Written Answers of 3 March 1989

HOME DEPARTMENT

  POLICE
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will call for reports from the appropriate chief constables, for the most recent five years for which figures are available, as to how many police officers were allocated to duties in(a) Derby, (b) Preston, Darlington, (d) Slough, (e) Luton and (f) Gloucester;

  (2) how many assaults on police officers have been recorded, for the most recent five years for which figures are available, in (a) Derby, (b) Preston, (c) Darlington,(d) Slough, (e) Luton and (f) Gloucester.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The available information on police strength is as follows. Information on assaults on police officers is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Police manpower

  Strength as at 31 December1

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  Derby division

  545

  545

  545

  547

  544

  Preston division

  307

  304

  367

  367

  366

  Darlington sub-division

  136

  143

  154

  150

  160

  Slough sub-division

  181

  175

  1185

  2146

  146

  Luton division

  291

  291

  294

  299

  300

  Gloucester sub-division

  207

  208

  220

  227

  245

  1 In all cases the police area extends beyond the boundary of the town.

  2 Part of the Slough sub-division was transferred to Windsor resulting in a lower establishment and strength at Slough.

  Pet Animals
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Gower 9 December 1988,Official Report, column 353, he has now completed his consultations regarding the European convention for the protection of pet animals; and if the United Kingdom will sign the convention, without any reservations on Article 10 on surgical operations.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No. Consultations on this convention are continuing.

  Criminal Offences
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list all new criminal offences enacted since 1979; if he will give details of the maximum penalty for each new criminal offence enacted since 1979; and if he will list all criminal offences abolished by legislation since 1979;

  (2) how many criminal offences were (a) created and (b) abolished by legislation between 1974 and 1979.
  332
  Mr. John Patten
  We maintain no running record of criminal offences created or abolished. The information requested could be extracted from the statutes themselves only at disproportionate cost.

  Poll Cards
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to making it a statutory requirement for official poll cards to be issued for parish and community council elections; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Poll cards have to be issued at all parish and community elections where, as is the case with the great majority of such elections, they are combined with the poll for another election. Consideration was given, at the time of the making of the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) Rules 1986, to making a poll card mandatory at all parish and community elections, but this would have obliged parishes and communities to meet relatively substantial costs even where they felt they could not afford to.

  Grants (Cumbria)
  Mr. Franks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Flome Department (1) if his Department has made any grants directly to Cumbria county council between 1974 and 1979;

  (2) what grants his Department made directly to Cumbria county council since 1985.

  Mr. Hurd
  My Department paid specific grant contributions to Cumbria county council during the period 1974 to 1979 towards the costs incurred by the council in funding the police, magistrates' courts and probation services in the county as well as civil defence provision and has continued to do so in all subsequent years. Grant has been paid at the rate of 80 per cent. of eligible expenditure for the magistrates' courts and probation service and 50 per cent. for the police service until the financial year 1986–87 and 51 per cent. thereafter. Civil defence expenditure has been grant aided either 75 per cent. or 100 per cent. throughout the period depending on the nature of the expenditure.

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the case of Miss FR whose fiancé, Mr. JNA (reference A421085/2(S)) has applied for entry clearance.

  Mr. Renton
  Mr. JNA's application was referred to the Home Office by the entry clearance officer in Islamabad so that an interview could be arranged with Miss FR. The interview was carried out on 9 January 1989 at Manchester airport and a report of the interview was sent to the entry clearance officer in Islamabad on 24 February. His decision is awaited. As I undertook in my letter of 15 November to the hon. Member, I shall inform him of the outcome as soon as a decision has been reached.

  Forensic Science Service
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many professional staff left the
  333
  Home Office forensic science service, other than on retirement on age grounds in each of the years 1986, 1987 and 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The number of scientific staff (including professional and technical grades) leaving the forensic science service, other than on retirement on age grounds were as follows:

  1986

  1987

  1988

  Resignations:

  ASO

  24

  12

  12

  SO

  10

  10

  19

  HSO

  6

  2

  3

  SSO

  4

  2

  3

  44

  26

  37

  Transfer

  5

  3

  1

  Medical retirement

  1

  1

  —

  Total

  50

  30

  38

  Remand prisoners held in specified Prison Service establishments on 30 June 1988: by ethnic origin and type of remand

  Percentage

  Establishment and type of prisoner

  White

  Minority ethnic origins

  Not recorded refused

  Total

  Leicester and Lincoln:

  Untried

  88

  10

  2

  100

  Convicted unsentenced

  94

  5

  1

  100

  London:l

  Untried

  56

  37

  6

  100

  Convicted unsentenced

  76

  20

  4

  100

  Durham and Low Newton:

  Untried

  90

  1

  9

  100

  Convicted unsentenced

  93

  —

  7

  100

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

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Schools Inspectorate
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what were the results of the inspection of Skegness grammar school, Lincolnshire, and Audenshaw high school, Tameside, by Her Majesty's inspectors.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  There have been no formal reporting inspections of these schools in the recent past. In accordance with their normal practice for dealing with statutory proposals affecting schools, Her Majesty's inspectorate provided me with professional advice on the educational merits of the schools' proposals to become grant-maintained based on their knowledge of the schools concerned, including knowledge gained through recent visits. As with advice on other statutory proposals involving schools this advice was provided in confidence. I took account of it in my recent decisions to approve the proposals for grant-maintained status from these schools.

  Grants and Loans
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the names of the non-statutory organisations and bodies in receipt of grant or loans from his Department in 1988–89, stating in each case the amount, whether a grant or loan and the brief purpose of making the grant or loan.

  Prisoners (Ethnic Background)
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of prisoners held on remand in jails in Nottingham, London and Tyneside are from an ethnic minority; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 23 February 1989]: The latest readily available information is given in the table. Prisoners remanded in custody by courts in Nottinghamshire are normally received into Leicester and Lincoln prisons together with prisoners from Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire; remand prisoners from Tyne and Wear are normally received into Durham prison and Low Newton remand centre together with those from Cleveland, Cumbria, Northumberland and North Yorkshire.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  My Department makes grants to a wide variety of bodies. In addition to capital grants and loans to voluntary aided schools; grants to non-maintained special schools and establishments for the handicapped; direct grants to nursery schools; grants to city technology colleges; and grants to the Royal College of Art, Cranfield institute of technology and to grant-aided colleges, the following bodies are in receipt of grants in 1988–89;

  Youth Service

  Grants are paid in support of the headquarters activities of national youth organisations and for youth service provision to the following bodies:

  Provision in 1988–89

  £

  Army Cadet Force Association

  4,260

  Association of Jewish Youth

  25,740

  Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland

  24,900

  Bedfordshire Council for Voluntary Youth Services

  9,500

  Birmingham Young Volunteers

  25,960

  Boys' Brigade

  39,737

  Briars Residential Centre

  33,446

  British Council of Churches

  24,000

  British Deaf Association

  13,200

  British Red Cross Society

  9,960

  British Trust for Conservation Volunteers

  29,280

  British Youth Council

  152,000

  Broadless Trust

  31,177

  Campaigners

  15,240

  Catholic Youth Services

  43,900

  Church Army

  28,847

  335

  £

  Church Lads' Brigade and Church Girls' Brigade

  9,060

  Church of England Board of Education

  42,240

  Community Trusts

  10,000

  Council for Education and Training in Youth and Community Work

  251,000

  Council for Environmental Education

  40,880

  Covenanters

  5,040

  Duke of Edinburgh's Award

  67,920

  Endeavour Training

  29,520

  Fairbridge Drake Society

  27,960

  Forest Schools Camps

  1,680

  Frontier Youth Trust

  12,660

  Girl Guides Association

  99,848

  Girls' Brigade

  21,060

  Girls' Venture Corps

  24,120

  Greater Manchester Youth Association

  20,000

  Horse Rangers Association

  1,860

  Inter-Action

  49,780

  International Voluntary Service

  4,800

  Jewish Lads' and Girls' Brigade

  5,640

  JMB Development Training

  6,000

  Kielder Adventure Centre

  34,843

  Leaving Home Project

  25,000

  Lubavitch Foundation

  5,160

  Methodist Association of Youth Clubs

  114,280

  National Association of Boys' Clubs

  175,410

  National Association of Muslim Youth

  20,280

  National Association of Young People's Counselling and Advisory Services

  48,000

  National Council for Voluntary Youth Services

  145,000

  National Federation of 18+ Groups

  33,300

  National Federation of Gateway Clubs

  39,600

  National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs

  84,480

  National Organisation for Work with Girls and Young Women

  40,460

  National PHAB

  52,020

  National Youth Bureau

  552,000

  National Youth Choir

  2,040

  National Youth Orchestra

  4,680

  National Youth Theatre

  42,780

  New Treatment Church of God

  10,800

  Ocean Youth Club

  21,990

  Outward Bound Trust

  220,980

  Quaker Home Service

  33,860

  Rathbone Society

  25,560

  Reform Synagogues of Great Britain

  7,920

  Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

  4,500

  Sail Training Association

  5,700

  St. John Ambulance Brigade

  9,480

  Salvation Army

  12,960

  Scout Association

  65,820

  Sea Cadet Association

  11,640

  SPLASH

  3,900

  Union of Maccabi Associations

  26,686

  United Kingdom Federation of Jazz Bands

  7,080

  United Reform Church

  61,460

  West Central

  12,100

  Woodcraft Folk

  10,740

  Young Christian Workers

  19,860

  Young Men's Christian Association

  559,822

  Young Men's Association of Wales

  28,750

  Young Women's Christian Association

  90,821

  Youth Clubs United Kingdom

  255,360

  Youth Hostels Association

  43,480

  Adult Education

  Grants are made for the provision of courses for adults by long-term residential colleges, university extra-mural departments and the Workers' Educational Association, and to various national associations for educational services for adults:
  336

  Provision in 1988–89

  £

  Long Term Residential Colleges

  11,610,000

  University Extra-Mural Departments

  16,152,020

  Workers' Educational Association

  12,801,940

  National Associations

  Adult Literarcy and Basic Skills Unit

  2,466,000

  British Chess Federation

  37,300

  British Theatre Association

  14,200

  Educational Centres Association

  6,300

  National Association of Women's Clubs

  27,100

  National Federation of Community Organisations

  25,950

  National Federation of Women's Institute

  15,600

  National Institute of Adult Continuing Education

  118,925

  National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (REPLAN)

  1,159,000

  National Union of Townswomen's Guilds

  13,940

  National Women's Register

  5,840

  Pre-Retirement Association

  73,595

  Trades Union Congress

  787,028

  Unit for the Development of Adult Continuing Education

  289,000

  University of the Third Age

  2,400

  Workers' Educational Association (National Office)

  56,705

  Workers' Educational Association (In-Service Training)

  54,850

  1Academic year.

  Other bodies

  Grants are paid in respect of specified services for the following bodies:

  Provision in 1988–89

  £

  Bristol Exploratory

  5,000

  British Academy

  5,578,000

  British Association for Early Childhood Education

  9,410

  British Association for the Advancement of Science: Young Investigators

  30,000

  British Association for Teachers of the Handicapped

  24,000

  British Association for the Education and Welfare of the Visual Handicapped

  5,000

  British Association for Irish Studies

  5,400

  British Physics Olympiad

  5,000

  British Universities Film and Video Council Ltd.

