Written Answers of 15 November 1989

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  County Courts
  Sir Hugh Rossi
  To ask the Attorney-General what steps are being taken by the Lord Chancellor to correct the delays and errors in the county courts.

  The Attorney-General
  Delays are occurring in some county courts because of staffing difficulties in conjunction with an overall increase of 6·5 per cent. in workload. An additional £2 million has recently been allocated to the court service, which includes county courts, from within departmental resources to stabilise staff numbers and maintain performance at the required level. The position will be kept under review to see if further action is required.

  A level of checking is required by the Department which is intended to keep errors to a minimum and is the responsibility of local supervisory staff.

  Legislation
  Sir Hugh Rossi
  To ask the Attorney-General whether the Lord Chancellor will consider publishing a Green Paper on the subject of the drafting of legislation, its scrutiny and subsequent interpretation, following his rejection of the proposal for the scrutiny of selected Bills by High Court judges contained in the petition to this House on 17 April by George Bednar.

  The Attorney-General
  The drafting of legislation is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend, the Lord President of the Council. The Lord Chancellor has no plans to publish a Green Paper on this subject.

  House of Fraser
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the progress of consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the director of the serious fraud office of the inspector's report on the takeover of the House of Fraser and the contents of the book entitled "A Hero From Zero."

  The Attorney-General
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply given on 6 November 1989 to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor).

ENVIRONMENT

  Environmental Assessments
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what requests he has received for the issue of environmental impact assessments of planning applications for quarries of areas exceeding 50 hectares; what action he has taken in each instance; and if he will make a statement concerning any refusals he has made.
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  Mr. Moynihan
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Planning Law
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what changes he proposes to existing planning law.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Containers
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he intends to take to encourage the use of bottles and other returnable containers.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  We will continue to encourage the reuse and recycling of bottles and other containers through a combination of improved collection and separation facilities, raising public awareness and urging manufacturers and retailers to take account of environmental considerations in the design and production of containers. Our proposals to introduce new arrangements for waste disposal and management will, among other things, help to identify the costs of disposal to landfill and incineration and the benefits of reuse and recycling.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish(a) his latest estimates of the total numbers of people who will be exempt from the poll tax, (b) the estimates for each category of exempt persons, (c) the exact mechanism for applying these figures to the calculation of relevant population for each local authority, and (d) the procedure for reimbursing local authorities for poll tax forgone due to exemptions.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The table provides the figures requested.

  On 6 November the Secretary of State placed in the Library a draft population report which sets out his proposals for calculating relevant population. It is the Government's intention that relevant population should be based on the number of people shown in community charge registers on 1 December 1989 as being subject to a personal community charge. Our estimates of numbers exempt do not feature in this calculation, except if community charge registration officers do not return the necessary information to my Department in time, or in other circumstances as specified in the draft population report.

  Revenue support grant will be paid to each receiving authority to ensure that if all local authorities spend at the level of their standard spending assessment, the community charge could be set at the same level in each area regardless of the number exempt. The grant calculation assumes that the community charge is paid only by the relevant population, which excludes exempt people.

  Assumed number exempt in England (Rounded to nearest hundred)

  Number

  Residents in hospitals or homes

  400,000

  Persons in detention

  46,800

  18 and 19 year olds

  155,300

  Visiting forces

  50,800

  Severely mentally impaired

  160,000

  241

  Number

  Others

  9,000

  Total

  821,900

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report recalculations of the tables in annexe J of card 9714 "Paying for Local Government" on the basis of (a) his statement and consultation papers of 6 November, but without his scheme of transitional relief and (b) his statement and consultation papers of 6 November, including his scheme of transitional relief; and if he will make a statement of the effect of his scheme of transitional relief on the pattern of gainers and losers under the poll tax.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Updated estimates of the distributional impact of the new system of local government finance will be provided shortly. These figures will include the impact of the transitional relief scheme.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the community charge liability of(a) deaf and blind adults living at home with their parents and (b) deaf and blind adults living in residential institutions.

  Mr. Chope
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Year

  Net domestic rate income

  Per cent.

  Net non-domestic rate income

  Per cent.

  All Government grants

  Per cent.

  1982–83

  4,548

  13

  5,685

  17

  13,697

  40

  1983–84

  4,382

  12

  6,042

  17

  15,985

  44

  1984–85

  4,707

  12

  6,361

  17

  16,717

  43

  1985–86

  5,094

  13

  6,740

  17

  17,246

  43

  1986–87

  5,912

  14

  7,566

  18

  17,773

  42

  1987–88

  6,539

  14

  8,088

  18

  18,624

  41

  Notes:

  1. Percentages shown represent proportions of gross expenditure; that is, both current and capital expenditure. The other major sources of income are fees and charges and borrowing. 1987–88 is the most recent year for which this data is available.

  2. Domestic rate income is shown net of rate relief grant and net of rate rebate grants.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has reached conclusions on definitions on disability for community charge concessions and, in particular, with reference to blind people; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The community charge transitional relief scheme will contain special provision for disabled people who are not former ratepayers or the partners of former ratepayers. A person will be regarded as disabled for the purpose of this scheme if he or she is in receipt of attendance allowance, mobility allowance, mobility supplement, invalidity pension, or severe disablement allowance; or is registered blind.

  Arsenal-Norwich Football Match
  Mr. John Carlisle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Football Association and the Football League following the scenes of disorder on the pitch during the match between Arsenal and Norwich on Saturday 4 November.
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  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will show for each charging authority area the difference between their actual level of expenditure in 1989–90 and the level assumed for calculating grant in the 1989–90 RSG settlement, expressed both in £ million and £ per adult, using the most recently assessed figure for relevant population.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I have today placed the available information in the Library.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will show for each local authority the budgeted increase or reduction in financial reserves for 1989–90, expressed both in £ million and £ per adult, using the most recently assessed figure for relevant population.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I have today placed the available information in the Library.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report the estimated amounts and the proportion these represent of total local government spending in England for (a) all grant towards local government spending from the Exchequer, (b) the total raised by non-domestic rates and (c) the total raised by domestic rates for each year since 1982.

  Mr. Chope
  The information requested is as follows:

  Mr. Moynihan
  At my request, officials at my Department discussed the incident with the Football Association on 6 November, since early press reports suggested that the association was unable to take action. We were informed that those reports were misleading. During the afternoon, the Football Association charged both clubs with misconduct and with bringing the game into disrepute.

  Minister for Sport (Football Matches)
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many football matches the Minister for Sport has attended since becoming Minister for Sport; and on what date he last attended a League Division fixture.

  Mr. Moynihan
  I have attended 27 league, cup and international football matches since my appointment as Minister for Sport. The last Football League fixture I attended was the match between Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers on 30 September 1989.

  River Mersey (Pollution)
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list the companies currently given deemed consent to pollute the River Mersey, stating what pollutants they are empowered to discharge; and on what scale;

  (2) what fines were levied on companies and individuals responsible for polluting the River Mersey over the past 10 years.

  Mr. Howard
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what direct consultation is taking place between his Department and organisations working with homeless people in its review of homelessness; and when the results of the review will he published.

  Mr. Chope
  My right hon. Friend announced the conclusions of the review on Wednesday 15 November. In conducting the review, we have appreciated the advice and information which organisations working with homeless people were able to give us.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has completed his review of the homelessness legislation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  We are publishing the full conclusions of our review of the homelessness legislation today, and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Our review has looked at the role and purpose of the homelessness legislation and at its effects. The legislation—now part III of the Housing Act 1985—was enacted in 1977 as the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act, an all-party measure. Briefly, it requires local housing authorities to find accommodation for people they judge to be homeless according to the criteria specified in the Act.

  We believe that the Act remains important, as a "long stop" measure to help people in need who have become homeless through no fault of their own. The present terms of the Act strike a reasonable balance between the interests of the genuinely homeless and others in housing need. We do not intend therefore to change the law, but we have proposals to make it work better.

  We have also concluded that local councils remain the right bodies to take the lead responsibility in helping homeless people; and some of them are very good at it. However, it is clear from my Department's research and other reports that there is room for improvement. Some councils need to be much faster processing applications, for example; some need to try harder to keep families out of temporary accommodation like bed and breakfast; and in general all councils ought to aim for a better, more consistent service. I propose to amend the code of guidance (to which councils must have regard) and my Department will shortly put a draft out for consultation.

  The pressures of homelessness vary around the country. Statistics are neither as reliable nor as sensitive as I would like. For example, those figures most quoted—the numbers of homeless acceptances—can be affected as much by local policy as by real needs. But it is apparent that the problems are concentrated in London and the south-east. I propose to designate those regions as
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  "pressure areas" and to target to them additional resources and help. In particular, we are providing an extra £250 million for these areas over the next two years>—£148 million next year, and £102 million in 1991–92—to help councils and housing associations provide more homes for homeless people. This £250 million is on top of the major increase in the Housing Corporation's programme which will be more than doubled from £815 million this year to £1,736 million in 1992–93. We are reviewing with the Housing Corporation and the National Federation of Housing Associations how this programme can best be distributed to make the maximum impact on housing need, including homelessness.

  We must also make the most of the housing we already have; and this means effective management. Councils and housing associations have empty houses they must bring into use and the extra resources will help where necessary. Helping tenants to move, where they want to, is also important especially if this frees vacancies in the pressure areas. I will provide 100 per cent. funding and support for a new mobility organisation, formed from the three existing bodies, to provide a better targeted service.

  I will continue to encourage the important contribution of the voluntary sector and greatly increased grant aid will be available from next year for homelessness projects. We also want to stop people becoming homeless, as well as helping them when they have got to crisis point. Good practical advice can be vital and I want to set up a comprehensive, national service. Urgent discussions will be held with the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux and other voluntary bodies.

  There is concern—which we share—about proper protection and help for young people who leave home and come to live in our inner cities. This affects the responsibilities of a number of Departments, which are reviewing at present the way their policies work together. The Government will make further announcements about this soon.

  We believe it is essential to make this concentrated attack on the problems of homelessness, but these must not be regarded as separate issues, outside the scope of housing policies in general. We cannot just try to treat symptoms, when causes lie deeper. The real and long-term remedies are to be found in an effective housing strategy, based on the contributions of the private and the public sectors, on the harnessing of the market to deliver opportunities and choice, on the targeting of resources to meet needs and on the efficient management of the stock. That is the strategy of the Government and we shall pursue it vigorously for the benefit of the community and those who are homeless or in need.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the annual cost of keeping a homeless family in hotel accommodation in(a) 1985, (b) 1988 and (c)

  Mr. Chope
  The estimate of the average annual cost of keeping a household in bed and breakfast accommodation based on figures provided by English local authorities to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy in 1985–86 is £9,500 (£7,000 net of offsetting income such as DSS allowances). For 1987–88 the estimate is £12,500 (£9,500 net of offsetting income). Figures for 1988–89 are not yet available. There is a wide range of costs for authorities in different areas.

  Dumping of Chemicals
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with member states of the European Community regarding the illegal dumping of dangerous chemicals at sea; and whether he will propose amendments to the flag of convenience system to take into account the level of dumping.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Pollution (Prosecutions)
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many companies responsible for pollution have been successfully prosecuted over the past 10 years; and what were the total of fines imposed.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Information on prosecutions in respect of offences under legislation controlling polluting activities in the form requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Some information is published in the annual "Digest of Environmental Protection and Water Statistics", and other public sources.

  Air Pollution
  Ms. Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment at how many sites in London are pollutant levels of air monitored; for each of the last five years, on how may days air at each of these sites failed to meet the World Health Organisation safety level for(a) carbon monoxide; (b) nitrogen oxides and (c) ozone.

  Mr. Trippier
  The Warren Spring laboratory monitors air pollution in London for my Department. The number of sites and their results are summarised as follows:

  Pollutant

  Number of sites

  Lead

  3

  148

  Black smoke/sulphur dioxide

  224

  Nitrogen dioxide

  3

  Carbon monoxide

  2

  Ozone

  1

  1 1984–85.

  2 1988–89.

  The World Health Organisation has published guideline values (not safety levels), which were exceeded on the numbers of occasions shown as follows:

  (a) Carbon monoxide

  1 hour guideline (25 ppm)

  8 hour guideline (10 ppm)

  11985–86

  none

  none

  1986–87

  none

  none

  1987–88

  none

  none

  1988–89

  none

  1 at site 1

  21989

  none

  1 at site 2

  (b) Nitrogen dioxide

  1 hour guideline (210 ppb)

  24 hour guideline (80 ppb)

  31985

  3 at site 2

  10 at site 2

  31986

  none

  2 at site 1

  11 at site 2

  41987

  1 at site 1

  6 at site 1

  1 at site 3

  4 at site 2

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  1 hour guideline (210 ppb)

  24 hour guideline (80 ppb)

  5 at site 1

  41988

  none

  7 at site 3

  3 at site 1

  21989

  1 at site 2

  9 at site 2

  6 at site 3

  (c) Ozone

  1 hour guideline (76 ppb)

  24 hour guideline (50 ppb)

  1985

  14

  35

  1986

  6

  12

  1987

  0

  5

  1988

  1

  1

  21989

  6

  17

  1 Year April to March.

  2 Results to 13 November 1989.

  3 No measurements made at site 3.

  4 No measurements made at site 2.

  Ms. Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated total daily weight of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide pollutants emitted by road traffic in Greater London on a typical Friday in(a) 1984, (b) 1989, (c) 1994, and (d)

  Mr. Trippier
  Warren Spring laboratory has provided the following estimates assuming the London annual total emission from road transport to be 7·55 per cent. of the United Kingdom total, and assuming Friday emissions to be 0·288 per cent. of the annual total.

  Typical 1984 Friday emissions; NOx, 200 tonnes; CO, 838 tonnes.

  Corresponding data are not yet available for 1989. The Department is currently revising its projections of future vehicle emissions in the light of the recent EC agreement on tighter emission standards and other developments, and I regret that the information sought for 1994 and 1999 is therefore also not at present available.

  Regional Rivers Advisory Committees
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the name of the nominating body for all of those who have so far been appointed to the regional rivers advisory committees in England and Wales.

  Mr. Howard
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Information Services
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will differentiate between the roles of the European Environmental Statistics Office, the Corine programme and the proposed European-environment monitoring and information network.

  Mr. Trippier
  The role of the Statistical Office of the European Communities is to collect, co-ordinate and disseminate statistics to assist in the formulation and monitoring of a wide range of Community policies. The office is mainly concerned with economic and social statistics; its programme of work on environmental statistics has only just begun.

  The Corine programme is an experimental project run by the European Commission to assemble information on

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  environmental topics that can be mapped and tabulated using geographic information systems as a management tool.

  The role of the proposed European Environment Agency and the European environment monitoring and information network is to provide the Commission and member states with objective environmental information and analysis. Where necessary the agency will draw on the work of the Statistical Office to avoid duplication of effort and the Corine-related work will pass to the agency if and when it is established in due course.

  Rented Housing
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on his policy regarding the provision of low-cost rented accommodation and the measures which he has already taken in this respect.

  Mr. Chope
  The Government have taken a variety of measures to encourage the supply of rented housing, including the deregulation of private letting, the encouragement of private investment in housing associations and a major increase in public funding through the Housing Corporation for new rented housing development by housing associations. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Autumn Statement today gives details of our plans for further investment in low-cost rented housing over the next three years.

  Liverpool (Budget Deficit)
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from Liverpool city council requesting assistance in meeting its budget deficit; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  I am not aware of any. It is the responsibility of the city council to take appropriate action to bring its revenue account into balance.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth may expect a reply to his letter of 26 June referring to Mr. A. S. Johnson of 56 School street, Hillmorton.

  Mr. Chope
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Short-life Housing
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has studied the recent decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Family Housing Association v. Jones and its implications for the use of short-life empty dwellings by housing associations and local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  It is not possible to assess the full implications of the judgment in this case until it has been fully reported.

  Government Car Service
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many official cars there are in the Government car pool, by make and engine capacity; and what is the cost of their repairs and maintenance.
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  Mr. Chope
  The information in respect of official cars in all Government Departments is not available centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However in the London Government car service fleet there are currently 186 vehicles of various makes and engine capacities. The cost of maintaining this fleet over the last 12 months was £218,000.

  Circulars and Consultation Papers
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the circulars and consultation papers issued to(a) county councils, (b) metropolitan district councils and (c) non-metropolitan district councils since 1 January, together with the dates they were despatched.

  Mr. Chris Patten
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  CFCs
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the local authorities in England and Wales which are making arrangements for the recycling of CFC gases from freezers and fridges discarded at their waste sites.

  Mr. Trippier
  Comprehensive information on local authority facilities to recycle CFCs is not at present available, but my Department is to carry out shortly a survey on this and other aspects of recycling.

  Uniform Business Rate
  Mr. Adley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on discussions held and decisions taken concerning the uniform business rate for nationalised industries; and if he will indicate the anticipated amount to be paid by British Rail in the first year of the uniform business rate.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My officials have held extensive discussions with representatives of all those industries whose rateable values are to be prescribed by orders made under paragraph 3 of schedule 6 to the Local Government Finance Act 1988, and our proposals for new assessments were contained in a consultation paper issued on 4 October, the responses to which we are now considering. I am placing copies of the consultation paper in the Library. No decisions have yet been taken on the values for these industries. But if our proposed rateable value for British Rail is adopted and assuming the provisional multiplier of 36 pence which my right hon. Friend announced on 6 November, after the application of the transitional arrangements, British Rail's rate bill for property assessed on this basis in England in 1990–91 would be about £57·5 million.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has discussed the implications of the uniform business rate with the Forum of Private Business; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The then Minister for Local Government met Mr. Mendham, the chief executive of the Forum of Private Business, on 5 May 1989 to discuss the business rate. Also officials have had several meetings with Mr. Mendham his year on the same subject.

  Council Houses, Chelmsford
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the number of council houses sold to tenants in the Chelmsford local authority area from 3 May 1979 to the latest available date; and what proportion this is of the stock that existed on 3 May 1979.

  Mr. Chope
  Chelmsford district council is estimated to have sold 3,260 dwellings to its tenants in the period 1 April 1979 to 31 March 1989 (the latest date for which a return has been received). This amounts to some 26 per cent. of its April 1979 stock.

  Dolphinaria Report
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if those responsible for supervising and implementing the dolphinaria steering group report for new standards for United Kingdom dolphinaria have been informed that the necessary work will be undertaken;

  (2) when the new standards for United Kingdom dolphinaria, contained in the dolphinaria steering group report, will be included in the guidance notes for his inspectors.

  Mr. Trippier
  New draft standards for dolphinaria and the guidance notes for inspectors have been compiled and will be circulated to the appropriate bodies for comment shortly. A number of matters relating to the new standards and the steering group recommendations have raised scientific or technical questions and specialist advice is being sought. Several other items in the dolphinaria steering group report have already been implemented and work on the remainder is in hand.

  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action has been taken to implement the recommendations of the dolphinaria steering group report published in 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  One dolphinaria operator has supplied details of his plans for implementation of the new standards. The Department is awaiting replies from the remaining operators. A reminder has been sent.

  Dogs
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward legislation requiring that all dogs for sale carry an identification tag and the tendering of a written specification prior to sale stating the purpose for acquiring a dog; and if he will give district councils the power to operate a neutering service.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  We issued a consultation paper on 10 August which set out a package of measures we propose on dog control. We do not propose to impose the requirements in respect of the sale of dogs suggested by the hon. Member. We believe that some local authorities already subsidise neutering under existing powers.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation requiring dogs to be on leads at all times in public places.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  We are currently reviewing the operation and scope of dog-control byelaws and orders,250
  which include powers requiring dogs to be on leads on highways and other specified areas. The hon. Member's suggestion is one that was made in response to our recent consultation paper on dog control measures and we are considering it as part of our review.

  Housing
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what estimates he has made of the demand for housing in the year 2000; and what policies he has initiated to help meet this demand;

  (2) when he last met the National Housing Forum; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. Chope
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Local Plans
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report the occasions since 1971 when he or his predecessors have called in a local plan under the provisions currently set out in section 14A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 giving details of the plans concerned and the decision recorded in each case.

  Mr. Howard
  Since 1971 the following local plans have been called in by the Secretary of State under section 14(3) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 or section 14A(1) of that Act as substituted by the Housing and Planning Act 1986:

  Date of call-in

  Title of plan

  Decision

  20 February 1985

  Berwick upon Tweed Town Local Plan

  Approved with modifications

  28 January 1986

  North Southwark Local Plan

  Rejected

  23 September 1987

  Wimbledon Town Centre Local Plan

  Approved with modifications

  13 June 1989

  Environment and Traffic on the A205 Local Plan (LB Lewisham)

  Still before the Secretary of State

  A further eight local plans prepared by former metropolitan county councils were called in in 1986 to enable them to be taken forward to approval following the abolition of the counties.

  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the failure of a local planning authority to implement a key recommendation of his inspector, following a local plan inquiry, constitutes grounds for him calling in the plans.

  Mr. Moynihan
  Authorities are not obliged to accept the inspector's recommendations following a local plan public inquiry, but failure to do so could constitute grounds for intervention by the Secretary of State.

  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he adopts in deciding whether or not to call in a local plan in accordance with the provisions of section 14A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The Government's policy on calling in local plans is set out in the memorandum on structure and
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  local plans accompanying DOE circular 22/84. This states that the Secretary of State's call-in power will be used only in a limited range of circumstances where central Government intervention is clearly justified—for instance, where the plan raises issues of national or regional importance or where the plan gives rise to substantial controversy.

  Water Standards
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the number of cases brought against each European Community member state by the Commission for failure to reach European Community standards for(a) bathing waters and (b) drinking water in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement regarding cases involving the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Howard
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Toxic Waste
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any proposals to improve the effectiveness of the provisions of the Transfrontier Shipment of Hazardous Waste Regulations 1988 in controlling the import and movement of toxic waste in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  The regulations enable waste disposal authorities effectively to control imports of hazardous waste. The parent European directive is however to be reviewed in the light of operation experience, revised definitions of hazardous waste and the Basel convention. The Government are contributing fully to the review and have made proposals to reduce the volume of transfrontier shipments and to extend controls. We are considering legislation to enable us to extend controls in the future.

  Playgrounds
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to issue a new code of guidance to local authorities about playground provision and safety; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  The Government regard it as essential that playgrounds should be as safe as possible and that children using them should not be at risk of accident. I have asked the national children's play and recreation unit to produce updated guidance on general aspects of play safety, including playground safety. This will make reference to the relevant British Standards and to the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, which requires local authorities and other playground operators to take reasonable measures to ensure safety in playgrounds which are under their control. We hope to issue this guidance in the spring of next year and copies will be sent to all local authorities and other interested organisations.

  House of Commons Accommodation
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has yet completed the work to the former Cannon Row police station to provide additional accommodation for the benefit of the House.

  Mr. Chope
  With the agreement of the Accommodation and Administration Subcommittee No. 1 Cannon row, as 252
  it is now known, has been modernised to provide short-term accommodation for the House pending redevelopment of the building as part of the Bridge street redevelopment scheme. I am pleased to advise my hon. Friend that the building is ready for occupation and the first occupants have already moved in.

  Battersea Power Station
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the listed building status of Battersea power station has not been infringed by work carried out by the current developers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: I will write to the hon. Member.

  Rent Arrears
  Sir Hugh Rossi
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table of all the London boroughs showing the current level of rent arrears for each of them.

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: Local authorities report their rent arrears on their housing subsidy claim forms. A table was placed in the Library on 1 March this year showing rent arrears reported at April 1988 and those arrears as a percentage of rent roll. Figures for April 1989 are not yet available.

  London Blenheim Estates Ltd.
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will fix a date earlier than 10 April 1990 for the inquiry into planning appeal reference APP/L5240/A/89/133451, lodged by London Blenheim Estates Ltd. on grounds of non-determination; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: The public local inquiry date of 10 April 1990 is the earliest practicable for this appeal. An earlier date will be offered if or when an inspector becomes available—for example, on the cancellation of an earlier inquiry—provided the local planning authority agrees to the change.

  Derbyshire County Council Pension Fund
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the recent investigations into the operation of the Derbyshire county council pension fund by the stock exchange and the Takeover Panel.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: This is a matter for the stock exchange and the Takeover Panel. I understand that the latter has stated that it has found no evidence of any breach of the code on the part of either Miss World or Derbyshire county council arising from any connection between them and, accordingly, that it does not intend to take the matter further.

  Low-cost Housing
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all those measures which have been taken since 1985 to increase the supply of low-cost housing in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.
  253
  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: In July 1988 the Government announced their rural housing initiative which for the first time set out a specific policy on low-cost housing in smaller villages. The Housing Corporation established a special rural programme aimed at expanding the role of housing associations in villages with a population of under 1,000. Last Wednesday I invited the Housing Corporation to propose a further increase in this programme to allow 1,000 approvals next year, 1,200 in 1991–92 and 1,500 in 1992–93. I also asked it to separately identify a rural element within its low-cost home ownership programme, to allow 250 approvals next year, 300 in 1991–92 and 350 in 1992–93.

  We are introducing a scheme in certain rural areas whereby housing associations can repurchase former shared ownership dwellings at full market value when an occupier moves on. The Housing Corporation will guarantee to make the necessary funds available, without reducing the corporation's rural rented or shared ownership programmes.

  Last February we announced changes to planning rules which will enable local planning authorities exceptionally to release small pockets of land, not previously designated for housing, for low cost schemes to meet the needs of local people.

  In his Budget statement my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced changes to capital gains and inheritance taxes on land sold at less than best price to registered housing associations.

  Tax is now based on the actual proceeds of sale rather than the market value, thereby encouraging landowners to release small units of surplus land for low-cost local needs housing.

  In addition rural areas can expect to benefit from the encouragement we have given to private investment in the rented sector through deregulation and the tax incentives available under the business expansion scheme. Areas with shortages of low-cost housing should also benefit from various measures that are being taken to improve the focusing of capital resources, both for local authorities and housing associations, on areas with the greatest needs.

  Taken together these measures should make a significant contribution to increasing supply in rural areas with a need for more low-cost housing.

  Nitrates
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research has(a) been conducted by his Department and (b) been evaluated by his Department that examines the possibility that the intake of nitrates diluted in drinking water is harmful to human health.

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 9 November 1989]: I will write to the hon. Member.

  Community Charge
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, what is his estimate of the numbers of adult residents of(a) each London borough and (b) each district council likely to be entitled to the maximum rebate, during the first year of operation of the community charge in England and Wales; and if he will express these figures as a proportion of the estimated population of each local authority liable to community charge.
  254
  Mr. Christopher Chope
  I will write to the hon. Member.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  East Kilbride Office
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the numbers of jobs in his Department being relocated in the East Kilbride office.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We have reviewed recently the location of the work of the ODA and have identified a number of functions which might be transferred away from the ODA's London headquarters. About 100 posts are involved, a number of which are currently the subject of more detailed scrutiny. A substantial proportion of these jobs will be transferred to the ODA office in East Kilbride, but the exact number has yet to be decided.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Refugees (Vietnam)
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the position of refugees voluntarily seeking repatriation from Hong Kong to Vietnam; if, in pursuing compulsory repatriation, he will take into account the views of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on whether the authorities in Hanoi are able to cope efficiently with returning refugees; and if he will make a statement on the use of force against refugees moved to a detention centre.

  Mr. Maude
  There is no question of refugees being repatriated to Vietnam against their will, although five refugees have returned at their own request. So far, 507 people have returned voluntarily to Vietnam under the auspices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and arrangements are being made with the Vietnamese authorities for the return of a further 1,000 volunteers as quickly as practicable. These are overwhelmingly people who have not yet been screened to determine whether they are refugees. Of those who have completed the screening procedures, and whose appeals have been heard, only 13 per cent. are found to be genuine refugees. The Hong Kong authorities have taken careful note of the comments made by the UNHCR representative in Hong Kong. We have full confidence in the manner in which the Hong Kong authorities have handled this matter.

  EI Salvador
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings have been held by Her Majesty's ambassador or his staff in El Salvador with representatives of trade unions or human rights groups during the last six months; and what subjects were discussed.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Her Majesty's ambassador to El Salvador and his staff maintain regular contact with Salvadorean and other human rights groups, as well as
  255
  with trade unions and representatives of all shades of opinion in El Salvador. These exchanges cover a wide range of subjects.

  Indonesia
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money has been granted in loans to Indonesia by Her Majesty's Government during 1988 and 1989.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  We have made two concessional loan facilities worth a total of £240 million available to the Government of Indonesia. Loans worth around £55 million have so far been signed for five projects. Of these, two, worth around £19 million, were signed in 1988 and one, worth around £17 million, has been signed in 1989. Contracts have been signed recently for two further projects worth around £40 million, and it is expected that loan agreements for these will be concluded shortly.

  South Africa
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list, by cost, all schemes in South Africa aided by the United Kingdom Government.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  We expect to spend some £3·9 million in 1989–90 on programmes of scholarships and training in the United Kingdom for South Africans. The United Kingdom share (expected to be some £3 million in 1989) of the European Community's programme of positive measures is attributed to the British aid programme. We also support the following schemes in South Africa: the costs given relate to forecast expenditure in the current financial year only:

  £'000

  1 Scholarships tenable in South Africa

  British Award Scheme in South Africa

  525

  British Awards Scheme

  150

  2 Projects

  Alexandra Health Centre

  250

  Contribution to Urban Foundation loan guarantee fund

  250

  Science Education Project

  100

  Assistamce to the University of Western Cape

  90

  Training Programmes for South African Trades Unions

  75

  Molteno Literacy Project

  60

  Primary Mathematics Project

  40

  Assistance to Early Learning Centres

  40

  Assistance to the READ Education Trust

  35

  English Language Training Seminars

  30

  Adult Education Project

  30

  Assistance to Get Ahead Foundation

  25

  Small business consultancy

  5

  Assistance to Business Skills Development Centre

  5

  Assistance to Programme for Technological Careers

  10

  3.Other schemes

  Small Projects approved by the Head of Mission

  650

  Gifts approved by the Head of Mission

  100

  Book Presentations

  70

  4.Emergency aid

  Operation Hunger

  95

TRANSPORT

  A19 (Safety)
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department intends to provide(a) lighting, (b) improved access roads, (c) improved drainage and (d) roadside emergency telephones on that section of the A19 which runs through the Easington constituency.

  Mr. Atkins
  A study of the length of the A19 trunk road in County Durham in 1988 recommended a number of improvements in priority order which could be made to the A19. All the matters to which the hon. Gentleman refers were taken into account by the study. The study findings are being up-dated in accordance with the new national road traffic forecasts and costs of road accidents. The report recommendations will be included in a future regional roads programme of improvements and maintenance works to be implemented by the Department's agent authorities having regard to other regional priorities and available funding.

  Buses (Access)
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what national statistical information he has on the proportion of buses in Britain which are fully accessible to(a) people with disabilities and (b) people who are wheelchair-bound.

