Written Answers of 26 April 1991

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prisoners in Police Cells
  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on prisoners in police cells in Greater Manchester and surrounding areas; what is the number of convicted and remand prisoners held in cells and the number of places available in prisons, which are not available due to industrial action; and when it is expected police cells will be free of such prisoners.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  On 25 April there were 444 prisoners in police cells as a result of the loss of accommodation at Manchester prison following the disturbance last year. Prison Service management is giving priority to the resolution of this problem, but is constrained by the availability of accommodation and by the policy of the Prison Officers' Association not to accept into local prisons and remand centres inmates from outside the catchment areas of those establishments. Of the 444, 101 are adult remand prisoners, and this element of the population can be removed from police cells when further refurbished accommodation in Manchester becomes available this summer.

  I have been especially concerned at the numbers of young men on remand held in police cells. There were 55 on 25 April. The principal difficulty in respect of such inmates is the limited capacity of Hindley remand centre. Prison Service management has been working to transfer some young men awaiting trial to Stoke Heath remand centre to create space for those on remand. The Stoke Heath branch of the Prison Officers' Association was initially unwilling to agree that the establishment should accept prisoners awaiting trial, but I am glad to be able to tell the hon. Member that management has reached agreement with the union branch and that trial prisoners should begin to be transferred from 7 May. This means that young men on remand should be cleared from police cells over the next few weeks.

  Prison Service management is seeking to transfer convicted inmates in police cells to training prison accommodation. While most of the training prison estate is being operated at a very high level of occupancy, new accommodation is available at Full Sutton—192 places—and Acklington—152 places. This accommodation could be used to relieve other northern establishments so as to provide space within the prison system both for adult sentenced inmates, of whom there were 149 in police cells on 25 April, and for convicted persons awaiting sentence, of whom there were 98 in police cells. I very much regret that the local POA branches at these establishments have so far refused to allow this accommodation to be used. As a result, convicted prisoners are being held unnecessarily in
  560
  police cells. If these places could be brought into use, and the spaces created at northern local prisons, the use of police cells could be substantially reduced immediately.

  My right hon. Friend and I are most grateful to the Greater Manchester police and to other police forces for the way that they have coped with the burden placed on them by the Prison Service's recourse to police cells. Prison Service management remains committed to removing that burden in the shortest possible time.

  Public Servants (Death)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions apply to the disclosure of the method of murder or suicide by police officers or other public servants before an inquest or court case.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Apart from the sub judice rule, there are no legal restrictions on the amount of information about a homicide or suicide which police officers or other public servants can disclose, but they will not want to publicise details which may be of potential use in an investigation and as evidence against a suspect. It is for the courts to decide on the actual cause of death.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to the percentage of(a) police personnel and (b) police financial resources that are devoted in the Metropolitan area overall to (i) foot patrols, (ii) traffic regulation, (iii) parking regulation and (iv) diplomatic, royal and VIP protection.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I understand that the available information is as follows. Fourteen per cent. of available police man-days are devoted to foot patrols, including home beats and other street duties, 3·3 per cent. to protection duties and 3·5 per cent. to traffic and parking regulation combined.

  Twenty-six per cent. of Metropolitan Police current expenditure is devoted to patrol, which includes officers engaged on foot patrols, home beats, vehicle patrols, and dog handlers and mounted branch officers engaged on local patrol, 6·6 per cent. to traffic and parking regulation combined, which includes the work of the traffic warden service, and 3·4 per cent. to protection duties.

  Isle of Man (Human Rights)
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what indications he has given to the authorities in the Isle of Man of the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the steps to be taken by the Isle of Man to honour its obligations under the European convention of human rights in relation to the liberties of lesbians and gay men.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  We have made clear to the Isle of Man authorities that, in order to enable the United Kingdom to conform with its obligations under the convention, the island's legislation on homosexuality should be amended; that it is desirable that the Isle of Man should itself amend the legislation; but that, if necessary, the United Kingdom will legislate on the island's behalf.

  Prison Deaths
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all deaths that have occured in 1990 of persons detained in prison department establishments, stating, in each case, the age and sex of the inmates and cause of death, the inquest verdict, whether the inmate was sentenced or on remand, the establishment where the inmate was detained, and whether the death

  Deaths of inmates in Her Majesty's prison service custody in 1990

  Date

  Establishment

  Age

  Sex

  Status

  Cause of death

  Inquest verdict

  Location at time of death1

  6 January

  Durham

  20

  M

  S

  Hanging2

  Not yet held

  OL(SH)

  6 January

  Bristol

  22

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  10 January

  Lincoln

  46

  M

  R

  Suffocation

  Open

  PH(SI)

  14 January

  Winchester

  69

  M

  R

  Angina

  Natural

  PH(SI)

  22 January

  Liverpool

  47

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Open

  PH(SI)

  25 January

  Manchester

  37

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  10 February

  Reading

  35

  M

  S

  Brain haemorrhage

  Natural

  OH

  14 February

  Winchester

  19

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Open

  OL(SH)

  21 February

  Camp Hill

  24

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  22 February

  Bedford

  29

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SH)

  28 February

  Hindley

  18

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OH

  2 March

  Brixton

  29

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Open

  PH(SI)

  2 March

  Manchester

  37

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SH)

  3 March

  Pentonville

  34

  M

  R

  Asphyxiation

  Misadventure

  OL(SI)

  14 March

  Wakefield

  56

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Natural

  Yard

  16 March

  Durham

  27

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  23 March

  Bristol

  31

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  SEG(SI)

  29 March

  Coldingley

  24

  M

  S

  Unknown

  Accidental

  —3

  3 April

  Swansea

  25

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  SEG(OP)(SH)

  7 April

  Dartmoor

  27

  M

  S

  Fire

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  8 April

  Highpoint

  59

  M

  S

  Asphyxia

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  8 April

  Stocken

  35

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Natural

  OL(SI)

  11 April

  Wandsworth

  31

  M

  S

  Undetermined

  Open

  Recess

  15 April

  Wakefield

  49

  M

  S

  Heart failure

  Natural

  OL(SI)