  150,000

  Careers Research Advisory Centre

  15,760

  Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges

  1,941,430

  Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research

  395,000

  City Technology Colleges Trust

  90,000

  Christian Education Movement

  35,000

  Community Service Volunteers School Advisory Service

  50,792

  Conference for Higher Education, Art and Design (Germinations Art Exhibition)

  5,000

  Council for Education in World Citizenship

  38,000

  Council for Pre-Vocational Education

  110,500

  Craft, Design and Technology: Wolff Olins Design Dimension

  25,000

  Educational Counselling and Credit Transfer Information Service

  789,860

  Educational Disadvantage Projects:

  National Out of Schools Alliance

  10,000

  National Council for Mother Tongue Teaching

  10,000

  Refugee Education and Training Advisory Service

  11,900

  Commission for Racial Equality

  18,712

  Project Fullemploy—Windsor Fellowship Scheme

  2,000

  Commonwealth Institute Artists and Craftspeople in Education Project

  720

  Industrial Society

  15,000

  European Schools

  2,443,000

  European School Culham

  462,000

  European University Institute

  1,182,000

  337

  £

  Family Welfare Association: Educational Grant Advisory Service

  20,000

  Fun Promotions: Alcohol and Drug Education

  10,000

  Further Education Unit

  3,354,000

  Industry Matters

  4,000

  International Baccalaureate Office

  16,490

  International Musician Seminar (Music Master Class)

  4,000

  Joint United States-United Kingdom Educational Commission

  300,000

  League for the Exchange of Commonwealth Teachers

  472,470

  Leicester University Centre for Teaching and Development in Social and Moral Education

  4,500

  National Academic Recognition Centre

  10,903

  National Association for Gifted Children

  20,000

  National Association of Governors and Managers

  20,000

  National Bureau for Handicapped Students

  32,000

  National Children's Bureau

  39,000

  National Choral Competition: Music for Youth

  51,271

  National Committee for Mathematical Contests

  5,000

  National Congress for Language in Education

  1,000

  National Council for Educational Technology

  4,554,000

  National Council for Vocational Qualifications

  1,500,000

  National Foundation for Educational Research

  15,000

  National Sub-titling for the Deaf

  16,000

  Pre-School Playgroup Association

  153,000

  Polytechnics Central Admissions System

  31,745

  Primary Education Study Group

  1,000

  Professional, Industrial and Commercial Updating Programme (PICKUP)

  1,610,000

  Project Trident

  20,500

  Radio One: Alcohol and Drug Education

  10,000

  School Curriculum Awards

  10,000

  School/Industry Understanding:

  Understanding Industry

  17,500

  Royal Society of Arts Industry Matters Initiative

  20,000

  Schools Curriculum Industry Partnership

  28,250

  Standing Conference on Education for International Understanding

  6,000

  Standing Conference on Schools Science and Technology

  43,000

  Teaching as a Career Unit

  375,000

  UK-EEC Education Information Centre

  50,000

  United Kingdom Centre for European Education

  18,500

  United Kingdom Council for Overseas Student Affairs

  110,000

  Voluntary Sector Consultative Council

  119,276

  World Organisation for Early Childhood Education

  1,000

  Single European Act
  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assessment he has made of the impact that the Single European Act will have on his Department's operation of domestic policy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  Education does not fall within the scope of the original EEC treaty and the Single European Act has not altered that situation. The Act will therefore have no direct impact upon the operation of domestic education policy. But the Government actively support co-operation between the member states in education matters, and we expect that the completion of the single European market will, over time, influence the demands made upon the education service by the employment sector.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he will describe the arrangements which he will require for funding additional 338
  teaching hours in respect of a child transferred at age 11 years with a statement of special educational needs to a grant maintained school, where such funding would otherwise have been provided centrally by the local education authority;

  (2) what will be the continuing responsibility of a local education authority to provide additional staff or material resources in respect of pupils with statements of special educational needs after a school attains grant mantained status;

  (3) whether he will outline the methods and criteria by which he will resolve disputes between a grant maintained school and the local education authority over the allocation of resources in respect of a child which the school considers to be in need of formal assessment of special educational needs, but where the authority considers that the school is failing to perform their educational duties satisfactorily.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Local education authorities have responsibility under the Education Act 1981 for the assessment of children in their area who have, or may have, special educational needs which require the LEA to determine the special educational provision necessary to meet those needs. In such cases the LEA is required to make a statement specifying the special educational provision and to make such provision available. This duty extends to pupils placed in grant-maintained schools. Where a pupil with a statement is placed in a grant-maintained school, it will be for the authority to make available any additional resources required.

  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will outline the arrangements which will be made to ensure that a pupil at a primary school with a statement of special educational needs is effectively reviewed by the local education authority prior to transferring to a grant maintained secondary school.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Local education authorities have a duty under the Education Act 1981 to review at least annually statements they have made for pupils with special education needs. This means that all such children will be reviewed in their last year of primary school, regardless of whether they will be transferring to a grant-maintained secondary school.

  School Expeditions
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will set up a central fund administered by his Department to assist grant maintained schools with remissions of costs incurred on school expeditions, where it is no longer legally possible to make formal charges to parents, such a fund to match the remissions proposed in such circumstances by the local education authority.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Grant-maintained schools will receive in annual maintenance grant funding at the level they could have expected from their former maintaining authority, including an apportionment of the authority's central costs. This will include an apportionment of any provision made by the authority for remission of costs incurred on school expeditions.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make it his policy not to regard it as an adverse factor, in deciding upon an application for grant maintained status, that the school in question accepts children from the ages of 11 to 14 years only, coming from a locally maintained primary school and proceeding to a locally maintained upper school with age range 14 to 19 years.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  All secondary and middle-deemed secondary schools are eligible to apply for grant-maintained status irrespective of age range. My right hon.

  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will outline the methods and criteria by which he will resolve disputes between the apportionment of expenditure on a defective roof at a grant-maintained school where the governors consider that the defect is an inherent problem of construction requiring capital expenditure and the local education authority consider it to be a maintenance responsibility.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Both maintenance and capital expenditure at a grant-maintained school will be the responsibility of the school governing body; the local education authority will not be involved. Grant-maintained schools will be able to apply to the Department for capital grant at 100 per cent. to cover approved capital expenditure, including expenditure on major structural repairs. My right hon. Friend will consider bids for capital grants from grant-maintained schools on their merits in the light of the resources available.

  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will outline the methods and criteria by which he will resolve disputes between a grant-maintained school and the local education authority if the authority were to change the catchment areas of the primary schools feeding the grant-maintained school to that school's disadvantage.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The admissions arrangements for a grant-maintained school will be as agreed with my right hon. Friend and included in the school's articles of government. They will not normally be affected by admissions arrangements for primary schools.

  Schools (Opting Out)
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the advantages he has identified for schools which opt out of local education authority control.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Grant-maintained schools will be free to manage themselves as they think best within the law. Parents will enjoy enhanced influence over their conduct. Greater diversity within the maintained education system will lead to healthy competition, and thereby foster higher educational standards all round. My right hon. Friend has already approved proposals from three schools to become grant-maintained. Many more are following in their footsteps.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response he has made to those sections of the recent report of the interim advisory committee on teachers' pay which deal with remuneration and morale in the profession.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend announced on 16 February, in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. Pawsey),Official Report columns 323–24, that he proposed to accept in full the recommendations contained in the second report of the interim advisory committee on school teachers' pay and conditions.

  National Curriculum (Foreign Languages)
  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science which modern foreign languages he proposes to specify for inclusion in the national curriculum.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  I am proposing to make an order, jointly with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, under section 3(2)(b) of the Education Reform Act 1988 specifying two groups of modern foreign languages for the purposes of the national curriculum. Initially this order will apply to the requirement that pupils in key stage 3—aged approximately 11 to 14 years old—should study all the national curriculum foundation subjects, including a modern foreign language, for a reasonable time. That requirement was the subject of a commencement order made on 6 February 1989 which comes into force in England for most such pupils on 1 August 1989. My right hon. Friend is to make a commencement order bringing that requirement into force for pupils in Wales on 1 August 1989 for the core subjects, and on 1 August 1990 for the other foundation subjects including the modern foreign language.

  The first group of languages will consist of the working languages of the European Community (Danish, Dutch.. French, German, modern Greek, Italian. Portuguese, Spanish), and maintained schools will be required to offer pupils the opportunity to study at least one of these. The second group will include non-EC languages (Arabic, Bengali, Gujerati, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, Urdu). Maintained schools will be allowed, but not required, to offer one or more of these in addition to those in the first group, as the national curriculum modern foreign language. The order will not restrict the choice from among the languages a school offers.

  The order does not affect the provision of second and subsequent modern languages, or classical languages, which remains at schools' discretion outside the national curriculum.

  I have today issued for consultation a draft of the order and of an accompanying circular. Copies have been placed in the Library. I am inviting comments from bodies representing local authorities, schools, teachers, churches, language professions, pupils with special educational needs, ethnic minority groups, industry and commerce, and others, by 14 April. Subject to the outcome of the consultations, I expect to publish the final circular and make an order around the end of April, to come into effect on 1 August 1989.
  341
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is undertaking parallel consultations in Wales.

PRIME MINISTER

  Statistical Services
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Prime Minister what action will be taken following the recent reviews of the Government statistical services; and if she will place copies of the reviews in the Library.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government are considering the report of the review established last summer on Government economic statistics. An announcement of the Government's conclusions and publication of the report will take place shortly.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Information Technology
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement of progress on the introduction of information technologies to facilitate internal communications in his Department and the provision of information to the public concerning those areas for which he is responsible; and if he has any further plans to apply the newest technologies in these fields.

  Mr. Forth
  As part of the Department's agreed IT strategy a number of developments are taking place which will facilitate internal communications in the Department. These include:a programme, now virtually complete, to replace aging telephone exchanges with modern digital equipment; an electronic mail pilot currently serving 1,000 staff;
  a data communications network linking some 2,000 computer terminals to central computers;
  increasing use of FAX, with machines being installed at the rate of one a week.
  Future plans include the use of videoconference facilities and public access to DTI databases containing company and export information, security and data protection withstanding.

  Domestic Accidents
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many accidents to children occurred in the home in each year since 1978 involving(a) cleaning products, (b) internal glass doors and (c) cookers, excluding hot plates, rings and hobs.

  Mr. Forth
  [holding answer 2 March 1989]: National estimates of the number of accidents to children involving cleaning products, glass doors and cookers, excluding hot plates, rings and hobs are shown in the table. These estimates are based on accident details provided by the 20 participating hospitals in the home accident surveillance system and evaluated by the research section of the consumer safety unit. Information prior to 1980 is not available in this form.

  Year

  Cleaning products

  Glass doors1

  Cookers

  1980

  7,000

  15,000

  3,600

  1981

  11,500

  15,600

  3,400

  1982

  11,300

  13,000

  2,700

  342

  Year

  Cleaning products

  Glass doors1

  Cookers

  1983

  10,000

  13,500

  2,400

  1984

  10,000

  15,000

  2,400

  1985

  8,000

  12,000

  2,600

  1986

  8,200

  9,700

  2,400

  1987

  7,800

  9,600

  2,400

  1 The figures for glass doors include internal and outer doors as the accident data does not distinguish between them.

  Labelling
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to regulate products bearing eco labels in the light of current European Commission proposals for the introduction of a pan-European label; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  [holding answer 7 February 1989]: None.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Private Members' Bills
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Lord President of the council if he will name the most recent Bill introduced under the private Members' procedures which received Royal Assent without having bee allocated any additional time by the Governnent of the day and which had a division of either Second or Third Reading; and if he will indicate the date upon which that Royal Assent was given.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The House divided on the Third Reading of the Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Rear Seat Belts by Children) Bill on Friday 13 May 1988. Royal Assent was given to the Bill on Tuesday 28 June 1988.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Lawyers
  Mr. McCusker
  To ask the Attorney-General, how many(a) Queen's Counsel, (b) junior counsel and (c) solicitors are currently practising in Northern Ireland.