  Mr. Atkins
  There is no national statistical information available on these points. But I am glad to say that a growing number of operators, manufacturers and local authorities are now adopting the recommended specification drawn up by the disabled persons transport advisory committee.

  A new information video, "Welcome Aboad" is available from my Department on free loan to interested organisations.

  More work needs to be done to develop efficient and effective wheelchair accessible buses. We are working with our European counterparts on this.

  British Rail (Access)
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what national statistical information he has relating to the proportion of British Rail passenger services which have toilets which are fully accessible to(a) people with disabilities and (b) people who are wheelchair-bound.

  Mr. Atkins
  Many ambulant disabled people are able to use the standard design of toilets available on long distance British Rail services.

  All services on the InterCity network on the Euston to Glasgow Central service are already equipped with wheelchair accessible toilets. By October 1991 services on the King's Cross to Edinburgh service will also have this facility.

  In the provincial sector about 200 trains representing many hundreds of journeys per day are already similarly equipped. By the beginning of 1992 the whole of that sector will have wheelchair accessible toilet facilities. Improvements are also in place on Network SouthEast.

  Salvage
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport.(1) how many representations he has received, and from whom, in relation to the policy of competitive tendering for the salvage of Government-owned wrecks and cargoes;

  (2) if he will list the Government-owned wrecks and cargoes which have been put out to competitive tender for salvage since his Department adopted such a policy; what were the dates on which tenders were solicited; and what are the numbers of such wrecks and cargoes upon which recovery work has commenced;

  (3) what were the considerations which influenced his decision to suspend the award of salvage agreements; when he anticipates that he will lift that suspension; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) what were the considerations which influenced the adoption of a policy of competitive tendering in the salvage of Government-owned wrecks and cargoes.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The policy of competitive tendering for the salvage of Government-owned wrecks and cargoes has been introduced to obtain the best return to the taxpayer. One representation has been received in relation to this policy, from Deepwater Recovery and Exploration Ltd. So far one cargo, on the SS Gairsoppa, has been put out to tender. Tender invitations were issued on 29 September 1989 and the closing date for bids is 28 November 1989. Further invitations will be considered in the light of the results of the Gairsoppa tendering.

  Automatic Railway Crossings
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents there have been at automatic railway crossings during the last year; and how many people have been(a) killed and (b) seriously injured.

  Mr. Portillo
  Provisional figures for 1988 show 26 accidents at automatic level crossings, in which there were five deaths and 13 injuries.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many automatic railway crossings malfunctions were caused by(a) equipment failure, (b) vandalism and (c) reasons unknown in the last 12 months;

  (2) how many reports of faults or malfunctions there have been with automatic railway crossings during the last year (a) in Wales and (b) in Britain.

  Mr. Portillo
  The statistics requested for the last 12 months are not readily available. Provisional details for 1988 show that no faults or malfunctions with automatic level crossings were caused by equipment failure, vandalism or unknown reasons. There were five "systems failures", two of which were in Wales, caused by

  (a) grease on rails (2)

  (b) train passing signal at danger (2)

  (c) train running into a barrier which had been damaged by a road vehicle.

  A systems failure is defined as any occasion, not resulting in a train accident, when a train runs onto a protected crossing when not authorised to do so.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many automatic railway crossings there are in(a) Wales and (b) Britain.
  258
  Mr. Portillo
  At the end of October 1989, there were 53 automatic level crossings in Wales and 764 in Britain as a whole.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether trains are required to stop when the warning lights for motorists at automatic railway crossings fail; and what failsafe mechanisms are provided.

  Mr. Portillo
  Arrangements vary for the different types of automatic level crossing. Those for the two major types are as follows. At automatic open crossings locally-monitored, such as Raven crossing near Ammanford, failure of the road traffic signals would extinguish the intermittent white light on the railway approach to the crossing. If this light does not show, drivers are instructed to bring their trains to a stand short of the crossing and may thereafter proceed with caution over the road when it is safe to do so.

  At crossings with automatic half-barriers, the barriers would descend automatically if the road traffic signals failed and an indication of the malfunction would be given to the signalman. He would set the railway signals at danger. After being warned of the problem, train drivers would be allowed to proceed with caution in the way described.

  North Circular Road
  Mr. Summerson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why the north circular road was closed at the Hanger lane interchange on Sunday 12 November; how long it had been closed; when it will be reopened; what is his estimate of the costs of repair; and what is his estimate of the costs of the delay to the travelling public affected by the closure.

  Mr. Atkins
  The north circular road was closed between Park avenue and Lytham grove in the London borough of Ealing from 1900 hours on Saturday 11 November until 0600 hours on Monday 13 November, to enable work to start on reconstruction of the London Underground, Piccadilly line bridge, at a cost of £2·099 million. The bridge reconstruction is part of the advance works for the improvement of the north circular road between Harrow road and Hanger lane.

  This was the first of a series of weekend closures announced in a recent press notice. No closures will occur during December.

  The closures have been arranged in consultation with the local authority and other bodies. No current estimate of the cost of the delays to the travelling public is available.

  Bridges (Local Roads)
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the strengthening of bridge structures on local roads, and about the possible reclassification of local structural maintenance expenditure as capital.

  Mr. Atkins
  Hitherto, expenditure by local authorities in England on structural maintenance has been treated as current expenditure in the local government finance regime just like that on routine maintenance. Structural maintenance by central Government is, however, treated as capital, as is such maintenance by local authorities in Scotland. The appropriateness of this classification has
  259
  been reconsidered in the light of the recommendations of the Audit Commission, and of the implications of the need to have a national network of roads able to carry 40 tonne lorries from 1 January 1999. In accordance with what is proposed in the Local Government and Housing Bill 1989 it is proposed that structural maintenance should be treated as capital by local authorities, become subject to the capital finance regime, and eligible for transport supplementary grant.

  The immediate transfer of all structural maintenance would involve a substantial readjustment of local authorities' financing and accounting practices and a major adjustment to the TSG system. It is therefore proposed that the transfer should be phased over a period of years. In 1991–92—the first practicable year—£90 million would be transferred. This would he sufficient in the Government's view to cover all structural maintenance and renewal expenditure on bridges necessary in 1991–92 as part of a programme to enable the 1999 EC deadline for heavier lorries to be met without bridge restriction on any key routes. It is envisaged that the programme should be continued with the transfer of a further £100 million in 1992–93; the Government consider this sufficient to restore major road carriageways to a satisfactory condition in order to meet the increased traffic flows and heavier lorries expected by the second half of the 1990s. There will be further transfers in later years.

  The transfer would take the form of an addition to TSG, and an addition to credit approvals each covering half of the total transfer. The latter would feed through into standard spending assessment for the financing costs of capital expenditure. They would be balanced by a reduction in standard spending grant equivalent to the full amount of the transfer. The standard spending assessment total for road maintenance would similarly be reduced by the full amount of the transfer and the weighting for traffic in the assessment formula could be adjusted if necessary to reflect the change. The transfer is intended to be neutral in overall public expenditure terms; there is no reason why total local authority spending or community charges should be affected by this switch in accounting practices.

  Next year's TPP circular will give local authorities guidance on the way in which the first tranche will be

  Date

  Station closed on specified line

  Duration of closure

  Reason

  4 October 1989

  Metropolitan

  22 minutes

  Insufficient staff to meet statutory requirements

  6 October 1989

  Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly lines

  18 minutes

  Congestion

  9 October 1989

  All lines

  25 minutes

  Congestion

  20 October 1989

  Northern

  30 minutes

  Safety check by LFCDA

  25 October 1989

  Piccadilly, Victoria

  82 minutes

  Bomb alert

  26 October 1989

  Metropolitan

  37 minutes

  Insufficient staff to meet statutory requirements

  26 October 1989

  Northern, Victoria

  47 minutes

  Insufficient staff to meet statutory requirements

  27 October 1989

  Northern, Metropolitan

  15 minutes

  Bomb alert

  27 October 1989

  Piccadilly

  5 minutes

  Safety check by LFCDA

  28 October 1989

  All lines

  79 minutes

  Safety check by LFCDA

  1 November 1989

  Victoria

  15 minutes

  Congestion

  3 November 1989

  Metropolitan

  20 minutes

  Congestion

  4 November 1989

  Metropolitan

  118 minutes

  Insufficient staff to meet statutory requirements

  12 November 1989

  Metropolitan

  45 minutes

  Insufficient staff to meet statutory requirements

  Animal Feedstuff's
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ban the carrying of mixed cargoes in ships transporting animal feedstuffs.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The codes drawn up by the International Maritime Organisation to regulate the 260
  allocated and how to bid for the relevant TSG. The local authority associations will be consulted about this in the usual way. In the interim authorities will need to plan composite bridge strengthening programme in consultation, where appropriate, with the regional offices of DTp in order to be able to meet the EC deadline and to achieve a significant improvement in carriageway condition, first on major roads.

  Local authorities are expected to respond to the change in classification by increasing capital expenditure, and reducing current expenditure, by the amount of the transfer. Authorities are expected to increase their effort on structural maintenance, and the amount transferred to capital will be greater than authorities are currently spending on this. Conversely, the overall reduction in current expenditure will need to be greater than the amount currently spent on structural maintenance; this can be achieved through efficiency savings in routine maintenance which have been recommended by the Audit Commission. Overall there should be no overall increase in local authority spending; the increase in capital expenditure should be offset by an equivalent reduction in current expenditure. The Government will take steps to monitor closely both capital and current expenditure on maintenance in the first year, and in subsequent years. Second and subsequent year transfers will be dependent on authorities responding in the desired way.

  The Government believe that this change will help to ensure that the nation's road system is well maintained and is able to provide for heavier lorries from 1999.

  King's Cross Underground Station
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will request London Underground Limited to inform him of the occasions since 1 October when it has had to close part or all of King's Cross underground station, indicating for each occasion the period it was closed inside normal working hours together with the reason; and if he will publish its reply in the Official Report.

  Mr. Portillo
  The following is the information:

  carriage of dangerous goods by sea either in bulk or package form require a proper segregation to be maintained between the stowage of toxic substances and foodstuff. This safeguard should be sufficient but if upon investigation it is found that there is a need to strengthen it this will be pursued.

  Disabled Persons
  Mr. Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the disabled persons transport advisory committee will publish the report of its consultation and hearing held earlier this year.

  Mr. Parkinson
  The report on education and training in the transport industry is published today.

  This report focuses on a part of the potential market for public transport which has all too often been neglected in the past. Recent Government surveys indicate that there are over 6 million adults in this country who have a disability of some kind. That in itself is potentially an enormous additional market if our vehicles and systems are designed or adapted to their needs. Added to that, there is a large number of people who are not "disabled" in a medical sense but who have a "mobility handicap" which makes it difficult or impossible for them to use traditional forms of transport. People with heavy luggage, with shopping, with prams and with pushchairs, as well as those who are frail and elderly come into this category.

  The report highlights this hitherto neglected market section and makes a number of direct practical recommendations to ensure that in future our transport systems are better attuned to the needs of people who have mobility handicaps. Those recommendations which involve action by my Department will be looked at immediately. I warmly endorse the Committee's work and its findings and I urge local authorities, transport operators, and professional transport institutions, to whom many of the other recommendations in the report are addressed, to note it and act upon it speedily.

  Vehicle Inspectorate
  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the vehicle inspectorate executive agency annual report will be published; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  The vehicle inspectorate's annual report and accounts, published today, provide a valuable overall picture of the general condition of Britain's road vehicles. Copies have been placed in the House Libraries.

  The condition of the heavy goods vehicle fleet appears to have improved during the past year. The annual test failure rate for motor vehicles has decreased from 33 per cent. to 31·5 per cent. and there was also a marginal decrease in the failure rate for trailers, from 26·8 per cent. to 26·5 per cent. However, there was an increase in the frequency of some brake-related faults on trailers which is probably due to the changes to the braking requirements and tighter test brake performance standard introduced in the early 1980s.

  On environmental standards, there is encouraging news. Surveys carried out during the year show that the number of vehicles with diesel engines seen emitting excessive smoke continues to decline. The failure rate at annual test for excessive smoke remains unchanged at just over 1 per cent.

  The trends in the condition of the PSV fleet are also encouraging. Special roadside surveys and the PSV testing scheme indicate that PSVs are being operated and presented for test with fewer faults and that the improvement in annual test pass rates seen last year has been maintained. However it is less encouraging that the
  262
  number of immediate prohibitions issued at spot checks has shown a slow but steady rise over the last few years. The trend will be carefully monitored and the inspectorate will continue to work closely with the Bus and Coach Council which has been very supportive during the year, particularly with regard to a variety of road safety based training courses which have been held.

  Although the overall condition of cars and light goods vehicles has marginally improved, the annual test fail rate is still 41 per cent. It is encouraging that there has been a reduction in the number of failures due to poor brakes and tyres, both safety critical areas, but this contrasts with a rise in the number of vehicles with lighting defects.

  The condition of the motorcycle fleet appears to be deteriorating. The overall fail rate is the same as the last two years (30 per cent.) but there has been a continuous rise over the past four years in the total number of defects. The largest increases in 1988 were in the two critical areas of brakes and steering.

  Annual and spot checks of vehicle roadworthiness are important ways in which risk on the roads is contained. Whilst the results in the report show some improvements and encouraging trends, the failure rates continue to be too high and serve to remind owners and operators of the need to ensure that their vehicles are properly and regularly maintained.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Sunday Observance Act 1780
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to repeal the Sunday Observance Act 1780.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  No. We believe that the policy of successive Governments to leave the initiative with private Members should be maintained.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to make any provision to ensure that the Sunday Observance Act 1780 is enforced on 31 December 1989; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  No.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidelines to local authorities on the enforcement of the Sunday Observance Act 1780 in time for consideration of the issue of relevant licences for Sunday 31 December 1989; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  It is for local authorities to determine whether or not to grant entertainment licences taking into account the provisions of the Sunday Observance Act 1780.

  Magistrates Clerks (Media)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines he has given magistrates' clerks about supplying lists giving details of defendants and charges to the media; what he has suggested the list should contain; what steps he is taking to ensure that it is not prejudicial to defendants for charges to be publicised prior to any trial and that such publicity does not stigmatise an innocent person; and if he will make a statement.
  263
  Mr. John Patten
  Guidance is contained in Home Office circular 80/1989, a copy of which I am placing in the Library. It does not affect the rights of defendants.

  Shotguns
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to take action regarding the open sale of shotguns disguised as walking sticks and umbrellas; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  No. The purchase of all kinds of shotguns is controlled under the provisions of the Firearms Acts 1968 and 1988. Such guns may be purchased only by persons who have been granted a shot-gun certificate by a chief officer of police, and all applications for such certificates are carefully scrutinised. A chief officer of police can refuse to grant or renew a shotgun certificate if he is satisfied that an applicant does not have a good reason for possessing, purchasing or acquiring a shotgun. The carrying of a loaded shotgun in a public place without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence.

  Under section 18 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 a visitor to Great Britain may purchase a shotgun for export only, but is not permitted to take possession of it in this country.

  Tarek A. Shirief
  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received recent representations from Tarek A. Shirief's lawyers about the return of his passport; and if he will make a statement about the inquiry into alleged misconduct by West Sussex police regarding this case.

  Mr. Waddington
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 20 July at column 303. We have no record of having received any further representations from Mr. Shirief's solicitors since then.

  Mr. Shirief's complaint against the West Sussex police is being dealt with under the terms of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. The investigation of such complaints is the responsibility of the chief officer of the force concerned and Ministers have no authority to intervene. I understand that the investigation cannot proceed at present because Mr. Shirief's whereabouts are unknown.

  Forensic Units
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answers to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 2 November,Official Report, column 265, and the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Sheerman) of 27 October, Official Report, column 637, if he has assessed the costs and benefits of the use of public funds to establish independent forensic units in universities, along the lines of Professor Brian Caddy's unit in Strathclyde.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  No. We are not convinced of the need for such a study.

  Sri Lankans
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what are the reasons why the whereabouts of the Sri Lankans who stripped at Heathrow, and whether any of them have left the United Kingdom, are not known.

  (2) when he anticipates that the remaining cases of the Sri Lankans who stripped at Heathrow will be resolved.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The cases will be resolved as soon as pressure of work in the refugee unit allows. We cannot guarantee that changes of address will have been notified to us promptly, but, unless there was some deception, embarkation from the United Kingdom would routinely be recorded.

  Visitors (Overstaying)
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what record is kept of the departure of visitors from the Indian sub-continent; how this is used to establish who is overstaying; and if he can quantify the level of overstaying in the clearest and most expressive way.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Deportation
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects that the issue of the deportation of IMP A355695/55 Adeshola Adunni Adeloma will be resolved.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been paid to victims of crime by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in(a) 1989 to date, (b) 1988, (c) 1987, (d) 1986, (e) 1985 and (f)

  Mr. John Patten
  Between 1 April and 30 September the board paid £27·6 million in compensation to victims. The payments in earlier years ended 31 March were as follows:

  Year

  Compensation £ million

  1984–85

  35·3

  1985–86

  41·6

  1986–87

  48·2

  1987–88

  52·0

  1988–89

  69·4

  Dowry Disputes
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to investigate the incidence of violence associated with dowry disputes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  If the hon. Member will write to me about what he has in mind I will consider his suggestion.

  Rehabilitation of Offenders
  Sir George Young
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give details of the information which is supplied to employers on the terms and provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

  Mr. Waddington
  The main source of information produced by my Department is the leaflet "Wiping the Slate Clean". Although the leaflet is intended primarily for people who have been convicted, it sets out the effects of the Act and indicates that an employer cannot dismiss or refuse to employ a person because he or she has a spent conviction.

  Copies of the leaflet have been made available for example through all citizens' advice bureaux and are available free of charge from Room 339, Home Office, 50 Queen Anne's gate, London, SW1H 9AT.

  Burglaries
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many burglaries involving private dwellings took place in(a) Great Britain, (b) inner cities and (c) inner London in the last three years for which statistics are available.

  Mr. John Patten
  The readily available information relates to police force areas in England and Wales and is published annually in table S3.1, "Criminal Statistics Supplementary Tables 1988, Volume 3", quarterly in table 4 of Home Office statistical bulletins (the latest issue is 29/89) and separate tables for each police force area and quarterly in separate tables for London boroughs (showing total burglary); copies of all these are in the Library.

  Attacks on Women
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women were attacked by intruders in their homes, not including incidents of domestic violence, in each of the last three years for which figures are available in(a) Great Britain, (b) inner cities and (c) inner London.

  Mr. John Patten
  The information requested is not available.

  Holmes System
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Holmes system, as operated by police forces in England; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Holmes system as operated by Hampshire constabulary.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The effectiveness of the Holmes system in meeting the requirements set out by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) for computer assistance in the investigation of major crime is kept under review by the Home Office in collaboration with ACPO. The present system appears to be meeting these needs satisfactorily, although work is in hand to make improvements to the system in due course.

  The effectiveness of the Holmes system in use in individual police forces is a matter for chief officers.

  National Information Network
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy with regard to the establishment of a national information network for the police.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Our aim is to implement a national information network for the police as soon as practicable. A study has already been undertaken to determine the potential traffic between forces and between forces and other parts of the criminal justice system. The next stage is to undertake a number of pilot projects to ascertain the technical requirements for the interchange of electronic data and to establish standards.

  Pet Animals (Protection)
  Mr. Colin Shepherd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Her Majesty's Government will ratify the Council of Europe convention for the protection of pet animals.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to questions from the hon. Member for Liverpool, Mossley Hill (Mr. Alton) on 1 December 1988 at column 401.

  Child Abuse
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will mount a publicity campaign aimed specifically at children which instructs them how to keep themselves safe from child abuse.

  Mr. John Patten
  We believe that advice on this subject is best communicated to children through their parents or other responsible adults. It is for this reason that the Home Office crime prevention handbook reproduces advice for parents to give to their children prepared by the Kidscape organisation.

  Immigration
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will indicate, for each of the past three years, and for the current year to date, how many people have been given indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom on compassionate grounds.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The cases referred to cannot be identified separately in the figures for acceptances for settlement. As analysis of acceptances in the years 1986–88 and the first two quarters of 1989, by category, is published in table 3 of Home Office statistical bulletin issue 31/ 89 "Control of Immigration: Statistics—Second Quarter 1989", a copy of which is in the Library. Corresponding information for the third quarter of 1989 will be published next month.

  Drugs
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inmates in gaols in England and Wales were offered prescribed methadone maintenance or withdrawal programmes for drug addiction in(a) 1986, (b) 1987, (c) 1988 and (d) so far in 1989.

  Mr. Mellor
  The number of drug addicts received into prison custody who are offered methadone as part of their treatment is not recorded centrally.
  267
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what medical treatment is available for prisoners with drug addiction problems in prisons in England and Wales.

  Mr. Mellor
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply to a question by the hon. Member for St. Helens, South (Mr. Bermingham) on 27 July 1989 at column 794.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which community-based drug agencies have access to prison establishments in England and Wales; and whether the prison department meets their expenses.

  Mr. Mellor
  In developing throughcare arrangements, prison establishments increasingly take account of the potential contribution available from suitable community-based drug agencies. Details of those used are not collected centrally. Governors may meet reasonable expenses incurred by participating members of voluntary organisations.

  Prisons
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total prison population in(a) England, and (b) Wales, in each of the years since 1980.

  Mr. Mellor
  [holding answer 6 November 1989]: The readily available information is given in the table.

  Population in custody in England and Wales on 30 June, 1980–89

  30 June Year

  Prison Service establishments

  Police cells

  All persons in custody

  England

  Wales1

  1980

  42,908

  1,028

  —

  43,936

  1981

  43,398

  1,063

  —

  44,461

  1982

  42,915

  1,085

  54

  44,054

  1983

  42,339

  987

  300

  43,626

  1984

  43,537

  896

  22

  44,455

  1985

  46,518

  985

  96

  47,599

  1986

  45,716

  919

  181

  46,816

  1987

  49,202

  1,063

  581

  50,846

  1988

  48,568

  1,010

  724

  50,302

  1989

  47,652

  880

  226

  48,758

  1 Cardiff, Swansea and Usk (Prescoed)

  Table A

  Persons sentenced to immediate custody1 by court England and Wales 1988

  Immediate custody

  Court

  Total sentenced

  Number

  per cent.

  Magistrates'

  1,456,925

  23,729

  2

  Crown

  98,435

  48,336

  49

  All courts

  1,555,360

  72,065

  5

  1 Includes both summary and indictable offences.

  Table B

  Persons committed for sentencing to the Crown Court 1988 and defendants sentenced to immediate custody at the Crown Court after summary conviction 1988

  England and Wales

  Court

  Committed for sentence to Crown Court

  Crown Court

  Total for sentence

  Immediate custody

  Number

  per cent.

  Magistrates'

  7,362

  1

  1

  1

  Crown

  1

  7,382

  4,113

  56

  1 Not applicable.

  Prison Sentences
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many of the total number of persons sentenced to a period of imprisonment in England and Wales during 1988 were put into custody by the Crown court; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) how many of the total number of persons sentenced to a period of imprisonment in England and Wales during 1988 were put into custody by the magistrates court; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) how many persons were committed for sentencing to the Crown court by a magistrates court in England and Wales during 1988; how many of those persons received a custodial sentence; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) if he will list the number of persons given a custodial sentence in England and Wales during 1988 following convictions for theft, burglary, dishonestly handling, deception and fraud when the value of the goods stolen or damaged was (a) less than £2,000, (b) less than £1,000, (c) less than £500, (d) less than £200, and (e) less than £100; and if he will make a statement;

  (5) what proportion of all persons sentenced to a period of custody in England and Wales during 1988 received a sentence of (a) 12 months or less, and (b) six months or less; and if he will make a statement;

  (6) what was the total number of persons sentenced to a period of imprisonment in England and Wales during 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  [holding answer 3 November 1989]: Information held centrally for 1988 is given in the tables which relate to the principal offence for which the offender was sentenced. Court proceedings data does not distinguish the value of goods stolen or damaged for offences committed.
  269

  Table C

  Persons sentenced to immediate custody for specific offences England and Wales 1988

  Offence

  Total sentenced

  Immediate custody

  Number

  per cent.

  Burglary

  48,491

  16,738

  35

  Theft

  140,112

  14,774

  11

  Dishonest handling

  23,508

  3,078

  13

  Fraud1

  20,041

  2,920

  15

  1 Including by deception.

  Table D Persons sentenced to immediate custody by sentence length and by court England and Wales

  Court

  Total sentenced to immediate custody

  6 months and under

  Length of sentence Over 6 months and up to 1 year

  Over 1 year

  Number

  per cent.

  Number

  per cent.

  Number

  per cent.

  Magistrates'

  23,729

  23,729

  100

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Crown

  48,336

  15,451

  32

  13,913

  29

  18,971

  39

  All courts

  72,065

  39,180

  54

  13,913

  19

  18,971

  26

  1 Not applicable.

  Immigration and Nationality Office (Birmingham)
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Birmingham immigration and nationality office will open for public business.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 26 October 1989]: Not before the next financial year when the opening of the proposed Birmingham public inquiry office will have to be considered with other demands on the available financial resources.

PRIME MINISTER

  Kincora Boys' Home
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what recent representations have been received by her Cabinet secretariat relating to events at the Kincora boys' home in Northern Ireland.

  The Prime Minister
  I am advised that there have been no such representations from Members of Parliament and members of the public.

  Security
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister what is Her Majesty's Government's latest assessment of the threat from the Soviet Union to the security of the United Kingdom.

  The Prime Minister
  The Soviet Union, together with the other members of the Warsaw pact currently possesses a large superiority in conventional ground and air forces in Europe, as well as very powerful naval and nuclear forces, and will continue to do so even after the recently promised unilateral cuts have been implemented.

  As long as the Warsaw pact retains military forces on this scale, the capability that they provide for aggression, if intentions should change, cannot be ignored. NATO's aim is to remove the imbalance of forces in Europe by negotiated reductions, to create a lasting, stable peace, in which all states can enjoy security with freedom with the minimum necessary forces.

  German Reunification
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards reunification of Germany in the event of all foreign troop withdrawals from German soil; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 7 June at column 161.

  Employment (Ministers and Officials)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister whether she will introduce legislation to prevent Ministers and officials, including officials of the Bank of England, from taking up employment with any firm or organisation working in a sector with which they have been directly or indirectly associated in the previous five years.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government have no plans to do so.

  Environment
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if she will publish or authorise the publication of all papers presented to, and the transcript of all evidence presented by, scientists and other experts at the meeting on the environment held at 10 Downing street on 26 April;

  (2) if she will list all the scientists and other experts who took part in the meeting on the environment at 10 Downing street on 26 April.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Haemophiliacs (HIV)
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Prime Minister whether she will consider waiving legal aid requirements to enable all HIV-positive haemophiliacs to instigate immediately court cases against regional health authorities; and whether she will consider granting a further ex-gratia payment prior to the courts receiving a settlement in these cases.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  I have been asked to reply.
  271
  No. The Lord Chancellor's Department has responsibility for such matters. It advises that legal aid will continue to be available subject to the usual criteria.

  In respect of a further ex-gratia payment, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South West (Mr. Butcher) on 6 November at columns 450–51.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Disabled Students
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will increase the disabled student equipment award.

  Mr. Jackson
  The disabled student allowance maximum within the mandatory award—which is not confined to equipment—has been substantially increased in recent years, and stands at £765 for 1989–90. My right hon. Friend will consider its level when he comes to review mandatory award rates for 1990–91 in the light of student needs and available resources.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last met representatives of the Students with Disabilities Bureau; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Jackson
  My right hon. Friend has not met representatives of the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (SKILL). Officials in my Department, however, hold frequent meetings with representatives of the bureau.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether his Department will undertake a survey to discover how much is spent by visually impaired further education and higher education students on(a) equipment, (b) training on usage of equipment, (c) cost of human assistance and (d) production and storage costs of materials in Braille, large print and tape.

  Mr. Jackson
  My right hon. Friend has no present plans to do so, but will keep the matter under review.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total amount spent on the disabled students' allowance.

  Mr. Jackson
  In 1987–88 local education authorities in England and Wales assessed disabled students allowances totalling some £158,000 within mandatory student awards.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of disabled students receive the disabled students' allowance.

  Mr. Jackson
  All disabled students in receipt of mandatory awards who by reason of disability incur additional expenditure in attending their courses are eligible for this allowance. Information is not collected centrally on disabled students not in receipt of mandatory awards.

  ILEA
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last met the leader of the Inner London education authority; what issues were discussed; and if he will make a statement.
  272
  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend met the leader of the Inner London education authority in his capacity as chairman of the education committee of the Association of Metropolitan Authorities at a meeting of members and officers of local authorities on 26 October to discuss local authority spending on education in 1990–91. I met the leader of the authority on 27 September to discuss teacher shortages and early years provision in inner London.

  Schools (Government Policy)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many letters he has received in the last three months, to date, from head teachers(a) in Bradford and (b) in the United Kingdom expressing concern at the impact of Government policy in their schools; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The information is not available in the form requested. My right hon. Friend frequently receives correspondence from head teachers about various aspects of education provision.

  Education Resources (Bradford)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received asking him to make inquiries into whether resources made available by him to Bradford for education purposes have been transferred into infrastructure schemes related to the west end development; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  None. It is for local authorities to decide how to use the level of resources available to them, in the light of local needs and circumstances. They are free to use the virement arrangements between authority services.

  Grant-maintained Schools, Easington
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science which boards of school governors have expressed a wish to opt for grant-maintained status within the Easington constituency.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The Department is not aware of any school governing body in the Easington constituency area which has expressed a wish to opt for grant-maintained status.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about his Department's plans for expenditure on education and science over the next three years.

  Mr. John MacGregor
  As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his statement today, within the redefined public expenditure planning total the provision for the Department of Education and Science's programme in 1990–91 will be £6,589 million. This total is £876 million or 15·3 per cent. higher than the corresponding provision for 1989–90.

  My Department's spending plans include: an increase of over £750 million over the next three years in resources available for higher education—excluding provision for student maintenance awards and the new top-up loans scheme—enabling a substantial increase in student numbers to be funded;

  273
  the addition of over £175 million over the next three years to the science budget, which will reach £897 million in 1990–91—an increase of 27 per cent. over the figure for 1988–89; and annual capital guidelines for local authority capital expenditure in 1990–91 of £485 million; capital allocations for schools and colleges for 1989–90 totalled £352 million.

  Higher Education

  The Government's plans allow for a significant increase in participation in higher education. The number of full-time and sandwich course students is now expected to increase by over 50,000 or just under 10 per cent., between 1988–89 and 1992–93, reflecting mainly the welcome increase in the numbers staying on in school after 16. Despite the declining trend in the number of 18-year-olds, the number of students in higher education is expected to rise throughout the next three years. This means that about one in five 18-year-olds will be entering higher education in 1992–93, compared with one in eight at the end of 1970s. The table sets out the projections of student numbers on which the new expenditure plans are based.