  19 April

  Channings Wood

  61

  M

  S

  Carcinomatosis

  Natural

  OH

  23 April

  Wayland

  50

  M

  S

  Heart failure

  Natural

  OL(SI)

  26 April

  Wandworth

  27

  M

  R

  Meningitis

  Natural

  PH(SI)

  9 May

  Wellingborough

  54

  M

  S

  Heart failure

  Natural

  OL(SI)

  11 May

  Wakefield

  58

  M

  S

  Carcinoma bronchus

  Natural

  OH

  18 May

  Exeter

  31

  M

  R

  Coronary sclerosis

  Natural

  OL(SH)

  19 May

  Wormwood Scrubs

  25

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Misadventure

  OL(SH)

  19 May

  Ashwell

  61

  M

  S

  Cancer

  Natural

  OH

  20 May

  Acklington

  26

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  28 May

  Cardiff

  70

  M

  S

  Cancer

  Natural

  OH

  4 June

  Durham

  35

  F

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  20 June

  Liverpool

  54

  M

  S

  Cancer

  Natural

  OH

  22 June

  The Verne

  40

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Natural

  OL(SI)

  25 June

  Hindley

  18

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  SEG(GOAD)(SI)

  25 June

  Hindley

  18

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide in circumstances aggravated by lack of care

  SEG(GOAD)(SI)

  26 June

  Bedford

  27

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  PH(SI)

  7 July

  Wakefield

  52

  M

  S

  Cerebral oedema

  Open

  OH

  13 July

  Swansea

  15

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Open

  OH4

  18 July

  Long Lartin

  27

  M

  S

  Stab wound

  Not yet held

  OH

  20 July

  Wandsworth

  29

  M

  S

  Pneumonia

  Natural

  OH

  21 July

  Parkhurst

  55

  M

  S

  Lung cancer

  Natural

  OH

  25 July

  Lewes

  32

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  SEG(OP)(SI)

  29 July

  Standford Hill

  25

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Natural

  OL(SI)

  30 July

  Parkhurst

  43

  M

  S

  Drug overdose

  Accidental death

  SU(SI)

  1 August

  Parkhurst

  42

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Natural

  PH(SI)

  5 August

  Winchester

  41

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide in circumstances aggravated by lack of care

  OL(SI)

  12 August

  Wakefield

  31

  M

  S

  Unknown

  Natural

  OH

  562
  occurred there or in an outside hospital and for where the death occurred within the prison whether the inmate was segregated either on the hospital wing or in the punishment block.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The information is given in the table. Deaths occurred within the establishment unless otherwise indicated. None of the inmates located in the prison hospital at the time of death was segregated under rule 43 of the prison rules.
  563

  Date

  Establishment

  Age

  Sex

  Status

  Cause of death

  Inquest verdict

  Location at time of death1

  12 August

  Leeds

  17

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Open

  OH5

  15August

  Bristol

  23

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Open

  SEG(OP)(SI)

  17 August

  Pentonville

  43

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide while balance of mind disturbed

  PH(SI)

  1 September

  Wandsworth

  22

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide while balance of mind disturbed

  PH(SI)

  5 September

  Birmingham

  35

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Not yet held

  OL(SI)

  7 September

  Brixton

  38

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Accidental

  OH4

  14 September

  North Sea Camp

  37

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Natural

  —6

  15 September

  Oxford

  23

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  16 September

  Brixton

  39

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Accidental

  OH

  21 September

  Lewes

  30

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Accidental

  SEG(OP)(SI)

  24 September

  Channings Wood

  50

  M

  S

  Cerebral oedema

  Misadventure

  —7

  28 September

  Liverpool

  29

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  28 September

  Wormwood Scrubs

  36

  M

  S

  Coronary thrombosis

  Natural

  OL(SI)

  29 September

  Hull

  20

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OH4

  4 October

  Grendon

  39

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide

  PH(SI)

  12 October

  Brixton

  29

  M

  R

  Cerebral oedema

  Suicide

  OH

  13 October

  Liverpool

  27

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Not yet held

  OH5

  13 October

  Wakefield

  36

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  19 October

  The Verne

  38

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Open

  SEG(GOAD)(SI)

  20 October

  Wandsworth

  51

  M

  S

  Cancer

  Natural

  OH

  26 October

  Glen Parva

  15

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Open

  OL(SI)

  26 October

  Wakefield

  44

  M

  S

  Pneumonia

  Natural

  PH(SI)

  4 November

  Liverpool

  28

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Not yet held

  PH(SI)

  11 November

  Durham

  29

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Suicide

  OL(SI)

  13 November

  Wakefield

  59

  M

  S

  Astrocytoma

  Natural

  OH

  13 November

  Reading

  34

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Natural

  OL(SH)

  16 November

  Frankland

  35

  M

  S

  Drug misuse

  Accidental

  OL(SI)

  19 November

  Lincoln

  52

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide

  Recess

  19 November

  Maidstone

  56

  M

  S

  Shooting

  Not yet held

  —3

  27 November

  Stocken

  60

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Natural

  OH

  1 December

  Wymott

  45

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Not yet held

  OH3

  3 December

  Brixton

  28

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Suicide in circumstances brought about by lack of care

  PH(SI)

  13 December

  Liverpool

  68

  M

  S

  Heart disease

  Not yet held

  OH

  16 December

  Haverigg

  69

  M

  S

  Heart attack

  Not yet held

  OL(SH)

  24 December

  Manchester

  38

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Not yet held

  OL(SI)

  29 December

  Canterbury

  52

  M

  R

  Induced heart failure

  Not yet held

  OL(SI)

  31 December

  Portland

  19

  M

  S

  Hanging

  Open

  SEG(GOAD)

  31 December

  Brixton

  18

  M

  R

  Hanging

  Not yet held

  —5

  1 Key to location:

  OL—Ordinary location within the establishment.

  PH—Located in the prison hospital (including F wing at Brixton).

  SEG(OP)—Located in the segregation unit for the inmate's own protection (rule 43).