  The Attorney-General
  There are 31 Queen's counsel and 285 junior counsel practising in Northern Ireland. 1,210 solicitors hold practising certificates.

  Immigration
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will give details of current times from application to hearing of an appeal against refusal of entry clearance for applicants appealing at different places in the Indian sub-continent.

  The Attorney-General
  Statistics about the time taken to complete individual appeals are not available. Neither are any statistics available on the time taken by the immigration appellate authorities to process appeals from different parts of the Indian sub-continent once they arrive at the appellate authorities' offices in London. It is, however, estimated that the current time taken from application to the hearing of appeals against refusal of entry clearance for appliants appealing at different places in the Indian sub-cpontinent is as follows:

  (a) From receipt of the notice of appeal lodged at posts in the Indian sub-continent to preparation of the

  343
  entry clearance officer's explanatory statement and despatch of the papers to the appellate authorities in London:

  months

  Dacca

  2–5

  Islamabad

  3

  Karachi

  1–3

  New Delhi

  2–3

  Madras

  1

  Bombay

  3

  Calcutta

  1

  (b) From receipt of the notice of appeal by the appellate authorities in London to despatch of the appeal papers to both parties' representatives in the United Kingdom: 4–8 weeks.

  (c) From receipt of papers by both parties' representatives to the issue by each party of a certificate of readiness to proceed: this is in the hands of the parties, and times vary from a few weeks to several months. If no response is received within nine months the appeal is automatically listed for hearing.

  (d) From certification of readiness to proceed to the hearing date: up to 6 weeks, but longer where the parties request adjournments.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Short Bros.
  Mr. Ken Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he has made with the privatisation of Short Bros. plc.

  Mr. Tom King
  I have now received six preliminary proposals from interested parties for the purchase of the company. I have asked two of these to submit final

  NHS Ancillary staff (excluding Nurse auxiliaries)

  (a) 12,4611

  (b) Total whole time equivalents

  Male

  Female

  9,117

  2,951

  6,166

  (c)and (d):

  Average hours worked2

  Estimated average gross weekly earnings (£per week)2

  Grade

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Non Supervisors and chargehands

  Scale A

  44·7

  40·7

  27·8

  24·5

  131

  113

  75

  67

  B

  45·8

  40·9

  33·6

  26·5

  134

  116

  92

  69

  C

  45·4

  42·6

  3—

  29·4

  154

  135

  3—

  92

  D

  3—

  3—

  4—

  25·1

  3—

  3—

  4—

  81

  Supervisors

  Scale I

  44·3

  41·3

  3—

  28·3

  148

  136

  3—

  92

  II

  46·3

  41·3

  4—

  33·3

  169

  145

  4—

  109

  III

  46·9

  42·6

  3—

  3—

  169

  130

  3—

  3—

  IV

  46·2

  3—

  4—

  3—

  170

  3—

  4—

  3—

  1 As at September 1988.

  2 For the last full week of the 1987–88 financial year, grades containing small numbers of staff are not shown.

  3 Numbers of staff in these grades are too small to provide reliable figures.

  4 Not applicable—no staff in grade.

TRANSPORT

  Roads (Hampshire)
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been Hampshire county council's allocation for
  344
  proposals by 30 April 1989. These are Bombardier Inc. and a joint proposal from GEC/Fokker. I am considering whether a further proposal should also be included.

  Land Acquisition and Compensation
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how often the powers embodied in the Land Acquisition and Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 1973, article 9, have been used in each year since it came into force; and what were the total reductions in cash terms in each of those years or, if more convenient, financial years.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  [holding answer 28 February 1989]: The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost, hut the number of such cases in any year resulting in reductions are thought likely to have been very few.

WALES

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was(a) the number of ancillary stalls employed in the National Health Service in Wales as of 30 September 1988, excluding nurse auxiliaries; (b) the number of whole-time equivalents in Wales; (c) the average hours of ancillary staffs by grade, together with average pay by grade; and (d) the average hours of part-time ancillary staffs by grade and average pay, broken down by male and female for each of categories (b), (c) and (d).

  Mr. Grist
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  spending on roads each year since 1979 expressed in (a) cash terms, (b) real terms and (c) as a percentage increase or decrease on each previous year.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The present capital allocation system was introduced under the Local Government
  345
  Planning and Land Act, 1980 and commenced in 1981–82. The previous system, called loans sanctions, is not comparable with the present system. Figures for 1979–80

  Cash terms

  Real terms1

  Year

  Capital allocation

  Percentage increase/decrease on previous year Per cent.

  Capital allocation £ million

  Percentage increase/ decrease on previous year Per cent.

  1981–82

  210·828

  —

  215·525

  —

  1982–83

  212·206

  12·7

  216·334

  5·2

  1983–84

  13·632

  11·7

  17·448

  6·8

  1984–85

  15·;760

  15·6

  19·200

  10·0

  1985–86

  15·550

  -1·3

  17·;974

  -6·4

  1986–87

  15·650

  0·6

  17·506

  -2·6

  1987–88

  13·650

  -12·8

  14·503

  -17·1

  1988–89

  11·020

  -19·3

  11·020

  -24·0

  1989–90

  10·880

  -1·3

  10·362

  -6·0

  1 Converted to 1988–89 prices using GDP deflator.

  2 Figures also include a very small amount for public transport.

  Roads (West Sussex)
  Sir Peter Hordern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the capital allocation for roads in West Sussex in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information requested is given in the following table:

  Year

  Capital Allocation for Roads (£ million)

  1985–86

  8·300

  1986–87

  8·370

  1987–88

  7·200

  1988–89

  7·460

  1989–90

  3·300

  The figure for 1989–90 reflects the reduction in the county's TSG programme as four major schemes—A24 improvements at Farthings hill and Dial Post, A264 Horsham northern bypass and A272 Cuckfield bypass—open to traffic and expenditure on them tails off.

  Roads (Shire Counties)
  Sir Peter Hordern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a table showing the capital allocation for roads in each of the shire counties at the latest convenient date.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The 1989–90 roads capital allocations for the shire counties were included in my reply to the hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford (Ms. Ruddock) on 16 February 1989 at columns 287–90.

  Lichfield-Redditch Line
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will now announce his decision on the application by the British Rail board and West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive for approval of a scheme to electrify the Lichfield-Redditch cross-city line.

  Mr. Portillo
  No proposal has been submitted for approval. I understand that British Rail is doing further work on the case. If the case for electrification is financially robust, we shall be happy to approve it.
  346
  and 1980–81 are therefore not included. Details of Hampshie county council's capital allociation for roads are given in the following table.

  Settle-Carlisle Line
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with how many groups he is in negotiation about the future of the Settle to Carlisle railway; and when he expects to make an announcement on the future of the line.

  Mr. Portillo
  My right hon. Friend is not negotiating with anyone, but British Rail is actively considering whether the line could be run by the private sector were he to decide to give consent to withdrawal of British Rail passenger services. My right hon. Friend will make a statement when he has fully considered all the evidence.

  Guards (Statistics)
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to gather statistics on the number of guards on(a) British Rail trains, (b) London Regional Transport buses and (c) London Regional Transport underground in 1978, 1984 and the latest year available.

  Mr. Portillo
  No. This is a management matter for the operators.

  Chapel-en-le-Frith/Whaley Bridge Bypass
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if Government normal accountancy controls have identified any differences or defects with the contract for the Chapel-en-le-Frith/Whaley bridge bypass, as raised in his answer to the hon. Member for Stretford, 29 July 1988,Official Report, column 775.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  [holding answer 2 March 1989]: We are continuing with our investigations. The final account has not yet been submitted.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Capital Gains Tax
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what impact the changes in capital gains taxes in the Finance Act 1988 have had on the level of activity on the stock exchange.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  I am not aware of any evidence that the changes in capital gains taxes in the 1988 Finance
  347
  Act have had a significant impact on stock market activity over any period of time since their announcement in the 1988 Budget.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement of progress on the introduction of information technologies to facilitate internal communications in his Department and the provision of information to the public concerning those areas for which he is responsible; and if he has any further plans to apply the newest technologies in these fields.

  Mr. Brooke
  The Treasury uses a range of information technology equipment including word processors, micro and mainframe computers and electronic networks and mail.

  The equipment supports a variety of activities including econometric modelling, public expenditure monitoring and control, Civil Service pay and records systems, management information, text production and internal communications.

  It is also used in the production and publication of a range of documents including the Public Expenditure White Paper and Supply Estimates. Along with other departments, the Treasury has begun sending information electronically to the media.

  Payroll Giving
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people are now making contributions under the payroll giving scheme; what is the total amount given to charity; and what is the cost to the Exchequer;

  (2) what is the percentage of taxpayers who are in the payroll giving scheme.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  It is estimated that about 100,000 employees are currently participating in the payroll giving scheme. This represents about 0·5 per cent. of all income taxpayers. Information on the amount of donations is only available for 1987–88, the first year of the scheme, when about £1 million was donated. The level of donations is expected to be substantially higher in 1988–89. The cost of the income tax relief in 1987–88 was about £300,000.

  Business Expansion Scheme
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total cost so far of business expansion tax relief for 1988–89; and what was the cost in previous years of the scheme.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  A forecast of £100 million for the cost of relief for the business expansion scheme in 1988–89 was published in the Government's expenditure plans, 1989–90 to 1991–92, (Chapter 21), but no information is yet available centrally from official sources to provide a reliable estimate. The estimated cost of relief for earlier years is as follows:

  £ million

  1983–84

  50

  1984–85

  75

  1985–86

  85

  1986–87

  95

  1987–881

  120

  348
  1 provisional

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much tax relief has gone to the business expansion scheme on residential property; and what his estimate is of the full year cost of tax relief.

  (2) what is his estimate of the cost of business expansion scheme tax relief on residential property in 1989–90 and 1990–91.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  No information on the cost of the business expansion scheme tax relief for investments in residential property is yet available centrally from official sources. Costs in 1989–90 and 1990–91 will depend on take-up.

  Tax Fraud (Scotland)
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many investigators are employed by the Inland Revenue to detect fraud in Scotland relating to income tax, allowances and corporation tax; what is the sum recovered in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what number of staff he expects to be employed on this work in each of the next three years.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  There are currently 287 staff units directly engaged on tax investigation work in Scotland. In 1987–88 they brought in tax, interest and penalties totalling £68·91 million. The Inland Revenue will continue to keep the number of investigators in Scotland under review.

  Premium Bonds
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are employed in running the premium bond system.

  Mr. Lilley
  The number of people employed in running the premium bond system as at 1 February 1989 was 1,292.

  War Stock
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual cost of distributing dividends to those who hold £10 or less of 34½per cent war stock.

