Written Answers of 11 May 1989

NATIONAL FINANCE

  War Loan
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates to be(a) the number of surviving holders of three per cent. war loan who purchased the stock when it was issued and (b) the total nominal value of the stock held by them.

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

  Crombie Rules
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the Crombie set of rules on the Civil Service.

  Mr. Brooke
  There is no Crombie set of rules on the Civil Service. However, I am writing to the hon. Member with details of the compensation terms, known as the Crombie code, which applied widely in the public sector from 1947 for those who became redundant as a result of nationalisation or statutory reorganisations. As the House was told on 3 July 1980(Official Report, column 1823), the need for the Crombie code has long since ceased to exist.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Open University
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has on what research is currently conducted by the open university at its central Milton Keynes campus and its regions, sponsored from the central annual grant to the university.

  Mr. Jackson
  It is for the open university to decide how much of its recurrent grant should be spent on research. In 1988–89 over £8 million was spent from recurrent grant; this is in addition to funding received from the research councils, DES research grants and other sources. Areas of research cover science and technology, social sciences, arts and humanities and involve both specific research projects and support for academic activity. The open university provides information on its research to the OU visiting committee which advises Ministers on all aspects of the university's work.

  Teachers
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress he has made on his proposals for the reform of the non-standard routes to qualified teacher status; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend is today issuing draft regulations and a draft explanatory circular. Subject 478
  to the outcome of consultation on these, he plans to lay regulations before the House with a view to having the new arrangements in place by September.

  The revised regulations replace the Education (Teachers) Regulations 1982 and are concerned, among other things, with new arrangements for the award of qualified teacher status (QTS), including the licensed teacher scheme; the specialist qualifications needed for teaching hearing or visually impaired pupils; the probationary service of qualified teachers; and the implementation of the European Community directive on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, as it applies to teachers.

  The draft regulations and circular have benefited from responses to the consultation document on the reform of the routes to QTS which was issued last year.

  The majority of those responding to that document supported the principle of the reform. My right hon. Friend is confident that the proposed new arrangements will provide a better framework within which to recruit and train the teachers in our schools in the 1990s.

  Copies of the draft regulations and circular have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

ENERGY

  Safeguards Agreement
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representation his Department had at the latest large scale reprocessing plant safeguards meeting held recently at Sellafield with representatives from Japan, the United States of America, France, the Federal Republic of Germany and the safeguards directorates of Euratom and the International Atomic Energy Agency; and what papers have so far been presented to the LASCAR meeting by United Kingdom representatives.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  One member of the Safeguards Office attended the meeting held between 27 February—3 March at Sellafield to consider large-scale commercial reprocessing plant safeguards (LASCAR). The information exchanged at LASCAR meetings is confidential to the parties involved.

  Nuclear Safety
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what actions have been taken to improve nuclear safety nationally and internationally by Her Majesty's Government since the Chernobyl accident on 26 April 1986.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The United Kingdom has maintained a high level of safety over 30 years of civil nuclear power production. The Government are committed to continuing this and have made available the resources to ensure it.

  On plans for dealing with a possible nuclear accident in the United Kingdom, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Merionnyd Nant Conwy (Dr. Thomas) on 12 December 1988 at column 391.

  Internationally, the United Kingdom has encouraged the exchange of information and ideas on nuclear safety, in particular between operators and between regulators. The International Atomic Energy Agency is the prime

  479
  forum for such exchange, but there have also been bilateral exchanges; Her Majesty's chief inspector of nuclear installations last month visited Moscow for meetings with his Russian counterpart.

  There have been IAEA and EC initiatives on actions to be followed in the event of nuclear accidents. Two IAEA conventions—on the early notification of nuclear accidents and on mutual assistance in the case of a nuclear accident—were concluded in 1986. Similar arrangements for the notification of accidents have been agreed within the EC and the United Kingdom has bilateral agreements with a number of countries. Member states of the EC have agreed other measures to be implemented in the event of an accident, such as those on the contamination of foodstuffs.

  As further encouragement for the international exchange of safety awareness and information, the World Association of Nuclear Operators has been formed, and will meet later this month in Moscow under the chairmanship of Lord Marshall of Goring.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what departmental representation including papers for presentation, will be made at the eleventh annual symposium on safeguards and nuclear material management in Luxembourg on 30 May to 1 June 1989.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  One member of my Department will be attending the symposium.

  Pacific Sandpiper
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Newport, West,Official Report, 23 March, column 763, on the cargo carried by the PNTL ship Pacific Sandpiper, why section 2(i) of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 was not applicable; and from which country had the consignment of irradiated fuel elements originated.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Details of individual consignments are confidential. Section 2(i) of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 was not applicable as the nuclear material in this consignment was neither enriched nor reprocessed in the United Kingdom.

  Piper Alpha
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to monitor heavy metal and other toxic substances from Piper Alpha.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I refer the hon. Lady to the reply I gave on 8 December 1988 to my hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich (Mr. Bowden), and to the replies given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman) on 11 January 1989, and to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Doran) on 3 May 1989.

  The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, in co-operation with the operators, Occidental Petroleum (Caledonia) Ltd, has been monitoring debris and other samples from the vicinity of the site of Piper Alpha for polychlorinated biphenyls and radioactivity. A report on this work will be published shortly.

  In addition, conditions attached to the abandonment programme for Piper Alpha approved by my right hon.
  480
  Friend the Secretary of State for Energy include requirements for surveys of the toppled remains and surrounding sea-bed to establish the position of debris and to monitor for leakage of oil or gas. They also require samples of sediment, sea-water and fish to be obtained and examined for the presence of PCBs and radioactivity. The conditions provide for repetition of these surveys and sampling at such times as the Secretary of State may subsequently direct. An assessment of the surveys carried out under the abandonment programme will be published in due course.

  Occidental have also arranged to have portions of the samples referred to above examined for the presence of heavy metals originating from past drilling discharges. This work is being carried out to check predictions, made on the basis of sampling around other platforms, that the levels of heavy metals present are not hazardous to marine life. These results will also be made available to Her Majesty's Government.

WALES

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the chairmen and members of all the public bodies to which he appoints in Wales, together with their salaries and expenses.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Pollution (Irish Sea)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received this year about the pollution levels in the Irish sea; and what new steps he is taking to respond to this problem.

  Mr. Grist
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on Friday 28 April at column 253.

  Valleys Initiative
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether in commissioning the Community Projects Foundation to undertake community development projects as part of the valleys initiative the opportunity was given for suitable agencies based in Wales to compete for the contract.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I have not awarded a contract to the Community Projects Foundation. Welsh Office support for the foundation's activities in the valleys is being provided under the urban programme following the submission of applications by local authorities in the normal way. It is open to all voluntary bodies to seek urban programme assistance for appropriate schemes and I see no need for any separate bidding process in relation to community development. The hon. Gentleman may wish to note that the foundation was active in Wales prior to the launch of the valleys programme.

  Chemical Laboratories, Aberystwyth
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on the basis of how many job losses the changes currently
  481
  being considered for the regional analytical chemistry laboratories at Aberystwyth are founded; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are currently 16 permanent staff in post in the ADAS analytical chemistry laboratory at Trawsgoed, whose closure in 1990–91 was announced on 21 March 1989. The number of post losses consequent on closure of this laboratory will depend on a range of factors, including the future level of demand for ADAS laboratory services elsewhere and the outcome of the examination being given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales to the possibility of alternative uses for this facility.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  EC (Right of Settlement)
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement setting out the overseas territories of EEC countries whose inhabitants have the right of settlement in the EEC; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Chalker
  EC nationals have the right to reside in the other member states of the Community in accordance with the Treaties. It is for each Member State to define who are its own nationals for Community purposes. The provisions of the EC treaty relating to the free movement of persons apply to European territories for whose external relations a member state is responsible, such as Gibraltar. Citizens of the following overseas territories are also defined as nationals by the member states concerned:

  United Kingdom

  —Falkland Islands

  France

  —St. Pierre et Miquelon, Mayotte and the overseas Departments and Territories

  Netherlands

  —Aruba

  —Netherlands Antilles

  Portugal

  —Macau

  Vietnamese Refugees
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has regarding recent reports that a boatload of 130 Vietnamese refugees were killed in mid-April by Thai pirates.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The United Nations High Commission for Refugees, which administers the anti-piracy programme in Thailand, and the Thai authorities, regularly provide the international community with information on the number and nature of piracy attacks. Other than reports in the press, however, we have no details of this particular alleged attack.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government have taken to persuade the Government of Thailand to bring to justice the pirates responsible for the murder in April of 130 Vietnamese refugees.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We co-operate closely with the Royal Thai Government through its anti-piracy programme, which is administered by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and to which the United Kingdom contributes.

  Iran
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultation he is having with other Governments on the latest Iranian threat to citizens of western countries; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my remarks in the House on 10 May at column 850.

  Nuclear Materials
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has had any meeting with representatives of 20–20 Vision concerning their programme alleging that nuclear materials in the European Community under safeguards, have been diverted to a black market in Sudan.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  No. The private secretary to my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary wrote to Ms. Claudia Milne of 20–20 Vision on 3 February 1988, inviting her to contact the appropriate official with a view to arranging a meeting. As far as we are aware, Ms. Milne has never taken up the invitation.

  United Nations
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to make monthly reports to Parliament, when in session, on developments and United Kingdom votes at the United Nations in New York.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  A very large number of United Nations bodies meet in New York at various times throughout the year. These include the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council and the General Assembly and its subsidiary bodies. For the Government to submit regular reports on developments and positions adopted by the United Kingdom in all these bodies would take disproportionate time and resources. The United Nations itself publishes full and publicly available accounts of the work of its bodies. On major political issues, it is of course already our policy to keep the House fully informed of all developments, including those at the United Nations.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the annual contribution made by the United Kingdom to the central funds of the United Nations, for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Our contribution to the United Nations regular budget for the ten financial years beginning 1979–80 has been as follows:

  £ million

  1979–80

  10·39

  1980–81

  10·32

  1981–82

  14·02

  1982–83

  15·71

  1983–84

  18·50

  1984–85

  23·34

  1985–86

  24·63

  1986–87

  23·62

  1987–88

  21·49

  1988–89

  19·36

  The sharp fluctuations in these sterling payments reflect changes in the pound/dollar exchange rate.
  483
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what rent has been received over the past 10 years from United Nations agencies based in London.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The International Maritime Organisation is the only United Nations agency based in the United Kingdom. Prior to 1982, the IMO paid rent to three separate private landlords. On 29 October 1982, when it moved into its present accommodation, the IMO began to pay rent. The rent paid (in equal quarterly instalments) since then is as follows:

  October

  £

  1982–83

  500,000

  1983–84

  500,000

  1984–85

  550,000

  1985–86

  550,000

  1986–87

  600,000

  1987–88

  600,000

  1988–89

  1325,000

  1 Two instalments.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which United Nations agencies have their headquarters in the United Kingdom; where they are based; and how long they have been established in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The only United Nations specialised agency to have its headquarters in the United Kingdom is the International Maritime Organisation, which has been based in London since its establishment in 1959.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis United Nations agencies located in London are charged rent; and what information he has on comparable levels of rent charged by France, the United States of America, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Kenya for United Nations agencies based in those countries.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  In 1977, we and the International Maritime Organisation agreed that the rent for the organisation's headquarters building in London would be 12 per cent. of the capital cost of the building, but that we would reimburse the organisation a sum equivalent to 80 per cent. of that amount. Following transitional rent arrangements set out in my earlier reply of today's date, this agreement comes into force in 1990. From then the annual rent payable by IMO, net of the 80 per cent. reimbursement by Her Majesty's Government, will be £1,195,751 per annum.

  Test Ban Treaty
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the likely timetable to set up an amendment conference for the partial nuclear test ban treaty of 1963, following the deposition recently of the requisite number of signatory states calling for such a conference; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the prospective conversion of the treaty into a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We have had initial discussions with the other depositary Governments to consider preparations for an amendment conference. No timetable has yet 484
  been established. We cannot support the proposed amendment: as long as we rely on a nuclear deterrent, we will need to conduct underground nuclear tests to ensure that our weapons remain effective and up-to-date. But we will of course carry out fully our obligations as a depositary Government.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the United Kingdom has had recently over the current status of the 1963 partial test ban treaty with its depository states.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We have had initial discussions with both the other depositary Governments in order to begin preparations for convening a conference to consider proposals for an amendment to the treaty. We hope that the depositary Governments will soon meet trilaterally to resolve how this should be taken forward.

  Arms Control
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last held a meeting with non-governmental organisations on arms control and disarmament issues; what non-governmental organisations were present; which subjects were covered; and if financial support was offered to the non-governmental organisations to help defray expenses in attending the meeting.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I held a meeting with non-governmental organisations interested in arms control and disarmament issues on 24 April. The following topics were covered at the meeting: SNF, nuclear non-proliferation, modernisation, the partial test ban treaty, conventional arms control, chemical weapons, international arms transfers, and East-West relations.

  The following organisations took part: the Council for Education in World Citizenship, Church of England Board for Social Responsibility, the European Atlantic Movement, the National Peace Council, the Oxford Research Group, Peace Through NATO, Quaker Peace and Service, Scientists Against Nuclear Arms, the United Nations Association, Verification Technology Information Centre, the Medical Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, World Disarmament Campaign, International Peace Bureau, European Proliferation Information Centre, British Atlantic Committee, British Council of Churches, Campaign Against the Arms Trade, Centre for International Peace Building Studies, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Coalition for Peace Through Security, Committee for International Justice and Peace, Council for Arms Control, Council on Christian approaches to Defence and Disarmament.

  No financial support was offered to representatives attending the meeting.

  Soviet Union (Weapons)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list each category of weapon of which there is deemed a Soviet surplus, giving his definition of how any particular quantity of weapons is so judged; and if he will set out his source of information on Soviet weapon capacity in so far as national security permits
  485
  Mr. Waldegrave
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the NATO booklet: "Conventional Forces in Europe: The Facts" which was published on 25 November last year and which was then placed in the Library of the House.

