Written Answers of 9 May 1989

THE ARTS

  Items in Lieu of Tax
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if there have been any items accepted in lieu of tax or allocated since he last made an announcement on the subject to the House.

  Mr. Luce
  Since my announcement on 3 May at column 105 I am pleased to announce that a painting by Rubens has been accepted in lieu of tax. In accordance with the condition on which it was offered, the painting will be allocated to the Ashmolean museum, Oxford. It satisfied £169,852·48 tax and followed the precedent set by the acceptance of Picasso's "Weeping Woman", in that the Ashmolean agreed to pay the owner the difference (£180,147·52) between the tax liability to be satisfied and the "special price" of £350,000.

  Tate Gallery
  Sir David Price
  To ask the Minister for the Arts whether he will arrange with the Property Services Agency that before the freehold of the Tate gallery is handed over to the trustees the fabric of the gallery is brought up to acceptable standards; and how much he estimates it will cost.

  Mr. Luce
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: Untying of the national museums and galleries from the Property Services Agency took effect from 1 April 1988. The progressive transfer of ownership of the buildings to the relevant trustee bodies is part of this process. The Government share the view of the institutions concerned that this allows the trustees to make more flexible and effective use of the resources available for the upkeep and improvement of the buildings.

  I have also provided the national museums and galleries with substantial increases in their building and maintenance grant-in-aid over this period. The Tate gallery's provision of £2·4 million in 1988–89 was enhanced by a supplementary estimate of £0·8 million in that year; a further increase of 17 per cent. brings the figure for the current year to £3·8 million.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Treasury Stock
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people have purchased 21/2 per cent. Treasury stock in each year since the stock was first issued; and how many holders of the stock sold their holdings in each year.

  Mr. Lilley
  I regret that the information is not available in the form requested.

  Overseas Investment
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has as to the levels of overseas investment of each of the Group of Seven countries in the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 28 April 1989]: Figures for the flow of net overseas investment in 1987 of all the countries in question, can be found in the February 1989 edition of the Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Liquefied Petroleum Gas (VAT)
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the anticipated costs of administering value added tax on liquefied petroleum gas in accordance with clause 20 of the Finance Bill.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 5 May 1989]: I regret that no estimate is available. However, the arrangements proposed in clause 20 of the Finance Bill were formulated after extensive consultations with representatives of fuel and power suppliers, and go as far as the Government are able within the terms of the judgment of the European Court of Justice to ease the administrative burden of operating the revised relief.

PRIME MINISTER

  UNESCO
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the change in the director generalship of UNESCO, Her Majesty's Government will now re-apply for membership of UNESCO.

  The Prime Minister
  We are following developments at UNESCO closely and hope that the director general can bring about the changes that are needed. Before we can consider reviewing our position on membership we will need to be convinced that fundamental reforms are being implemented both in UNESCO's administration and in its programmes. This will certainly not be possible until after UNESCO's general conference in November this year, which will adopt the organisation's new medium-term plan (1990–95) as well as its programme and budget (1990–91).

  Wales (Visits)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list the dates on which she has made official visits to Wales since 1979, indicating the location of each visit.

  The Prime Minister
  The information is as follows:

  17 to 18 July 1980—Anglesey

  11 December 1980—Cardiff

  2 July 1982—Mid Wales

  21 September 1984—North East Wales

  26 April 1985—North Wales

  21 June 1986—Porthcawl

  13 March 1987—Bangor and Penmaenbach tunnel

  I have omitted from the above any dates on which I was solely engaged on party business.

  Engagements
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 9 May.
  357
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 9 May.

  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 9 May.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 9 May.

  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 9 May.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 9 May.

  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 9 May.

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. I was also present at Victoria station to mark the arrival of President Babangida. In addition to my duties in the House I shall be having further meetings later today. This evening I will attend a state banquet in honour of President Babangida.

ENERGY

  Plutonium
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his reply to the hon. member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Brandon-Bravo), 2 February 1989,Official Report, column 402, how the clerical error to which he refers came about; whether the error has been notified to the safe works authorities; whether any other unreported errors have been made in plutonium accountancy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I have nothing to add to my reply of 2 Gebruary 1989 to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Brandon-Bravo). I re-emphasise that the underlying data were not affected in any way.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy,Official Report, 17 January 1989, column 157, in what form the unseparated plutonium was exported and to which country; from which reactors the 2,865 kg originated, and in what quantities from each reactor; and if he will update the table to March 1989.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The unseparated plutonium was exported in the form of irradiated fuel. The precise quantities of separated plutonium exports linked to individual reactors cannot be disclosed on the grounds of commercial confidentiality. Figures of exports and imports of plutonium for the financial year 1988–89 will be included in the published data on plutonium production later in the year.

  Radioactive Waste
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish a comparative table showing the volumes and radioactive content of radioactive waste arisings per unit of energy output expected from(a) thermal nuclear reactors, (b) fast breeder nuclear reactors and (c) fusion nuclear reactors; and if he will ask United Kingdom Nirex Ltd. to prepare management and storage plans for radioactive waste from fusion power.
  358
  Mr. Michael Spicer
  These are matters for the operators of the reactor types in question. I have asked the chairmen of the Central Electricity Generating Board and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to write to the hon. Member about thermal nuclear reactors and fast breeder nuclear reactors respectively. The prospects for power from fusion reactors are so far distant that it is not practicable to make any such estimate.

  UK Nirex Ltd. will provide facilities for the disposal of intermediate and low-level wastes arising from all sources, including any which may eventually arise from fusion power.

  Coal Mines (Rescue Service)
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what responsibilities his Department has for the provision of a rescue service for licensed coal mines.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  This Department has no direct responsibilities for the provision of rescue services at licensed mines. The Coal and Other Mines (Fire and Rescue) Regulations 1956 require that the owner of a mine is responsible for ensuring provision for rescue is available. The Health and Safety Executive's mines and quarries inspectorate is responsible for ensuring the provisions of the 1956 regulations are complied with.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Cyprus
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much public money has been committed to Cyprus by the British Government in the last 12 months for the benefit of(a) Turkish Cypriots and (b) Greek Cypriots; and for what purposes.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The following commitments have been made to Cyprus in the last 12 months.

  I Overseas Development Administration Technical Cooperation Programme

  (a) Turkish Community:—
  English Language Teacher Training in Turkish medium schools: £69,800 for the period 1988–91
  Book Presentation Programme: £4,000 for 1989–90

  (b) Greek Community
  Pedagogical Institute Teacher Training Project £103,000 for the period 1989–92
  Book Presentation Programme £6,000 for 1989–90 Overseas Development Administration Technical Co-operation Training Programme
  £121,000 for 1989–90
  As I told the hon. Member on 1 March 1988, at column 502, the ratio of awards to Greek and Turkish Cypriots will vary from year to year, depending on the quality of the candidates coming forward and other factors. It is not possible to forecast at this stage the distribution of future awards.

  II FCO Scholarship and Award Scheme for 1988–89

  (a) Turkish Candidates £81,217

  (b) Greek Candidates £37,413

  III FCO Fee Support Scheme for 1988–89

  (a) Turkish Candidates £49,129

  (b) Greek Candidates £744,365

  IV British Council (exchanges of persons, information activities, etc.) for 1989–90

  (a) Turkish beneficiaries £10,940

  (b) Greek beneficiaries £66,590

  V Home Office (Anti-drug trafficking programmes for 1988–89)

  (a) Turkish Community:
  Training for Turkish Cypriot customs officers: £2,200
  359
  (b) Greek Community:
  Provision of customs equipment: £8,300

  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much public money has been committed to Cyprus by the European Community in the last 12 months for the benefit of(a) Turkish Cypriots and (b) Greek Cypriots; and for what purposes.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  The European Community allocated £29 million under the second five year financial protocol for Cyprus which expired last December. A further five-year financial protocol under which £41 million will be provided was agreed at the beginning of this year. The Community seeks to support projects of benefit to the whole population of the island; in particular, it has met the cost of water, electricity and sewerage works. No division of the sums committed for the benefit of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots is available.

  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much public money has been committed to Cyprus by the United Nations and its specialised agencies in the last 12 months for the benefit of(a) Turkish Cypriots and (b) Greek Cypriots; and for what purposes.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  In 1987, the latest year for which figures are available, total net official development assistance to Cyprus from the United Nations and its agencies was $7·62 million, or some £4·65 million. Detailed information on the precise destination and purpose of this assistance is not held centrally.

  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government intend to continue the paying of public funds to the Greek Cypriots as aid, in view of the finding of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs that by most criteria the southern sector of Cyprus is no longer eligible for economic aid.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We regard it as important to make technical co-operation and other public funds available to both communities in Cyprus.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Immigration
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when Mr. Sodigar Hussain applied to the post in Islamabad to join his wife, Mrs. Zaidah Begum, whose date of birth is 27 January 1967; and when a decision on his application will be taken;

  (2) when Shamim Akhter, who was born on 12 November 1964, applied to the post in Islamabad to enter the United Kingdom; when her application was refused; when the post dispatched an explanatory statement setting out the reasons her application was refused; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) when Mr. Mchd Arif, who was born on 1 September 1963, will be issued with a visa by the post in Islamabad following his successful appeal against refusal to grant him permission to enter the United Kingdom;

  (4) when Mrs. Musrat Begum, whose date of birth is 1 January 1958, applied to the post in Islamabad, to join her husband in the United Kingdom; and when a decision will be taken on her application.
  360
  Mr. Eggar
  The information requested is not readily available. A further reply will be sent to the hon. Member in due course.

  South Africa
  Mr. Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence is now available of the use against the security forces in Northern Ireland of weapons obtained through the agency of South African intelligence personnel; and whether that evidence will affect in any way the policies of the Government towards South Africa.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers that my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State gave to questions on this matter in the House on 24 April at columns 660–65.

  It remains our policy towards South Africa to work for the abolition of apartheid arid the peaceful transition to a non-racial representative system of government.

  Gibraltar (Incident)
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in the light of recent statements from Spanish police sources that the Provisional IRA active service unit was under surveillance until crossing into Gibraltar and that it was known that the unit was not armed or in possession of a bomb, what steps he is proposing to take to determine what information British or Gibraltarian security forces had in their possession when these members of the unit were shot.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We received full and invaluable co-operation from the Spanish authorities throughout this affair for which we remain very grateful. The nature of that co-operation is covered in the statement made to the Gibraltar coroner's officer by the responsible Spanish police officer, a copy of which, together with its translation by the coroner's officer, I have placed in the Library of the House.

  Neil Sanderson
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken to request United Kingdom posts in Peru and Brazil to undertake inquiries about the whereabouts of Neil Sanderson; and what contact officials at United Kingdom posts have had with the Governments or other agencies in Peru and Brazil to obtain information about Neil Sanderson.

  Mr. Eggar
  Her Majesty's embassies at Lima and Brasilia, Her Majesty's consulates-general at Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and the honorary consulates in Manaus, Belem and Recife were also alerted by consular department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in January this year, when Mr. Sanderson's father reported that his son was missing after setting off alone from Peru to canoe down the Amazon. None of the posts has had contact with Mr. Sanderson.

  Our posts have informed the Brazilian federal and the Peruvian police of the situation but our posts do not have the staff resources to make searches for missing persons themselves. We have advised Mr. Sanserson's family to

  361
  contact their local police in Yorkshire in order to request a formal police investigation in South America, via Interpol.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards an agreement on banning chemical weapons.

  Mr Waldegrave
  Following the Paris conference on chemical weapons in January this year the chemical weapons negotiations in Geneva have had an active spring session which has just ended. Progress has been made on a number of issues, but much work remains to be done, especially on verification, before a comprehensive effectively verifiable and global convention on chemical weapons can be achieved.

TRANSPORT

  London Underground
  Mr. Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals London Underground has made for the modernisation of the Northern line; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  London Underground Ltd. is currently studying the options for modernising the Northern line but no proposals have yet been put to the Department.

  Mr. John Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals for the modernisation of the Central line of London Underground he has received; at what cost; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  Last October my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State approved proposals to modernise and re-equip the Central line at a cost of over £700 million. New, faster trains will be introduced; the signalling will be replaced; and other improvements will be made. These changes will increase the line's capacity and reliability.

  Monopolies and Mergers Commission
  Mr. Aspinwall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action his Department has taken to respond to the proposals made in the 1983 Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the Civil Aviation Authority and national air traffic service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Department of Transport monitored the actions taken by the Civil Aviation Authority in response to the 1983 report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, and discussed the follow-up action at a number of meetings with the CAA on 29 March 1984 and 23 January 1985. Statements were made to the House of Commons in answers to written questions at columns 274 and 415 on the progress being made by the CAA. My right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Transport wrote to the incoming chairman of the CAA on 24 July 1986 setting out his objectives. These included action on several of the recommendations of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
  362
  Mr. Aspinwall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the action the Civil Aviation Authority has taken to fulfil the recommendations made in the 1983 Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the Civil Aviation Authority and national air traffic service showing the dates on which specific actions were taken.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The information given to the Secretary of State for Transport on the action taken by the Civil Aviation Authority to fulfil the recommendations made in the 1983 Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the CAA and the national air traffic services is set out in the published CAA reports CAP 548 (February 1984) and CAP 499 (January 1985).

  Rail Safety
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the policy of his Department in seeking to ensure safety on British Rail.

  Mr. Portillo
  Responsibility for safety of operation lies with the British Railways board. The Department's railway inspectorate has certain statutory functions, principally the inspection and approval of new works on behalf of my right hon. Friend, and the monitoring of standards required by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Both contribute to the overall maintenance of high safety standards.

  Bypasses
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list (i) his Department's prediction at planning stage of the average daily traffic flow in the opening year for trunk road bypass schemes completed in 1986–87 and 1987–88 and (ii) the observed average daily traffic flow in the opening for those schemes in 1986–87 and 1987–88.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Traffic is counted on all new trunk road schemes approximately one year after opening, to allow traffic patterns to settle down before the flow is measured. For bypass schemes opened in 1986–87, predicted and actual traffic in 1987–88 are given in the table.

  Annual average daily traffic flow

  Forecast

  Scheme

  Low growth

  High growth

  count Traffic

  A52 Bingham bypass

  9,400

  10,000

  10,500

  A43 Bulwick bypass

  5,000

  5,300

  5,700

  A11 Barton Mills bypass

  16,600

  17,800

  19,250

  A12 Chelmsford bypass

  —

  139,000

  45,400

  A31 Ferndown bypass

  14,700

  16,400

  18,000

  A54 Kelsall bypass

  8,400

  9,100

  10,600

  A57 Worksop bypass

  10,300

  12,800

  9,800

  A428 Bromham bypass

  15,100

  16,550

  13,350

  Al0 Ely/Littleport bypass

  5,000

  5,400

  6,800

  A49 Tarporley bypass

  6,700

  7,300

  9,800

  A47 Billesdon bypass

  5,850

  6,300

  9,200

  A56 Accrington bypass

  21,300

  25,900

  13,100

  1 Central forecast.

  Those bypass schemes opened in 1987–88 for which data are available are listed below:

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  Forecast

  Scheme

  Low growth

  High growth

  count Traffic

  A43 Towcester bypass

  12,650

  14,250

  14,150

  A10 Buntingford bypass

  8,900

  10,050

  10,150

  A43 Brackley bypass

  8,450

  9,500

  11,400

  The forecasts for the schemes listed above were done several years ago, mostly between 1980 and 1984. The forecast range reflects uncertainty about future income and fuel prices, which are the main factors influencing the national traffic growth forecasts. Other uncertainties arise from traffic modelling and other developments which occur between the time of the forecast and the traffic count. Traffic counts are also subject to a degree of uncertainty.

  Channel Tunnel (Rail Link)
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will put in the Library copies of any environmental impact, engineering, costing and any other reports on the proposed route for the Channel tunnel rail link.

  Mr. Portillo
  I have already arranged for copies of British Rail's published report and information pack on the rail link to be placed in the Library. BR will be carrying out an environmental assessment of the proposed route, in accordance with the requirements of the EC directive, and has undertaken to present an environmental statement to Parliament at the same time as it deposits a Private Bill. We will consider whether there are any further reports which it would be helpful to deposit in the Library in due course.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Research Institutes
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list by standard region the research institutes operated for or on behalf of his Department and the total employment thereat; if he will give for each region the total number of such institutes and the employment therein; and if he will express the regional totals as a percentage of the national totals.