  Mr. Lilley
  I regret that this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Inland Revenue (Staff)
  Mr. Trotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what are the current shortages of staff as against: entitlement in the Inland Revenue for each grade in(a) London and (b) the south-east;

  (2) what is the current rate of turnover of staff in each grade of the Inland Revenue in (a) London and (b) the south-east;

  (3) what is the establishment in each grade of the Inland Revenue; how many are in post in each grade; and what is the pay scale for each grade.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 21 February 1989]: The information, in relation to the main grades, is as follows:
  349

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  Per cent. Annual Resignation London

  Per cent. Annual Resignation South East

  Shortfall ( - ) or Surplus ( ) of staff in London

  Shortfall ( - ) or Surplus ( ) of staff in South East

  Complement National

  Staff in post National

  Pay Scales £

  Tax Office Grades

  Inspector (Fully Trained)

  11·4

  7·3

  -63

  -32

  2,536

  2,320

  8,460–33,819

  Inspector (General Group)

  4·2

  4·4

  -99

  -66

  5,324

  4,940

  8,458–27,087

  Technical Trainee

  16·4

  7·5

  70

  70

  450

  900

  8,460–14,595

  Tax Officer (Higher Grade)

  -41

  -42

  9,982

  9,960

  6,543–11,688

  Tax Officer

  12·8

  12·9

  76

  166

  14,082

  14,520

  4,160–8,737

  Revenue Assistant

  20·9

  20·3

  -99

  -107

  11,502

  11,062

  3,633–6,679

  Others

  12·1

  11·9

  -23

  5

  2,805

  2,951

  —

  Total

  13·9

  12·3

  -179

  -6

  46,681

  46,653

  —

  Collection Office Grades

  Collector (Higher Grade) and above

  1·4

  1·6

  -8

  -1

  888

  873

  10,788–30,357

  Collector

  12·3

  1·7

  -55

  3

  2,337

  2,232

  6,453–11,688

  Assistant Collector

  22·5

  10·9

  49

  58

  3,844

  4,189

  4,019–8,737

  Revenue Assistant

  27·7

  26·1

  -74

  -78

  1,598

  1,233

  3,633–6,679

  Others

  17·9

  12·2

  -10

  -5

  545

  498

  —

  Total

  17·0

  9·2

  -98

  -23

  9,212

  9,025

  —

  Valuation Office Grades

  Professional Staff

  15·1

  10·1

  -86

  -21

  2,209

  1,991

  4,835–33,819

  Valuation Technician and above

  4·4

  2·9

  -30

  -11

  1,447

  1,362

  6,242–16,860

  Valuation Clerk

  17·7

  21·8

  10

  -5

  1,358

  1,333

  4,019–8,182

  Revenue Assistant

  26·9

  46·4

  -12

  -1

  1,064

  1,004

  3,633–6,242

  Others

  17·0

  4·0

  3

  2

  456

  477

  —

  Total

  14·5

  16·4

  -115

  -36

  6,534

  6,167

  —

  Administration Group Grades

  Higher Executive Officer and above

  4·9

  2·5

  -20

  -6

  1,677

  1,641

  10,434–33,819

  Executive Officer

  7·1

  6·4

  -20

  -10

  1,391

  1,351

  6,134–10,755

  Administrative Officer

  9·2

  6·1

  -5

  -2

  915

  907

  3,873–7,555

  Administrative Assistant

  22·4

  29·8

  -2

  3

  590

  596

  3,523–6,081

  Others

  12·5

  12·1

  -5

  -3

  990

  980

  —

  Total

  8·4

  8·8

  -52

  -18

  5,563

  5,475

  —

  Departmental Total

  13·6

  11·6

  -444

  -83

  67,990

  67,320

  —

  Notes

  Columns 1–4 "London" and "South East" in these four columns refer to the Inland Revenue's four London regions and south east region rspectively.

  Columns 1–2 These columns give annualised resignation rates based on actual resignations during the nine months April-December 1988 inclusive. The annualised rates have been reached by simple extrapolation. Final outturn figures for the year ending 31 March 1988 are likely to differ, at least at the margin.

  Columns 3–6 These columns show the position at 1 January 1989.

  Column 7 This column shows the current minimum and maximum points of the relevant national pay scales. It excludes London weighting (currently £1,750 inner London, £1,000 intermediate area and £725 outer London) and local pay additions of £600 payable to certain grades (up to EO and equivalent levels), primarily in specific locations on the London periphery but outside the London weighting areas. It also excludes, where applicable, further payments attainable for sustained high performance. The pay ranges shown for the more senior grades in each group exclude pay ranges applicable to the senior open structure (grades 1, 2 and 3).

  5. The figures in columns 1–6 refer to permanant staff. In addition, at 1 January 1989 the Department employed some 1,300 casual staff, of whom about 350 were in the London regions and 250 in south east region. These to some extent offset shortages of permanent staff.

  Tax Thresholds and Income Tax
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will tabulate the income tax thresholds and respective rates of income tax for each financial year since 1959–60 for the United Kingdom; if he will provide similar information available to him for the Isle of Man; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 27 February 1989]: The main thresholds and rates in the United
  350
  Kingdom and the Isle of Man for every fifth year since 1959–60 are given in the tables. Complete information on all personal reliefs, allowances and rates of income tax in the United Kingdom 1959–60 to 1988–89 is published in The Taxes Acts, volume 2 (Income tax, corporation tax and capital gains tax), tables A-N. Information on income tax rates and thresholds in the Isle of Man is published in The Isle of Man Tax Amendment Acts.
  351

  Income tax thresholds and rales in the United Kingdom, 1959–60 to 1969–70

  Year

  Personal allowance

  Earned income relief

  Standard1 rate

  Reduced rates

  small income:

  Marginal Small in-come:

  Single £

  Married £

  per cent.

  £ per cent.

  Limit £

  Fraction

  Limit £

  Fraction

  1959–60

  140

  240

  2/9 of earned income up to £4,005

  38·75

  60 @

  8·75

  300

  2/9

  405

  2/5

  150 @

  21·25

  1/9 of next £5,940 of earned income maximum relief: £1,550

  150 @

  31·25

  1964–65

  200

  320

  as above

  38·75

  100 @

  20·00

  450

  2/9

  680

  ½

  200 @

  30·00

  1969–70

  255

  375

  as above

  41·25

  260@

  30·00

  450

  2/9

  710

  ½

  1 Surtax was charged up until 1972–73, details of rates and thresholds are published in table N, volume 2 of the Taxes Acts.

  Income Tax Thresholds and Rates in the United Kingdom, 1974–75 to 1988–89

  Personal allowance

  Rates of income tax

  Rates and thresholds of investment income surcharge 1

  Year

  Single

  Married

  Taxable income

  Rate

  Invest

  Rate

  £

  £

  £

  Percentage

  £

  Percentage

  1974–75

  625

  865

  1–4,500

  33

  4,501–5,000

  38

  1–1,000

  Nil

  5,001–6,000

  43

  1,001–2,000

  10

  6,001–7,000

  48

  Over 2,000

  15

  7,001–8,000

  53

  8,001–10,000

  58

  10,001–12,000

  63

  12,001–15,000

  68

  15,001–20,000

  73

  Over 20,000

  83

  1979–80

  1,165

  1,815

  1–750

  225

  751–10,000

  30

  1–5,000

  Nil

  10,001–12,000

  40

  Over 5,000

  15

  12,001–15,000

  45

  15,001–20,000

  50

  20,001–25,000

  55

  Over 25,000

  60

  1984–85

  2,005

  3,155

  1–15,400

  30

  15,401–18,200

  40

  18,201–23,100

  45

  23,101–30,600

  50

  30,601–38,100

  55

  Over 38,100

  60

  1988–89

  2,605

  4,095

  1–19,300

  25

  Over 19,300

  40

  1Investment income surcharge was abolished in 1984–85.

  2 Reduced rate of income tax.

  Income tax rates and thresholds in the Isle of Man, 1959–60 to 1988–89

  Year

  Personal allowance

  Earned income allowance

  Tax rates1

  Single

  Married

  Taxable income

  Rate

  £

  £

  £

  per cent.

  1959–60

  200

  350

  quarter of earned

  0–250

  11·25

  income up to £1,200

  251–500

  00·15

  one fifth of excess

  501–750

  18·75

  (maximum £460)

  over 750

  22·50

  1964–65

  225

  425

  as above

  0–250

  10·00

  251–500

  15·00

  over 500

  21·25

  1969–70

  275

  525

  quarter of earned income (maximum £600)

  as for 1964–65

  1974–75

  550

  850

  quarter of earned income (maximum £900)

  all taxable income: 21·25

  1979–80

  1,040

  1,645

  quarter of earned income (maximum £1,100)

  all taxable income: 20·50

  1984–85

  1,690

  2,880

  quarter of earned income (maximum £1,550)

  all taxable income: 20·00

  352 353

  Year

  Personal allowance

  Earned income allowance

  Tax rates1

  Single

  Married

  Taxable income

  Rate

  £

  £

  £

  per cent.

  1988–89

  3,600

  7,200

  suspended

  0–6,000

  15

  over 6,000

  20

  1 Plus Surtax on sliding scale 4·16–30 per cent, on income over £2,500 (top rate at £20,000).

  Workplace Nurseries
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the estimated receipts to the Exchequer from the taxation of workplace nurseries.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 28 February 1989]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 27 February at column 27.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage of income tax payers in the United Kingdom who receive an income tax return form requiring them to give details of their income subject to tax under schedule E in accordance with PAYE; and if he has any e plans to increase the number of recipients following computerisation of the Inland Revenue.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 2 March 1989]: The Inland Revenue issues returns to all taxpayers who they think might pay too much or too little tax in the absence of a return. Taxpayers whose main source of income is subject to tax under schedule D are sent returns annually. Taxpayers whose man source of income is subject to tax under schedule E in accordance with PAYE are sent returns on a selective basis dependent on the complexity of their tax affairs. In 1988–89 16·3 per cent. of PAYE taxpayers were issued with a return. There are no plans to change the Inland Revenue's practice on the issue of returns as a result of computerisation.

SCOTLAND

  Companies
  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the companies who have established a productive or service capacity in Scotland and are still operating over the past 10 years.

  Mr. Lang
  The information requested is not available.

  Salmon
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to control the establishment of freshwater cages for salmon smolt rearing in lochs to prevent pollution and the threat to indigenous salmon from escapees; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Fish farming in Scotland is already subject to a number of different authorisation and control procedures. These include provisions contained in the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 which provide for control over the establishment of cages for salmon smolt rearing in Scottish freshwater lochs. Powers also exist in the Control of Pollution Act 1974 for the control of water pollution. My hon. Friend, the Minister for Home Affairs and the Environment in 354
  Scotland, in his answer to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. Maclennan) on 10 January 1989 at column 555, announced that we will seek powers to ensure that discharges from fish farms can be controlled as trade effluents by river purification authorities.

  The most important measures of protection for wild salmon stocks are good husbandry practice in fish farms and hatcheries and the measures, which the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland administers, under the diseases of fish legislation. My right hon. and learned Friend commissions a wide range of research on salmonid and other freshwater fish and on fish cultivation, including studies of diseases and interaction between wild and farmed stock, with the co-operation of fish farming organisations and other interests. Further studies, including work on the genetic diversity of salmon stocks, are under consideration.

  Potato Marketing Board
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library copies of the representations that he has received on the future of the Potato Marketing Board.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

  Ministerial Letters
  Mr. Harry Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average time taken by each of his Ministers to reply to letters sent to them by right hon. and hon. Members.

  Mr. Rifkind
  An ad hoc survey conducted within my Department during a representative period in 1988 showed an average response time of 23 days.

  Recreation Projects
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the leisure and recreation projects for which capital consent has been granted to district councils for 1989–90; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  Capital consents are not normally issued specifically for leisure and recreation projects. Leisure and recreation is one of 19 services within the general services programme for which a block consent is issued taking into account local authorities' proposals for capital expenditure on all these services.

  Capital Allocations
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the capital allocation for general services for each district council in 1988–89; and for 1989–90.