  SEG(GOAD)—Located in the segregation unit for reasons of good order and discipline (rule 43).

  SU—Located in special unit for management of very disruptive prisoners.

  OH—Outside hospital.

  SH—Shared cell or room.

  SI—Single cell or room.

  2 Another inmate has been convicted of murder.

  3 Inmate died while on home leave or temporary release

  4 The inmate was found hanging in a single cell; death occurred in an outside hospital.

  5 The inmate was found hanging in a shared cell; death occurred in an outside hospital.

  6 Inmate died after absconding.

  7 Inmate died while trying to escape.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed 564
  on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of the Metropolitan police.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The deputy commissioner tells me that the complement and the staff in post in the press and public relations office of the Metropolitan police on 1 April in each year are as shown in the table.
  565

  Year

  Complement

  Strength

  1979

  71

  58

  1980

  70

  55

  1981

  69

  70

  1982

  67

  63

  1983

  59

  64

  1984

  61

  76

  1985

  63

  74

  1986

  58

  72

  1987

  58

  72

  1988

  60

  83

  1989

  87

  82

  1990

  91

  94

  1991

  92

  92

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  The table below shows the staff in post on 1 April in the Home Office public relations branch, which includes a press office and a publicity section, for each year from 1979 to 1991. The figures combine members of the information officer grades and administrative and support staff.

  Year

  Numbers

  1979

  35

  1980

  39

  1981

  38

  1982

  33

  1983

  32

  1984

  32

  1985

  39

  1986

  34

  1987

  41

  1988

  36

  1989

  43

  1990

  50

  1991

  49

  Merseyside Probation Committee
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Merseyside probation committee budget for 1991–92.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  Merseyside probation committee has proposed a budget increase in 1991–92 of 12·8 per cent. I have received request for a determination of its proposed budget from the Metropolitan boroughs of Sefton and St. Helens. Clearly the probation committee and the boroughs need to know the final budget as soon as possible in order to manage expenditure properly this financial year. Full consideration must, however, be given to the objections raised by the boroughs and to the committee's detailed response. The determination will be announced as soon as possible.

  Family Conciliation Services
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding his Department provides to national or local family conciliation services; what plans he has to increase such funding to take account of planned legislative changes in divorce and child support procedures; and if he will make a statement.
  566
  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  We do not fund any national or local family conciliation services apart from in-court conciliation work done by probation services. We have no plans to fund any other such services.

  Armley Prison
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the latest suicide of a prisoner in Armley gaol; what preventive measures were taken in screening prisoners; and how many recommendations to the chief inspector of prisons relating to Armley have been implemented.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The circumstances relating to this very sad death will be fully and openly investigated at the coroner's inquest. It would not be right for me to comment until the jury has reached its verdict on the cause of death.

  The hon. Member will be aware, from the statement which my right hon. Friend made on publication of the report by Her Majesty's chief inspector of prisons into Leeds prison last year, that the Government are fully committed to improving conditions in the prison. The task is a substantial one but much has already been achieved. Overcrowding has been considerably reduced and the treble occupancy of cells ended. Levels of out-of-cell activity for prisoners have improved. The length of family visits to prisoners has sharply increased; it is now common for unconvicted prisoners to enjoy regular visits of 45 minutes or longer. Meanwhile, a major redevelopment programme is under way, which will see the building of two new wings and a new hospital, kitchen and sports hall by 1992, and in due course the refurbishment of the whole establishment, including the provision of integral sanitation. The new establishment opening this year at Moorland, near Doncaster, will provide considerable relief for Leeds. In particular, it will offer more suitable accommodation for all the young unconvicted prisoners currently held at Leeds and Hull prisons.

  Asylum
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government have to increase resources for dealing with claims for asylum in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  In view of the growth in the number of asylum claims which have been made in the course of the past two years, I intend to increase over the next 12 months the number of staff in the asylum and special cases division of the Home Office from 120 to over 500. This will allow for the quicker recognition of genuine refugees and the refusal of applications from those with no valid claim. Additional resources are also being made available for interviewing and for removing rejected applicants who fail to leave voluntarily. In addition, the Government plan substantially to increase their contribution to the refugee unit of the United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service, which provides advice and counselling to asylum seekers.

ENVIRONMENT

  Spray Irrigation
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to monitor the quantities of water used by spray irrigation of golf courses in England and Wales.

  Mr. Baldry
  Either the local water company or the National Rivers Authority is responsible for such monitoring, depending on the source of supply. The chairman of the NRA will write to my hon. Friend.

  Toxic Waste (Wath upon Dearne)
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether contact is maintained between his Department and the relevant local authorities and public agencies in regard to the problems prescribed by the large number of drums of toxic waste held in Wath upon Dearne.

  Mr. Baldry
  Waste at Wath recycling has been safely drummed and stored in accordance with the requirements of the local waste disposal authority and relevant Government inspectorates. The site is regularly inspected by the waste disposal authority. There are no immediate problems requiring further steps by any of those concerned.

  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any evidence that metal drums used for the containing or oil of chemical material are likely to be subject to such changes as allow leakage at the point of the top cover or at the lip; and if such leakage is likely to occur where toxic wastes are contained, as at Wath upon Dearne, near Rotherham, at a site know to Her Majesty's Government.

  Mr. Baldry
  I have no such evidence.

  West Midlands Police Authority
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the West Midlands police authority regarding its standard spending assessment.

  Mr. Key
  Representations were received from the West Midlands police authority, during the period of consultation on the proposed revenue support grant settlement for 1991–92, about the adequacy of its provisional standard spending assessment in relation to its proposed budget from 1991–92. These representations were fully taken into account before final decisions were taken for 1991–92.

  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the formula he uses for determining the standard spending assessment of the West Midlands police authority.

  Mr. Key
  The formula is set out in the Revenue Support Grant Distribution Report (England) as amended by the Revenue Support Grant Distribution (Amendment) Report which was debated and approved by the House of Commons on 29 January 1991. Copies of both reports are available in the Library.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recently released report prepared jointly by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency on radioactive waste disposal.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Government welcome the report recently published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, entitled "Disposal of Radioactive Waste: Can Long-Term Safety be Evaluated?". It concludes that safety assessment methods are available today to evaluate adequately the potential long-term radiological impacts of a carefully designed radioactive waste disposal system on humans and the environment. I will place copies of the report in the Library shortly.