  Mr. Jackson
  The details requested in respect of establishments of the research councils, as at 1 April 1989, are as follows:

  Numbers

  North

  MRC

  Neurochemical Pathology Unit: Newcastle

  29

  External Scientific Staff

  4

  NERC

  British Geological Survey: Newcastle

  12

  Institute of Freshwater Ecology: Windermere

  65

  Institute of Terrestrial Ecology: Merlewood

  48

  Terrestrial and Freshwater Sciences: Merlewood, Newcastle

  2

  Total 6 Establishments (1£3 per cent.)

  160

  North West

  MRC

  External Scientific Staff

  16

  364

  Numbers

  NERC

  Proudman Laboratory: Bidston

  82

  Scientific Services: Bidston

  6

  SERC

  Daresbury Laboratory: Warrington

  552

  Total 4 Establishments (5·4 per cent.)

  656

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  MRC

  Social and Applied Psychology Unit: Sheffield

  34

  External Scientific Staff

  1

  Total 2 Establishments (0·3 per cent.)

  35

  West Midlands

  AFRC

  Institute of Horticultural Research: Wellesbourne

  183

  Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research: Cold Norton Farm

  10

  MRC

  External Scientific Staff

  8

  Total 3 Establishments (1·7 per cent.)

  201

  East Midlands

  MRC.

  Institute of Hearing Research: Nottingham

  37

  NERC.

  British Geological Survey: Nottingham

  417

  Scientific Services: Nottingham

  21

  Total—3 Establishments (3·9 per cent.)

  475

  South West

  AFRC.

  Institute for Grassland and Animal Production: Okehampton

  36

  Institute of Arable Crops Research: Long Ashton

  251

  Institute of Food Research: Bristol

  214

  MRC.

  Common Cold Unit: Salisbury

  25

  External Scientific Staff

  10

  NERC.

  British Geological Survey: Exeter, Hartland

  12

  Scientific Services: Swindon

  36

  Institute of Freshwater Ecology: Wareham

  31

  Institute of Terrestrial Ecology: Wareham

  24

  Plymouth Marine Laboratory

  157

  Scientific Services: Plymouth

  6

  Total$11 Establishments (6·6 per cent.)

  802

  East Anglia

  AFRC.

  Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research: Cambridge

  263

  Institute of Plant Science Research: Cambridge

  142

  Institute of Plant Science Research: Norwich

  186

  Institute of Food Research: Norwich

  300

  Institute of Arable Crops Research: Bury St. Edmunds

  46

  Institute of Arable Crops Research: Cambridge

  15

  MRC.

  Development and Integration of Behaviour Unit: Cambridge

  11

  Laboratory of Molecular Biology: Cambridge

  224

  Molecular Genetics Unit: Cambridge

  9

  Molecular Immunopathology Unit: Cambridge

  20

  Molecular Neurobiology Unit: Cambridge

  24

  Dunn Nutrition Unit: Cambridge

  77

  Clinical Oncology and Radiotherapeutics Unit: Cambridge

  37

  Biostatistics Unit: Cambridge

  13

  Medical Cryobiology Group: Cambridge

  10

  Crystallography Section: Cambridge

  1

  External Scientific Staff

  19

  NERC.

  Institute of Terrestrial Ecology: Monkswood

  67

  365

  Numbers

  Scientific Services: Monkswood

  8

  Sea Mammal Research Unit: Cambridge

  14

  British Antarctic Survey: Cambridge

  421

  Total—22 Establishments (16·6 per cent.)

  2,028

  South East

  AFRC.

  Institute for Animal Health: Compton

  201

  Institute for Animal Health: Pirbright

  177

  Institute of Arable Crops Research: Harpenden

  474

  Institute of Engineering Research: Bedford

  217

  Institute of Food Research: Reading

  186

  Institute of Grassland and Animal Production: Hurley/Shinfield

  311

  Institute of Plant Science Research: Brighton

  67

  Institute of Horticultural Research: East Mailing

  253

  Institute of Horticultural Research: Littlehampton

  199

  MRC.

  National Institute of Medical Research: London

  528

  Collaborative Research Centre: London

  528

  Clinical Research Centre: Harrow

  424

  Blood Group Unit: London

  9

  Cognitive Development Unit: London

  15

  Biochemical and Clinical Magnetic Resonance Unit: Oxford

  9

  Environmental Epidemiology Unit: Southampton

  23

  Child Psychiatry Unit: London

  15

  Cellular Immunology Unit: Oxford

  16

  Cell Mutation Unit: Brighton

  16

  Cyclotron Unit: London

  124

  Dental Research Unit: London

  14

  Epidemiology and Medical Care Unit: London

  42

  Human Biochemical Genetics Unit: London

  24

  Neuro-Otology Unit: London

  12

  Human Movement and Balance Unit: London

  23

  Leukemia Unit: London

  11

  Immunochemistry Unit: Oxford

  14

  Experimental Embryology and Teratology Unit: Carshalton

  11

  Molecular Haematology Unit: Oxford

  15

  Institute of Molecular Medicine: London

  4

  Mammalian Development Unit: London

  15

  Anatomical Neurobiology Unit: Oxford

  13

  Neurological Protheses Unit: London

  7

  Cell Biophysics Unit: London

  25

  Social Psychiatry Unit: London

  20

  Clinical Pharmacology Unit: Oxford

  23

  Toxicology Unit: Carshalton

  142

  External Scientific Staff

  81

  NERC.

  Institute of Virology and Microbiology: Oxford

  64

  Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory: Surrey

  153

  Scientific Services: Deacon Laboratory: Surrey

  4

  British Geological Survey: London

  43

  British Geological Survey: Wallingford

  38

  Institute of Hydrology: Wallingford

  142

  Scientific Services:

  Wallingford

  15

  Didcot

  1

  Reading

  4

  London

  10

  British Antarctic Survey: London

  2

  SERC.

  Rutherford Appleton Laboratory: Didcot

  1,363

  Royal Greenwich Observatory: Herstmonceux

  173

  Totals—51 Establishments (51·6 per cent.)

  6,300

  Scotland

  AFRC.

  Institute for Animal Health: Edinburgh

  49

  Institute for Grassland and Animal Production: Roslin

  65

  366

  Numbers

  Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research: Roslin

  213

  MRC.

  Blood Pressure Unit: Glasgow

  40

  Brain Metabolism Unit: Edinburgh

  39

  Epidemiological Studies in Psychiatry Unit: Edinburgh

  14

  Human Genetics Unit: Edinburgh

  154

  Medical Sociology Unit: Glasgow

  26

  External Scientific Staff

  4

  NERC.

  British Geological Survey:

  Eskdalemuir

  3

  Edinburgh

  246

  Dunstaffnage Marine laboratory: Oban

  56

  Marine Sciences: Stirling

  4

  Scientific Services:

  Edinburgh

  9

  East Kilbride

  2

  Institute of Terrestrial Ecology:

  Banchory

  28

  Edinburgh

  55

  Institute of Hydrology: Balquhidder

  1

  SERC.

  Royal Observatory: Edinburgh

  118

  Totals—19 Establishments (9·2 per cent.)

  1,126

  Wales

  AFRC.

  Institute for Grassland and Animal Production: Aberystwyth

  204

  MRC.

  Epidemiology Unit: Cardiff

  24

  External Scientific Staff

  2

  NERC.

  British Geological Survey: Aberystwyth

  13

  Institute of Hydrology: Plynlimon

  6

  Institute of Terrestrial Ecology: Bangor

  26

  Scientific Services:

  Barry

  131

  Bangor

  131

  Totals—8 Establishments (3·4 per cent.)

  409

  Northern Ireland

  NERC.

  British Geological Survey

  7

  Totals—1 Establishment (0·0 per cent.)

  7

  Totals—130 Establishments

  12,199

  EC Marine Science and Technology Programme
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the distribution across the EEC countries of the expressions of interest in the proposed EEC marine science and technology programme; whether Her Majesty's Government have approved this programme; and how the distribution of expressions of interest varies amongst EEC countries as between higher education institutes, research centres and industry.

  Mr. Jackson
  The Government agreed to a common position in March, as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster reported to the House on 7 April, at columns 314–15. The Government expect to agree to the final adoption of this programme at the Community's Council of Ministers (Research) on 6 June. The approximate percentage distribution of expressions of
  367
  interest among the member states was estimated by the Commission for internal purposes in June 1988, when just over 1,000 had been received, as follows:

  per cent.

  Belgium

  4

  Federal Republic of Germany

  11

  Denmark

  3

  Spain

  6

  France

  22

  Greece

  5

  Italy

  9

  Ireland

  5

  Netherlands

  4

  Portugal

  3

  United Kingdom

  27

  EFTA countries

  1

  The distribution between higher education institutes, research centres and industry for the whole European Community was estimated at 41, 37 and 22 per cent. respectively. The United Kingdom distribution has been estimated at 59, 21 and 20 per cent. respectively. The distribution for other individual states is not readily available and cannot be obtained without disproportionate cost. However, I have arranged for a copy of the full list to be placed in the Library of the House.

  General Practice
  Mr. Litherland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he intends to make any special provision to assist departments of general practice in universities.

  Mr. Jackson
  It is for each university to determine how the substantial public funds it receives, together with its other income, should be distributed between its faculties and departments. In the case of medical education, this normally follows discussion with the relevant health authorities.

  Mr. Michael Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what courses are planned to be available in technical colleges or colleges of advanced education to train general practice managers; and how many places are envisaged for these courses.

  Mr. Jackson
  This information is not available centrally. It is for the institutions themselves to plan such courses taking into account demand for places.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Health gave on 8 May at column 320 about arrangements to enable general practitioners to acquire necessary management skills.

  University Intakes
  Sir Rhodes Boyson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what figures are available to indicate the percentage of the intake to universities since 1959 who came from working-class homes.

  Mr. Jackson
  The percentage of home university students accepted through the Universities Central Council on Admissions, and who were from social groups IIIM, IV and V since 1977 are shown in the table. Comparable figures for earlier years are not available.
  368

  Percentages of home acceptances through UCCA from social classes IIIM, IV, V

  Year

  Per cent.

  1977

  23

  1978

  23

  1979

  22

  1980

  19

  1981

  18

  1982

  18

  1983

  20

  1984

  20

  1985

  21

  1986

  21

  1987

  21

  1988

  20

  British Independent Schools
  Mr. Haselhurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has given further consideration to the proposals for a grant scheme put forward by the Council of British Independent Schools in the European Communities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend met representatives of COBISEC on 6 December. At the meeting he undertook to consider the proposals further on the basis of certain additional evidence which COBISEC was to provide. I understand that some of this additional evidence is still in preparation and we must await this before any decision can be taken.

  Publicity
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will place in the Library details of each major publicity campaign mounted by his Department in 1985–86 and each successive year, including in each case the objectives of the campaign, the intended audience and the outcome of the monitoring of the achievement of the intended objectives, and national research conducted for him by the Central Office of Information together with a note of the intended objectives in the campaigns for 1989–90.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  [pursuant to her reply, 2 May 1989, c. 79–80]: The requested information about publicity campaigns has today been placed in the Library.

WALES

  Schools (Books and Equipment)
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table showing the latest figure for expenditure per pupil on(a) books and (b) equipment and comparable figures for each year since 1978–79 in (i) primary schools, (ii) seconday schools and (iii) special schools in cash and real terms using an index of 100 for 1978–79.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  I shall reply to the hon. Lady as soon as possible.

  Tourism
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many projects have been identified in Wales as
  369
  suitable for European Community financing under the provisions of article 6 of the European Tourism Year 1990 decision document, adopted by the European Community Council on 21 December 1988.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  None so far. A project submitted by the Wales tourist board was considered by the national examining committee on 4 May. I understand that the committee sought further information on the project and that it is intended that an expanded submission will be considered at the committee's June meeting.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether his Department is making available specific grants for tourism operators in Wales to achieve the objectives of the European Tourism Year 1990 in line with the European Community Council decision of 21 December 1988.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  No. However, the European Commission has decided to allocate approximately £3·3 million to the year. From this source, funds will be available for co-financing of projects by public and private bodies, for prizes and competitions and for information and publicity campaigns. Bids should be submitted to the United Kingdom's national examining committee via the British tourism authority.

  Official Visits
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions since he became Secretary of State for Wales he has made official visits to Wales.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Since becoming Secretary of State for Wales I have fulfilled 301 official engagements in the Principality.

  Dermatologists
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many consultant dermatologists are attached to hospitals within the East Dyfed health authority and the West Glamorgan health authority.

  Mr. Grist
  As at 30 September 1988 it is provisionally estimated that there were 0·9 whole-time equivalent consultant dermatologists employed by the East Dyfed health authority and 1·8 by the West Glamorgan health authority.

  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average length of waiting time before a patient can see a consultant dermatologist after referral by a general practitioner at(a) Llanelli general hospital, (b) West Wales hospital, Carmarthen, (c) Morriston hospital and (d) Singleton hospital.

  Mr. Grist
  Information is not available centrally in the form requested. The number of people waiting, as at 31 March 1988, for a first consultation with a dermatologist is shown in the table:—

  Number who have been waiting for more than three months

  Total number

  Number waiting

  Llanelli General Hospital

  154

  74

  West Wales Hospital

  637

  480

  Morriston Hospital

  73

  60

  Singleton Hospital

  1,060

  583

  Development Board for Rural Wales
  Sir Anthony Meyer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to review the new town responsibilities of the Development Board for Rural Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The Mid Wales Development Council and its successor body, the Development Board for Rural Wales, were charged with developing Newtown in Powys using new town powers. Population has risen consistently and is now close to the target level of 11,000. With the task of developing Newtown almost complete, I am reviewing the appropriate timetable for winding up the board's new town responsibilities consulting with the board and with the relevant local authorities as necessary. I expect to make a further announcement later this year.

  Agriculture Development and Advisory Service
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether his Agriculture Development and Advisory Service in Wales has succeeded during the past two years in achieving its revenue target; and whether the Transgoed laboratories reached their target contribution towards this revenue in the same period.

  Mr. Ryder
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Agriculture Development and Advisory Service has achieved the overall revenue target set in appropriations in aid for its advisory services in 1987–88 and, on the basis of provisional results, in 1988–89. All constituent units of the Agriculture Development and Advisory Service have contributed to this performance. It is not our policy to disclose details of individual Agriculture Development and Advisory Service units targets.

  Pensioners
  Dr. Kim Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many women over the age of 59 years and how many men over the age of 64 years are registered as resident within Wales, by county.

  Mr. Grist
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: The latest estimates of population in the age groups requested are given in the table:

  Population mid-1987

  County

  Women aged 60 and over (thousands)

  Men aged 65 and over (thousands)

  Clwyd

  53·6

  27·0

  Dyfed

  47·4

  24·3

  Gwent

  53·3

  27·4

  Gwynedd

  34·7

  16·9

  Mid Glamorgan

  63·9

  31·6

  Powys

  15·2

  8·7

  South Glamorgan

  484

  23·7

  West Glamorgan

  48·7

  24·2

  TOTAL FOR WALES

  365·2

  183·8

  Source: Office of Population Censuses and Surveys.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Research Institutes
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many research institutes are
  371
  supported by his Department; how many people they employ; how many of these are located in Wales; and how many are employed in those institutes.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Cousins) on 4 May, at columns 193–95.

  Rabbit Meat
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many tons of rabbit meat were imported in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) other members of the European Community from the People's Republic of China in 1988, 1987 and 1986.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Imports in 1988 of meat and edible meat offal of rabbits and hares from the People's Republic of China are shown in the table. Corresponding data are not available for 1986 and 1987, when a different trade classification system applied.

  Tonnes

  United Kingdom

  2,125

  France

  6,595

  Belgium and Luxembourg

  657

  Germany

  724

  Italy

  640

  Portugal

  207

  Spain

  760

  Greece

  n/a

  Source: Eurostat.

  Pesticides
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many employees in his Department are engaged in testing vegetables for pesticide residue.

  Mr. Ryder
  At any one time, some 60 to 100 analysts in MAFF and other Government Departments are involved in analysing pesticide residues in the whole range of foods monitored by the working party on pesticide residues. The number engaged on testing vegetables within these figures will vary according to the nature of samples being analysed at any one time.

  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many pesticide ingredients are licensed to be used on food.