  Mr. Lang
  The information is as follows:
  355

  £ thousand

  Allocations issued on 22 February 1988 for 1988–89

  Allocations issued on 24 February 1989 for 1989–90

  Berwickshire

  220

  350

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  220

  270

  Roxburgh

  280

  350

  Tweeddale

  160

  200

  Clackmannan

  380

  350

  Falkirk

  1,400

  1,400

  Stirling

  600

  600

  Annandale and Eskdale

  290

  320

  Nithsdale

  430

  400

  Stewartry

  140

  210

  Wigtown

  200

  240

  Dunfermline

  1,000

  900

  Kirkcaldy

  900

  950

  North East Fife

  500

  500

  Aberdeen City

  2,000

  2,100

  Banff and Buchan

  580

  540

  Gordon

  350

  350

  Kincardine and Deeside

  400

  500

  Moray

  380

  500

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  75

  79

  Caithness

  290

  250

  Inverness

  550

  550

  Lochaber

  230

  300

  Nairn

  120

  95

  Ross and Cromarty

  620

  540

  Skye and Lochalsh

  200

  200

  Sutherland

  250

  340

  East Lothian

  500

  620

  Edinburgh City

  2,500

  2,000

  Midlothian

  500

  1,100

  West Lothian

  1,500

  1,400

  Argyll and Bute

  650

  700

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  360

  300

  Clydebank

  1,200

  1,500

  Clydesdale

  600

  500

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  430

  600

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  350

  770

  Cunninghame

  900

  1,000

  Dumbarton

  1,000

  1,300

  East Kilbride

  300

  470

  Eastwood

  200

  160

  Glasgow City

  4,200

  4,400

  Hamilton

  790

  1,115

  Inverclyde

  1,000

  900

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  700

  650

  Kyle and Carrick

  800

  700

  Monklands

  1,850

  2,000

  Motherwell

  1,850

  1,850

  Renfrew

  1,200

  1,300

  Strathkelvin

  750

  1,200

  Angus

  600

  1,000

  Dundee City

  1,750

  1,700

  Perth and Kinross

  850

  1,000

  Epidural Anaesthetics
  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by health board the total number of women receiving epidural analgesia during childbirth each year over the past five years; the total number excluding those giving birth by caesarean section, receiving epidural 356
  analgesia during childbirth each year over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the provision of epidural anaesthetics.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is not held centrally. The administration of epidurals to patients is a matter for the clinical judgment of the consultants involved.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Nairobi (Pensions)
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on behalf of the Kenya local authorities superannuation fund consultative committee regarding pension provision for former employees of Nairobi city council.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The Kenya local authorities superannuation fund (KLASF) consultative committee has made representations on behalf of former Nairobi city council employees on a regular basis over a number of years. The committee would like Her Majesty's Government to agree that KLASF pensioners should qualify for pension supplements under United Kingdom pension increase legislation. Eligibility for these supplements is limited to those who served the Crown in public service under an overseas Government and for whom Her Majesty's Government, through the Secretary of State, had accepted a special responsibility, generally because it recruited or appointed them. The committee has been told on many occasions that we are unable to redefine our criteria to include local government pensioners.

EMPLOYMENT

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish a table indicating the 10 industries which have had a significant increase in the labour force over the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  Between September 1978 and September 1988, the most recent 10-year period for which figures are available, the largest increase in employees in employment in Great Britain were observed in the following industries:

  Number

  per cent.

  Business Service

  +636,000

  +83

  Other Services

  +326,000

  +66

  Hotels and Catering

  +274,000

  +31

  Sanitary Services

  +170,000

  +65

  Banking and Finance

  +155,000

  +36

  Recreational and Cultural Services

  +116,000

  +28

  Medical and Other Health Services

  +96,000

  +8

  Wholesale Distribution

  +93,000

  +11

  Repair of Consumer Goods and Vehicles

  +57,000

  +28

  Education

  +54,000

  +4

  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have been out of work in the Denton and Reddish constituency for more than 12 months, 18 months and two years, respectively.
  357
  Mr. Lee
  In January 1989, the numbers of unemployed claimants in Denton and Reddish constituency who had been unemployed for more than 12 months, 18 months and two years were 1,250, 937 and 791, respectively.

  Mr. Franks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report the fall in unemployment for the county of Cumbria and the number of registered job vacancies for each year from 1985.

  Mr. Lee
  The table shows the average number of unemployed claimants each year since 1985 in Cumbria, the change each year, and the number of unfilled vacancies at jobcentres. The changes in the unemployment count shown are slightly affected by the change in the compilation of the count in March 1986 to reduce over-recording and the change in coverage from September 1988 due to new benefit regulations for those people aged under 18 years.

  Unemployment and unfilled vacancies at jobcentres in Cumbria

  Year

  Unemployed Claimants (Average over 12 months)

  Change

  Unfilled Vacancies (Average over 12 months)

  Compared with Previous year

  1985

  23,079

  1,376

  1,329

  1986

  23,062

  -17

  1,538

  1987

  20,275

  -2,787

  1,871

  1988

  16,839

  -3,436

  1,830

  Health and Safety (Leaflets)
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the titles and code numbers of the 10 most issued Health and Safety Executive leaflets published by his Department and indicate which of these leaflets has been issued in translation and in which languages.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The 10 most popular health and safety leaflets are:

  Number and Title

  Categorisation No.

  1 Working with VDUs

  IND/G 36 L

  2 Mind How You Go

  IND/G 21

  3 Reporting on an Injury of a Dangerous Occurrence (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

  HSE 11

  4 Reporting a Case of Disease—A Brief Guide to RIDDOR

  HSE 17

  5 Report That Accident (RIDDOR)

  HSE 21

  6 Law on Health and Safety at Work: Don't Wait Until an Inspector Calls

  HSE 16

  7 Protecting Your Health

  IND/G 62L

  8 Passive Smoking

  IND/G 63 L

  9 Writing a Safety Policy Statement

  HSC6

  10 1Hazard and Risk Explained

  IND/G 64 L

  Introducing COSHH

  IND/G 65 L

  Introducing Assessment

  IND/G 67 L

  1A pack of three leaflets on the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH).

  None of these leaflets have been issued in translation

  Information Technology
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement of progress on the 358
  introduction of information technologies to facilitate internal communications in his Department and the provision of information to the public concerning those areas for which he is responsible; and if he has any further plans to apply the newest technologies in these fields.

  Mr. Lee
  The Employment Department group has implemented a range of measures to facilitate both internal communications and the provision of information to the public, including electronic mail, video-conferencing, Prestel, facsimile transmission and job and training opportunities accessed by terminals.

  The Group's information technology strategies, which are being devised to assist the achievement of business and policy objctives, will influence future plans.

  Underpaying
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the average fine imposed on employers found to be illegally underpaying within the wages inspectorate divisions covering the United Kingdom in the latest available year.

  Mr. Nicholls
  In 1988 the average fine imposed by the courts on employers in the United Kingdom who were prosecuted for wages council offences and where the charges included failing to pay the statutory minimum was £328.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish the report of the Retail Prices Index Advisory Committee on the implications for the index of the abolition of domestic rates; and if he accepts the report's recommendations.

  Mr. Fowler
  The report is being published today and I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library. I have decided to accept all its recommendations. They will start to take effect in April when the community charge comes into operation in Scotland.

DEFENCE

  Heliborne Forces
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessments he has made of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's ability to match the Warsaw pact threat from heliborne forces.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The potential of Warsaw pact forces to conduct offensive operations and NATO's ability to counter them are subject to continual assessment. Details of such assessments are classified.

  TGWU (Representations)
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations about defence he has received from the Transport and General Workers Union; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  No recent representations about defence policy have been received from the Transport and General Workers Union. The TGWU does, however,
  359
  make representations over the conditions of service and related issues of its members employed in the Ministry of Defence; these are handled in accordance with the normal Civil Service consultative procedures.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many obsolete nuclear warheads have been scrapped by Her Majesty's Government as a consequence of the NATO Montebello agreement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  None. The nuclear warheads removed from the NATO European stockpile since the Montebello NPG meeting have all been owned by, and disposed of by, the Unites States Government.

  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further information he has on United States proposals to build new, and upgrade existing, nuclear vaults at their bases in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I have nothing to add to the answer that I gave the hon. Member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Eastham) on 7 February at column 655.

  Nuclear Submarines
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further plans he has for the disposal of decommissioned nuclear submarines.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Wallace) on 9 May 1988 at column 2.

  Leyland/DAF
  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has held concerning assurances to be given in respect of potential claims against Leyland/DAF arising from the failure of any vehicles to meet the specifications set by his Department, prior to any possible flotation of the company.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  None; the company's contractual commitments would be unaffected by any change in ownership.

  Imber
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the exclusion of members of the public by his Department from the village of Imber and surrounding lands.

  Mr. Neubert
  The village of Imber and surrounding lands lie within the danger area of Salisbury plain training area, west. This area has been permanently closed to the public since a public inquiry in 1961 on the ground of public safety because of the danger from unexploded ordnance, metal fragments, wire entanglements and open trenches. However, public access is granted by the roads crossing the area on a maximum of 50 days in each year and special church services are held in Imber village once each year in September.

  Mr. Cohen
  To as the Secretaruy of State for Defence, what representations he has received since 1979 regarding the continued use of the village of Imber and surrounding lands by the armed forces.
  360
  Mr Neubert
  Retrieving and searching through all the relevant records dating back to 1979 could be done only at disproportionate cost. However, those records which are readily available indicate that recently there have been no representations to the Department regarding the continued use of Imber village and the surrounding land.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what powers he holds the village of Imber and surrounding lands.

  Mr. Neubert
  The Secretary of State for Defence holds land for defence purposes under the Defence Act 1842 and subsequent relevant legislation.

  Military Lands
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has for increasing the land used for his Department on or near Salisbury plain.

  Mr Neubert
  No additional land is at present being purchased for the Salisbury plain training area although it remains our policy to acquire suitable land which becomes available. We also seek to make better training use of our existing freehold land by changes in present agricultural tenancy arrangements, and one such proposal in the Erlestoke area is at present under consideration.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence i.f he will list all of the byelaws made by his Department under the Military Lands Act 1892 that are presently in force and place a copy of each set of byelaws in the Library.

  Mr. Neubert
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my hon. Friend, the Member for Kettering Mr. Freeman), on 18 May 1988 at column 509 and on 29 July 1988 at column 577–8. The following byelaws have bee:n made subsequently and remain in force:
  The Lydd Camp and Lydd Ranges Byelaws, 1988
  Royal Air Force Edzell Byelaws, 1988
  Royal Air Force Welford Byelaws, 1988
  Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton and Merryfield Airfield Byelaws, 1988

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list any byelaws made by his Department under the Military Lands Act 1892 that are proposed but are not yet in force and place a copy of each of these proposed byelaws in the Library, together with relevant maps.

  Mr. Neubert
  Currently, no byelaws have been made which are not yet in force.

  Spearfish
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how he proposes to ensure that the Spearfish torpedo procurement is subjected to competitive tendering.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  A number of companies have expressed interest in participating in the forthcoming Spearfish torpedo main production order. We plan to issue invitations to tender to all interested companies later this year with a view to awarding the prime contract in 1990. We will announce the issue of the ITT in the MOD contracts bulletin to stimulate the maximum possible competition at sub-contractor level.

  Service Quarters (Woolwich)
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the 67 married quarters and civilian houses in the Woolwich area which he expects to offer for sale in the open market during the next 15 months.