  Iraq (Chemical Protection Suits)
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the United Kingdom has supplied Iraq with chemical protection suits.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  No.

TRANSPORT

  InterCity Trains (Overcrowding)
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about overcrowding on InterCity trains in the western region(a) during 1987, (b) during 1988 and (c) to date during 1989; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  Loadings on InterCity trains are a matter for BR management. Although I regularly receive representations on InterCity rail services, the Department does not keep statistics of them.

  Addingham Bypass
  Mr. Waller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he now expects construction of the A65 Addingham bypass to commence: and what is the anticipated construction period.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Construction of the bypass is due to start in late June and should be completed by the end of 1990.

  DVLC (Data Sales)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what data on motor vehicles the driver and vehicle licensing centre currently sells to outside bodies; and what it receives as a result of these transactions.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Apart from the information the DVLC is required to provide under regulation 15 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971 either at no charge or at the prescribed fee of 0.50, certain other non-personal statistical information is supplied at charges set in accordance with standard Government accounting guidelines, in these instances normally set to recover costs.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to seek any necessary changes in the law to enable the driver and vehicle licensing centre to collect any extra data on motor vehicles which could then be sold to interested parties.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Not at present: there are no plans to collect any extra data, nor to change the law to enable this to he done.

  DVLC (Ventures)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what new arrangements will be made to allow the driver and vehicle licensing centre to undertake profitable ventures.
  486
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  DVLC already provides certain designated services at charges set in accordance with standard Government accounting guidelines issued to Government Departments. There are no planned changes.

  Taxi and Private Hire Car (Legislation)
  Mr. Bendall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has concluded his review of taxi and private hire car legislation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  Last year the Department of Transport completed an internal review of taxi and private hire vehicle legislation for England and Wales. My predecessor invited comments from the taxi and PHV trades, licensing authorities and consumer bodies on problems and possible solutions. Specific areas for discussion included the distinction between taxis and hire cars, vehicle design, knowledge examinations, quantity control and fares. I am most grateful for all the responses sent to the Department; we have studied all of them very carefully.

  The Transport Act 1985 introduced changes outside London designed to increase business opportunities and to limit the restrictions on entry into the taxi trade. I am disappointed that some district councils still appear to be rationing the issue of taxi licences, which distorts competition and interferes with the operation of a free market. The Act clearly states the exceptional circum stances in which quantity control may be considered, and licensing authorities should look very carefully at all evidence on supply and demand, not least the price at which existing licences change hands, before restricting the issue of licences. I believe that more time should be allowed for the new opportunities introduced by the 1985 Act to develop, and I have concluded that it is too early to propose further legislation. I would also remind applicants for licences that the 1985 Act already makes provision for appeal to the courts against unreasonable decisions by a licensing authority, and I am not convinced that the full scope of action in the courts has yet been explored.

  In the case of London, it has become clear that the high standards of service and propriety offered by taxis are highly valued by respondents and the public. London passengers enjoy a quality of service based on purpose-built vehicles developed to enhance driver and passenger comfort. Their roadworthiness and cleanliness are ensured by standards set by the Public Carriage Office, and drivers must pass through rigorous driver testing. I therefore do not propose to legislate to change the present arrangements concerning the black cab or the knowledge of London examination. Neither do I intend to alter the present distinction between the taxi and hire car trades.

  Since 1980, the fares chargeable by London taxis have been adjusted by reference to an index of cost changes in the previous year. This index reflects the movement of earnings and the range of costs involved in cab ownership and operation, including replacement parts, garaging and servicing, fuel, insurance, depreciation etc. In line with the movement in that index last year, from 9 June 1989 the maximum fares chargeable by London taxis will increase by an average of 11·1 per cent. This rise takes into account, among other things, the increase in quality of new taxis coming into service and higher costs associated with the requirement that new taxis be accessible to passengers in wheelchairs. I have today made an order increasing London taxi fares with effect from Friday 9 June 1989.

PRIME MINISTER

  Nuclear Deterrent
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations she has received regarding the nuclear deterrent.

  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations she has received regarding the nuclear deterrent.

  Mr. Fishburn
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations she has received regarding the nuclear deterrent.

  The Prime Minister
  I have received a number of letters from individuals and organisations.

  Economy
  Mr. Matins
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations she has received regarding the performance of the economy.

  Sir Anthony Grant
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations she has received regarding the performance of the economy.

  The Prime Minister
  I have received a number of such representations. Thanks to the policies we have pursued for the last 10 years, and will continue to pursue, the economy is performing exceptionally well.

  Rain Forests
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the reply of 18 April,Official Report, column 183, given
  488
  by the Lord President on her behalf, whether she will make it her policy to meet any Brazilian request for the supply of four large cargo and two personnel carrying helicopters to assist in the rain forest protection programme.

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development gave him on 10 April, at column 344. The further assistance which we are currently discussing with the Brazilian Government with respect to the protection of the rainforests is likely to be in the area of technical co-operation rather than capital aid for equipment like helicopters.

  UK 2000
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the achievements of UK 2000; and what assessment she has made of the contribution to its work made by Mr. Richard Branson.

  The Prime Minister
  Since its establishment in July 1986 UK 2000 has met all the targets set for it each year by Government. In 1988–89 UK 2000 supported over 700 environmental projects involving well over 80,000 volunteer days and 6,000 trainees. Total Government grant was exceeded by sponsorship from the private sector and about 350 new long-term jobs were created.

  Mr. Richard Branson's active commitment to UK 2000 has greatly assisted the initiative. His expertise remains available because of his continuing involvement as president.

  European Monetary Union
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will raise at the next meeting of the European Council the proposals of the Commission on monetary union; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The European Council announced at Hanover last June that it would discuss the question of economic and monetary union at its meeting in Madrid on 26–27 June 1989, on the basis of the report that it commissioned from a committee chaired by Monsieur Delors.

  Environmental Pollution (Mountain Ash)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on environmental pollution at Mountain Ash.

  The Prime Minister
  I am fully aware of local feeling about pollution from the Phurnacite plant, Aberaman.

  Baltic States
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Prime Minister if, in her recent discussions with President Gorbachev, she raised the right of self-determination of the Baltic states; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  I did not raise this specific issue with President Gorbachev. But the Soviet authorities are well aware that we have never recognised de jure the forcible incorporation of the former Baltic states into the Soviet. We are encouraged by recent signs that the Baltic peoples are increasingly able to express their views about their own future. We hope that this process will continue.

  Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Prime Minister when she last specifically raised the nuclear non-proliferation treaty with a visiting head of state or Government or during her visits abroad.

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raises the NPT and related issues whenever a suitable opportunity arises. The subject of the treaty has not however been included on the agenda for any talks that I have had recently.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Prime Minister if, during her meeting with the Prime Minister of Italy on 28 April 1989 in London, she raised the issues of(a) the first preparatory committee for the non-proliferation treaty review conference in New York on 1 to 5 May, and (b) the possibilities for new proposals at the 1990 non-proliferation treaty review conference.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  European Language
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister what is her policy towards the promotion by the European Community of an officially approved single language throughout Europe.

  The Prime Minister
  I know of no such proposal. The strength of Europe lies in the diversity of its cultural and historical traditions.

  Engagements
  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 May.

  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 May.

  Mr. Haynes
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 May.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 May.

  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 May.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 May.

  Mr. Rathbone
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 May.

  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 May.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 May.

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I shall be having further meetings later today. This evening I shall attend a Banquet given by President Babangida.

  Official Historian
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will consider appointing an official historian for the Prime Minister's Office.

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

  Children (World Conference)
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Prime Minister whether she will support a world conference for children to be organised by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund as proposed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government are currently considering whether to support this proposed conference on the basis of tentative proposals prepared by UNICEF at the end of the executive board meeting in April.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  18-year-olds (Help and Support)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to provide help and support for 18-year-olds who are leaving care.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Eighteen-year-olds leaving care can qualify for income support and housing benefit, and for community charge rebates in Scotland, in the normal way. In addition, from July we propose to disregard totally any payments to young people who have been in care made by
  491
  local authorities under section 27 and 29 of the Child Care Act 1980 (or sections 24 and 26 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968).

  Temple Row House, Birmingham
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security since what date his Department has rented Temple row house, Soho road, Birmingham, for use as a local office; what is the current rental; and to whom it is payable.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The Department has rented Temple Row house, Soho road, Birmingham, for use as a local office since 2 March 1972. The current rental is £17,607·17 per annum, payable to Standard Securities plc, 5 Commercial street, Birmingham B1 1RS.

  Community Charge
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what sum is included in income support to assist with the minimum 20 per cent. community charge payment for those who will receive the maximum 80 per cent. community charge rebate; what arrangements will be made to increase this sum in line with increases in community charge; for how many people he estimates this

  Real changes in pensioner incomes by quintile (Percentage)

  1979 to 1980

  1980 to 1981

  1981 to 1982

  1982 to 1983

  1983 to 1984

  1984 to 1985

  1985 to 1986

  1979 to 1986

  (a) Net income Quintile

  Lowest Q1

  4

  4

  2

  6

  2

  -1

  1

  20

  Q2

  2

  6

  3

  6

  1

  0

  2

  23

  Q3

  1

  6

  2

  7

  -1

  1

  3

  21

  Q4

  2

  3

  2

  9

  -2

  1

  5

  20

  Highest Q5

  2

  5

  -6

  16

  -2

  4

  7

  27

  All

  2

  5

  -1

  11

  -1

  2

  5

  23

  (b) Equivalised net income

  Lowest Q1

  1

  6

  1

  6

  1

  -2

  2

  17

  Q2

  1

  6

  1

  6

  1

  -1

  3

  20

  Q3

  1

  5

  2

  7

  0

  0

  3

  20

  Q4

  0

  6

  1

  8

  0

  1

  4

  21

  Highest Q5

  2

  6

  -6

  17

  -1

  1

  9

  30

  All

  1

  6

  -1

  10

  0

  0

  5

  23

  Source: Family Expenditure Survey. Comparison of one year with another may be affected by sampling error.

  Note: Equivalised figures allow for the different circumstances of pensioners, e.g. householders/non householders, single/married.

  EC (Meetings)
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list all the European Community meetings on matters concerning his Department held in 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Pursuant to my reply of 8 May, the Labour and Social Affairs Council met on two occasions in each of the years 1985, 1986 and 1988. There were also a number of informal meetings of Employment Ministers and of Ministers responsible for women's issues, at which some social security items were discussed. In addition, there were numerous meetings of officials but information on the number of those meetings could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Income Support
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give for 1978, 1979 and 1988 for each 492
  sum will be more than the minimum 20 per cent. they have to pay; and for how many people this sum will be less than the minimum 20 per cent. they have to pay.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The amounts which have been included in income support levels from April to help meet the minimum 20 per cent. contribution to the community charge are £1·15 a week for single people aged 18 to 24, £1·30 a week for single people aged 25 or over, and £2·30 a week for couples. This was a once-and-for-all adjustment and future increases in the overall benefit levels will be made in the normal way.

  It is not possible to provide estimates of the number of cases where the amounts included in income support will be higher or lower than the actual community charge levels in advance of these levels being set.

  Pensioner Incomes
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the overall increase in pensioner incomes in real terms by quintile group for each year from 1979–80 to 1985–86.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 23 March 1989]: The table shows the requested information for pensioner tax units using (a) net income and (b) equivalised net income.

  social security office and each social security region, the number of (a) claimants and (b) dependents on (i) supplementary benefit or income support and (ii) family income support or family credit.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [pursuant to his reply of 26 April]: The available information has been placed in the Library.

SCOTLAND

  Community Care
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if there exists in Scotland bridging finance and transfer funds similar to that available to local and health authorities in England and Wales to tide them over the period when community facilities for the handicapped are being developed but institutions cannot be closed.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Within their allocations, health boards may make lump sum or continuing payments to a
  493
  local authority or voluntary agency towards the cost of projects which make it possible for people such as those with a mental handicap to return to the community.

  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what funding is available from Government sources for the rehabilitation of mentally and physically handicapped people in Scotland who have been moved out of institutions into the community under the "care in the community" policy.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The cost of providing community care facilities for mentally and physically handicapped people discharged from hospital is met primarily by health boards and local authority social work departments from their general allocations from central Government. These allocations have been substantially increased in real terms since 1979. In addition, a number of voluntary organisations providing community care facilities receive grant either directly from central Government or from regional councils or health boards.

  Under the urban programme, the Government provide 75 per cent. grant for a number of projects which benefit mentally or physically handicapped people in eligible deprived urban areas who may be returning to the community. Scottish Homes will devote a set amount of its capital allocation from central Government specifically to housing for the disabled including mentally and physically handicapped people. A range of specific weekly social security benefits is available to the long-term sick and disabled. Such people are also eligible as a priority group to apply for community care grants under the social fund and also to the independent living fund. These grants are intended primarily to help those leaving institutional care to set up home and remain in the community.

  Reprocessing Plant, Dounreay
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to announce his decision on the report submitted to him on the European demonstration reprocessing plant at Dounreay.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend is still considering the report of the public local inquiry into the proposed development and he is not yet in a position to predict a date for the announcement of his decision.

  Home Ownership
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to introduce measures to increase opportunities for home ownership in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I intend to ask Scottish Homes to introduce by October 1989 a rents to mortgages scheme for the tenants of their existing houses. It will also be open to any new town tenants who may elect to transfer to Scottish Homes under tenants' choice arrangements. This scheme will run for a trial period of three years.

  The new scheme will complement the existing statutory right to buy scheme. It will not compete with it, and is aimed at that specific group of tenants who would like to own their own home but who cannot afford to do so even with the discounts available under right to buy. It is not
  494
  our intention, however, to draw into owner-occupation those who cannot afford it and the scheme will not be available for those tenants dependent on housing benefit.