  Mr. Ryder
  I regret that the information requested is not readily available. Approvals issued under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 relate to individual pesticide products, rather than active ingredients. These are listed in "Pesticides 1989" a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  "Salmonella in Eggs"
  Sir Hal Miller
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Government will respond to the first report of the Agriculture Committee, "Salmonella in Eggs"; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The Government welcome the Committee's lucid analysis of the extent and implications of the problem of salmonella in eggs. In particular the 372
  Government consider that the Committee's very thorough report has put the problem into the correct perspective by refuting the more extreme and alarmist impressions.

  The Government also welcome the Committee's endorsement of our comprehensive campaign to control the disease and achieve the best possible standards in our egg industry. The response gives further details of measures, which we are taking to ensure the maximum possible degree of safety at every point in the chain from the poultry breeder to the kitchen table. Salmonella is a worldwide problem and no other country, to the best of our knowledge, has pursued such a vigorous campaign to combat it.

  The Government are grateful to the Agriculture Committee for the valuable contribution its report has made towards this campaign.

  Suckler Cow Premium
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will pay the maximum rate of suckler cow premium following European Community decisions to increase the contribution from Community funds.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The beef reform package agreed by the Council of Agriculture Ministers in January included both an increase in the Community-funded element of the suckler cow premium from 25 ecus to 40 ecus and the continued option of paying a top-up of 25 ecus from national funds. In Northern Ireland the first 20 ecus of this top-up are also met from Community funds. More recently, as part of last month's price fixing, I negotiated a substantial devaluation of the green pound for beef which eliminated the monetary gap.

  I am pleased to announce that the Government have decided to pay the maximum rate of national supplement to the suckler cow subsidy, taking full account of the recent devaluation and the scope provided by the scheme rules. As a result the rate of the suckler cow premium for the 1989–90 scheme year will be increased from £33–40 per cow to £47·43.

  More beef producers than ever will benefit from the increased rate of premium because of a further change in the rules which in future will allow premium to be paid to farmers earning less than half their income from their holdings, provided they meet the other scheme rules. In particular, I would expect some crofters, farmers seeking to diversify, and those on low incomes to be able to benefit.

  These changes to the suckler cow premium, which means a 42 per cent. increase in the rate, demonstrate the Government's commitment to the beef sector, especially the more extensive production of quality beef from specialist suckler herds. For several years now the specialist beef sector has shown good signs of recovery. Producers now have an added incentive to build on this recovery and take advantage of the more open competitive climate which results from the reformed beef regime.

  EC Meetings
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all the European Community meetings on matters concerning his Department held in 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988.
  373
  Mr. Ryder
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: The Agriculture Council met on 14 occasions in 1985, 11 in 1986, 13 in 1987 (including one held jointly with Economic and Finance Ministers) and 13 in 1988.

  There were also occasional informal meetings of Agriculture Ministers. The Fisheries Council met on four occasions in 1985, five in 1986, two in 1987 and five in 1988. Also, at certain meetings of the Internal Market Council in 1988, a number of food items relevant to the single market were discussed. In addition there were numerous meetings of officials. Information on the number of such meetings could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Nitrate Leaching
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made on the preparation of proposals for the designation of areas sensitive to nitrate leaching.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The Government yesterday tabled amendments to the Water Bill to provide for the designation of nitrate-sensitive areas. Following my written reply to the House on 22 March I am pleased to announce that my Department and the Welsh Office Agricultural Department have today issued a joint consultation document entitled "Nitrate-Sensitive Areas Scheme". This has been deposited in the Libraries of both Houses and is available in the Vote Office. It is also being circulated widely to some 170 farming, water, environmental and other interested parties. The document takes account of Government statements on the principles underlying a scheme and sets out the detailed ideas as a basis for discussion. We look forward to receiving comments on the issues covered in the document from a wide range of organisations.

  Undersea Rescue Services (Chemicals)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the dangers posed to undersea rescue services in attempts to recover the container of Lindane chemicals lost off the sunken Perintis freighter in March by the surplus conventional explosives and radioactive waste packages disposed of in the third deep trench at 49 degrees 50 minutes north, two degrees 18 minutes west in the 1950's.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I have been asked to reply.

  Attendance of trade union representatives

  Attendance of private sector representatives

  Area Manpower Board

  Number of meetings

  Possible

  Actual

  Possible

  Actual

  1. Berkshire and Oxfordshire

  6

  25

  15

  32

  16

  2. Hampshire and Isle of Wight

  9

  33

  23

  42

  25

  3. Kent

  12

  60

  31

  60

  26

  4. Surrey

  11

  55

  44

  55

  34

  5. East And West Sussex

  13

  65

  54

  52

  37

  6. Buckinghamshire

  8

  24

  19

  32

  13

  7. Essex

  7

  33

  16

  42

  31

  8. Hertfordshire

  6

  18

  16

  30

  12

  9. London North

  12

  48

  42

  60

  35

  10. London South East

  13

  39

  22

  78

  45

  11. London South and West

  11

  55

  37

  55

  32

  12. London North East

  11

  56

  24

  48

  27

  13. Dorset and Somerset

  12

  60

  36

  60

  32

  14. Avon

  12

  60

  28

  60

  24

  15. Devon and Cornwall

  11

  44

  26

  44

  25

  374
  The area in question was used by the United Kingdom for the disposal of surplus conventional munitions from 1946 until about 1971, and for the disposal of low grade radioactive waste from 1950 to 1963. The disposal site is publicised in Admiralty charts and in OECD Nuclear Energy Agency publications, both of which are readily available. The recovery of the container of Lindane, lost from the MV Perintis, is the responsibility of the French Government, who are aware of the presence of the disposal site and have made contact with my Department. The danger to any recovery operation posed by the radioactive waste is considered negligible. The presence of conventional explosives in the area should not prevent such an operation, provided that standard procedures for dealing with explosives are followed.

EMPLOYMENT

  Industrial Injuries
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, further to his answer of Friday 21 April,Official Report, column 347, if he will consider extending the 1985 regulations to workers at the House of Commons.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 were made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. As I explained to the hon. Member on Monday 17 April at column 44, the Act does not apply to the House of Commons and I do not intend to seek its extension to the House.

  Under the arrangements for inspection of the Palace of Westminster and the parliamentary estate, the palace authorities would inform the Health and Safety Executive of major accidents, dangerous occurrences or diseases that occur at the palace. No such reports have been received by HSE since the arrangements were formalised.

  Area Manpower Boards
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the possible and actual attendance, separately, for both private sector and trade union representatives on area manpower boards, for each area manpower board in Great Britain for the last full year that these boards were in operation.

  Mr. Cope
  The information requested is set out in the table.
  375

  Attendance of trade union representatives

  Attendance of private sector representatives

  Area Manpower Board

  Number of meetings

  Possible

  Actual

  Possible

  Actual

  16. Gloucestershire and Wiltshire

  9

  43

  34

  27

  13

  17. Birmingham and Solihull

  11

  49

  31

  52

  32

  18. Coventry and Warwickshire

  7

  35

  23

  42

  33

  19. Dudley and Sandwell

  11

  53

  39

  50

  28

  20. Hereford and Worcestershire

  9

  45

  26

  36

  27

  21. Shropshire

  7

  35

  18

  28

  9

  22. Staffordshire

  4

  20

  19

  20

  14

  23. Wolverhampton and Walsall

  12

  60

  25

  48

  29

  24. Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  25. Norfolk and Suffolk

  8

  40

  22

  40

  19

  26. Derbyshire

  8

  40

  30

  32

  16

  27. Leicestershire

  10

  50

  29

  60

  24

  28. Lincolnshire

  9

  45

  24

  45

  19

  29. Northamptonshire

  11

  55

  30

  55

  34

  30. South Yorkshire

  11

  55

  41

  55

  36

  31. Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees

  14

  84

  62

  56

  36

  32. Leeds and Wakefield

  13

  65

  34

  65

  32

  33. North Yorkshire

  12

  60

  34

  60

  23

  34. Humberside

  11

  55

  34

  55

  28

  35. Merseyside

  12

  60

  31

  60

  23

  36. Manchester

  12

  84

  54

  60

  31

  37. Cheshire

  10

  50

  14

  52

  25

  38. Lancashire

  12

  52

  16

  52

  29

  39. Cumbria

  8

  32

  23

  32

  15

  40. North Tyne

  6

  34

  14

  36

  25

  41. Cleveland

  12

  60

  35

  60

  43

  42. Durham

  12

  60

  41

  72

  42

  43. South Tyne

  12

  60

  53

  96

  55

  44. Mid and South Glamorgan

  9

  45

  29

  36

  15

  45. Gwynedd

  8

  32

  20

  40

  19

  46. Dyfed and West Glamorgan

  6

  30

  20

  30

  24

  47. Clwyd and Powys

  10

  50

  31

  50

  33

  48. Gwent

  9

  45

  27

  45

  21

  49. Highlands and Islands

  11

  55

  36

  55

  35

  50. Grampian and Tayside

  12

  60

  50

  60

  36

  51. Central and Fife

  10

  50

  17

  50

  26

  52. Lothian and Borders

  11

  66

  40

  55

  26

  53. Glasgow

  13

  65

  16

  65

  40

  54. Lanarkshire

  13

  65

  43

  65

  36

  55. Renfrew, Dumbarton and Argyll

  12

  60

  31

  60

  30

  56. Ayrshire

  11

  49

  30

  45

  21

  57. Dumfries and Galloway

  12

  57

  38

  60

  24

  ACAS
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals the Government have for reforming the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Government have no such proposals.

  Employment Training
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have so far been accepted for training under the ET programme; at what cost; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  By 28 April, 275,000 people had started on employment training. The cost for each trainee will be about £2,300. It is a remarkable achievement that so many people have been helped by the most successful training programme for adults ever run by the Government.

  Vauxhall Motors (Luton)
  Mr. Bright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has on the effect of the expansion of Vauxhall Motors Ltd. Luton plant on the local unemployment register.
  376
  Mr. Lee
  It is not possible to forecast what effect this investment will have on the rate of unemployment in the Watford and Luton travel-to-work area, but I am sure it will be welcomed locally and will help maintain jobs and prosperity in the area.

  Industrial Action
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to seek to repeal the current legislation on picketing and secondary action and to replace it with a voluntary code; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The Green Paper "Removing Barriers to Employment", published on 20 March, contains the Government's current proposals for the further reform of industrial relations and trade union law. The Green Paper proposes no change to the law on picketing. It does however propose the removal of immunity for organising secondary action among workers of an employer not party to the trade dispute and the extension of the definition of secondary action so that it includes action by those who work under contracts "for services".

  Labour Shortages
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what measures his Department proposes in order to deal with anticipated shortages of skilled labour in future years.

  Mr. Cope
  Training and enterprise councils will offer employers major opportunities to meet their future skill needs, improve the supply of skills and promote enterprise. The whole range of my Department's Training Agency programmes already have these among their aims and will continue to pursue them vigorously.

  Workfare Scheme
  Mr. Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans for setting up a pilot workfare scheme to study workfare systems in the United States of America and Sweden; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Cope
  [holding answer 24 April 1989]: We have no such plans. Our priority is to encourage unemployed people to take up the 600,000 to 700,000 existing vacancies.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Community Charge
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what the community charge liability will be for a person who is having a reduction made in social security benefit in order to repay an overpayment of benefit received under section 53 of the Social Security Act 1986;

  (2) what the community charge liability will be for a person disqualified from receiving unemployment benefit under sections 20(1)(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) and sections 20(2)(a) and (b) of the Social Security Act 1975, and ineligible to receive income support under section 22(4)(c)(i) of the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987;

  (3) what the community charge liability will be for a person disqualified from receiving unemployment benefit under sections 20(1)(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) and sections 20(2)(a) and (b) of the Social Security Act 1975.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  None of these reductions or disqualifications will affect the amount of community charge rebate a person receives, and so will not alter the amount of community charge he has to pay. When a person's net income is assessed for the purposes of determining a claim for community charge rebate, his gross income from prescribed benefits will be included, irrespective of any sums that may have been deducted from these benefits. A person who has been awarded income support will be entitled to the maximum community charge rebate of 80 per cent. irrespective of whether he may have been disqualified from unemployment, sickness or invalidity benefit, or may be having a reduction made from any benefit to which he is entitled.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Crime (Humberside)
  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking against crime in Humberside; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  Our strategy for crime reduction applies to all parts of England and Wales. Police manpower and resources have been substantially increased, Crime Concern was launched with Government support in May 1988 to stimulate, support and develop local crime prevention activity and the largest ever national crime prevention publicity campaign was launched last year.

  Total crime in Humberside fell by 4 per cent. in 1988. My right hon. Friend approved a further 20 police posts for the force from 1 April bringing the authorised establishment up to 1992. The Government encourage the growth and development of neighbourhood watch schemes and crime prevention panels. There are now 1,331 watch schemes covering approximately 29,500 households throughout Humberside, with 15 panels and two junior panels. Hull is one of the areas in our Safer Cities programme.

  Police (Misconduct)
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inquiries instituted by his Department of a police force of one jurisdiction into the activities of a police force of another jurisdiction have found evidence of misconduct in the last 10 years.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Home Office has no power to institute inquiries of one police force by another into allegations of misconduct. The investigation of such allegations is a matter for the chief officer of the force concerned, subject to the provisions of part IX of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 where a complaint is made by a member of the public.

  Prior to the introduction of the 1984 Act, section 49 of the Police Act 1964 provided for the Secretary of State to direct a chief officer to request an officer from another force to conduct a complaints investigation. Figures relating to the number of occasions when this power was exercised, and the number of investigations which revealed evidence of misconduct, are not held centrally, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Broadcasting Directive
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the recent discussions in the European Community Council of Ministers on the draft broadcasting directive.

  Mr. Renton
  Under the Spanish presidency, the Council of Ministers (Internal Market) has had a series of meetings in order to identify a satisfactory way forward on the European Commission's proposal for a directive on broadcasting. These enabled the Council, on 13 April, to adopt a common position on the draft directive.

  The original proposal from the Commission gave rise to a number of difficulties for us and other member states. We were concerned in particular at the proposals for formal

  379
  numerical quotas for European programme content, the provisions put forward on copyright and the potentially troubling extension of EC competence implicit in the proposals on protection of minors. More generally we argued that the Council of Europe was the right forum for the conclusion of a European regulatory instrument in relation to broadcasting, and we were therefore putting our weight behind efforts to conclude a European convention on transfrontier broadcasting under the aegis of the Council of Europe. These concerns were made clear when the House had the opportunity to debate the directive on 20 January 1987.

  Since then, we have played a full part in the negotiations on the draft convention, the text of which was finalised in March. The United Kingdom signed the convention when it was opened for signature on 5 May. The convention substantially meets all the points on which we had reservations in relation to the draft directive, and is in our judgment an acceptable basis for European regulation. We therefore welcomed the decision of the European Council in Rhodes last December that the future work of the Community in relation to broadcasting should be based on that of the Council of Europe and that the directive should accordingly be adapted in the light of the convention. This alignment of the two instruments has been undertaken by the Internal Market Council. As a result a new draft of the directive has been produced which follows closely the approach of the convention. This has enabled us to withdraw our earlier objections to the substance of the directive.

  I submitted to the Select Committee on European Legislation on 30 March an explanatory memorandum discussing in detail the specific modifications made by the Internal Market Council to the Commission's original proposal. The Committee subsequently recommended that a further debate be held on the draft directive. I regret that given the timing of the recommendation it was not practicable to arrange a further debate before the meeting of the Internal Market Council at which the common position was adopted. I have written to the Chairman of the Committee to explain the Government's approach to this matter.

  We believe that the Council's common position represents a satisfactory outcome. We have successfully resisted the arguments of some members states for protectionist measures which would have imposed greater rstrictions on European broadcasters and have instead achieved a substantially deregulatory text fully in line with that of the Council of Europe convention. Our recent White Paper on Broadcasting made clear that these international instruments, when concluded, would contribute to the maintenance of programme standards throughout Europe, while removing the barriers which have hitherto inhabited the free flow of broadcasting services. They are consistent with the approach of the Government towards domestic broadcasting services in establishing an enabling regulatory framework to allow increased opportunities for broadcasters and viewers while ensuring the maintenance of programme standards on taste and decency.

  Gaelic Broadcasting
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on his Department's plans for the development of Gaelic Broadcasting.

  Mr. Renton
  We are considering this subject in the light of responses to the Government's White Paper on broadcasting.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Shoe Industry
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last met representatives of the shoe industry; what was discussed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  My right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade met the hon. Members for Sedgefield (Mr. Blair) and for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) and representatives of the footwear industry in February 1988 to discuss footwear imports from the far east and south-east Asia. A number of other hon. Members have since made their concerns known. However, I can add nothing to previous answers to the House until the EC Commission reports the findings of its Communitywide investigation into imports of footwear from Taiwan and South Korea.