  Mr. Neubert
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Woolwich Arsenal
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out(a) the establishment levels, and (b) the actual strength in each case of the main grades employed by the directorate general of defence quality assurance at Woolwich arsenal.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  At the end of February 1989 the directorate general of defence quality assurance employed 1,135 staff at the Royal arsenal, Woolwich, against a ceiling level of 1,250. The breakdown of the main grades was as follows:

  Staff strength

  Staff ceiling

  Grades 3–6

  14

  14

  Professional and technical grades

  275

  327

  Scientific grades

  145

  152

  Executive grades

  59

  61

  Administrative grades

  214

  228

  Support grades

  45

  45

  Other non-industrial grades

  85

  91

  Industrial grades

  298

  332

  Under 75

  75–100

  100–150

  150–200

  200–250

  250–300

  300–350

  350–400

  400–500

  500

  Net Income Range (£ per week)

  Female headed households in each band, as a percentage of all female headed households1

  43

  15

  17

  11

  6

  3

  1

  1

  1

  0

  Number of female headed households (000's)

  2,810

  780

  885

  555

  310

  160

  75

  55

  45

  15

  Equivalent Net Income Range (£ per week)

  Female headed households in each band, as a percentage of all female headed households1

  10

  29

  34

  12

  7

  4

  2

  1

  1

  1

  Number of female headed households1

  500

  1,460

  1,710

  585

  350

  205

  100

  60

  45

  30

  1Percentages do not sum to 100 due to rounding.

  Rating Reform
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table showing for each metropolitan county(a) the average rate per person and (b) the average Community Charge

  Mr. Gummer
  Rates are a tax on property. The relevant measure of an average rate bill is the payment per property. An average per person, including children, would have little meaning. I have therefore provided in the table the average rate bill per household and the average illustrative community charge in each of the areas referred to. These figures are based on 1988–89 budgeted expenditure levels and are consistent with those published on 23 June 1988.

  Illustrative average community charge and rate bill in 1988–89

  Average Rate Bill per property

  Average Community Charge

  Greater Manchester

  466

  254

  Merseyside

  512

  268

  South Yorkshire

  405

  286

  Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out(a) the establishment levels, and (b) the actual strengths in each of the main grades employed at the atomic weapons research establishment, Aldermaston.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It has been the policy of successive Governments not to reveal details of the staff employed at the atomic weapons establishment for reasons of national security.

ENVIRONMENT

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside, (Mr. Blunkett),Official Report, 2 February, columns 359–60, how many female-headed households, and what proportion of all female heads of households, fall into each band of equivalent income.

  Mr. Gummer
  Based on data contained in the Family expenditure survey, the distribution of female-headed households into bands of equivalent and actual net income is given below. A total of 26 per cent. of households in the sample are headed by females.

  Average Rate Bill per property

  Average Community Charge

  Tyne and Wear

  408

  272

  West Midlands

  549

  232

  West Yorkshire

  380

  263

  Owner-occupiers (Grants)
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision has been made for owner-occupiers in need of repairs or maintenance to receive grants for such work from local authorities; and whether the system will operate on(a) a means-tested grant, (b) aid and (c) a loan basis.

  Mr. Trippier
  Part VIII of the Local Government and Housing Bill provides for a system of grants towards the cost of the repair and improvement of owner-occupied property, subject to a test of an applicant's resources. Details of the proposed test are given in the consultation
  363
  paper "Renovation Grants: Proposed Test of Resources" published by my Department on 9 January 1989, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision has been made for extra funding for local authorities in order that they may fulfil their obligation to owner-occupiers as outlined in the Housing Act 1988.

  Mr. Trippier
  Provision for local authority housing capital expenditure is decided annually in the light of the Government's overall expenditure priorities. Discussion son the 1990–91 public expenditure plans are at an early stage, and will take account of the provisions in the Housing Act 1988 and in the Local Government and Housing Bill, which reforms the home improvement grant system.

  Ozone Layer (Conference)
  Sir Eldon Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the agenda for the forthcoming London conference on depletion of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere.

  Mr. Ridley
  The information requested is as follows:

  SUNDAY 5 MARCH
  10.00–10.30 Opening Ceremony with Keynote Address by His Excellency President Moi of Kenya.
  11.00–12.10 Session 1: 'Setting the Scene'
  The history of CFCs and halons.
  Ozone layer science: the history; the current state of knowledge; the dangers to human and other life.
  Speakers will include:

  Dr. Maurice Verhille, Atochem, France.

  Dr. F. S. Rowland, University of California.

  Mr. Joseph Farman, British Antarctic Survey.

  Dr. Robert Watson, NASA.

  Dr. Mohammad Ilyas, University of Science of Malaysia.

  12.10–12.45 Ministerial Discussion I
  An opportunity for delegations to comment on the issues addressed during the Conference or to make brief statements.
  14.15–15.15 Ministerial Discussion II
  15.15–16.30 Session 2: 'The Response of World Industry'
  Existing alternatives; new alternatives; conservation and recycling; the retailer's point of view; developing country aspects.
  Speakers will include:

  Dr. Peter Wallenberg, President, International Chamber of Commerce.

  Dr. Archie Dunham, Group Vice President, Du Pont.

  M r. Denys Henderson, Chairman, ICI.

  Dr. Kenji Sekido, Chief Engineer, Semiconductor Group, NEC

  Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover, Chairman, J. Sainsbury plc.

  Sr. Alvaro Umana, Minister of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Costa Rica.

  16.30–18.00 Ministerial Discussion III
  18.3–20.00 Reception for all Delegates

  MONDAY 6 MARCH
  10.00–11.15 Session 3: 'Shared Awareness'
  The implications of the Montreal Protocol process for signatories and non-signatories; the particular needs of developing countries and how to tackle them.
  Speakers will include:

  Mr. Kaj Barlund, Environment Minister, Finland.

  Dr. Liu Ming Pu, Environment Commissioner, China.

  364

  Lic Patricio Chirinos, Minister of Ecology, Mexico.

  Dr. R. Baxter, Chairman, Electrolux UK.

  The Hon. W. Winegard, Minister for Science and Technology, Canada.

  11.15–13.00 Ministerial Discussion IV
  14.30–17.00 Ministerial Discussion V
  17.00–18.00 Session 4: 'Our Common Purpose'
  Synthesis of previous sessions and discussions; the wavy ahead.
  Speakers will include:

  The Rt. Hon. G. Palmer, Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister, New Zealand.

  Dr. Istvan Lang, Secretary General, Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

  His Excellency Mr. Shridath Ramphal, Secretary General to the Commonwealth.

  Dr. Martin Holdgate, Director General IUCN: Conference Rapporteur.

  19.30 Dinner for Heads of Delegations.

  TUESDAY 7 MARCH
  10.00–11.00 Summing up by Chairman, the Rt. Hon. Nicholas Ridley, MP.

  Adoption of Final Message

  Closing Ceremony

  End of Conference

  11.30–12.30 United Kingdom Press Conference.
  Throughout Sunday 5 March and Monday 6 March there will be:
  "Surgeries': an opportunity for delegates to meet and raise detailed questions with scientists and industrial experts.
  Ozone layer protection exhibition.
  Programme of video films

  Conservation (Cumbria)
  Mr. Franks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what financial assistance his Department has given to Cumbria county council for conservation measures since 1985; and for what specific purpose;

  (2) if he will list in the Official Report, the grants his Department gave to Cumbria county council for conservation measures between 1974 and 1979.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  A total of £5,883,990 in national parks supplementary grant has been allocated to Cumbria county council during the period 1985–86 to 1988–89. The corresponding figure for the period 1974–75 and 1978–79 is £2,556,699. In addition, conserNatiori matters are reflected in the needs assessment of local authorities' rate support grant allocation. Authorities are free to determine their own priorities within the total sums available.

  Mr. Franks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what grants his Department has given to organisations in Cumbria for conservation measures., other than to Cumbria county council, since 1985.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  No direct grants have been paid.

  Land Reclamation (Cumbria)
  Mr. Franks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report, the grants for land reclamation made to Cumbria county council between 1974 and 1979.

  Mr. Trippier
  Between 1974 and 1979 derelict land grant was paid to Cumbria county council as follows:
  365

  Year

  Grant paid

  1973–74

  n/a

  1974–75

  277,532

  1975–76

  172,966

  1976–77

  289,032

  1977–78

  22,937

  1978–79

  205,824

  Mr. Franks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what grants have been made to Cumbria county council for land reclamation schemes since 1985.

  Mr. Trippier
  Since 1985 derelict land grant has been paid to Cumbria county council as follows:

  Year

  Grant paid

  1984–85

  3,463,669

  1985–86

  4,664,620

  1986–87

  1,435,692

  1987–88

  4,181,261

  1988–89

  12,800,000

  1 Estimate.

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Patchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now institute a code of conduct for the running of housing associations with standards which reflect equal opportunities, social justice, and a high level of service.

  Mr. Trippier
  The Housing Act 1988 gave the Housing Corporation the power to issue guidance to registered housing associations on the management of their housing. The corporation has powers to enforce such guidance, which it recently issued under the title "The Tenants' Guarantee". The document has received the statutory approval of my right hon. Friend and came into effect on 15 January. The 1988 Act also gave the Commission for Racial Equality the power to issue a code of practice on race relations in the field of rented housing. I understand that the Commission expects to consult on proposals shortly.

  Satellite Dishes
  Sir Geoffrey Finsberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether satellite dishes require planning permission in(a) conservation areas and (b) any other areas.

  Mr. Howard
  The General Development Order 1988 allows a single satellite dish to be installed without planning permission on or within the curtilage of any house provided the dish neither exceeds 90 cm in diameter nor projects above the highest point of the roof. The order allows up to two dishes on blocks of flats and commercial buildings, subject to conditions on size and siting, but in conservation areas, national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty this permission applies only to licensed code operators and not to the general public. Full details are in planning policy guidance note 8, a copy of which is in the Library. We are reviewing permitted development rights for telecommunications in the light of technological advances.

  Association of Councillors
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has(a) met the Association of
  366
  Councillors since August 1988, (b) any plans to meet the Association of Councillors to discuss the Widdicombe report and (c) what representations he has received from the Association of Councillors since the publication of the Widdicombe report.

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 28 February 1989]: Neither I, nor my right hon. Friend have met the Association of Councillors to discuss the Widdicombe report, and we have no plans to do so. We have received a number of representations from the association since publication of the Widdicombe report in June 1986, including comments on that report, and on the Government's White Paper on the conduct of local authority business (Cm 433). The association has recently written to Ministers seeking representation on the three working groups which have been established with the local authority associations on the code of conduct and register of members interests, standing orders, and councillors' remuneration.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensions
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what proportion of all pensioners have no income from any source other than from state benefits;

  (2) what is his estimate of the numbers of pensioners with savings of (a) less than £500, (b) less than £1,000, (c) less than £3,000, (d) less than £6,000, (e) less than £10,000, (f) less than £20,000 and (g) £20,000 or over.

  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the percentage of pensioners having an income below 80 per cent. of average earnings; and what was the corresponding figure in 1979.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  In 1986 just under 20 per cent. of all pensioner tax units1 received income only from state benefits, compared with 24 per cent. in 1979.

  I regret that information on levels of pensioner savings is not available in the form requested. In 1986 however approximately 70 per cent. of pensioner tax units1 had income from savings.

  In 1986 approximately 85 per cent. of pensioner tax units1 had a total gross income below 80 per cent. of average male manual earnings. The corresponding figure in 1979 was 88 per cent.

  1 A pensioner tax unit is a single person of pensionable age, or a married couple where the man is of pensionable age.

  Source: Family Expenditure Survey 1986.

  Fraud
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many investigators are employed by his Department in Scotland in the detection of fraud; what was the sum recovered in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what number of staff he expects to be employed on this work in each of the next three years.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  There are 344 such investigators. In 1987–88 benefit savings achieved on anti-fraud work amounted to £196 million in Great Britain, of which £18·16 million was in relation to Scotland. The levels of
  367
  staff over the next three years will remain fairly constant subject to procedural changes and the actual levels of fraud activity found.

  Disability Benefit
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons are receiving disability benefit in the Doncaster and Mexborough areas of South Yorkshire during the present financial year; and how many were receiving it in 1978–79 and 1983–84.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The only information available was given in my reply to the hon. Member on 22 February at columns 676–78.