  To fund this expansion, the resources available for higher education will increase by over £750 million over the next three years, compared with previous plans. That addition will include:

  (a) increased provision for recurrent and capital expenditure. Compared with previous plans, the Government are providing some £330 million more over three years for recurrent and capital funding for higher education;

  (b) savings on rates expenditure: higher education institutions will benefit by over £230 million over the next three years from the change in the law on rates payments by charities;

  (c) provision for fees, at the full rate of £1,675 from the academic year 1990–91, for the higher number of full-time students now projected. The increase in fees provision for these extra students is some £190 million over three years.

  Taking these components together, there will be an increase in available recurrent funds for higher education of 10 per cent. between 1989–90 and 1990–91.

  Within the total of funds available, the balance between recurrent funding through the funding councils and payments made through tuition fees has been shifted, in accordance with the policy announced on 6 July. That adjustment relates only to previously planned student numbers and is financially neutral; it simply switches resources from recurrent funding to fees.

  Universities

  The plans allow for an increase, excluding the fees for extra students, of over £135 million in recurrent and capital funding for the universities over the three years from 1990–91 to 1992–93. In addition, the universities will benefit from a saving on their rates bill estimated to total over £200 million for these three years and from extra income from tuition fees of £1,675 for every additional student enrolled beyond the Government's earlier plans.

  After taking account of the shift of resources from recurrent funding to higher tuition fees in respect of students allowed for in the Government's earlier plans, the total available in 1990–91 to the Universities Funding Council for recurrent funding will be £1,685 million. As envisaged in earlier plans, this includes £52 million which will be earmarked for the restructuring programme. The
  274
  plans also allow for other committed items such as the continuation of the extra funds made available this year for the 1989 clinical academic pay settlement.

  The plans should ensure the financial viability of the universities as student numbers increase, and should enable them to make significant progress in dealing with maintenance costs and to reach satisfactory pay settlements with their staffs. The Government intend, however, to hold back £20 million of the provision being made available to the Universities Funding Council in 1990–91 for release only in the event of a satisfactory pay settlement for academic staff which incorporates greater flexibility and differentiation.

  Capital funding for the universities has been increased by some £30 million over three years, mainly to allow for new equipment. In addition, the plans allow for an increase in grant to the Open university of £7 million in 1990–91 for capital and recurrent purposes.

  Polytechnics and Colleges

  The plans allow an increase, excluding the fees for extra students, of £195 million in recurrent and capital funding for the polytechnics and colleges over three years. Polytechnics and colleges will also benefit from a saving on their rates bill over three years of some £35 million and from tuition fee income at the level of £1,675 per student for every additional student enrolled beyond the Government's earlier plans.

  After taking account of the shift of resources to higher tuition fees in respect of students allowed for in the Government's earlier plans, recurrent funding available to the PCFC in 1990–91 will be £1,014 million. As envisaged in last year's plans, £7 million of this will be earmarked for further restructuring in 1990–91 and £22 million will be available for contingencies, including maintenance and repairs for buildings. The plans also allow for other commitments including the cost of the additional institutions and courses to be transferred to the PCFC sector from April 1990.

  The plans should enable polytechnics and colleges to maintain financial viability as student numbers increase, and also to reach satisfactory pay settlements with their staffs. The Government intend, however, to hold back £12 million from the provision for the Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council to be released only in the event of satisfactory pay settlements for academic staff which incorporates measures designed to achieve further improvements in efficiency.

  Capital funding for polytechnics and colleges has been increased by £60 million over three years mainly to meet priority building improvement needs.

  In both sectors, the money available allows for costs associated with the move of the funding councils to Bristol. It also takes into account developments in teacher training, in particular the need to enhance school experience for relevant academic staff.

  Student Support

  Planned expenditure on student support takes account of the increased numbers of students projected in the table and of the higher fee level of £1,675 from the academic year 1990–91. After allowing for the switch of funds to fees, total provision for student maintenance and the cost of fees in 1990–91 is £1,210 million. The details of the new rates of award and revised contribution scales will be announced in due course.
  275
  The Government's spending plans also include £109 million in 1990–91, £179 million in 1991–92 and £204 million in 1992–93 for the introduction of the top-up loans scheme from September 1990, subject to the passage of the necessary legislation. Provision for the administration costs of the loans scheme will be added when final figures are available. The loan rates will be as set out in the White Paper "Top-up Loans for Students" (Cm. 520).

  The plans include, in addition, provision for the access funds for students in further and higher education, including postgraduate students: £5·6 million and £3·5 million will be made available to the Universities Funding Council and Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council respectively to distribute to institutions within their sectors; £4·1 million will be made available to colleges of further education, and to institutions receiving grant from the Department.

  Science

  The science budget will increase by £178 million over the next three years, compared with previous plans. This reflects the importance which the Government continue to attach to funding basic and strategic science and follows the substantial additional sums made available last year.

  The cash limit for the science budget will he £897 milion in 1990–91, with provision of £912 million in 1991–92 and £935 million in 1992–93—increases over previous plans of £61 million and £58 million and £59 million respectively. At £897 million the science budget in 1990–91 is £189 million higher than expenditure in 1988–89—an increase of 27 per cent. over two years.

  I am inviting the Advisory Board for the Research Councils (the ABRC) to provide me with its advice on the distribution of the resources which the Government are making available, and how they can best be spent to further the Government's aims for civil science in the interests of the nation as a whole.

  Within the totals available I am providing an additional £8·7 million in 1990–91 to sustain scientific research programmes while meeting the construction costs of the Antarctic research and logistics vessel RRS James Clark Ross, and a further £8·5 million to meet the slippage in expenditure on that ship between 1989–90 and 1990–91. The James Clark Ross, which is due to be launched in December 1990, will play a key role in support of environmental research programmes in the Antarctic.

  The Government also intend to put the British Geological Survey on a sound long-term footing through a once-for-all investment in the national geological information service. I am providing a total of £6 million over the three years 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 to stimulate the generation of outside income which can be reinvested in core surveying activity.

  We have also undertaken to provide a minimum allocation of £2 million in each year for a remote sensing instrument associated with the proposed earth remote sensing satellite (ERS-2) which is planned to be launched in 1993 by the European Space Agency. I shall be seeking the ABRC's advice on what further allocation is appropriate for earth observation instruments, particularly on polar platforms.

  City Technology Colleges and grant-maintained schools

  The Department's plans allow for the addition of £28 million over the next three years to secure progress towards the target of 20 city technology colleges. Our plans also allow for expenditure on grant-maintained
  276
  schools. The great bulk of this is funded by transfer from local authority current expenditure, but the Department pays grant for transitional, capital and some other costs.

  Local Authority and Voluntary Aided School Capital Expenditure

  In 1990–91 annual capital guidelines for local authority capital expenditure on schools and colleges in England will total £485 million; the capital allocations total was £352 million for schools and colleges in 1989–90. Building grants to voluntary aided and grant-maintained schools will total £118 million, an increase of £30 million over the corresponding vote provision in 1989–90. This extra provision will allow continued progress on improvement programmes in the schools, including building work associated with the introduction of the national curriculum, together with additional investment in further education colleges. Local authorities will also be able to finance capital expenditure from capital receipts and other sources: the actual level of total expenditure is for local authorities to determine in the light of local policies and their assessed requirements.

  Further and Higher Education
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has on the level and type of provision of facilities for visually impaired students at each higher education and further education college in Wales.

  Mr. Jackson
  My right hon. Friend's responsibilities extend only to the university of Wales, for which no information on this is held centrally by the Department.

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of the gross national product was spent on higher education for each year for which figures are available since 1979; and what information he has on the corresponding figures for Australia, Canada, France, West Germany, Japan and the United States of America.

  Mr. Jackson
  The available information is shown in the table. Corresponding data for earlier years are not readily available.

  Public recurrent expenditure1 on higher education 1986

  As Percentage of GNP

  Australia

  1·6

  Canada

  2·0

  France

  0·7

  West Germany

  0·9

  Japan

  0·5

  United Kingdom2

  0·9

  USA3

  0·8/0·9

  Source: UNESCO Statistical Yearbook.

  1 The data includes apportionment of expenditure described as unallocated which can be significant.

  2 Excludes expenditure on nursing and paramedical students on courses at Department of Health establishments, and the salaries of in-service teacher training secondments.

  3 Lower figure based on exclusion of 2-year courses from higher education.

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of young people between(a) the ages of 16 and 18 and (b) the ages of 19 and 22 years, were in full-time education in the latest year

  277
  for which figures are available; and what information he has on the corresponding figures for Australia, Canada, France, West Germany, Japan and the United States of America.

  Mr. Jackson
  The following information is readily available. Figures for combined full-time and part-time participation, and for higher education participation at all

  Proportion in education, academic year 1985–86

  Per cent.

  Country

  Ages 16–18 education and training1

  Ages 19–22 education

  full-time

  full-time and part-time

  full-time

  full-time and part-time

  Australia

  50

  66

  2

  2

  Canada3

  75

  75

  27

  29

  France

  66

  74

  24

  424

  West Germany

  547

  590

  19

  36

  Japan

  77

  79

  6

  6

  United Kingdom7

  33

  69

  88

  823

  (35)

  (73)

  (8)

  (23)

  USA9

  79

  80

  30

  34

  1 Including apprenticeships, YTS and similar schemes.

  2 Not available.

  3 Excluding part-time students at Community Colleges, for whom age detail is not available.

  4 Part-time participation is negligible.

  5 Academic year 1986–87. Includes compulsory part-time education for 16 and 17-year-olds.

  6 Age detail for students aged over 18 is not readily available.

  7 Figures in brackets are for academic year 1987–88. Including nursing and paramedical students at DH establishments, and for 16–18s, estimates for public sector evening study and for private sector further and higher education, including training courses with employers. Includes adult education at LEA establishments.

  8 Based on ages 19–24.

  9 Including private sector higher education.

  Participation in higher education 19851

  New entrant rate2

  Australia

  39

  Canada

  ..

  France

  32

  West Germany

  329

  Japan45

  36/49

  United Kingdom

  34

  USA467

  30/61

  1 Australia 1984, Germany and United Kingdom 1987, USA and Japan 1986.

  2 OECD define new entrants to higher education as excluding postgraduates and those already qualified in higher education irrespective of age. The denominator is the age-group of the population including 70 per cent, of new entrants, divided by the number of years involved.

  3 Partly estimated.

  4 Including a significant private sector element.

  5 Figures presented as range. The higher figure adds students in advanced senshus, some of whom may be equivalent to level 5, to the official rate.

  6 The lower figure is the result of removing students on two year courses (some of which may be below higher education level) from the official rate.

  7 First year students.

  Sources:

  OECD Education in OECD countries—comparative statistics 1985–86.

  Correspondence with individual countries.
  278
  ages on the OECD definition, are also given to provide a fuller picture. Further comparisons of 16 to 18-year-olds will appear in a statistics bulletin, which will be published shortly. Figures for 19 to 22-year-olds in other countries tend to be inflated by longer duration of courses and higher drop-out rates. For example, university courses in the United Kingdom typically last three years compared with four or more years elsewhere.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Televising of Proceedings
  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will ensure that live television pictures of parliamentary proceedings will be made available on equal terms as to cost to all cable television franchises in the United Kingdom.

  Sir Geoffrey Howe
  The report of the Select Committee on Televising of Proceedings of the House, which the House has approved as the basis for the televising experiment, provides for all broadcasting organisations to have access to the signal, subject to the approval of the Committee in the case of those other than the BBC, ITN and other contractors within the jurisdiction of the IBA. The report states that the Committee's approval should be withheld "only in exceptional circumstances". The cost at which the signal is supplied to cable operators is a matter in the first instance for negotiation between them and House of Commons Broadcasting Unit Ltd. The Select Committee emphasised in its report, however, that it expected the cost of the experiment"to be shared equally amongst the broadcasting organisations".

  The report also made it clear that, in the event of a complaint of alleged discrimination against one particular customer, or category of customers, in the price charged for the signal, the Committee would consider appointing an arbitrator who would have full access to information about the unit's costs. I should stress that the Committee sees this possibility very much as a final resort, to be invoked only in those rare cases where agreement cannot

  279
  be reached between House of Commons Broadcasting Unit Ltd and an individual customer or group of customers for the signal.

  The Select Committee will, of course, exercise a general oversight over the arrangements for supplying and distributing the signal as part of its responsibility for monitoring the progress of the experiment, with a view to reporting to the House on its outcome in due course.

EMPLOYMENT

  Disablement Assistance
  Mr. Litherland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will announce the date of the publication of the Government's internal review of employment assistance to disabled adults.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Lloyd) on 13 November 1989 at column 58.

  Earnings
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the average, median, quartile and decile full-time adult male manual and non-manual workers the percentage increase in real earnings, including overtime, between April 1979 and April 1989 together with the increase in the real value of sterling against the deutschmark, the dollar and the yen between the fourth quarter of 1976 and the first quarter of 1979 and between that quarter and the second quarter of 1988.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The increases in real earnings are provided in the table:

  Full-time adult males in Great Britain

  Percentage increase

  Manuals

  Non-manuals

  All

  Lowest decile

  4

  17

  10

  Lower quartile

  8

  26

  14

  Median

  11

  33

  21

  Higher quartile

  14

  37

  29

  Highest decile

  17

  46

  38

  Average earnings

  13

  38

  28

  Notes:

  The increases shown do not relate to the same individuals at the different dates.

  Source: New Earnings Survey data deflated by the RPI (all items).

  There is no single definition of real exchange rates and bilateral real exchange rates are not published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) nor by OECD. Data on bilateral nominal exchange rates and various price indices for the relevant countries are published by the IMF in "International Financial Statistics".

  Skills Training Agency
  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to his reply of 31 October,Official Report, column 172, with reference to the Skills Training Agency, if he will place in the Library a copy of the information memorandum about the Skills Training Agency.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Durham, North-West (Ms.280
  Armstrong) on 31 October, Official Report column 172. The information memorandum has been issued to potential bidders who have signed a confidentiality undertaking.

  STA staff and unions have been sent an STA bulletin about the memorandum. A copy of the bulletin will be placed in the Library.

  Agriculture Inspectors
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the number and location of agricultural inspectors with responsibility for Wales in each year since 1975.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The number and location of agricultural inspectors in post in HSE's area and local offices in Wales is as follows:

  Cardiff

  Wrexham

  Carmarthen

  Total

  1 April

  19771

  2—

  2—

  2—

  17

  1978

  —

  —

  —

  17

  1979

  —

  —

  —

  19

  1980

  —

  —

  —

  19

  1981

  —

  —

  —

  16

  1982

  —

  —

  —

  15

  1983

  —

  —

  —

  13

  1984

  —

  —

  —

  13

  1985

  3

  6

  5

  14

  1986

  3

  6

  5

  14

  1987

  5

  5

  4

  14

  1988

  4

  5

  3

  12

  1989

  5

  4

  3

  12

  1 November 1989

  6

  4

  3

  13

  1 Agricultural inspectors joined HSE from MAFF from March 1976; the full field force was in place in March 1977.

  2 Information about the location of inspectors in Wales is not available for 1977–1984.

  The figures do not include inspectors in the inspectorate's HQ, or elsewhere in HSE, engaged on line management work or contributing to policy or technical work.

  Factory Inspectors
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the number and location of factory inspectors with responsibility for Wales in each year since 1975.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The number and location of factory inspectors in post in HSE's area and local offices in Wales is as follows:

  Cardiff

  Wrexham

  Swansea

  Total

  1 April

  19771

  2—

  2—

  2—

  31

  1978

  2—

  2—

  2—

  31

  1979

  2—

  2—

  2—

  32

  1980

  2—

  2—

  2—

  33

  1981

  2—

  2—

  2—

  31

  1982

  2—

  2—

  2—

  29

  1983

  2—

  2—

  2—

  23

  1984

  2—

  2—

  2—

  23

  1985

  15

  5

  3

  23

  1986

  15

  5

  3

  23

  1987

  16

  5

  3

  24

  1988

  17·5

  6

  3—

  23·5

  1989

  18

  5

  3—

  23

  1 November 1989

  22

  6

  3—

  28

  281
  1 Separate figures for Wales are not available until 1977.

  2 Information about the location of inspectors in Wales is not available for 1977–84.

  3 The HSE office at Swansea was closed in July 1987.

  The figures do not include inspectors in the inspectorate's HQ, or elsewhere in HSE, engaged on line management work or contributing to policy or technical work.

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether his Department has discontinued(a) the collection or (b) the publication of any statistics since 1979.

  Mr. Nicholls
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: There has been no discontinuation of any of the statistics collected or published by the Department of Employment since 1986 other than where changes have occurred in the administrative systems from which some statistics are derived. The few minor discontinuations between 1979 and 1986 were described on 10 December 1986, Official Report, columns 221–24 by the then Paymaster General in his reply to the then hon. Member for Oldham, East.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Cross Media Ownership
  Mr. Woodcock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what is the outcome of the investigation by the Office of Fair Trading into cross media ownership; what action he intends to take; and if he will make a statement;

  Company name

  Names of inspectors

  Date of appointment

  Cost £

  Minet Holdings plc

  S C Boyd QC

  8 November 1982

  1,242,964

  W M D Underwriting Agencies Ltd

  P W G DuBuisson FCA

  10 November 1982

  Graylaw Holdings Ltd

  Miss E Appleby QC

  11 March 1983

  280,212

  Link Services Stations Ltd

  P W Foss FCA

  Bank Street Securities Ltd

  Miss E Appleby QC

  4 October 1983

  481,229

  Pennine Commercial Holdings plc

  P W Foss FCA

  Guinness plc

  D T Donaldson QC

  28 November 1986

  1,657,698

  I G Watt FCA

  Langford Scott and Partners
  Mr. Tim Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total amount of compensation paid to investors by his Department following the investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration of the renewing of the licence under the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act 1958 of Langford Scott and Partners; how many investors were compensated; why his Department thought it appropriate to pay compensation; and whether the compensation paid extended to loss of interest and stress as well as loss of the principal sum invested.

  Mr. Forth
  My Department paid a total of £51,415 in compensation to 13 investors in Langford Scott and Partners. The payment was ex gratia and without acceptance of liability. The compensation paid covered the principal sum invested and loss of interest.
  282
  (2) when the Director General of Fair Trading is going to announce the conclusion of his investigation into cross media ownership.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I understand that the Director General of Fair Trading is still considering competition questions relating to cross media ownership. We are also looking at wider aspects of this issue.

  Angola
  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the opportunities for British firms wishing to export to Angola and the measures his Department has taken to encourage such trade.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  A wide range of services is available to companies under my Department's export initiative. ECGD has short-term cover available for Angola and supports a line of credit for the Takula offshore oilfield development. Opportunities have, however, been limited by Angola's poor economic and security conditions. When peace is restored and plans for economic rehabilitation are fully implemented, there should be increased opportunities for trade.

  Companies Act Inspections
  Mr. Tim Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list each continuing Companies Act inspection, giving in each case(a) the name of the company under investigation, (b) the names of the inspectors, (c) the date of their appointment and (d) the cost of the inspection to date.

  Mr. Forth
  The following list provides the information requested.

  House of Fraser
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of investigations into the purchase of the House of Fraser.

  Mr. Forth
  No. This is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.

  EC (Economies of Scale)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish in the Official Report an assessment of the industries in which the United Kingdom enjoys the greatest economies of scale within the EEC.

  Mr. Forth
  The information is not available.

  Textiles, Clothing and Footwear
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the reasons for the fall in the production of textiles, clothing and footwear since 1985; and if he will publish in the Official Report the reduction in the value of output in

  Textiles clothing and footwear

  Gross output (£ million 1985 prices)

  Imports (£ million current)

  Exports (£ million current)

  Total

  EC

  Other

  Total

  EC

  Other

  1985

  12,770

  5,793

  3,394

  2,399

  3,040

  1,441

  1,599

  1986

  12,870

  6,283

  3,665

  2,618

  3,107

  1,619

  1,488

  1987

  13,190

  7,074

  3,868

  3,206

  3,502

  1,950

  1,552

  1988

  13,040

  7,652

  4,112

  3,540

  3,560

  2,013

  1,547

  19881

  6,510

  3,714

  2,013

  1,701

  1,656

  940

  716

  19891

  6,330

  4,030

  2,158

  1,872

  1,765

  1,007

  758

  1 January to June.

  Classification:

  Gross Output: SIC classes 43 and 45.

  Trade: SITC divisions 65, 84 and 85

  Sources:

  Gross Output: Estimates derived from Annual Census of Production (1985 gross output) and Index of Production (current period: January to June figures seasonally adjusted).

  Trade: Overseas Trade Statistics.

  Computers
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the increase in the value and volume of United Kingdom exports of computers since 1985; what percentage of exports in 1985 were (i) imported in substantially the same form and (ii) assembled in the United Kingdom; and what is his estimate of the United Kingdom content of United Kingdom exports of computers in 1985, 1988 and in 1989 to date.

  Mr. Forth
  The value and volume of United Kingdom exports of computers1 were as follows:

  £ million

  Thousand units

  1985

  705·7

  1,241·6

  1986

  681·7

  373·9

  1987

  847·4

  392·8

  1988

  1,976·0

  3,179·0

  19892

  1,588·3

  799·5

  1 Computers are defined as items 752.1, 752.2 and 752.3 of the Standard International Trade Classification, revisions 2 and 3.

  2 January to August 1989.

  Notes:

  Official statistics do not distinguish between imports of computers for re-export and exports from United Kingdom manufacture.

  There are no official estimates for the United Kingdom content of United Kingdom exports of computers.

  Source: Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, HMSO.

  Average annual percentage increase

  £ million

  Thousand units

  1985 to 1988

  41

  37

  Source: Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, HMSO.

  Japan
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of Japanese exports to(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the European Community are covered by voluntary restraint agreements.
  284
  terms of 1985 prices together with the figures for imports and exports of such goods to the EEC and to other countries.

  Mr. Forth
  Latest annual figures indicate that there has not been a fall in output in this sector since 1985. The available data are as follows:

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In 1988 16 per cent. of Japanese exports to the United Kingdom were covered by an inter-industry voluntary restraint arrangement on cars and commercial vehicles.

  As far as the Community is concerned there are no formal restraint arrangements with Japan approved by the Council of Ministers. Because of the nature of such arrangements we cannot be sure what informal arrangements exist within the Community.

  Shipbuilding
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish a table showing the number employed in(a) the merchant and (b) the warship building industry in each of the European Community countries, including the United Kingdom, and for Japan, Korea and Taiwan in 1979 and in the most recent year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The table shows employment in merchant shipbuilding, in all the countries associated with the OECD working group on shipbuilding, in 1980 and 1987, the most recent year for which figures are available. OECD figures are not available for 1979.

  In the United Kingdom, employment in warship building in 1979 was approximately 26,000. At present it is 24,400. Statistics on employment in warship building in other countries are not regularly collected. The information requested will be supplied to the hon. Member as soon as it can be obtained.

  Countries

  1980

  1987

  Federal Republic of Germany

  25,000

  12,900

  Belgium

  —

  2,546

  Denmark

  11,400

  7,000

  Spain

  40,600

  23,600

  France

  23,700

  8,900

  Greece

  7,946

  5,858

  Ireland

  —

  —

  Italy

  15,380

  9,664

  Netherlands

  9,600

  3,600

  Portugal

  6,781

  5,020

  285

  Countries

  1980

  1987

  United Kingdom

  24,777

  11,499

  EEC Total

  165,184

  90,589

  Finland

  17,467

  11,615

  Norway

  13,000

  3,600

  Sweden

  11,874

  1,350

  Europe less EEC

  42,341

  16,565

  Total OECD-Europe

  207,525

  107,154

  Japan

  113,000

  59,000

  Total OECD WP6

  320,525

  166,153

  Turkey

  5,307

  —

  Republic of Korea

  42,484

  —

  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide an updated list of the subventions on offer, in credit loan and direct subsidy facilities for the shipbuilding industry in each of the European Community countries, including the United Kingdom, and for Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The OECD working party on shipbuilding produces on a triennial basis a survey of shipbuilding state aid around the world. The latest version of this survey will be issued shortly. I will ensure that a copy is made available to the hon. Member.

  Film Industry
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list by year for the last 10 years in real terms the amount of Government subsidy the British film industry has received; and if he will make a statement on the future of Government funding for the industry.

  Mr. Forth
  Direct Government support for the film industry since 1980–81 consists of the following:

  Financial year

  British screen finance

  National film and television school

  British film institute

  1980–81

  —

  1,126

  9,219

  1981–82

  —

  1,050

  9,248

  1982–83

  —

  1,266

  11,219

  1983–84

  —

  1,076

  9,167

  1984–85

  —

  1,193

  9,289

  1985–86

  569

  1,558

  9,281

  1986–87

  2,204

  1,212

  10,733

  1987–88

  2,210

  1,195

  10,642

  1988–89

  2,000

  1,600

  11,300

  1989–90

  12,000

  1,700

  11,800

  1 Actual

  In addition to the above, Her Majesty's Government provided funding of £370,000 for British Film Year in 1985–86.

  The Eady levy on cinema admissions was in operation during the period 1980 to 1985. Proceeds of the levy were redistributed to the industry as shown in the table:

  Levy year1

  Total payments to industry £000

  1980–81

  10,244

  1981–82

  5,865

  1982–83

  6,287

  1983–843

  4,496

  1984–85

  24,452

  1 October to October.

  2 Includes residual assets of the National Film Finance
  286
  Corporation.

  3 October to May.

  Note:—All figures at 1988–89 prices, deflated by RPI, unless otherwise stated.

  My Department announced on 20 July 1989 that funding for British Screen Finance Ltd would continue after expiry of the current contracts at the end of 1990 at the present rate of £2 million (actual) a year for the three years 1991–1993. As for future funding for the National Film and Television School and the British Film Institute, I refer the hon. Member to the statement made earlier today by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts.

  Manufacturing Output
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the years 1963, 1968, 1974, 1979, 1984 and 1989 to date the ratio of imports to output of motor vehicles, together with his estimate of the United Kingdom content of cars produced or assembled in the United Kingdom and the relevant weights in the index of manufacturing output.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 9 November 1989]: No information is available on the United Kingdom content of cars produced or assembled in the United Kingdom. The table shows the ratio of imports to output of motor cars by number for 1963, 1968, 1974, 1979, 1984 and 1989 (January-August) and the relevant weights in the index of manufacturing output for the base years of the index (ie 1963, 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985).

  Motor Cars

  Imports as a percentage of output by number

  Weights in the index of manufacturing output1

  1963

  3

  1963

  28·32

  1968

  6

  1970

  19·86

  1974

  24

  1975

  20·55

  1979

  99

  1980

  14·01

  1984

  112

  1985

  17·20

  21989

  112

  1 Parts per thousand of manufacturing industry (Divisions 2–4 inclusive).

  2 January to August.

  Statistics
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department has discontinued(a) the collection or (b) the publication of any statistics since 1979.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: As a result of the changes in the organisation of Government economic statistics in July, data formerly collected by my Department are now collected by the Central Statistical Office (CSO). The table lists those surveys which were discontinued between 1979 and July 1989.

  The policy of my Department has been to make available to the public, subject to confidentiality, the results of all statistical surveys that it has carried out. The CSO is continuing to publish nearly all the data for which it has assumed responsibility, and arrangements for publishing the remainder are currently under review.
  287

  Regular statistical series discontinued since 1979

  Year

  Quarterly survey of United Kingdom company sources and uses of funds

  1980

  Monthly inquiry into export prices

  1980

  Monthly rubber stocks and consumption

  1980

  Quarterly inquiry into catering turnover

  1980

  Quarterly inquiry into motor traders' turnover

  1980

  Annual and quarterly series on international trade and credit extended and received and direct exports

  1982

  Monthly inquiry into made-up clothing

  1985

  Monthly admissions and takings for cinemas

  1985

  Quarterly inquiry into oils and fats in soapmaking

  1985

  Quarterly inquiry into raw jute

  1985

  Monthly inquiry into paper and board

  1985

  Monthly inquiry into waste paper

  1985

  Quarterly inquiry into pulp

  1985

  Quarterly inquiry into exports of books and periodicals

  1985

  Annual inquiry into the film exhibition industry

  1985

  Monthly inquiry into production and stocks of wood chipboard and consumption of chipboard

  1986

  Paper and Building Industry
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what area of new planting would be required to enable the forestry industry to displace(a) 10 per cent., (b) 20 per cent., (c) 30 per cent., (d) 40 per cent. and (e) 50 per cent. of the United Kingdom's current imports of the following raw materials: (i) mechanical pulp, (ii) chemical pulp, (iii) sawn timber, (iv) round logs, (v) paper and (vi) panel products.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 13 November 1989]: The Forestry Commission advises that because of the time it takes trees to grow and produce timber, it is not possible to make any meaningful estimate of the extent to which new planting would displace various categories of wood imports over the next 40 or 50 years, even assuming that these were maintained at current levels. As a DTI Minister I can add nothing to this advice.

  Accounts
  Sir Michael McNair-Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration his Department has given to reintroducing an exemption for small private companies from filing accounts.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: A proposal to exempt small companies from the requirement to file their accounts is included in the draft directive adopted by the European Commission last year, amending the fourth company law directive on annual accounts. The responses to my Department's consultative document, a copy of which was placed in the Library of the House in February, were overwhelmingly opposed to the proposed exemption, and we shall take this into account when negotiations on the draft directive resume.

  Building Industry (Safety)
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps and what research his Department has undertaken to encourage safety in the building industry.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I have been asked to reply.
  288
  We will shortly be making the wearing of safety helmets on construction sites compulsory. The Health and Safety Commission has recently published a consultative document setting out proposals for new regulations to strengthen the management of health and safety on construction sites and the Health and Safety Executive's inspectors will be paying more attention to the quality of site management and levels of training and supervision. For the last two years we have met the HSC's requests for resources in full which has allowed real growth in their activities. For example, this includes increasing the number of HSE inspectors devoted to construction by 10 per cent. since 1988 and sponsoring research within the HSE and externally.

  Each year the HSE's research and laboratory services division (RLSD) devotes resources to research into safety topics of relevance to the building industry. Information on all such projects is included in the Health and Safety Executive's programme of research and related services, a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library. In addition to sponsoring research, the HSE also provides specialist input and advice to a number of construction-related research projects.

  Willow Watermark Disease
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 10 April to the hon. Member for Nottingham, North,Official Report, column 567, what developments the Forestry Commission has monitored in willow watermark disease; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave today to his question about the cricket bat willow research group at column 337.

WALES

  EC Funding
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales by what date projects under the integrated operations programme of the European Community in the three counties of rural Wales have to be completed; and whether, in the event of some projects still awaiting completion on that date, there is sufficient flexibility in his arrangements to allow grants to be paid after the integrated operations programme terminal date to enable such work to be finalised without the authorities being penalised by loss of grant.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The European Commission's arrangements for the administration of national programmes of Community interest (NPCI) provide that as a general rule physical works on projects to receive European regional development fund grant aid must begin before the end of the programme period and be completed within 12 months after the end of the programme period. Payments can be made for up to two years after the end of the programme period.