  National Engineering Laboratory
  Mr. Ted Garrett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the future ownership of the national engineering laboratory.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he intends to announce his decision on the Touche Ross report on the future of the national engineering laboratory.

  Mr. Newton
  My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is currently considering a report on the national engineering laboratory prepared by management consultants Touche Ross and hopes to make an announcement shortly concerning the future of the laboratory, including ownership.

  Vauxhall Motors
  Mr. Bright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he or his officials next expect to meet the management of Vauxhall Motors Ltd. to discuss changes in the pattern of purchasing of materials to the benefit of United Kingdom suppliers.

  Mr. Atkins
  My officials meet the company regularly to discuss a wide range of issues including component and material sourcing.

  Mr. Bright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what contribution was made from public funds to Vauxhall Motors Ltd's investment in 1988 in its Luton plant.

  Mr. Atkins
  None.

  Company Investigations
  Mr. John Garrett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which accountancy firms have been criticised in the Department of Trade and Industry's inspectors' reports on investigations into companies in each of the past five years.

  Mr. Maude
  Two of the reports of inspectors appointed under the Companies Act that have been published since 1984 have contained criticisms of accountants. These were the reports of the investigations into the affairs of Milbury plc and into the affairs of The Greenbank Trust plc, both published in 1987 and in both of which the auditors of the company under investigation were the subject of criticisms by the inspectors.

  North East

  North West

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  South West

  West Midlands

  (a) Number of applications received between 1 April 1988 and 31 March 1989

  294

  434

  238

  27

  106

  571

  (b) Number of applications processed between 1 April 1988 and 31 March 1989

  273

  438

  240

  32

  97

  608

  (c) Total grant paid (£ million) between 1 April 1988 and 31 March 1989

  33·6

  22·0

  21·1

  1·0

  5·0

  24·1

  Regional Development Grants
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was(a) the number of applications for regional development grants outstanding on 31 March 1988, (b) the number of applications processed, (c) the number of those applications that are still outstanding and

  North-East

  North-West

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  South-West

  Number of applications outstanding at 31 March 1988

  3,260

  2,740

  830

  240

  540

  Number of these processed at end-April 1989

  3,256

  2,729

  828

  239

  540

  Number still outstanding end-April 1989

  4

  11

  2

  1

  0

  Grant paid (£ million) to date on applications outstanding at 31 March 1988

  18·9

  17·0

  4·4

  1·8

  2·0

  Grants
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will give for each of his Department's regions(a) the total number of applications received for innovation grants from 1 April 1988 to 31 March 1989, (b) the total number of applications approved, (c) the total amount of expenditure involved and (d) the total estimated expenditure planned for that period and the estimated expenditure for 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92;

  (2) if he will give for each of his Department's regions (a) the total number of applications received for investment grants from 1 April 1988 to 31 March 1989, (b) the total number of applications approved, (c) the total amount of expenditure involved and (d) the total estimated expenditure planned for that period and the estimated expenditure for 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92;

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: Regional enterprise grants (REGs) became available on 1 April 1988 in the development areas, and on 1 September 1988 in South Yorkshire. The information requested, for the English regions for which DTI is responsible, for the 12 months to 31 March 1989, is as follows:

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was(a) the number of applications for regional selective assistance received between 1 April 1988 and 31 March 1989, (b) the number of applications that have been processed and (c) the total amount of money paid out in that period for each of his Department's regions.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: The information requested in respect of regional selective assistance (RSA) industrial and training grants by region is as follows:

  (d) the total amount of money paid out since 31 March 1988 to those applicants for each of his Department's regions.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: The information requested in respect of the revised regional development grant scheme by region is as follows:

  Regional Enterprise Grants

  Number of applications

  Number of offers

  Value of offers

  (£000)

  Investment1

  North East

  424

  274

  1,517

  North West

  433

  254

  1,585

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  196

  118

  949

  East Midlands

  42

  34

  299

  South West

  146

  98

  432

  Total England

  1,241

  778

  4,782

  Innovation2

  North East

  136

  55

  1,021

  North West

  145

  43

  912

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  71

  28

  631

  East Midlands

  9

  5

  113

  South West

  35

  13

  218

  Total England

  396

  144

  2,895

  1 Payments of £712,379 have been made under Investment up to end March.

  2 Payments of £205,956 have been made under Innovation up to end March.

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  The amount of expenditure paid out in any particular region depends on demand for the scheme and the appraisal of individual applications. The value of grants actually paid so far reflects the nature and time scale of the projects on which applicants have sought grants since scheme commencement in April.

  Total provision for expenditure on regional enterprise grants in England in 1988–89 as published in the Supply Estimates was £14 million. The provision for 1989–90 as published in the Supply Estimates are £22·2 million for investment grants and £5·9 million for innovation grants. Planned provision for regional enterprise grants in 1990–91 and 1991–92 is £45·2 million and £46·3 million respectively. The actual expenditure in future years will, of course depend on demand.

ENVIRONMENT

  Accommodation Costs (Cambridgeshire)
  Sir Eldon Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the cost per square foot of accommodation for civil servants in(a) the rural districts of Forest Heath, east Cambridgeshire and (b) the city of Cambridge.

  Mr. Chope
  There is limited office space available in the rural districts of Forest Heath and east Cambridgeshire. The annual rental cost is estimated at £4 per sq ft in Ely and £7 per sq ft in Newmarket depending on size, location and quality. For any new hirings in Cambridge the figure is estimated to be of the order of £15 per sq ft. The site at Brooklands is Crown freehold, but the market value is currently estimated at £7 per sq ft.

  LDDC (Planning Permission)
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all planning permissions given to the London docklands development corporation along the river Thames in the borough of Tower Hamlets which secure a public riverside walkway.

  Mr. Trippier
  A list of 45 permissions given by the LDDC since 1981, together with details of seven current cases, has been placed in the Library. These cases demonstrate the corporation's commitment to extensive riverside and dockside access.

  Wartime Excavations
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to record those wartime sites which were evacuated for sand excavation and subsequently infilled with rubble and waste.

  Mr. Chope
  The Department is currently undertaking a jointly funded project with the British Geological Survey of the solid and drift geology of almost all the built-up area of Stoke on Trent and Newcastle under Lyme. The project started in January 1988 and is planned to be completed by July 1990. Part of the output of the project will be a series of maps, on a number of different themes relevant to planning and development, including the incidence of made ground, categorised where possible by the type of fill material used.

  This project is one of a series of geological mapping projects being undertaken in various parts of the country
  384
  as part of the Department's research programme. The project aims to concentrate on areas of development pressure and to identify among other things, areas where planners and developers may need to pay particular attention to ground conditions.

  Rents
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements he is making to ensure that after April 1990 landlords will not be permitted to raise rents by continuing to charge tenants the amount which formerly covered rent and rates.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Protected tenants paying rents which include rates will have the normal protection of the Rent Act 1977 for tenancies entered into before I5 January 1989, and may register fair rents which are exclusive of rates. The Housing Act 1988 will apply to most tenancies entered into after that date, and any rents determined by the rent assessment committee under that Act will be exclusive of rates.

  Nottingham City Council (Budget Returns)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, further to his reply on 25 April to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett)Official Report, column 532, if he has received detailed budget returns from Nottingham city council.

  Mr. Gummer
  Yes, a return from Nottingham city council has been received. Returns from 21 authorities remain outstanding.

  Toyota Plant
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will extend the borrowing facilities for Derbyshire county council to enable it to provide the infrastructure for the establishment of the Toyota plant.

  Mr. Gummer
  Under the terms of the block borrowing approval issued for 1989–90, it is open to Derbyshire county council to borrow to finance infrastructure works undertaken in 1989–90. But the authority's total borrowing for the year must be contained within the ceiling established by that approval.

  Radioactivity Study
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take following the publication by his Department of the report on the study of radioactivity three years after Chernobyl carried out by the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology; what part he intends aerial monitoring should play in future surveys; what role he intends local authorities should play; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The Institute of Terrestrial Ecology report on the radio activity in the environment has suggested that the radioactive caesium in organic litter layers under grass, bracken, heather and woodland could be an explanation of the longevity of radio activity in pasture and in grazing animals. A further programme of research is being planned to investigate this possibility.

  Aerial monitoring is being considered as a means of rapid identification of areas of high radioactivity

  385
  deposition in the event of any future overseas nuclear accident. The role of local authorities is set out in the booklet "The National Reponse Plan and Radioactive Incident Monitoring Network (RIMNET) Phase I" published by HMSO. Copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Fish Farming
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about fish farming in national parks; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: We have received representations from the chairman of the Exmoor national park committee and the chairman of the Association of County Councils' national parks committee. We are today issuing a consultation paper on permitted use rights in the countryside which includes an invitation for views on the adequacy of existing planning controls over fish farming in national parks.

  Exmoor National Park
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the Government response to issues raised during the recent visit to the Exmoor national park by the Minister for Housing, Environment and Countryside.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: My noble Friend's visit to the Exmoor national park was informal and a wide range of issues were discussed. A "response" is not appropriate in the circumstances.

  Football Supporters Association
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has held with the Football Supporters Association since the Hillsborough tragedy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  [holding answer 4 May 1989]: I have not held any discussions with the Football Supporters Association since the Hillsborough tragedy, but I understand that Lord Justice Taylor has granted the association leave to be represented at the oral hearings which will form part of his inquiry into the tragedy.

  Sick Building Syndrome
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of Government employees have been diagnosed as suffering from sick building syndrome during the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  [holding answer 27 April 1989]: No Government employee has been diagnosed as having suffered from sick building syndrome because the nature of the conditions which are generally associated with this problem are such that they could originate from any number of different causes.

  The cause of sick building syndrome is not known. The Government are participating in research which is currently being carried out.

  Community Charge
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total cost to public funds of the Price Waterhouse report on the cost of administering and collecting the poll tax in England and Wales.

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: The Government have no plans to introduce a poll tax. The cost of the report on the community charge to which the hon. Member presumably refers was £60,000.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from local authorities on the actual costs of introducing the community charge; and if he will consider the provision of additional finance(a) in the current financial year and (b) in 1990–91.

  Mr. Gummer
  We have received a number of representations from charging authorities on the costs of introducing the community charge. We believe that sufficient resources, both capital and revenue, have been made available by the Government for 1989–90. Collection costs in 1990–91 will be taken into account in assessing charging authorities' need to spend. We shall be discussing authorities' need to spend with the local authority associations before making proposals for the 1990–91 settlement.

HEALTH

  AIDS
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he proposes to issue instructions to the Health Education Authority to bring to public attention evidence presented in the Journal of the American Medical Association 1989, 261(2), pp. 244–5, that passionate kissing favours the transmission of HIV.

  Mr. Mellor
  The article referred to in the Journal of the American Medical Association presents evidence to suggest that passionate kissing can produce microlesions in the mouth, which could, in theory, result in the transmission of HIV since any activity which could involve blood coming into contact with damaged tissue carries such a risk. However, there is no evidence, of anyone having become infected with HIV through passionate kissing. In developing AIDS educational material the HEA has regard to the latest medical and scientific knowledge, and is guided by the Government's expert advisory group on AIDS.

  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases there are of HIV being transmitted through mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

  Mr. Mellor
  I am advised that no such cases have been reported anywhere in the world.

  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he will make a statement on the steps being taken in the National Health Service to reduce the risk of health workers contracting HIV from their patients;

  (2) how many health-care workers have caught HIV from their patients during the course of their National Health Service duties over the last 10 years.

  Mr. Mellor
  The risks of health care workers contracting HIV from patients are extremely low. One case has been reported in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, in view of the serious consequences of HIV infection specific guidelines have been given to the health service on the steps which should be taken to minimise the risks of transmission of HIV. This guidance is currently under review by the expert advisory group on AIDS. In addition, much of the general control of infection guidance issued by the Department is relevant to the prevention of HIV transmission in the health care setting.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what preventive action he is taking against osteoporosis.

  Mr. Freeman
  In conjunction with the Health Education authority we take every opportunity to encourage women to take regular exercise and to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake, all of which help to prevent osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy, which is available on the NHS, can be effective in preventing osteoporosis. Since there may be risks as well as benefits of such treatment for some people, the individual patient's suitability for HRT should be a matter for the clinical judgment of their doctor. The Medical Research Council has set up a specialist group to look at the further 388
  research required into osteoporosis and HRT. The National Osteoporosis Society has been awarded a grant of £20,000 a year for three years under the Department's grant aid programme and provides information and literature for the general public and for doctors on osteoporosis.

  "Working For Patients"
  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what effect paragraph 4.9 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) will have on the manner in which regions can charge one another for cross-boundary flows in genito-urinary medicine without breaching patient confidentiality; and how paragraph 4.9 will affect health authorities in controlling their cross-boundary costs in direct access services such as GUM medicinal and family planning.

  Mr. Mellor
  We are currently considering with health service representatives the scope and operation of cross-charging arrangements and will have regard to the position of direct access services and the confidentiality requirements of genito-urinary medicine services.

  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he will make a statement as to the maintenance of genito-urinary medicine and venereal disease clinics as a core service in the light of paragraph 4.15 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555);

  (2) if he will make a statement on the effect paragraph 4.15 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) will have on the designation of health care for drug misusers as a cote service.

  Mr. Mellor
  I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. and learned Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman) on 7 February at column 640.

  AIDS-HIV Patient Treatment
  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what effect paragraph 6.9 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) will have on people with HIV infection seeking primary care from other Health Service sources such as GUM clinics, while remaining registered with a general practitioner;

  (2) if he will make a statement on how paragraph 4.25 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) will affect the application by person with AIDS for a referral to a centre other than the one with which the district health authority has a contract;

  (3) if he will make a statement on how paragraph 7.15 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) will affect the ability of general practitioners to use their drug budgets to pay for patients with HIV-related diseases;

  (4) how paragraph 4.8 of "Working For Patients" will affect the additional costs of treating AIDS patients;

  (5) if he will make a statement on the effect paragraph 6.5 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) will have on the budgeting of practice staff costs for HIV and AIDS counselling services;

  (6) if he will make a statement on the effect paragraph 6.4 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) will have on general practitioners dealing with people with AIDS;

  (7) if he will make a statement on the effect paragraph 4.15 of "Working For Patients" will have on the designation of AIDS care as a core service;
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  (8) if he will make a statement as to the application of paragraph 4.17 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) to the care of AIDS patients;

  (9) if he will make a statement as to the effect of paragraph 2.13 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) on the training of receptionists in relation to people with HIV and AIDS;

  (10) how paragraph 4.30 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) will affect staff training and improved methods of care for people with AIDS where general hospital services are provided through National Health Service hospital trusts or private hospitals outside the control of health authorities;

  (11) whether he will make a statement as to the effect of paragraph 2.8 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) on key HIV and AIDS care services;

  (12) if he will make a statement as to the effect the renegotiating of services outlined in paragraph 4.13 of "Working For Patients" (Cm. 555) will have on the ability of people with AIDS to develop a relationship of trust and understanding with a particular centre.

  Mr. Mellor
  The aims of the proposals in "Working for Patients" are to improve services for patients, to extend patient choice, to delegate responsibility to where the services are provided, and to secure the best value for money. The aim of the implementation work now in hand is to ensure that the arrangements introduced meet the needs of all patients, including people with AIDS and HIV infection. That work includes detailed consideration of the account needing to be taken of HIV morbidity in deciding resource allocations; contractual arrangements to cover services which hospitals provide for people who have not been referred by their GPs; the account needing to be taken of the health needs of people with AIDS and other chronic illnesses in determining GPs' practice and prescribing budgets; and arrangements for the education and training of NHS staff and general practitioners in HIV-related matters.

  Dental Treatment
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the maximum cost of dental treatment has risen in cash and real terms between April 1979 and April 1989.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information requested is set out in the table:

  Maximum charge for a course of treatment in the general dental service

  £

  April 1979

  30·00

  April 1989 (current prices)

  150·00

  April 1989 (1979–80 price)

  75·69

  Nurses' and Midwives' Pay Review Body
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will place in the Library a copy of the Health Department's written evidence to the nurses' and midwives' pay review body on the new grading structure for nursing and midwifery education staff.

  Mr. Mellor
  My right hon. and learned Friend has done so today.