  Tenants who participate will buy their homes by means of a normal repayable mortgage calculated by reference to their present rental outgoings increased to reflect the added benefits stemming from owner occupation, but also adjusted to reflect their added financial responsibility for the future upkeep of their homes. As with right to buy, tenants will benefit from an immediate discount on the purchase price of their property. This will be calculated on the same basis as right to buy discounts, but at a level 15 percentage points less. The remaining finance required will be covered by a deferred loan from Scottish Homes on which there will be no repayments until it is redeemed, for example, on subsequent sale of the House by the owner.

  The outstanding loan to Scottish Homes, will be abated each year by an additional discount, up to the maximum right-to-buy discount level minus 15 percentage points. However the final repayment due to Scottish Homes will be based on the level of the outstanding loan amount and on the market value of the house at the date of that repayment: incentives will be introduced to ensure that the house is properly maintained.

  I shall be consulting Scottish Homes immediately about the detailed arrangements.

  Overprescribing
  Mr. Michael Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many investigations of general practitioners for overprescribing have taken place in Scotland by the health board in the last(a) five years (b) 10 years and (c) 15 years.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: This information is not available. General practitioners' prescribing is constantly being monitored by health hoards and area medical committees.

  Federation of the Highlands and Islands Fishermen
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he or one of his Ministers last met representatives of the Federation of the Highlands and Islands Fishermen; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 9 May 1989]: Ministers have not met representatives of the Federation of Highlands and Islands Fishermen. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland is, however, in regular contact with the federation and its constituent associations on matters of mutual concern; and they are consulted on all aspects of fisheries management as appropriate.

HEALTH

  Private Hospitals
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each year since 1979, and for each district health authority, the numbers of National Health Service patients treated in private hospitals under contractual arrangements; and if he will list the costs of treatment to each district health authority in(a) actual amounts and (b) deflated by the health service pay and prices index.
  495
  Mr. Mellor
  The number of patients receiving consultant treatment under contractual arrangements, and health authority expenditure on contracts with private sector health providers, for the years 1982 to 1986 (latest available) are given in two tables which have been placed in the Library. Comparable data for 1979 to 1981 are not available.

  The data provided in these two tables are not directly comparable, for the reasons given in the notes on the tables.

  Halton DHA
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statment on trends in deaths and discharges per bed in urology in the Halton district health authority area.

  Mr. Freeman
  There is insufficient information to determine the trend. In 1986, when urology treatment first became available in Halton, 35 in-patient cases were treated. In 1987–88 there were 553 episodes of in-patient urology treatment and 432 day cases.

  Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that the Thwaites report on the operation of the radiotherapy department of the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital is implemented by the health authority without further delay.

  Mr. Mellor
  The health authority is fully committed to implementing the recommendations of the Thwaites report following the radiation incident at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital. Some measures necessarily take longer to achieve than others, but all will be implemented.

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each year since 1979(a) each hospital closed completely and (b) each hospital closed partially, and if he will break that list down by each district health authority, SHA and regional health authority.

  Mr. Freeman
  I have placed in the Library tables of hospitals that we are aware have been approved for partial or total closure following consultation under the provisions of the Community Health Council Regulations.

  Capital Projects
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give detail of each capital project costing more than £1 million(a) actually under construction and (b) at the proposal or planning stage; if he will give the estimated date of completion for each project; and if he will break this list down by each regional health authority.

  Mr. Freeman
  Information held centrally on health building schemes, each costing over £1 million, in England shows that there are at present 503 schemes at various stages of planning, design and construction. I have arranged for a list of the schemes with, where available, their expected dates of completion, to be placed in the Library. It is too early to forecast a date of completion for schemes at the programme stage prior to submission for approval in principle.
  496
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give, for each regional health authority, details of proposed capital developments costing more than £1 million which have been cancelled for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Freeman
  I regret that comprehensive information is not available centrally on the adjustments made by health authorities to their capital programmes over this period.

  Consultants
  Mr. Brandon-Bravo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many additional permanent consultant posts he estimates will be established within the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  It is estimated that 4,843 new consultant posts will be established in England and Wales between 1987 and 1998. This figure, which represents an increase of 33 per cent. in the number of consultants, includes the 100 new posts announced in "Working for Patients".

  Community Care
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with interested groups concerning the Griffiths report on community care.

  Mr. Mellor
  We have discussed community care at the regular meetings we hold, with the local authority associations and with chairmen of regional health authorities, to consider items of current interest in health and social services. We remain of the view that further discussions with interested parties will be most useful when our present deliberations have been completed and our proposals for the future organisation of community care are made public.

  Domestic Animals (Diseases)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his calculations or estimates of the incidence of diseases contracted as a result of contact with domestic animals in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Freeman
  Data on which to base the estimates requested are not available centrally.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his calculations or estimates of the number of cases of diseases caused as a result of contact with dog faeces in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Freeman
  The only disease contractable from dog faeces on which we have data is toxocariasis. We have no direct information on the source of infection in individual cases. The rise in cases in recent years is at least in part due to the development of new tests and to increased screening and testing of patients with symptoms suggestive of the disease.

  Toxocara (unspecified)

  Laboratory Reports to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre England, Wales and Ireland 1978–1987

  Year

  Total

  1978

  10

  1979

  2

  1980

  2

  497

  Year

  Total

  1981

  2

  1982

  12

  1983

  23

  1984

  37

  1985

  45

  1986

  60

  1987

  84

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his calculations or estimates of the number of cases of toxoplasmosis in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Freeman
  The data requested are as follows:—

  Laboratory Reports to CDSC England, Wales and Ireland

  Year

  Number

  1978

  621

  1979

  576

  1980

  790

  1981

  865

  1982

  680

  1983

  875

  1984

  828

  1985

  883

  1986

  798

  1987

  868

  11988

  796

  1 Provisional.

  Source: Annual tables.

  Medical Records
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress being made to agree a code of practice to enable patients to have access to their own medical records.

  Mr. Freeman
  The medical profession has provisionally accepted a draft code of practice, a copy of which is in the Library. The Department is now preparing to consult over a three-month period other interested parties such as dentists, nurses, midwives, health visitors, patient interest groups and NHS management. As soon after that consultation as is practicable, the Department will issue the code under cover of a circular.

  Kidneys (Sale)
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library the report of the Department of Health inquiry into the kidney for sale at Wellington Humana hospital.

  Mr. Freeman
  It would not be appropriate to do so. Reports were prepared by the relevant health authorities and passed to me in strict confidence.

  Midwives
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he will be taking in response to the Social Services Select Committee's recommendations on midwives' regrading; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Mr. Garrett) and my hon. Friend the Member for Batley and Spen (Mrs. Peacock) on 10 May 1989.

  Test Census
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the results of the recent test census will be published.

  Mr. Freeman
  The main aims of the test were to make sure that procedures for delivering and collecting forms would be effective in the 1991 census and to assess the readiness of the public to accept and respond to the proposed question on ethnic group.

  A report of the public's response to the proposed question on ethnic group will be published when the results of the test and a small follow-up survey in June 1989, have been assessed. This is expected to be towards the end of the year when the draft Census Order is laid before Parliament. The main findings on the census procedures will be published when the test has been evaluated. This evaluation will include an analysis of the proportion of households in each test area who returned a completed form.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Rabbit Meat
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has of any DDT residue found in rabbit meat imported into the United Kingdom from the People's Republic of China.

  Mr. Ryder
  Monitoring by the working party on pesticide residues (WPPR) has revealed residues of DDT and other organochlorine pesticides in rabbit meat imported from the People's Republic of China. These findings were first published in the WPPR's second report in 1986. The results of subsequent monitoring were published in the WPPR's third report on 13 March this year. Although the levels found pose no health concern, imports are being closely monitored and statutory maximum residue levels introduced last year are being enforced.

  Advertising
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much has been spent by his Department on advertisements on commercial television in each of the last five years, listed by each television company.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  Information on television advertisements in the form requested is commercially confidential.

  Food Prices
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the price in pence per pound of sugar, butter, and beef and the price per ton of wheat in the United Kingdom; what are the comparable figures for these items in the world market for food; and if he has comparable information for five and 10 years ago.

  Mr. Ryder
  Information on first hand/wholesale prices in the United Kingdom is shown in the table. There is no single, representative measure of "world" prices for these commodities. Price quotations available vary according 1:o differences in quality, presentation and point of shipment/destination.
  499

  First hand/wholesale prices in the United Kingdom, in nominal and real1 terms

  1979 (annual average)

  1984 (annual average)

  1989 (late April/early May)

  Sugar2(refined, bulk granulated) price per pound

  Nominal

  13·0

  18·9

  22·3

  Real terms

  26·0

  24·0

  22·3

  Butter (English, London) price per pound

  Nominal

  75·9

  101·1

  119·3

  Real terms

  150·0

  127·0

  119·3

  Beef (Scottish sides, London) price per pound

  Nominal

  61·7

  80·8

  105·0

  Real terms

  122·0

  102·0

  105·0

  Wheat (ex farm, bread making) £/tonne

  Nominal

  3107·0

  3145·0

  126·0

  Real terms

  220·0

  183·0

  126·0

  1 Adjusted to 1989 prices using the Retail Price Index (all items).

  2 List price: in practice many sales will be subject to discounts.

  3 May.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information is made generally available on the price of foodstuffs(a) within the EEC and (b) on the free world market; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  For the European Community, Eurostat disseminates a range of information, including prices received by producers for certain agricultural commodities, volume and value of imports and exports and consumer price indices for food. Some price data are also available in the specialised trade press and the publications of trade organisations. Price quotations for some products available for "world" trade are published in the specialist press and elsewhere: but these relate generally to particular qualities and presentation at specified locations and are not necessarily comparable with home-produced supplies available on the domestic market: they exclude products traded under special agreements. A significant reduction in agricultural support levels worldwide—a major aim of the Uruguay GATT round—would cause many "world" prices to rise.

  Channel Cod Quota
  Mr. Robert Hicks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the review of the Channel cod quota is to be undertaken and completed; what action he intends taking to ensure the continued viability of the south-west fishery during the interim period; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  We will raise the Channel cod total allowable catch (TAC) at the next meeting of the advisory committee for fisheries management (ACFM) this month. The present TAC is the same as the revised one for 1988 and it is 70 per cent. greater than 1983. Overall, and taking account of the valuable swap of Dutch quotas we secured last December, 1989 fishing opportunities in south west are greater in cod equivalent terms than in 1988. As well as pressing for an early review of Channel cod, we will continue to explore the possibility for further swaps which will improve our fishing opportunities.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the cost of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy slaughter programme is met by the European Community; what the total cost has been to date; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Donald Thompson
  The total cost of the BSE slaughter and disposal programme, excluding Ministry staff and other resources, up to 31 March 1989 was just over £1·6 million. None of these costs are being met from European Community funds.

  Food Irradiation
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the draft EC directive on food irradiation.

  Mr. Ryder
  I refer the hon. Member to the explanatory memorandum 10377/88 on this draft directive which has been lodged in the Library of the House.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of vegetables imported from Holland in 1988 were subjected to irradiation.

  Mr. Ryder
  None.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about possibilities of monitoring foodstuffs for irradiation.

  Mr. Ryder
  Dosimetric techniques for monitoring the irradiation of food are well established.

  Set-aside Scheme
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of(a) registrations and (b) applications for the set-aside scheme were validated by field inspections in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  The information requested is being collected. I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Aerial Photography
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what proportion of the United Kingdom arable area was subject in 1988 to aerial photography of sufficient quality to allow identification of the cropping pattern; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) whether he has plans for aerial photography of arable land in the United Kingdom in 1989; and what he estimates the cost will be.

  Mr. Ryder
  Excluding satellite imagery, approximately 1 million hectares of land, mainly in Great Britain, was covered by ADAS aerial photography in 1988. Some 20 per cent. of this area was arable land. This photography was of sufficient quality to allow identification of cropping patterns. Present plans provide for a similar area to be photographed in 1989, both for statutory and advisory purposes. Total budgeted running costs for the ADAS aerial photography unit in 1989–90 are estimated at £250,000.

  Natural Environment Research Council
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the research projects undertaken for his Department by the Natural Environment Research Council during the past five years.

  Mr. Ryder
  [holding answer 8 May 1989]: The following research projects have been undertaken for my Department by the Natural Environment Research Council during the five years ending 1988–89. Some of the projects were completed in that period and others are continuing.

  Aquatic environment and fisheries

  Factors affecting the population dynamics of sea trout

  The physiology of stress response in freshwater fish

  Effects of flow regimes in salmonid recruitment

  Nutritional requirements and feed behaviour of fish

  The role of nultritional deficiency in disease in farm fish

  Continuous plankton recorder

  Undulating oceanographic recorder deployment off the northeast coast

  Plankton production at seasonal thermocline

  Irish Sea productivity study

  Integration of chemical, physical and biological modelling along the Western European shelf edge

  Organic waste disposal in the marine environment

  Coastal water processes in the Irish Sea and west Scotland

  Organic degradation in the marine environment

  Mercury transformations in the marine environment

  Relationship between lipids in phytoplankton zoo plankton and herring larvae

  Hydrography of the North West approaches

  Bait attraction and longlining

  The ecology of young stages of salmonid fish and the implications for practical river management

  Phytoplankton in relation to mariculture

  Environmental stress and physiology of growth in trout

  Environmental radioactivity: Impact of freshwater ecosystems: Evaluation of Opercular Bone Material

  Fish biology (study of deep sea species)

  Salmonid/coarse fish interaction in chalk streams

  Biology of saprolegnia

  Sea Mammal Research

  Whale research (research on population dynamics to support United Kingdom representatives to IWC)

  Seal research (research on population numbers and dynamics, diet and the impact on commercial fisheries)

  River and Flood Protection

  Physical aspects of flooding

  Catchment response to rainfall

  Flood statistics

  Wetland hydrology

  Environment impact of flood protection measures

  Distributed catchment models

  Real time forecasting of river flows

  National archive for flood hydrology

  Catchment response modelling for design flood estimation

  Catchment urbanisation

  Effects of agricultural drainage on catchment hydrology

  Catchment response and the flood frequency curve

  Statistical flood estimation procedures

  Hydrological behaviour of flat agricultural catchments

  Environmental impact of flood protection measures on the water regime of wildlife habitats

  River erosion

  Risk based criteria for economic analysis of flood protection works

  Marine Flood Protection

  Numerical models of the seas around Britain

  Prediction of sea levels

  Wave action and extreme waves

  Maintenance and monitoring of the East Coast model

  Development of West Coast model

  Development of a combined wave/tide/surge model

  Statistical prediction of extreme levels

  502

  Improvement of sea level prediction for flood protection

  Joint probability of waves and sea levels

  Wave set-up

  High wave studies

  Wave-current interaction

  Wave measurement in support of such coast flood protection studies

  Routine wave measurements

  Review of potential of satellite remote sensing for marine flood protection

  Archiving of Class A tide gauge data

  Wave measurement for South Coast studies

  Detailed processes of sand transport by tidal waves etc.