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what emergency preparations are in hand in the event of the Soviet sarcophagus at the damaged Chernobyl reactor collapsing and releasing radioactive dust into the atmosphere.

  Mr. Baldry
  The national response plan for handling the consequences for the United Kingdom of overseas nuclear accidents sets out the arrangements which would be activated if we were notified of an accident involving a significant release of radioactivity to the environment, or if the RIMNET monitoring system detected radioactivity arriving in this country. These arrangements are set out in the booklet "The National Response Plan and Radioactive Incident Monitoring Network (RIMNET)—Phase I", published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what offers of technical assistance have been(a) sought from and (b) made by his Department to the Soviet atomic energy authorities in the clean-up and long-term management of radioactive waste arising from the Chernobyl accident in April 1986.

  Mr. Baldry
  I understand that the Soviet Union has not requested any assistance from the United Kingdom Government in respect of these matters. Nevertheless, the United Kingdom is prepared to give sympathetic consideration to any such requests.

  Minerals Industry
  Mr. Tim Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the results of the work undertaken by Groundwork on the minerals industry and the environment.

  Mr. Yeo
  The study contains six recommendations. The most important of these is that each company should establish a system of environmental management as an integral part of its organisation. This would include publishing a corporate environmental policy statement, regular monitoring of performance and a periodic
  569
  environmental audit. The report also recommends training, production of design manuals and codes of practice, and promotion of the importance of the industry and its environmental achievements. The role of the trade associations in achieving these aims is emphasised.

  We fully endorse the recommendations, particularly the emphasis on self-regulation. Minerals are an important national resource and it is essential that the country has a continual and adequate supply. But as we said in the Environment White Paper this has to be balanced against amenity and other environmental considerations. Although the industry has made major steps in raising standards there is scope for more to be done. We believe the Groundwork report has identified a number of positive and beneficial initiatives which are to be commended to the industry. It is our intention to discuss with industry how this can be done and I look forward to their continuing support and co-operation.

  As an immediate follow-up to the study the Department is to fund an initial pilot study by Groundwork to encourage the improvement of the environmental performance of the minerals industry with the aim of formulating an industry wide initiative. The project forms part of the Department's geological and minerals planning research programme and is planned to start this summer.

  A copy of the report has been placed in the Library.

  Green Belt
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the chairman of the London Green Belt council concerning his predecessor's assurance that land covered by the London and Home Counties Green Belt Act 1938 is inalienable; and if he will make a statement setting out his present policy with regard to proposals by local authorities to dispose of properties acquiried under the Act.

  Mr. Yeo
  [holding answer 23 April 1991]: The chairman of the London Green Belt council wrote on 18 November 1990 and 5 January and 6 February 1991, receiving replies from my officials. The Government remain committed to ensuring that land held under the 1938 Act continues to fulfil green belt objectives. In considering any applications for consent to disposal under section 5 of the 1938 Act, one of the factors which my right hon. Friend will take into account is whether retention of the land in public ownership is necessary or desirable as a means of securing those objectives. Right to buy considerations arise only in respect of dwellings occupied by secure tenants; the same considerations would not be relevant to proposals to dispose of open land.

TRANSPORT

  A65
  Mr. Jopling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the western section of the A65 road between Kirkby Lonsdale and the M6.

  Mr. Chope
  There are two schemes in the road programme for this section of the A65. These are the Hornsbarrow diversion and the Moss Side to Lupton improvement.
  570
  Mr. Jopling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of road accidents, together with the numbers of injuries and deaths, on the western stretch of the A65 road between Kirkby Lonsdale and the M6 for each of the past five years for which figures are available.

  Mr. Chope
  The following table shows the details of personal injury road accidents on the section of the A65 from the west and of Kirkby Lonsdale to the M6 motorway.

  Casualties

  Year

  Personal injury road accidents

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  Total

  1986

  6

  0

  3

  8

  11

  1987

  6

  0

  3

  3

  6

  1988

  9

  0

  3

  10

  13

  1989

  13

  0

  3

  16

  19

  1990

  8

  0

  3

  9

  12

  Totals

  42

  0

  15

  46

  61

  Exhaust Emissions
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the volume of carcinogenic substances emitted on a yearly basis by the average motor car; and if he will take steps to monitor the future pattern of such emissions.

  Mr. Chope
  Estimates of the emissions of benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—the substances in question—vary greatly. Recent work by the university of East Anglia for the Department of Transport suggests that about 11,000 tonnes of benzene and 40 tonnes of PAHs are emitted each year from road transport. The estimates are too general to allow the figures to be calculated for the average motor car, as a substantial portion of the emissions comes from trucks and buses.

  The amount of benzene and PAHs emitted by new petrol-engined cars will be greatly reduced when catalysts become standard fitment at the end of 1992. The EC directive that will provide for this will also require the control of evaporative emissions from cars, restricting another way that benzene escapes to the atmosphere.

  Diesel engines fitted to trucks and buses are the primary source of PAHs from road traffic, and the tight new standards for these engines agreed in the Community last month address this area.

  Part of the Department of Transport's research effort is directed at producing better estimates of these emissions. The Department of Environment is also stepping up its monitoring of the atmospheric concentrations of hydrocarbons, including benzene.

  Speed Limits
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has about EC plans to standardise speed limits within the EC; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  In 1989, the Commission proposed a directive harmonising goods vehicle and coach speed limits in the EC. This has yet to be considered by the Council of Ministers.

  HGV Speed Limiters
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about EC plans for heavy goods vehicle speed limiter legislation.

  Mr. Chope
  The European Commission has proposed a technical standard for speed limiters, based on a standard agreed in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Under the Commission proposal, member states could not refuse to register a vehicle on the grounds that it was fitted with a speed limiter conforming to the standard, but there has been no Commission proposal for mandatory fitment.