  GPs (Retirement)
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has made for introducing a retirement age for general medical practitioners and for abolishing 24-hour retirement without abatement of pension; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  As we made clear in "General Practice in the NHS: A New Contract", issued to all GPs in February, compulsory retirement for general medical practitioners aged 70 or over will be introduced from April 1991.

  We intend to reduce the retirement age to 65 in due course, as proposed in the White Paper "Working for Patients". The arguments for doing so in terms of standards of service to patients are strong. However we are proceeding on a longer timetable for that proposal and our first objective is to introduce a compulsory retirement age of 70 for GPs.

  "Promoting Better Health" made clear that similar provisions should apply to general dental practitioners. We will therefore introduce a retirement age of 65 on April 1997. This retirement age will be introduced in stages. That is, dental practitioners aged 72 or over on 1 April 1990 will have to retire on that date. The age of retirement will be reduced thereafter year by year after 1990 until it reaches 65 in 1997. We have negotiated with the General Dental Services committee compensation payments for those dentists who retire in the first three years of the scheme for loss in respect of the sale of goodwill of their practices.

  Regulations on the compulsory retirement of GPs and dentists will be published as soon as possible.

  Turning to 24-hour retirement, we will end from April 1990 the provision whereby a general medical or opthalmic medical practitioner, or dental practitioner, may on reaching 65 retire, draw his or her pension and return to practice after 24 hours without abatement of pension. This provision is wholly exceptional in the public sector. It was introduced to encourage elderly practitioners to remain in practice at a time when there was a shortage of young doctors and dentists. Now that there are adequate numbers of younger doctors and dentists the arrangement is no longer justified. The position of those practitioners who currently benefit under this provision will be protected.

  Youth Treatment Centres
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the findings of the inspection of Glenthorne and St. Charles youth treatment centres carried out by his social services inspectorate; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  I have today placed copies of the findings of the inspection, carried out by my social services inspectorate, in the Library of each House. This is the first such inspection of the youth treatment centres and I am grateful to the inspectorate for its thorough and detailed work. The Government fully accept their responsibility for ensuring that the special service provided by the centres for a group of youngsters with very severe problems is delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible. The inspectorate's report will be a great assistance in that task.

  The inspection pointed to the urgent need for improvements to the fabric of the buildings, and action on this has already been set in hand. In considering the wider

  391
  recommendations relating to professional and management matters, the Government will wish to take account of the views of those directly involved in providing and using the youth treatment service. The findings are being made available to them and to others with an interest. I have also taken the opportunity to visit both centres to hear at first hand the views of staff and local management. Their task is a difficult one and I wish to applaud the commitment and dedication that they bring to it.

SCOTLAND

  Scottish Educational Trust for United Nations and International Affairs
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what contribution is made to the study of social sciences in Scotland by the Scottish Educational Trust for United Nations and International Affairs; and whether he intends to give it support from the Scottish Education Department.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The Scottish Educational Trust for United Nations and International Affairs produces materials which education authorities may choose to purchase for school use. The trust's aims and activities do not come within current priorities for grant to voluntary organisations.

  Adult and Continuing Education
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there exists in Scotland a unit for the development of adult and continuing education; and what funding is available from Government sources for such services.

  Mr. Rifkind
  There is no direct equivalent to the unit for the development of adult and continuing education in Scotland. The Scottish Institute for Adult and Continuing Education aims to advance education amongst adult members of the community and to co-ordinate the efforts of organisations, institutions and individuals in attaining that aim. In 1988–89 the institute received funding of £34,000 from the Scottish Education Department and £46,000 from other Government Departments and public bodies.

  Open Learning Centres
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what funding is available from Government sources for open learning centres for adults in inner cities in Scotland;

  (2) if there is in Scotland an adult literacy and basic skills unit; and what funding is available from Government sources for adult basic education work in Scotland.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The provision of adult basic education in Scotland is primarily the responsibility of the local authorities, who determine the extent and means of provision within the broad guidelines and resources provided by central Government.

  The Government are making available £30,000 in both 1988–89 and 1989–90 to assist the establishment of an open learning centre at Whitfield, Dundee and £16,000 in both 1988–89 and 1989–90 to support the work of the Edinburgh walk-in numeracy centre. The Training Agency will be
  392
  making £80,000 available towards the establishment of four open learning centres (including Whitfield) in 1989–90.

  The former Scottish adult basic education unit was integrated with the Scottish Community Education Council in 1986. Adult basic education was accorded first priority by the council in its corporate plan for 1988–89 and approximately one third of Scottish Education Department grant of £550,000 to the council was directed to that subject.

  The Scottish Education Department will in addition be making a further £100,000 available towards other adult basic education initiatives in 1989–90.

  Ethnic Minority Adults
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to implement section 11 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1966 to provide for the settlement, welfare and education of ethnic minority adults.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I have no plans to introduce specific grants to local authorities under section 11 of the 1966 Act.

  REPLAN
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to introduce an equivalent of the REPLAN educational programme for unemployed adults which exists in England and Wales.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) on 18 April 1989.

  Community Care
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, following National Health Service circular 1989 (Gen 5), which body is to take the lead role in community care; what is the future role of joint planning; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  National Health Service circular 1989(Gen)5 on the "Establishment of Community Care Facilities by Health Boards for People Being Discharged from Long-Stay Hospitals" made no changes to existing responsibilities for community care or joint planning. The Government are currently considering the future funding and organisation in light of Sir Roy Griffiths' report.

  Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the working party preparing a code of practice based on the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 has met to consider responses received to the draft code; and whether a further draft code will be published.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  All comments on the draft code are being carefully considered but my right hon. and learned Friend has not felt it necessary to reconvene the working party. It is not currently the intention to publish a further draft before it is laid before Parliament.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many responses he has had on the draft code of practice circulated under section 119 of the Mental
  393
  Health (Scotland) Act 1984 for (a) health boards (b) local authorities, (c) voluntary organisations, (d) professional associations and (e) individuals.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is as follows:

  Category

  Number of responses

  Health boards

  14

  Local authorities

  3

  Voluntary organisations

  4

  Professional associations

  15

  Individuals

  —

  Others

  4

  Total

  40

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had concerning guidance on provisions for guardianship contained in the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  A number of representations about guidance on guardianship were received in the course of our consultations on a code of practice on the 1984 Act. These comments along with the other responses to the consultation exercise are still under consideration.

  Incinerators
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all the municipal incinerators in Scotland and indicate which ones are licensed to burn(a) radioactive waste, (b) special waste and (c) clinical waste.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Incinerators operated by local authorities in Scotland are listed in the table. Such incinerators operate under the conditions specified in a resolution passed by the disposal authority. These resolutions, which are required to be made available for public inspection, include such limitations on the incineration of controlled wastes as the authority considers to be necessary; controlled wastes include special and clinical wastes.

  Under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 responsibility for the control of radioactive wastes rests with the Secretary of State for Scotland. The municipal incinerators authorised by him to burn radioactive waste are shown in the list below.

  Incinerator and authority

  Aberdeen (East Tullos)1—City of Aberdeen District Council

  Alloa—Clackmannan District Council

  Dundee (Baldovie)1—City of Dundee District Council

  Govan—City of Glasgow District Council

  Polmadie1—City of Glasgow District Council

  Linwood—Renfrew District Council

  Chinglebraes—Orkney Islands Council

  Rova Head—Shetland Islands Council

  1 Authorised to burn low level radioactive wastes.
  394
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what regulations govern emissions from hospital incinerators; and if he has any plans to improve the operating standards of hospital incinerators;

  (2) if he has any proposals to remove Crown immunity from hospital incinerators.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Health and Safety (Emissions to Atmosphere) (Amendment) Regulations 1989 set emission standards for incinerators with a capacity of over 1 tonne per hour. These regulations apply to hospital incinerators but there is at present no Scottish hospital incinerator of the relevant size.

  New controls on smaller incinerators will be introduced as soon as possible. It is intended that these controls will also apply to hospital incinerators.

  Pollution Inspectorate
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources are available to and what are the staffing levels of Her Majesty's pollution inspectorate in Scotland; what proposals he has to extend the staffing establishment; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate for Scotland is part of the Scottish Development Department and has a staff of 20 including 13 professionally qualified engineers and scientists. The inspectorate's complement is in line with its current commitments, but staffing levels are reviewed regularly.

  Drinking Water
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent advice he has received on acceptable levels of lead in drinking water.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Current medical advice is that there is little evidence to suggest that there are any health risks if the lead content in water is below the current European Commission maximum of 50 microgrammes per litre.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the most recent information available on levels of lead in drinking water in(a) Edinburgh and (b) Scotland; and what estimate he has as to when the levels will be reduced to within European Economic Community safety limits.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  A recent survey of lead-plumbed properties in Edinburgh showed that the average lead level in tap water was less than 0–03 microgrammes per litre; it is estimated that not more than 15,000 people receive water which, on occasions, may exceed the maximum admissible concentration in the EC drinking water directive. Similar survey information is not available for the rest of Scotland. Six water authorities are completing programmes of treatment to reduce plumbosolvency and ensure compliance with the directive, as shown in the table:
  395

  Number of supplies not meeting standard

  Estimated population affected ('000s)

  Region

  Now

  At end of 1989

  Now

  At end of 1989

  Dumfries and Galloway

  22

  None

  65·0

  None

  Highland

  9

  None

  7·5

  None

  Tayside

  10

  None

  18·6

  None

  Grampian

  14

  None

  31·2

  None

  Lothian

  1

  1

  15·0

  15·0

  Strathclyde

  22

  16

  73·0

  37·0

  TOTAL

  78

  17

  210·3

  52·0

  Complete compliance should be achieved by Lothian early in 1991 while in Strathclyde all but two schemes will be completed by that date. The last two should be finished by 1992.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action is being taken to implement the European Economic Community directive on safe levels of lead in water; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Responsibility for the quality of water supplies lies with the water authorities, the regional and islands councils. They are introducing improved treatment to reduce plumbosolvency and are removing lead communication pipes in their ownership whenever there is an opportunity to do so. Enhanced capital allocations have been made available to local authorities to enable them to make faster progress with this work. Consumers are encouraged to replace that part of their lead piping leading to the kitchen tap by the availability of home improvement grant at an enhanced level for this purpose. These measures should ensure that the directive's limits are met.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the effectiveness of lime and orthophosphate in reducing levels of lead in pipes and in tanks.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The addition of both lime and orthophosphate to water which contains no significant amount of lead is aimed at reducing the plumbosolvency of the water; that is the ability to take up lead from lead plumbing, mainly in the ownership of consumers. Lime is generally effective, but some larger supply areas require further treatment using orthophosphate. Neither of these treatments affect the amount of lead available from lead pipes and tanks, they merely limit uptake.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the level of nitrate pollution in drinking water in(a) Edinburgh and (b) Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Public water supplies in Edinburgh are well within the nitrate limits set in the EC drinking water directive. Elsewhere in Scotland, no consumers receive from public supplies water with levels of nitrate above those in the directive. Local environmental health authorities will advise consumers on levels in private supplies and on any appropriate remedial action.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on levels of aluminium in drinking water in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Fourteen public supplies in Scotland contain levels of aluminium from 396
  natural sources above the maximum admissible concentration (MAC) set in the EC drinking water directive. In each case the levels are well within those recommended by medical advisers as being acceptable and derogations have been granted as provided in article 9 of the directive. More than 69 supplies do not comply because of the presence of aluminium used in treatment. Most of these supplies are already the subject of improvement programmes in terms of article 20 of the directive. Some which exceed the MAC occasionally have yet to be fully assessed following recent reinterpretation of the status of the MAC.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on levels of trihalomethane in drinking water in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Detailed information on levels of trihalomethanes in drinking water is not held centrally. A national standard of 200 microgrammes per litre as an average over three months was set for Scotland in 1985 and all supplies comply with this limit. Consideration is currently being given to lowering the standard to 100 microgrammes per litre and to taking action to achieve this lower level in all supplies within a set period.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the extent to which drinking water in Scotland is deliberately dosed with aluminium compounds; and for what purpose.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Almost half of the water put into supply is treated in works where aluminium compounds are used to remove colour and suspended solids.

  Pollution Control
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many staff in the Scottish Office are working on aspects of air and water pollution.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  A large number of Scottish Office staff have responsibilities which involve aspects of these subjects. In the divisions and units directly concerned with pollution matters, 58 staff are engaged full-time on these duties and 64 part-time. The majority of the full-time staff are engaged on environmental studies in the marine laboratory, Aberdeen; most of the remainder are located in the parts of the Scottish Development Department which deal with environmental pollution.

  Hazardous Waste Inspectorate
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the staffing levels in, and what resources are available to, the hazardous waste inspectorate in Scotland.
  397
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Six professional staff are engaged for part of their time on hazardous waste inspectorate duties, amounting to the equivalent of two full-time officers. Staffing levels are currently being reviewed. The inspectorate can call on the resources of a wide spectrum of professional expertise available in the Scottish Office.

  Waste Disposal
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all the sites in Scotland which are licensed to dispose of(a) radioactive waste, (b) special waste and (c) clinical waste.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Sites currently approved by the Secretary of State for the disposal of low level radioactive waste in accordance with authorisations granted under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 are listed in the table.

  Site

  Operator

  Black Devon Tip

  Clackmannan District Council

  Lower Polmaise Tip

  Stirling District Council

  Balbarton Tip

  Kirkcaldy District Council

  Ness Tip

  City of Aberdeen District Council

  Braehead Tip

  City of Edinburgh District Council

  East Saltoun Tip

  East Lothian District Council

  Birdston Tip

  Strathkelvin District Council

  Earnock Tip

  East Kilbride District Council

  Cathkin Tip

  East Kilbride District Council

  Kilgarth Tip

  City of Glasgow District Council

  Summerston Tip

  City of Glasgow District Council

  Riverside Tip

  City of Dundee District Council

  Longman Tip

  Inverness District Council

  Dalmacoulter Tip

  Monklands District Council

  Melville Wood Tip

  North East Fife District Council

  Under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 the districts and islands councils in Scotland are the licensing authorities for controlled waste which includes special and clinical waste. Licences, and resolutions in the case of a council's own operation, are not necessarily written in terms of special or clinical wastes. The disposal facilities listed in the table can dispose of wastes which could be regarded as special wastes or clinical wastes respectively. Municipal incinerators are not included in the lists as they have been covered by my reply today to the hon. Member on that subject.

  Sites which may accept 'special waste'

  Site

  Authority Area

  Material

  Central Region

  Kinneil Kerse Tip, Bo'ness Foreshore, Bo'ness

  Falkirk DC

  Asbestos and toxic industrial wastes

  West Carron, Carron Road, Falkirk

  Falkirk DC

  Asbestos

  Lower Polmaise, Fallin, Stirling

  Stirling DC

  Asbestos

  Fife Region

  East Forthar Farm, Kingskettle, Ladybank

  NE Fife DC

  Dyestuffs waste

  Grampian Region

  Little Clinterty, Clinterty, Aberdeen

  City of Aberdeen DC

  Some chemical wastes

  Blackdog Farm (North). Bridge of Don

  Gordon DC

  Asbestos

  Highland Region

  Council Site, Brackletter, Spean Bridge

  Lochaber DC

  Asbestos

  398

  Site

  Authority Area

  Material

  Nontox Ltd., Ardersier (Incinerator)

  Inverness DC

  Tar, Pitch, Bitumen, Asphalts, Paint Wastes

  Lothian Region

  Levenseat Landfill Ltd., Levenseat Quarry, Fauldhouse

  West Lothian

  Asbestos

  Strathclyde Region

  Stevenston Works Tip, Stevenston

  Cunninghame DC

  Chemical industry wastes

  Greenoakhill Tip, Hamilton Road, Broomhouse, Glasgow

  City of Glasgow DC

  Major site for toxic waste

  Craignaught Quarry, Dunlop

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun DC

  Asbestos

  Lanarkshire Lagoons, Ravenscraig Works, Motherwell

  Motherwell DC

  Industrial sludges

  Coke Ovens Area, Ravenscraig Works, Motherwell

  Motherwell DC

  Emergency disposal of coke manufacturing effluents into boreholes

  Auchinlea North

  Motherwell DC

  Asbestos, paint wastes, industrial effluent treatment sludge, interceptor wastes, acid tars

  Tweeniehills quarry, Kilarchan

  Renfrew DC

  Tanning wastes

  Birdston, Kirkintilloch

  Strathkelvin DC

  Major site for toxic liquids and industrial wastes

  Tayside Region

  Lochead Farm Landfill Site, Forfar

  Angus DC

  Asbestos

  Leysmill Quarry, Leysmill, Arbroath

  Angus DC

  Asbestos

  Leoch and Fallows Quarries, Rosemill, Dundee

  City of Dundee DC

  Asbestos

  Wellbank Quarry, Wellbank, Dundee

  City of Dundee DC

  Asbestos

  Luncarty Bleachfield, Luncarty, Perth

  Perth and Kinross DC

  Bleachworks residues

  Shetland Islands

  Sullom Voe Terminal, Calback Ness, Shetland Islands

  Shetland Islands Council

  Oil contaminated soil

  Sites which may accept clinical waste

  Site

  Authority Area

  Clinical Waste

  Component Authorised

  Kinneil Kerse Tip, Foreshore, Bo'ness

  Falkirk DC

  Veterinary wastes

  Lochead Tip, Wellwood, Dunfermline

  Dunfermline DC

  Veterinary wastes

  Melville Wood, Ladybank, Fife

  North East Fife DC

  Animal Carcasses (Prior Arrangement)

  Westburn Lane, St. Andrew's, Fife (Incinerator)

  North East Fife DC

  Medical, surgical, veterinary wastes. Carcasses and flesh

  Greenoakhill Tip, Glasgow, Strathclyde

  City of Glasgow DC

  Medical wastes

  Hunterston A Power Station
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the nuclear installations inspectorate will publish the long-term safety review for Hunterston A power station; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  I understand that the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate intends to publish this summer the findings on its assessment of the South of Scotland electricity board's long term safety review for Hunterston A power station.