  Movement of material on the sea bed under the combined action of waves and tides

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Mental Handicap
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funds were allocated from his Department for directly commissioned research relevant to mental handicap for each of the past five years; and whether he intends those funds to be increased over the next five to 10 years.

  Mr. Needham
  No research relevant to mentally handicapped people has been directly commissioned by the Northern Ireland Department of Health and Social Services over the past five years.

  The Department is soon to commission a major research project to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the policy in Northern Ireland to promote and develop community care for mentally ill and mentally handicapped people selected for discharge from long-stay hospitals. The project will monitor the progress and quality of life of individual patients and will run for at least three years.

  Food Safety
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State far Northern Ireland if he will state the number of food poisoning cases in each area board in the last five years far which figures are available.

  Mr. Needham
  The information is as follows:

  Eastern

  Northern

  Southern

  Western

  1984

  43

  50

  37

  15

  1985

  62

  31

  60

  5

  1986

  97

  107

  48

  21

  1987

  193

  145

  69

  16

  1988

  95

  104

  57

  46

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which Departments in Northern Ireland are responsible for consumer food safety.

  Mr. Needham
  The Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Agriculture.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to up-date the law on food safety in Northern Ireland; when his Department last reviewed existing legal provision; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  The Food Acts of the United Kingdom (which include law on food safety) were reviewed in 1984
  503
  by officials of the United Kingdom Health and Agriculture Departments. Following that review Ministers agreed that consultations should be carried out on the future of those Acts, and those consultations are now largely complete. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced in the House on 16 March, new legislation will be introduced when parliamentary time permits. In accordance with normal practice in the field of transferred legislation, comparable provision will be made for Northern Ireland by Order in Council under the Northern Ireland Act 1974.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what responsibilities health and social services boards have in the area of food safety.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 5 May 1989]: Health and Social Services boards are responsible for investigating food poisoning cases reported by doctors under the Public Health Act (NI) 1967 as amended. In addition, under the Food and Drugs Act (NI) 1958, a chief administrative medical officer of a health and social services board may, if he suspects that any food is likely to cause food poisoning, seize that food and have it tested. If investigations confirm that the food is unfit for human consumption it may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to reform the law in Northern Ireland as it applies to food and hygiene; which Northern Ireland departments are responsible for food safety; and how many staff from each Department have been involved in this area in the last three years for which figures are available.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 5 May 1989.] The Food Acts of the United Kingdom were reviewed in 1984 by officials of United Kingdom Health and Agriculture Departments. Following that review Ministers agreed that consultations should be carried out on the future of those Acts, and those consultations are now largely complete. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries

  Cost of education in Northern Ireland prisons 1985–1989

  £000

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  Belfast

  96·2

  118·3

  118·7

  130·3

  Maze (Cellular)

  172·8

  205·0

  276·8

  356·6

  Maze (Compound)

  108·2

  94·9

  46·7

  Maghaberry (Male)

  0·1

  0·1

  5·5

  40·1

  Maghaberry (Female)

  —

  32·9

  37·2

  47·0

  Armagh

  37·0

  1·6

  —

  —

  Magilligan

  59·6

  87·3

  93·5

  98·7

  Young Offenders Centre, Hydebank

  111·4

  106·7

  115·3

  129·0

  Total

  585·3

  646·8

  693·7

  801·6

  Library books available to inmates (approx)

  40,000

  41,000

  41,000

  35,000

  Notes:

  1. The increased costs for the year 1988–89 can be attributed to the national increase in teachers' salary scales. This normally accounts for 90 per cent. of the total expenditure on prison education.

  2. The range of subjects taught runs from adult basic education through to open university level, and prisoners are prepared for the various public examinations—eg GCSE; A levels; Royal Society of Arts; City and Guilds of London Institute. Statistics available for the 1987–88 academic year show that upwards of 1,000 inmates or just under 50 per cent. of the total prison population were involved in some form of education. Of this, 28 per cent. were enrolled in basic education, 55 per cent. were enrolled in examination classes and the remaining
  504
  and Food announced in the House on 16 March, new legislation will be introduced when parliamentary time permits. In accordance with normal practice in the field of transferred legislation, comparable provision will be made for Northern Ireland by Order in Council under the Northern Ireland Act 1974.

  The Departments of Health and Social Services and Agriculture have responsibilities for food safety.

  Figures on the numbers of staff from each Department involved in food safety over the past three years are not available, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Dwellings (Valuation)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 12 April,Official Report, column 595, if he will indicate the cost of extracting from the computer on which it is held the information sought by the hon. Member for Londonderry, East about the net valuation of dwellings in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Needham
  The cost of providing the information requested is more than twice the present limit for answers to parliamentary questions.

  Prisons (Education)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table in the Official Report to show what sums were expended on education in each prison in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years and indicate the major items of expenditure in each case; and if he will also indicate the number of library books available in each prison in each such year or as much of such information as is available to him.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  The figures requested are readily available for the past four years and are shown in table form.
  505
  17 per cent. were enrolled in social/leisure classes. In total 519 were presented for recognised examinations and 477 were successful.

  3. Seventy nine inmates are presently involved in the open university undergraduate programme. Last year 69 took examinations and 65 were successful including 10 obtaining distinctions. Within this group five completed their degrees, two with honours.

  4. On a sample day 78 per cent. of the population had a total of 4,800 books on loan. The inter-library province-wide loan scheme, of which prison libraries are a part, makes a valuable contribution to the quality of the library service and last year 1,077 special requests were processed. The prison libraries carry a total book stock of around 35,000, all supplied by the local education and library boards, whose professional expertise and practical support is gratefully acknowledged.

  5. The reduction in the total number of books available between 1987–88 and 1988–89 results in the amalgamation of the compound prisoners and their libraries into the cellular regime.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. McCusker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when was the most recent case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy confirmed in Northern Ireland; and what assessment he has made of whether it indicates any spread of the disease.

  Mr. Viggers
  The 13th case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Northern Ireland was confirmed on 3 April 1989.

  BSE is not thought to spread from animal to animal. The Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland has implemented the recommendations of the Southwood committee. These recommendations are intended to prevent further infection of bovines but it must be borne in mind that they cannot prevent cases arising in animals incubating the disease from earlier exposure to the infective agent. As the disease takes a number of years to manifest itself clinically it will be some time before the ultimate success of the measures taken can be assessed.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many families were entitled to family credit and how many were receiving it in 1988–89.

  Mr. Needham
  The number of families entitled to and receiving family credit on 31 March 1989 was 14,500. A reliable estimate of the number who might be eligible for family credit in Northern Ireland is not available.

  Capital Projects (Health Boards)
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give, for each health board, details of proposed capital developments costing more than £1 million which have been cancelled for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Needham
  No such schemes have been cancelled since 1979.

  Electricity (Privatisation)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the proposed timetable for the privatisation of Northern Ireland Electricity.

  Mr. Viggers
  No timetable has been set for privatisation of Northern Ireland Electricity. Government are currently examining the available options and will bring forward their detailed proposals in due course.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what account his Department takes of the parity clause in relation to the statement of fees and allowances in the Social Services Agreement Act 1949 and the Finance 506
  Act 1971; and what arrangements are accordingly made to budget for general practitioner trainers' remuneration and general practitioner trainees' allowances.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 4 May 1989]: The amounts payable to general practitioner trainers and trainees under the statement of fees and allowances are the same in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the United Kingdom. Financial provision for general practitioner trainers' remuneration and general practitioner trainees' allowance is made under the family practitioner services section of the Department's Health and Personal Social Services vote 1.

  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what consideration has been given to amending current arrangements in Northern Ireland to allow designated general practitioner trainers to recruit suitably qualified general practitioner trainees on the same terms as in Great Britain; and what would be the revenue and manpower consequences of such a change;

  (2) whether there is any constraint which prohibits the Department of Health and Social Security in Northern Ireland from allowing general practitioner trainers to recruit trainees on the same basis as in Britain.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 5 May 1989]: It is not proposed to introduce arrangements in Northern Ireland to allow designated general practitioner trainers to recruit their own trainees on the same basis as in Great Britain. The present arrangements are designed to limit the annual number of trainees to our manpower requirements and to select trainees in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Employment (NI) Act 1976 and the guide to effective practice issued by the Department of Economic Development. Copies of each of these documents have been placed in the Library.

  However, I can inform the hon. Member that the Department has established a working group of all interested parties to review the arrangements for
  vocational training for general practice in Northern Ireland.

  Harland and Wolff
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has yet received approval from the EEC of the proposed management buy-out in co-operation with Mr. Olsen of Messrs. Harland and Wolff; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 4 May 1989]: Formal EC approval has not yet been sought for the sale of Harland and Wolff plc to the management buy-out team, backed by Mr. Olsen. Officials of the Department of Economic Development have had discussions with EC officials and a formal notification seeking EC approval will be made in due course.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he intends to offer performance
  507
  guarantees on behalf of Her Majesty's Government in respect of any of the three tankers to be built at Messrs. Harland and Wolff; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 4 May 1989]: As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, announced on 22 March, to enable the new Harland and Wolff to raise performance guarantees necessary for the financing of its operations in the early years, the Olsen companies have agreed to make a recourse commitment for use by the new company to support pre-delivery financing. The Government will match this.

  Fair Employment Commission
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the names of all those who were considered for appointment as chairmen of the Fair Employment Commission; if he will make a statement about the methods used to appoint to this post; and what advertisements were placed in the press.

  Mr. Viggers
  [holding answer 5 May 1989]: It is not usual to advertise for applicants for appointments to the boards of statutory bodies nor to publicise the names of those who have been under consideration for any public office. The chairman designate of the Fair Employment Commission was selected on the basis of individual merit.

  Food Poisoning
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of cases of food poisoning notified to each health and social services board in Northern Ireland in the last three years for which figures are available.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 5 May 1989]: The information is as follows:

  Eastern

  Northern

  Southern

  Western

  1986

  97

  107

  48

  21

  1987

  193

  145

  69

  16

  1988

  95

  104

  57

  46

  Environmental Health Officers
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many environmental health officers are currently employed by each district council in Northern Ireland; and what was the figure for 1984.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 5 May 1989]: In Northern Ireland environmental health officers, outside Belfast, are employed within regional groups of councils. Some officers are retained at group headquarters and provide specialist services to each constituent council. Each council also has its own complement of environmental health officers. The numbers employed are as follows:

  1984

  1989

  Belfast

  56

  59

  Eastern group:

  HQ

  8

  9

  Ards

  5

  5

  Castlereagh

  4

  4

  Down

  5

  5

  Lisburn

  7

  7

  North Down

  6

  6

  508

  1984

  1989

  Northern group:

  HQ

  11

  12

  Antrim

  3

  4

  Ballymena

  5

  6

  Ballymoney

  2

  3

  Carrickfergus

  2

  3

  Coleraine

  5

  7

  Cookstown

  2

  3

  Larne

  3

  3

  Magherafelt

  2

  3

  Moyle

  1

  1

  Newtownabbey

  5

  5

  Southern group:

  HQ

  10

  9

  Armagh

  4

  4

  Banbridge

  2

  3

  Craigavon

  6

  7

  Dungannon

  5

  6

  Newry and Mourne

  5

  6

  Western group:

  HQ

  9

  9

  Derry

  7

  8

  Fermanagh

  4

  5

  Limavady

  2

  3

  Omagh

  3

  4

  Strabane

  2

  3

  Total

  191

  212

  Maternity Payments
  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many and what percentage of children born in Northern Ireland during 1988 were eligible for maternity payments through the social fund; and what was the average payment made.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 3 May 1989]: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, during 1988, 8,129 maternity payments were made. The normal flat-rate payment is £85 per child.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  North East Shipbuilders Ltd.
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the former employees of North East Shipbuilders Ltd. who have found full-time employment since the closure of the shipyard.

  Mr. Newton
  I do not think that it would be appropriate to list individuals in this way, even if it were immediately practicable. However, I understand that no part-time jobs are included in the figure given recently by Sunderland Enterprise and Training Ltd. for the number of former NESL employees who have found alternative jobs.

  Internal Market
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what estimates have been made of the effects of the completion of the internal market in 1992 on(a) job losses in manufacturing industry and (b) of the adverse effects in peripheral regions of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
  509
  Mr. Maude
  The single market will provide great opportunities and challenges to firms in all parts of the United Kingdom. The impact on individual sectors and regions will depend on how successfully individual firms respond.

  British Overseas Trade Board
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the post of chief executive to the British Overseas Trade board was advertised; and what are the current pay and conditions of the appointment.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The post of chief executive to the British Overseas Trade board was not advertised because it forms part of the duties of a grade 2 civil servant in the Department of Trade and Industry. The current pay and conditions of appointment are those applying generally to civil servants of that grade.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether any members of the British Overseas Trade board listed on page 3 of the 1987–88 annual report have benefited from the British Overseas Trade board services; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Comprehensive information about the use of official export services by individual companies is not readily available. However, companies with representatives who are also members of the British Overseas Trade board, are entitled to use the available services on the same conditions as other United Kingdom businesses.

