwent training in psychological operations or psychological warfare in the United States of America from 1971 to the current date.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: I have nothing further to add to the reply I gave the hon. Member on 7 March 1988 at column 59.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many employees of the BBC from 1971 to current date attended courses or seminars at his Department's establishments relating to psychological operations or psychological warfare activities.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: The present courses are open only to students from Ministry of Defence and NATO military and civilian staffs.

  Joint Warfare Establishment and Joint Intelligence Centre
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list any non-governmental individuals or
  623
  organisations, in each year from 1972 to current date, which visited the joint warfare establishment or joint intelligence centre.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: No records of visits by individuals from non-governmental organisations are available prior to 1978. From the records available from 1978 to date, apart from guest speakers, no such visits to the joint warfare wing or its successor establishment can be identified.

  Security Forces (Civilian Deaths)
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if any civilians have been shot by members of the security forces using captured terrorist weapons.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: I am aware of none.

  Exercise Clockwork Orange
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inquiries were undertaken by his Department into the circumstances surrounding the operation in Northern Ireland known as Clockwork Orange.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 20 July 1987 at columns 93–94.

  Captain Fred Holroyd, Retired
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) pursuant to the answer of 28 March,Official Report, column 362, if he is able to specify the various dates when assistance was given by his Department to the Royal Ulster Constabulary into the allegations of Captain Fred Holroyd (retired);

  (2) pursuant to the answer of 28 March, Official Report, column 362, if he is able to specify what appropriate assistance was given to the Royal Ulster Constabulary into the allegations of Captain Fred Holroyd (retired);

  (3) pursuant to the answer of 28 March, Official Report, column 362, from what grade or grades of civil servant appropriate assistance was given to the Royal Ulster Constabulary into the allegations of Captain Fred Holroyd (retired).

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on that occasion.

  Ulster Defence Regiment
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many serving or former serving members of the Ulster Defence Regiment have been charged with criminal offences since 1971.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: The information is not available in the form requested.
  624
  However, since September 1984, 234 members of the UDR have been convicted in the civil courts of criminal offences whilst still serving. These figures exclude minor motoring offences. In the case of serious offences, the soldiers convicted were discharged from the regiment in accordance with UDR regulations. Comparable information is not available before September 1984. Information is not held by my Department about former serving members of the UDR who were convicted of offences after they had left the regiment.

  Mr. Colin Wallace
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brent, East on 7 March,Official Report, column 60, on what date Mr. Colin Wallace was commissioned into the Ulster Defence Regiment; and on what date he was promoted to captain.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 28 April 1988]: As I explained in my letter of 18 April to the hon. Member, Mr. Wallace was granted a commission as a part-time member of the UDR in the rank of second-lieutenant and was granted the acting rank of captain both with effect from 18 January 1972.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Firearms
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of the Thames Valley police to provide evidence to support the chief constable's statement of 27 April, that the application was properly and thoroughly inquired into in the cases of applications for the grant of a firearms certificate dated 23 November 1986, the variation to the certificate dated 23 March 1987 and the variation to the certificate dated 14 July 1987 of the late Michael Ryan.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No.

  Juvenile Offenders
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will list the number of 14-year-olds given custodial sentences in 1986 by constabulary area; and if he will express these figures also as a percentage of juveniles cautioned or found guilty of an offence in a juvenile court.

  Mr. John Patten
  The information available centrally which may be incomplete, is given in the following table. Data relating to juveniles found guilty at magistrates' courts giving a breakdown by police force area and offence group are published annually in tables S3.2(B) and S3.2(C) of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, Supplementary Tables, Vol. 3". Similar information about juvenile cautioning is available in tables S3.7(B) and S3.7(C) of this publication, copies of which are in the Library.
  625

  Juveniles found guilty at magistrates' courts or cautioned for indictable offences by police force area

  England and Wales 1986

  Numbers and percentages

  Police force area

  Number of males aged 14 given detention centre orders l 3

  Number of persons aged 10–16 found guilty at magistrates' courts or cautioned2

  (a) as a percentage of(b)

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  Avon and Somerset

  5

  3,088

  0·16

  Bedfordshire

  4

  1,381

  0·29

  Cambridgeshire

  3

  1,833

  0·16

  Cheshire

  8

  2,507

  0·32

  Cleveland

  10

  2,970

  0·34

  Cumbria

  7

  1,688

  0·41

  Derbyshire

  12

  2,219

  0·54

  Devon and Cornwall

  14

  2,446

  0·57

  Dorset

  3

  1,332

  0·23

  Durham

  20

  2,341

  0·85

  Essex

  4

  3,110

  0·13

  Gloucestershire

  —

  1,188

  —

  Greater Manchester

  88

  10,801

  0·81

  Hampshire

  5

  4,599

  0·11

  Hertfordshire

  4

  2,125

  0·19

  Humberside

  7

  3,493

  0·20

  Kent

  5

  2,669

  0·19

  Lancashire

  24

  3,968

  0·60

  Leicestershire

  11

  2,366

  0·46

  Lincolnshire

  9

  1,841

  0·49

  London, City of

  —

  40

  —

  Merseyside

  26

  4,375

  0·59

  Metropoiitan Police District

  53

  13,942

  0·38

  Norfolk

  6

  1,805

  0·33

  Northamptonshire

  3

  1,235

  0·24

  Northumbria

  34

  6,285

  0·54

  North Yorkshire

  4

  1,794

  0·22

  Nottinghamshire

  12

  4,579

  0·26

  South Yorkshire

  19

  4,716

  0·40

  Staffordshire

  11

  1,876

  0·59

  Suffolk

  —

  1,545

  —

  Surrey

  4

  988

  0·40

  Sussex

  7

  2,328

  0·30

  Thames Valley

  8

  3,834

  0·21

  Warwickshire

  —

  1,019

  —

  West Mercia

  5

  2,796

  0·18

  West Midlands

  25

  10,755

  0·23

  West Yorkshire

  39

  8,351

  0·47

  Wiltshire

  1

  1,734

  0·06

  Dyfed Powys

  1

  833

  0·12

  Gwent

  3

  1,596

  0·19

  North Wales

  10

  1,667

  0·60

  South Wales

  18

  3,921

  0·46

  England and Wales

  532

  139,979

  0·38

  1 Custodial penalties are not available for females aged 14.

  2 The majority of these offenders would have appeared at juvenile courts.

  3 Figures are those recorded centrally and are approximate: detailed checking of individual cases would involve disproportionate cost

  Nationality
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff were employed in the nationality division of his Department to process nationality applications in each month since April 1987.

  Mr. Renton
  [holding answer 3 May 1988]: The numbers of staff employed in case-working groups processing nationality applications were:

  Numbers

  1987

  April

  151

  May

  148

  June

  152

  July

  146

  August

  144

  September

  151

  626

  Numbers

  October

  149

  November

  148

  December

  150

  1988

  January

  148

  February

  149

  March

  149

  April

  147

  These figures do not include staff processing inquiries about citizenship status, dealing with requests for application forms and maintaining the computer records which support the processing of cases.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contingency plans were made by the nationality division of his Department in early 1987 to deal with the expected extra work caused by the
  627
  nationality deadlines; and how those plans were amended in October 1987 when the extent of that extra demand became apparent.

  Mr. Renton
  [holding answer 3 May 1988]: An additional case-working group (17 staff) was created on 1 April 1987; and further provision was made to increase from 150 to 170 the number of staff wholly employed on considering applications with effect from 1 April 1988.

  In August 1987, case-working resources were diverted to responding promptly to general inquiries about citizenship and supplying application forms and to recording the receipt of new applications. When it became apparent that these measures were insufficient to deal with the growing volume of new applications being received, overtime working began on 8 November and has been in operation ever since. The full extent of the demand did not become apparent until after December 1987, when 100,000 citizenship applications were submitted in one month. Further measures have been taken since then, including the ones I announced in the House on 16 February 1988 at column 683.

  Because of the priority accorded to these matters, and recruitment difficulties in the Croydon area, it has not yet been possible to achieve the projected increase in case-working capacity provided for from 1 April 1988. That will be done as soon as possible. We hope also to announce shortly detailed plans for substantial additional case-working capacity at a new location, probably on Merseyside.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Crown Prosecutors (Manual of Guidance)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of the manual of guidance issued to Crown prosecutors in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement as to the criteria upon which a decision to prosecute is based, as set out in the manual.

  The Attorney-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 22 April 1988, c. 574]: I have now had the opportunity of considering with the Director of Public Prosecutions whether it would be proper to place the manuals of guidance issued to Crown prosecutors in the Library. It is the view of both the Director and myself that such a course would be inappropriate.

  The requirement in section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 to publish guidance for Crown prosecutors expressly refers to the general principles upon which certain key prosecution decisions are taken. As I stated in my answer of 22 April, those general principles are set out and illustrated in the code for Crown prosecutors. The terms of section 10 do not, in my view, require the Director to make available for inspection detailed internal guidance, instructions, and so on, issued to assist Crown prosecutors in the exercise of their duties and assembled for convenience in manual form.

  Both the Director and I continue to recognise the need for the general principles of prosecution decision-making to be as open and easily understood as possible. With this objective in mind, the Director is considering whether, and, if so, to what extent, the existing published criteria might usefully be expanded.