  For projects receiving aid under the Dyfed, Gwynedd, Powys NPCI physical works should begin before 31 December 1991 and be completed by 31 December 1992. Payments could be made up to 31 December 1993.
  289
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy towards the maintaining and developing of cottage hospital facilities in Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  The term "cottage hospital" is not a formal designation of a type of hospital. The current concept which is closest to the cottage hospital is that of the community hospital. The Welsh Office's policy towards community hospitals was set out in the circular WHSC(IS)66 entitled "Community Hospitals" which was issued in 1974 and updated by the appendix to "Policies and Priorities for Health Services in Wales" published in 1985 and paragraphs 138 and 139 of "The Corporate Management Programme for the Health Service in Wales: Development and Change 1988–1993" issued in 1988. Copies of all three documents are available in the Library.

  It is for district health authorities to consider the application of this general guidance to their local circumstances.

  Schools (Capitation)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the capitation per pupil, by education authority, for the last available year for(a) primary pupils and (b) secondary pupils.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mortgage Arrears
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many home buyers were in arrears with mortgage payments in the first six months of 1988; and what was the comparable figure during the first six months of 1979.

  Mr. Grist
  The information is not collected centrally.

  Bridging Allowances
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many young people in Wales have been on weekly bridging allowances awaiting placements since the introduction of compulsory YTS.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The latest figures available, 1 November 1988 to 30 September 1989, show that 7,448 young people in Wales received bridging allowance whilst awaiting YTS placement. YTS is a voluntary programme, as are all Government training programmes.

  YTS
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many young people left their YTS placements four weeks or more before the placements came to an end.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  During the period 30 September 1988 to 1 October 1989, a total of 19,241 YTS trainees left their placements four weeks or more before the placements came to an end.

  Council Housing
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much was spent by Welsh local district councils on housing investment in(a) 1988, (b) 1979 and (c)

  Mr. Grist
  Total gross capital expenditure by Welsh local district councils on housing investment for the periods requested are shown in the following table:290

  £ million

  (a) 1987–88

  226·2

  (b) 1978–79

  105·8

  (c) 1982–83

  140·5

  Ambulance Dispute
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions have been undertaken by his Department in order to try and find an equitable solution to the ambulance dispute in Wales; what representations he has received about referring this dispute to independent arbitration; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  The proper forum for negotiations is the Ambulance Whitley council where the Department is represented on the management side; this is a national body and no separate discussions have been undertaken for Wales. Representations have been received from one of the unions involved about referring the dispute to arbitration. The Government believe that unilateral access to arbitration would not be helpful in pay negotiations in the NHS, where management must ensure that resources are not diverted away from patient care. We urge the unions to resume negotiations in the Whitley council and call off their action.

  Single Parents
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of the population of Wales are single parents; and what is that percentage among homeless persons.

  Mr. Ian Grist
  From the 1988 labour force survey it is estimated that 2·3 per cent. of the adult population of private households were single parents with children under 16.

  Local authority returns indicate that 29 per cent. of all adults in households accepted as homeless by local authorities in Wales in 1988 were recorded as lone parents with dependent children.

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the number of new homes built by housing associations in Wales in(a) 1988, (b) 1989, (c) 1979 and (d)

  Mr. Grist
  The information requested for the years 1979–1988 is available in table 2.3 of "Welsh Housing Statistics No. 9"—a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Figures for 1989 are not yet available.

  Heart Disease
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those hospitals in Wales which have facilities to treat heart diseases.

  Mr. Grist
  All general hospitals in Wales are able to offer treatment for patients with heart disease. Specialised facilities for invasive cardiology and cardiac surgery are provided at the University hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many homeless people are in temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  On 30 June 1989, the latest date for which figures are available there were 793 households living in temporary accommodation in Wales. The Department is in touch with a wide range of organisations concerned with homelessness and a statement will be made in due course.

  Building Societies (Repossessions)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many homes have been repossessed by building societies during 1987, 1988 and so far in the current year in Wales; what was the comparable figure for 1979; what information he has on how many of these homes were owned by first-time buyers; and if he will provide a district-by-district breakdown of these figures.

  Mr. Grist
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Pollution Inspectorate
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effect on Wales of moving the inspectorate of pollution from Cardiff to Bristol; what representations he has received about this move; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  The reorganisation of the inspectorate on a regionalised basis provides for the retention of an office in Cardiff.

  Education Spending
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set out in the Official Report figures in respect of education in Wales, showing for the years 1978–79 and 1987–88 (a) pupil numbers, (b) spending per primary pupil, (c) spending per secondary pupil and (d) spending on education, and the percentage change, between the two years, the figures having taken inflation into account; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The information requested is shown in the table:

  1978–79

  1987–88

  Percentage change between 1978–79 and 1987–88

  1. Total numbers of pupils

  (Full time equivalents) at January of each year

  543,059

  455,408

  -16

  2. Spending per pupil (£s)1

  Nursery and primary2

  789·9

  1,004·0

  +27·1

  Secondary

  1,086·0

  1,488·4

  +37·1

  3. Expenditure on education (£000s)1

  Current expenditure

  762·696

  838,556

  +9·9

  Gross capital expenditure

  47,812

  50,305

  +5·2

  1 All prices revalued to 1987–88 levels.

  2 Expenditure records do not differentiate between nursery and primary pupils.

  Between 1978–79 and 1987–88, expenditure on education in Wales has increased by nearly 10 per cent. in
  292
  real terms. Taken together with the 86,651 reduction in pupil numbers experienced during the same period, expenditure on each nursery and primary pupil has increased by more than £200 and for each secondary pupil by over £400.

  National Health Service Treatment Centres
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many hip operations he expects the treatment centre at Rhydlafar to carry out in its first year;

  (2) how many patients at present waiting for hip operations at the Prince Charles hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, he expects will receive their operations at the Rhydlafar treatment centre in its first full year;

  (3) what is the estimated cost to establish and run the proposed three treatment centres under the National Health Service.

  Mr. Grist
  Welsh Office staff are currently finalising the details of operation of treatment centres in discussion with managers and clinicians in the National Health Service. Subject to the satisfactory conclusion of these discussions, I shall write to the hon. Gentleman shortly.

  Uniform Business Rate
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many businesses will face rate rises of over 100 per cent. when the uniform business rate is introduced; and how many employ less than 250 employees.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The precise effect of the reforms to business rating cannot be assessed until the revaluation of non-domestic property is completed.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will introduce a two-tier uniform business rate in Wales to reduce the levy on the small business sector.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  No. The transitional arrangements for non-domestic ratepayers which I am introducing provide for a maximum annual increase in real terms for small businesses of 15 per cent., compared to 20 per cent. for large businesses; and small businesses will be able to obtain any reductions to which they may be entitled more quickly than large businesses. It is estimated that 85 per cent. of Welsh properties will fall within the "small" category for these purposes.

DEFENCE

  Naval Guns
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he intends to make available funding to Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd. for development of a 155 mm medium calibre naval gun.

  Mr. Neubert
  There is currently no requirement for this equipment.

  Easington (Recruits)
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many recruits to Her Majesty's forces are drawn from the Easington constituency and serve in(a) the Army, (b) the Royal Navy and (c) the Royal Air Force.
  293
  Mr. Neubert
  It is not possible to give figures for the number of recruits who originated from Easington without checking each recruit's personal file. However, the following figures show the number of recruits enlisted at the careers information offices in Durham, Hartlepool and Sunderland, the nearest offices to Easington. It is not possible to separate those actually living in Easington at the time of enlistment.

  RN/RM1

  Army1

  RAF3

  1987–88

  244

  423

  91

  1988–89

  286

  399

  61

  1989–90

  4136

  5245

  532

  1 Royal Navy careers information offices in Hartlepool and Sunderland.

  2 Army careers information offices in Durham, Hartlepool and Sunderland.

  3 Royal Air Force careers information office in Sunderland.

  4 The Royal Navy/Royal Marines figures for 1989–90 are to 6 November 1989.

  5 The Army and Royal Air Force figures for 1989–90 are to 30 September 1989.

  It is not possible to give comparable figures for officer applicants, as these are handled centrally.

  Seaham Corps
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present complement of sea cadets and air cadets in the Seaham corps; and how many cadets volunteered for the armed services year by year from 1979 to 1989.

  Mr. Neubert
  To June 1989, the complement of cadets in the Seaham corps was:

  Number

  Sea Cadets

  22

  Air Cadets

  33

  The total number of cadets recruited into the armed services during the last 10 years are shown in the table.

  Year

  Royal Navy

  Army

  Royal Air Force

  1989

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1988

  566

  4,444

  1,835

  1987

  576

  4,885

  1,798

  1986

  547

  4,510

  1,902

  1985

  577

  4,561

  1,986

  1984

  2—

  4,581

  2,045

  1983

  2—

  2,906

  2,225

  1982

  2—

  3,134

  1,319

  1981

  2—

  5,990

  949

  1980

  2—

  5,985

  1,809

  1979

  724

  5,477

  2,266

  1 Not yet available.

  2 Not available.

  Notes:

  1. These figures reflect numbers of Sea Cadets recruited into the Royal Navy and ACF Cadets recruited into the Army and ATC Cadets recruited into the Royal Air Force. Figures are not available for "cross Service".

  2. Figures reflect numbers recruited. Information on numbers applying is not held.

  Warship Procurement
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect he expects the completion of the internal market to have on warships procurement policy after 1992.

  Mr. Neubert
  The completion of the internal market does not directly affect policy for the procurement of warships, since member states are allowed under the treaty of Rome to take the measures they consider necessary in the area of procurement of certain defence equipment. It may have an indirect effect in terms of the wider impact of industrial restructuring by our suppliers.

  Ex-Service Personnel
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many section 10 certificates have been issued since 1947 in respect of members of the services, excluding those who were nuclear test veterans.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The information could not be provided without disproportionate cost.

  Woolwich Arsenal
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about progress on the redevelopment of their part of the royal arsenal, Woolwich, which has already been vacated by his Department.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Discussions have been held with the London borough of Greenwich to consider possible future uses of the riverside area at royal arsenal west as part of comprehensive disposal framework embracing the entire west and east sites at Woolwich, which we intend to vacate during the period 1993 and 1995. Officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Crown Estate Commissioners attended the Greenwich waterfront conference on 1 November and further meetings are now planned to continue the close working relationship which has been established.

  Aircraft Shelters, Boscombe Down
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the intended purpose of the 15 new aircraft shelters at Boscombe Down for which planning permission has been sought by the Property Services Agency;

  (2) whether the United States of America Air Force will use any of the 15 new aircraft shelters at Boscombe Down RAF station for which planning permission has been sought by the Property Services Agency.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Irish Sea
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether any flying training was carried out over Northern Ireland or the Irish sea between 7 and 10 pm on 11 November;

  (2) whether any missiles were tested over the Irish sea or Northern Ireland between 7 and 10 pm on 11 November;

  (3) whether any projectiles or explosives were tested over the Irish sea or Northern Ireland between 7 and 10 pm on 11 November.
  295
  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Performance Guarantees
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will give details of the performance guarantee that is required by his Department for tenders being submitted to his Department;

  (2) if he will name the officer, and how he can be contacted, who is responsible for giving details to the general public on a performance guarantee which is required for tenders being submitted to his Department for Ministry of Defence contracts.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  Performance guarantees are sought from contractors as and when circumstances so demand. Details are provided by the contracts branches responsible for particular tenders.

  Merlin Helicopter
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress with integration of electronic systems in the Merlin anti-submarine helicopter.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The MOD is examining the scope for appointing a prime contractor responsible for the overall performance of the complete mission system for the Royal Navy anti-submarine warfare variant of the Anglo-Italian EH101 helicopter. A contract has been placed with consultants to write a detailed performance specification, against which bids could be invited next year.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original target date for completion and the original budget of the Merlin anti-submarine helicopter; and what are the current estimated completion dates and budget.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The contractor's latest programme plan forecasts completion of development at the end of 1992, a one-year slippage against their original forecast. The original estimate of total Royal Navy development costs uprated to 1988 economic conditions was £779·6 million, which compares with the current estimate of some £1,000 million at the same economic conditions. It should be noted, however, that the latter estimate makes provision for uprated engines and the appointment of a prime contractor for the Royal Navy mission system, which were not included in the original estimate.

  Westland EH101
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent changes have been made to the management of the Westland EH101 project; what are the reasons for these; and if he will make a statement.

  District Council

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  Antrim

  10·6

  0·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8·5

  —

  —

  —

  Ballymena

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  30·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Belfast

  —

  —

  0·1

  —

  —

  0·4

  0·5

  —

  —

  —

  Castlereagh

  9·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0·1

  0·1

  0·1

  —

  —

  Craigavon

  —

  —

  —

  0·1

  0·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Derry

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0·1

  —

  —

  —

  Fermanagh

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0·1

  —

  —

  Limavady

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  82·8

  —

  Lisburn

  0·2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0·1

  —

  —

  7·0

  —

  Newry and Mourne

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0·1

  —

  —

  0·1

  12·4

  —

  Newtownabbey

  —

  5·1

  —

  —

  —

  0·1

  —

  —

  0·3

  —

  Omagh

  —

  0·1

  —

  —

  —

  0·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  296
  Mr. Alan Clark
  There have been no changes in the MOD's management arrangements for the EH101 project. The MOD is, however, seeking to improve the contractual arrangements for the RN EH101 through the appointment of a prime contractor with responsibility for the overall performance of the complete RN mission system.

  Tanks
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many main battle tanks are on order(a) under construction and (b) not yet constructed;

  (2) if he will take action to cancel orders for any main battle tanks not yet under construction.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  One regiment of Challenger 1 main battle tanks and nine Challenger 2 prototypes are on order. All are under construction.

  Defence Staff List
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list all the civil defence authorities that(a) have received and (b) have not received, the defence staff list document;

  (2) why defence staff list documents are being withheld from the South Yorkshire civil defence authority; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  [holding answer 6 November 1989]: I will write to the hon. Member.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Industrial Development Board
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list all those parcels of land which were owned by Department of Economic Development, LEDU, or the Industrial Development Board, which were zoned for industrial development by the planning authorities and which were sold for non-industrial use in each of the years since 1980, giving details by district council area.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 8 November 1989]: The industrially zoned land sold by IDB (including Department of Commerce to September 1982) for non-industrial purposes is set out in the table. Neither DED or LEDU sold any land zoned for industrial development for non-industrial use.

  Integrated Schools
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received about the relationships between integrated schools and segregated schools, the provision of integrated nursery education, and the provision of integrated special education; and if he will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  A number of views were received about the proposed management structures of controlled integrated schools and we have been able broadly to take these into account. This means that the legislation will continue to provide that in the case of a controlled integrated school which was formerly a controlled (non-grammar) school or a Catholic maintained school, its board of governors will include one seventh trustee representation and one seventh trasferor representation. Other controlled integrated schools will instead have two sevenths of their boards of governors appointed by the Department of Education.

  On the question of integrated nursery and special education, nursery and special schools will be ineligible for formal integrated status since admissions are based on specialised criteria to which it would be quite inappropriate to add statutory requirements relating to the religion of pupils. On the other hand, it will be possible for an integrated school to have a nursery or special unit attached to it.

  Fire Service
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action has been taken by the fire authority for Northern Ireland to obtain an acceptable fire brigade training site convenient to Belfast which will make training possible in a secure location and which will have the support of the local community.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The fire authority had identified a site at Old Manse road, Whiteabbey, as suitable for a fire brigade training school. Planning permission was refused. The fire authority is now awaiting the outcome of its appeal against that refusal.

  Give the uncertainty of this site the fire authority has identified another suitable site at the former St. Nicholas secondary school at Minorca place, Carrickfergus. Conditional planning permission has just been granted. The fire authority has not agreed an acceptable purchase price for the Carrickfergus site. Negotiations are continuing.

  One-Teacher Primary Schools
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a list of one-teacher primary schools in each education and library board area in Northern Ireland in the maintained and controlled sectors, together with the number of pupils enrolled at each school.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The information is as follows:

  Education and library board area

  Primary schools

  January 1989 enrolment

  Western

  Controlled

  None

  —

  Maintained

  Edenderry

  22

  Altishane

  21

  298

  Education and library board area

  Primary schools

  January 1989 enrolment

  North-Eastern

  Controlled

  Bruslee

  20

  Newlands

  20

  Maintained

  Culraney

  8

  Rathlin Island (St. Mary's)

  11

  Tannaghmore

  22

  St. Colman's (Greenisland)

  24

  Southern

  Controlled

  Salters Grange

  18

  Shinn

  13

  Leitrim

  12

  Croreagh

  21

  Hilltown

  8

  Ballykeel West

  15

  Ballinderry

  22

  Coalisland

  14

  Maintained

  Lislea (2)

  12

  Belfast

  Controlled

  None

  —

  Maintained

  None

  —

  South-Eastern

  Controlled

  None

  —

  Maintained

  None

  —

  History Teaching
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assurance he can give parents that their children will have the opportunity to study British, European and economic history in the future.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The programme of study for history will be drawn up by the history working group. Its report will be subject to wide consultation. I expect these elements to be included.

  Council for Roman Catholic Maintained Schools
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes have been made in the terms of reference of the Council for Roman Catholic Maintained Schools since that body was established.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  None.

  Schools and Colleges (Safety)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated cost of electrical rewiring to meet current safety standards for schools and colleges in the North-Eastern education and library board area.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The total estimated cost of electrical rewiring to meet current safety standards for schools and colleges in the NEELB area is not readily available and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost. However, I understand that the NEELB commissioned a study which estimated that it would cost £16 million at 1987 prices to rewire all the board's properties (including schools and colleges) and maintained schools in its area.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals have been made and what funding
  299
  will be allocated to the North-Eastern education and library board to correct the hazards in schools brought to his attention in the consultant's report presented to the Department of Education in 1988.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The Department of Education (Northern Ireland) allocated an additional £1·6 million to the north-eastern education and library board in the current financial year to supplement the normal maintenance programme financed from its block grant.

  It is for the board to determine how these additional funds are used having regard to its own locally determined priorities.

  Family Credit
  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish figures showing the numbers and percentages of families with children(a) entitled to and (b) receiving family credit, in April 1988 and 1989, together with projections for April 1990.

  Mr. Needham
  The number of families receiving family credit between April 1988 and 1989 increased by 1,383 from 13,525 to 14,908.

  Reliable estimates of the number of families who were eligible for family credit in Northern Ireland in April 1988 and April 1989 or who might be eligible in April 1990 are not available.

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many farmers, in each district council area of Northern Ireland, are in receipt of hill livestock compensatory allowances;

  (2) what is the total amount of hill livestock compensatory allowances which were paid to farmers from each district council area, in each of the years since 1985.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  We do not know. Information is not kept by district council area.

  Bathing Waters
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give details of proposals for Government spending to improve the quality of bathing waters in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by my hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning on 20 October 1989 to the hon. Member for Brigg and Cleethorpes (Mr. Brown) at columns 261–62.

  Glass
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was(a) the total amount of glass used and (b) the total amount of glass recycled in Northern Ireland in each of the years since 1980.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Records are not held centrally of the total amount of glass used in Northern Ireland. The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. At present 10 of the district councils in Northern Ireland operate bottle banks. It is estimated that the 300
  volume of glass collected for recycling would be in the region of 600 tonnes per annum. No glass is recycled in Northern Ireland.

ENERGY

  Electricity Privatisation
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what recent representations he has received regarding the progress of electricity privatisation.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  My right hon. Friend and I continue to receive representations on a wide variety of topics related to electricity privatisation.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most recent estimate of the gross cost of electricity privatisation to the national Exchequer; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  It is too early to make an estimate of the likely total costs of privatising the electricity supply industry. However, a provision of £30 million has been made in the supply estimate for 1989–90 in respect of electricity privatisation costs. Expenditure in earlier years was £0·8 million in 1987–88 and £5·5 million in 1988–89.

  It is also too early to estimate the likely proceeds from the sale of the companies but experience from previous privatisations has shown them to have an outstanding record of value for money.

  Gas Sales
  Mr. Knowles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will meet the Director General of OFGAS to discuss progress towards the competitive sale of gas to industry.

  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the Director General of OFGAS to discuss industrial gas pricing structures.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I meet the Director General of Gas Supply regularly and we discuss a range of issues of mutual interest, including progress towards competition in the supply of gas to industry and industrial gas pricing structures.

  Tidal Barrages
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what evidence he has received that the River Mersey would provide the most cost-efficient site for the construction of a tidal barrage.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  A study by Marinetech North West and Rendel Parkman published in 1985 concluded that the economic viability of a Mersey barrage was promising and that further studies were warranted.

  The Mersey Barrage Company is currently carrying out further feasibility studies for a barrage, jointly funded by the Department of Energy, to examine the engineering, environmental and regional impact, the economic viability and the choice of barrage alignment.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what studies his Department is undertaking of French experience in successfully operating a tidal barrage scheme.
  301
  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Over the last ten years the Severn Barrage committee, the Severn Tidal Power Group, the Mersey Barrage Company, Ministers and Officials have visited La Rance tidal power station in Brittany. Many discussions with Electricite de France and French experts have taken place. The United Kingdom studies of tidal barrage schemes take full account of the French experience.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to make a decision on the construction of the Mersey barrage.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The Department of Energy and the Mersey Barrage Company are jointly funding feasibility studies into a Mersey barrage. The studies are being advanced to determine whether the Mersey Barrage Company can make an economic case for construction of a Mersey barrage. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy met the chairman of the Mersey Barrage Company on 14 November to receive a progress report.

  Energy Sources
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has to make subsidies available for renewable sources of energy.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The Department is already giving substantial financial support to develop renewable sources of energy. We are supporting a major research and development programme aimed at developing commercially viable and environmentally acceptable renewable technologies to contribute to future energy supply. Around 250 projects are currently underway with a contract value of over £60 million and we expect to initiate 70–80 new projects during 1989–90. Over £50 million is earmarked for expenditure on renewable projects over the next three years. These projects include both research and development and a wide range of technology transfer activities designed to aid commercial deployment.

  Nuclear Power Stations
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what consultations he has had with the nuclear installations inspectorate regarding safety considerations in managing two or more nuclear power stations on one nuclear site in single or multiple ownership;

  (2) what proposals he has for the avoidance of more than one nuclear power station operator having control of generation of any one nuclear island.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made to the House on 9 November at column 1175.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what consultations he has had with the nuclear installations inspectorate regarding safety considerations in managing nuclear power stations after vesting day in the electricity supply industry.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  My Department maintains close contact with the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate on all matters relating to nuclear safety. The vesting of the electricity supply industry will not lead to any diminution of existing standards of nuclear safety.
  302
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will list each nuclear power station giving the date on which they were authorised, when work commenced, when they were commissioned and when they first produced their design capacity;

  (2) if he will list for each nuclear power station their original designed output capacity, their revised output capacity, and their average load factors based on both the original and revised figures;

  (3) what is the maximum output achieved by each nuclear power station; and when it was achieved.

  Mr. Wakeham
  Much of the information requested can be derived from published information. I have, nevertheless, asked the chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board to write to the hon. Member, as this is an operational matter for the board.

  Nuclear Power
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has chosen a sales price levy or a transmission and distribution levy to pay for the extra cost of nuclear power.

  Mr. Wakeham
  Section 33(2) of the Electricity Act 1989 makes clear that the fossil fuel levy will be calculated by reference to the aggregate amount charged for leviable electricity.

  Standing Charges
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate the cost to the Treasury of underwriting the abolition of electricity standing charges for(a) all households and (b) pensioner households.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The cost of abolishing electricity standing charges for all households in Great Britain is estimated at about £800 million, and for pensioner households in Great Britain at about £190 million.

  Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories
  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what effect his statement in the House earlier today will have upon jobs and investment at Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories, Berkeley, Gloucestershire.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  This is primarily a matter for the CEGB and the advisory boards of National Power and the nuclear company. The aim will be to minimise disruption as far as possible.

  Electricity Disconnections
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many domestic electricity consumers had their supply cut off in 1978–79 and each succeeding year.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The Electricity Council informs me that the figures for disconnections in England and Wales are as follows:

  Number

  1978–79

  87,258

  1979–80

  98,894

  1980–81

  118,221

  1981–82

  108,266

  303

  Number

  1982–83

  91,334

  1983–84

  90,722

  1984–85

  91,039

  1985–86

  102,714

  1986–87

  98,823

  1987–88

  88,910

  1988–89

  75,230

  There is a continued downward trend in disconnections and in the 12 months to the end of September 1989 the figure stood at 72,256.

  Gas Disconnections
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many domestic gas consumers had their supply cut off in 1978–79 and each succeeding year.

  Mr. Wakeham
  This is a matter for British Gas plc. However, I was delighted to note that in the year ended September 1989, disconnections fell by 58 per cent. and that the number of customers disconnected is now lower than at any time since records were first kept in 1977.

  Independent Electricity Generation
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the 20 projects from independent electricity generation known to his Department which were referred to by the hon. Member for the City of Chester (Mr. Morrison) on "Newsnight" on Thursday 9 November.

  Mr. Wakeham
  Contracts for the sale of power from Lakeland Power projects at Roosecote were signed last month. This is the first independent project to proceed. Details of other individual projects are commercial in confidence until the companies involved choose to announce them.

  Electricity Boards (Property)
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will place in the Library a schedule of all the land and property currently owned by the Electricity Council and each electricity board.

  Mr. Wakeham
  No. Land and property assets are commercial matters for the industry.

  Electricity (Domestic Supplies)
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy in what circumstances he envisages that a domestic electricity consumer will have access to electricity supplies other than the proposed distribution companies.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The market in supply to customers will be progressively opened up to competition. Although transitionally the domestic consumer will remain a client of the area boards' successors there will be no permanent monopoly in supply.

  Electricity Prices
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what arrangements he has made to determine the price charged by the generating boards to the distribution boards from 1 January.
  304
  Mr. Wakeham
  The price charged by the Central Electricity Generating Board to the area boards is set out in the bulk supply tariff. This was published in March this year and will continue until the end of March 1990.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the additional cost to domestic electricity consumers of the use of electricity from nuclear power stations in 1979–80 and each subsequent year expressed as a percentage.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The separate cost of nuclear power generation has not in the past been identified in the price of electricity.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the trend in electricity prices over the next five years.

  Mr. Wakeham
  It is not our practice to publish forecasts of future energy prices.

  Coal Policy
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what consideration he has given to the effects on the balance of trade when deciding on policy for the coal industry.

  Mr. Wakeham
  This Government do not believe that it is in the long-term interests of either the coal industry or the country to restrict competition in coal supplies. To protect British Coal from competition would lead to British industry paying too much for its electricity, thereby reducing its international competitiveness; this would have serious long-term consequences for our balance of trade and employment in our manufacturing industries. The Government will therefore encourage British Coal in its efforts to become a fully competitive supplier.

  Industrial Customer Scheme
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with the European Commission about the qualifying industrial customer scheme.

  Mr. Wakeham
  None.

  BNFL
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the new nuclear company's commitments to British Nuclear Fuels plc.

  Mr. Wakeham
  National Power has been in negotiation with BNF plc on revised contract arrangements for nuclear fuel services. The new company will be taking these discussions forward.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what estimate he has made of the consequences for the British Nuclear Fuels plc plant at Sellafield of the decisions on the nuclear power programme which he announced on Thursday 9 November;

  (2) what is his estimate of the impact on Sellafield and Windscale of the reduction of the immediate pressurised water reactor programme to one power station.

  Mr. Wakeham
  My statement on 9 November should have no impact on BNFL's operations at Sellafield.

  Power Station Boilers
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the total spending in 1979–80 and each succeeding year by his Department and the industries for which it is responsible on improving the efficiency of the combustion of coal in power station boilers.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The efficiency of combustion of coal in power station boilers has been consistently in the region of 99 per cent. over the last 10 years.

  Nuclear Electricity Company
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what will be the insurance arrangements of the new nuclear electricity company.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The insurance arrangements under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 will apply to the new nuclear company after vesting.

  CEGB
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to lay before Parliament the Central Electricity Generating Board's annual report and accounts for 1988–89; and if he will seek an explanation from the Central Electricity Generating Board for their late publication.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  Preparation and publication of the annual report and accounts are a matter for the board of the CEGB. I am assured that the accounts will be published as soon as is possible.

  Energy Council
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement about the meeting of the Energy Council of the European Community Ministers on 30 October.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The council made progress towards adoption of a new programme for demonstration and dissemination of new energy technologies known as Thermie. However the European Parliament has not yet given its opinion on it and the Commission has not formally put forward an overall budget for the programme.

  The Council held a first discussion about four proposals from the Commission intended as steps towards establishing a single energy market and covering transparency of gas and electricity prices, right of transit on electricity networks and for gas networks and notification of investment projects. In the light of comments from member states the proposals have been remitted to officials for detailed examination. The proposals also await consideration by the European Parliament.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Incomes
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will update the answer on incomes to the hon. Member for Birkenhead of 11 July,Official Report, column 442–43 to include data for 1986–87.
  306
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 14 November 1989.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he will break down the extra number of people who will become dependent on means-tested benefits due to the freeze in child benefit into(a) income support recipients, (b) family credit recipients and (c) housing benefits recipients.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 10 November to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman) at column 812.

  Sick Pay
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish his latest estimates of the numbers of employees who will cease to qualify for the higher rate of statutory sick pay as a result of the recently announced changes to the scheme; and if he will show a breakdown of the figures for male and female employees.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  About 1·9 million employees with earnings between £90 and £125 per week will no longer be eligible for the higher rate of statutory sick pay (SSP) if they fall sick on or after 6 April 1990. But the number of spells of sickness where the amount of SSP entitlement will be reduced will, of course, be much smaller; it is estimated to be about 290,000 out of an annual total of 5·8 million.

  It is estimated that about three quarters of those affected will be women. For the majority of employees occupational sick pay will make up any difference in SSP entitlement. All employees already receiving the higher rate of SSP at 6 April 1990 will continue to receive that rate until their current period of entitlement ends, regardless of their earnings.

  Of those currently eligible only for the lower rate of SSP, the majority are women in low paid or part-time employment. Such employees are generally less likely to be covered by occupational sick pay schemes, and will thus gain from the real increase which is being made to the lower rate as part of the overall SSP re-structuring. As my right hon. Friend said in his uprating statement, since the flat rate element of statutory maternity pay is the same as this rate of SSP, there will also be a modest gain for up to 230,000 women in this respect.

  War Widows
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the number of war widows currently receiving benefit whose husbands were killed in the second world war or the Korean war; and what is the amount of benefit available to them.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  At 30 September this year, 52,217 widows whose husbands died as a result of the second world war, subsequent conflicts and attributable service were receiving a war widows pension under the war pensions scheme administered by the Department. Information about the numbers of those whose husbands were killed in the second world war and the Korean war is not readily available. The standard war widows pension is currently £56·65 a week. In addition, age allowances of
  307
  £6·10 at 65, £12·20 at 70 and £13·50 at 80 are paid. A widow receiving a war widows pension may also receive any national insurance benefit earned by her own contributions and some non-contributory benefits.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to increase the benefits paid to war widows of two world wars to make them more comparable with the incomes of widows of service men who died after 1973.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to him on 8 November at column 673–74. War widows receiving a war widows pension are eligible in addition for national insurance benefits earned by their own contributions and some non-contributory benefits. As my right hon. Friend reminded the House in his uprating statement on 25 October, from April 1990 we will raise the amount of the war pension or the war widows pension which is disregarded in calculating entitlement to income-related benefits from £5 to £10.