  Mr. Peter Luff
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the current salary and duties of Mr. Peter Luff.

  Mr. Forth
  I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Gentleman on 27 January 1989 at column 766.

  Manufactured Goods
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give the import penetration of every item of manufactured goods under the standard industrial classification for 1988.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The latest available data for import penetration is for 1987 and may be found in Business Monitor MQ 12. The 1988 information is expected to appear shortly, following a restructuring of the calculation systems to make them compatible with the intergrated classification for overseas trade (the combined nomenclature) introduced at the beginning of 1988.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give the balance of trade in manufactured goods under the standard industrial classification for 1988.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Information on the basis of the standard industrial classification for 1988 is not currently available. Restructuring of the system which provides these estimates to accommodate the new classification for overseas trade has not yet been completed.

  In 1988 the balance of trade in manufactured goods on the basis of the standard international trade classification was in deficit by £14·4 billion.

  Defence Exports (Visible Exports)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his reply of 9 December,Official Report, column 346, how the calculations for the percentage of total visible exports supported by defence exports were made.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Since the answer to the hon. Gentleman's previous question on 9 December 1988 at column 346 was given my attention has been drawn to the fact that the percentages were based on figures which did not fully represent United Kingdom defence equipment exports.

  The correct figures—based on headings in the Overseas Trade Statistics which cover defence equipment expressed as a percentage of total United Kingdom exports are 1·1 per cent. in 1986, 1·5 per cent. in 1987 and 1·0 per cent. in 1988.

  Japanese Trade
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will list the principal manufactured products from Japan imported into the United Kingdom with the corresponding import duties applicable to those products in Japan;

  (2) if he will set out the balance of trade with Japan in the last full year and the anticipated figures for the current year;

  (3) if he will set out the principal products exported to Japan from the United Kingdom with their rates of import duties and the rates of duty for those same products applicable on imports to the United Kingdom from Japan.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The crude balance of trade with Japan for 1988—the last full year for which figures are available —was in deficit by £4,766 million. Projections of trade balances for individual countries are not available.

  Principal products in our trade with Japan have been identified as those nine-digit United Kingdom commodity code numbers which had the greatest value of trade recorded against them in 1988. United Kingdom duty rates are specified for each of these nine-digit headings; Japanese duty rates are allocated according to the headings of the harmonised system which comprise the first six digits of the United Kingdom commodity code.

  The tables show the top ten products listed in order of the value of trade in 1988 for United Kingdom imports of manufactures from Japan and United Kingdom exports to Japan respectively together with the requested duty rates. The products listed account for 27 per cent. of our imports of manufactures from Japan and 22 per cent. of our total exports to Japan.

  More comprehensive tables showing the top 100 commodity codes in numerical order (in each case accounting for about two thirds of the overall trade) have been placed in the Library. The tables include the relevant Japanese duty rates. The descriptions of the code numbers and United Kingdom duty rates can be found in the "Integrated Tariff of the United Kingdom", a copy of which is available in the Library. However, for some of the commodity codes, the descriptions are too specific to identify product groups that can be easily recognised.

  If my hon. Friend requires more information about the figures, perhaps he would write to me.
  511

  United Kingdom exports to Japan—Top 10 products in 1988

  Import duty rates

  CCN description and code

  Japan

  United Kingdom

  970110001 Paintings in oil or water colours

  Free

  Free

  220830913 Blended whisky other than bourbon warehoused 3 years or more, certified, in containers holding 2 litres or less

  15·7 per cent.

  0·4 ecu/per cent, vol./hl +3 ecu/hi

  711019100 Bars, rods, wire and sections; plates; sheets and strips of a thickness excluding any backing exceeding 015 mm of platinium

  Free

  0·9 per cent.

  870324103 New assembled motor vehicles of a cylinder capacity exceeding 3,000 cc other than station wagons/estate cars

  Free

  10 per cent.

  854380909 Electrical machines and apparatus having individual functions nes.

  Free

  Free

  300490199 Medicaments nes put up in forms or in packings of a kind sold by retail

  5·3 per cent.

  9·6 per cent.

  992099008 Postal packages not classified according to kind

  n.a.

  n.a.

  294190000 Antibiotics nes

  3·4 per cent.

  5·3 per cent.

  970600000 Antiques of an age exceeding 100 years

  Free

  Free

  220830991 Wholly malt whicky other than bourbon warehoused 3 years or more, certified in containers holding more than 2 litres

  15·7 per cent.

  0·4 ecu/per cent, vol./hl

  Source:

  (i) Integrated tariff of the United Kingdom.

  (ii) Customs tariff schedule of Japan, National tariff published annually by Japan tariff association.

  United Kingdom imports of Manufactures from Japan—Top 10 products in 1988

  CCN description and code

  Japanese import duty rates

  870323103 New assembled motor vehicles of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,500 cc but not exceeding 3,000 cc other than station wagons/estate cars

  Free

  847330000 Parts and accessories of automatic data processing machines

  Free

  870322103 New assembled motor vehicles of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,000 cc but not exceeding 1,500 cc other than station wagons/estate cars

  Free

  870321101 New assembled motor vehicles of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1,000 cc

  Free

  852290999 Parts and accessories of sound recorders or reproducers or television image and sound recorders or reproducers nes

  3·4 per cent.

  851782001 Facsimile transmission machines

  Free

  847192901 Printers for automatic data processing machines (ADP)

  Free

  847193500 Disc storage units for ADP machines

  Free

  900990100 Parts and accessories of electrostatic photocopying apparatus or other photocopying apparatus incorporating an optical system.

  Free

  870323101 New assembled station wagons/estate cars of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,500 cc but not exceeding 3,000 cc

  Free

  Source:

  (i) Intergrated tariff of the United Kingdom.

  (ii) Customs tariff schedule of Japan, National tariff published annually by the Japan tariff association.

  Single Market
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is being done to liberalise United Kingdom export controls in preparation for the single European market.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Her Majesty's Government expect to see a considerable reduction in controls on exports to our European Community partners and others before 1992. A step in this direction has been taken with the introduction of an open general export Licence which frees British exporters from the need to apply for individual licences for a wide range of industrial goods for export to our partners in the European Community, the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia.

  I am placing a copy of the open general export licence (European Community and COCOM destinations) in the Library.

  Estate Agents Act
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the operation of the Estate Agents Act.

  Mr. Forth
  I am concluding a review of estate agency. The review has considered the operation of the Estate 512
  Agents Act 1979 and in this context I have received advice from the Director General of Fair Trading. I hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Soviet Union (Joint Enterprises)
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many joint ventures have been entered into by British companies with(a) Soviet state enterprises and (b) Soviet co-operatives to date; and if he will list them.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mr. Fisher) on 10 May 1989. Of those, 33 signed UK/USSR joint ventures of which we are aware, 29 are with Soviet state organisations while the remaining four are with Soviet co-operatives. My Department is unable to list them, however, as much of the information has been provided to us on the basis of commercial confidentiality.

  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many joint ventures have been entered into with the Soviet Union by EC companies to date; and if he is able to list the number for each member state.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The most comprehensive and most recent survey of joint ventures entered into in the Soviet Union by EC companies held by my Department is aPlanEcon Report1 dated 24 March which gives details of

  513
  103 joint ventures which had been registered with the Soviet Ministry of Finance on or before 15 February 1989. For ease of comparison, the number with each member state is as follows:

  EC Member State

  Number

  West Germany

  36

  Italy

  20

  United Kingdom

  12

  France

  10

  Luxembourg

  3

  Spain

  3

  Belgium

  2

  Denmark

  2

  Netherlands

  2

  Greece

  1

  Ireland

  1

  Portugal

  0

  92

  Joint Ventures having partners from more than one EC Member State

  4

  Joint Venture having partners from an EC Member State and a third country

  7

  103

  1 The PlanEcon report is a weekly United States publication, which analyses major macroeconomic and trade developments in the economies of the Soviet Union and eastern Europe.

  The number of joint ventures has since risen, though no more recent comparison is available. As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mr. Fisher) on 10 May 1989, my Department is, for example, aware of 33 joint ventures signed to date between United Kingdom companies and the Soviet Union, not all of which have been registered with the Soviet authorities.

  Telephone Calls
  Mr. Thornton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will provide equivalent figures on telephone calls to those given by the then hon. Member for Wembley, South on 23 January 1968,Official Report, column 331, for the latest available date.

  Mr. Atkins
  The latest year for which such information is publicly available is 1983. In that year some 21·5 billion effective telephone calls were made, of which 82·6 per cent. were local calls; 16·7 per cent. inland trunk calls; 0·43 per cent. were continental calls and 0·26 per cent. were other overseas calls.

EMPLOYMENT

  Job-seeking Records
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the status of the detailed job-seeking records asking claimants to fill in what they have done from Monday to Friday which some unemployed people are asked to complete by claimant advisers; and what is the position of those claimants who refuse or who are otherwise unable to complete them.

  Mr. Lee
  Benefit claimants are not required to complete a formal record showing their detailed daily activities in order to maintain their claim.

  Training
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement on the progress of employment training.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Employment training continues to grow faster than any other previous adult training programme. By 28 April, there were over 184,000 people in training. They clearly recognise the benefits the programme has to offer and the opportunity it provides to help them get a job.

  Maternity Leave
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what reviews he is making of maternity leave for employees; and if he will take steps to harmonise United Kingdom practice with that of other European countries.

  Mr. Nicholls
  My right hon. Friend has no current plans to amend the maternity rights contained in the employment protection legislation.

  British Coal
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what advice he has given British Coal in regard to the implementation of the new mine safety regulation and codes of practice; and if he proposes to offer any guidance to ensure that British Coal properly implements the proposed arrangements and that there is no attempt to unilaterally amend them in practice.

  Mr. Nicholls
  My right hon. Friend has not given any advice to British Coal on this matter. Regulations and codes of practice approved under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act have the force of law.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide information on the number of female part-timers in April 1988 with an average working week of(a) one hour, (b) two hours, (c) three hours, (d) four hours, (e) five hours, (f) six hours, (g) seven hours and (h) the total below eight hours; and how many have been working (i) over eight hours but below 16 hours, and (ii) 16 hours and above.

  Mr. Lee
  Preliminary estimates from the spring 1988 labour force survey are as follows:

  Women aged 16 and over in part-time1 employment in Great Britain

  Basic usual weekly hours worked2

  Number working (thousands)

  1

  19

  2

  57

  3

  65

  4

  113

  5

  97

  6

  176

  7

  87

  Less than 8 hours

  3627

  8 hours but less than 16 hours

  1,545

  16 hours to 30 hours

  2,821

  1 Basic usual weekly hours of 30 or less per week.

  2 Excludes mealbreaks and overtime.

  3 Includes a few people whose basic usual weekly hours were a half hour or less. Half hours are rounded to the nearest even hour.

  515
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide information showing the number of male part-time workers in Great Britain in April 1988 and the proportion of those workers whose earnings fell below(a) £3·80 per hour, (b) £2·85 per hour, (c) £2·80 per hour and (d) £5·70 per hour.

  Mr. Nicholls
  There were an estimated 914,000 part-time male employees in employment in March 1988. The estimated percentage of part-time male employees earning below the specified amounts in the new earnings survey sample in April 1988 was:

  Hourly earnings less than

  Percentage

  £

  2·80

  55

  3·00

  63

  3·80

  79

  5·50

  87

  6·00

  88

  Figures of the proportion earning below £2·85 and £5·70 per hour are not available; the nearest available figures have been given.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have become self-employed in the last year in the east midlands; what trend can be discerned; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lee
  There are no figures on people starting or finishing self employment. Between December 1987 and December 1988, the latest date for which figures are available, the estimated number of self-employed in the east midlands region increased by 10,000 to stand at 205,000. This is an increase of 82,000 or 67 per cent. since 1979, and follows the national trend of substantial growth in self employment during the 1980s.

  Home Workers
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many home workers are covered by each wages council, and the total number of home workers covered; and if he will publish in the Official Report the statistics on compliance with wages council rates in 1988 for home workers in a similar format as the answer of 1 March, to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood (Ms. Short), Official Report, columns 201–06.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The available information on home workers in wages council trades is as follows. No count is made of the numbers covered by the councils but estimates suggest that the total lies between 20,000 and 30,000.

  Results of wages inspectorate checks of home workers pay by trade—1988

  Wages council

  Home workers whose pay was checked

  Home workers found underpaid

  Percentage of home workers checked found underpaid

  Clothing manufacture

  331

  6

  1·8

  Button manufacturing

  13

  0

  0

  Hat, cap and millinery

  105

  0

  0

  Linen and cotton handkerchief

  9

  0

  0

  516

  Wages council

  Home workers whose pay was checked

  Home workers found underpaid

  Percentage of home workers checked found underpaid

  Made-up textiles

  20

  0

  0

  Ostrich and fancy feather

  2

  0

  0

  Retail bespoke tailoring

  4

  0

  0

  Retail non-food

  7

  0

  0

  Rope twine and net

  22

  0

  0

  Toy manufacturing

  66

  0

  0

  Total

  579

  6

  1·04

  Results of wages inspectorate checks of home workers pay by division—1988

  Division

  Home workers whose pay was checked

  Home workers found underpaid

  Percentage of home workers checked found underpaid

  London

  79

  5

  6·3

  South East

  49

  0

  0

  Eastern

  283

  0

  0

  South West

  59

  0

  0

  Midlands

  67

  0

  0

  North West

  14

  1

  7·1

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  28

  0

  0

  Northern

  0

  0

  0

  Scotland

  0

  0

  0

  Total

  579

  6

  1·04

ENVIRONMENT

  Public Utilities
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now plans to bring in new legislation on public utilities and street work; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I have been asked to reply.