PRIME MINISTER

  Government Achievements
  Sir John Biggs-Davison
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list the achievements of Her Majesty's Government since May 1979 in respect of the whole of the United Kingdom and also in respect of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  The Prime Minister
  The rate of inflation has been reduced to levels not seen for 20 years. The United Kingdom is well into its seventh successive year of steady growth, at an average annual rate of 3 per cent.; in 1987 national output grew faster than in any other major industrialised country. Business investment reached a record level in 1987 and is forecast to rise by a further 9 per cent. in 1988. Since 1981, United Kingdom manufacturers have maintained their volume share of world trade, following decades of decline; and in 1987 their share increased slightly. The level of the United Kingdom's net overseas assets has increased sevenfold since 1979 to about £90 billion by the end of 1987, yielding earnings of over £5·5 billion in 1987. Manufacturing productivity has risen at an average annual rate of over 5 per cent. since 1980 — faster than in any other major industrialised country, after being at the bottom of the league in the previous two decades. In 1987, non-North sea company profitability rose to 10·5 per cent., its highest level for over 20 years, having risen in every year since 1981.

  The Government have continued to maintain sound public finances, and have now balanced the budget. In 1987–88, for only the second year since the beginning of the 1950s, the Government made a net repayment of public sector debt. The burden of debt interest has fallen, and this, together with continued improvements in efficiency, has enabled the Government to increase spending on priority programmes while ensuring that public expenditure continues to fall as a proportion of GDP.

  The Government have pursued a substantial programme of tax reform. The aim has been to create a climate in which businesses can thrive and individual initiative and risk-taking are rewarded. The basic rate of income tax has been reduced from 33 to 25 per cent., and the main personal allowances are fully 25 per cent. higher in real terms than in 1978–79. Nine higher rates of income tax running up to 83 per cent. have been replaced by a single higher rate of 40 per cent. A new system of independent taxation for husbands and wives will apply from 1990. Business taxation has been radically restructured, leaving the United Kingdom corporation tax rate one of the lowest in the industrialised world. Seventeen rates of capital transfer tax running up to 75 per cent. have been replaced by a single rate of 40 per cent. on inheritance; and the taxation of purely inflationary capital gains has been ended. Five taxes and a number of unjustified tax breaks have been abolished.

  Since 1979, the Government have privatised 17 major companies and a number of other enterprises. As a result of this policy and tax reliefs designed to encourage shareholding, the number of individual shareowners in the United Kingdom, at one in five of the adult population, has trebled since 1979. Getting on for 40 per cent. of the state-owned industrial sector the Government inherited in 1979 has been returned to private enterprise. And the

  629
  privatisation programme is set to continue — the Government have already announced their intention to privatise the electricity supply industry, the water authorities in England and Wales and British Steel.

  The Government have introduced a large number of measures to improve the operation of markets. Pay, price and dividend controls have been abolished, together with controls on foreign exchange, bank lending and hire purchase, and restrictions on industrial and office development. Incentives have been increased by tax reductions and reform and by the restructuring of national insurance contributions. The Government have introduced a tax relief to encourage the spread of profit-related pay.

  Employment in Great Britain has risen by almost 1·7 million since March 1983, the longest period of sustained employment growth in almost 30 years. Unemployment throughout the United Kingdom has fallen by over 700,000 from its July 1986 peak and the unemployment rate is now below the European Community average. It has fallen in all regions of the country with the biggest falls over the last year in the west midlands, the north-west and Yorkshire and Humberside. Long-term unemployment in the United Kingdom fell by a record 234,000 in the year to January, whilst unemployment among under-25s is at its lowest level for over five years and is now much lower than the European Community average.

  Changes in employment legislation and measures to assist labour mobility have improved the operation of the labour market. Many restrictions on the employment of women have been lifted.

  The Government's policies have helped the small firms sector to grow rapidly and to make a substantial contribution to employment and wealth creation. About 1 million additional jobs were created in the United Kingdom by small firms and self-employment between 1982 and 1984, and since 1980 the number of small firms has grown by around 500 a week. Self-employment has risen by over 1 million since June 1979. The small firms service provides advice and support for small firms. The enterprise allowance scheme has helped over 300,000 people in Great Britain to set up in business on their own. The Government have helped create a network of local enterprise agencies to encourage the development of small firms.

  The Government have introduced entirely new approaches to delivering practical help for unemployed people to get back to work. Since July 1986, some 3·5 million personal interviews have been carried out under restart. 90 per cent. of them resulting in an offer of positive help from the range of opportunities available, including job-clubs and the still expanding enterprise allowance scheme. The Government have taken steps to ensure that benefits are properly paid to those who are entitled to them and not to others. The work of jobcentres, previously administered by the Manpower Services Commission, and that of the unemployment benefit service have now been brought together in the employment service, with the priority of giving effective help to unemployed people, especially the long-term unemployed, and placing them in jobs and training.

  The Government have revolutionised vocational education and training for young people through the technical and vocational education initiative (TVEI) and two-year youth training scheme (YTS). The TVEI became a national scheme last autumn. Over 1·5 million young
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  people have had vocational training under YTS, and a wide range of courses leading towards a vocational qualification is available to all 16 and 17-year-old school leavers. From September this year, all young people not going into a job or staying in full-time education will be guaranteed YTS until their 18th birthday. Unemployment on social security benefit will no longer be an option for this group.

  The Government have announced a major new programme, employment training, building on the experience and successes of the community programme and the new job training scheme. The Government will guarantee employment training or a place in the enterprise allowance scheme or in a job club to all those aged between 18 and 25 who have been unemployed for between six and 12 months, and also aim to provide employment training for those over 25 who have been unemployed for two years. The National Council for Vocational Qualifications is establishing a clear system of relevent vocational qualifications.

  Legislation has been passed protecting members against abuses of trade union power, extending their rights to influence the affairs of their unions and restoring the balance in industrial relations between managements and unions. In particular, secondary blacking and picketing have been made unlawful and unions are required to hold ballots before strike action.

  The Government have stepped up the attack on urban decay and have given priority to encouraging investment in inner city areas through a range of measures amounting to some £3 billion in 1988–89. A new action for cities drive was launched in March 1988 which included a new urban development corporation in Sheffield and the extension of the existing corporation in Merseyside; streamlined grants to encourage the development of inner city land arid buildings; more help for small businesses in inner city areas; further Government support for links between schools and employers; new crime prevention initiatives; and better inner city roads. To help pull together the various Government programmes involved, city action teams have been established based in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne and Nottingham. At local level, 16 inner city task forces support projects which open up job and enterprise opportunities for local residents.

  The Government have launched a major five-year campaign to ensure that business in every part of the country is fully prepared to take advantage of the single market that will exist in the European Community by 1992.

  The Government have encouraged competition throughout the economy. Proposals have been published for the reform of the legislation on mergers and restrictive trade practices.

  The Government have launched the enterprise initiative, with the objective of helping businesses acquire the skills and information they require to compete effectively.

  The balance of regional policy has been changed so that the Government's enterprise policies are properly reflected in the regions.

  The emphasis of the Government's financial support for industry has shifted to industrial innovation. Support is now concentrated on collaborative research

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  programmes, including the LINK scheme which brings together academic and industrial researchers, and the Eureka initiative for collaborative research in Europe.

  The Financial Services Act has established a statutory framework for self-regulation of the financial services industry in the interests of investor protection, under the Securities and Investments Board and a number of self-regulatory organisations.

  The Government have been active to strengthen safeguards against fraud and to ensure that the probity of our financial institutions is maintained without undermining their competitiveness. The Companies Acts 1980 and 1981 strengthened the powers of investigation and the courts' powers to disqualify directors for misconduct; and made insider dealing a criminal offence.

  The Government have worked actively to maintain the world open trading system and are contributing to the current Uruguay round of multilateral trade negotiations, which was launched in 1986 under the United Kingdom presidency.

  Since 1979 productivity per person has increased by nearly 50 per cent. in agriculture and over 35 per cent. in the food manufacturing industry. Prices of food to consumers have risen more slowly than the general price level. The annual rate of increase in food prices since May 1979 has been 5·8 per cent. Exports of food, feed and alcoholic beverages have more than doubled since 1979.

  Reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP), to tackle the problems of burgeoning expenditure and surplus production, has been significantly advanced by the agreement at the European Council in February on the application of budget discipline to the CAP, notably through the introduction or extension of stabilisers in all the main CAP commodity regimes. The stabilisers, which link full levels of support to predetermined quantities of production and provide for reductions in support if these quantities are exceeded, are intended to act as a disincentive to surplus production and thus to help bring supply and demand into better balance. These measures carry forward the process of reform of the CAP which has included the introduction of milk quotas in 1984, changes to the milk and beef regimes (including the maintenance of the beef variable premium) agreed under the United Kingdom presidency in December 1986, and measures to weaken intervention in the cereals and oilseeds sectors introduced in 1987.

  The Government have also successfully negotiated the sheepmeat regime. The wool guarantee, the suckler cow premium and expenditure on hill livestock compensatory allowances have all been increased.