  Mobility Allowance
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the eligibility criteria for mobility allowance to include people who are visually or mentally handicapped.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Nottingham. North (Mr. Allen) on 13 November at column 51.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of applications for grants from the social fund are rejected and the percentage won on appeal within the Seaham and Peterlee areas.

  Mr. Scott
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  National Insurance (Fraud)
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the amount of employees' national insurance contributions collected by employers and subsequently not paid in to the Treasury in 1988, with a regional breakdown; what was the number of cases of national insurance evasion or fraud by employers where his Department took civil proceedings against the employer and the amount of national insurance contributions recovered by his Department as a result of those proceedings; what was the annual cost of crediting national insurance contributions to employees whose original contributions were defrauded by the employer; and what steps are being taken or may be proposed by his Department to counter such fraud by employers.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Inland Revenue is responsible for the collection and enforcement of the majority of national insurance contributions from employers. Although precise figures are not available the Inland Revenue estimates that the total amount of employers' and employees' national insurance contributions not paid over at the end of the accounts year ended 31 October 1988 was about £193 million, of which approximately £93 million relates to employees' contributions. A regional breakdown of these figures is not available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.
  308
  During 1988–89 the Department of Social Security approved the institution of civil proceedings against employers in 1,522 cases, involving about £4·2 million of national insurance contributions. Because some of these proceedings are not yet complete a final recovery figure is not available. Court action, however, usually results in recovery of 75 per cent. of the debt.

  All contributions shown in an employer's annual returns to the Inland Revenue will be credited to the individual employees' records irrespective of whether the employer has remitted the contributions collected. There is, however, no record of the cost of crediting individual contributions which have been shown in employers' returns but not remitted to the Inland Revenue.

  In 1988–89 in addition to inspections carried out by Inland Revenue auditors about 2,000 national insurance inspectors were employed in ensuring compliance with national insurance legislation. As part of that process they completed more than 80,000 surveys of employers' records.

  Where an individual's national insurance account for any tax year does not contain sufficient contributions to maintain benefit entitlement the contributor is notified. Deficiencies in the record can also come to light when a claim for benefit is made. In all cases of this nature, irregularities are then investigated urgently and will usually reveal any failure by the employer to operate the contributions system properly. These investigative measures are kept under constant review.

  Benefits (Young People)
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement outlining the procedures which are followed in ascertaining whether, for purposes of financial assistance, a young person is genuinely estranged from his or her parents; what evidence is considered in such cases; by whom the decision is made; and what right of appeal exists against any decision.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  All staff dealing with young people have been fully trained, especially on the need for tact and sensitivity when dealing with this vulnerable group. All claims for income support from 16 to 17-year-old claimants are referred to an adjudication officer. Guidance on the treatment of such claims is contained in the adjudication officer's guide. Advance guidance has been given to adjudication officers in AOG (Memo vol. 3/13), a copy of which is in the Library. In addition, the Secretary of State has the power to direct eligibility if the payment of benefit is the only way to prevent severe hardship. A direction takes into account all the individual's circumstances including, if appropriate, estrangement from parents. Once such a direction is made the adjudication officer will consider entitlement in the normal way. All decisions of an adjudication officer carry the right of appeal to an independent appeal tribunal.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many cases since the revised regulations became effective benefits have been paid to young people aged 16 and 17 years because they were deemed to be genuinely estranged from their parents.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The latest available information is that, over the period to the end of September, some 3,100 claims from 16 and 17-years-olds resulted in the award of income support at the higher 18 to 24-year-old
  309
  rate because of the changes introduced in July. This includes young people who were estranged from their parents but separate figures are not available for this group.

  Severe Disablement Allowance
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of United Kingdom residents who have been refused payment of the severe disablement allowance on the grounds that they have lived abroad for 10 of the previous 20 years; and what account is taken of whether while abroad, they were treated for tax and national insurance purposes as though they were domiciled in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Nicholas Scott
  We estimate that about 1,000 people are unable to qualify for severe disablement allowance, in any year, because they have not been resident in Great Britain for 10 of the preceding 20 years. Those who have paid the required national insurance contributions may be able to qualify for sickness benefit or invalidity benefit and will not therefore be claiming severe disablement allowance.

  Number of families eligible for family credit

  Percentage of all families with children

  Number of families receiving family credit

  Percentages of all families with children

  April 1988

  1500,000 employees (self employed not available)

  7·4

  2253,000 employees

  3·75

  employees (self employed not available)

  2277,000 including self employed

  4·10

  April 1989

  Not known until 1989 FES data become available

  —

  286,0003

  4·23

  April 1990 (projected)

  Not known until 1990 FES data become available

  —

  Up to date projection4 not available

  —

  1 From Family Expenditure Survey (FES) data for April to December 1988.

  2 Average for April to December 1988.

  3 As at end of April 1989.

  4 Latest actual caseload figure 320,000 for July 1989 (4·73 per cent, of all families).

  A further advertising campaign started in the week commencing 6 November.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how the family credit ceilings are arrived at; and what criteria are used to establish(a) need and (b) the need for uprating.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Under the Social Security Act 1986 entitlement to family credit is determined by reference to the maximum family credit in the particular case, which is made up of age-related child credits for each child and an adult credit which is the same for both lone parents and two parent families, and to the family credit applicable amount or threshold. If the family's income to be taken into account is no more than the threshold then the maximum family credit for that family is payable in full. If the income is more than the threshold then 70 per cent. of the excess is deducted from the maximum family credit and the amount remaining, if 50p or more, is payable.

  The family credit ceiling represented by the highest amount of net earnings and other relevant income a family can have and still qualify for family credit is therefore the level of such earnings and income which, on the above basis, produces an entitlement of 50p per week.

  Family Credit
  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families with children have net incomes, defined as for family credit purposes, within(a) £50 and (b) £100 a week of their family credit ceilings.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The numbers of families with children whose net earnings and other relevant income are above the level at which family credit entitlement runs out are as follows:

  Numbers of families with children1

  (millions)

  (a) within £50 of run out point

  0·93

  (b) within £100 of run out point (including (a))

  2·20

  1 This excludes any families whose capital is more than £6,000.

  Note: Estimates are based on 1985 and 1986 Family Expenditure Survey updated to 1989–90.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish figures showing the estimated numbers and percentages of families with children(a) entitled to and (b) receiving family credit, in April 1988 and 1989, together with projections for April 1990.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The available information is as follows:

  The child credits, the adult credit and the applicable amount are set so as to create an alignment between the benefits available to those families in work and those out of work which will help to ensure that families will generally be better off in work than when unemployed.

  As with other income-related benefits, the credits and the applicable amount in family credit are reviewed each year in the light of the movement in the level of retail prices excluding housing costs.

  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish figures showing the family credit ceilings for one and two-parent families of different sizes, with children of different ages, in April 1988, 1989 and 1990, at constant and at current prices, and as percentages of past and projected average male and average female manual earnings, as appropriate.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I will write to my right hon. Friend when the information requested is available.

  Job Transfers
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the number of jobs from his Department that are to be transferred to Scotland.
  311
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  After taking account of efficiency savings due to be made after implementation of the operational strategy the latest estimate shows that 470 posts will be relocated into Glasgow social security centre.

  Widows' Pensions
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his most recent estimate of the loss to the Exchequer if widows' pensions were to be exempted from the earnings rule.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  None. The payment of widow's pension is not subject to an earnings rule.

  Hostels (Young People)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he will extend the recent concessions for night shelters for homeless young people to cover hostels.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  We have no plans to change the arrangements at present, but will monitor carefully all aspects of the hostel changes.

  National Insurance
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has yet completed his review of national insurance contributions for 1990–91.

  Mr. Newton
  I have completed the annual review under section 120 of the Social Security Act 1975. The proposals will take effect from April 6 1990.

  Employers and employees

  As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said in his statement earlier today, I do not propose to change the standard rates of contributions for either employees or employers, which remain at 9 per cent. and 10·45 per cent. respectively.

  In line with the Social Security Pensions Act 1975, the lower earnings limit for class 1 contributions is to be raised to £46 a week, which is just below the basic retirement pension rate for a single person, which I announced to the House on 25 October. The upper earnings limit is to be raised to £350 a week, which is almost seven and a half times the new basic pension rate as provided by the Social Security Pensions Act. The new earnings limits will replace the current ones of £43 and £325 respectively.

  Under the new structure which came into force on 5 October employees whose earnings reach the lower earnings limit will continue to pay an initial contribution of 2 per cent. of that limit and standard rate contributions of 9 per cent. on that portion of earnings which exceeds the lower but not the upper earnings limit. The reduced contribution rates of 5 per cent. 7 per cent. and 9 per cent. for employers of the lower paid will continue unchanged. However the ceilings for these rates will be extended further; they will now apply to weekly earnings which fall below the ceilings of £80, £125, and £175 (the previous ceilings were £75, £115 and £165 respectively).

  Not contracted-out employees and their employers

  Neither the employee nor his employer will have to pay any contributions if earnings are less than £46 a week. Those whose earnings do not exceed £325 (the former upper earnings limit) will pay 21p a week less in contributions than at present. This is because a further £3
  312
  of their weekly earnings will be subject to a 2 per cent. deduction rather than 9 per cent. For those employees with earnings above £325 a week, the maximum possible increase will be £2·04 a week. Employers contributions will generally be unchanged although some employers will gain where employees' earnings which were above the former ceilings fall below the new ceilings. There will be no corresponding increase for employers of the higher paid since there is no upper earnings limit for employers' contributions.

  Contracted-out employees and their employers

  Contracted-out employees will gain in the same way. The contributions due from employees earning less than £325 a week will drop by 15p a week. For employees earning over £325 a week the maximum possible increase will be £1·60 a week. Their employers will generally pay 11 or 12p a week more than at present because they will have to pay not contracted-out contributions on the first £46 of earnings rather than the present lower limit of £43 a week, although there will be gains in respect of lower paid employees whose earnings fall between the old and new ceilings for reduced rate contributions.

  Self-employed people

  The flat rate class 2 contribution will be raised by 30p to £4·55 a week.

  The rate of class 4 contributions, currently 6·3 per cent., will not be increased. The annual limits of profits between which class 4 contributions are paid will be raised to £5,450 and £18,200 from £5,050 and £16,900 respectively. Self-employed people who pay only class 2 contributions will pay an extra £15·60 a year in 1990–91.

  For those self-employed people with profits between £5,450 and £16,900 (the former upper profits limit ) class 4 contributions will be reduced by £25·20 per year in 1990–91 assuming an unaltered level of profits. For those self-employed people with profits at or above the proposed upper profits limit of £18,200 in 1990–91, the annual charge for class 4 contributions will be £56·70 higher.

  Class 3 (voluntary) contributions

  The rate of class 3 contributions will be raised to £4·45 a week.

  Employment protection allocation

  There will be no employment protection allocation for 1990–91.

  National Health Service allocation

  The allocation to the National Health Service, currently 1·05 per cent. from employees and 0·9 per cent. from employers, will not be changed.

  The draft order, together with a report by the Government Actuary, will be laid before Parliament shortly.

  Guildford Four
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will take steps to credit the Guildford Four with class 1 national insurance contributions for the full period of their detention.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  There are no legislative provisions which would enable credits to be awarded in these cases. However, I should be prepared to examine
  313
  representations from the individuals concerned in respect of their contribution records and to consider whether alternative arrangements might be made.

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will present the data in the answer given to the hon. Member for Birkenhead on 11 July,Official Report, columns 442–3, as cumulative totals for the years 1979 to 1985, both for percentage changes in living standards and for money changes in real household incomes; and if the data for the latter could be presented for two-person housholds, and for two-person households with one, two and four children.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  [holding answer 8 November 1989]: The available information, which is adjusted for household size and composition, is set out in the table. Cumulative percentage changes in real equivalised household incomes by deciles of all individuals are set out in table 1. Tables 2 to 6 show what the figures in table 1 represent in terms of changes in real income for various household compositions.

  Deciles of individuals in households—Great Britain

  Table 1

  Percentage changes in living standards (real equivalised household incomes) by decile of individuals in households

  Decile

  1979–81

  1979–83

  1979–85

  Lowest

  -2·2

  -1·6

  5·9

  2

  -0·4

  1·4

  5·0

  3

  -1·3

  0·3

  3·4

  4

  -1·4

  -0·5

  3·6

  5

  -1·1

  -0·7

  4·1

  6

  -0·7

  -0·2

  5·7

  7

  -0·7

  -0·1

  6·2

  8

  0·7

  0·8

  8·7

  9

  2·7

  3·1

  10·3

  Highest

  11·5

  10·1

  18·2

  Total

  2·2

  2·5

  8·8

  Table 2

  Money change in real household incomes for a single person household—1985 prices by deciles of the whole population £ per week

  Decile

  1979–81

  1979–83

  1979–85

  Lowest

  -0·70

  -0·60

  2·00

  2

  -0·20

  0·70

  2·30

  3

  -0·70

  0·20

  1·90

  4

  -0·80

  -0·30

  2·10

  5

  -0·70

  -0·50

  2·80

  6

  -0·50

  -0·10

  4·20

  7

  -0·60

  -0·10

  5·20

  8

  0·60

  0·70

  8·30

  9

  3·00

  3·50

  11·40

  Highest

  18·00

  16·00

  28·40

  Total

  1·70

  2·00

  6·90

  Notes:

  1. Income is defined as income from all sources less income tax and national insurance contributions.

  2. The incomes of all individuals within households have been adjusted for the size and composition of those households.

  3. The equivalence scales used to adjust for household size and composition use as their basis the income for a single person household. In other words, a single person household has been attributed an equivalence scale of one so that the income of these households is the same both with and without equivalisation.
  314

  Table 3—Money change in real household incomes for a two person household—(married couple) 1985 prices by deciles of the whole population £ per week

  Decile

  1979–81

  1979–83

  1979–85

  Lowest

  -1·20

  -0·90

  3·30

  2

  -0·30

  1·10

  3·70

  3

  -1·20

  0·30

  3·10

  4

  -1·40

  -0·50

  3·50

  5

  -1·20

  -0·80

  4·60

  6

  -0·80

  -0·20

  6·90

  7

  -1·00

  -0·20

  8·60

  8

  1·00

  1·20

  13·60

  9

  4·80

  5·80

  18·80

  Highest

  29·50

  26·30

  46·60

  Total

  2·80

  3·20

  11·30

  Notes:

  1. Income is defined as income from all sources less income tax and national insurance contributions.

  2. The incomes of all individuals within households have been adjusted for the size and composition of those households.

  3. The equivalence scales used to adjust for household size and composition use as their basis the income for a household consisting of a married couple only. In other words, a married couple household has been attributed an equivalence scale of one so that the income of these households is the same both with and without equivalisation.

  Table 4—Money change in real household incomes for a household consisting of a married couple plus one child—1985 prices by deciles of the whole population £ per week

  Decile

  1979–81

  1979–83

  1979–85

  Lowest

  -1·50

  -1·10

  4·00

  2

  -0·40

  1·30

  4·60

  3

  -1·40

  0·30

  3·80

  4

  -1·70

  -0·60

  4·30

  5

  -1·50

  -1·00

  5·70

  6

  -1·00

  -0·30

  8·50

  7

  -1·20

  -0·20

  10·60

  8

  1·30

  1·50

  16·70

  9

  6·00

  7·10

  23·10

  Highest

  36·30

  32·30

  57·30

  Total

  3·50

  3·90

  13·83

  Table 5—Money change in real household incomes for a household consisting of a married couple plus two children—1985 prices by deciles of the whole population £ per week

  Decile

  1979–81

  1979–83

  1979–85

  Lowest

  -1·70

  -1·30

  4·80

  2

  -0·40

  1·60

  5·40

  3

  -1·70

  0·40

  4·50

  4

  -2·00

  -0·70

  5·10

  5

  -1·80

  -1·20

  6·80

  6

  -1·20

  -0·30

  10·10

  7

  -1·40

  -0·20

  12·50

  8

  1·50

  1·70

  19·80

  9

  7·10

  8·40

  27·40

  Highest

  43·10

  38·30

  68·10

  Total

  4·20

  4·70

  16·40

  Table 6—Money change in real household incomes for a household consisting of a married couple plus four children—1985 prices by deciles of the whole population £ per week

  Decile

  1979–81

  1979–83

  1979–85

  Lowest

  -2·30

  -1·80

  6·30

  2

  -0·60

  2·10

  7·10

  3

  -2·20

  0·50

  5·90

  4

  -2·70

  -0·90

  6·60

  5

  -2·30

  -1·50

  8·90

  6

  -1·60

  -·40

  13·20

  7

  -1·90

  -0·30

  16·50

  8

  2·00

  2·30

  26·10

  9

  9·30

  11·10

  36·00

  315

  Decile

  1979–81

  1979–83

  1979–85

  Highest

  56·70

  50·40

  89·50

  Total

  5·50

  6·20

  21·60

  Community Charge
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will show the effects of the proposed community charge benefit taper of 15 per cent. with tapers of(a) 12·5 per cent., (b) 10 per cent.and (c) 7·5 per cent., by showing for each of these tapers the cost at 1989–90 prices of paying community charge benefit to each of the following categories of income units, showing for each category how many income units he estimates would be entitled to community charge benefit (i) all income units, (ii) income units consisting of a single person over pensionable age, (iii) income units consisting of a couple both of whom are over pensionable age, (iv) income units consisting of a single person with dependent children, (v) income units consisting of a single person without dependent children, (vi) income units consisting of a married or cohabiting couple without dependent children, (vii) income units consisting of a married or cohabiting couple with dependent children and (viii) any income units not included in the above categories.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  [holding answer 3 November 1989]: I shall write to the hon. Member.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  EC Economic and Finance Council
  Sir Fergus Montgomery
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the latest meeting of the European Community's Economic and Finance Council.

  Mr. Major
  The ECOFIN Council met in Brussels on 13 November. I represented the United Kingdom.

  The Council discussed proposals for revised decisions on the promotion of economic convergence and on co-ordination between central banks and a common position was reached on the relevant legal texts. These texts form part of the stage I programme for economic and monetary union, which the Community has agreed will begin on 1 July 1990. Future economic and monetary arrangements beyond stage I were also discussed. It was agreed that the papers discussed by the Council, including the United Kingdom's paper "An Evolutionary Approach to Economic and Monetary Union", should be forwarded for further discussion at the next meeting of the European Council in Strasbourg.

  On the abolition of fiscal frontiers, outline procedures for applying VAT and excise duties to intra-Community commercial transactions were agreed, involving minimal burdens for businesses and tax administrations.

  Proposals for strengthened mutual assistance arrangements between tax authorities were considered. Discussions will continue.

  It was agreed, at the request of Portugal, that the Commission and the Economic Policy Committee should undertake a study into the decline of household saving in the Community.
  316
  A proposed amendment to the solvency ratios directive by the European Parliament was also discussed and will be further considered at the December meeting.

  Customs and Excise (Relocation)
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any decision has been taken about the relocation of Customs and Excise headquarters work from London and Southend; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  In June 1988 the board of Customs and Excise set up an internal review to examine the scope for relocating headquarters work from London and the south-east. The review team's report is published today and I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library.

  The Paymaster General and the board of Customs and Excise have decided to accept the review team's recommendation that a substantial proportion of headquarters work should be relocated. Altogether some 1,700 posts will be transferred out of the south-east, and around 250 posts transferred from London to Southend. The number of headquarters posts in London will be reduced by about 40 per cent. to around 900, and in Southend by about 30 per cent. to 2,100. The relocation moves are planned to take place in stages over three years beginning in the autumn of 1990.

  Final decisions have not yet been taken on a site or sites for relocation; the board of Customs and Excise intends to consult staff and the departmental trade union side before reaching a final conclusion early in the new year. The board's present view, however, is that the majority of the relocated posts might be sited in Liverpool, where a small part of the Department's headquarters is already sited, and in Manchester.

  These changes are expected to produce significant benefits both in terms of costs and staffing. Accommodation costs in particular will be reduced, and the opportunities for recruitment and retention of staff will be substantially improved. At least 1,300 jobs will he available for filling locally which will boost the economy of those areas eventually chosen for relocation.

  Capital Investment
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage rate of growth in capital investment in fixed assets for each year 1979 to 1989 in(a) manufacturing industry and (b) other production industries on the assumption that all firms transferred from the public sector to the private sector during the decade had been in the private sector from before 1979.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  In classifying businesses to industries no distinction is made between the public and private sectors. Within industry groups, sectorial estimates which allow for classification changes are not available, for reasons of confidentiality. Available information for all businesses in the specified industry groups is shown in table 13·7 of "United Kingdom National Accounts" 1989 edition.

  European Community
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish for each and for the six original members of the EEC the average annual rate of growth in 1959–73, 1973–79 and 1979–88.
  317
  Mr. Ryder
  GNP/GDP figures for the six original members of the EEC are published by the OECD in "National Accounts Volume I 1960–1987", and for 1988 in "Main Economic Indicators".

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make it his policy to resist any extension of the European Economic Community's powers into any field for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Ryder
  All proposals for Community action are examined carefully as a matter of course. The Government's general approach is based on the principle of subsidiarity, namely, that action should be taken at national level unless it can be better undertaken at Community level. This approach is generally shared by other member states and the European Commission.

  RPI (Holiday Costs)
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made by the Retail Price Index Advisory Committee in its consideration of the inclusion of holiday cost expenditure in the retail price index; and when he expects a report to be published.

  Mr. Ryder
  Officials are working on a paper on this difficult subject. It is hoped that the advisory committee will complete its work programme during 1990.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the effect on the Exchequer of each 1 per cent. cut in the higher rate of tax from 60 per cent. to 40 per cent.

  Mr. Lilley
  The 1988 Financial Statement and Budget report estimated the cost of abolishing higher rates above 40 per cent. at £965 million in 1988–89 and £2,070 million in 1989–90. These estimates did not include behavioural effects.

  EC Budget
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the causes of trade with the EEC in invisibles falling into deficit in 1988; what is his forecast for the current year; and how much of the deficit is accounted for by the United Kingdom's net contribution to the EEC budget.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The balance on transactions in invisibles with EC countries and institutions improved in 1988. Invisibles transactions with the EC are not identified separately in Treasury forecasts. Data on the components of invisibles transactions with the EC can be found in tables 10.1 and 10.2 of the CSO Pink Book.

  Statistics
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the increase in capacity utilisation in manufacturing industry between 1987 and 1988 as a result of the increase in demand; what is the increase in 1989; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the increase in the volume of United Kingdom imports and output of consumer, investment and intermediate goods from 1985 to 1988 and from 1970 to 1973, together with the degree of capacity utilisation and the level of unemployment in 1973 and 1988.
  318
  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The information requested on United Kingdom unemployment, imports and domestic production of consumer, investment and intermediate goods is available from the Monthly Digest of Statistics and CSO Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics, copies of which are in the House of Commons Library. Because of differences of coverage and definition, the United Kingdom production and import figures classified by end use are not sufficiently close for meaningful comparison between the two. There are no official estimates of capacity utilisation, but the CBI publishes various data on capacity in its quarterly Industrial Trends Survey, copies of which are also in the Library.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the percentage increase in(a) the nominal value of sterling against the deutschmark between July 1985 and February 1987 and (b) the increase in wages and salaries per unit of output in (i) manufacturing, (ii) the rest of the economy and (iii) the rate of inflation.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The figures can be readily derived from the information in the Central Statistical Office databank, accessible through the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment the Goverment have made of the contribution made to cost and price inflation by excessive wage claims in the industries making internationally-traded goods; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the year to last April the percentage increase in earnings, including overtime of (i) the median and quartile full-time male manual workers in footwear, textiles, clothing and mechanical engineering and (ii) the corresponding figures for non-manuals in retailing and financial and business services.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The Government's economic policy bears down on inflation through tight monetary policy. Excessive wage claims threaten job prospects.

  The requested information on earnings available from the new earnings survey is published in tables 74 (for manuals) and 75 (for non-manuals) in parts C of the 1988 and 1989 reports, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the share of United Kingdom exports of manufactured goods in 1979, 1985 and 1988 which were imported in substantially the same form and the share of the rest which was imported in the form of manufactured materials and components; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for consumer, capital and intermediate goods the ratio of imports to output by volume and value in 1979, 1985, 1988 and in 1989 to date.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Information on which to base an estimate of the share of United Kingdom exports of manufactured goods which were imported in substantially the same form is not available. The share of United Kingdom exports which were imported in the form of manufactured materials and components is not readily available for manufactured goods and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.
  319
  The definitions of consumer, capital and intermediate goods used for imports and output are not sufficiently close for ratios to be meaningful.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report the percentage fall in the real value of the dollar against sterling and deutschmark since 1985 and the United States share of United Kingdom exports of finished manufactures in the same period.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  There is no single definition of real exchange rates and bilateral real exchange rates are not published by the IMF or OECD. Series of bilateral nominal exchange rates and various price indices for the relevant countries are published by the IMF in "International Financial Statistics". Data on the destination of United Kingdom exports of finished manufactures are published by the CSO in "Overseas Trade Statistics".

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what factors he ascribes the increase in the deficit in trade in manufacturers in 1988 and 1989 to date; what was the percentage increase in gross domestic product and in manufacturing output in 1988; how these increases have been reflected in the increase since 1973, 1979 and 1985 in imports and output of shoes, textiles, clothing, mechanical machinery and metal goods; what was the 1988 increase in gross domestic product in manufacturing output and in investment in industry; and whether he will provide similar figures for 1983.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The increase in the trade deficit in manufactures in 1988 and 1989 is the result of strong growth in investment, and the fall in personal saving. All the data requested can be found on the CSO's computer databank, which is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on imports and on exports to third countries, including the United States of a stable exchange rate between sterling and the deutschmark, and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the percentage of United Kingdom exports of manufactures which go to third countries and the ratio of imports of manufactures from and exports to the EMS countries together with the value figures in the current year to date at an annual rate.

  Mr. Ryder
  The effect on exports to and imports from third countries of stability in the sterling deutschmark rate would depend on how these currencies moved against those of third countries, as well as on developments in the United Kingdom and German economies.

  Data on the origin and destination of exports and imports are published by the CSO in "Overseas Trade Statistics."

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the level of sterling against the deutschmark and the average for January-February 1987.

  Mr. Ryder
  I refer the hon. Member to table 13·1 of "Financial Statistics" published monthly by the Central Statistical Office, copies of which are in the House of Commons Library.
  320
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the coverage of consumer, intermediate and capital goods in the output figures includes products which are classified on importation as semi-manufactures; what proportion of imports of semi-manufactures and of finished consumer, intermediate and capital goods were accounted for by final demand; and whether he will provide similar estimates based on the input-output matrix for 1985.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  (a) The coverage of consumer, intermediate and capital goods in the output figures includes products which are classed on importation as semi-manufactures.

  (b) No estimates exist which give the proportion of imports of semi-manufactures and of finished consumer, intermediate and capital goods accounted for by final demand, and to derive these estimates would involve disproportionate costs.

  (c) To derive estimates from the 1985 input-output tables of the proportion of imports of semi-manufactures and of finished consumer, intermediate and capital goods accounted for by final demand would involve disproportionate costs, due to the lack of consistency between the industry classification of the input-output groups and the coverage of the semi-manufactures, finished consumer, intermediate and capital goods headings.

  Exchange Rate Mechanism
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government have considered how the United Kingdom deficit on current account will be eliminated if sterling is locked into the ERM of the EMS in the foreseeable future; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the deficit with the EEC and with the rest of the world in 1970, 1973, 1979, 1988 and the forecast for 1989.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The current account deficit will narrow as domestic demand continues to slow. The timing of United Kingdom entry into the ERM is unlikely to make much difference to this. For the balance on current account with the EC I refer the hon. Member to table 10.1 of the CSO's Pink Book. Figures for earlier years are available on the CSO databank. A forecast for the current account deficit in 1989 is published in the Autumn Statement.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make it his policy to link the £ sterling to the deutschemark within the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system only on conditions which ensure that British goods became and remain competitive.

  Mr. Lilley
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor's description in the House on 2 November at column 490 of the factors that will determine when the United Kingdom will join the exchange rate mechanism.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration the Government, in considering the effect of tying sterling to the deutschemark within the ERM of the EMS, have given to the effect of that on the French economy.

  Mr. Lilley
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor's description in the House on 2
  321
  November at column 490 of the factors that will determine when the United Kingdom will join the exchange rate mechanism.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's policy on the eight conditions on which the then Government insisted in the Green Paper on the EMS Cmnd. 7405; how many have since been met; and whether the Government will continue to insist on full acceptance of the eight conditions as a condition for tying sterling to the deutschemark within the ERM of the EMS.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will publish a Green Paper on the European monetary system to examine to what extent, the reservations expressed in Cmnd. 7405 have been met.

  Mr. Lilley
  The Government have already set out clearly the factors that will determine when the United Kingdom will join the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make it his policy to ensure before agreeing to enter the ERM of the EMS that the obligations on creditor and debtor countries are symmetrical as regards wages, prices, interest rates and the money supply.

  Mr. Ryder
  I refer the hon. Member to my earlier replies to him today.

  Balance of Trade
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has made any assessment of the likely effect of a reduction in the United States deficit on

  Net income after income tax, national insurance contributions and child benefit (£ per week)

  Percentages of average earnings1

  66 per cent.

  100 per cent.

  150 per cent.

  200 per cent.

  500 per cent.

  Married couple with one earner and 2 children

  1979–80

  64·97

  88·60

  125·22

  163·44

  327·96

  1989–902

  157·03

  218·88

  317·77

  410·73

  906·63

  Married couple with one earner and 4 children

  1979–80

  72·97

  96·60

  133·22

  171·44

  353·50

  1989–902

  171·53

  233·38

  332·27

  425·23

  921·13

  Single

  1979·80

  53·22

  76·85

  113·47

  151·30

  312·46

  1989·902

  134·89

  196·73

  295·62

  383·99

  879·89

  1 Average earnings are those for full time males working a full week at adult rates in all occupations. They are £109·30 per week in 1979–80 and assumed to be £275·50 in 1989–90, an increase of 7½ per cent, on average earnings in 1988–89.

  2 Provisional.

  Net income of one earner married couple with 2 children as a percentage of net income of single person on same level of earnings

  Percentages of average earnings1

  66 per cent.

  100 per cent.

  150 per cent.

  200 per cent.

  500 per cent.