  Fish Landings
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total values of all fish landings in Scotland for each year from May 1979 to the last available figures for the current year.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The total values of all fish landings into Scotland by United Kingdom and foreign vessels since 1979 are:

  Calendar year

  £ million

  1979

  124

  1980

  115

  1981

  128

  1982

  149

  1983

  173

  1984

  197

  1985

  219

  1986

  238

  1987

  278

  11988

  257

  21989

  50

  1 Provisional.

  2 January-March.

  Fishing Fleets
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total complement of the Scottish fishing fleets; what are the categories of vessels; how many fishermen are employed in the industry; and where are the home ports of the vessels.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  At the end of 1988 there were 8,71·1 fishermen employed in Scotland. The table shows the number of vessels in the Scottish fishing fleet at 31 December 1988 split by base district and by main method of fishing.

  The number of active vessels in the Scottish fishing fleet at the end of 1988

  Number

  (a) By base district

  Eyemouth

  151

  Pittenweem

  117

  Arbroath

  87

  Aberdeen

  53

  Peterhead

  153

  Fraserburgh

  169

  MacDuff

  100

  Buckie

  116

  Lossiemouth

  119

  Wick

  99

  Orkney

  103

  Shetland

  124

  Stornoway

  210

  Ullapool

  59

  Mallaig

  210

  400

  Number

  Oban

  125

  Campbeltown

  174

  Ayr

  128

  Kinlochbervie

  12

  Lochinver

  25

  Total All

  2,334

  (b) By main method of fishing

  Demersal

  Trawl

  423

  Seine

  251

  Lines

  63

  Other

  29

  Total Demersal

  766

  Pelagic

  Purse Seine

  46

  Pelagic Trawl

  6

  Other

  2

  Total Pelagic

  54

  Shellfish

  Nephrops Trawl

  466

  Other Shellfish

  1,068

  Total Shellfish

  1,514

  TOTAL ALL METHODS

  2,334

  Fish Processing
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the projects in the fish processing industry in Scotland which received European Community grant aid in the period May 1979 to May 1989 and the total value of grants given to each product.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is set out in the table. Awards are made under the EC Processing and Marketing Regulation 355/77.

  Year and title

  Grant awarded £

  1979

  Provision of fish freezing facilities at Whalsay, Shetland

  25,285

  Installation of equipment in a fish processing factory at Campbeltown, Argyll

  55,875

  Construction of a fish processing plant at Scalloway, Shetland

  35,331

  Installation of freezing facilities in a fish processing factory at Aberdeen

  26,451

  Installation of packaging equipment in a fish processing factory at Fraserburgh

  44,221

  Construction of a fish processing plant at Aberdeen

  160,173

  Provision of additional equipment in a fish processing plant at Aberdeen

  14,000

  Construction of a fish market at Aberdeen

  60,000

  1980

  Improvement of a fish processing plant at Stornoway, Western Isles

  65,468

  Equipment of a fish processing plant at Buckie, Grampian

  68,950

  Construction of a fish processing plant at Inverbervie, Grampian

  44,875

  Construction of a fish processing plant at Fraserburgh

  88,835

  Construction of a fish processing plant at Aberdeen

  65,770

  Improvement of a fish processing plant at Stonehaven

  28,312

  Construction of a fish processing plant at Aberdeen

  44,625

  Construction of a fish processing plant at Wick

  11,681

  Expansion of a fish processing plant at Aberdeen

  68,750

  1981

  Construction of a fish processing plant at Peterhead

  6,380

  401

  Year and title

  Grant awarded £

  Extension of a fish market at Kinlochbervie

  35,483

  Equipment of a fish processing plant at Scalloway, Shetland

  25,179

  Provision of a fish processing plant at Aberdeen

  29,250

  Improvement of a fish processing plant at Fraserburgh

  63,157

  Improvement of a fish processing plant at Annan

  79,718

  1982

  Expansion of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  62,100

  Construction of a fish market at Blackness Harbour, Scalloway, Shetland

  48,417

  Extension of a fish processing factory at Peterhead

  34,178

  Extension of a fish processing factory at Annan

  53,642

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Northmavine, Shetland

  92,787

  Provision of prawn processing facilities at Newton Stewart

  68,999

  1983

  Provision of additional fish processing facilities at Buckie

  210,961

  Improvement of a fish processing plant at Aberdeen

  23,780

  Expansion of a fish freezing plant at Aberdeen

  34,097

  New Factory for curing, smoking and freezing fish at Achiltibuie

  17,874

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Kyle of Lochalsh

  15,585

  Establishment of salmon processing plant at Inverness

  80,720

  Expansion of a fish processing factory at Inverbervie

  100,000

  1984

  Provision of a fish processing plant at Kirkwall, Orkney

  121,848

  Improvement of fish processing facilities at Mintlaw, Grampian

  26,509

  Installation of white fish processing equipment at a factory in Aberdeen

  79,733

  Improvement of fish processing facilities at Gairloch

  53,213

  Provision of additional fish processing equipment at Pittenweem, Fife

  11,261

  Extension of a fish processing factory at Scalloway, Shetland

  10,237

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  74,460

  Expansion of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  165,000

  Provision of fish freezing equipment at a factory at Aberdeen

  7,500

  Improvement of fish processing facilities at Fraserburgh

  48,250

  1985

  Improvement of a fish processing factory at Peterhead

  37,500

  Improvement of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  15,629

  Expansion of fish processing facilities at Fraserburgh

  58,141

  Expansion of fish processing facilities at Arbroath

  56,529

  Provision of additional fish processing equipment at Fraserburgh

  117,450

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  141,212

  Improvement of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  20,875

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Peterhead

  22,650

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Peterhead

  38,105

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Peterhead

  19,830

  Provision of fish chilling and freezing equipment at Kirkcudbright

  30,500

  Provision of fish processing equipment at Mintlaw, Grampian

  15,790

  Modernisation of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  36,609

  Provision of trout processing facilities at Bellshill

  30,002

  Extension of fish processing facilities at Mid Yell, Shetland

  15,451

  Modernisation of facilities for processing fish offal at Aberdeen

  159,955

  Extension of fish processing facilities at Kirkwall, Orkney

  7,334

  Expansion of fish processing facilities at Fraserburgh

  17,000

  Expansion of fish processing facilities at Boddam, Grampian

  111,915

  402

  Year and title

  Grant awarded £

  Expansion of fish processing facilities at Buckie, Grampian

  92,991

  Improvements to salmon processing facilities at Brydekirk, Dumfriesshire

  118,372

  Improvement of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  23,000

  Improvement of fish processing facilities at Peterhead

  27,782

  1986

  Improvement to fish processing facilities at Peterhead

  26,511

  Improvements to fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  56,468

  Expansion of fish freezing and storage facilities at Campbeltown, Argyll

  22,500

  Provision of fish grading and packing equipment at Aberdeen

  11,250

  Expansion of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  7,094

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  15,680

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  13,636

  Extension of fish processing facilities at Boddam, Grampian

  179,446

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Mintlaw, Grampian

  636,415

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Fraserburgh

  387,424

  Provision of drying facilities for use in production of fishmeal at Aberdeen

  109,422

  Installation of thawing equipment for the fish sector at Fraserburgh

  139,845

  Provision of fish processing equipment at Shetland

  31,295

  1987

  Modernisation of processing facilities for white fish at Peterhead

  8,509

  Provision of processing facilities for pelagic fish at Peterhead

  15,924

  Construction of a fish feed factory at Invergordon

  243,132

  Provision of fish and shellfish processing plant at Motherwell

  71,675

  Installation of plant and machinery for the handling of fish at Peterhead

  12,956

  Expansion of fish processing facilities at Duns

  71,221

  Provision of fish market at Fraserburgh

  107,300

  Extension of existing fish processing facilities at Macduff, Grampian

  7,989

  Provision of a fish processing factory at Peterhead

  58,559

  Provision of fish processing equipment at Fraserburgh

  25,944

  Provision of blast freezer for fish at Fraserburgh

  36,699

  Modernisation of fish processing facilities at Brydekirk, Annan

  70,064

  Expansion of shellfish processing plant at Inverurie

  58,750

  Provision of fish and shelfish processing facilities at Invergordon

  71,200

  Provision of a fish marketing building at Kinlochbervie Harbour, Highland region

  118,883

  Provision of additional fish processing equipment at Fraserburgh

  157,362

  Provision of fish packing equipment at Aberdeen

  46,110

  Provision of additional fish processing capacity at Aberdeen

  123,248

  1988

  Provision of additional fish processing equipment at Lerwick, Shetland

  52,521

  Provision of additional fish processing capacity at Buckie, Grampian

  44,266

  Provision of fish processing equipment at Mintlaw, Grampian

  96,830

  Provision of additional fish processing facilities at Tullos, Aberdeen

  40,641

  Modernisation of fish processing facilities at Fraserburgh

  253,206

  Provision of a blast freezer for fish at Aberdeen

  23,750

  Provision of salmon processing facilities at Arbroath

  51,648

  Establishment of fish curing and smoking plant at Kirkwall, Orkney

  93,809

  Modernisation and expansion of fish processing facilities at Peterhead

  68,578

  Provision of a fish house in Aberdeen

  11,310

  403

  Year and title

  Grant awarded £

  Provision of additional cold store capacity and fish processing machinery at Peterhead

  30,113

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Fraserburgh

  91,734

  Provision of fish grading, chilling and freezing facilities at Aberdeen

  107,336

  Provision of fish processing facilities at Aberdeen

  113,384

  114 projects-Total aid awarded

  7,825,179

  Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many owners of Scottish fishing vessels received grant aid for the modernisation programme in the period May 1979 to May 1989; and what was the total value of these grants;

  (2) what is the total value of grants aid given to the Scottish fishing industry in the period May 1979 to May 1989 for the building of new fishing vessels.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  During the period in question £93,181,802 was awarded in grant aid. This figure is made up of £25,880,605 EC assistance, £15,571,812 assistance from the Highlands and Islands Development Board and £51,729,385 in national grants. The EC assistance figure of £25,880,605 comprise £19,619,574 towards the cost of the building of new fishing vessels and £6,261,031 towards the cost of modernisations. The breakdown of the national grant aid and the assistance from the Highlands and Islands Development Board is not readily available, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Beef Premium
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the total values of payments made to farmers in Scotland for the beef premium in the period from May 1979 to May 1989; and how much of this was funded from the European Community and how much from the central Government.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The total payments made to farmers in Scotland for the beef variable premium from January 1979 to 2 April 1989 inclusive amount to £157·7 million. Of this total, £63·1 million was funded by the European Community and £94·6 million by the Government. This scheme was replaced by the beef special premium scheme on 3 April 1989, which is entirely funded by the Community. Payments under this scheme have just commenced.

  Sheepmeat Regime
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the total values of payments made to farmers in Scotland for the sheepmeat regime since 1979; and how much of this was from the European Community and how much from central Government in the period May 1979 to May 1989.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The total payments made to farmers in Scotland from January 1979 to April 1989 inclusive for the fat sheep guarantee scheme, sheep annual premium and sheep variable premium scheme amount to 404
  £375 million. Of this total £367·5 million was funded by the European Community and £7·5 million by the Government.

  Fishing (Loans)
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total value of loans made to the Scottish fishing industry from the Sea Fish Industry Authority in the period May 1979 to May 1989; and how many vessels these loans cover.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The total value of loans from the Sea Fish Industry Authority for the period May 1979 to May 1989 is £14,437,119. Information on the number of vessels assisted is not available as records relating to the earlier years have been destroyed.

  Military Establishments
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated total value to the economy of Scotland of the presence of military establishments of United Kingdom armed forces in various locations in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  It is not possible to provide comprehensive estimates. But details of the deployment of defence manpower in Scotland and estimates of defence equipment expenditure in Scotland are given in the table. There are no separate estimates of defence manpower expenditure in Scotland, although total United Kingdom defence expenditure on personnel in 1987–88 was £7,212 million.

  Scotland

  Total United Kingdom

  Defence manpower July 19881

  31,500

  2461,100

  Defence equipment expenditure3 (£ million)

  400

  6,600

  Source: Statement on the Defence Estimates 1989, Volume 2.

  1 Includes civilian and military manpower.

  2 Includes 97,800 personnel stationed overseas.

  3 This estimate is based on the location of the main supplier for each contract and does not take account of the location of sub-contractors.

  Tourism
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total value of tourism in Scotland in each of the years from May 1979 to April 1989.

  Mr. Lang
  Figures for 1988 and 1989 are not yet available.

  Domestic/Overseas Tourism Expenditure

  £ million Cash prices

  1979

  590

  1980

  659

  1981

  718

  1982

  760

  1983

  897

  1984

  1,423

  1985

  1,421

  1986

  1,576

  1987

  1,894

  Source: Domestic: British Tourism Survey up to 1983, National Survey of Tourism in Scotland from 1983, Overseas: International Passenger Survey.

  Harbours
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many harbour projects in Scotland have been carried out in the period from May 1979 to April 1989; where are the locations; how much money was granted to these projects; and what were the sources of the funds.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  From May 1979 to April 1989, the harbours listed in the table received grant from DAFS under section 2 of the Fisheries Act 1955, amounting to a total of £8,146,558

  Fife

  Anstruther

  Crail

  Pittenweem

  Grampian

  Aberdeen1

  Buckie

  Burghead

  Fraserburgh1

  Gourdon

  Lossiemouth

  Macduff

  Peterhead1

  Stonehaven

  Whitehills

  Highland

  Keiss1

  Kinlochbervie1

  Lochinver

  Lybster

  Mallaig1

  Ullapool

  Wick

  Lothians

  Port Seton

  Orkney

  Trumland

  Westray

  Shetland

  Blackness (Scalloway)1

  Cullivoe

  Lerwick

  Symbister1

  Strathclyde

  Ayr

  Campbeltown1

  Gairloch1

  Girvan

  Oban

  Port Ellen

  Tarbert

  Central

  Arbroath

  Western Isles

  Stornoway1

  Uig

  1 During the same period, these harbours were also awarded grant from the European Regional Development Fund amounting to a total of £7,596,291.

  The following harbours received grant only from the European regional development fund:

  Kylesku

  John o' Groats

  Carradale

  Gravir

  Highlands and Islands Development Board
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total budget for the Highlands and Islands Development Board for the years May 1979 to April 1989; how much central Government gave towards the budget; and how much was obtained from other sources.

  Mr. Lang
  The table sets out grant-in-aid from central Government to the Highlands and Islands Development Board, receipts from other sources and gross expenditure for the financial years 1979–80 to 1988–89.