  The Government have introduced measures designed to encourage farming practices which are beneficial to the landscape and to the conservation of wildlife, and have announced a number of new policy initiatives designed to encourage alternative uses of farmland, and to increase diversity on farms and in the rural economy generally. The Government recast capital grants in 1985 to put a strong emphasis on assistance for conservation work on farms and on investment to prevent pollution of rivers and streams from farm waste. Prompt action was taken to assist those farmers and growers affected by the storm of 16 October last year through specific emergency grant schemes. The sale, supply and use of pesticides has been brought under statutory control to ensure safe use in relation to operators, consumers and the environment.
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  After protracted and difficult negotiations, the Government secured an EC common fisheries policy settlement in 1983 on terms very favourable to the United Kingdom. Conservation, control and structural measures have all been strengthened. As part of that settlement and subsequently. The Salmon Act 1986 strengthened powers to deal with illegal fishing and made improvements in the conservation and management of salmon. In Scotland a new inshore fisheries regime has been established. The value of United Kingdom fish landings and of fish farming output has increased substantially.

  Control to ensure protection of the marine environment have been strengthened, and substantial reductions have been achieved in the low levels of contaminants in material licensed for disposal at sea.

  In transport, the Government have successfully increased consumer choice and efficiency by promoting competition in the provision of services.

  British Airways and the British Airports Authority have been privatised. The Government have authorised the development of Stansted as London's third airport, encouraged the development of airport facilities in the regions, improved the management of the main local authority airports by having them transferred to companies, and have banned the noisiest aircraft from operating at British airports. The Government have strengthened competition on international routes within Europe and over the north Atlantic by negotiating more liberal bilateral arrangements and have secured agreement to a package of liberalisation measures within the European Community as a first step towards completion of the internal aviation market.

  In England local bus services outside London have been deregulated. This has resulted in greater competition between operators, more innovation and flexibility in meeting the needs of passengers, and lower costs and subsidies, as well as an increase in the overall provision of bus mileage. The privatisation of the National Bus Company has been completed well ahead of schedule, and the majority of its subsidiaries have been bought by their own managers or employees. British Rail has been given objectives for improving the quality of its services and increasing its efficiency through reduced subsidy. It is now set to meet its 1989–90 objective while sustaining an ambitious and increasing investment programme to improve quality of service. This means that its subsidy will have been reduced by almost 45 per cent. between 1983 and 1989–90.

  The Government have successfully promoted cooperation between public and private sectors in projects such as the Channel tunnel, the London docklands light railway and the Dartford-Thurrock crossing of the Thames.

  The Merchant Shipping Act includes measures to improve safety and encourage the employment of British seafarers aboard British ships. Extensive action has been taken to improve ferry safety following the tragic Zeebrugge desaster.

  In England capital investment in trunk roads has increased by over 30 per cent. since 1979. Some 750 miles of new and improved motorways and other trunk roads have been completed, including 300 miles of bypasses. The Government are supporting 340 major local authority road schemes, most of which are aimed at bypassing local communities or relieving them of traffic. The Government's continuing concentration on road and

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  vehicle safety measures has given us the best road accident record in Europe. Casualty figures for 1987 were the lowest for 30 years, despite a fourfold increase in traffic in the same period; and pedestrian deaths were the lowest ever recorded. The aim is to reduce casualties by one third by the year 2000.

  Government policies on taxation and licensing helped to make 1987 the third best year ever for drilling activities in the North sea, despite the 1986 fall in oil prices. Domestic gas now costs less in real terms than in 1970, while the price of electricity for domestic consumers has gone down by 8 per cent. in real terms in the last five years.

  Deep-mined productivity of coal production is now 60 per cent. higher than it was in 1978–79 and some 50 per cent. higher than the average for 1983–84, before the miners' strike. This encouraging growth in productivity reflects a continuing effort by all concerned to produce coal at a price the market can afford.

  In England spending on the Health Service is up by 39 per cent. in real terms from £6·4 billion in 1978–79 to £18·9 billion now. There are over 10,000 more doctors and dentists and over 50,000 more nurses and midwives. Capital spending has increased from £373 million to £1·1 billion, a 32 per cent. increase in real terms. Some 270 health building schemes, each worth over £1 million have been started and completed. Over 1 million more inpatient cases are now being dealt with each year, and waiting lists are down by 64,000.

  The Government made an extra £25 million available to health authorities in England last year, through the waiting list fund, to tackle waiting black spots. Indications are that they have used the extra funding to treat some 100,000 more cases. The Government have increased the fund to some £30 million in the current year and the aim will be at least to equal last year's ambitious achievements.

  There is already clear evidence that the general managers who have been appointed throughout the Health Service are providing energetic and innovative leadership, with speedier and more incisive decision making. Health authorities are continuing to improve efficiency and their cost improvement programmes have yielded savings worth over £560 million in the past four years. Savings worth some £150 million are planned for this year.

  The Government have set up an independent review body to recommend on nurses' pay, have implemented all five of its reports, and have funded 90 per cent. of the costs of those awards. The 1988 report will be implemented in full and fully funded, with the result that nurses will receive their highest ever level of pay in real terms, and will have received on average a 44 per cent. increase in real terms since 1979.

  The Government have developed a comprehensive strategy in response to the threat of AIDS and have taken, and will continue to take, all necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus.

  In the social services field there have been increases in places in training centres and community homes for mentally handicapped people. There are more home help staff, more social work staff, more places in day centres for elderly people, and many more places in residential and nursing homes.

  Following publication of the White Paper "Promoting Better Health", the Government have opened up discussions with professions about arrangements for implementing a wide range of important reforms in the
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  delivery of primary health care. The emphasis is on health promotion, better services for the consumer and value for money.

  Government expenditure on social security is now at its highest level ever both in cash and real terms. Spending on social security is up by 39 per cent. in real terms from £16·4 billion in 1978–79 to £46·4 billion to 1987–88. For pensioners, the Government's main achievement has been to provide the opportunity for average incomes to grow by 18 per cent. in real terms over the period. Total expenditure, including rate rebates on benefits for the elderly and spending on 1 million extra pensioners, has risen by 31 per cent. in real terms.

  The Government have undertaken a fundamental review of the social security system resulting in the Social Security Act 1986. Most of the provisions of that Act have now been implemented. Statutory maternity pay was introduced in 1987; income support has now replaced supplementary benefit, family credit has replaced family income supplement, housing benefit has been changed, and the social fund has been introduced. This will make the system simpler and easier to understand, direct help more effectively to those who need it, and improve work incentives. Over £200 million extra has been provided for family credit to help low-income working families with children.

  An objective of the Government has been to encourage the spread of occupational and personal pensions, and to give people more choice in how to provide for their retirement. In 1985 the Government gave everyone leaving an employment scheme the right to a fair transfer value to a new employer's scheme or to buy a deferred annuity. The Government also gave members rights to all the information they need to take decisions about their pension. The Social Security Act 1986 gave everyone the choice between staying fully in SERPS or an employer's scheme or having a personal pension scheme, and employees will he able to boost their pension rights by making extra contributions.

  Since 1979, substantial progress has been made in reforming the structure and financial basis of local authorities to make them more accountable and reponsive to the needs of their local electorates, and to give better value for money in the provision of local services. The structure of local government in England has been simplified and improved with the abolition of an unnecessary tier of government in Greater London and the Metropolitan areas. The Audit Commission for England and Wales was established in 1983 and has already made great progress in identifying opportunities for improving value for money in local government, some of which are beginning to show results. Legislation on competition is ensuring that local authorities in Great Britain subject the provision of an increasing range of their services to the discipline of competitive tendering. The Widdicombe committee on the conduct of local authority business identified a number of measures needed to improve local authority procedures and avoid abuses, and the Government are following up the recommendation in stages. Measures on local government finance have restrained the growth of local authority expenditure in Great Britain, particularly in some of the more extravagant high-spending authorities. The Local Government Finance Bill currently before Parliament makes provision for the abolition of domestic rates in England and Wales and their replacement by a fairer and

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  more broadly based community charge. The same Bill includes provisions to remedy the uneven burden of non-domestic rates on businesses through the establishment of a nationally determined uniform business rate.

  In housing, the Government introduced the first statutory charter of rights for public sector tenants including the right to buy. Since then over 1 million tenants in Great Britain have bought their homes. The stock of owner-occupied dwellings in Britain has increased by 3 million; more people own their homes than ever before; and 64 per cent. of all dwellings are owner-occupied. There has been a net increase in the stock as a whole of about 1·6 million—more than enough to keep pace with the growth in the number of households over the period.

  Grants for home improvements have been at a historically high level; improved targeting on those in most need is being introduced. The Government's estate action programme has helped local authorities with over 200 schemes on rundown council estates in England. A scheme of assistance has been introduced for owners of defective houses previously in the public sector throughout Great Britain, and good progress has been made. Measures have been introduced to strengthen the rights of leaseholders living in private blocks of flats.

  The Housing Bill, which is currently before Parliament, aims to broaden the choice open to tenants and encourage more private investment in housing in England and Wales; it will deregulate rents in the independent rented sector; provide the basis for an expansion of the housing association movement; allow for the establishment of housing action trusts in some of the most rundown areas of local authority housing; and provide all secure local authority tenants with the opportunity to transfer to new landlords approved by the Housing Corporation.