  1979–80

  122·1

  115·3

  110·4

  108·0

  105·0

  1989–902

  116·4

  111·3

  107·5

  107·0

  103·0

  Net income of one earner married couple with 4 children as a percentage of net income of single person on same level of earnings

  Percentages of average earnings1

  66 per cent.

  100 per cent.

  150 per cent.

  200 per cent.

  500 per cent.

  1979–80

  137·1

  125·7

  117·4

  113·3

  113·1

  1989–902

  127·2

  118·6

  112·4

  110·7

  104·7

  322
  trade in manufacture on the balance of trade between the United Kingdom and the United States in circumstances where sterling was tied to the deutschemark within the EMS at not less than the current rate of exchange.

  Mr. Ryder
  The effects of developments in the United States economy, including the trade deficit, on the United Kingdom economy are regularly assessed in the preparation of official forecasts.

  Imported Machinery
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the input-output tables for 1984 and each succeeding year include as an import, depreciation on the stock of imported machinery in place.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Depreciation on the stock of imported machinery in place is not included as an import in the 1984 or 1985 input-output tables. The next set of full input-output tables will be for 1989, published in 1993.

  Incomes
  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish figures showing the net incomes, after income tax, national insurance contributions and child benefits, in 1979 and 1989 of single people and single-wage married couples with two and four children, at 66 per cent., 100 per cent., 150 per cent., 200 per cent. and 500 per cent. average male earnings(a) in cash terms and(b) with the net incomes of the families with children expressed as percentages of the relevant net incomes of the single people.

  Mr. Major
  The information is in the tables.

  Sterling
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the influence of the interest rate differential between West Germany and the United Kingdom on the value of sterling; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor's speech during the Opposition Day debate on 31 October,Official Report, column 204.

  Transmission Mechanism
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his assessment of the transmission mechanism between a fall in interest rates and any increase in the rate of inflation in terms of(a) the money supply, (b) the fiscal balance, (c) labour unit costs and (d) the cost of living, including mortgage costs.

  Mr. Ryder
  Monetary conditions need to be considered as a whole and it is neither sensible nor possible to give precise estimates of the effects of interest rate changes working through each individual channel.

  Short-term Funds
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a list showing the size of inflows of short-term funds, their contribution to the money supply and their effect on the price of assets and on the incomes of those who deal in assets, and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  Figures showing the inflows of funds to banks and building societies are published regularly in the Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin. Inflows into non-residents' accounts do not count towards M4. No estimates of the effects on asset prices or the incomes of those dealing in assets are available.

  Consumption
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the effect at the margin of an increase in personal expenditure on consumption on the balance of payments; and if he will publish in the Official Report his estimate of the effect of an increase of £100 in such expenditure in terms of the amount of such £100 spent of United Kingdom output of goods and services, respectively, and the corresponding increases in imports and loss of exports.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The balance of payments effect of an increase in consumers' expenditure will depend on why it has increased. For example, if higher income from domestic production is the cause, the effect on the current account may be negligible. On the other hand, with output unchanged higher consumers' expenditure would probably involve some deterioration in the balance of trade.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the increase in consumption in 1988 and the current year to date can be attributed to those in the top and bottom quartiles of incomes; and what is his estimate of the import content in each case.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  An analysis of consumers' expenditure is not available in the form requested.324
  Estimates of household expenditure, by income, for 1988 will be published early next year in a report of the family expenditure survey.

  Imported Manufactures
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a matrix table showing for columns 6–21 of table 2·6 in the 1989 Blue Book, together with a total for these columns, the value of imported manufactured goods less food, drink and tobacco and where possible imported services.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The information required can be obtained by simply aggregation of the imports use matrix given in table 3 of the CSO publication "Input-output tables for the United Kingdom 1985", a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the extent to which the increase in imports of manufactured goods in 1988 and in the current year to date was due to lack of United Kingdom production capacity; and if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the industries which were unable to increase output to meet the increase of demand together with a table showing in each case the volume of output and imports in 1988, the current year to date, 1973 and 1979.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  It is difficult to make precise estimates of the effect of capacity constraints on manufactured imports. However, the CBI quarterly industrial trends survey reported a high proportion of firms working at capacity in 1988 and early 1989, particularly in consumer goods industries. More recent surveys have shown an easing in capacity constraints. The data requested can be found on the CSO's computer databank which is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Imports and Exports
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report in constant prices and as a percentage the increase in 1972–73, 1987–88, 1970 to 1973 and 1985 to 1988 in incomes, wages and salaries, disposable incomes, consumer's expenditure, imports and exports of manufactures and consumption of durables, clothing etc. and other goods.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Information at constant prices, as constant is available, from which percentage changes may be derived, may be found in Government statistical service publications, available from the Library of the House, or on the Central Statistical Office databank, which may be accessed through the Library.

  Monetary Union
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect the measures listed in paragraph 4 of "An Evolutionary Approach to Economic and Monetary Union" will have on output and employment in manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  Stage 1 of economic and monetary union as described in the Delors report will
  325
  increase freedom of trade and create many opportunities for manufacturing industry to expand its output and employment.

  Bank of England (Intervention)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the inflow of funds in response to intervention by the Bank of England in the foreign exchange market in 1987, 1988 and the current year to date have been fully sterilised; and if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the debt instruments issued for this purpose and their value.

  Mr. Ryder
  It is not sensible to hypothecate over or underfunding to individual components of the funding rule, such as intervention.

  Details of transactions in marketable Government debt are published in the Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin.

  Plant and Machinery
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Government decided to stop publishing figures for investment in plant and machinery in table 1 of the monthly digest; and if he will publish the quarterly figures since 1987 in the Official Report.

  Mr. Lilley
  Publication was delayed until estimates of an acceptable quality could be prepared. It was resumed in the September edition of the monthly digest.

  National Debt
  Sir Peter Hordern
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing the size of the national debt in(a) 1964, (b) 1970, (c) 1974, (d) 1979 and (e) at the latest convenient date.

  Married women by husband's income and by range of income liable to tax 1989–90

  Married women aged under 60 whose husbands have weekly incomes:

  Range of wife's weekly income (lower limit)

  Over £53·56 but less than £150

  Over £150

  £

  thousands

  per cent.

  thousands

  per cent.

  0

  1,010

  59·4

  3,910

  50·4

  53·56

  50

  2·9

  250

  3·2

  60

  110

  6·5

  560

  7·2

  80

  100

  5·9

  490

  6·3

  100

  150

  8·8

  510

  6·6

  120

  80

  4·7

  410

  5·3

  140

  80

  4·7

  370

  4·8

  160

  50

  2·9

  380

  4·9

  200

  20

  1·2

  150

  1·9

  220

  20

  1·2

  170

  2·2

  240

  30

  1·8

  560

  7·2

  Total

  1,690

  100·0

  7,770

  100·0

  Adults by type and by range of income liable to tax, 1989–90

  Range of weekly income (lower limit)

  All adults below pensionable age

  Adult men aged under 65

  Adult women aged under 60

  All single adults below pensionable age

  £

  thousands

  per cent.

  thousands

  per cent.

  thousands

  per cent.

  thousands

  per cent.

  0

  11,660

  33·3

  3,590

  19·7

  8,070

  48·2

  4,260

  33·2

  53·56

  720

  2·1

  240

  1·3

  480

  2·9

  250

  1·9

  60

  1,630

  4·7

  520

  2·9

  1,110

  6·6

  660

  5·1

  80

  1,710

  4·9

  580

  3·2

  1,130

  6·7

  820

  6·4

  100

  2,140

  6·9

  840

  4·6

  1,300

  7·8

  1,040

  8·1

  120

  2,150

  6·1

  1,120

  6·1

  1,030

  6·1

  1,070

  8·3

  140

  1,920

  5·5

  1,080

  5·9

  840

  5·0

  820

  6·4

  326
  Mr. Ryder
  Figures for the national debt are given in the table, which also shows the national debt as a share of GDP.

  National debt at end of March

  £ billion

  Per cent, of GDP

  1964

  30·2

  92·3

  1970

  33·

  65·7

  1974

  40·5

  50·5

  1979

  86·9

  46·

  1989

  197·4

  39·

  Sources:

  1964 to 1979 Financial Statistics, June 1989.

  1989 Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin, November 1989.

  Earnings Statistics
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list his estimates of the numbers and percentages of(a) all adults below pensionable age, (b) all adult men aged under 65 years, (c) all adult women aged under 60 years, (d) all single adults below pensionable age, (e) all single adults in households including three or more adults, (f) all those married women aged under 60 years whose husbands have gross weekly incomes in excess of £55·36 per week but below £150 per week, and (g) those married women aged under 60 years whose husbands have gross weekly incomes in excess of £150 per week in the following weekly income ranges: up to £53·56, £53·56 to £60, £60 to £80, £80 to £100, £100 to £120, £120 to £140, £140 to £160, £160 to £200, £200 to £220, £220 to £240 and over £240.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 3 November 1989]: Available estimates for 1989–90 are in the tables. The estimates are based on projections from the 1986 family expenditure survey and are provisional.
  327

  Range of weekly income (lower limit)

  All adults below pensionable age

  Adult men aged under 65

  Adult women aged under 60

  All single adults below pensionable age

  £

  thousands

  per cent.

  thousands

  per cent.

  thousands

  per cent.

  thousands

  per cent.

  160

  3,300

  9·4

  2,370

  13·0

  930

  5·5

  1,250

  9·7

  200

  1,530

  4·4

  1,170

  6·4

  360

  2·1

  540

  4·2

  220

  1,400

  4·0

  1,040

  5·7

  360

  2·1

  460

  3·6

  240

  6,800

  19·4

  5,670

  31·1

  1,130

  6·7

  1,660

  12·9

  Total

  34,980

  100·0

  18,220

  100·0

  16,760

  100·0

  12,840

  100·0

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list his estimates of the numbers and percentages of(a) all heads of household, (b) single heads of household who are over pensionable age, (c) married heads of household who are over pensionable age, (d) single heads of household who are below pensionable age and (e) married heads of household who are below pensionable age, who have gross weekly incomes, calculated to include the incomes of other members of the same tax unit, in the following ranges: £0 to £53·56, £53·56 to £65·38, £65·38 to £80, £80 to £100, £100 to £107·12, £107·12 to £120, £120 to £130·76, £130.76 to £140, £140 to £160, £160 to £180, £180 to £200, £200 to £220, £220 to £240 and over £240;

  (2) if he will list his estimates of the numbers and percentages of heads of households in the categories listed, who have gross weekly incomes calculated to include the incomes of other members of the same tax unit, in the

  Tax units1 by type and by range of income liable to tax 1989–90

  Range of weekly income (lower limit)

  All tax units1

  Single persons aged over 65

  Married couples aged2

  Single persons aged less than 65

  Married couples non·aged3

  £

  thousands

  percent.

  thousands

  percent.

  thousands

  percent.

  thousands

  percent.

  thousands

  percent.

  0

  7,810

  25·0

  2,310

  52·5

  110

  4·0

  4,410

  33·4

  980

  9·0

  53·36

  1,400

  4·5

  710

  16·1

  20

  0·7

  510

  3·9

  160

  1·5

  65·38

  1,440

  4·6

  410

  9·3

  480

  17·7

  470

  3·6

  100

  0·9

  80

  1,860

  6·0

  290

  6·6

  570

  21·0

  860

  6·5

  140

  1·3

  100

  630

  2·0

  50

  1·1

  110

  4·0

  390

  3·0

  80

  0·7

  107·12

  1,080

  3·5

  80

  1·8

  110

  6·6

  670

  5·1

  150

  1·4

  120

  930

  3·0

  100

  2·3

  140

  5·2

  530

  4·0

  160

  1·5

  130·76

  850

  2·7

  50

  1·1

  110

  4·0

  540

  4·1

  140

  1·3

  140

  1,380

  4·4

  90

  2·1

  160

  5·9

  840

  6·4

  300

  2·8

  160

  1,240

  4·0

  60

  1·4

  80

  2·9

  740

  5·6

  350

  3·2

  180

  1,230

  3·9

  60

  1·4

  140

  5·2

  530

  4·0

  500

  4·6

  200

  1,190

  3·8

  30

  0·7

  100

  3·7

  550

  4·2

  510

  4·7

  220

  1,130

  3·6

  10

  0·2

  80

  2·9

  460

  3·5

  570

  5·2

  240

  9,030

  28·9

  150

  3·4

  440

  16·2

  1,690

  12·8

  6,750

  62·0

  Total

  31,200

  100·0

  4,400

  100·0

  2,720

  100·0

  13,190

  100·0

  10,890

  100·0

  1 Single persons and married couples.

  2 At least one person aged 65 or over.

  3 Both spouses under 65.

  Manufacturing (Capital Investment)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage rate of growth of capital investment in fixed assets in manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom over the decade 1979 to 1989, on the assumption that all United Kingdom firms transferred from the public to the private sector during the decade were in the private sector from before 1979; and what is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average over the same period.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 13 November 1989]: In classifying businesses to industries no distinction
  328
  following ranges: (a) all heads of households, (b) single heads of household who are over pensionable age, (c) married heads of household who are over pensionable age, (d) single heads of household who are below pensionable age and (e) married heads of household who are below pensionable age in income ranges up to £53·56, £53·56 to £65·38, £65·38 to £80, £80 to £100, £100 to £107·12, £107·12 to £120, £120 to £130·76, £130·76 to £140, £140 to £160, £160 to £180, £180 to £200, £200 to £220, £220 to £240 and over £240.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 3 November 1989]: Estimates of tax units' incomes by category of the head of household are not readily available. Estimates for 1989–90 of numbers and percentages of tax units in the specified categories by income are given in the table. The estimates are based on projections of information from the 1986 family expenditure survey and are provisional.

  is made between the public and private sectors. Within industry groups sectorial estimates which allow for classification changes are not available, for reasons of confidentiality. The information which is available was included in my earlier reply of 13 November 1989, Official Report, column 7.

  Mortgage Tax Relief
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost in the present fiscal year of mortgage tax relief at the higher rate of income tax.
  329
  Mr. Major
  [holding answer 13 November 1989]: The estimated cost in 1989–90 of mortgage tax relief at excess over the basic rate of income tax is £430. This estimate is based on a projection of the 1986–87 survey of personal incomes and is therefore provisional.

  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the additional cost to the Exchequer, in a full year, assuming mortgage interest rates of 14·5 per cent. and at present tax rates, of increasing the mortgage interest income tax relief from a ceiling of £30,000 to a ceiling of £45,000.

  Mr. Major
  [holding answer 13 November 1989]: The direct revenue cost in a full year, at 1989–90 levels and assuming mortgage interest rates of 14·5 per cent. throughout the year, of increasing the ceiling for mortgage interest relief from £30,000 to £45,000 is estimated to be about £900 million. This estimate makes no allowance for any consequential changes to the distribution of outstanding mortgages.

  Banking and Insurance
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what areas of trade in banking and insurance business will still be subject to national controls and restrictions after the 1992 plans have been implemented.

  Mr. Ryder
  [holding answer 13 November 1989]: The single market directives affecting financial services aim to open up the market within a framework based on mutual recognition and the "single passport" which will allow firms authorised in one member state to then do business throughout the Community. Banking and insurance will remain subject to national legislation, which will be modified as necessary to provide for the implementation of these directives. The scope and effect of the relevant directives are explained in the booklet "The Single Market: financial services" published by the Department of Trade and Industry in September 1989, copies of which are in the Library.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend table 1 on page 52 of the 6th report of the Treasury and Civil Service Committee, HC 217 Session 1988–89, to cover public expenditure in the years 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92 where possible, on a consistent basis.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 13 November 1989]: The information needed to extend this table to cover the years up to and including 1992–93 will be published at the time of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor's Autumn Statement.

  Mortgage Interest Relief
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the cost to the Exchequer of raising the ceiling on mortgage interest relief from £30,000 to £45,000; and how many households he estimates would benefit from such a change.

  Mr. Peter Lilley
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: The direct revenue cost at 1989–90 levels of raising the ceiling on mortgage interest relief from £30,000 to £45,000 is estimated to be about £900 million. This estimate makes no allowance for any consequential changes to the distribution of outstanding mortgages.
  330
  The number of households with existing mortgages in excess of £30,000 is estimated to be 2·5 million.

  Third World Debt
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the amount of tax forgone by the Exchequer as a result of(a) the decision by Lloyds bank to make provision of £ 1·2 billion against Third world debt and (b) the decision by National Westminster bank to make similar provision in the sum of £575 million.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: Tax relief due to banks in respect of loans which cannot be recovered in full is governed by the ordinary tax rules which apply to any trader who gives credit in the course of his business. The tax test is whether the principal of the debt is shown to be irrecoverable. Because of the rules of confidentiality which govern taxpayers' affairs, I am not in a position to say how far commercial provisions made by an individual bank meet the tax test.

  Planning Total (DTI)
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give for each of the years 1978–79 to 1984–85 the planning total for the Department of Trade and Industry on a basis consistent with table 2 on page 53 of appendix 8 of the Treasury and Civil Service Committee's sixth report of Session 1988–89, HC 217.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: The information requested is not available. Figures for those elements of the new definition of the planning total for which estimates or proxies are required have not been produced for years prior to 1984–85. A departmental breakdown of central Government's own expenditure showing expenditure by the Department of Trade and Industry for the years since 1978–79 was given in table 21.4.4 of chapter 21 of the 1989 public expenditure White Paper. These figures are on the definition used for the 1988 public expenditure survey, but this is broadly unchanged in the 1989 survey, since the introduction of the new planning total has only a minimal impact on the DTI. Corresponding figures on the new basis and a breakdown of finance for the main public corporations for the years 1978–79 to 1992–93 will be given in chapter 21 of the 1990 public expenditure White Paper.

  Trade Deficit
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish an analysis of the trade deficit for the most recent convenient period, identifying the imports, exports and net deficit or balance, respectively for(a) capital goods, (b) non-capital manufactured goods and (c) other elements.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  In the third quarter of 1989 the United Kingdom visible trade deficit is provisionally estimated to be £6·8 billion on a seasonally adjusted balance of payments basis. Information about trade in capital goods is available only on an overseas trade statistics basis, as shown in the table, which tends to understate surpluses and overstate deficits.
  331

  Table 1

  3rd Quarter 1989. OTS basis, seasonally adjusted

  £ billion

  Exports fob

  Imports cif

  Crude Balance1

  Capital Goods2

  5·4

  5·1

  +0·3

  Other Manufactures3

  14·2

  19·9

  -5·7

  Other Goods

  4·2

  6·7

  -2·5

  Total Trade

  23·8

  31·7

  -7·9

  1 Exports fob less Imports cif.

  2 Based on the United Nations broad economic categories analysis, and including ships. North Sea oil installations and aircraft.

  3 Manufactures are defined as SITC (Rev. 3) Sections 5 to 8.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Eggs
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many convictions have been recorded in each year since 1985 for breaches of the rules requiring all eggs sold in shops to have been through a packing station.

  Mr. Curry
  This information is not held centrally.

  Isle of Man
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Government of the Isle of Man in connection with a proposed 12-mile fishing limit around that island; what percentage of the catch of the Northern Ireland fishing industry is caught within this 12-mile limit; what are the implications for the future of the Northern Ireland fishing industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  The 1987 Territorial Sea Act made provision for a 12-mile territorial sea for the Isle of Man. Fisheries and other Departments have been in discussion with the Isle of Man as to how this should be put into effect.

  About 15 per cent. of Northern Ireland fishing industry's take is caught within 12 miles of the Isle of Man.

  As well as ensuring the United Kingdom's responsibilities in relation to the implementation of the common fisheries policy were fully met, any arrangement made would clearly have to safeguard the interests and traditional rights of all fishermen within 12 miles of the Isle of Man.

  Hunting (Forestry Commission Land)
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action has been taken following reports of an attack on a pet dog by hounds operating from Forestry Commission land on 31 October; and what precautions have been taken to prevent a further incident of this kind.

  Mr. Curry
  The alleged incident took place on private land adjacent to the New Forest. Investigations are being carried out by the local police, the outcome of which is awaited.

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what grants and advice is available from his Department for those who were having to establish themselves as organic farmers.

  Mr. Curry
  I refer the hon. Member to the written reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, North-West (Mr. Malins) on 9 November 1989 at column 775.

  Hedgerows
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many miles of hedgerow have been planted within the Easington area in the last two years; and at what cost.

  Mr. Curry
  This information is not available in the form requested. However, in the Newcastle division, which includes the Easington areas, during the last two financial years, grant aidable expenditure of some £30,600 was incurred on the provision of hedges and ancillary facilities. This sum represents the provision of almost 10 miles of new hedgerows.

  Forestry Commission (Isle of Wight)
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the conservation bodies who have been consulted about the planting of Forestry Commission land on the Isle of Wight with sycamore.

  Mr. Curry
  Over the last 20 years, the Forestry Commission has planted about eight hectares of land on the Isle of Wight with sycamore, in mixture with other species. No conservation bodies were consulted about this planting as the land concerned was not of special conservation value.

  Badgers
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Caerphilly of 3 November,Official Report, column 396, which particular snares were used; how many badgers were caught using snares; how many were killed by the snares; how many were killed by his operatives; how many were released; and whether any were lactating sow badgers.

  Mr. Maclean
  Swivelled free running snares were used. Three badgers were caught and all three were killed by ministry operatives. None was a lactating sow.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Caerphilly of 3 November,Official Report, column 396, if he will describe in more detail what circumstances required the use of snares in each of the eight badger investigations; and what guidelines he issues for the control and supervision of such investigations.

  Mr. Maclean
  In each case snares were used only when it became clear that badgers remained active on the premises following standard trapping operations. All fields men carrying out badger control operations are required to follow detailed standing instructions. When snaring fields men work in pairs and the whole operation is closely supervised by a senior officer.

  Meat and Bone Meal
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Caerphilly of 1 November,Official Report, column 214, what certification accompanying meat and bone meal exported from the United Kingdom into (a) France, (b) West Germany, (c) Holland, (d) Belgium, (e) Italy, (f) Israel and (g) the United States of America is required by the importing country.

  Mr. Maclean
  The certification required is, as follows:Belgium—specified heat treatment, hygienic packing and freedom from salmonella;
  France—that the products are destined for use other than as feed for ruminants;
  West Germany—application must be made to the appropriate Land authority for an import permit. This will state the particular certification which is required in each case. The Ministry is unaware that any application has been made and is not aware of any conditions which individual Laender may stipulate;
  Israel—that the meal is derived from poultry.

  In the absence of any requests from the trade in recent years to export meat and bonemeal derived from ruminants to Italy, the Netherlands and the United States of America, the ministry has not sought information about the certification which might be required. There is a small trade into the Netherlands in meal derived from poultry and the certification required relates to heat treatment.

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the loss to the United Kingdom livestock industry if EEC payments of hill livestock compensatory allowances were reduced to 25 per cent. in respect of the first 45 livestock units per holding, 12½ per cent. in respect of the next 45 livestock units and zero thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the current Commission proposals in these matters.

  Mr. Curry
  The present EC proposal is to pay the full EAGGF contribution towards hill livestock compensatory allowances, which is currently 25 per cent., on the first 45 livestock units per holding, to reduce that contribution by half over the next 45 livestock units, and to withdraw EAGGF funding altogether over 90 livestock units. We estimate that, if adopted, this proposal would reduce the United Kingdom's current receipts from the EC for HLCAs by about £10 million a year. The precise effects on the livestock industry in this country would depend on decisions still to be taken on the level of national funding. We are firmly opposed in principle to this proposal, which discriminates against farmers in our less favoured areas.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he now possesses concerning the possible vertical transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Warrington, South (Mr. Butler) on 13 November 1989 at column 73.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the reasons for the delay between his announcement of a proposed ban on human consumption of bovine offal on 13 June and its implementation on 13 November.
  334
  Mr. Maclean
  The ban was introduced as soon as consultations with interested parties had been undertaken in accordance with the Food Act 1984, the results assessed, and the results of further necessary scientific studies obtained.

  Sugar Beet
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the sugar beet quota system; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  The sugar beet quota system, and certain other aspects of the EC sugar regime, are due for a quinquennial review by 30 June 1991. My officials are consulting interested parties.

  Organic Horticulture and Agriculture
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Croydon, North-West (Mr. Malins) of 9 November,Official Report, column 775, what consideration he is giving in the extensification scheme to the option for organic horticulture and agriculture.

  Mr. Curry
  The Community rules for extensification require output on participating farms of a surplus product to be reduced by at least 20 per cent. over five years. Member states may apply this obligation by requiring participants to adopt a changed method of production, and for this purpose I am at present considering offering as an option within the future United Kingdom arrangements a switch to organic farming of some or all of the products covered by the scheme.

  Nutritional Labelling
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on progress with nutritional labelling.

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply on 6 November to my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. Coombs) at column 467.

  Salmon Fishing
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to promote the use of T and J nets for north-east England salmon fishing; and what corresponding restrictions he intends to place on the use of drift nets for such fishing.

  Mr. Curry
  We are currently in the process of considering the nature and extent of all salmon net fishing off the north-east coast of England and eastern Scotland as part of a statutory review, required under section 39 of the Salmon Act 1986.

  Work on the review is underway and Ministers will submit their report to Parliament in due course.

  Abattoirs
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list for each of the last 10 years, the amount of European Community money which has been used to upgrade abattoirs; how many abattoirs have received this aid; and if he will make a statement.
  335
  Mr. Curry
  [pursuant to the reply, 24 October 1989, c. 442.]: The information is as follows:

  EC regulation 355/77

  Awards and payments concerning red meat abattoirs in the United Kingdom: 1978–88

  Awards made by commission

  of which those remaining eligible to claim grant

  for which actual payments made

  Year

  Number of projects

  (a) amounts £

  Number of projects

  (b) amounts £

  (c) £

  1978

  9

  1,262,943

  7

  687,462

  —

  1979

  7

  1,152,203

  6

  1,138,650

  49,178

  1980

  14

  2,791,853

  10

  1,790,723

  511,925

  1981

  9

  1,721,223

  8

  1,687,898

  710,710

  1982

  1,063,988

  3

  1,028,345

  1,407,203

  1983

  2

  175,350

  1

  142,551

  885,819

  1984

  2

  392,146

  2

  392,146

  717,845

  1985

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,107,935

  1986

  2

  679,232

  2

  679,232

  710,065

  1987

  1

  22,897

  1

  22,897

  94,127

  1988

  1

  750,000

  1

  750,000

  558,187

  Total

  51

  £10,011,835

  41

  £8,319,904

  £6,752,994

  Data are provided back to 1978, which was the first year of the awards under regulation EEC 355/77 (the regulation which provides for grants to help improve the marketing and processing structures of primary agricultural products).

  The first column of the table shows all awards announced by the Commission to those projects in the red meat sector in the United Kingdom which wholly or partly include slaughtering. Ten of these awards were subsequently renounced by the applicants or cancelled by the Commission, either because the projects did not start, or were not in the event undertaken in accordance with the conditions laid down. The awards for projects which remained eligible to claim grant are set out in the second column.

  The final column sets out the payments made by the end of 1988. Because there can be a time lag of up to four years from the date of the announcement of an award to the final payment (most beneficiaries would also claim an interim payment) there can rarely be an obvious year-by-year relationship between the amounts in the second and third columns. In addition some final claims are for sums which may be considerably less than the original award—for example, where actual costs turned out to be less than earlier forecasts.

  No awards have been made to the red-meat sector in England since 1983, when the first investment programme under the scheme for this sector expired and was not renewed due to lack of foreseeable funding from the Commission. The red-meat sector has remained eligible for awards in the rest of the United Kingdom throughout the whole period.

  Acid House Parties
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will initiate discussions with the National Farmers Union on procedures to prevent farming land being let for acid house parties.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 13 November 1989]: I have been asked to reply.

  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  North Sea Haddock
  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current size of the North sea haddock quota; when he expects the quota to be exhausted; what are the tonnage allocations given to each of the organisations involved in the fishery; what are the catches for such vessels; and if he will indicate those groups whose catches have exceeded their allocations.

  Mr. Curry
  The United Kingdom quota for North sea haddock in 1989 is 55,271 tonnes, of which 891 tonnes was obtained in swaps with other member states during the course of the year. Allocations and latest catch information (to 4 November) are shown in the table. This shows that the following groups have fished in excess of their allocations: Scottish Fishermen's Organisation Ltd.; North East of Scotland Fishermen's Organisation Ltd.; and Fish Producers Organisation Ltd. When allowance is made for catches yet to be notified, it is clear that as a result of this overfishing the United Kingdom quota has been prematurely exhausted. Accordingly, I suspended licensed fishing on 11 November and laid an order yesterday to close the fishery to all United Kingdom vessels.

  Tonnes

  Group

  Allocation

  Catch

  Difference

  Scottish Fishermen's Organisation Ltd.

  18,252

  18,789

  +1537

  Aberdeen Fish Producers Organisation Ltd.

  7,303

  6,501

  -802

  North East of Scotland Fishermen's Organisation Ltd.

  13,090

  13,789

  +1699

  Shetland Fish Producers Organisation Ltd.

  2,662

  2,651

  -111

  Fife Fish Producers Organisation Ltd.

  1,140

  972

  -168

  Anglo-Scottish Fish Producers Organisation Ltd.

  5,036

  4,349

  -687

  The Fish Producers Organisation Ltd.

  879

  954

  +175

  Non-sector

  6,858

  6,164

  -694

  10m and under boats

  50

  11

  -39

  Total United Kingdom Fleet

  55,271

  54,180

  -21,091

  337
  += Overfish.

  - = Underfish.

  1 In view of their catch levels, licences were withdrawn from Fish Producers Organisation Ltd. on 13 September, from Scottish Fishermen's Organisation and North East of Scotland Fishermen's Organisation Ltd. on 7 October, and from the Shetland Fish Producers Organisation Ltd. on 4 November.

  2 Catches not yet recorded are expected to be at least equal to this figure.

  Cricket Bat Willow Research Group
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports he has received from the cricket bat willow research group; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  The group has reported that a voluntary levy scheme, based on the numbers of cricket bat clefts produced, was introduced on 1 October 1989. The money raised from the levy will be used to fund research by the University of East Anglia, in close co-operation with Essex county council, into the causes and spread of watermark disease of willow.

  Surveys carried out this year by Essex county council in the main cricket bat willow area show that the disease is at the lowest level on record.

HEALTH

  Mental Hospitals
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if, in view of the findings of "We're Just in Time—AIDS, Brain Damage and Psychiatric Hospital Closures", by Charles Tannock and Caroline Collier, a copy of which has been sent to him, he will review the national strategy of closing long-stay mental hospitals.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The report "We're Just in Time—AIDS, Brain Damage and Psychiatric Hospital Closures" recommends that 2,500 beds will be required by 1995 to cater for patients with brain damage due to AIDS and that these should be provided in psychiatric hospitals formerly occupied by long-stay psychiatric patients.

  I shall consider the report carefully. However, my Department is not aware of any objective research to support this recommendation. People with AIDS-related brain damage generally have other physical conditions which require extensive physical care. Others with mild dementia or neurological disorders need a range of support services, not necessarily in an institutional service. The services needed by people with HIV and AIDS are kept constantly under review.