  Household Income
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish figures in the same manner as the 1986 family expenditure survey, tables 27 and 31, for inner London showing(a) the proportion of households whose gross normal weekly income falls into various income bands and (b) the source of income.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  It is not possible to provide information for inner London as the sample size is too small to allow statistically reliable estimates.

  Occupational Pensions
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he plans to respond to the report of the Occupational Pensions Board on the subject of the protection of pensioners in mergers and takeovers.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  When he published the report by the Occupational Pensions Board called "Protecting Pensions" on 1 February, my right hon. Friend announced at columns 295–96 that we were launching a three-month consultation exercise on the basis of the report. Future decisions will be taken in the light of responses to the consultation exercise.

  Housing Benefit
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has any plans to postpone the closing date for receipt of applications for housing benefit transitional payments.

  Mr. Scott
  In view of the number of applications for housing benefit transitional payments which continue to be received and to ensure the maximum take-up of these awards, we have decided to extend the closing date for receipt of applications by a full three months from 31 March 1989 to 30 June 1989. We have also decided to set the same date of 30 June 1989 as the cut-off date for receipt of applications for income support transitional payments which are being paid by the central unit in Glasgow to certain former supplementary benefit recipients who were disentitled to income support last April.

  Families with Children
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the level of total Government support for families with children, at constant prices, in each year since 1970.
  368
  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The information available is as follows:

  £ million

  Cash

  Real (1988–89 prices)

  1974–75

  1,855

  7,246

  1975–76

  2,169

  6,743

  1976–77

  2,604

  7,155

  1977–78

  2,426

  5,855

  1978–79

  3,092

  6,741

  1979–80

  3,640

  6,790

  1980–81

  3,965

  6,245

  1981–82

  4,675

  6,703

  1982–83

  5,400

  7,226

  1983–84

  6,140

  7,859

  1984–85

  6,600

  8,114

  1985–86

  7,210

  8,334

  1986–87

  7,620

  8,523

  1987–88

  8,206

  8,719

  1988–89

  8,579

  8,579

  Note

  Benefits include child benefit, one parent benefit, child tax allowances, additional personal tax allowance (lone parent) family income supplement, family credit, maternity grant, maternity allowance, statutory allowance, social fund and supplementary allowance, income support and housing benefit (including rate rebates) paid to one-parent families and to people looking after elderly persons.

HEALTH

  Food Poisoning
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in England and Wales have in the last five years suffered from food poisoning where the source of the illness has been attributed to the consumption of raw milk.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 9 February at column 808.

  Overseas Visitors
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are made through the National Health Service for the emergency and routine health care of visitors to the United Kingdom who stay(a) less than six months and (b) six months or more.

  Mr. Mellor
  Under the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations, visitors who have resided in the United Kingdom for less than one year normally have to pay for hospital treatment. Some visitors and some services are exempted and no charge is made for treatment at a hospital accident and emergency department, casualty department, or dental and ophthalmic emergency department.

  Visitors may use general medical services at any time but practitioners have discretion to accept them as private or as National Health Service patients.

  Goat's Milk Cheese
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding health problems associated with goat's cheese, if they referred to British or imported varieties; and if they were from pasteurised or unpasteurised milk.
  369
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Confirmed reports to the public health laboratory service show that in England and Wales there have been two incidents of health problems associated with goat's cheese. In 1980, salmonella typhimurium was isolated from an imported soft goat's cheese. It is not known whether the milk used was pasteurised. In 1988 there was a case of listeriosis associated with the consumption of a United Kingdom-produced goat's milk cheese. In this case, the milk was heated beyond pasteurisation temperature during the manufacturing process.

  Cryptosporidia
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the response of the Swindon health authority to the possible threat to the public water supply in the Swindon area from the oganism cryptosporidia.

  Mr. Freeman
  Swindon health authority's examinations for cryptosporidia organisms of stool specimens submitted by hospitals or general practitioners, of children under 10 years of age, have identified about 10 positive cases per year. By the end of the second week of January 1989 it was apparent that an unusually high number of positive cases was being found, a common source was sought and screening was extended.

  On 14 February the Thames water authority was contacted, and a distribution map of water sources was immediately supplied from which the health authority was able with additional information from the Oxford health authority, to correlate the cases with water supplies from the Farmoor treatment works. The evidence was passed to the water authority on 17 February. On 20 February the water authority, in conjunction with the Swindon and Oxford health authorities, advised the public to take precautionary measures including the boiling of water for one minute before use by young children under two and immuno-compromised people.

  Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Counsellors
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the district health authorities within the Trent regional health authority who employ full-time specialist sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia counsellors.

  Mr. Freeman
  Nottingham health authority employs one specialist nurse counsellor on sickle cell disease and plans to extend the service to thalassaemia in June 1989. Elsewhere in the region counselling on both sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia is provided by the relevant clinician haematologist, geneticist, obstetrician or paediatrician, or the patient's practitioner.

  NHS Spending
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total Health Service expenditure per head of population in England and Wales for each of the last two years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The total health service expenditure per head of population in England in 1986–87 was £339 and in 1987–88 was £371. Information about health service expenditure in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  National Health Service Beds
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total number of staffed National Health Service beds in England and Wales per 1,000 people.

  Mr. Freeman
  During the financial year 1987–88, there were on average 6·3 available National Health Service beds per thousand population in England. Figures for Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Wakefield Family Practitioners Committee
  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice his Department has given to the Wakefield family practitioners committee on the consultative procedure to consider the strategic statement prepared by that body; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what is the length of time allowed for individuals and organisations to consider the proposals in the strategic statement published by the Wakefield family practitioners committee.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Department issued guidance to family practitioners committees in April 1988 on the preparation of strategic statements. Family practitioners committees were not given detailed instructions on consultation procedures but were asked to arrange appropriate local consultations before submitting their statements to the Department by 30 September 1988.

  Ambulance Staff
  Mr. Patchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will publish the report commissioned by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Security in 1981, and submitted in 1985, on serving ambulance staff; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will introduce an extensive health strategy for ambulance staff.

  Mr. Freeman
  We intend giving the contents of the final report of the working party on the problems of long serving ambulance men and women careful consideration when it is submitted to Ministers. This will include a decision about publication, and any action to be taken upon any recommendations relating to the health of ambulance staff.

  Friarage Hospital, Northallerton
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has already been spent on the first phase of the development of the Friarage hospital, Northallerton; and what is his latest estimate of the start date for the next phase and of the cost of phase II and phase III.

  Mr. Freeman
  Construction of phase I of the development of Friarage hospital was completed in September 1986 at a total cost, including fees and equipment, of £8·5 million. The latest estimate the Department has on phase II is a start date of May 1989 at a total cost of £4·3 million and for phases III and IV together a provisional start in 1992–93 at a total cost of£ 7·1 million.

  My hon. Friend may, however, wish to contact the Northallerton health authority for the latest information available.

  Mowbray Grange Hospital, Bedale
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has any plans to visit the Mowbray Grange hospital at Bedale.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans for a visit.

  Artificial Limbs
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the budgets for the artificial limb service in 1989 and 1990.

  Mr. Freeman
  These are the matters for the disablement services authority, to which the right hon. Member may care to address questions.

  London Ambulance Service
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to improve(a) the response times to emergency calls and (b) the general punctiliousness of the London ambulance service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Detailed questions relating to the management of the London ambulance service should be addressed to the managing authority, the South West Thames regional health authority. My hon. Friend may therefore wish to contact the chairman of the authority, Mrs. Julia Cumberlege.

ENERGY

  Acid Rain
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has as to the proportion of(a) private and (b) business electricity accounts received by consumers which will represent the cost of stopping emissions of acid rain from power stations; and as to when this charge will commence.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The Central Electricity Generating Board's successor generating companies will endeavour to recover the costs of flue gas desulphurisation plant through their contracts, which are a matter for commercial negotiation between the generators and their customers.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Electromagnetic Radiation
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies his Department has undertaken to determine the effects of electromagnetic radiation at extremely low frequencies on plant life.

  Mr. Ryder
  None.

  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies his Department has undertaken to determine the effects of electromagnetic radiation at extremely low frequencies on animal life.
  372
  Mr. Ryder
  None.

  Potatoes
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library copies of the representations that he has received on the future of the Potato Marketing Board.

  Mr. Ryder
  Representations received from interested organisations and individual producers on the proposals set out in the consultation paper on future potato market policy are being treated as confidential. However, the Potato Marketing Board, the National Farmers Union, the National Farmers Union of Scotland, the Potato Processors Association and the potato growers action group have made their views public, and copies of their representations have been placed in the Library.

  Research
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates or figures he has for additional funds from industry and non-governmental agencies being available for near market research for 1987–88 and 1988–89.

  Mr. Ryder
  My Department does not collect figures on total Research and Development expenditure by the agriculture and food industries. Private sector expenditure at public sector research and development agencies covering these sectors was £10·8 million in 1987–88 and £12·6 million in 1988–89.

  Strychnine
  Dr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether his Department has any information relating to human fatalities resulting from strychnine poisoning from agricultural and related uses;

  (2) what controls exist on the stockpiling, or sale of substances containing strychnine;

  (3) whether any restrictions or licensing arrangements are placed on individuals who use substances approved by his Department for agricultural use which contain strychnine;

  (4) what evidence his Department has of the incidence of fatal poisoning of wild animals or birds by substances containing strychnine;

  (5) whether his Department has institued any proceedings within the last three years in respect of the misuse of strychnine;

  (6) what information his Ministry has concerning the poisoning of animals either deliberately or accidentally by the misuse of substances containing strychnine;

  (7) what guidance his Ministry issues on the purposes for which strychnine is considered to be an appropriate substance;

  (8) if he will list those substances approved for use by his Department which contain strychnine;

  (9) what information his Department has about the incidence of poisoning of domestic pets by substances containing strychnine; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  The sale of strychnine is controlled by the poisons rules, 1982. As a pesticide the substance also falls within the scope of part III of the Food and Environment Protection Act, 1985 and the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (COPR) which allow its use.
  373
  The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1927 allows the placing of poison against small ground vermin, where it is necessary in the interests of public health, agriculture, or the preservation of other animals, domestic or wild, or for the purpose of manuring the land. Its only permitted use in agriculture, under the Animals (Cruel Poisons) Act 1962 is to control moles.

  MAFF guidance reflects the above and advises that strychnine hydrochloride and strychnine sulphate, but not strychnine alkaloid, are suitable for use in mole control.

  In the last three years there have been no known cases of harm to people arising from agricultural and related uses of strychnine.

  The use of all pesticides is prohibited unless the conditions of a Ministers' consent are followed. The latest consent to use (C)(i)) was published in the gazettes on 20 January 1989. The conditions applicable to the use of strychnine require employers to provide instruction and guidance to employees; forbid use unless the user has had adequate instructions and guidance in the safe, efficient and humane use of the pesticide and is competent for the duties to be performed; and places on the user the obligation to the take all reasonable precautions to protect the health of people and creatures and to safeguard the environment. We expect all farmers to keep proper records of all the pesticide treatments they apply.

  Inexcusably, strychnine has been used illegally in attempts to kill birds of prey, foxes, badgers and victims have included pets and working dogs. In the last three calendar years the number of cases in England of abuse of pesticides involving strychnine identified by the Minister's wildlife incident investigation scheme were 10 in 1986, seven in 1987, and eight in 1988. Of these, the number of cases involving harm to wildlife were three in 1986, three in 1987 and two in 1988 and the numbers affecting dogs were seven in 1986, four in 1987 and six in 1988.