  In the environment, the Government have created a unified inspectorate of pollution for England and Wales with a remit to develop an integrated approach to pollution control. Following a successful initiative in Europe to bring to an end the addition of lead to petrol, the maximum lead content of petrol has been cut by 60 per cent, a tax differential in favour of unleaded petrol of 11p a gallon has been introduced and unleaded petrol is now available at over 800 sites.

  The Government have taken steps to reduce the pollution of our rivers, estuaries and beaches. Last year the United Kingdom chaired the North sea conference which produced an important package of measures to safeguard and enhance the quality of the North sea.

  The Government have made, substantial progress in securing the future of the natural heritage. In Great Britain, over 5,000 sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) have been notified or renotfied as part of the implementation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; this process is now 85 per cent. complete. Also, 26 special protection areas have been designated throughout the United Kingdom under the European birds directive, and 35 wetlands of international importance under the ramsar convention.

  The Government have taken a wide range of steps to simplify and improve the planning system and to speed up its operation, while protecting and enhancing the environment in town and country. The area of approved green belt in England has more than doubled since 1979; the annual acreage of agricultural land taken for development in England and Wales the 1980s is less than
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  one third of the levels seen in the 1960s and early 1970s; and nearly one half of land for new housing development in England is either redeveloped land or vacant land within urban areas.

  The Government have introduced sweeping reforms in the education system in England and Wales. The Education Reform Bill now before Parliament aims to improve the standards of achievement of all pupils through the introduction of a national curriculum for the 5 to 16 age group of core and foundation subjects for which attainment targets, programmes of study and arrangements for assessment and testing will be established; to widen the choice available to parents for the education of their children; to ensure that schools can admit pupils up to the limit of their capacity; to require all local education authorities to develop schemes of resource allocation to schools and to delegate budgetary control to all further education colleges, secondary schools and larger primary schools; to offer all secondary schools and larger primary schools the opportunity to apply to opt out of local authority control; to establish polytechnics and other major colleges as independent institutions; and to reform the arrangements for funding the university system.

  In addition, the Government continue to seek to improve teaching quality, and have introduced a new 16-plus examination system, the GCSE based on national criteria, and the AS levels to broaden A-level studies. The technical and vocational education initiative has been introduced to boost practical elements in the 14 to 18 curriculum. In higher education, record numbers of students have been admitted and the Government have endorsed plans which provide for a continuation of the shift towards science, engineering and other vocational subjects.

  The Government have substantially increased the manpower and other resources available to the police and have strengthened their powers to deal with public disorder. Over 50,000 neighbourhood watch schemes are now in operation in Great Britain. A total of £80 million is being invested in crime prevention this year and a new national crime prevention organisation will be established to co-ordinate local initiatives and spread good practice. An independent Crown Prosecution service is now in operation throughout England and Wales. Twenty-four senior and 34 junior attendance centres have been opened.

  Measures have been taken to ensure that the terms of imprisonment served by violent offenders fully reflect society's abhorrence of their crimes. Government assistance to the victims' support movement has been greatly expanded: £11 million will be provided over the next three financial years to help local schemes. The Government have continued to develop an overall strategy for countering drug misuse and illicit trafficking. The Video Recordings Act has brought "video nasties" under control.

  Legislation has also been put through for data protection; to provide more rigorous control of animal experimentation; to provide a framework for the development of broadcasting by satellite and cable television (including the establishment of the Welsh fourth channel); to set out a new framework for police powers, for providing safeguards for the citizen and for handling complaints against the police, to control the possession and sale of alcohol in connection with football matches; to provide for the establishment of the serious fraud office,

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  now in operation, and make other improvements in the investigation, prosecution and trial of fraud offences; and to provide comprehensive new powers to investigate, restrain and confiscate the proceeds of drug trafficking, where the Government are working for international agreements to make such powers more generally effective.

  The Government have recently set up an inquiry to consider allegations that former war criminals may be living in this country. The Government have played a major role in developing international co-operation in the fight against terrorism and have strengthened police powers under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The policy of fair immigration control has seen the number of people accepted for settlement in the United Kingdom fall from 69,700 in 1979 to 45,500 in 1987, the lowest total since Commonwealth citizens became subject to control in 1962.

  The Government introduced measures to improve controls on possession of firearms and shotguns; to remove outdated restrictions in liquor licensing law; to enable the United Kingdom to participate more effectively in the international fight against crime, including a major reform of extradition laws; to make provision for courts to order the confiscation of the proceeds of profitable crime; to provide for unduly lenient sentences to be reviewed; to create a statutory right for the victims of crime to receive compensation; to tighten the law on possession of knives and to ban the sale of offensive weapons which have no legitimate use; and to strengthen the jury system.

  The Government have continued the reform of family law; have legislated to remove the legal disadvantages of children born outside marriage; and have brought schemes into effect to combat the evils of child abduction both within the United Kingdom and throughout the world. The Government have simplified conveyancing and extended the areas in which titles have to be registered.

  A Legal Aid Bill has been introduced to set up a new board to administer legal aid and generally to ensure that legal aid is operated as efficiently and effectively as possible. The Government have continued the major programme of simplification and consolidation of our statute law.

  In the arts, the National Heritage Memorial Fund has been established with funding of some £90 million to date. There has been a significant upsurge in business sponsorship — the Government's business sponsorship incentive scheme has brought £16 million of new money into the arts in four years. Major progress has been made with the building of the new British Library at St. Pancras, and there have been major expansion schemes at some of the national museums and galleries, including with the Tate gallery's Clore gallery and the Tate gallery at Liverpool, the National gallery's Sainsbury wing, and the redevelopment of the Imperial war museum.

  In defence, a substantial increase in resources has enabled the capability of the armed forces to be strengthened. The Government played its full part in implementing the NATO twin-track decision to modernise intermediate range nuclear weapons while seeking to achieve an arms control agreement, and this policy has been vindicated by the INF treaty. Increased efficiency is being pursued by the continuing transfer of resources from the support areas to the front line, and by introducing increased competition in defence contracts and promoting
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  collaboration with our international partners. Major reorganisation of the headquarters structure of the Ministry of Defence has been introduced.

  In foreign policy, the Government have maintained Britain's firm commitment to national defence and the NATO Alliance, and have promoted closer European defence co-operation — including through a revitalised Western European Union—as a means of strengthening the European pillar of the Alliance. At the same time, the Government have worked vigorously for a more stable relationship between East and West, seeking verifiable reductions in nuclear and conventional weapons and a global ban on chemical weapons, greater co-operation in settling regional conflicts and full respect for human rights. British Ministers and representatives have been active in building up an East-West dialogue with these aims and in promoting the setting priorities for the arms control process. The Government played a leading role in the conference on disarmament in Europe in which was successfully concluded in autumn 1986, and gave full support to our United States allies in their negotiations with the USSR over INF, which concluded last autumn with agreement on the global elimination of United States and Soviet land-based INF missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 km.

  Within the European Community, the Government reached agreement at Fontainebleau in 1984 that the United Kingdom should pay a fairer share of the EC budget. In the United Kingdom presidency in 1986, and at the Brussels European Council this February, the Government secured major reforms of the common agricultural policy, including a binding ceiling on agricultural spending and automatic cost-cutting regime, for all commodities.

  The Government have helped make it the Community's top priority to complete the single European market and services by 1992 so as to give our industry improved access to important markets in Europe and a better base from which to compete in world markets. The Government have championed measures to help our citizens, such as less regulation, cheaper air fares and higher product safety standards.

  The Government supported the entry of Greece, Spain and Portugal into the Community, thereby underpinning their democracy and strengthening NATO. At British initiative the EC member states have agreed an internationally binding basis for closer co-operation in foreign policy.

  Rhodesia was brought to legal independence as the Republic of Zimbabwe in 1980. The Government resolutely upheld and continue to defend the right of the Falklands islanders to live in peace under a Government of their own choosing. An agreement with China about the future of Hong Kong was ratified in 1985 and good progress has since been made implementing that agreement. The Gilbraltar border has been reopened, and negotiations have been started with Spain aimed at overcoming all our differences over the Rock.

  At the United Nations and elsewhere the Government have supported the international rule of law and respect for human rights. With our Commonwealth and European partners, the Government have worked towards ending apartheid in South Africa by peaceful means. The Government have worked successfully for financial and administrative reform in the United Nations and have promoted international co-operation to combat terrorism

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  and drug-trafficking. With the World Health Organisation, the Government organised the 1988 London summit of Ministers of Health on programmes for AIDS prevention, which was attended by 148 countries.

  The Government have maintained a substantial and effective aid programme, totalling £11 billion in the period 1979–87. While the bulk of our bilateral aid has been focused on the poorest countries, the Government have provided long-term help to nearly 130 developing countries in all. The Government have responded swiftly and generously to appeals for emergency aid to sub-Saharan Africa and have taken the lead in promoting measures to relieve sub-Saharan African countries of their official debts.