  Highlands and Islands development board

  Expenditure 1979–80 to 1988–89 (£ million at outturn prices)

  Year

  Grant-in-aid

  Receipts

  Gross Expenditure

  1979–80

  17·4

  3·9

  21·3

  1980–81

  20·0

  3·7

  23·7

  1981–82

  22·9

  4·4

  27·3

  1982–83

  27·5

  5·2

  32·7

  1983–84

  31·3

  6·8

  38·1

  1984–85

  34·6

  7·5

  42·1

  1985–86

  30·4

  9·2

  39·6

  1986–87

  26·4

  9·1

  35·5

  1987–88

  26·2

  11·7

  37·9

  1988–89

  31·6

  10·4

  42·0

  Agricultural Development Programmes
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many ADPs are operating in Scotland; where are the locations; what is the total value of grants made to farmers under these schemes; and what is the source of these funds.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  There is one agricultural development programme (ADP) operating in Scotland covering the islands off the north and west coasts but excluding the Western Isles which have recently benefited from an integrated development programme.

  The programme provides for expenditure by the United Kingdom Government of £38 million (of which £27 million has already been committed) over a five-year period with reimbursement at the rate of 40 per cent. from the guidance section of the European agricultural guarantee and guidance fund.

  Fishing (Aid)
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much financial aid has been given to the fishing industry under the European agriculture guidance and guarantee fund scheme since May 1979 to date.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  A total of £25,800,605 has been awarded to the Scottish fishing industry for the construction and modernisation of fishing vessels.

  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many grants have been given to members of the Scottish fishing industry under the European agriculture guidance and guarantee fund scheme since May 1979 to May 1989; and how many new vessels were built with those grants.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  A total of 561, of which 196 were for the construction of new vessels.

  Doctors and Dentists (Retirement)
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has made for introducing a retirement age for general medical and dental practitioners and for abolishing 24-hour retirement without abatement of pension; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  As we made clear in "General Practice in the NHS: A New Contract", issued to all Scottish GPs on 12 April, compulsory retirement for general medical practitioners aged 70 or over will be introduced from April 1991.

  We intend to reduce the retirement age to 65 in due course, as proposed in the White Paper "Working for Patients". The arguments for doing so in terms of standards of services to patients are strong. However we are proceeding on a longer timetable for that proposal and our first objective is to introduce a compulsory retirement age of 70 for GPs.

  "Promoting Better Health" made clear that similar provisions should apply to general dental practitioners. We will, therefore, introduce a retirement age of 65 on April 1997. This age will be introduced in stages. That is, dental practitioners aged 72 or over on 1 April 1990 will have to retire on that date. The age of retirement will be reduced thereafter year by year after 1990 until it reaches 65 in 1997. We have negotiated with the general dental services committee compensation payments for those dentists who retire in the first three years of the scheme for loss in respect of the sale of goodwill of their practices.

  Regulations on the compulsory retirement of GPs and dentists will be published in the next few months.

  Turning to 24-hour retirement, we will end from April 1990 the provision whereby a general medical or ophthalmic medical practitioner, or dental practitioner, may on reaching 65 retire, draw his or her pension and return to practice after 24 hours without abatement of pension. This provision is wholly exceptional in the public sector. It was introduced to encourage elderly practitioners to remain in practice at a time when there was a shortage of young doctors and dentists. Now that there are adequate numbers of younger doctors and dentists the arrangement is no longer justified. The position of those practitioners who currently benefit under this provision will be protected.

DEFENCE

  Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence is he has any further information about the dangers of radiation from nuclear tests.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It is the function of the Government's independent advisors on radiological protection matters, the National Radiological Protection Board, to review all new information, including that on the test veterans, and advise the Government accordingly.

  Submarines
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning incidents involving submarines and fishing vessels.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  As I told the hon. Member on 11 April 1989 at column 515, letters continue to be received
  408
  from fishermen's organisations and from other interested groups about a number of incidents in which submarines are alleged to have been involved. The hon. Member himself raised this subject with the Royal Navy and the US Navy in Scotland yesterday during an all-party visit to Faslane and Holy Loch.

  Mr. Janman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest position regarding discussions between his Department, the port of Tilbury and Thurrock borough council regarding the use of the port of Tilbury by nuclear-powered Royal Navy submarines; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  As I said in my answer to the hon. Member for Clwyd, South-West (Mr. Jones) on 9 March at column 677, my officials have had preliminary discussions with port and local authorities about visits to Tilbury by Royal Navy ships, including nuclear powered submarines. This remains the position. It would be premature to anticipate the outcome of these discussions at this stage.

  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to update the Royal Navy's plans for evacuation and safety in the event of an accident to a nuclear submarine which involves an escape of radiation.

  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to update the Royal Navy's plans for evacuation and safety in the event of an accident to a nuclear submarine which involves an escape of radiation.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to update the Royal Navy's plans for evacuation and safety in the event of an accident to a nuclear submarine which involves an escape of radiation.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to update the Royal Navy's plans for evacuation and safety in the event of an accident to a nuclear submarine which involves an escape of radiation.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  All aspects of planning for accidents in Royal navy nuclear-powered submarines are kept under constant review.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many incidents have there been during the past 10 years in which allegations have been made of submarines fouling fishing nets in the Irish sea; and in how many of these alleged incidents it has been substantiated that United Kingdom submarines have been involved.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Since 1982, the date from which information is held, we are able to trace 35 cases in which Royal Navy submarines are alleged to have been in collision with fishing vessels or their gear in the Irish sea, Clyde approaches and north Channel. Six of these allegations were substantiated following investigation.

  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the nature and circumstances of navigational problems encountered by Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines at the port of Hull.
  409
  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Entry by submarines into the port of Hull was complicated by the tides there. In 1983, a nuclear-powered submarine had to turn back at the point of entering Hull as a safe entry could not be guaranteed in the bad weather conditions at the time. In 1985, another nuclear-powered submarine was exposed to the risk of slight external damage while it was being guided into the port. In the light of these incidents, and the emphasis we place on the safety of nuclear-powered vessels, we reluctantly decided that the navigational risks of nuclear-powered submarines visiting Hull under these circumstances outweighed the benefits of such visits, even though Hull was popular with submarine crews and previous visits had been a great success.

  RAF Upper Heyford
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations and representations he has received about future uses of RAF Upper Heyford.

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations and representations he has received about future uses of RAF Upper Heyford.

  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultation and representations he has received about future use of RAF Upper Heyford.

  Mr. Wall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultation and representations he has received about future use of RAF Upper Heyford.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  NATO has not yet taken decisions on restructuring its forces following the INF treaty; no are decisions imminent. In the meantime, the British Government have not agreed to any changes to the role of aircraft of the 20th tactical fighter wing based at RAF Upper Heyford, which forms an important part of NATO'S longer-range intermediate-range strike capability. My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations about the future use of the base from hon. Members and members of the public.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government's current proposals to modernise short-range nuclear forces.

  Mr. Patchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government's current proposals to modernise short-range nuclear forces.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government's current proposals to modernise short-range nuclear forces.

  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government's current proposals to modernise short-range nuclear forces.

  Mr. Younger
  Along with their allies, the British Government believe that to support the strategy of flexible response NATO requires a mix of nuclear forces, including 410
  short-range systems, and that these need to be kept up to date and effective where necessary. However, specific proposals on modernisation are made by the appropriate NATO authorities, not by individual nations.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the development, procurement and deployment of short-range attack missiles with a nuclear capability.

  Mr. Sedgemore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the development, procurement and deployment of short-range attack missiles with a nuclear capability.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the development, procurement and deployment of short-range attack missiles with a nuclear capability.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the development, procurement and deployment of short-range attack missiles with a nuclear capability.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We are currently considering the options for a possible delivery system for a replacement for the United Kingdom's theatre nuclear weapons, including a derivative of the American short-range attack missile II, the SRAM(T). The SRAM(T) has already been selected by the Pentagon as the basis for a United States nuclear stand-off missile programme.

  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what short-range nuclear air-launched weapons the Warsaw pact has discontinued operating during the 1980s.

  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what short-range nuclear air-launched weapons the Warsaw pact has discontinued operating during the 1980s.

  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what short-range nuclear air-launched weapons the Warsaw pact has discontinued operating during the 1980s.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what short-range nuclear air-launched weapons the Warsaw pact has discontinued operating during the 1980s.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We have no evidence to indicate that the Warsaw pact has discontinued the use of any of its air-launched nuclear weapons since 1980. Indeed, there are signs that the variety of these weapons held by the Soviet air forces has been increased.

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from his Belgian counterpart about Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the modernisation of short-range nuclear weapons.

  Mr. Allen McKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from his Belgian counterpart about Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the modernisation of short-range nuclear weapons.
  411
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from his Belgian counterpart about Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the modernisation of short-range nuclear weapons.

  Mr. Younger
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Eastham).

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what short-range nuclear missiles the Warsaw pact has discontinued operating during the 1980s.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what short-range nuclear missiles the Warsaw pact has discontinued operating during the 1980s.

  Mr. Andy Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what short-range nuclear missiles the Warsaw pact has discontinued operating during the 1980s.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We do not believe that the Warsaw pact has discontinued the use of any short-range missile systems during the 1980s. It retains a massive 16:1 superiority over NATO in short-range nuclear-capable missile launchers in Europe. The FROG-7 missile, with a range of 70 km has been replaces by the SS-21 missile, with a range of 120 km, in the forward area. We have no indication that the FROG-7s withdrawn have been destroyed. The SS-1 SCUD has been upgraded and remains in service with the Warsaw pact.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the most recent proposals for new nuclear artillery shells.

  Mr. Ray Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the most recent proposals for new nuclear artillery shells.

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the most recent proposals for new nuclear artillery shells.

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

  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what short-range nuclear artillery the Warsaw pact has discontinued operating during the 1980s.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  There is no evidence that Soviet artillery pieces capable of firing nuclear rounds have been removed from service in the 1980s. On the contrary, the Soviet Union has improved both quantitatively and qualitatively its nuclear-capable artillery with the introduction of new weapons systems: the 152mm 2S5, the long-range 203mm 2S7, and the 240mm 2S4 mortar. These new systems provide much greater mobility and firepower.

  MOD Police
  Mr. Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy toward the deployment of members of the Ministry of Defence police on land outside his Department's responsibility.

  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy toward the deployment of members of the Ministry of Defence police on land outside his Department's responsibility.
  412
  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy toward the deployment of members of the Ministry of Defence police on land outside his Department's responsibility.

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

  Armoured Vehicles
  Mr. Summerson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what armoured vehicles have been ordered by his Department for the Army since 1979.

  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what armoured vehicles have been ordered by his Department for the Army since 1979.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer which I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Mr. Mitchell).

  Baghdad International Exhibition
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about defence sales arising from the Baghdad international exhibition.

  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about defence sales arising from the Baghdad international exhibition.

  Mr. Terry Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about defence sales arising from the Baghdad international exhibition.

  Ms. Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about defence sales arising from the Baghdad international exhibition.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It is too early to know if the exhibition gave rise to any defence sales prospects to Iraq or other countries. Any overseas sale would require an export licence and any for Iraq would be considered against the guidelines announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary on 29 October 1985, at column 454.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his United States counterpart about development in the United States of new types of chemical weapons.

  Mr. Haynes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his United States counterpart about development in the United States of America of new types of chemical weapons.

  Mr. Graham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his United States counterpart about development in the United States of America of new types of chemical weapons.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his United States counterpart about development in the United States of new types of chemical weapons.
  413
  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has regular discussions with his United States counterpart on a wide range of defence issues. They last met at the nuclear planning group meeting in Brussels on 19 and 20 April.

  Soviet Strategy (Maskirovka)
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evidence his Department has that the Soviets are continuing to practise deception known as maskirovka, as part of their general strategy.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The concept of Maskirovka ("masking") is strongly emphasised in Soviet military writings, where it is held to have contributed to their successes in world war II. It embraces all concealment and deception techniques at every level from the strategic to the tactical. Maskirovka continues to be a key element in Soviet military doctrine and we have no evidence that its importance has diminished.

  NATO
  Mr. Couchman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received seeking the reduction of the United Kingdom's defence budget to the average North Atlantic Treaty Organisation level.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  None. The United Kingdom's defence expenditure and the extent of our contribution to the Alliance is substantially above the NATO median. The United Kingdom's defence budget is planned to rise in real terms over the period to 1991–92 and taking into account the latest reported budgetary plans of the other members of the Alliance, the United Kingdom is likely to remain amongst the leading contributors.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next plans to meet the Secretary General of NATO; and what matters will be discussed.

  Mr. Younger
  I next expect to see Dr. Woerner at the meeting of NATO's defence planning committee next month. We shall discuss a wide range of subjects of mutual interest.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on(a) the failures and, (b) the successes, of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation since 1959.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Since the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April 1949, NATO has been outstandingly successful in keeping the peace in Europe during times of instability and rapid change in many parts of the world.

  Malta
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met his Maltese counterpart; and what subjects were discussed.

  Mr. Younger
  The Premier, Dr. Fenech-Adami, is the Minister with responsibility for the Maltese armed forces. We have held no substantive bilateral talks, although I met him during his visit to London last September.

  Education Support
  Dr. Twinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training and education support is provided by his Department for Commonwealth and other friendly nations.

  Mr. Neubert
  Training and education support for Commonwealth and other friendly nations is provided by allocating places on United Kingdom service training courses to students from those countries and by sending service training teams overseas to assist our friends and allies in establishing their own training colleges and organisations in an effective and efficient way.

  West Germany
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement upon his recent discussions with his West German counterpart.

  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement upon his recent discussions with his West German counterpart.

  Mr. Younger
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Newport, East (Mr. Hughes).

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next plans to meet the Secretary of State for Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany; and what matters will be discussed.

  Mr. Younger
  I expect to meet Dr. Stoltenberg to discuss a range of matters of mutual defence interest, at the meeting of NATO's defence planning committee next month.

  Force Levels
  Mr. Gow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the Army, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Marines are below their established strengths; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neubert
  Shortfalls in service manpower are measured by comparing adult trained strengths against trained manpower requirements. As at 31 March 1989, shortfalls were Royal Navy 1,380, Royal Marines 43, Army 3,006, Royal Air Force 2,797. In order to encourage greater efficiency in the use of manpower, policy decisions have been taken to aim manpower plans at levels a little below the full requirement. Not all of these shortfalls are, therefore, unplanned.

  WEU Assembly
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when next he intends to address the Western European Union Assembly; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Younger
  I shall be addressing the Western European Union Assembly on 4 June. This will provide a welcome opportunity to report on the achievements of the United Kingdom Presidency.

  Lance Missile
  Mr. Brian Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is current NATO policy on the possible replacement of the Lance missile.
  415
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is current NATO policy on the possible replacement of the Lance missile.

  Mr. Maxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is current NATO policy on the possible replacement of the Lance missile.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is current NATO policy on the possible replacement of the Lance missile.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  At their recent meeting in Brussels in the nuclear planning group, NATO Defence Ministers expressed their determination to maintain effective nuclear forces across the entire spectrum, including short-range missiles, and agreed that these forces must be kept up to date where necessary.

  Z-berths
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the declaration of further civilian port facilities as Z-berths.

  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy toward the declaration of further civilian port facilities as Z-berths.

  Mr. Buckley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy toward the declaration of further civilian port facilities as Z-berths.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy toward the declaration of further civilian port facilities as Z-berths.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Royal Navy's requirements for port visits by nuclear-powered submarines are continually under review. When a port appears suitable and practicable, the safety considerations are discussed with local civilian authorities before a final decision is taken.

  Frigates and Destroyers
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement about!the procurement of frigates and destroyers for the Royal Navy.

  Mr. Ted Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement about the procurement of frigates and destroyers for the Royal Navy.

  Mr. Caborn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement about the procurement of frigates and destroyers for the Royal Navy.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement about the procurement of frigates and destroyers for the Royal Navy.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Government remain committed to maintain a force of about 50 destroyers and frigates and has plans for sufficient new orders to achieve this target. I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave on 28 April 1989 at column 686 of the Official Report for details of the recent invitation to tender for further type 23 frigates.

  "Defence and the Environment"
  Mr. Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in implementing the proposals outlined in his Department's booklet, "Defence and the Environment."

  Mr. Neubert
  "Defence and the Environment" was published in 1987 as part of the Department's contribution to the European Year of the Environment. It did not contain any specific proposals, but described the extent of conservation activity on the defence estate. We continue to place a high priority on conservation in the management of our estate and the number of local conservation groups has continued to increase. In January 1988, we concluded a joint declaration of intent with the Nature Conservancy Council with which we enjoy a close working relationship.