  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to fit speed limiters to heavy goods vehicles on a retrospective basis; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  We have consulted about a proposal to require speed limiters to be fitted to new heavy goods vehicles of more than 7·5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. We also invited views about fitting speed limiters to vehicles already on the road. These views are being considered and an announcement will be made shortly.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department.

  Mr.McLoughlin
  The number of staff employed in the press and public relations office of the Department of Transport on 1 April 1989, 1990 and 1991 is as follows:

  Staff in post

  Complement

  1 April 1991

  17

  18

  1 April 1990

  17

  18

  1 April 1989

  17

  not known

  Before 1989, these staff formed part of the common services of this Department and the Department of the Environment and separate figures are not readily available.

DEFENCE

  St. John Ambulance Brigade
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities have been made available to staff in his Department to contribute to the appeal that has been launched for people with the name of John to help raise £5 million for the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  As yet we have received no formal request from the St. John Ambulance Brigade about this appeal. Should such a request be received, we will consider the extent of the support we might offer.

  RAF Finningley
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 25 January,Official Report, column 358, to the hon. Member for Don Valley, from which countries the three personnel came.
  572
  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Canada, Germany and the United States of America.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The number of service personnel and civilians employed on press and public relations work in the MOD in the years 1982–83 to 1990–91 is as follows:

  Years

  Numbers employed

  Complement

  1982–83

  222·0

  n/a

  1983–84

  290·0

  n/a

  1984–85

  282·5

  n/a

  1985–86

  249·5

  n/a

  1986–87

  215·0

  217

  1987–88

  206·0

  217

  1988–89

  213·0

  217

  1989–90

  212·0

  221

  1990–91

  221·0

  221

  The estimate for 1991–92 is similar to 1990–91.

  Figures for 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82 are not available. The numbers given for 1983–84 onwards include all service personnel and civilians in complemented PR and PR support posts in London and commands and districts at home and overseas: the 1982–83 figure was riot prepared on this comprehensive basis.

  Chieftain Tanks (Replacement)
  Mr. Clelland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the suitability of German manufactured tanks as a replacement for Chieftain tanks.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  My Department is making a full assessment of the suitability of the German Leopard 2 (Improved) tank as equipment for our future main battle tank fleet.

  MOD Civilian Guard
  Mr. Mates
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is now able to make a statement about the formation of a new Ministry of Defence civilian guard service.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has decided to establish a new Ministry of Defence civilian guard service in Great Britain on 1 April 1992. Its headquarters and training staff will form before that date. It is our proposal that the new guard service, which will be formed from the Department's various existing civilian guard forces, comprising guarding, patrolling and watching grades, together with new entrants, will have a common uniform, common professional standards, common pay and conditions of service, a common staffing structure and common centralised training. The guard service will contribute fully to the mix of service, Ministry of Defence Police and civilian guard forces dedicated to the security of the Department. The guards' new pay scales and conditions of service will be appropriate to the work which they will be required to do.
  573
  While commanding officers and heads of establishment will remain responsible for the command and control of the guards at their units, the professional management of the guard service as a whole will be the responsibility of the chief constable of the Ministry of Defence Police, with a professional head of guard service reporting to him. Training will be provided at the MDP Police Training school and the Royal Military Police training centre by MDP, service and civilian instructors. Professional standards and entry qualifications will be set by the chief constable and monitored by his regional staff, who will be based in the regions and answerable to the head of guard service. There is no present intention that any members of the guard service should be armed. Consultations about the new arrangements are proceeding with the trade unions concerned. It is the Government's intention that the new guard service should build on the excellent work done by our present guards; and that it should become the fully professional, well-trained and well-equipped service that the high terrorist threat requires.

  Over-the-Horizon Radar
  Mr. Aspinwall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether there have been any developments in his plan to conduct a trial of a relocatable over-the-horizon radar in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I announced on 30 March 1990, at columns 328–9 that we had decided in principle to undertake, in collaboration with the United States, a trial of the potential value of a relocatable over-the-horizon radar in the United Kingdom. Following my right hon. Friend's statement on Options for Change on 25 July 1990 at columns 470–88, we have been reviewing our equipment plans and have decided not to proceed with this project.

HEALTH

  Dentures
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is(a) the average amount paid by patients for the provision of dentures under the national health service and (b) the amount paid to dentists for the laboratory content of their fee for the provision of dentures in the categories (i) complete acrylic dentures, (ii) one to three tooth partial acrylic dentures, (iii) four to eight tooth partial dentures, (iv) nine to 13 tooth partial acrylic dentures, (v) one to three tooth partial chrome cobalt dentures, (vi) four to eight tooth partial chrome cobalt dentures and (viii) complete chrome cobalt dentures.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Information is not available on the average amount paid by patients for the provision of dentures under the national health service. The table shows the amounts which are attributed to dental laboratory costs in the fees paid to dentists for the national health service treatments listed in the current scale of fees which came into effect on 1 October 1990.
  574

  Dentures in synthetic resin

  (including all necessary backing and tagging)

  £

  Full upper and full lower dentures

  47·00

  Partial denture bearing:

  One, two or three teeth

  18·44

  Four to eight teeth

  27·04

  Nine or more teeth

  33·98

  Metal based dentures

  (excluding backing)

  £

  Plate design partial denture bearing:

  One, two or three teeth

  64·58

  Four to eight teeth

  73·68

  Nine to twelve teeth

  74·98

  Skeleton design partial denture with single connecting bar bearing:

  One, two or three teeth

  65·47

  Four to ten teeth

  72·97

  Skeleton design partial denture with multiple connecting bars bearing:

  One, two or three teeth

  70·11

  Four to ten teeth

  77·40

  Full upper or full lower denture in chrome cobalt or stainless steel

  57·24

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are used by his Department for the control of the quality of dentures provided under the national health service by dentists and dental laboratories.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Dentures should be made of first quality material and to the highest standards of dental laboratory practice. The Department supports the activities of the certification authority for dental laboratories and suppliers and also distributes to dentists in the NHS information to assist them in selecting the most suitable materials.