  Proposals for the reform of the Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950 have been drawn up with the benefit of advice from the street works advisory committee, following extensive consultation. A paper has been sent to interested parties inviting comments on the details of our proposals. A copy of that paper is in the Library. Legislation will be brought forward as soon as there is a suitable opportunity.

  Rates (Don Valley)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for(a) Brodsworth parish council and (b) Clayton with Frickley parish council in the parliamentary constituency of Don Valley (i) his estimates of the income raised for a 1p rate on the non-domestic properties in 1989–90 and (ii) his estimates of the total amount of business rate income available in 1987–88 and 1988–89.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  This information is not available.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how much nuclear waste is being produced annually in the United Kingdom;

  (2) what is the total amount of nuclear waste so far accumulated in the United Kingdom at (a) high level, (b) intermediate level and (c) low level; and what quantity in each category is currently awaiting disposal.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The figures are contained in the 1987 United Kingdom Radio-active Waste Inventory, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Rates (Wirral)
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends taking any action against the Wirral non-metropolitan borough for its 23 per cent. rate rise in the current year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Because of the introduction of the community charge in April 1990, we do not intend to take action against any authority which budgets excessively in 1989–90. However, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has power to take early action to reduce the budget of any authority which he considers excessive next year.

  Second Homes (South Yorkshire)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to how many second homes there are in each metropolitan district authority in the county of South Yorkshire; in each case what percentage of the total housing stock this represents; and if he will show in his answer, the figures for five and 10 years ago.

  Mr. Trippier
  The most recent information is available from the census 1981 county report for South Yorkshire. Table 18 shows for each district numbers of unoccupied second residence household spaces, together with all household spaces. A copy of the publication is available in the Library.

  Water
  Mr. John Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out in the Official Report, the volumes of water at present being abstracted in the Greater London area and the Inner London area and the number of licensed boreholes in each area.

  Mr. Howard
  This information is not held centrally. Thames water authority is responsible for licensing water abstractions.

  Local Plan (Bradford)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to hold an inquiry into the south-east Bradford local plan following the decision by the council to change to industrial use 21 acres at Low Moor.

  Mr. Chope
  The primary responsibility for the south-east Bradford local plan and its content lies with 518
  Bradford city council. The local plan has already been the subject of a public local inquiry. There is no cause for the involvement of the Secretary of State.

  West End Development (Bradford)
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions have been held between representatives of his Department and Bradford council regarding the west end development; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  Officers of Bradford city council have been present at preliminary discussions which my officials have had with the prospective developer. Any application for city grant, which has been discussed, would be made direct to the Department by the developer. Planning permission must be obtained before any such application is accepted.

  Drinking Water
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library the information in his Department concerning time-limited derogations and delays which have been granted on the noncompliance of potable waters in England with the EC directive relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption, 80/77/EEC.

  Mr. Ridley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Gateshead, East (Ms. Quin) on 7 February 1989 at columns 591–97.

  Sewage Discharges
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library a list. for each water authority, of those sewage works in respect of which applications have been made for revised sewage discharge consents.

  Mr. Ridley
  I have today placed a list for English water authorities in the Library of the House.

  Chlorofluorocarbons
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will study the system implemented in the Federal Republic of Germany for the environmentally safe recovery of the chlorofluorocarbons in refrigerators in order to assess its applicability for the United Kingdom.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Officials of the Department of the Environment are shortly to visit the Federal Republic in order to make a technical evaluation of the experimental plant in question and to determine the possible use of the system in the United Kingdom.

  Community Charge
  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, if he will show in the Official Report the numbers, grades and cost of his Department's staff dealing with public and media inquiries about the community charge and with publicity campaigns on the community charge; and whether these costs were included in the costs of his campaign announced on 8 May.

  Mr. Ridley
  No members of my Department deal exclusively with public and media inquiries, or with
  519
  information campaigns, about the community charge. As is usual, the figures included in my letter to the hon. Member dated 8 May were for production and distribution costs and did not cover the time of departmental staff.

  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the annual cost of the community charge publicity unit being run from PO Box 622, Bristol BS99 1TR; and what are the numbers and grades of staff employed there.

  Mr. Ridley
  The PO Box No. to which the hon. Member refers is that of a private company contracted by the Central Office of Information, on behalf of the Department, solely to fulfil requests for departmental publications on the community charge. The estimated cost of this service is some £300,000, but the final cost will depend on the number of requests received.

  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report his letter of 8 May to the hon. Member for Copeland setting out his plans to publicise the community charge.

  Mr. Ridley
  I am arranging for copies of my letter to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Use Classes Order
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards the inclusion in structure plans and local plans of policies designated to curtail the freedoms provided by the use classes order.

  Mr. Howard
  Structure plans and local plans may reasonably seek to encourage particular types of development, but they should not include development control policies whose effect would be to impose general restrictions on the freedoms provided by the use classes order and by the general development order where those orders provide for changes of use without the need for specific planning permission. As was recognised in Circular 13/87, it may very exceptionally be appropriate for a local planning authority in determining a particular planning application to impose a condition restricting the use to which land or buildings may subsequently be put; but plans should not embody general policies for such restrictions.

  Development plan policies must be relevant and up to date if they are to carry weight in the consideration of planning applications and appeals. Local planning authorities should, therefore, where necessary bring forward early alterations to policies in plans which are in conflict with the basis of the use classes order. Where already submitted alterations or replacement plans have been drawn up on the basis of the former provisions, the Secretary of State will want to consider the need for modifications to bring them into conformity with the order. Planning authorities should where necessary be prepared to put forward revised proposals for consideration at the examination in public.

  Water (Connection Charges)
  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to include powers in the Water Bill to allow charges to be made recovering the cost of providing extra capacity to meet demands from newly connected properties.
  520
  Mr. Howard
  I have considered evidence provided to me about the operation of the existing arrangements. I have concluded that a right to charge at the time new connections are made to water mains and public sewers will provide a clearer, fairer and more certain basis for ensuring infrastructure is provided. The necessary amendments to the Water Bill are therefore being tabled. Conditions of appointment of the water and sewerage companies will place a ceiling on the level of charge that can be made, related to the investment costs of the companies

  Drinking Water
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the cost of installing treatment plant to reduce pollution of the water supply to the European Economic Community standard; and whether the water companies after privatisation will be allowed to add a margin of profit on the capital employed in the installation in addition to the cost of borrowing the sum required for that purpose.

  Mr. Howard
  Water undertakers have submitted programmes of work, together with projections of the cost (including the cost of installing new treatment plants) of complying with the EC drinking water directive. My right hon. Friend is reviewing the programmes, which require discussion with individual water undertakers. Until he has examined them all it is not possible to indicate their costs. However, the programme together with their costs, will be included in prospectuses to be published later in the year.

  Clause 7 of the Water Bill requires the Secretary of State, or the Director General of Water Services, to ensure that water and sewerage undertakers are able (in particular by securing reasonable returns on their capital) to finance the proper carrying out of their functions.

DEFENCE

  Odstock Hospital, Salisbury
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department has funded any staff or research at any time since 1979 at Odstock hospital in Salisbury.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The MOD funds a considerable amount of extramural research, but it is not our practice to go into details of individual contracts. It is for the institutes themselves to confirm their involvement.

  Holding Berths
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the purpose of a holding berth; whether holding berths have permanent safety precautions against radiological hazards; and if he will publish in the Official Report a full list of all the locations of holding berths in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Archie Hamliton
  A holding berth is a berth available for use over the shortest practical period by a nuclear-powered warship in circumstances when an unplanned event either temporarily precludes the use of a Z or X berth to which it is on passage, or temporarily prevents the warship continuing with its intended movement when leaving a port or berth. A holding berth is for contingency use only and may not be used by
  521
  planned intent. Holding berths are all covered by public or special safety schemes, but, because they are by nature off shore, much of the detail that applies to Z and X berths is not appropriate. When a nuclear-powered warship is temporarily occupying a holding berth, a tug must be in attendance, other shipping must be required to pass or anchor away from the warship, and an emergency radiation monitoring team must be maintained on call in operational readiness. There are holding berths off shore from Barry, Cardiff, Devonport, Liverpool and Rosyth.

  "British Defence Policy"
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost(a) to design, research and compile and (b) to print the pamphlet, "British Defence Policy"; how many copies have been printed; what is the cost of distribution; and if he will list the organisations provided with copies and the number provided to each.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The cost of designing, researching and compiling "British Defence Policy 1989–90" was £29,187 (including VAT); printing is estimated to cost £78,434 (including VAT); and the estimated cost of distribution is £5,100. A total of 130,000 copies are being printed, of which 5,000 have been distributed to date, free of charge, to MPs, peers, journalists, foreign defence attaches and advisers, officials and members of the armed forces and NATO headquarters. We have also sent them to non-government organisations which have requested them, such as Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve Associations, Peace through NATO, the British Atlantic Committee, Families for Defence, the Royal United Services Institution, and the Royal Institute for International Affairs. Additional copies will be sent on request.

  "Sanity"
  Mr. Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his departmental library has on order the monthly magazine Sanity produced for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Yes.

  Nuclear Submarines
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the implications for Vickers Submarine Engineering Ltd. of the Canadian Government decision to withdraw from purchasing Trafalgar class nuclear power submarines.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Canadian Government had not awarded any contracts prior to their decision not to proceed with a nuclear-powered submarine programme. Had the programme gone ahead and the United Kingdom been selected as country of origin for the design of the submarine, United Kingdom industry, including Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd., would have expected to obtain a significant proportion of the business.

  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list in the Official Report all surveys of whatever size carried out by his Department amongst past and present submarine service personnel or their offspring to determine whether there has been any abnormal
  522
  statistical evidence of medical disorders arising from exposure of Royal Navy nuclear submarine personnel to radiation; if he will publish the dates and the population census for such surveys; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Medical records of all naval personnel are analysed annually and any health trends are identified. There have been no special surveys carried out by the Department to determine whether there is any evidence of medical disorders arising from exposure of Royal Navy nuclear submarine personnel to radiation. A report on morbidity in submariners between 1969 and 1974 was produced in 1975: this was not specifically concerned with the effects of radiation. Also, as I said in reply to the hon. Member on 2 May at columns 61–62, a study into mortality and morbidity among submariners is currently in progress. This, too, is not specifically concerned with radiation, although it examines radiation along with all other factors which could affect the health of submariners.

  In general, personnel serving in Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines receive lower radiation doses than members of the public, since they are shielded from much cosmic and terrestrial radiation. Those submarine personnel designated as radiation workers are included in the national register of such workers, unless they explicitly ask to be excluded.

  Housing Stock
  Mr. Robert Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the size and composition of the housing stock owned and rented by his Department in the Plymouth area and the number currently(a) unoccupied and (b) for sale; and if he will provide the corresponding figures for Torpoint, including the addresses of those that are to be sold.

  Mr. Neubert
  The Ministry of Defence currently owns 2,914 houses and 637 flats in the Plymouth area. We have no rented properties there. As at 31 March 1989, the most recent date for which comprehensive figures are available, 1,190 properties were vacant and 501 of these were in the process of disposal. At Torpoint we own 102 houses and 64 flats; 52 were vacant on 31 March 1989 and nine of those were in the process of disposal. Many of the vacant properties are undergoing modernisation or major maintenance, some are already allocated to service families who will be moving in shortly and others are being prepared for disposal. I shall write to my hon. Friend about the properties to be sold at Torpoint.

  Submarines (Medical Records)
  Mr. John Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now agree to release medical records to past submariners when these are asked for.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  It is not the policy of the Department to release medical records. Two exceptions to this are the release of copies of relevant clinical notes to a qualified medical practioner for the purposes of continued treatment, and the release of copies of relevant notes to a medically qualified adviser for use in legal proceedings. They are not released to the person to whom they refer. This accords with the policy of the NHS for the handling of civilian records. Radiation dose records are, however, kept for those submariners designated as radiation
  523
  workers, and are maintained separately from the medical records. These dose records are released to the individual concerned on request, and are forwarded to him as a matter of course when he leaves the service, in accordance with the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1985.

  DIDO Reactor, Harwell
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what safety experiments have been conducted, using the DIDO reactor at Harwell by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 5 May 1989]: UKAEA Harwell undertakes work for the Royal Navy on a commercial basis. Tests of materials performance relevant to the design and safety of the naval reactor systems have been conducted in the DIDO reactor.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prison Officers (Accommodation)
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prison officers now reside in prison accommodation.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  About 20 per cent.

  Juvenile Offenders
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on recent developments in dealing with juvenile offenders.

  Mr. John Patten
  Recorded juvenile crime is falling. More juveniles are being cautioned rather than prosecuted and more being dealt with under an increasing range of demanding and constructive community-based measures. Custody remains available to deal with the most serious juvenile offenders. The Government are considering how to improve the arrangements for the remand of alleged juvenile offenders.

  Football Grounds (Safety)
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the chairmen of London football clubs to discuss football ground safety in London.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the chairmen of London football clubs he has met officially in the last six months.

  Mr. Hurd
  I have had no such meetings. My hon. Friend the Minister for Sport meets the chairmen of league football clubs, including London clubs, from time to time, as well as representatives from the Football League and the Football Association.

  Police Initial Recruitment Test
  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received any representations regarding the current police initial recruitment test.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have received representations from the Commission for Racial Equality about the 524
  validity and possible culture bias of the test, which the Commission suggests should be more closely related to the needs of the job. Although there is no evidence that the test works to the detriment of applicants from the ethnic minorities, the Police advisory board is considering the case for a new test.

  Violence
  Dr. Kim Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to tackle increasing violence in non-metropolitan areas.

  Mr. John Patten
  We have strengthened the police; tightened the law on under-age drinking and increased the penalties available to the courts; reminded the police and courts of their powers to deal with outbreaks of disorder; encouraged the swift hearing of cases of this kind; and made it an offence to carry a knife in a public place without good reasons. My right hon. Friend has also approved pilot projects in seven areas to test the effectiveness of byelaws making it an offence to drink alcohol in designated public places. The ministerial group on alcohol misuse will take action to follow up certain recommendations contained in a recently published Home Office research study on drinking and disorder.