  Within the last year, unemployment in Scotland has fallen by 47,500. Manufacturing productivity in Scotland increased by 5·6 per cent. per annum between 1979 and the first half of 1987. Service sector employment showed an increase of over 62,000 between June 1983 and June 1987, and the number of self-employed increased by 45,000 between June 1981 and June 1987, compared with virtually no change in the three decades to 1981.

  Since the introduction of the enterprise allowance scheme in 1983, nearly 30,000 unemployed people have been helped to start up in business, and over 132,000 people are currently benefiting from the Government's employment and training measures in Scotland. The Manpower Services Commission plans to spend some £330 million in Scotland in the current year.

  In 1987, there was a net growth of 2,500 in company registrations in Scotland. Between 1979 and 1986, the output of the Scottish electronics industry rose by around 133 per cent. in real terms, and between 1979 and 1986 electrical and instrument engineering output in Scotland rose by nearly 90 per cent. Inward investment of some £2·6 billion, planned to create or safeguard some 50,000 jobs, has been attracted to Scotland since the formation of "Locate in Scotland" in 1981.

  Owner-occupation among Scots has increased significantly, from 35 to over 43 per cent. A major contribution to this increase has been the 113,000 tenants who have exercised their right to buy their houses under the statutory charter of rights for public sector tenants introduced in 1980. The Housing (Scotland) Bill will set up a new housing development agency, Scottish Homes, which will play a key role in revitalising Scotland's housing and will promote more diverse patterns of tenure in the public sector. The volume of applications for home improvement and repairs grants has increased substantially. The Government have enabled the number of houses let by housing associations in Scotland to increase sixfold since 1979.

  Legislation providing for the abolition of domestic rates in Scotland and their replacement by a community charge payable by all adults was enacted in 1987 and the new system will come into operation in 1989.

  In town and country planning in Scotland, measures have been taken to speed up the planning system. On the planning requirements of high technology industries, small businesses, private housebuilders and major retail development, the Government have taken steps to allow the establishment of simplified planning zones. Major initiatives have been taken to reform and simplify the building control system to reduce restrictions while
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  maintaining public safeguards. Access for disabled persons to public buildings has been greatly improved by reforms in building regulations.

  The deregulation of local bus services in Scotland has been achieved with service levels maintained overall and improvements in many areas. The Government have stimulated innovation through competition while cutting subsidies. Since 1979, over £710 million has been invested in motorways and trunk roads in Scotland, including completion of the 127 miles of the A9 from Perth to Easter Ross, and substantial progress has been made on the Perth-Dundee-Aberdeen route, the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer, and the A82 alongside Loch Lomond. Twenty-seven bypasses, relieving communities of through traffic, have been opened.

  Major reforms have been introduced in the education system. The Education (Scotland) Act 1981 gave parents a right to choose their children's school. Over 116,000 placing requests have been made to date and about 94 per cent. of them have been successful. That Act also increased educational opportunity by the introduction of the assisted places scheme from which more than 2,600 children benefited in 1987–88. The School Boards (Scotland) Bill, now before Parliament will further extend parental involvement through the creation of school boards. The school examination system is being modernised with the introduction of standard grade and associated revision of highers and certificate of sixth year studies. The technical and vocational educational initiative is being extended throughout Scotland. Proposals have been brought forward to revise the school curriculum for ages 5–14 and to improve assessment techniques, including the introduction of nationally standardised testing in key elements of English and mathematics at ages eight and 12. The number of students in full-time higher education in Scotland is at the highest level ever recorded and radical changes in further education have greatly increased the take-up of vocational training at all levels.

  Police manpower in Scotland has increased, and, in order to release police officers for operational duties, the Government are encouraging civilianisation of posts wherever possible. Increased attention has been devoted to crime prevention.

  The Government have intensified the campaign against drug misuse. Drug wings have been established in the Scottish crime squad and all eight Scottish police forces now have a specialised drug squad or unit. Since 1979, a total of 52 major hospital developments have been completed in Scotland, providing 5,803 beds and 481 day places. A further 34 schemes are in planning, under construction or being commissioned, which will provide a further 4,484 beds. In addition to the public education campaigns on AIDS, the Government have this year made over £6 million available to health boards throughout Scotland in recognition of the extra burdens which AIDS places upon them, including funding for three special AIDS units in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. The Government have supported several projects for research on HIV infection and AIDS and have provided funding for studies into the incidence of AIDS in Scotland. In addition, the Government encourage and support voluntary sector initiatives in the AIDS field in Scotland.

  An extra £7·6 million was allocated to health boards in 1987–88 of which £3·6 million was devoted to schemes to reduce waiting lists. A special fund of £3 million has been

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  set aside for 1988–89 which will fund projects to reduce waiting times for patients. Health boards are also being asked to increase the priority they give to this area.

  The Government's commitment to the outlying areas of Scotland is demonstrated by the Western Isles integrated development programme which ended its five-year span in 1987 and provided £56 million to improve socioeconomic conditions in the area and by the five-year agricultural development programme for Scottish islands which started this month. This provides £38 million to increase the efficiency of agricultural businesses without adding to overall agricultural production.

  Five environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) have been designated in Scotland under which farmers can receive payments for agreeing to farm in a conservation-friendly way. These areas are in different parts of the country and include the Machair ESA in the crofting area of Scotland. The Government remain fully committed to the expansion of forestry and are now replacing the anomalous tax arrangements for forestry with a much improved grant scheme.

  The Government's commitment to promote art and culture in Scotland has resulted in major new galleries for the Burrell collection in Glasgow and for modern art in Edinburgh. A new home for the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama was opened earlier this year and the first phase of a new building for the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh will be opened next year.

  The Government have done more than any previous Administration to secure the future of the Gaelic language. A new specific grants scheme for Gaelic education, designed to improve the quality of Gaelic teaching and curriculum in schools was introduced in 1986. Grants under the scheme amount to £0·5 million in the current year. In addition, substantially increased resources have been allocated to a range of organisations providing support for Gaelic language and culture.

  In Northern Ireland, the Government have pursued the policy of combating terrorism, within the rule of law, by the most effective means available. In the implementation of this policy, the security forces have conducted themselves with great courage and skill: many terrorists have been apprehended, much material has been recovered, and a large number of terrorist operations have been frustrated, which would otherwise have added to the tragic roll of death and suffering.

  The Government have continued to implement the Anglo-Irish Agreement, and have pressed for better cross-border security co-operation within the framework of it.

  The Government's efforts to find an agreed basis on which greater responsibility can be devolved to the elected representatives of the people of Northern Ireland have continued.

  A key objective of Government policy is to regenerate the private sector in Northern Ireland and release the region's potential for economic growth. To this end, the industrial development organisations in Northern Ireland have promoted 64,450 jobs, while the youth training programme has provided opportunities for an estimated 72,000 entrants with some 23,500 man years of work provided by the action for community employment scheme. At any time, some 29,000 persons are benefiting from a wide range of employment and training resources. A firm commitment has been made and significant steps taken to secure equality of opportunity in employment.
  642
  Belfast city centre has been revitalised both in terms of housing and commerce. Housing conditions have shown improvement with a considerable reduction in the level of unfitness, and a significant increase in the level of owner-occupation.

  Proposals for the reform of the educational system to improve educational standards together with new opportunities and incentives for existing schools seeking to promote integrated education have recently been published.

  In addition, substantial programmes have been maintained in agriculture, health and personal social services, environmental services and social security.

  Since the establishment of WINvest in 1983, Wales has secured over 220 inward investment projects from overseas companies promising some 25,000 new or safeguarded jobs and involving about £800 million of capital investment. Since 1979, the Government have committed over £130 million — at today's prices — to the land reclamation programme in Wales, one of the largest arid most sustained programmes in Europe, and the Welsh Development Agency has constructed some 7 million sq ft of factory space. The success of the Development Board for Rural Wales is indicated by an estimated 3·5 per cent. increase in the population of the area covered by the board between 1979 and 1986. Three enterprise zones set up by the Government are located in Wales; at Swansea, Delyn and the Milford Haven waterway. Over 8,500 people are currently employed in these zones, of whom 3,600 are in new jobs.

  The Government have supported the rapid spread of local enterprise agencies in Wales, of which there are now 23. Such agencies have had £8·8 million of central Government assistance and they estimate that they have helped to create 18,900 jobs.

  Seasonally adjusted unemployment in Wales has fallen in each of the last 22 months—a fall over that period cif 3·1 percentage points.

  Since their institution in 1982, urban development grants of some £34 million have been awarded to 67 projects throughout Wales. These are expected to bring forward a total private sector investment of some £159 million. As part of the Government's policy for inner city areas, the Cardiff Bay development corporation was established on 3 April 1987 to regenerate the docklands area. In 1988–89, a total of £16·2 million will be made available, the first tranche of a total commitment of nearly £50 million over the first three years. Since 1981. the number of self-employed in Wales has increased by 34,000 to 149,000.

  Owner-occupation has increased from 59 per cent. or housing stock in 1979 to 68 per cent. Almost 60,000 public sector dwellings have been sold to their tenants under right to buy and voluntary terms since 1980 and over 50,000 new homes have been built for sale. Since 1979, the proportion of Welsh households lacking basic amenities has more than halved.