  The Department approves brand name products on the basis of their compliance with national and international standards and funds a number of projects concerned with the quality of dental laboratory work.

  The clinician is responsible for quality of work used on the patient. This work is monitored by the Dental Practice Board through the dental reference service.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the new cases of oral cancer reported each year can be held to arise from the wearing of dentures.

  Mr. Dorrell
  We are not aware of any evidence which would establish a positive correlation between oral cancer and the wearing of dentures.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the pathological conditions, of which 50 per cent. of denture wearers have shown evidence, have been malignant or pre-malignant.

  Mr. Dorrell
  We know of no scientifically based epidemiological survey or report which suggests that 50 per cent. of denture wearers in England suffer from pathological conditions or the oral mucosa.
  575
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of complaint arising from the provision of dentures were investigated by dental service committees during the most recent five years; and how many complaints regarding the provision of dentures were taken through to judgment by family practitioner committees during the most recent five years.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The information requested is not available centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Dentists
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the figure of target average net income payable to dentists under the national health service as set by the Dental Rates Study Group.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Target average net income—TANI—for general dental practitioners is determined by the Government in the light of recommendations from the independent Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body. For 1991–92, the Government accepted the review body's recommendation but decided to implement it in two stages. The effect has been the equivalent of setting TANI at the rate of £31,970 per annum for the period 1 April 1991 to 30 November 1991, with implementation of the full TANI of £33,010 per annum, as recommended by the review body, from 1 December 1991.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists have withdrawn from the provision of dental treatment under the national health service since the introduction of the new dental contract.

  Mr. Dorrell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Livingston (Mr. Cook) on 16 April at columns 151–58.

  Information is not available in the form requested. Between 1 October 1990, the date the new contract was introduced, and 28 February 1991, the latest date for which figures are available, there was a net decrease of 115, less than 0·7 per cent., in the total number of entries on family health services authority, FHSA, dental lists. A dentist may be on more than one list.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Functions which are commonly associated with press and public relations are carried out by the Department's information division.

  Figures for 1 April 1989 to 1 April 1991 are given in the table:

  Information for the years 1979–80 to 1987–88 is not available in the form requested.

  Date

  Staff in post

  Complement

  1 April 1989

  31

  52·0

  1 April 1990

  52

  57·0

  1 April 1991

  54

  62·5

  Thirty-three of the staff currently employed are information officers.
  576
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of the HEA/HEC.

  Mr. Dorrell
  This information is not held centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact Sir Donald Maitland, the chairman of the Health Education Authority, for details.

  South East Thames RHA
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library the document submitted to his Department by South East Thames regional health authority about projected activity levels for 1991–92 for hospitals and districts in that region.

  Mr. Dorrell
  South East Thames regional health authority has submitted to the Department a plan for 1991–92, putting forward its key objectives for the year together with supporting information setting out planned levels of activity to be purchased for residents of the region. This has yet to be agreed.

  Nursing Prescribing
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in commissioning the cost-benefit analysis recommended in the recent report on nurse prescribing.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  We have commissioned the consultants Touche Ross to assess the costs and benefits of allowing nurses working in the community who have a district nurse or health visitor qualification to prescribe from a limited formulary. For the purposes of this work, the illustrative formulary in the report of the advisory group on nurse prescribing is being used. The consultants have been asked to include in their assessment the resource effects of potential changes in the volume and type of drugs etc. prescribed and in pharmacists' dispensing fees, any additional training required, necessary administrative arrangements and any changes in the time worked by nurses and general practitioners. The results are due by the end of of August.

PRIME MINISTER

  Overseas Aid
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister how much extra would be needed each year for the United Kingdom to meet its United Nations target on overseas aid over the next five years.

  The Prime Minister
  Under the public expenditure survey system, plans for expenditure on the aid programme have only been made up to 1993–94. Forecasts for nominal gross national product are available only to 1994–95. However, on present trends, to reach the United Nations target of 0·7 per cent. of GNP spent on official development assistance would require a total aid programme of some £5·2 billion in 1995–96, £3·3 billion greater than the presently planned aid programme for 1993–94.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of the Prime Minister's Office.

  The Prime Minister
  Seven people including support staff were employed in 10 Downing street on 1 April 1991 on press and public relations activities. There is one vacant post at present. Detailed figures were not recorded separately prior to 1987–88; since then the total staff complement has remained at eight. The complement for 1991–92 is eight.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of the Cabinet Office.

  The Prime Minister
  The number of staff employed on press and public relations activities in the Cabinet Office on 1 April each year is as follows:

  Number

  1984

  12

  1985

  12

  1986

  11

  1987

  10

  1988

  10

  1989

  10

  1990

  7

  1991

  7

  There were no vacant posts in any year.

  Similar information for the years prior to 1984 is not available.

  South Africa
  Mr. Robert Hughes
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he received and from whom concerning British policy towards South Africa prior to his meeting with President de Klerk on 22 April 1991.

  The Prime Minister
  I have received representations from a number of hon. Members, trades unions and organisations with an interest in British policy towards South Africa.

  Mr. Robert Hughes
  To ask the Prime Minister whether he raised with Mr. de Klerk at their meeting on 22 April the failure of the South African Government to take legislative action to repeal the Internal Security Act and other repressive security laws as required under the United Nations declaration on South Africa of December 1989.

  The Prime Minister
  The South African Government are currently conducting a review of all such legislation, including the Internal Security Act. I did not discuss this specific issue. However, we have often stressed to the South African Government the need to repeal those legislative provisions, such as detention without trial, which are contrary to international norms of human rights.

  Mr. Robert Hughes
  To ask the Prime Minister whether he raised with Mr. de Klerk at their meeting on 22 April 578
  the need for him to implement the agreement he made on 6 August 1990 that all political prisoners would be released by 30 April 1991.

  The Prime Minister
  We discussed progress on the implementation of the agreement of 6 August 1990 reached between the South African Government and the African National Congress. President de Klerk reaffirmed his Government's commitment on the release of political prisoners.