  Mr. Duffy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce drink-related violence in South Yorkshire.

  Mr. John Patten
  We have strengthened the law on sales of alcohol to under-age drinkers and increased the penalties available to the courts. We have reminded the police and courts of their powers for dealing with outbreaks of disorder and infringements of the licensing laws, and asked them to arrange for swift prosecutions and court hearings after outbreaks of hooliganism and violence. In February the Government issued a circular giving advice about local action to tackle all forms of alcohol misuse. Initiatives at national level are being taken forward by the ministerial group on alcohol misuse. Meetings with representatives of the drinks and fast food industries are planned to discuss recommendations contained in a newly published Home Office research study on drinking and disorder.

  Young People (Arrests)
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests have been made of young people in the London area for each of the last six months for which figures are available, under section 3 of the Vagrancy Act 1824; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information is not available.

  Metropolitan Police (Freemasonry)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has raised with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis the influence of freemasonry in the Metropolitan police.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  My right hon. Friend discussed the matter at length with the Commissioner. There is no evidence that freemasonry has influenced Metropolitan police officers either in the execution of their duties or in the internal management of the force.

  Police Recruitment
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to help encourage recruitment into the police force in the light of the growing shortage of young people coming on to the employment market.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  A working party has been set up by the Police advisory board to examine the recruitment problems arising from the reduction in numbers of school leavers and to make recommendations for future recruiting strategy. I hope that the working party's recommendations will be ready for consideration at the board's next meeting in the autumn.

  Charity Commission
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to alter the responsibilities of the Charity Commission.

  Mr. John Patten
  My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to publish a White Paper setting out the Government's proposals to implement the Woodfield report which recommended a number of changes in the responsibilities.

  Shops (Theft)
  Mr. Andy Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures his Department is taking to reduce theft from shops.

  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures his Department is taking against theft from shops.

  Mr. John Patten
  The prevention of theft from shops is primarily a matter for the retailers themselves. We support the retailers in a range of ways; through the advice on preventive measures contained in the 1986 report of the Home Office standing conference on crime prevention working group on shop theft, our crime prevention handbook "Practical Ways to Crack Crime" and crime prevention unit research papers, and in meetings with retailers and their representative organisations. It is encouraging that the number of offences of theft from shops fell by 12 per cent. in 1988 and that the number of offences has fallen by almost a quarter since 1985.

  Police Efficiency
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress is being made in implementing the recommendations of the Audit Commission on police efficiency.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Following its special study on the police, the Audit Commission has produced detailed audit guidance for district auditors, for use in the value for money audits which they are conducting in all provincial police forces. The police forces are co-operating fully with the district audit service in these inquiries. Chief officers of police and the police authorities are primarily responsible for implementing promptly the improvements in efficiency and effectiveness which are identified. This is valuable work which has the full support of the Home Office and Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary.

  Hillsborough Disaster
  Mrs. Maureen Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the estimated costs of the Hillsborough police inquiry and the means of funding the West Midlands police responsible for that inquiry.

  Mr Douglas Hogg
  It is not clear at this stage what the total additional costs of the Hillsborough police inquiry will be. With regard to the means of funding the West Midlands police I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Beaumont-Dark) on 28 April at column 702.

  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the West Midlands police authority will be fully reimbursed for the costs of the West Midlands police inquiry in support of the judicial review into the Hillsborough stadium tragedy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham Selly Oak, (Mr. Beaumont-Dark) on 28 April at column 702.

  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost to public funds of the police inquiry into the Hillsborough football disaster; and if the costs will be met by his Department.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is not clear at this stage what the total additional costs of the police inquiry into the Hillsborough football disaster will be. With regard to the means of reimbursing the West Midlands police I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Beaumont-Dark) on 28 April at column 702.

  Parking (London)
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further measures he plans to provide for the enforcement of parking and waiting restrictions on through routes into London.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The enforcement of parking and waiting restrictions has been reviewed by a working party under Home Office chairmanship. The working party has recently submitted its report, which we will consider carefully.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Irvine
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to increase the efficiency of the prison service.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Fresh start continues to improve the efficiency of the prison service. The service is on course to achieve the initial implementation efficiencies by the end of 1989–90. Under the framework agreement, half of the hours lost in the progressive reduction in prison officers' working week to 39 hours on 1 April 1992 are being made up by efficiency improvements. A management services group supports prison service managers in achieving best value for money and a programme of efficiency reviews is undertaken. Additional initiatives, including examination of the scope for civilianisation, are also being pursued.
  527
  My right hon. Friend announced on 3 February at column 420, in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry), a review of the organisation of the service above the level of individual establishments which is charged with identifying by the end of July the scope for further improvements in effectiveness and value for money.

  Police Forces
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he proposes to increase co-operation between police forces without altering the current structure.

  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to improve the organisation and structure of the police forces in the north-west region of England; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  My right hon. Friend has recently made clear that we shall maintain the present structure of the police service, with responsibility shared under the 1964 Police Act between the chief constable, the police authority and the Home Secretary, while seeking to intensify co-operation within it.

  There is provision in the 1964 Act for collaboration and aid between forces. Regional crime squads deal with serious criminal offences, including drugs, crossing force or regional boundaries. My right hon. Friend also has powers to provide common services. Examples include the national drugs intelligence unit, the Police staff college and district training centres, the crime prevention centre, and the police national computer.

  Gulf (Secretary of State's Visit)
  Mr. Nelson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his recent visit to the Gulf.

  Mr. Hurd
  I visited Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia between 27 March and 3 April and had a number of useful meetings with senior members of the Governments of those countries. I discussed the scope for intensifying the level of co-operation with this country in a number of fields, including terrorism, drugs, organised crime and police training. In Saudi Arabia, I signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government to facilitate closer co-operation on these issues.

  Identity Cards
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning identity cards; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  In addition to the advice of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the recommendations of the Home Affairs Committee, my right hon. Friend has received this year some 130 letters on the subject of a national identity card from hon. Members and from the general public.

  Cocaine (Prisons)
  Mr. MacKay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to strengthen international co-operation against the trafficking and use of cocaine in prisons.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Department plays a full part in international co-operation against cocaine trafficking in general and there is not considered to be a need for separate international steps relating specifically to its misuse or trafficking within prisons.

  Ports (Policing)
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the cost of policing ports in England and Wales.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  None so far this year to my right hon. Friend, but there are continuing discussions on the policing of ports between the Home Office and the forces and police authorities concerned.

  Prison Service
  Mr. Favell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the planned total for Government spending on the prison service in 1989–90; and what was the figure in 1978–79.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The planned total for Government expenditure on the prison service (England and Wales) in 1989–90 is £1,140,100,000. Expenditure in 1978–79 was £285,300,000.

  Neighbourhood Watch
  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the number of neighbourhood watch schemes now operating in the Bury area; and what was the figure five years ago.

  Mr. John Patten
  At the end of March 1989 there were 336 neighbourhood watch schemes in the Bury metropolitan district division of the Greater Manhester police force area. Five years ago there were none.

  Television Licence Fee
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received seeking the abolition of the television licence fee for pensioners.

  Mr. Renton
  Since 1 January 1989, four hon. Members and one member of the public have written seeking free TV licences for pensioners.

  Drug Addicts
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the proportions of total notified drug addicts aged under 21 in 1988; and what was the figure in 1987.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Information on drug addicts to the Home Office in 1987 and 1988 is given in "Statistics of drug addicts notified to the Home Office, United Kingdom,
  529
  1988" (Home Office Statistical Bulletin issue 13/89), a copy of which has been placed in the Library. Table 8b shows that the proportion of addicts aged under 21 was 14 per cent. in 1987 and 12 per cent. in 1988.

  Parking
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has reached any conclusions in respect of the report on parking enforcement powers.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No conclusions have yet been reached.

  Police Co-operation (Europe)
  Mr. Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure greater co-operation between the United Kingdom police and the police Forces of European Economic Community partners.

  Mr. Holt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to improve co-operation against crime amongst the member countries of the European Community.

  Mr. Waller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Deparment what steps he is taking to improve co-operation against crime amongst the member countries of the European Community.

  Mr. John Patten
  I refer the hon. Member and my hon. Friends to the reply that I gave to questions from my hon. Friends the Members for Dover (Mr. Shaw) and for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) on 2 February 1989 at column 384.

  Young People (Alternatives to Custody)
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives he is currently supporting to develop alternatives to custody for young people.

  Mr. John Patten
  The Home Office action plan on tackling offending encourages probation services to develop local action plans for dealing with more young adult offenders in the community. Intensive probation programmes mainly for young adult offenders at risk of custody are under discussion in 10 probation areas. Grants totalling about £1x00B7;5 million over three years have been made available to encourage voluntary sector participation in work with 17 to 20-year-old offenders in the community.

  Passports
  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average number of working days currently taken by the London passport office to process an application for the issue or renewal of a passport; and what the figure was a year ago.

  Mr. Renton
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given earlier to questions from my hon. Friends the Members for Richmond and Barnes (Mr. Hanley) and for Fylde (Mr. Jack).

  Female Prisoners (Children)
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women currently detained in Her Majesty's prisons have had children removed into care as a result of their imprisonment.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  West Midlands Police
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will bring forward proposals to further increase the establishment of the West Midlands police.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The West Midlands police authority has applied for an increase of 350 police posts in the force establishment in 1990–91. This will be considered, together with applications from other authorities, with advice from Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary. The aim is to announce increases towards the end of 1989.

  My right hon. Friend has recently approved, as a permanent establishment increase, 14 police posts previously held supernumerary to establishment for duties at Birmingham airport. The costs are met by the airport authorities.

  Illegal Drugs
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to strengthen international co-operation against trade in illegal drugs.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Home Office continues to play an active role in the work of the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the European Community as it concerns drugs. In London next week my right hon. Friend and I will be chairing a meeting of Ministers of the Council of Europe's drug co-operation group (the Pompidou group) to consider some of the most urgent drugs problems facing European countries. We shall concentrate particularly on countering the threat posed by cocaine and "crack", confiscation of proceeds derived from illicit trafficking and the problem of AIDS and drug misuse. We hope that the meeting will give renewed political impetus to the valuable work being undertaken by the group and its 19 member states.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to take any action aimed at reducing domestic violence following the publication of his research study.

  Mr. Hurd
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave earlier to a question from the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Sheerman).

  Prisoners (Police Cells)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were held in police cells at the most recent available date.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  On 10 May 135 prisoners were held in police cells in England and Wales.

  Private Security Industry
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning regulation of the private security industry.

  Mr. John Patten
  In addition to correspondence on the subject from hon. Members, we have received representations from and on behalf of the International Professional Security Association, the Institute of Professional Investigators, the Electrical Contractors Association, "Ex Police in Industry and Commerce", the Retail Consortium, the British Retailers Association, the Multiple Shoe Retailers Association and the Drapers Chamber of Trade. We shall also be considering the views of the working group which has been set up to look at the self-regulation of the industry.

  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the public and private housing estates which are being patrolled by private security companies.

  Mr. John Patten
  No central record is kept of housing estates which are patrolled by private security companies.

  Immigration Detention Centre
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will reconsider the decision to relocate the immigration detention centre to Gosport.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The proposal is still under consideration. A decision will be announced shortly.

  Parental Responsibility
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to ensure that local authorities who stand in loco parentis are obliged to pay court fines imposed upon children in their care.

  Mr. John Patten
  We have no plans to introduce such a requirement at present.

  Right to Silence
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the right to silence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question of 13 April at column 709.

  Police Establishments (Warwickshire)
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to visit Warwickshire to discuss police establishments.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  My right hon. Friend has no such plans. Hon. Friends whose constituencies lie within the Warwickshire constabulary force area discussed the establishment of the force with my right hon. Friend on 6 March.

  Prison Baby Units
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children, and of what age, are currently in each of the baby units in prisons.
  532
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  On 28 April 1989, 24 babies were in the prison mother and baby units at Askham Grange, Holloway and Styal. The ages of the babies were:

  Number of babies

  Aged under one month

  3

  Aged 1–2 months

  4

  Aged 2–3 months

  2

  Aged 3–4 months

  4

  Aged 4–5 months

  1

  Aged 6–7 months

  3

  Aged 7–8 months

  2

  Aged 9–10 months

  4

  Aged 17–18 months

  1

  Anti-lifter Campaigns (Young Offenders)
  Dr. Michael Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for directing young offenders into anti-litter campaigns.

  Mr. John Patten
  Community service schemes for convicted offenders must provide some work placements whose purpose is to improve the appearance and amenities of a neighbourhood. Home Office Circular 18/1989 about national standards for community service orders gives as examples for this work: cleaning off graffiti in public places; clearing litter from paths, pedestrian precincts and bus shelters; clearing waste ground; erecting litter bins. Community service orders are available for offenders aged 16 and over.

  AIDS
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to prevent the spread of HIV infection in prisons.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 13 April 1989 at column 710.

  Business Initiative
  Mr. Summerson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many ethnic minority business initiative projects currently receive Home Office funding; where they are located; what is the extent of that funding; and whether it represents an increase over 1988 funding levels.

  Mr John Patten
  The Home Office ethnic minority business initiative funds 10 projects. They are located in Birmingham, Bristol, Brent, Brixton, Deptford, Ealing, Finsbury Park, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Wandsworth. Funding for the 1988–89 financial year totalled £196,252, which represented a 48 per cent. increase on funding for the 1987–8 financial year.

  Private Police Forces
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the use of the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 in connection with the setting up of private police forces.
  533
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have received representations from four right hon. and hon. Members (one on behalf of one of his constituents), one noble lord and the chairman of the Police Federation for England and Wales.

  Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has made to representations on the Broadcasting White Paper dated 20 April from the Nottinghamshire chamber of commerce.

  Mr. Renton
  This letter was acknowledged on 4 May and will be taken into account along with over 3,000 other responses to the broadcasting White Paper. We want to look carefully in the round at all the representations we have received.

  Scene of Crime Officers
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to implement the recommendation for the appointment within each police force of 75 scene of crime officers per 100,000 notifiable offences.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is for chief officers to decide, in the light of the particular circumstances of their forces, how many scene of crime officers to employ. In making this decision, they will no doubt take fully into account the recommendations of the Audit Commission that each force should employ 75 scene of crime officers per 100,000 notifiable offences.

  Fingerprinting
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to improve the quality control exercised by police forces in collecting fingerprints.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to his question on 13 April 1989 at column 708.

  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recommendations have been made concerning the police fingerprint service by the advisory group established by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers in February 1988; and when he expects to receive the comments of the Association of Chief Police Officers on these recommendations.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The group has so far made recommendations on the introduction of best practice for the collection and maintenance of fingerprint records, guidelines for searching regional and national fingerprint collections and revised training for fingerprint officers to improve the quality of fingerprint marks obtained.

  We expect to receive the comments of the Association of Chief Police Officers on these recommendations in the autumn.

  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in evaluating an automatic fingerprint recognition system for use by the police fingerprint service.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have recently completed an evaluation of the effectiveness of commercially available 534
  automatic fingerprint recognition systems and are considering the case for providing such a system on a national basis.

  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to ensure that, within police forces, force general orders reflect the powers granted by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to obtain fingerprints.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No specific steps are considered necessary. The police are bound by the provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the codes of practice made under the Act, and it is up to individual chief officers to ensure that their force orders accurately reflect these provisions.

  Morphine Derivatives
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to relax controls on the import of morphine derivatives to provide greater competition in the United Kingdom market.

  Mr. Hurd
  The Monopolies and Mergers Commission, in its report on the supply of opium derivatives in the United Kingdom, recommended that, in order to increase competition in the United Kingdom market, 1 should work towards a relaxation of the restrictions which I now maintain on the importation of these products. The restrictions, which are supported by the International Narcotics Control Board, are designed to help limit the volume of international trade in these products, thereby minimising the risks of diversion to the illicit market. Similar restrictions are maintained by a number of other countries, including several of our European Community partners. In the light of the MMC report, I am discussing with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how increased competition may be provided in this field consistent with the need for strict control of supply.

  Stop and Search
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made with the review of the stop-and-search provisions of the PACE codes of practice; when he expects to be able to make known to Parliament any proposals for change; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We undertook to keep the operation of the codes under review when they were debated in 1985. Last year we initiated a consultative exercise on all the codes and we are currently considering the many responses received. The responses on the stop and search provisions raise some difficult issues which will need careful thought. We hope to be able to circulate revised draft codes for public consultation later this year and then to lay these before both Houses, in accordance with the provisions of section 67 of PACE.

  Prisons (Car Travel)
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current car mileage allowance paid to(a) prison departmental staff, (b) police officers, (c) prison local review committee members, (d) prison visitors and (e) members of boards of visitors whilst travelling on official business in their own cars.
  535
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The relevant current car mileage allowances are as follows:

  Police Officers

  Vehicle Categories

  Type of Use

  451–999cc

  1000–1199cc

  1200–1450cc

  1451–1750cc

  Essential Users

  Lump sum per annum

  £480

  £549

  £660

  £741

  First 11000 miles per annum, per mile

  18·8p

  21·5p

  24·6p

  27·3p

  After 11000 miles per annum, per mile

  8·6p

  9·8p

  10·6p

  11·6p

  Vehicle Categories

  Type of Use

  451–999cc

  1000–1199cc

  1200–1450cc

  1451–1750cc

  Casual Users

  (miles per annum) per mile

  1–1500

  35·3p

  40·3p

  47·2p

  52·8p

  1501–5500

  24·6p

  28·1p

  32·6p

  36·3p

  5501–11000

  18·8p

  21·5p

  24·6p

  27·3p

  Thereafter

  8·6p

  9·8p

  10·6p

  11·6p

  Members of Boards of Visitors

  Vehicle Categories

  up to 999cc

  1000–1199cc

  over 1199cc

  18·6p

  20·2p

  22·4p

  Pensioners (TV Licences)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much it would cost, under the new rates, to provide a colour television licence free of charge to all pensioner households.

  Mr. Renton
  The cost under the new rates of providing a colour television licence free of charge to all pensioner households would be about £400 million a year in terms of licence revenue forgone.

  War Crimes
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he now expects to receive the report concerning the alleged war crimes committed by those who have since become British citizens; and if he intends to make a statement in the House when he has considered the report.

  Mr. Hurd
  I now understand that the inquiry expects to submit its report to me in June. I shall consider the question of a statement to the House when I have had an opportunity to study the report.

  Football Stadiums
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those Football League grounds in England and Wales that were given a ground safety certificate only after the erection of perimeter fencing around standing enclosures or terracing.

  Mr John Patten
  This information is not held centrally. Local authorities are under a duty to issue safety
  536

  Prison Departmental Staff, LRC Independent Members and Prison Visitors.

  1–10000 miles p a

  Thereafter

  Journeys limited to public transport rate

  34·4p

  20·3p

  16·4p

  34·4p

  20·3p

  16·4p

  34·4p

  20·3p

  16·4p

  certificates in respect of grounds designated by the Secretary of State under the Safety of Sports Act 1975. The terms and conditions of a safety certificate are what the local authority, after consultation with the police and either the fire authority or building authority, consider necessary or expedient to secure reasonable safety at the particular ground. These may include a requirement as to pitch perimeter fencing.

  Electoral Law
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what actions his Department undertakes to ensure that returning officers and their staff are aware of the full provision of electoral law.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Home Office issues periodic guidance on electoral law to returning officers and acting returning officers in England and Wales. A comprehensive memorandum of guidance for acting returning officers is also sent to each ARO when a parliamentary general election or by-election is imminent, and attention is drawn to any recent changes.

  Boundary Commission
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the reviews in the current work load of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Parliamentary Boundary Commission is at present reviewing the constituencies of Buckingham and Milton Keynes.

  Game
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what animal species in the United Kingdom are classed as game.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Under the Night Poaching Act 1828, hares, pheasants, partridges, grouse (including
  537
  capercaillie and ptarmigan in Scotland), heath or moor game (i.e. red grouse), black game (i.e. black grouse) and bustards are counted as game. The Poaching Prevention Act 1862 includes, in addition, rabbits, snipe and woodcock and the eggs of pheasants, partridges, black and moor game. Other legislation affords close season protection to deer, other birds including ducks and geese, and certain fishes.

  Prisoners (Suicides)
  Mr. Michael Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes any changes to prison service procedures for the prevention of inmate suicides.

  Mr. Hurd
  We have today issued a new circular instruction (CI 20/1989) to prison governors, which restates and reinforces my Department's suicide prevention strategy. The new instruction re-emphasises the importance we attach to staff support for suicidal inmates, and the main procedural change it makes is to reduce unnecessary documentation when inmates are first received in custody, so that the time saved can be used for fuller assessment of suicide risk at this crucial stage. The establishment of a suicide prevention management group at all establishments will also be mandatory. A copy of the new circular instruction is being placed in the Library.

  Crime
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking against crime in Essex; 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 in Essex is being increased this year, and we are supporting it and the other south-east forces in the "Secured by Design" project, which will be launched next month. The project will encourage the construction industry to incorporate security measures as standard in new homes. Recorded crime in Essex fell by 4 per cent. in 1988.

  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking against crime in Northamptonshire; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  We have a crime reduction strategy which applies to all parts of England and Wales. Recorded crime fell by 5 per cent. in 1988 in Northamptonshire, and the police strength will be further augmented this year, bringing the total authorised establishment to 1,121.

  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking against crime in London; 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.
  538
  Total crime in the Metropolitan police district and City of London fell by 2·5 per cent. in 1988. My right hon. Friend approved a further 300 police posts for the Metropolitan police from 1 April bringing the authorised establishement up to 28,415. The City of London's establishment remains at 798. The Government encourage the growth and development of neighbourhood watch schemes and crime prevention panels. There are now 9,493 watch schemes covering approximately 952,500 households throughout London, together with 30 panels and six junior panels. Three very active crime prevention associations operate in the City. Both forces are involved in the Home Office-supported "Secured by Design" project which aims to encourage house builders, planners and developers to incorporate security measures as standard in new homes; the scheme will be launched on 7 June. Lewisham and Tower Hamlets are two of the areas in our safer cities programme.

  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the action he has taken to combat the increase in rural crime; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  Many of our policies on crime prevention are applicable to rural areas. We have increased police manpower to an unprecedented extent in the provinces since 1979. We have reminded the police and courts of the powers available to deal with outbreaks of disorder and issued guidance to the courts about arranging speedy court hearings after sudden outbreaks of disorder. We have encouraged the creation of local farm watch and rural watch schemes to increase community co-operation in preventing crime.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to tackle violent crime in urban areas.

  Mr. John Patten
  We have strengthened the police and made it an offence to carry a knife in a public place without good reason. We have raised the maximum penalty for some of the most serious offences of violence to life imprisonment, and we have introduced a new right of appeal for the prosecution against an over-lenient sentence. We have established the safer cities programme to help reduce crime and fear of crime in inner-city areas; 12 projects are under way.

  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the current trend of crime figures in Leicestershire.

  Mr. John Patten
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Leicestershire, North-West (Mr. Ashby) on 13 April at column 713.

  Dr. Goodson-Wickes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to discuss ways of combating the increased incidence of violent crime within the context of a general decline in crime.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The problem of violent crime is a matter which is frequently discussed at my right hon. Friend's regular meetings with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. My right hon. Friend looked al the subject in considerable detail when he met the Commissioner at the beginning of this year to discuss the 1989 strategy statement for the Metropolitan police.
  539
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department is taking against crime in Cambridgeshire; 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 recorded crime in Cambridgeshire fell by 1 per cent. in 1988. My right hon. Friend approved a further 18 police posts for the force from 1 April bringing the authorised establishment up to 1,198. The Home Office encourages the growth and development of neighbourhood watch schemes and crime prevention panels. There are now 275 watch schemes covering approximately 8,250 households throughout Cambridgeshire together with four panels and three junior panels.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to increase resources available to local authorities for crime prevention activities.

  Mr. John Patten
  The Home Office's safer cities programme is making new resources available to local authorities as well as to other statutory bodies, voluntary groups and business and commerce. Operating through a network of local crime prevention projects, the programme has Home Office funds for staff, running costs and grant aid. This year's total budget is £4·2 million and includes grant support for each area of some £ ·25 million a year, for which local authorities as well as other bodies may apply. The hon. Member will know that resources for crime prevention are also available through several Department of the Environment programmes.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking against crime; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new steps his Department is taking to combat crime; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  We are continuing to strengthen the police, to ensure that the courts have adequate maximum penalties at their disposal, to increase the number of available prison places, and to encourage interest in crime prevention through our handbook "Practical Ways to Crack Crime", through encouragement of neighbourhood watch schemes and through such initiatives as the safer cities programme.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the work of the ministerial group on crime prevention.

  Mr. McCrindle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the work of the ministerial group on crime prevention.

  Mr. John Patten
  The ministerial group meets under my chairmanship about every two months in order to 540
  supervise the Government's general crime prevention strategy. The Departments represented on the group are: Education and Science, Employment, Energy, Environment, Health, Social Security, Trade and Industry, Transport, Treasury, together with the Home Office, Northern Ireland Office and the Scottish and Welsh Offices.

  This year our main effort will be directed to examining the costs of crime and what we know about the cost effectiveness of crime prevention measures.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the latest crime figures for Basildon and the preceding four years.

  Mr. John Patten
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 14 April at column 414.

  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking against crime in Hampshire; 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 recorded crime fell in Humberside by 6 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 3,148. The Government encourage the growth and development of neighbourhood watch schemes and crime prevention panels. There are 580 watch schemes covering approximately 25,000 households throughout Hampshire together with three panels. The Hampshire constabulary is one of 10 south-east forces involved, with the Home Office support, in an ambitious scheme "Secured by Design" which aims to encourage house builders, planners and developers to incorporate security measures as standard in new homes; the scheme will be launched on 7 June. Rushmoor borough council is one of seven local authorities taking part in a trial byelaw scheme designed to prevent the consumption of alcohol in certain designated public places. The scheme will be closely monitored by local authorities and the Home Office.

  Mr. Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to meet local authority representatives to discuss crime prevention.

  Mr. John Patten
  There is regular consultation between Home Office officials and local authority representatives on a wide range of issues including crime prevention. This will continue.

  Mr. Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to help prevent crime in Greater Manchester.

  Mr. John Patten
  Crime reduction forms part of a strategy which applies to all of England and Wales. There was an 8 per cent. reduction in recorded crime in Greater Manchester during 1988, and further police manpower increases have been agreed. Bolton was one of those participating in the Home Office "Five Towns" initiative
  541
  designed to show that crime and the fear of crime could be reduced through the co-ordinated action of a variety of local agencies and members of the community. The Bolton project continues with the support of the Metropolitan
  542
  borough council and a three-year urban programme grant from the Department of the Environment. Rochdale and Salford are to participate in the safer cities programme.

  PRISONERS: SUICIDE PREVENTION
  PRISONERS: SUICIDE PREVENTION
  WRNS: RANKS
  WRNS: RANKS
  M.40: WIDENING AT STOKENCHURCH
  M.40: WIDENING AT STOKENCHURCH
  CHANNEL TUNNEL RAIL LINK: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
  CHANNEL TUNNEL RAIL LINK: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
  FISH: LICENSED MEDICINES
  FISH: LICENSED MEDICINES
  SOCIAL FUND: APPLICATIONS TO COMMISSIONER
  SOCIAL FUND: APPLICATIONS TO COMMISSIONER