  The Government's longstanding policy is that people with mental illness should have access to all the services they need as locally as possible. Our policy relating to the development of mental health services is not aimed primarily at closing hospitals but at the provision of services to meet all the needs of mentally ill people. Health authorities closure plans concern mainly the "traditional" mental hospitals, including the Victorian asylums which, apart from their age, are generally too large or too remote to form part of a modern local service, providing treatment and care with the minimum of formality and delay. I do not consider that there is currently any reason to review this strategy.

  It is for health authorities to determine the pace of rundown of these old large hospitals, but the rundown and closure of any hospital should not proceed faster than the
  338
  build-up of alternative comprehensive locally based services. My Department's guidance to health authorities makes this clear.

  Eye Tests
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made on the accuracy of the auto-refractor for eye tests for prescribing glasses.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  None. The Department does not rule out the possibility of a study in this area, although other eye testing techniques are available which are equally effective usually at a fraction of the cost.

  Child Abuse
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set up a programme to provide social workers with more resources to treat victims of child abuse.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Taken across the country as a whole, expenditure on personal social services by local authorities has increased by 37 per cent. in real terms since 1979–80. Local authority social services departments have an important part to play, alongside other agencies, in providing counselling and support services to victims of child abuse, and it is for them to decide what resources to devote to these services in the light of local circumstances and priorities. Through the training support programme (child care), the Department has this year made available an additional £7 million for training of social services staff working in child care, with an emphasis on child protection, including the treatment of child abuse; and that initiative is to continue next year. In addition, the Department is currently funding a project based at Great Ormand Street to provide in-depth training in the treatment of child sexual abuse.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce legislation to make it a statutory duty to report cases of suspected child abuse.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  No. As with all criminal offences there is a clear moral duty upon all citizens to report suspected child abuse. We have no evidence to suggest that, in general, people do not report child abuse when it comes to their attention.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide and make available to the public a register of voluntary groups who deal with child abuse sufferers and abusers.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  A comprehensive list of such organisations is not held centrally. However, we would expect such voluntary organisations to be members of the National Council for Voluntary Child Care Organisations or the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, and to be known to local authority social services departments.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set up a programme to deal with the prevention of child abuse by training officials to recognise signs of abuse.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  It is the responsibility of the relevant employing agencies to determine the needs of
  339
  their employees in relation to training. However, the Department has in hand a major programme of work which is designed to promote expertise and which stimulates and complements training by local authorities, the voluntary sector and other agencies. This programme includes the training support programme (child care) and the central child abuse training initiative, funded by the Department, which includes a range of projects. Recently completed projects include the Open university child abuse and neglect training pack and the Royal Society of Medicine video training pack for doctors about child sexual abuse.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will instigate a research project to establish how many facilities to help child abusers overcome their problem are available, with their location.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply on 6 November at column 451.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set up a programme to target resources to social workers involved in child abuse cases.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  It is for individual local authorities to determine what resources to allocate to a particular service in the light of local needs and priorities. However, through the training support programme (child care) the Department has this year made available £7 million in support of total expenditure of £10 million for the training of local authority child care staff, with a particular emphasis on training in child protection.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether general practitioners are required to report suspected child abuse cases.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The General Medical Council in November 1987 expressed the view that, if a doctor has reason for believing that a child is being physically or sexually abused, not only is it permissible for the doctor to disclose information to a third party but it is a duty for the doctor to do so. That view was published in the council's annual report for 1987 and reproduced in "Working Together" (1988) and in "Diagnosis of Child Sexual Abuse: Guidance for Doctors" (1988), both of which were published by the Department and are available in the Library.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will conduct a research project on the number of emotionally abused children that have been reported in the last two years; and what type of help is provided for them.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Statistics on the number of children placed on child protection registers by reason of emotional abuse are available in "Survey of Children Placed on Child Protection Registers Year Ending 31 March 1988 England", copies of which are available in the Library. The Department has identified the need for research into the relationship between emotional abuse and neglect; and has included this issue in its strategy for possible research in 1990–91. There are a range of assessment, treatment and support services provided by local authority social services departments, health authorities and voluntary child care organisations available for abused children, including those who have been emotionally abused.

  Abortion
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has about the minimal gestation age at which an aborted baby can show one or more of the following signs of life(a) brain activity, (b) pulse rate, (c) heart beat, (d) breathing and (e) movement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Breathing and brain activity are functions associated with viability. Although we know of no formal research on these points some doctors have noted transient heartbeat and movement from about 12 weeks' gestation.

  Haemophiliacs
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department now has a clearer idea regarding the proportion of people with haemophilia with HIV who are subsequently likely to contract full-blown AIDS.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The current assessment is that 75 per cent. or more of HIV-infected haemophiliacs are likely to develop AIDS.

  Civil Service Dispersal
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has any plans to relocate his Department's offices to the north-west of England; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State announced yesterday that the work of the whole of the National Health Service management executive is to be relocated from London to Leeds. We decided on Leeds after the most careful consideration of its advantages and those of other potential locations.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of hospital beds in(a) Sunderland area health authority, (b) Durham area health authority, and (c) Hartlepool area health authority, for each year from 1979 to 1989.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The latest available information is given in the table.

  Average daily available beds, Hartlepool, Durham and Sunderland district health authorities, 1979 to 1987–88

  District health authority

  Hartlepool

  Durham

  Sunderland

  1979

  592

  1,192

  2,426

  1980

  614

  1,188

  2,379

  1981

  600

  1,181

  2,356

  1982

  627

  1,156

  2,338

  1983

  636

  1,165

  2,351

  1984

  705

  1,107

  2,349

  1985

  607

  1,103

  2,312

  1986

  639

  1,107

  2,273

  1987–88

  642

  1,075

  2,315

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of people on hospital waiting lists within the Sunderland, Durham and Hartlepool health authorities at the beginning of October.
  341
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The latest available information is given in the table.

  In-patient waiting list1, Hartlepool, Durham and Sunderland district health authorities, as at 31 March 1989

  District health authority

  Number waiting

  Hartlepool

  1,167

  Durham

  1,425

  Sunderland

  4,609

  1 Less self deferred.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of patients on hospital waiting lists in the Durham, Sunderland and Hartlepool health authority areas, waiting for(a) varicose veins; (b) hip joint replacements; and (c) cataracts at the beginning of October.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Waiting list information is held centrally only by clinical specialty of the consultant and not by operation or diagnosis. The hon. Member may wish to write to the chairmen of the health authorities concerned for the information he seeks.

  Child Neglect
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will instigate a report on the number of neglect cases and how these cases are being dealt with.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Statistics on the number of children placed on child protection registers by reason of neglect are available in "Survey of Children Placed on Child Protection Registers Year Ending 31 March 1988 England", copies of which are available in the Library. We have no plans to instigate a report on how cases of child neglect are being dealt with. However, the social services inspectorate has a programme of inspections of child protection services within individual local authorities and these reports are published.

  Salmonella
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the number of reported cases of salmonella poisoning in England and Wales for 1989.

  Mr. Freeman
  The provisional number of reported cases of salmonella in humans reported in the period January to September 1989 is 21,843. This figure was published on 30 October in the "Update on salmonella infection" produced jointly by the public health laboratory service and the state veterinary service, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Attacks (Animals)
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health why his Department has decided not to collate the number of cases of outpatients and inpatients treated because of attacks from animals.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information on inpatient and day cases treated as a result of attacks by animals should be available early next year when health authorities have overcome problems in introducing the additional codes on their patient records.

  The information is not collected on outpatients because there are too many outpatient attendances for such coding to be practical.

  NHS Spending
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the spending on the National Health Service in England and Wales in each year from 1959 until the present(a) in cash terms and (b) adjusted for retail price inflation;

  (2) what was the spending on the National Health Service in England and Wales each year from 1959 until the present, adjusted for inflation in the National Health Service costs in England and Wales.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information requested for the years from 1974–75 to 1989–90 is shown in the table. Comparable information for the period before 1974–75 cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate costs. The retail price index is a measure of increases in cost in a basket of consumer goods and as such has no particular relevance to NHS expenditure.

  NHS Gross expenditure—England and Wales

  £ million

  (a) Cash1

  (b) RPI2

  (c) Adjusted for NHS pay and price3

  1974–75

  3,636

  13,721

  16,846

  1975–76

  4,793

  14,518

  17,309

  1976–77

  5,466

  14,364

  17,484

  1977–78

  6,048

  13,950

  17,667

  1978–79

  6,936

  14,784

  18,253

  1979–80

  8,237

  15,145

  18,124

  1980–81

  10,723

  16,953

  18,578

  1981–82

  12,035

  17,059

  19,130

  1982–83

  13,131

  17,392

  19,416

  1983–84

  13,939

  18,650

  19,629

  1984–85

  14,965

  18,036

  19,881

  1985–86

  15,838

  18,013

  20,001

  1986–87

  17,043

  18,772

  20,247

  1987–88

  18,730

  19,851

  20,622

  1988–89

  20,833

  20,833

  20,833

  1989–905

  22,575

  —4

  —4

  1 The gross expenditure figures shown have been produced by adding Department of Health figures for NHS expenditure in England to figures for Wales produced by the Welsh Office.

  2 Figures have been adjusted to 1988–89 prices. The RPI is constructed on a United Kingdom basis, there is no specific England and Wales RPI.

  3 No specific deflator is produced for NHS pay and price inflation in England and Wales. The cash figures have therefore been adjusted by a deflator produced by the Department of Health for England only.

  4 Estimates of retail price inflation and pay and price rises in the NHS are not produced by the Department of Health until after the financial year has ended.

  5 Estimated.

  Blood Transfusion Service
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost of the blood transfusion service in England and Wales in each of the last three years.

  Mr. Freeman
  Following is information derived from the annual accounts of regional and district health authorities in England.

  Information about expenditure in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
  343

  Total revenue expenditure on blood transfusion services

  £ (cash)

  1986–87

  59,849,163

  1987–88

  63,787,839

  1 1988–89

  68,420,036

  1 Provisional figure (as yet subject to audit).

  Prescription Pricing Bureau
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost of the Prescription Pricing Bureau in England and Wales in each of the last three years.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The total cost of the prescription pricing authority, which covers England only, in each of the last three years was as follows:

  £ million

  1986–87

  20·7

  1987–88

  17·9

  1988–89

  19·3

  The information relating to the Welsh pricing committee is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Public Health Laboratory
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total cost of the public health laboratory service in each of the last three years.

  Total expenditure (cash)

  1986–87

  1987–88

  11988–89

  Region

  Regional health authorities £000

  District health authorities £000

  Region total £000

  Regional health authorities £000

  District health authorities £000

  Region total £000

  Regional health authorities £000

  District health authorities £000

  Region total £000

  Northern

  49,249

  668,102

  717,351

  46,185

  732,671

  778,856

  55,691

  800,844

  856,535

  Yorkshire

  77,299

  740,791

  818,089

  70,463

  812,399

  882,862

  70,801

  905,679

  976,480

  Trent

  79,660

  912,306

  991,966

  73,401

  1,011,787

  1,085,188

  81,274

  1,133,256

  1,214,530

  East Anglian

  28,876

  393,076

  421,952

  27,606

  434,256

  461,862

  29,435

  491,172

  520,607

  North West Thames

  57,877

  786,447

  844,324

  50,360

  866,914

  917,274

  59,999

  1,003,195

  1,063,194

  North East Thames

  72,324

  979,681

  1,052,005

  55,687

  1,086,053

  1,141,740

  76,422

  1,223,109

  1,299,531

  South East Thames

  59,634

  873,972

  933,606

  63,769

  956,251

  1,020,020

  66,668

  1,064,886

  1,131,554

  South West Thames

  60,254

  643,969

  704,243

  103,166

  710,939

  814,105

  110,282

  800,097

  910,379

  Wessex

  62,790

  557,361

  620,151

  55,523

  609,274

  664,797

  56,683

  680,977

  737,660

  Oxford

  35,391

  431,957

  467,346

  33,377

  486,034

  519,411

  43,945

  545,075

  589,020

  South Western

  53,070

  665,359

  718,429

  41,357

  737,832

  779,189

  45,207

  818,652

  863,859

  West Midlands

  106,455

  1,058,538

  1,164,993

  106,307

  1,146,550

  1,252,857

  82,442

  1,266,708

  1,349,150

  Mersey

  49,370

  541,893

  591,264

  46,641

  593,950

  640,591

  26,245

  663,287

  689,532

  North Western

  84,994

  903,031

  988,025

  88,870

  989,569

  1,078,438

  88,340

  1,093,787

  1,182,127

  TOTAL

  877,243

  10,156,503

  11,033,746

  862,712

  11,174,480

  12,037,192

  893,435

  12,490,723

  13,384,158

  1 Provisional figures (as yet subject to audit).

  Notes:

  1. The figures cover total revenue and capital expenditure on all Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS)—including hospital, community health, patient transport (ie ambulance), blood transfusion and other services.

  2. Expenditure on family practitioner services (FPS) which is accounted for by family practitioner committees and cannot strictly be assigned to particular regions, is excluded.

  3. The figures for regional health authorities include expenditure on services within HCHS which are directly managed by those authorities and expenditure on major capital schemes at district levels within the respective regions.

  4. The annual accounts of the special health authorities for the London postgraduate teaching hospitals, which do not form part of the regional structure, record total expenditure on HCHS as follows:
  344
  Mr. Freeman
  The public health laboratory service board, which is the statutory body with responsibility for running the public health laboratory service in England and Wales has received grants from the Department of Health and the Welsh Office in respect of that responsibility as follows.

  £000s

  Financial year

  Revenue

  Capital

  Total

  1986–87

  31,083

  418

  31,501

  1987–88

  34,898

  2,976

  37,874

  1988–89

  37,629

  5,013

  42,642

  The public health laboratory service board also receives funds from the sale of its services.

  Regional Health Authorities
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the spending by each of the regional health authorities in England and Wales in each of the last three years.

  Mr. Freeman
  Figures of total expenditure derived from the annual accounts of regional and district health authorities in England for the years 1986–87 to 1988–89 are shown in the table.

  Information about expenditure in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  £000 (cash)

  1986–87

  219,711

  1987–88

  240,964

  1 1988–89

  258,823

  1 Provisional figure.

  Tobacco
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of the voluntary agreement with the tobacco industry about the advertising of tobacco products.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government have told the Tobacco Advisory Council that they wish to renegotiate the current
  345
  agreement on tobacco products' advertising and promotion and health warnings. The Council has just responded on behalf of the industry that although it believes that meaningful discussions about a future voluntary agreement will be difficult until the outcome of discussions in Brussels on the draft EC directive on tobacco advertising is known, the industry is prepared to meet the Health Ministers to discuss possible renegotiations.

  Social Services Committee
  Mr. David Knox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he expects to publish the Government's response to the Social Services Committee report on the National Health Service White Paper "Working for Patients."

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Government's response was published today. It notes the large degree of agreement between the Committee and the Government both on the need for reform of the NHS and on our specific proposals for change. The Committee's clear endorsement of the fundamental aims of the White Paper "Working for Patients", namely, that the NHS will continue to be a comprehensive service open to all regardless of means and financed largely out of taxation is welcomed. We also welcome the Committee's support for many of the key proposals in the White Paper. These include the proposals for devolving more management responsibilities to the local level, extending patient choice, resource management, medical audit of the quality of care, making more efficient use of capital, increasing the number of NHS consultants and removing the "efficiency trap" by ensuring that resources are linked to workload.

  The Government's response fully addresses the Committee's concerns about funding. First, it reaffirms the assurance that the necessary funding to introduce the NHS reforms will not be at the expense of patient care. We have made available an additional £82 million this year to assist with implementation. Secondly, the Committee has not recognised that spending on the NHS in the United Kingdom has increased massively—from £8 billion in 1978 to £26 billion in 1989. This represents an increase in real terms of 40 per cent. As announced in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, the Government's spending plans mean that gross expenditure on the NHS will increase to over £28 billion in 1990–91, an increase in resources over 1989–90 of £2·6 billion. The equivalent figure for England is £23·3 billion, an increase in resources of more than £2·2 billion or 5·5 per cent. in real terms. This increase is well in excess of the Committee's recommended increase of around 2 per cent. each year. The increase will also raise the overall increase since the Government came to power in 1979 to 45 per cent. in real terms.

  The Committee's other concerns are largely about the pace and process of implementation of the proposals in "Working for Patients", rather than the overall direction of change. We believe that the Committee's concerns about the availability of information systems to cost treatments and about the need for pilot projects are misplaced. Implementation of the proposals in "Working for Patients" will be an evolutionary process. Subject to parliamentary approval, the Government intend to have in place the central elements of their reforms by April 1991. These include the reshaped health authorities and FPSAs. Their chairmen and members will need to lead the
  346
  implementation of the new arrangements for the NHS and their task will be very different from that of chairmen and members of the current authorities. The Government have decided therefore to follow the Committee's recommendation that non-executive members of health authorities and FPSAs should be remunerated. Other key elements will include, for example, the first NHS trusts, the first practice budgets for fund-holding GPs and the new system for contracting for services within the NHS. The subsequent development of these programmes will be informed by the experience gained from the first participating hospitals and practices.

  The Government are supporting a number of projects throughout the country with the aim of developing information, financial and management systems by April 1991. The system for contracting for services will initially operate largely on the basis of existing information. At first many services are likely to be provided under "block" contracts with hospitals agreeing to provide a defined level and range of services in return for an agreed level of resources. More sophisticated forms of contracting and the associated supporting information and costing systems will develop as the experience of the NHS with contract funding grows.

  Erythropoietin
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to have completed his assessment of the likely need for erythropoietin and its expenditure implications; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virgina Bottomley
  I refer the right hon. Member to my reply on 6 November at column 452.

  Community Care
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has considered whether the Association of Crossroads Care Attendant Schemes, may be able to assist local authorities to set up appropriate assessment procedures as proposed in "Community Care: Agenda for Action".

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Our proposals for assessment will be set out in our White Paper on community care which is to be published on Thursday 16 November. We plan to issue further detailed guidance to local authorities and health authorities in due course, following discussions with professional and representative bodies, including voluntary sector organisations.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if, in the preparation of the White Paper on community care, he has considered the need to increase section 64 funding to voluntary organisations providing community care services.

  Mr. Freeman
  The increased role of the voluntary sector envisaged in our White Paper proposals is likely to lead to increased funding, using the section 64 power, in coming years. Health authorities (using section 64) and local authorities (using section 65) will determine their arrangements for care provision involving voluntary organisations and hence the levels of funding.

  Mental Handicap
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes, in terms of rights, occur when a mentally handicapped person is transferred from a National Health Service hospital to a private home, supervised by a consortium; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Patients treated under contractual arrangements retain the same rights as those treated in the National Health Service and the health authority has a continuing responsibility for their medical and nursing care. The position of patients admitted to the private sector following discharge from a National Health Service hospital depends on the terms of the admission. Such patients retain the right to National Health Service general medical and dental services.

  Transplant Organs
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what response he is making to the report by Dr. Sheila Gore of the Medical Research Council biostatistics unit in Cambridge relating to the shortage of organs for transplant.

  Mr. Freeman
  This report, which was commissioned by the Department of Health, analyses the results of an audit of deaths in intensive care units which was organised by the Department. The audit includes an examination of the number of deaths, how many were potential donors, in how many cases relatives were asked to consent to donation and how many refused.

  Tomorrow I will be chairing a seminar to examine ways of improving the voluntary donation of organs to which I have invited a group of experts and interested parties. Our discussions will include the implications of the report to which the hon. Member refers.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will give for each district health authority the percentage of cases on the gross demand waiting list at March waiting for 12 months or more, and the ranking for that percentage for(a) general surgery, (b) traumatic and orthopaedic, (c) ear or nose and throat, (d) cardiothoracic surgery, (e) paediatric surgery, (f) gynaecology and (g) the total waiting list;

  (2) if he will give for each district health authority the percentage change in the gross demand day-case total waiting list between March 1988 and March 1989 and the ranking of that percentage change;

  (3) if he will give for each district health authority the sum of the gross demand total waiting lists for in-patients and day cases in March 1988, the comparable figure for March 1989, the percentage change between the two dates and the ranking of that percentage change;

  (4) if he will give for each district health authority the percentage change in the in-patient waiting list between March 1988 and March 1989 and the ranking of that percentage change, using the gross demand figures for (a) general surgery, (b) traumatic and orthopaedic, (c) ear, nose and throat, (d) cardiothoracic surgery, (e) paediatric surgery, (f) gynaecology and (g) the total waiting list;

  (5) if he will give for March 1989 and for each district health authority the notional time to clear the waiting lists, and the ranking of that notional time to clear, for (a)
  348
  general surgery, (b) traumatic and orthopaedic, (c) ear, nose and throat, (d) cardiothoracic surgery, (e) paediatric surgery, (f) gynaecology and (g) the total waiting list;

  (6) if he will give for each district health authority the March gross demand day case waiting list, and the ranking of that waiting list for (a) general surgery, (b) traumatic and orthopaedic, (c) ear, nose and throat, (d) cardiothoracic surgery, (e) paediatric surgery, (f) gynaecology and (g) the total waiting list;

  (7) if he will give the March gross demand figures for the number of cases on the in-patient waiting lists for each district health authority for (a) general surgery, (b) traumatic and orthopaedic, (c) ear, nose and throat, (d) cardiothoracic surgery, (e) paediatric surgery, (f) gynaecology and (g) the total waiting list; and if he will give the ranking of each district health authority by each specialty.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 30 October 1989]: The information requested has been placed in the Library. Reasons for the variations between districts in the number of cases on individual waiting lists include the size and age structure of the population and the extent of local development of specialised services. Not all health authorities provide each specialty.

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the Ancillary Staffs Council staffing level by district for each year since 1979.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  [holding answer 3 November 1989]: I refer the hon. Member to my hon. and learned Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) on 18 July at column 131 concerning district manpower information for 1988. Similar information covering the previous two years has already been placed in the Library.

  The present structure of NHS districts has existed only since 1982. Information to this level of detail from that time up to 1985 is not available without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Serotonin
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what trials are currently planned to test the drug Serotonin for the treatment of obesity, aggression, alcoholism and panic disorders.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  [holding answer 9 November 1989]: Any company wishing to set up clinical trails under the Medicines Act 1968 would need to apply to the Medicines Control Agency before such trials could commence. Details of any such applications are confidential to the licensing authority.

SCOTLAND

  Homelessness
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the latest estimate of the number of homeless people in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The number of households which applied to local authorities under the
  349
  homelessness provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 is estimated to have been 25,000 in 1988–89. Of these, about 9,500 were assessed by local authorities as homeless.

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to combat homelessness in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Government have taken a number of measures to ensure that housing needs in Scotland are more closely matched by housing provision. It is for local authorities to deal with cases of homelessness.

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next proposes to meet representatives of the Scottish fishing industry to discuss decommissioning of fishing vessels and future licensing arrangements of the industry.

  Mr. Rifkind
  My noble Friend the Minister of State and I meet representatives of the Scottish fishing industry on a regular basis. Our most recent meeting was on Monday 13 November when decommissioning and licensing were among the issues discussed.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the latest progress towards long-term restructuring of the Scottish fishing industry.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend and my noble Friend the Minister of State are urgently considering proposals to help align fishing opportunity and catching capacity. These raise many difficult issues, but we hope to announce our decisions very soon.

  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will assess the need for a decommissioning scheme in the Scottish fishing industry in the light of current total allowable catches; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The Government are fully aware of both the present scarcity of white fish and the excess capacity which exists in the United Kingdom fishing fleet and are considering how fishing opportunity can be better aligned to catching capacity. This consideration includes the option of a decommissioning scheme. Before introducing any such scheme we would need to be satisfied that it addressed the problem appropriately and that it represented good value for taxpayers' money.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make an official visit to Eyemouth to discuss the current state of the fishing industry.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend is considering a visit to Berwickshire when these matters might be discussed.

  Alcohol Abuse
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to amend the Scottish Licensing Act to alleviate the problem of alcohol abuse among young persons under the age of 18 years; and if he will make a statement.
  350
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend intends to introduce appropriate provisions amending the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 at the next suitable legislative opportunity.

  Housing Priorities
  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss central and local government co-operation in tackling Scottish housing priorities.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss central and local government co-operation in tackling Scottish housing priorities.

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss central and local government co-operation in tackling Scottish housing priorities.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss central and local government co-operation in tackling Scottish housing priorities.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I met representatives of the convention on 22 September. Various housing issues were discussed.

  Local Authorities (Administrative Costs)
  Mr. Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current average annual administrative cost per head of(a) regional councils, (b) district councils, and (c) island councils, in Scotland; and if he will publish in the Official Report the costs of running each individual council in Scotland.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The average figures per head are:

  £

  Regional Councils

  859

  District Councils

  389

  Island Councils

  2,106

  Total figures for each authority are as follows:

  Administrative costs 1987–88

  £'000

  Borders

  61,381

  Central

  166,905

  Dumfries and Galloway

  93,158

  Fife

  229,340

  Grampian

  319,790

  Highland

  148,645

  Lothian

  470,412

  Strathclyde

  1,563,204

  Tayside

  255,846

  Total regions

  3,308,681

  Orkney

  34,072

  Shetland

  44,095

  Western Isles

  35,515

  Total islands

  113,683

  £'000

  Berwickshire

  3,029

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  5,975

  Roxburgh

  8,295

  351

  £'000

  Tweeddale

  2,126

  Clackmannan

  14,917

  Falkirk

  36,940

  Stirling

  23,931

  Annandale and Eskdale

  6,213

  Nithsdale

  11,134

  Stewartry

  3,725

  Wigtown

  7,119

  Dunfermline

  28,459

  Kirkcaldy

  40,235

  North East Fife

  14,318

  Aberdeen City

  64,822

  Banff and Buchan

  15,922

  Gordon

  9,303

  Kincardine and Deeside

  5,675

  Moray

  17,413

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  1,729

  Caithness

  4,392

  Inverness

  12,209

  Lochaber

  4,328

  Nairn

  1,546

  Ross and Cromarty

  10,489

  Skye and Lochalsh

  1,824

  Sutherland

  2,562

  East Lothian

  20,393

  Edinburgh City

  139,436

  Midlothian

  16,470

  West Lothian

  36,791

  Argyll and Bute

  19,817

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  5,126

  Clydebank

  18,043

  Clydesdale

  12,766

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  8,336

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  13,200

  Cunninghame

  34,172

  Dumbarton

  21,627

  East Kilbride

  10,356

  Eastwood

  6,181

  Glasgow City

  386,262

  Hamilton

  31,321

  Inverclyde

  34,927

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  24,204

  Kyle and Carrick

  28,673

  Monklands

  36,724

  Motherwell

  53,079

  Renfrew

  58,784

  Strathkelvin

  16,824

  Angus

  20,222

  Dundee City

  59,653

  Perth and Kinross

  24,519

  Total districts

  1,496,536

  Scotland

  4,918,900

  Scottish Development Agency
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet the chairman of the Scottish Development Agency to discuss its programme.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans for such a meeting, though he is in regular contact with the agency over its programmes.

  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the chief executive of the Scottish Development Agency; and which subjects were discussed.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend met the agency board, including the chief executive, on 22 May and discussed a range of issues of mutual interest.

  Lockerbie Air Crash
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made by the police with the murder inquiry following the Lockerbie air disaster; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Rifkind
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, to whom Dumfries and Galloway constabulary report, is satisfied that encouraging progress has been made with the Lockerbie inquiry. This has been achieved by painstaking and meticulous detective work, remarkable forensic scientific examination and unprecedented international co-operation. While no sufficient evidence is at present available to justify the commencement of criminal proceedings in Scotland against any particular person or persons, my noble and learned Friend remains confident that further progress will be made towards the goal of bringing the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice.

  Kelvin Central plc
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his plans for Kelvin Central plc.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State will shortly be publishing a disposal programme which will set out the basis on which the subsidiaries of the Scottish Bus Group will be sold. The first companies are expected to be advertised for sale around the end of this year. It is not, however, possible at this stage to say when Kelvin Central Buses will be offered for sale.

  NHS Statistics
  Sir Nicholas Fairbairn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what improvements in nurse numbers, doctors' numbers and operations completed have been made in the National Health Service in Scotland since 1979.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Since this Government came to office the whole-time equivalent number of qualified nurses in the NHS in Scotland has increased by 7,000, from 26,930 to 33,932. The whole-time equivalent number of doctors has increased by 826, from 8,863 to 9,689, over the same period. The number of operations performed has increased by 177,400, from 315,500 to 492,900, an increase of 56 per cent.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Angus district council on the implementation of the community charge.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend has received no such representations from Angus district council.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department intends to recalculate poll tax rebates, in the light of entitlement to relief under the transitional poll tax scheme.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 14 November 1989]: Relief will be calculated on the basis of

  353
  peoples' liabilities before any reduction by community charge rebate. The administrative implications of this are under discussion with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

  Mr Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the number of people in Scotland who are in arrears with their poll tax payments.

  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how current payment levels under the community charge compare to payment levels under the old domestic rating system at a similar point in the last financial year.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Local authorities have reported good progress in the collection of the community charge with up to 96 per cent. of payers having paid in some areas. This is encouraging given that the community charge is a new tax and the number of people liable to pay is much larger than for domestic rates. It is of course difficult to draw precise comparisons with the collection of domestic rates, but it does appear that the pace at which community charge income is coming through to local authorities is broadly similar to the pace at which domestic rate income came through last year.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Allen Adams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make moneys available to the appropriate authorities to research into the causes of the recent outbreak of mad cow disease.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Government are currently funding extensive programmes of research into bovine spongiform encephalopathy, including studies into the epidemiology of the disease; transmission to offspring of affected animals and to other species; molecular biological and genetic aspects; clinico-pathology and embryo transfer.

  The cost of the programme this year, which is being met by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, is estimated to be over £2 million and some of this work is being carried out at the neuropathogenesis unit in Edinburgh in collaboration with the Ministry's central veterinary laboratory. There is no requirement for additional moneys to be provided by Scottish Office Departments.

  Electricity Boards
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the chairmen of the Scottish electricity boards; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met with representatives from the South of Scotland electricity board and the North of Scotland Hydro-Electricity Board; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend last met the chairmen of the Scottish electricity boards on 8 November when a number of issues relating to privatisation of the industry were discussed, including the matters referred to in his statement to the House the following day.

  Rents to Mortgages Scheme
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people will be eligible for the new rents to mortgages scheme.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Eligibility to purchase under the new rents to mortgages scheme is dependent upon a number of factors, specific to the individual concerned, details of which are not held centrally. However, from the information which is available, I estimate presently that up to 50,000 people could be eligible.