  Mr. Robert Hughes
  To ask the Prime Minister whether he raised with Mr. de Klerk at their meeting on 22 April the need for him to implement the agreement for the granting of indemnity for political exiles by 30 April.

  The Prime Minister
  We discussed arrangements for the granting of indemnity for political exiles. President de Klerk reaffirmed the South African Government's commitment to implement arrangements agreed between the South African Government and the African National Congress.

WALES

  Education Service
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimates or statistics he has on the cost of insurance premiums paid and claims made by education authorities in Wales in relation to teacher absence through sickness in 1988, 1989, 1990.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  No information is available.

  A483 and A470
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit Mongomeryshire for a consultative meeting with local government and community representatives concerning his Department's future strategy for the A483 and A470 roads; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  I have no plans to do so. The Government's policy for improving the A483 and A470 routes is clearly set out in "Roads in Wales: Progress and Plans for the 1990s" published in 1989 and the supplement published earlier this year.

  Welshpool Bypass
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will announce the proposed starting date for construction of the Welshpool bypass.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Work is planned to start in the current financial year as indicated in the 1991 departmental report published in February. I cannot be more precise at this stage.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Iraq (Refugees)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list how many officials from the Overseas Development Administration have visited concentrations of refugees on either side of the borders between(a) Iraq and Turkey and (b) Iraq and Iran, since 27 March.
  579
  Mrs. Chalker
  Officials from the British embassies in Ankara and Tehran have made regular visits to both areas. The Overseas Development Administration's chief medical adviser, Dr. Nabarro, also visited Turkey from 9–14 April. He accompanied the Minister for Overseas Development and her team, including two officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Overseas Development Administration, on a visit to Turkey and Iran from 18–21 April. Dr. Nabarro is now based in Turkey as the United Kingdom's co-ordinator of the relief effort, and is supported by a member of the British embassy in Ankara.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for each date since 3 April, what tonnage of aid was delivered into the hands of Iraqi refugees in areas on both sides of the borders between(a) Iraq and Turkey and (b) Iraq and Iran.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The tonnage of aid, delivered by RAF C130 Hercules and Chinook helicopter airdrops to the refugees on the Turkish border with Iraq up to 24 April was as follows:

  Date

  C130s

  Chinooks

  8 April

  10·3

  —

  10 April

  31·0

  —

  11 April

  21·1

  —

  12 April

  20·5

  —

  13 April

  19·2

  —

  14 April

  18·3

  —

  15 April

  17·3

  —

  17 April

  9·3

  —

  18 April

  22·8

  —

  19 April

  25·4

  —

  20 April

  20·5

  —

  21 April

  27·1

  110

  22 April

  123·4

  130

  23 April

  123·4

  130

  24 April

  123·4

  130

  Total

  313·0

  1100

  1 Denotes estimate.

  We estimate that, as of 23 April, allied cargo planes and helicopters had delivered 5,915 tonnes of relief supplies as a whole—4,056 tonnes from United States, 921 tonnes from United Kingdom, 252 tonnes from France, 179 tonnes from Canada, 476 tonnes from Germany, and 31 tonnes from Italy—to sites along the Turkey-Iraq border. Daily totals for other donors are not available. Further supplies from donors have been distributed by the Turkish Red Crescent.

  As of 25 April, an estimated total of 240 tonnes of aid supplies have been flown by the Overseas Development Administration to Iran. Onward delivery has been carried out by the Iranian Red Crescent. Daily totals of supplies delivered to the refugees are not available.

  Minister for Overseas Development (Engagements)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the official engagements of the Minister for Overseas Development for each day since Tuesday 26 March.

  Mrs. Chalker
  As the hon. Gentleman knows, since 26 March my time has been increasingly taken up with matters concerning relief to the Iraqi refugees. This 580
  situation has continued on a daily basis regardless of any other official or private business and has been maintained by telephone and facsimile line during periods when I was out of the country.

  My main official engagements since 26 March, excluding a large number of meetings and other official engagements, are as follows:

  On Tuesday 26 March I met the Kenyan Finance Minister and Vice-President, hosted a reception for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and attended European Standing Committee B for its debate on African, Caribbean and Pacific countries' debt.

  On Wednesday 27 March I met the British Red Cross official dealing with the Iraqi refugees and addressed the London chamber of commerce.

  On Monday 8 April I met the British High Commissoner from Kampala and our ambassador designate for Peking as well as the French ambassador, with whom I discussed European Bank for Reconstruction and Development matters and Iraqi refugee needs.

  On 9 and 10 April I met with senior officials in the State Department and the National Security Council in Washington.

  On 11 April I met with the UN Secretary-General.

  On Monday 15 April with the Secretary of State I held meetings with representatives of non-governmental organisations dealing with assistance for Iraqi refugees and attended the inauguration and the main business session of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

  On Tuesday 16 April I met the Presidents of Tanzania and Cyprus, the French Overseas Development Minister and our ambassadors to Zaire and Senegal. I also addressed the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development meeting and made arrangements for the Turkey-Iran visit.

  On Wednesday 17 April I had meetings with the West Indian commission, and the Sudanese Finance Minister. I also gave evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee on our assistance for Iraqi refugees among other subjects.

  I visited Turkey and Iran between 18 and 21 April.

  On Monday 22 April I called on the President of the Republic of South Africa. I had a meeting with the head of the British Red Cross. I answered oral questions in the House and made a statement on Iraqi refugees.

  Overseas Aid
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the Official Report the moneys allotted to overseas aid (a) in cash terms, (b) revalued in 1991 terms and (c) as a percentage of gross domestic product for each year since 1979.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Figures for expenditure by calendar year for the net aid programme are available up to 1989 as follows:

  £ million

  1979

  1,016

  1980

  797

  1981

  1,081

  1982

  1,028

  1983

  1,063

  1984

  1,070

  1985

  1,193

  1986

  1,195

  581

  £ million

  1987

  1,168

  1988

  1,489

  1989

  1,578

  For the other information requested I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Eltham (Mr. Bottomley) on 18 April at column 205.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Flying Boat (Shore Facilities)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will consider protecting from unsuitable development the remaining flying boat shore facilities.