  Over 142,000 home improvement grant schemes for private sector dwellings have been completed since July 1979 with a value of £414 million. In the same period, £339 million has been spent on the renovation of local authority housing stock. Since 1982, over 5,500 dwellings have been improved under enveloping schemes.

  Expenditure on the Health Service in Wales has risen by over 42 per cent. after allowing for general inflation between 1978–79 and 1988–89. Over £500 million at current

  643
  prices will have been invested in the capital estate of hospital and community health services and five major new hospitals have been opened. Nearly 24 per cent. more patients were treated in 1986 than 1979. Medical and dental staff have increased by 13 per cent. and nursing and midwifery staff by 20 per cent. during this period.

  Current expenditure on education, excluding school meals and milk, was 7·8 per cent. higher in real terms in 1986–87 than in 1978–79. Pupil numbers dropped by 14·8 per cent. in the same period: and expenditure per primary pupil rose by over 21 per cent. from £747 to £909, and per secondary pupil by nearly 28 per cent. from £1,033 to £1,320, their best ever levels.

  Since 1979, over £700 million has been spent on the construction and improvement of roads in Wales providing 22 miles of motorway and 107 miles of trunk road. The Government have begun construction of the first ever immersed road tunnel in the United Kingdom—the Conway crossing/A55 scheme.

  Since 1979–80, overall net resources made available to the Wales tourist board have increased by 170 per cent., including an increase of 140 per cent. in project support, which over the period has stimulated £78 million of mainly private sector investment and created almost 3,500 new jobs.

  The Government's direct financial support for the Welsh language has increased annually from £0·2 million in 1979–80 to nearly £3·3 million in 1988–89. This is an increase in real terms of some 750 per cent. in that period.

  Position held

  Length ofservice

  Grade

  Salary £ per annum

  Principal Private Secretary

  2 years 8 months

  Grade 2

  45,500

  Private Secretary

  3 years 10 months

  G3

  34,000

  Secretary for Appointments

  6 years 1 month

  G5

  29,465

  Private Secretary

  0 year 4 months

  G5

  28,215

  Private Secretary

  3 years 1 month

  G5

  25,815

  Private Secretary

  1 year 7 months

  G5

  21,092

  Assistant Private Secretary

  4 years 2 months

  SEO

  15,779

  Assistant Private Secretary

  15 years 1 month

  Assistant 1 Prime Minister's Office

  15,779

  Chief Press Officer

  8 years 2 months

  G3

  43,000

  Press Officer

  1 year 2 months

  G5

  28,215

  Press Officer

  1 year 9 months

  SIO

  15,823

  Press Officer

  0 year 7 months

  SEO

  15,779

  Press Officer

  0 year 1 month

  SIO

  14,629

  Press Officer

  1 year 0 months

  SIO

  14,629

  Adviser (Policy Unit)

  1 year 9 months

  G5

  25,815

  Security Co-ordinator

  2 years 2 months

  Adviser (part time)

  11,161

  Support Staff

  4 years 2 months

  HEO

  12,878

  Support Staff

  4 years 4 months

  HEO

  12,878

  Support Staff

  0 years 10 months

  HEO

  12,878

  Records Reviewer

  1 year 0 months

  HEO (part time)

  5,365·83

  Support Staff

  17 years 2 months

  Assistant 2 Prime Minister's Office

  12,672

  Support Staff

  8 years 1 month

  HEO

  12,878

  Support Staff

  10 years 2 months

  EO

  10,292

  Support Staff

  0 years 6 months

  EO

  10,292

  Support Staff

  1 year 4 months

  EO

  10,292

  Support Staff

  0 year 10 months

  EO

  10,292

  Support Staff

  1 year 8 months

  EO

  10,292

  Support Staff

  0 year 4 months

  EO

  10,292

  Support Staff

  2 years 6 months

  EO

  10,292

  Support Staff

  1 year 5 months

  EO

  10,292

  Office Manager

  15 years 4 months

  EO

  11,119

  Support Staff

  4 years 6 months

  EO

  9,278

  Support Staff

  0 years 5 months

  AO

  6,554

  Support Staff

  2 years 4 months

  AO

  7,247

  Support Staff

  0 years 10 months

  AO

  7,247

  644
  Since the Government decision to set up the Welsh fourth television channel in 1982, S4C has been an outstanding success in both artistic and employment terms.

  New Zealand Butter
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will raise at the next meeting of the European Council the question of the special arrangements for the import of New Zealand butter; and if she will make a statement.

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

  Councillor Tim Brown
  Mr. Clay
  To ask the Prime Minister when she met Councillor Tim Brown of Sunderland to discuss shipbuilding.

  The Prime Minister
  As the House is aware, my normal practice is and will continue to be neither to confirm nor to deny whether meetings with private individuals have taken place, even in those cases where no such meeting has occurred.

  Office Staff
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list individually the positions held by civil servants in her office, the periods they have been employed there and their current grades, together with salaries.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer]: The information is as follows:

  645

  Position held

  Length of service

  Grade

  Salary £ per annum

  Support Staff

  1 year 0 months

  AO

  7,247

  Personal Secretary

  4 years 2 months

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  20 years 2 months

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  11 years 2 months

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  16 years 5 months

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  20 years 3 months

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  10 years 1 month

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  11 years 10 months

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  20 years 1 month

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  5 years 5 months

  SPS

  9,200

  Personal Secretary

  1 year 8 months

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  0 year 1 month

  SPS

  9,200

  Personal Secretary

  6 years 1 month

  SPS

  10,150

  Personal Secretary

  8 years 5 months

  PS

  7,846

  Personal Secretary

  2 years 6 months

  PS

  7,846

  Personal Secretary

  4 years 1 month

  PS

  7,459

  Personal Secretary

  8 years 7 months

  PS

  7,846

  Personal Secretary

  2 years 4 months

  PS

  7,459

  Personal Secretary

  8 years 11 months

  PS

  7,846

  Personal Secretary

  0 years 10 months

  PS

  7,137

  Personal Secretary

  8 years 4 months

  PS

  7,846

  Personal Secretary

  0 year 1 month

  PS

  7,137

  Personal Secretary

  4 years 10 months

  PS

  7,846

  Typist

  4 years 3 months

  Typist

  6,363

  Typist

  8 years 1 month

  Typist

  121·90pw

  Typist

  0 year 3 months

  Typist

  5,657

  Typist

  1 year 6 months

  Typist

  5,657

  Cook

  7 years 1 month

  Senior Cook (part-time)

  69·19pw

  Note: The table excludes the Office Keeper, the No. 10 Doorman, Messengers and Cleaners, all of whom are included in the Cabinet Office complement, and the custody guards, who are included in the PSA complement. Nor does it include those engaged on special adviser terms. Support staff covers those engaged in administrative and clerical duties. Salaries exclude London weighting and allowances, and are those payable as at March 1988.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Investors (Protection)
  Sir William Clark
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will take steps to publicise the purpose of the Financial Services Act 1986 to increase protection available to investors in the light of the campaign in the national press which suggests that insurance company salesmen are inherently less able to serve the needs of the public than independent financial advisers.

  Mr. Maude
  The rules made under the Financial Services Act have the effect that those selling or advising upon life insurance or unit trusts must be either appointed representatives of one provider of wholly independent intermediaries. Both will be subject to rules under the Act designed to protect investors. It is up to investment businesses to choose which of these two routes to follow, and investors are free to choose between them on their merits. The content of advertising, so long as it is not misleading and does not contravene any relevent regulations, is not a matter for me.

  Manufactures
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the surplus or deficit in trade in manufactures with EEC and the rest of the world, respectively, in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  In the 12 months to March 1988, there was an estimated deficit on trade in manufactures of £10·5 billion with the European Community and an estimated surplus of £2 billion with the rest of the world.

  Northern Region
  Mr. Trotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will list the various schemes for assistance to industry available to business in the northern region and provide details of the total financial assistance provided to such firms in the last three years.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 26 April 1988]: Assistance now available to businesses in the northern region is set out in the Department's booklet on the enterprise initiative.

  Expenditure in the northern region in the three years to 31 March 1988 on the main schemes of assistance provided by my Department totalled some £350 million. This total consists of expenditure under the original and revised regional development grant schemes, project and training grants under the regional selective assistance, the business improvement services scheme, and expenditure under the Science and Technology Act and section 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982. Details are set out in the table.

  million

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–881

  Tolal

  RDG I

  58·1

  79·5

  29·0

  166·6

  RDG II

  9·2

  22·6

  32·7

  64·5

  RSA

  16·2

  18·1

  20·3

  54·6

  Science and Technology Act

  4·0

  3·5

  1·7

  9·2

  Section 8, Industrial Development Act 1982

  0·6

  0·7

  0·3

  1·6

  BIS2

  0·4

  1·2

  1·6

  3·2

  EIEC3

  16·9

  11·4

  20·0

  48·3

  Total

  105·4

  137·0

  105·6

  348·0

  647
  1Provisional.

  2Direct aided schemes only.

  3Includes both direct central Government funding and expenditure resulting from receipts on sales of and rents from factories.

SCOTLAND

  Nuclear Power
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what have been the total investment costs for each of the South of Scotland Electricity Board nuclear power plants in(a) historic costs and (b) current costs to date.