  Maternity Services
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what future provision is planned for maternity services for people living in the east end of Glasgow for the 1990s; which hospital it is proposed that they attend; where the expert medical advisers recommended; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Greater Glasgow health board has issued a consultation document following a review of its maternity services strategy. The review involved a range of professional staff and the board stated its preferred option for the future, taking account of a range of factors, including the views of the staff, as the provision of two new units at Yorkhill and Stobhill. The board will take a final decision following the consultation period and then submit its proposals to the Secretary of State for approval. In reaching a decision as to the best provision of maternity services for the women of Glasgow my right hon. and learned Friend will carefully consider all views, including medical ones.

  New Motherwell Hospital
  Dr. Bray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received from the Lanarkshire health board for a new district general hospital in the Motherwell district.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  On 3 November Lanarkshire health board issued a consultative document on its acute services strategy. The options include establishing a new district general hospital in the Motherwell district. The board will not finally decide before the end of the consultation period on its preferred option, which will then be submitted to my right hon. and learned Friend for consideration.

  Local Enterprise Companies
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on plans to form local enterprise companies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  Groups of business people are coming forward in all parts of Scotland with the support of their local communities, and I am very encouraged by their enthusiasm. Six applications for funding to meet the costs of developing local enterprise companies have now been received, and more are in preparation.

  Scottish Assembly
  Mr. Irvine
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the business community about the effects of a tax-raising Scottish assembly on Scottish industry.

  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the business community about the effects of a tax-raising assembly on Scottish industry.

  Mr. Rifkind
  No such representations have been received recently. I am aware, however, of the concern expressed by top companies in Scotland that the introduction of a Scottish Assembly would inevitably result in higher taxes, which would not be to Scotland's benefit.

  Economic Growth
  Mr. Oppenheim
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the rate of economic growth for Scotland for the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Lang
  The latest output—based estimates of Scotland's gross domestic product show that in 1987 the Scottish economy grew by 2·4 per cent.

  Labour Statistics
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those constituences in Scotland where unemployment is above the British national average.

  Mr. Lang
  The information requested is not available since unemployment rates are not calculated for parliamentary constituencies.

  Fishing and Agriculture (Employment)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide projections for employment prospects in the fishing and agriculture sectors of the Scottish economy from the present time until 1999.

  Mr. Lang
  Projections are not made for either the agriculture or fishing sectors. Continuing the contraction which has persisted throughout the post-war period, the number of workers, excluding occupiers and spouses, employed on agricultural holdings as recorded in the main June agricultural census has fallen by about 3 per cent. per year over the past 10 years to 28,000 in 1989. Employment in sea fishing has remained broadly steady at about 8,000 over the period.

  Laboratory Services
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on health boards that seek to privatise laboratory services.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I am not aware of any proposals to privatise laboratory services, but health boards are encouraged to strive to ensure the highest quality of services in the interests of patient care.

  Health Councils
  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the future of health councils.
  356
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I am currently considering this carefully and hope to make an announcement once I have had an opportunity to discuss the matter with health board chairmen.

  NHS Competitive Tendering
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement concerning competitive tendering in the National Health Service in Scotland.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of his plans for competitive tendering in the Health Service in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Health boards have made significant progress. By the end of October 140 contracts, largely for domestic and catering services, had been awarded and these are expected to release savings of more than £53 million over the periods of the contracts for reinvestment in direct patient care. Of the 140 contracts awarded, 110 (nearly 80 per cent.) have been won by the in-house teams. These account for more than £36 million (nearly 68 per cent.) of the savings released. The total savings released could buy over 8,400 kidney dialysis machines or pay for 18,000 hip replacement operations or about 4,750 heart by-pass operations.

  Mr. David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what extra resources will be available as a result of competitive tendering in the Scottish Health Service over the next three to four years.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The contracts awarded before the end of October are expected to release savings of more than £53 million over the periods of the contracts for reinvestment in direct patient care. These savings could buy over 8,400 kidney dialysis machines or pay for 18,000 hip replacement operations or about 4,750 heart by-pass operations.

  Under-fives
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve the nursery and general child care facilities for under-fives in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  Since 1979 the numbers of children under five attending local authority nursery schools or classes have increased by 28 per cent. to 41,000 and child care places have increased by 32 per cent. to 63,600.

  In addition to providing revenue support grant for local authority nursery education and child care facilities, the Government assist voluntary organisations and local groups concerned with child care through the urban programme and through grants provided under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.

  Employers are showing increasing interest in providing child care facilities and the Government are strongly encouraging them to make use of available tax reliefs.

  GPs' Contracts
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will convene a meeting with health councils in Scotland and the British Medical Association to discuss the reasons which have led his Department to impose a contract on Scottish general practitioners.
  357
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No.

  Hospital Developments
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many major hospital developments in Scotland have been completed since 1979.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Since 1979, 63 major hospital developments costing over £1 million each have been completed providing 6,933 new hospital beds and 521 day places.

  Education (Parental Views)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the recent survey carried out by the Scottish Education Department into parental views on schools' education in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  The survey was carried out by the MVA Consultancy and Jordanhill college of education. The main findings of the survey are summarised in the report "Talking about Schools" which was published on 16 October. A copy has been lodged in the House of Commons Library.

  The survey was commissioned to support policy-making, policy evaluation and development.

  The findings indicate that parents were supportive of schools; welcomed the opportunity to be involved; were in favour of testing in key subjects in primary schools; and that the vast majority of parents thought that it is a good thing to have a choice of school for their children.

  The summary report should be of particular interest to school boards.

  Investment
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on how much inward investment has been obtained for the years 1978 and 1988, or the latest available figures.

  Mr. Lang
  Figures prior to the establishment of Locate in Scotland in 1981, are not available.

  In the year 1981–82, companies committed to 32 inward investment projects associated with the expected safeguarding or creation of 7,000 jobs and involving planned capital expenditure of £234 million.

  During 1988–89, companies committed to 55 projects, associated with the expected creation and safeguarding of 7,089 jobs and involving planned capital expenditure of £437 million.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of the total number of properties in Glasgow owned by the local authority or by Scottish Homes have been bought by their tenants.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Between April 1979 and June 1989 approximately 8·5 per cent. of the stock owned by the local authority or by Scottish Homes in Glasgow has been sold.

  Tourism
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what is the Scottish Development Agency budget for tourist-associated development for 1990–91.
  358
  Mr. Lang
  This information will not be available until after my right hon. and learned Friend has announced the agency's budget for 1990–91. I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Law Centres
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to establish new law centres in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No.

  Proportional Representation
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received any recent representations from the campaign for a Scottish Assembly on proportional representation.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No.

  Ferry Services
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his officials have held any recent discussions with Mr. Colin Paterson, chief executive of Caledonian MacBrayne, concerning passenger ferry services; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Regular and frequent discussions take place between officials of the Scottish Development Department and the chief executive of Caledonian MacBrayne reflecting the Government's commitment to the provision of the ferry services which are so vital to island communities.

  Forth Crossing
  Mr. Harry Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the proposal made to him by the Forth bridge joint board regarding a second estuarial crossing.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish Development Department has been aware for some time now of the increasing volume of traffic using the existing Forth bridge. Consequently the need for a second estuarial crossing of the River Forth will be addressed in the trunk and key principal road network review study.

  The commission for the study will be awarded this month and the final report will be required in 18 months time.

  Health Boards (Partnerships)
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if health boards in Scotland have any plans to build developments in partnership with the private sector of the kind already established in certain English health authorities.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Greater Glasgow health board has submitted proposals to provide health care for the elderly in partnership with the private sector and a number of other health boards are considering this type of partnership development.

  Lowland Airports
  Mr. McKelvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on Scottish lowland airports policy.
  359
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend is now receiving copies of responses to the consultative document on Scottish lowland airports policy issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. The consultation exercise ends on 29 November and submissions received will be taken fully into account in the review now in progress.

  Hospices
  Mr. Conway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision his Department is making for the hospice movement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan) on 14 November 1989.

  School Boards
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will meet with the directors of education of local authorities in Scotland to discuss the progress of school boards.

  Mr. Lang
  My right hon. and learned Friend addressed the annual conference of the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland on 27 October. He made it clear that we regard progress with the implementation of school boards as very satisfactory.

  Forestry Taxation
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give a progress report on the forestry and farm woodland schemes since the changes to the forestry taxation.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The forestry taxation changes were announced on 15 March 1988, the associated woodland grant scheme was opened to applications on 21 June 1988 and the farm woodland scheme was introduced on 1 October 1988.

  By 30 September 1989, the Forestry Commission had received applications for entry to the woodland grant scheme which covered nearly 50,000 hectares of prospective new planting. In the first full planting season after the 1988 Budget—that is, for the year to 30 September 1989—13,468 hectares of new planting were grant-aided by the Commission, including 6,984 hectares under the woodland grant scheme.

  During the year ended 30 September 1989, the farm woodland scheme attracted applications covering over 7,600 hectares of proposed planting, and grant had been paid on 1,825 hectares.

  Scottish Enterprise
  Mr. Summerson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what response he has received from the business community in Scotland to the establishment of Scottish Enterprise.

  Mr. Lang
  There has been an enthusiastic and broad-based response to our proposals, which aim to integrate economic development, training and environmental renewal to form a Scottish solution to Scottish needs. To date six groups, led by senior business people, have applied for funding to meet the costs of developing 360
  local enterprise companies. The actual establishment of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise will require legislation, for which we shall seek an early opportunity.

  Scottish Farmers' Union
  Mr. Andy Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the president of the Scottish Farmers' Union; and what they discussed.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro) on 18 October at columns 129–30.

  Nurses
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many nurses there were in Scotland in 1979; what was their average salary; and what were the comparable figures for the most recent period.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  At April 1979 there were 65,439 nursing staff in the National Health Service in Scotland and average earnings including allowances were £67·80 per week. At April 1989 staff numbered 74,829, an increase of 9,390, and average earnings were £220·00 per week. The increase in real terms in basic pay over the period was 43 per cent.

  Procurator Fiscal
  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Lord Advocate last met the procurator fiscal; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate last met the procurator fiscal, Edinburgh along with other senior procurators fiscal on 1 November 1989.

  Enterprise Trusts
  Mr. Younger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the progress being made in setting up enterprise trusts.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The Government welcome the valuable contribution being made by the growing network of local enterprise trusts to the development of small businesses in Scotland. There are now 45 approved trusts operating under the aegis of Scottish Business in the Community (SCOTBIC). The "Annual Review 1988–89" recently published by SCOTBIC and the Scottish Development Agency shows that, during the period of the review, 44 trusts helped 3,900 start-up businesses and 5,700 existing businesses. The total number of jobs in the new businesses helped was 3,900 and the same number of existing jobs was supported or saved.

  Oilseed Rape
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take any steps to encourage the breeding and production of varieties of oilseed rape which minimise the dispersal of pollen and other airborne material into the atmosphere.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  If it were shown conclusively that existing varieties of oilseed rape caused
  361
  serious problems for human health we would consider what measures were necessary to tackle the problem. The breeding of varieties with specific properties could be one such measure.

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what conclusions his Department has reached on the results of the oilseed rape research project funded by Angus district council and Ninewells hospital on the relationship between oilseed rape crop and allergies, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what research or investigation his Department has made into the health problems connected with the oilseed rape crop; what finance has been allocated to such projects; and what plans he has to develop further the recent research financed by Angus district council and Ninewells hospital.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I received on 25 October a copy of the report of a project undertaken by Mr. Cameron, Dr. Parratt and Dr. Macfarlane-Smith. I am arranging for the report to be evaluated.

  The Scottish Home and Health Department is currently considering an application for funding research relating to the alleged health problems connected with the oilseed rape crop.

  Pollen from many plants, grasses and trees are known to produce allergenic symptoms and the relative importance of oilseed rape pollen as an allergen has still to be determined.

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research his Department is undertaking or commissioning into developing less allergy-inducing strains of oilseed rape.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland is not engaged in, and has not so far commissioned, such research. The priority to be given to any proposals for adding work in this area to the Department's programme of commissioned research and development would depend on a number of factors, including the extent to which the claimed adverse effects of oilseed rape on human health had been confirmed.

  Firework Display (Lennox Castle)
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to the cost of the firework extravaganza at Lennox castle on 5 November, sponsored by the Greater Glasgow health board.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I understand from Greater Glasgow health board that an allocation was made at the beginning of the year from the board's endowment funds to improve patients' amenities at Lennox Castle hospital. Part of this allocation, £880, was used to stage a fireworks display at the hospital on Sunday 5 November. In line with the board's policy of involving the local community in the life of the hospital, members of the public were invited to attend.

  Licensing Law
  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received recent representations from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association about proposed changes in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The views expressed by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association during the consultative review of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 were taken into account in the proposed changes in Scottish liquor licensing law described in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Tayside, North (Mr. Walker) on 19 May at c.343–44.

  Housing
  Mr. Ron Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total financial subsidy granted by the Scottish Development Agency to Barratt for its housing development at Dunedin way, West Pilton, Edinburgh; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  The amount of Scottish Development Agency support for the Barratt project at Dunedin way, West Pilton, is a commercial matter between the agency and Barratt Homes Scotland and I am therefore unable to provide the hon. Member with this information.

  Poisoned Birds, Islay
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Caerphilly of 1 November,Official Report, column 219, on which estates or properties on Islay the illegally poisoned birds were found; and whether any prosecutions resulted.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information with regard to the location of the birds is given in the table. No prosecutions have resulted.

  Location

  1979

  Gyr Falcon

  Islay Estates

  1981

  Buzzard

  Ardmore Estate

  1982

  Golden Eagle

  Islay Estates Dunlossit

  1983

  Crow

  Estate

  1986

  Buzzard

  Islay Estates

  1987

  Buzzard

  Islay Estates

  Crows (5)

  Islay Estates

  1988

  Buzzard

  Foreland Estate

  Raven

  Islay Estates

  Golden Eagles (2)

  Islay Estates

  1989

  Raven

  Islay Estates

  Buzzard

  Islay Estates

  Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ask the Greater Glasgow health board to publish bacteria levels recorded from samples taken at Victoria infirmary, Glasgow.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No. This is an operational matter for Greater Glasgow health board. I understand that shortcomings in cleaning standards at the Victoria Infirmary, which were identified as a result of stringent monitoring of standards, have now been rectified.

  Heart Transplant Service
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for establishing a heart transplant service in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I am currently giving this matter consideration.

  NHS Expenditure
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what was the actual amount of expenditure on the National Health Service in Scotland each year from 1959 until the present(a) in cash and (b) adjusted for inflation;

  (2) what was the spending on the National Health Service in Scotland each year from 1959 until the present adjusted for inflation in the National Health Service in Scotland.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Information is readily available only from 1974–75 and this is set out in the following table:

  Total National Health Service expenditure

  (a) £ million cash

  (b) Adjusted by the GDP deflator to 1988–89 prices

  1974–75

  458

  1,802

  1975–76

  603

  1,890

  1976–77

  685

  1,895

  1977–78

  777

  1,890

  1978–79

  893

  1,959

  1979–80

  1,064

  2,001

  1980–81

  1,343

  2,130

  1981–82

  1,531

  2,213

  1982–83

  1,660

  2,241

  1983–84

  1,773

  2,288

  1984–85

  1,901

  2,337

  1985–86

  2,015

  2,348

  1986–87

  2,144

  2,421

  1987–88

  2,328

  2,498

  1988–89

  2,571

  2,571

  1989–901

  2,815

  2,668

  1 Projected outturn.

  Drinking Water
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland for how long the derogations for aluminium granted under article 20 of the European Commission drinking water directive are; and in each case when they are due to expire.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Applications for delay under article 20 of the directive were made in 1985. Those still remaining and which relate to aluminium are due to expire as follows:

  Number

  1990

  6

  1991

  5

  1992

  11

  1993

  8

  1994

  2

  1995–96

  12

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the water supply areas along with the 364
  size of population they serve, in Scotland, which failed, at any time in the last 12 months, to meet the European Commission standard of 200 microgrammes per litre for aluminium and whether they are covered by a derogation under article 20 of the European Commission drinking water directive.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Available details of water supplies which may currently fail to meet the EC standard for aluminium are given in the table, which shows populations served and identifies supplies which are the subject of application for delay under article 20 of the directive. Supplies not so identified exceed the standard only occasionally.

  Region and Supply

  Area served

  Population served

  Borders

  Wanton Walls1

  Parts of Central

  6,000

  Alemoor1

  Borders

  20,000

  Knowesdean

  15,000

  Central

  Longhill1

  Falkirk

  23,000

  Sauchie1

  Cowie, Plean, part Stirling

  20,000

  Woodburn1

  Kirkintilloch

  25,000

  Blaefaulds

  Falkirk, Larbert

  36,000

  Sunnylaw

  Bridge of Allan

  6,000

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Areeming1

  Springholm

  2,600

  New Abbey1

  South West Nithsdale

  1,600

  Killylour1

  Part Dumfries

  31,000

  Winterhope1

  South East Annandale, Eskdale

  6,500

  Penwhirn

  Wigtown District

  15,700

  Auchneel

  Stranraer

  10,000

  Carsphairn

  Carsphairn

  200

  Lochinvar

  Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie

  10,600

  Lochfoot

  ICI Drungans

  —

  Black Esk

  West Annandale, Eskdale

  25,600

  Euchan

  Kirkconnel, Kelloholm

  4,000

  Kettleton

  Central Nithsdale

  12,000

  Wanlockhead

  Wanlockhead

  100

  Grampian

  Herricks1

  Keith

  4,300

  Rochomie1

  Buckie

  5,500

  Glenlatterach

  Elgin area

  28,600

  Newbigging

  Inverurie

  15,000

  Turriff

  REgional supply

  25,000

  Bogensourie

  Fraserburgh

  6,500

  Craighead

  Huntly

  4,500

  Glendye

  North Kincardine

  —

  Black Hills

  Lossiemouth

  6,300

  Mannofield

  Aberdeen

  62,000

  Highland

  Wick1

  Wick

  8,000

  Bonar Bridge

  Bonar Bridge, Ardgay

  1,200

  Carrbridge

  Carrbridge

  450

  Corpach

  Corpach, Annat

  4,650

  Culrain

  Culrain

  90

  Garve

  Garve

  200

  Roskhill

  Roskhill, Dunvegan

  510

  Strathnairn

  Strathnairn

  180

  Lothian

  Fairmilehead

  Part Edinburgh

  225,000

  Hopes

  East Lothian

  11,500

  Pateshill

  West Lothian

  42,400

  Rosebery

  East Midlothian

  54,100

  Whittinghame

  East Lothian

  13,600

  365

  Region and Supply

  Area served

  Population served

  Strathclyde

  Afton1

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  39,900

  Staneley1

  Paisley area

  37,000

  Whinhill1

  Greenock

  17,100

  Bradan1

  Ayr, Troon, Irvine

  94,300

  Greenhead1

  Irvine, Kilwinning

  18,800

  Muirdykes1

  Paisley, Johnstone

  60,000

  Overton1

  Gourock, Greenock

  11,400

  Daer

  Clydesdale and Motherwell Districts

  237,000

  Amlaird1

  Kilmarnock

  14,600

  Penwhapple1

  Girvan area

  1,100

  Picketlaw

  Eaglesham, Newton Mearns, etc.

  13,700

  Dougiehill1

  Port Glasgow

  8,300

  Prospecthill1

  Greenock

  7,400

  South Moorhouse1

  Caldcoats, Newton Mearns

  27,800

  Aucha Lochy

  Campbeltown

  7,300

  Crosbie1

  West Kilbride

  1,400

  Ardrishaig1

  Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead

  3,780

  Pundeavon1

  Dunlop, Lugton, etc.

  2,800

  Cochno

  Clydebank, Dalmuir

  16,500

  Larkfield1

  Gourock

  2,200

  Spallander1

  Kyle and Carrick

  13,000

  Tarbert1

  Tarbert

  1,340

  Kelly1

  Inverkip, Wemyss Bay

  1,390

  Torra1

  Bowmore, Port Ellen

  2,000

  Tighnabruaich1

  Tighnabruaich

  800

  Tobermory1

  Tobermory

  680

  Dhu Loch1

  Rothesay, Bannatyne

  3,000

  Inveraray1

  Inveraray

  450

  Furnace1

  Furnace

  380

  Port Charlotte1

  Port Charlotte

  210

  Carradale1

  Carradale

  480

  Muasdale1

  Muasdale

  150

  Garshake1

  Dumbarton

  25,000

  Clachan1

  Clachan

  150

  Kaim

  Bridge of Weir, Lochwinnoch

  12,900

  Strachur

  Strachur

  500

  Skelmorlie1

  Skelmorlie

  1,300

  Corsehouse; Camphill

  Stewarton; North Ayrshire

  32,000

  Neilston

  Neilston, Barrhead

  3,600

  Burncrooks

  Clydebank, Bearsden

  13,800

  Maukinhill1

  Greenock

  5,400

  Loch Eck

  Kilmun Inellan

  10,600

  Orkney

  Kirbister

  Orkney South Mainland

  5,000

  Wideford

  Kirkwall

  4,400

  Boardhouse

  Orkney North Mainland

  2,300

  Shetland

  Aith

  Aith, Clousta, Bixter

  550

  Burra

  Burra

  840

  Cullivoe

  North Yell

  350

  Quarff

  Gulberwick, Quarff

  360

  Sandness

  Sandness

  200

  Walls

  Walls

  600

  1 Supplies are the subject of applications under article 20.

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the water supply areas along with the size of population they serve, in Scotland, which fail to meet the revised action limit for lead in drimking water of 50 microgrammes per litre, and those which do not appear on the Scottish Office lead identification survey which was presented to the European Commission in December 1987 366
  and the date by which all these areas will comply with 50 microgrammes per litre standard, based on a 100 per cent. compliance with the standard.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Regulations on the quality of drinking water, to be made shortly under the Water (Scotland) Act 1980 as amended by the Water Act 1989, will specify the new standard of 50 microgrammes per litre for lead in all samples of drinking water. Information on any water supply areas which fail to meet this new standard will not be available until water authorities have undertaken the monitoring which will also be required under the regulations.

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the role of his Department in ensuring that the European Commission standards for drinking water quality in Scotland are established and maintained.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The role of the Scottish Office is to set up the appropriate regulatory framework to enable directives to be applied; to ensure that appropriate resources are available; to maintain contact with the European Commission; and to provide advice and guidance on the implementation of directives.

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when each water supply area which fails to meet the European Commission limit for aluminium will comply with the maximum admissible concentration laid down in the drinking water directive.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Programmes for full compliance with the aluminium standard are under discussion with water authorities. All supplies are expected to comply by early 1996.

  Smoking-related Diseases
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the amount of staff time lost in the National Health Service in Scotland as a result of smoking-related diseases; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No information is available centrally on which such an estimate could be based.

  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to take active steps to protect non-smoking employees of his Department against the effects of passive smoking; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Malcolm Rifkind
  The policy of my Department is currently under review. The review process has incorporated a comprehensive survey of smoking habits and attitudes of staff, conducted late in 1988.

  Housing Agencies
  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what engagements the Minister responsible for housing has with housing agencies before Christmas.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I have frequent meetings and visits with housing agencies of various kinds, and since being appointed has visited 33 district councils to see and to discuss housing matters.

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new housing associations and co-operatives are expected to be formed over the next two years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The registration of new housing associations and co-operatives is a matter for Scottish Homes. However, I understand that Scottish Homes expects that between 20 and 40 new associations and co-operatives will be formed over the next two years. The decision to apply for registration by Scottish Homes rests with the bodies themselves and therefore precise estimates of numbers and timing of registration are not possible.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate the average level of housing association grant which is intended during the current year and for 1990–91 in Scotland; and what are the highest and lowest percentages of housing association grant agreed for any developments respectively, approved to date.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No average level of housing association grant is intended. Scottish Homes has been set an increased output target in terms of the number of houses supplied per £ million of public finance (after allowing for inflation), for the current year of 15 per cent. and for 1990–91, of 17½ per cent.

  The target was set in this way to allow Scottish Homes to operate the new financial regime flexibly. It can be achieved by a combination of factors including the introduction of private finance and increasing efficiency. Accordingly, I have no information of the percentages of housing association grant agreed to date.

  Scottish Homes
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown of spending allocations to the various districts of Scottish Homes in the current year.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In agreeing Scottish Homes' programme for any year, my right hon. and learned Friend considers the amount which Scottish Homes proposes be spent on particular functions, for example, in providing housing by housing associations. The allocation of funds to particular areas is then a matter for Scottish Homes.

  Capital Receipts
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what level of capital receipts from sales he expects in 1990–91 from local authority, new towns and Scottish Homes stock.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Estimates of capital receipts from sales of local authority, new towns and Scottish Homes stock are taken into account in the public expenditure survey decisions which will be announced by my right hon. and learned Friend in early December.

  Prestwick Airport
  Mr. Lambie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what further plans he has concerning the upgrading of transport links to Prestwick airport.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend has already announced improvements in 368
  road links to Ayrshire and these will proceed. Appraisals are also under way of various options for providing direct rail services to and from Prestwick airport.

  Right to Buy
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the action of district councils in restricting the statutory rights of council house tenants to buy their home.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish Development Department receives numerous representations about the right-to-buy provisions. Some of these contain allegations that some councils are in breach of statutory requirements, for example the duty to respond to an application to purchase within two months.

  I am also aware of the city of Glasgow district council's practice of requiring certain of its tenants, before their houses are improved, to sign an undertaking not to exercise their statutory right to buy, or if they do so, that they will repay to the council a proportion of the costs of the improvements. This matter was the subject of a local inquiry in June 1988 following which my right hon. and learned Friend made an order declaring the council to be in default of its statutory duties. Following an intimation by the council that it did not accept that it was in default, the Court of Session was petitioned for an order of specific performance by the council. The court's opinion was issued on 20 October, granting the petition and allowing Glasgow district council 12 weeks within which to complete the steps to remedy the default.

  Nature Conservancy Council
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to place in the Library copies of the responses to his proposals relating to the Nature Conservancy Council.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 13 November 1989]: As is standard practice with consultation exercises, a public file of responses is available for inspection. The public file on the SDD consultation paper, "Scotland's Natural Heritage", is available in St. Andrew's house library, Edinburgh. The file contains all responses except those submitted in confidence. I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the House of Commons Library and shall advise the hon. Member when it is available.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 8 November, what assessment he has made of(a) the time in man hours and (b) the cost of producing the breakdown of responses relating to those for and against Nature Conservancy Council proposals.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 13 November 1989]: None. I must emphasise that the Scottish Development Department's consultation paper sought views only on the proposal to create a Scottish natural heritage agency. It is not possible, nor would it be meaningful, to attempt to identify respondents' views on the question posed by the hon. Member.

  Protected Birds
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider new measures to prevent continuing persecution of species of protected birds, with particular reference to the golden eagle.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 30 October 1989]: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides a comprehensive statutory framework for the protection of wild birds and their habitats, and contains additional provisions to safeguard rare and vulnerable species, including the golden eagle.

  The Nature Conservancy Council is presently reviewing the effectiveness of the legislation and expects to report next year. We shall consider its report and any recommendations for change most carefully.

  Building Safety
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps and what research his Department has taken to encourage safety in the Scottish building industry.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I have been asked to reply.
  370
  We will shortly be making the wearing of safety helmets on construction sites compulsory. The Health and Safety Commission has recently published a consultative document setting out proposals for new regulations to strengthen the management of health and safety on construction sites and the Health and Safety Executive's inspectors will be paying more attention to the quality of site management and levels of training and supervision. For the last two years we have met the HSC's requests for resources in full which has allowed real growth in their activities. For example, this includes increasing the number of HSE inspectors devoted to construction by 10 per cent. since 1988 and sponsoring research both within HSE and externally.

  Each year the HSE's research and laboratory services division (RLSD) devotes resources to research into safety topics of relevance to the building industry. Information on all such projects is included in the Health and Safety Executive's programme of research and related services, a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library. In addition to sponsoring research, the HSE also provides specialist input and advice to a number of construction-related research projects.

  VAT TRIBUNAL CHAIRMEN: SALARY
  VAT TRIBUNAL CHAIRMEN: SALARY
  EDUCATION: LOCAL MANAGEMENT SCHEME APPROVALS
  EDUCATION: LOCAL MANAGEMENT SCHEME APPROVALS
  AIDS: HETEROSEXUAL CASES
  AIDS: HETEROSEXUAL CASES
  NORTHERN IRELAND: LEGISLATION BY ORDER IN COUNCIL
  NORTHERN IRELAND: LEGISLATION BY ORDER IN COUNCIL
  NORTHERN IRELAND: LEGISLATION BY PUBLIC BILL
  NORTHERN IRELAND: LEGISLATION BY PUBLIC BILL
  NUCLEAR WEAPONS: UK PRODUCTION
  NUCLEAR WEAPONS: UK PRODUCTION
  PRISON DESIGN: ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED
  PRISON DESIGN: ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED
  EC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA GRANT APPLICATION
  EC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA GRANT APPLICATION
  FARMERS' AND GROWERS' CO-OPERATIVES
  FARMERS' AND GROWERS' CO-OPERATIVES
  AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVES: PROMOTION
  AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVES: PROMOTION
  FOOD FROM BRITAIN: SUPPORT FOR PRIMARY PRODUCERS
  FOOD FROM BRITAIN: SUPPORT FOR PRIMARY PRODUCERS
  ECOFIN COUNCIL MEETING, 13th NOVEMBER 1989
  ECOFIN COUNCIL MEETING, 13th NOVEMBER 1989
  CUSTOMS AND EXCISE: RELOCATION OF HEADQUARTERS WORK
  CUSTOMS AND EXCISE: RELOCATION OF HEADQUARTERS WORK
  POLAND: DEBT REPAYMENT
  POLAND: DEBT REPAYMENT
  SENEGAL/MAURITANIA DISPUTE
  SENEGAL/MAURITANIA DISPUTE
  POPULATION: IPU CONFERENCE RESOLUTION
  POPULATION: IPU CONFERENCE RESOLUTION
  DR. JAN CARNOGORSKY
  DR. JAN CARNOGORSKY
  FYLINGDALES RADAR STATION: MODERNISATION
  FYLINGDALES RADAR STATION: MODERNISATION
  TERRORISTS: "KIDNAPPING"
  TERRORISTS: "KIDNAPPING"
  HOMELESSNESS LEGISLATION: REVIEW
  HOMELESSNESS LEGISLATION: REVIEW
  FOOTBALL CLUB SEATING: FUNDING
  FOOTBALL CLUB SEATING: FUNDING
  KENSINGTON GARDENS: GATE REPAIRS
  KENSINGTON GARDENS: GATE REPAIRS
  RURAL ROADS: RECLASSIFICATION
  RURAL ROADS: RECLASSIFICATION
  MR. SALMAN RUSHDIE
  MR. SALMAN RUSHDIE
  SEVERN TIDAL BARRAGE
  SEVERN TIDAL BARRAGE
  EC GRANTS: ADVICE ON APPLICATIONS
  EC GRANTS: ADVICE ON APPLICATIONS
  EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND: PRIVATE SECTOR ELIGIBILITY
  EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND: PRIVATE SECTOR ELIGIBILITY