  Contracting Out
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the estimated annual saving made by his Department since 1979 in contracting out defence support services.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Since 1979 and up to March 1988, contracting out of defence support services, excluding the transfer of the royal dockyards to commercial management, has resulted in a net financial saving now running at some £50 million per annum and a reduction of over 13,000 mainly civilian public sector posts.

  French Defence Minister
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when next he intends meeting the French Defence Minister; and what matters will be discussed.

  Mr. Younger
  I have no firm plans for an early meeting with M. Chevenement.

  Guerrilla Warfare
  Mr. Hanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what part guerrilla warfare has in his Department's plans for the defence of the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what part guerrilla warfare has in his Department's plans for the defence of the United Kindom.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  None. The defence of the United Kingdom is based upon our membership of the NATO Alliance and upon our possession, within the Alliance, of strong conventional forces and of a credible nuclear deterrent. By these means peace has been maintained within Europe for 40 years since the formation of NATO in 1949.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now consider establishing an independent inquiry into the need for low flying.

  Mr. Neubert
  No.

  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the number of low-flying sorties over
  417
  the Tynedale area in Northumberland in 1988; what is the estimated number for 1989; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neubert
  Central records are not held in a form which would enable the information requested for 1988 to be provided; nor is it possible to estimate the level of activity that the Tynedale area will see during 1989. I can assure my hon. Friend, however, that the Government will continue to do all within their power to minimise the disturbance caused by low-flying training and to spread this activity as widely and fairly as possible throughout the country.

  NATO (Nuclear Planning)
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had recently with NATO Ministers about the modernisation of NATO's short-range nuclear weapons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent NATO nuclear planning group meeting.

  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent NATO nuclear planning group meeting.

  Mr. Younger
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Provan (Mr. Wray).

  NATO (Arms Levels)
  Ms. Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his NATO allies about levels of(a) conventional arms, and (b) tactical nuclear forces, in Europe.

  Mr. Flannery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his NATO allies about levels of(a) conventional arms, and (b) tactical nuclear forces, in Europe.

  Mr. James Lamond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his NATO allies about levels of(a) conventional arms and (b) tactical nuclear forces in Europe.

  Mr. Buchan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies about levels of(a) conventional arms and (b) tactical nuclear forces in Europe.

  Mr. Younger
  I hold regular discussions with my NATO colleagues on a wide range of defence issues. We last met at the nuclear planning group on 19 and 20 April; and we shall be meeting again next month in the defence planning committee.

  Plessey
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further assessment he has made in the light of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report of the implications for defence procurement of the GEC/Siemens bid for Plessey; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the defence implications of the GEC/Siemens bid for Plessey.
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  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Monopolies and Mergers Commission concluded in its report that the bid for GEC and Siemens for Plessey could proceed provided certain undertakings were secured. The MOD's view of the implications of the bid were clearly stated in the MMC report. My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry placed responsibility on the MOD to secure two of these undertakings. Discussions to this end are now in hand.

  Ships (Orders)
  Dr. Blackburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what ships have been ordered by his Department for the Royal Navy since 1979.

  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what ships have been ordered by his Department for the Royal Navy since 1979.

  Mr David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what ships have been ordered by his Department for the Royal Navy since 1979.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer my hon. Friend to table 5 of volume 1 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates."

  MARILYN
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what roles are envisaged for women in MARILYN, the study on future manpower policy.

  Mr. Neubert
  The MARILYN study recognised that the wider employment of women would assist in meeting the Army's manpower requirements.

  Soviets Strategy (Afghanistan)
  Mr. Irvine
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has evidence that the Soviets have adapted their military thinking as a consequence of their experiences in Afghanistan.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The nine-year Soviet occupation of Afghanistan inevitably provided the Soviet Union with an extensive opportunity to learn practical lessons on the battlefield. The nature of the irregular warfare in Afghanistan forced the Soviet armed forces to adapt their traditional, heavily-mechanised tactics to suit local conditions and they recognised the requirement for greater flexibility in thought and action. Nevertheless, overall the lessons learned by the Soviets in Afghanistan have limited application in the NATO area.

  Burden Sharing
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the latest United States plans for burden sharing will affect United Kingdom defence costs and commitments.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the latest United States plans for burden sharing will affect United Kingdom defence costs and commitments.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Clay).

  Trident
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the Trident testing programme.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the Trident testing programme.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the Trident testing programme.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  A series of 19 firings from a land-based launch pad was completed in January. 15 were complete successes, and one a partial success. The first test firing from a submarine on 21 March was terminated four seconds into the flight by the missile's self-destruct mechanism. The United States investigation into the cause of the failure has identified the need for modifications to the first stage thrust control system. It is planned to trial these modifications during the next submarine-launched test flight towards the end of July.

  Nuclear Defence Establishments (Safety)
  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated annual cost of securing Britain's nuclear defence establishments from infiltration by protest organisations.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Security measures at Britain's defence nuclear establishments are designed to provide protection against a range of potential threats, principally espionage, sabotage, terrorism and subversion. However, it is not possible to identify that part of the total cost of protection which is attributable to the activity of protesters.

  Tanks
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the relative vulnerability of tanks as a result of likely technological changes over the next 10 years.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The vulnerability of all our weapon systems, including tanks, is kept under review.

  Sweden
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next intends visiting Sweden; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Younger
  I enjoyed a most successful and interesting visit to Sweden from 23 to 26 April. I saw the full range of the Swedish defence forces' impressive capabilities and had useful discussions on matters of mutual interest with Mr. Carlsson, the Defence Minister.

  Exports
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the levels of export defence sales supported by DESO in 1988–89.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The DESO continues to assist British companies market and sell their defence products overseas. It is through the sustained efforts of British 420
  industry, with the support of the DESO, that Britain maintains her position in the world as a major exporter of defence equipment. A broad overall view of United Kingdom successes is given in the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1989" which records that new contracts signed in 1988 are expected to be worth £3,500 million—a sign of the competitiveness of the British defence industry.

  Nuclear-powered Naval Vessels (Accidents)
  Mr. Douglas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the nature of the contacts between his Department and the relevant United States and Russian authorities in relation to co-operation in the event of accidents to nuclear-powered naval vessels.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Ministry of Defence would, where possible, lend whatever assistance was requested in the event of an accident involving a nuclear-powered naval vessel belonging to another country.

  Warsaw Pact Operational Manoeuvre Groups
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has on the future of the Warsaw pact's operational manoeuvre groups.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We have no evidence that the Soviet Union has abandoned the deep strike element of its offensive doctrine. The concept of the operational manoeuvre group, which is to maintain the momentum of attack throughout the entire depth of its operational area, remains an integral part of that doctrine.

  Soviet Air Force
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evidence he has that the Soviet air force has reduced its offensive capability.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Wyre (Mr. Mans).

  Nimrod
  Mr. Favell
  To ask the Secretary of State For Defence if he will make a statement on the location of the Nimrod AEW airframes and the use to which they are to be put.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Three Nimrod AEW airframes have been broken up for spares to support the Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft fleet. A fourth is a ground instructional aircraft at RAF Finningley. The remaining aircraft are currently at RAF Abingdon. Following careful consideration, we have concluded that there is no viable alternative use for five of these airframes, and they are now being used for spares to support the Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft fleet. The future use of the last two airframes is still under consideration.

  36 Engineer Regiment
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusion he has reached following the consideration of the possibility of redeploying 36 Engineer regiment from Maidstone.
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  Mr. Neubert
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has reviewed the possible deployment options for 36 Engineer Regiment. Having carefully considered the range of factors involved, he has concluded that the regiment should remain based at Maidstone.

  Nuclear-powered Submarines
  Mr. Conway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the results of the environmental radiation monitoring which is carried out by his Department in connection with nuclear-powered submarine operation.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Defence Radiological Protection Service will publish the results of environmental radiation monitoring carried out around nuclear-powered submarine berths in the United Kingdom, in the form of an annual report. With the agreement of the United States Government, results of monitoring carried out by the United States Navy in Holy Loch will also be included. The first published report, covering 1988 monitoring results, should be available in the summer of this year.

  Arms Talks
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his counterparts in West Germany and other NATO countries about nuclear and conventional arms in recent weeks; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Younger
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Provan (Mr. Wray). We shall be discussing conventional defence matters at a meeting of the NATO defence planning committee in June.

  United States of America (Defence Secretary)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next expects to meet the United States Defence Secretary.

  Mr. Younger
  I next expect to meet the United States Secretary for Defence at the meeting of NATO's defence planning committee next month.

  Disarmament
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a table showing(a) the total number and explosive capacity, respectively, of all nuclear warheads removed from deployment, (b) the total number and description of all chemical weapons removed from deployment and (c) the total number of conventional weapons and descriptions of each type removed from deployment by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation since 1959; and whether the withdrawals were made by unilateral or multilateral decisions.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Much of the information requested is not available in the detail and format required or is classified. However, I am able to offer the following comments:

  (a) In 1979, NATO Defence Ministers agreed to reduce by 1,000 the number of nuclear warheads stockpiled in Europe, and in 1983 (at Montebello) agreed to reduce the stockpile by a further 1,400 warheads.
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  These two actions brought the NATO nuclear stockpile in Europe to its lowest level since 1969. This level is being further reduced as warheads are removed in association with the implementation of the INF treaty.

  (b) There are no chemical weapons declared to NATO. The United Kingdom abandoned its own chemical weapons capability in the late 1950s. The United States has only a limited retaliatory capability and has announced at the opening of the CFE talks in March 1989 that it would accelerate the withdrawal of its CW stocks from the Federal Republic of Germany, previously planned to be completed by 1992. Moreover, the United States has destroyed some 15 million pounds of chemical agent since 1970.

  (c) We do not hold comprehensive information on all the past modernisation and disposal measures which have been carried out by our NATO allies.

  Nuclear Waste
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the last sea dump of radioactive waste arising from military uses of nuclear materials took place; what was the total quantity of radioactivity contained in radioactive waste packages of military origin nuclear waste disposed of at sea; what volume of such radioactive waste has been disposed of at sea; and if there are any plans to renew the sea disposal of radioactive wastes arising from defence programmes.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It has not been the Government's practice to provide a detailed breakdown between civil and military sources of the drummed radioactive wastes disposed of at sea in the operations up to and including 1982. As required under the London dumping convention (LDC), global figures have been given to the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy informed the House on 26 May 1988 at column 233, the Government have decided not to resume sea dumping of drummed radioactive wastes, but intend to keep open this option for large items arising from decommissioning operations.

  Condor II Missile
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy,Official Report, 17 March, column 379, whether the Condor II ballistic missile under development by Argentina has the capacity to be fitted with nuclear warheads.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We cannot rule out the possibility that Condor II could be technically capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. We have, however, seen nothing to suggest that Argentina currently has a nuclear weapons programme.

  Plutonium
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any plutonium placed up to 1 April 1969 in the defence stockpile managed by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority has since been used in a nuclear test explosion.
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  Mr. Sainsbury
  It is not our practice to comment on the nature or source of fissile material used in nuclear test explosions other than to say it has been material manufactured for defence purposes outside safeguards and free of end-use restrictions.

  Military Bases
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will place in the Library, copies of all environmental impact statements prepared for the United States Congress to cover United Kingdom military bases leased to, or made available to, United States military forces based in the United Kingdom;

  (2) what plans he has to initiate legislation to cover (a) the production of environmental impact statements to cover all United Kingdom military bases in the United Kingdom and abroad, and (b) the removal of Crown immunity from United Kingdom military bases.

  Mr. Neubert
  While the Town and Country Planning Acts do not apply to Crown development, the MOD follows the provisions of DOE circular 18/84, Welsh circular 23/88 and Scottish Development Department circular 21/84.

  Similarly the requirement for environmental impact assessments is set out in DOE circular 15/88, Welsh Office circular 23/88 and Scottish Development Department circular 13/88. The MOD follows these provisions. No environmental impact assessments have been produced on behalf of United States forces based in the United Kingdom.

  "Science and Mythology in the Making of Defence Policy"
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will obtain for his departmental library a copy of "Science and Mythology in the Making of Defence Policy", published in November 1988.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Ministry of Defence library already has a copy.

  "Pressure: How America Runs NATO"
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will obtain for his departmental library a copy of, "Pressure: How America Runs NATO", published in March.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Ministry of Defence library ordered a copy before the publication date, and is presently awaiting delivery.

  Defence Policy
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the failures of implementation of Her Majesty's Government's defence policy since May 1979; and if he will make a statement on why policy failures have occurred.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  This Government have been successful in implementing their defence policy.

  Research Contracts
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many research contracts or agreements in universities 424
  or other institutions of higher education, which are currently being funded by his Department, are in each classification of secrecy.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The MOD has currently 757 agreements and 96 contracts with United Kingdom universities and other higher education institutions. Four agreements and one contract are classified confidential; the remainder of the agreements and contracts are unclassified.

  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contracts and agreements have existed in the past five years between his Department and universities and other institutions of higher education for research related to the verification of arms control treaties by seismology; from which Ministry of Defence research establishment contracts or agreements originated; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to her on 24 February at column 847.

  US Military Forces
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the value to the Scottish economy of United States based military forces.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We estimate that the overall economic impact of United States military forces based in the United Kingdom is about £700 million for 1988, but no separate assessment has been made for Scotland.

  European Fighter Aircraft
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on resolving the choice of radars for the European fighter aircraft.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The United Kingdom and our EFA partners are in the process of evaluating the merits of the competing tenders. A decision will be reached at the earliest opportunity.

  Defence Procurement
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further steps he is taking to improve the process of defence procurement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Efforts to improve the process of defence procurement, aimed at achieving better value for money, will continue unabated. We shall continue to stress the importance of competition and a more commercial approach to contracting, and we will continue to encourage the widest possible range of companies to compete for our business. In particular, the new suppliers service, launched in November 1988 to extend the range of the highly successful work of the small firms advice division, encourages new suppliers of any size and background to bring their products and services to the attention of the MOD.

  We are continuing to implement the recommendations of the Jordan/Lee/Cawsey report "Learning From Experience" including those concerning a fully professional approach to project management.

  We are encouraging our allies, through the NATO conference of national armamaments directors (CNAD), also to adopt a more commercial approach to defence

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  procurement. Within Europe, we wholeheartedly support the work of the Independent European Programme Group (IEPG), which we currently chair, which aims to promote a more open market in defence goods.

  Dog Training
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made with his review of dog training at the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Melton Mowbray.

  Mr. Neubert
  It is hoped that consideration of the consultant's recommendation may be completed in June.

  Contracts (Competitive Tender)
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what improvements in efficiency have been achieved since his Department adopted a policy of increasing the number of contracts subject to competitive tender.
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  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 27 April 1989]: The increased use of competitive tendering is at the heart of the MOD's more commercial approach to defence procurement. This approach continues to bring substantial cash savings, and to encourage better quality and more timely delivery of equipment. It also continues to promote improvements in the efficiency and competitiveness of the British defence industry, contributing to its recent export successes, and its position as the world's third largest defence exporter.

  The use of competitive tendering for defence services, since 1979, has led to a net financial saving now running at some £50 million a year, has improved efficiency and has permitted service manpower to be redeployed to front-line tasks. Large savings have been made in areas such as cleaning, catering, grounds maintenance and security guarding, but contractors also manage many other support activities and facilities for the services, including the royal dockyards. More details are given on page 35 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1989".

  BRITISH LIBRARY MOVE: GOVERNMENT AID
  BRITISH LIBRARY MOVE: GOVERNMENT AID
  BRITISH LIBRARY NEW TECHNOLOGY: FUNDING
  BRITISH LIBRARY NEW TECHNOLOGY: FUNDING
  BRITISH LIBRARY: NEW SITE
  BRITISH LIBRARY: NEW SITE
  NITRATE SENSITIVE AREAS: CONSULTATION DOCUMENT
  NITRATE SENSITIVE AREAS: CONSULTATION DOCUMENT
  SUCKLER COW PREMIUM
  SUCKLER COW PREMIUM
  HONG KONG: APPLICANTS FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP
  HONG KONG: APPLICANTS FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP
  EUROPEAN BROADCASTING DIRECTIVES: PROPOSAL
  EUROPEAN BROADCASTING DIRECTIVES: PROPOSAL
  METROPOLITAN POLICE ACTIONS: ALLEGATIONS
  METROPOLITAN POLICE ACTIONS: ALLEGATIONS
  PRISON QUARTERS, WAYLAND: VALUATION
  PRISON QUARTERS, WAYLAND: VALUATION