  Mr. Lang
  The South of Scotland Electricity Board has provided the following information based on its accounts for the year ending 31 March 1987:

  £ million

  Hunterston A

  Hunterston B

  Torness

  Historic costs

  88·6

  299·0

  1,704·7

  Current costs

  623·0

  917·9

  2,046·3

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what benefits he expects to accrue to the Scottish economy, and in particular Caithness, from the maintenance and expansion of the Nuclear Power Development Establishment at Dounreay.

  Mr. Lang
  Consideration of the future of the fast reactor research programme, a major part of which is based at Dounreay, is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. I recognise that activities at the Dounreay establishment are of substantial economic benefit to the local community in Caithness.

  Plutonium
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has given permission for the export of any plutonium from(a) South of Scotland Electricity Board nuclear plants and (b) the Dounreay Fast Reactor Research Establishment under section 2(i) of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965, in any year since 1979.

  Mr. Lang
  No. All irradiated fuel from South of Scotland Electricity Board reactors is reprocessed by British Nuclear Fuels plc at Sellafield and authority for disposals under section 2(i) of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. Responsibility for activities at the UKAEA establishment at Dounreay is also a matter for my right hon. Friend.

  Radioactive Waste
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total volume of radioactive wastes, including spent nuclear fuel, stored under licence at sites in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The latest inventory of radioactive wastes in the United Kingdom (January 1986) indicates that there are some 4,000 cu m of intermediate-level wastes and 151 cu m of high-level wastes stored at civil nuclear sites in Scotland. Low-level wastes are not normally stored but are disposed of as they arise. A revised inventory is in the course of preparation. Spent nuclear fuel is not regarded as waste. There are some 109·5 tonnes of fuel in store at civil nuclear sites in Scotland pending reprocessing.

THE ARTS

  Natural History Museum
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what is the estimated change in attendance at the Natural History museum since the introduction of admission charges.

  Mr. Luce
  I understand, that in the year following the introduction of charges at the British Museum (Natural History) the number of visitors fell by slightly less than the 40 per cent. which had been predicted. Attendance figures are now showing a rising trend with 44 per cent. more people visiting the museum this Easter than during Easter 1987.

  Museums
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what are the grants to each of the 10 national museums in cash terms for 1988–89, excluding the additional sums payable in consideration of superannuation and the Treasury Solicitor.

  Mr. Luce
  For the 10 national museums and galleries which received transfers of funding for superannuation, the Treasury Solicitor and other services, the grants-in-aid for 1988–89 excluding these transfers is as follows:

  £ million

  British Museum

  20·302

  British Museum (Natural History)

  18·834

  Imperial War Museum

  11·811

  National Gallery

  10·542

  National Maritime Museum

  7·388

  National Portrait Gallery

  4·964

  Science Museum

  15·445

  Tate Gallery

  9·744

  Victoria and Albert Museum

  19·024

  Wallace Collection

  1·412

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what proportion of his total expenditure on museums is represented by his allocation to the Museums and Galleries Commission in 1988–89.

  Mr. Luce
  In 1988–89, the Museums and Galleries Commission's grant in aid represents 4·2 per cent. of the total planned central Government expenditure on museums and galleries.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will publish his estimated expenditure on(a) the Museums and Galleries Commission and (b) the Museums and Galleries Commission grants to each of the seven English area museum councils and the local museums purchase fund, for the years 1987–88 to 1990–91 inclusive.

  Mr. Luce
  The grants in aid paid to the Museums and Galleries Commission in 1987–88 and allocated to it for the years 1988–89 to 1990–91 are as follows:

  £ million

  1987–88

  6·233

  1988–89

  6·481

  1989–90

  6·696

  1990–91

  6·877

  Each of the figures includes £1·282 million for the local museum purchase funds. It is for the commission to decide

  649
  how much of its grant in aid to allocate to the English area museum councils. I understand that in 1987–88 its expenditure on the councils was £2·49 million.

  Public Library Development Incentive
  Mr. Andy Stewart
  To ask the Minister for the Arts what awards he intends to make under the public library development incentive scheme.

  Mr. Luce
  I am pleased to announce that I am awarding £243,500 under the public library development incentive Scheme to Berkshire, Cleveland, Devonshire, Gateshead, Leicestershire and Sheffield library authorities, and to two regional library co-operatives: the London and southeastern library region and the northern regional library system. These are the first awards made under the scheme which I set up last December to encourage new enterprises, designed to extend or improve the public library service in England. The award will cover 40 per cent. of the costs of the enterprises and are conditional on the authorities providing the remainder.

  Arts Council (Publications)
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Minister for the Arts whether he will list the publications that the Arts Council produced in 1987–88 and the cost of each publication.

  Mr. Luce
  [holding answer 29 April 1988]: The Arts Council publishes two lists of its publications on a regular basis; I am placing copies of the latest ones in the Library. These give the cost of each publication for which a charge is made.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Hospital Radio Stations
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received seeking an exemption for hospital radio stations from paying value added tax on essential equipment; what response he made; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lilley
  My right hon. Friend has received no further representations since the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Mr. Amess) on 10 March at column 307.

  Exchange Rate
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last reviewed the Government's policy on the level of the sterling exchange rate.

  Mr. Lilley
  The Government's policy on the sterling exchange rate was set out in my right hon. Friend's Budget speech and in the medium-term financial strategy published as part of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" on 15 March.

  European Monetary System
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made as to whether the United Kingdom will he in a position to enter the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system when the internal market is completed.
  650
  Mr. Lilley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 April to the hon. Member for Sedgefield, (Mr. Blair) at column 106.

  EC (Budget Council)
  Mr. Tim Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent meeting of the European Community's Budget Council.

  Mr. Brooke
  [pursuant to his reply, 3 May 1988, c. 399]: The President of the Budget Council yesterday (5 May) declared the second reading draft budget formally established and has sent the necessary documentation to the European Parliament, thereby respecting the deadline under article 203(5) of the treaty for the Council to respond to the Parliament's modifications and amendments to the Council's own earlier proposals.

  The Italian delegation has made a unilateral declaration to the effect that it cannot approve the draft inter-governmental agreement (IGA) needed to finance the budget before agreement has been reached on the method for calculating member states' contributions to the United Kingdom's abatement. This calculation affects the relative amounts of VAT and of IGA payments contributed by member states. The amounts entered in the draft IGA text are still explicitly provisional and indicative. The Council has agreed that they will be adjusted as necessary to conform with the payments due under the new own resources decision as finally agreed, and with the eventual size of the budget as adopted taking account of the Parliament's rights under the treaty as regards non-obligatory expenditure.

  The provisional amounts in the draft IGA text are shown in the table. The total includes 1,000 mecu (£690 million) to cover the monetary reserve which, as agreed at the Brussels European Council, will be drawn upon only if changes in the ecu-dollar exchange rate increase spending requirements in the agricultural guarantee section of the budget by more than 400 mecu (£277 million). The intention is that member states should contribute to the IGA in accordance with the sums which they would have paid had the new own resources decision taken effect immediately. Their contributions will represent non-repayable advances against amounts due under the new own resources decision and will be payable by monthly instalments.

  mecu

  £ million

  Belgium

  251

  174

  Denmark

  171

  119

  Germany

  1,982

  1,375

  Greece

  84

  58

  Spain

  528

  366

  France

  1,532

  1,063

  Ireland

  45

  31

  Italy

  1,342

  931

  Luxembourg

  15

  10

  Netherlands

  369

  256

  Portugal

  63

  44

  United Kingdom

  1,263

  876

  TOTAL1

  7,647

  5,304

  1 The individual lines may not add up to totals because oF rounding. All sterling equivalent flgures are calculated at the rate of 1 ·4417 ecu to the pound used by the Commission in its latest budget proposals.

  As explained in my reply of 9 March, columns 208–9, the extra financing will be partially offset by smaller VAT

  651
  payments. On the foregoing figures, the total extra financing, compared with the maximum amount available under the existing own resources ceiling, would be around 5,400 mecu (£3,700 million), after allowing for a surplus of 500 mecu (£350 million) carried forward from 1987.

  I have made it clear in the Council that the United Kingdom cannot pay over any of the additional sums without the approval of Parliament. Parliament's approval will be sought by means either of a special estimate or of a Bill, following the precedents of the 1984 and 1985 IGAs respectively. The method chosen will depend mainly on the timing of the adoption of the budget and the IGA and of the agreement of the new own resources decision. The IGA is subject to approval in the national Parliaments of all other member states as well.

ENERGY

  CEGB Research and Development
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received on the proposed privatisation of the research and development functions other than nuclear now carried out by the Central Electricity Generating Board.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I have received a number of representations from within and outside the industry about the arrangements for research and development in the privatised electricity industry. We are consulting the industry on this matter.

  Departmental Contracts
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will list any contracts placed with Wastechem Ltd. of Bramhall, Cheshire, by his Department either alone or in collaboration with the Department of the Environment;

  (2) if his Department has placed any contracts with BBGN Nuclear Technology of Bramhall, Cheshire; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  My Department has no contracts with either of the companies named.

  "Britain's Nuclear Nightmare"
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will seek to obtain for his departmental library a copy of the book by Rob Edwards and James Cutler entitled, "Britain's Nuclear Nightmare" published in April.