  The agricultural departments investigate such cases thoroughly. With the advent of the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986, in the last three calendar years my Department initiated one successful prosecution. This was taken under the Protection of Animals Act 1911. We urge the public to provide evidence, and at the earliest opportunity, as without it prosecutions cannot be undertaken.

  Strychnine has been tightly controlled since before the Control of Pesticides Regulations came into effect and is subject to the general statutory requirement that it should be used safely. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issues sales authorities for England. Farmers are allowed to buy only enough for one treatment at a time. Contractors and certain organisations are allowed to buy enough for foreseeable needs. Stockpiling of strychnine by users should not occur.

  Storage for immediate use by users is controlled under the Control of Pesticides Regulations and only skilled users of the substance are authorised.

  Bees
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what EEC assistance, in the form of cheap intervention sugar for feeding bees in winter, the bee industry has received for each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  There has been no EC assistance in the United Kingdom in the form of cheap intervention sugar for feeding bees in winter, but over the 374
  last 10 years the amounts shown have been paid as a denaturing premium for white sugar for feeding to bees, and as an aid to beekeepers associations for the purchase of feeding sugar or for improvement programmes.

  Year

  Denaturing premium

  Aid to beekeepers associations

  £

  £

  1979

  5,670

  —

  1980

  36,817

  —

  1981

  —

  98,284

  1982

  —

  81,912

  1983

  —

  88,806

  1984 to 1988

  —

  —

  Information Technology
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement of progress on the introduction of information technologies to facilitate internal communications in his Department and the provision of information to the public concerning those areas for which he is responsible; and if he has any further plans to apply the newest technologies in these fields.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  My Ministry has an IT strategy comprising a wide range of projects and investments over the next five years. Some aspects of the strategy, particularly those related to the introduction of integrated office support systems, will make positive contributions to the improvement of internal communications. The strategy is reviewed annually primarily to ensure that it continues to represent good value for money and remains consistent with business objectives and priorities. However, that review process also examines current technical strategies and policies in light of amongst other things, the opportunities offered by new proven technology.

  Suckler Cow Premium
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present level of the suckler cow premium; what is the maximum level permitted under current European Community rules; and when he expects to make an announcement of its future level.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The rate of suckler cow premium applicable in the United Kingdom in the 1988 scheme year was £33.40 per head. The maximum rate of paremium payable in 1989 under revised Community rules is £46.18 per head. The Government are currently considering what rate of premium should apply in the United Kingdom and will make an announcement in good time before the start of the 1989 scheme year on 15 June.

  Hens
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the number of(a) laying flocks and (b) breeding flocks of hens in England and Wales.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  At the June 1988 agricultural census the number of holdings in England and Wales with laying fowls was 34,099. The number of holdings with breeding fowls was 10,118.

  Very small holdings, which make only occasional returns, are excluded from these figures.
  375
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) breeding flocks and (b) laying flocks of hens he intends to monitor for salmonella in the next (i) three months and (ii) year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I shall shortly be introducing secondary legislation under the Animal Health Act 1981 requiring owners or persons in charge of breeding, rearing or laying flocks and hatcheries to monitor their flocks for salmonella and to make records of the results of monitoring available on request to my officials. Positive identifications of salmonella are compulsorily reportable under the Zoonoses Order 1989. This obligation will extend to any positive test results in the course of monitoring.

  Poultry (Salmonella)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list each of the 17 measures he has taken to control salmonella in poultry since December 1988; which powers he has used to take these measures; and whether he has created new regulations, in each case.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The measures, many of which are already in operation, which have been taken to achieve our objective of reducing to an absolute minimum the problem of salmonella are as follows:

  (1) Powers have already been taken by means of an order under the Animal Health Act 1981 to stop the supple of products from protein processing plants where salmonella is found

  (2) The rate of inspections of protein processing plants by MAFF officials was doubled in December 1988 from 10 days to 20 days in every year.

  (3) An amendment to the Diseases of Animals Protein Processing Order 1981 is to take samples from each day's production and notify MAFF of the results.

  (4) New more rigorous licensing controls are being introduced under the Importation of Processed Animal Protein Order 1981 for animal protein imported from those countries with a poor record of salmonella-contaminated exports.

  (5) The Zoonoses Order 1989 (made under section 29 of the Animal Health Act 1981), which came into operation on 1 March, provides for the compulsory slaughter where necessary of laying flocks in which salmonella has been confirmed. Compensation will be paid as required under provisions of the Act.

  (6) Another order will be made shortly under section 1 of the Animal Health Act 1981 providing for the compulsory bacteriological monitoring of all poultry laying flocks.

  (7) Following on from the requirements to monitor further measureees will be introduced under the Animal Health Act 1981 covering the registration of breeding and laying flocks and the registration and monitoring of hatcheries.

  (8) Restrictions are being imposed under the powers in the Zoonoses Order 1989 on sales of eggs for human consumption when invasive salmonellae are found in laying flocks and restrictions will be imposed on sales of poultry and hatching eggs when invasive salmonella are found in breeding flocks.

  (9) Provisions on compulsory cleansing and disinfection of laying houses are to be applied where disease has been isolated.

  (10) There will be new statutory requirements for the hygienic handling of eggs. The powers will be taken in the order covering registration of breeding and laying flocks and hatcheries.

  376

  (11) Present control measures applicable to rodents will be strengthened under the new statutory requirements on monitoring to further minimise the risk of spread of salmonella.

  (12) An education campaign in the hygienic handling of food in the home is underway.

  (13 to 16) Codes of practice have already been introduced for:
  commercial laying flocks
  poultry breeders and hatcheries (poultry health scheme members)
  poultry breeders and hatcheries (non-members) broilers

  (17) Guidelines for the control of salmonella in the production of final feed for livestock have been introduced, to be followed shortly by a more detailed code of practice, there will also be a similar code for the production of animal protein.

  None of these changes requires new primary legislation.New secondary legislation has already been introduced in respect of items 1 and 5 and will be required for items 3, 6, 7, 10 and II which will be introduced as soon as possible.

  Press Releases
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many times in 1988 he consulted outside organisations about the content of press releases prior to their publication; and if he will make a statement.

  (2) which organisations he consults prior to publishing press releases; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Normally, outside organisations are only advised on the content of Ministry press notices in advance when the notice refers to specific actions involving the organisation(s) concerned.

  Agricultural Development and Advisory Service
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to alter the number of persons employed by the Agricultural Development Advisory Service on research and development.

  Mr. Ryder
  The outcome of my noble Friend's consultations with industry on the funding for near-market research will be an important factor in determining the future staffing levels of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service on research and development. I shall keep the House informed of decisions taken to adapt our research facilities and staffing to the policy on near-market research.

  Gleadthorpe Farm, Warsop
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what level of establishment he plans to maintain at Gleadthorpe Farm research establishment near Warsop, Nottinghamshire; and what plans he has to ensure that the work it does into poultry research will continue.

  Mr. Ryder
  The future level of establishment at experimental husbandry farms will depend on the extent to which industry takes up the funding of near market research. My noble Friend will be having further consultations soon concerning this matter with the organisations concerned.
  377
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, and Food if he will give permission for journalists to visit Gleadthorpe Farm research establishment.

  Mr. Ryder
  Journalists wishing to visit Gleadthorpe EHF or other Agricultural Development and Advisory Service establishments should, in the first instance, put their request to the Ministry's press office. All such requests are looked at sympathetically.

  Food Additives
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether his Department has a comprehensive list of all food additives including flavourings and colours at present in use in Britain;

  (2) if he will provide an estimate of the number of food additives including flavourings and colours at present in use in Britain.

  Mr. Ryder
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave him on 24 February 1989 at column 853.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Visas (Eastern Europe
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure that there will be sufficient consular provisions for the summer of 1989 to cater for expected visa requests from proposed visitors from eastern Europe to the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office operates a programme of additional summer relief officers to reinforce our posts in eastern Europe during periods of peak demand.

  Iran
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his current assessment of relations with Iran.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State's statement in the House on 21 February.

  Chile
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of the United States of America about encouraging the transition to democracy in Chile.

  Mr. Eggar
  We have regular discussions on developments in Chile with the United States Administration, as we do with our European partners. All of us continue to encourage an orderly and peaceful transition to democracy in that country.

  Relocation
  Mr. Brandon-Bravo
  To ask the Minister of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet executives of Nottingham development enterprise to discuss the relocation of parts of his Department to Nottingham as part of the policy on the relocation of such posts away from the south-east.
  378
  Mrs. Chalker
  Under the policy which my right hon. Friend the Paymaster General announced on 31 March 1988, the foreign and Commonwealth Office is now reviewing the location of its work with a view to finding sites offering labour markets, value for money and increased operational efficiency. Where appropriate, areas which are the focus of the Government's regional and urban policies, such as Nottingham, will be considered. There are no plans at present to relocate parts of the diplomatic and aid wings of the FCO to Nottingham.

  Apartheid
  Mr. Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made or proposes to make, alone or in co-operation with European Community partners, to the South African Government about the effects of the audit and inspection provisions of the Disclosure of Foreign Funding Bill on bilateral and European Community programmes to assist the victims of apartheid.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 1 February. Since then, we have made clear to the South African Government our serious concern about certain features of the draft Disclosure of Foreign Funding Bill, including its wide information-gathering provisions. We have had no reason to challenge the draft Bill's provisions regarding audit.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement of progress on the introduction of information technologies to facilitate internal communications in his Department and the provision of information to the public concerning those areas for which he is responsible; and if he has any further plans to apply the newest technologies in these fields.

  Mrs Chalker
  The IT strategies of each wing of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office directly support the Department's business aims and objectives. Particular attention is paid to securing value for money from new technology by using IT tools and systems that meet Government and international standards.

  In 1987 a new automated message handling system was introduced into the FCO communications centre to speed up the transmission and receipt of messages between the FCO and its overseas missions.

  Since 1983 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has invested significantly in computerised financial and personnel management systems to enhance efficiency of resource use and to measure more effectively the results of its activities. Six such systems serving about 300 work stations are in operation. Overseas about 130 posts have standard IT systems in support of our commercial, information, consular, aid and administrative activities. The bulk of these are standard systems which will be upgraded to meet the newly emerging standards over the next two to three years.

  The future needs at home for secure office automation in the diplomatic wing are the subject of a current £4·5 million turnkey development contract. If the evaluation of this pilot scheme proves satisfactory, proposals for substantial investment in this area will be scrutinised

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  against the background of the Department's business objectives, cost benefit analysis and other operational considerations.

  A separate office automation pilot is in progress in the aid wing. This makes use of a separate message handling switch providing, combined telex, facsimile and electronic mail facilities. If successful it will be extended to integrate more closely ODA's three United Kingdom sites and five overseas development divisions.

  The FCO will be making use of the electronic news distribution service to forward press notices via the Central Office of Information to the press.

  Other enhancements have included the widespread introduction of facsimile and automated telephone exchanges in overseas posts and the provision of abreviated telephone dialling facilities from FCO departments in both wings to almost all overseas missions.

  There is currently an ongoing development for the introduction of IT-based secure communications systems between the FCO and its overseas missions. Within the
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  next 12 months up to 12 missions should receive this eqipment thereby speeding up the handling of information between London and posts overseas.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with Mr. Vassiliou; and when he intends to meet Mr. Denktash.

  Mrs. Chalker
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister discussed with President Vassiliou on 1 March progress in the intercommunal talks. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State and I followed up those discussions in our meeting with him on 2 March. We encouraged Mr. Vassiliou to continue to negotiate constructively towards a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

  My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to meet Mr. Denktash. We shall be urging Mr. Denktash to take a similarly constructive attitude to the search for a settlement.