  Mr. Parkinson
  Yes. The book has been ordered.

  EC Research Centre
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority at Harwell has any direct or indirect research involvement with the EEC joint research centre at Ispra, Italy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  This is a matter for the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Plutonium (Leasing)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how much money the Central Electricity Generating Board has received since May 1979 for the leasing of 652
  plutonium to (a) the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, at Dounreay, (b) the Kernforschungzentrum, at Karlsruhe, Federal Republic of Germany and (c) the Eidgenossisches Institut fur Reaktorforschung at Wurlingen, Switzerland; and what safeguards arrangements cover these leases.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The sums of money received by the CEGB for leasing plutonium are commercially confidential. Plutonium under lease from the CEGB to the UKAEA is subject to Euratom safeguards and the terms of the UK/Euratom/IAEA safeguards agreement. At present the CEGB has no plutonium under lease to the Kernforschungzentrum, at Karlsruhe or the Eidgenossisches Institut Fir Reaktoforschung at Wurlingen.

  Energy Technology Support Unit, Harwell
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the current profitability and future commercial prospects of the energy technology support unit at Harwell.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The energy technology support unit (ETSU) is a part of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, and its profitability is therefore a matter for the authority. The future commercial prospects for ETSU are likewise a matter for the authority.

  Spent Nuclear Fuel Elements
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what tonnage of spent nuclear fuel elements has been stockpiled by the Central Electricity Generating Board from(a) Magnox reactors and (b) advanced gas-cooled reactor nuclear plants, awaiting reprocessing at Sellafield.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  On 31 March 1988 CEGB power stations were storing a total of 1,200 tonnes uranium Magnox irradiated fuel and 55 tonnes uranium AGR irradiated fuel having discharged it from the reactors. All this fuel will be transported to Sellafield in due course.

  Public Sector Companies (Foreign Shareholding)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will list all the public sector United Kingdom companies in which Transnuklear of Hanau, Federal Republic of Germany, has a corporate share involvement; and if he will set out the percentage share involvement by Transnuklear;

  (2) if he will list all the public sector United Kingdom companies in which NUKEM Gmbh of Hanau, Federal Republic of Germany, has a corporate shareholding and set out the percentage share involvement by NUKEM.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Neither Transnuklear nor NUKEM Gmbh has any shareholding in any United Kingdom public sector company in the energy sector. With regard to other areas of the public sector I shall reply to the hon. Member in due course.

  Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (Aldermaston)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if any work connected with the fast reactor research
  653
  programme is currently, or ever has been, carried out at the atomic weapons research establishment at Aldermaston; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  No work on the fast reactor research programme has been carried out at Aldermaston since 1979.

  Plutonium (Civil Reactors)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if the reply given by the then Under-Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Croydon, Central (Mr. Moore),Official Report, 4 February 1983, column 206, regarding the use of plutonium from civil reactors, remains Government policy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Goodlad) to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) on 15 December 1986 at column 383.

EMPLOYMENT

  Channel Islands (Work Permits)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has been consulted in connection with legislation proposed by the authorities of(a) Jersey and (b) Guernsey seeking to establish work permit controls in those islands; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of such controls on British citizens in these territories.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I have been asked to reply.

  There is no legislation proposed by the Channel Islands' authorities to establish work permits which would affect United Kingdom citizens. Should any such system be proposed it would be examined in the light of the need to ensure that those with close links with the islands had adequate opportunities for employment.

SOCIAL SERVICES

  Firemen
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the implications of the recent changes in the social security system for the position of firemen.

  Mr. Scott
  Under income support, retained (part-time) firefighters will have the first £15 of their weekly earnings disregarded instead of the full disregard that was available under supplementary benefit. Payments of bounty will be treated as capital.

  Those who made the change from supplementary benefit to income support will have had the level of their benefit income protected by transitional additions.

  Geriatric Beds
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the implications of the proportion of the number of available geriatric beds in any given district health authority to the number of geriatric consultants for the provision of good health service provision for the elderly.

  Mrs. Currie
  The number of geriatric beds available to a geriatric consultant is only one of many aspects of good 654
  health service provision for elderly people. Other factors would include the use made by elderly patients of beds under other consultants, levels of junior medical and support therapy staff, and, most importantly, the level of care in the community including services via the family practitioner committees. It is for health authorities to resource particular areas of their service according to local needs and circumstances.

  Health Authorities (Throughput Rates)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the diverse throughput rates between health authorities, as revealed in his Department's performance indicators, in relation to the quality of patient care.

  Mrs. Currie
  Health Service indicators provide evidence which suggests that there are significant variations in the throughput, of patients receiving acute care, achieved by health authorities. Where this is reinforced by similar variations in values for related indicators it implies that there is scope for some authorities to make better use of resources and so provide more services to patients. Questions raised by the indicators need to be examined by managers in the light of other information available locally. This would include achieving the right balance between efficiency and quality of care.

  All health authorities have been requested to discuss their indicators for the four years available, the most recent being for 1986–87, by the end of July.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if the weekly premium over benefit of those participating on the new adult training programme will affect their claim to housing benefit.

  Mr. Portillo
  No. An amendment to the housing benefit regulations will be laid before Parliament shortly, which would provide for the premium to be disregarded in the calculation of housing benefit entitlement.

  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if people with capital between £6,000 and £8,000 who fail to qualify for housing benefit because of the assumed tariff income, but who nevertheless have lost more than £2·50 per week, qualify for a transitional payment under his Departments new arrangements.

  Mr. Scott
  Yes.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what he estimates the administrative costs will be of his announcement of 27 April of changes to the housing benefit regulations(a) in total, (b) expressed as a proportion of the additional money to be made available to claimants and (c) as an average weekly sum per head of the beneficiaries of the changes.

  Mr. Scott
  The administrative costs of implementing the changes cannot be precisely assessed until more information is available about the scale of the inquiries and claims which need to be handled, and until detailed procedures for handling claims have been agreed.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals his Department has to set up a new unit to administer the transitional protection scheme on housing benefit; and if he will make a statement.
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  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) on 5 May 1988 at columns 550–51.

  Infant Formulae
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has yet received the first report of the committee which monitors compliance with the provisions of the Food Manufacturers Federation voluntary code of practice on the marketing of infant formulae in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Currie
  We received the first report from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) monitoring committee early in March. It is a thorough, balanced and objective document and I congratulate the committee chairman, Dame Alison Munro, and her members.

  Their report shows that the Government's arrangements for securing, within the United Kingdom, the aim and principles of the World Health Organisation's international code of marketing of breast-milk substitutes are working well. It makes suggestions about improving these arrangements further. We shall be discussing with the monitoring committee and the manufacturers how to take these matters forward.

  Cervical Cancer
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Sevices what is his estimate of the average cost to public funds of each cervical cancer death, including hospital, medical services, medicines and funeral expenses, social security payments, and similar benefits to the children and relations in need.

  Mrs. Currie
  Information is available only on the costs incurred in any particular year of treating in-patients with cervical cancer who were discharged or who died in hospital during that year. This came to about £11 million in England, in 1987–88, which represents £940 per case treated. It is not possible to trace the treatment and other costs incurred in the course of their illness by patients who eventually die of cervical cancer. The average cost of each cervical smear taken is estimated to be £10.

  Nurses and Midwives
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to monitor(a) the assessments being carried out by health authorities for the nurses' and midwives' clinical grading review and (b) the funding implications of those assessments.

  Mr. Newton
  Implementation of the new clinical grading structure, including monitoring of assessments for consistency and of cost implications, will be among the 656
  matters to be covered in guidance we expect to issue shortly. This will be supplemented by visits from officials and by returns from health authorities showing how many staff have been allocated from each existing grade to each new one.

  Income Support (Rates)
  Mrs. Rosie Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures are being taken, following the recent changes in social security regulations, to ensure that those previously entitled to 100 per cent. rate assistance, and who live in highly rated areas, will receive sufficient income support to offset having to pay at least 20 per cent. of their rates from 1 April.

  Mr. Scott
  As we made clear in the White Paper "Reform of Social Security" (Cmnd. 9691) the Government are firmly of the view that local accountability must be improved by giving everyone a financial interest in the level of domestic rates charged by their local authority. The income support rates include compensation to reflect the average amount the recipients will have to contribute: to provide further compensation on an individual basis would undermine the purpose of requiring everyone to meet at least 20 per cent. of their rates.

  Medical Secretaries
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give, for each region and for the latest year for which figures are available(a) the numbers of agency medical secretaries employed and (b) the amount of money spent on agency medical secretaries.

  Mr. Newton
  This information is not held centrally.

  Social Fund
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many social fund applications for(a) grants, (b) loans and (c) either grants or loans had been received at his Department's local offices in London road and Becket street, Derby, up to the latest date for which information is available.

  Mr. Portillo
  [holding answer 27 April 1988]: We shall be placing in the Library details of the operation of the social fund for each local office. These data will comprise the outstanding balances in the loans budget and community care grants budget and the numbers and the financial amounts of applications and payments for crisis loans, budgeting loans and community care grants. This information will be provided monthly as soon as the data have been collated. I will write to the hon. Member when the first month's information becomes available.