  Mr. Needham
  Yes. The fact that a site has been used as a flying boat facility would be taken into account in the processing of a planning application by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. Following a request from the Lough Erne Aviation museum, the Department is currently considering the statutory listing of the slipway and concrete service bays at Goblusk bay, Lower Lough Erne.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many old flying boat shore facilities are undeveloped.

  Mr. Needham
  The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland is aware of at least three sites where some facilities for flying boats still remain. A comprehensive list of such sites is not kept by the Department.

  Electricity Industry
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list each consultant's report commissioned by his Department relating to Northern Ireland Electricity in the past two years, with the fees paid in each case, and the total of consultancy fees paid.

  Mr. Needham
  The information sought is as follows:

  Consultant and title of report

  Fees paid

  £

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Competition and interconnection study

  154,851

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Review of NIE performance aims 1989–90

  14,732

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Review of NIE performance aims 1990–91

  18,814

  PJR Management Organisation Consultants

  NIE organisational capability review

  52,225

  Ewbank Preece Ltd.

  Inspection of generating plant at Belfast West and Coolkeeragh

  3,898

  Touche Ross

  Advance long form report

  140,320

  Touche Ross

  Supplementary privatisation study

  8,173

  Ewbank Preece Ltd.

  Development of power station site

  1—

  582
  1 Not yet paid.

  Total fees paid to consultants (including those advising the Department of Economic Development on the privatisation of Northern Ireland Electricity) in the two years to 31 March 1991 were £3,582,418.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what representations he has had from members of the board of Northern Ireland Electricity on the effect of restructuring the industry;

  (2) what representations he had from the former chairman of Northern Ireland Electricity during his term of office on the privatisation of the industry.

  Mr. Needham
  The Government consulted the chairman and board of Northern Ireland Electricity in drawing up their proposals to privatise the industry. In responding to these proposals, the board made known its preference for NIE to be privatised as a single entity with strong regulation but accepted the Government's objectives in privatising the industry and committed itself to make the new structure a success.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will postpone the privatisation of Northern Ireland Electricity; and if he will establish an inquiry into the stewardship of the chief executive of Northern Ireland Electricity from the time of his appointment to date.

  Mr. Needham
  No. Privatisation of Northern Ireland Electricity will further strengthen the Northern Ireland economy by laying the foundation for a more efficient electricity supply industry and there is no reason to postpone it. The day-to-day management of Northern Ireland Electricity is a matter for its board, in which the Government's confidence remains unaltered.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table in the Official Report to show the rate struck by each council in Northern Ireland for the 1991–92 financial year, the percentage increase and the cash increase in each case and also the same information for the regional rate indicating the reduction for each council area and for the regional rate as a result of the Budget statement by the Chancellor of the the Exchequer.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The normal regional rate for 1991–92—that is, that payable by the non-domestic sector—was not changed following the Budget statement and stands at the figure of 165·40 p which was announced on 7 March 1991, an increase of 17·13 p or 11·55 per cent. on 1990–91. The reduction given to domestic ratepayers was increased by 82 p following the Budget statement, from 12 p to 94 p. Compared with 1990–91, the regional rate for domestic ratepayers has been reduced by 64·87 p or 47·60 per cent. The following table gives the district council rates and the overall rates, regional and district, payable in each district council area by non-domestic and domestic ratepayers for 1991–92 and comparisons with 1990–91.
  583

  District rate

  Regional (non-domestic) and district rate

  Regional (domestic) and district rate

  1991–92

  Increase

  Increase

  1991–92

  Increase

  Increase

  1991–92

  Reduction

  Reduction

  Pence

  Pence

  Per cent.

  Pence

  Pence

  Per cent.

  Pence

  Pence

  Per cent.

  Antrim

  56·50

  2·00

  +3·67

  221·90

  19·13

  +9·44

  127·90

  62·87

  —32·96

  Ards

  6·22

  11·22

  +17·26

  241·62

  28·35

  +13·31

  146·62

  53·65

  —26·66

  Armagh

  54·00

  6·50

  +13·68

  219·40

  23·63

  +12·07

  125·40

  58·37

  —31·76

  Ballymena

  51·00

  4·00

  +8·51

  216·40

  21·13

  +10·82

  122·40

  60·87

  —33·21

  Ballymoney

  59·75

  5·75

  +10·65

  225·15

  22·88

  +11·31

  131·15

  59·12

  —31·07

  Banbridge

  59·83

  4·95

  +9·02

  225·23

  22·08

  +10·87

  131·23

  59·92

  —31·35

  Belfast

  96·73

  8·65

  +9·82

  262·13

  25·78

  +10·91

  168·13

  56·22

  —25·06

  Carrickfergus

  76·45

  6·95

  +10·00

  241·85

  24·08

  +11·06

  147·85

  57·92

  —28·17

  Castlereagh

  52·04

  7·65

  +17·23

  217·44

  24·78

  +12·86

  123·44

  57·22

  —31·67

  Coleraine

  61·00

  6·00

  +10·91

  226·40

  23·13

  +11·38

  132·40

  58·87

  —30·78

  Cookstown

  56·00

  4·25

  +8·21

  221·40

  21·38

  +10·69

  127·40

  60·62

  —32·24

  Craigavon

  76·05

  5·28

  +7·46

  241·45

  22·41

  +10·23

  147·45

  59·59

  —28·78

  Derry

  90·50

  6·50

  +7·74

  255·90

  23·63

  +10·17

  161·90

  58·37

  —26·50

  Down

  73·50

  3·50

  +5·00

  238·90

  20·63

  +9·45

  144·90

  61·37

  —29·75

  Dungannon

  52·33

  4·58

  +9·59

  217·73

  21·71

  +11·08

  123·73

  60·29

  —32·76

  Fermanagh

  61·50

  4·00

  +6·96

  226·90

  21·13

  +10·76

  132·90

  60·87

  —31·41

  Larne

  75·00

  10·32

  +15·96

  240·40

  27·45

  +12·89

  146·40

  54·55

  —27·15

  Limavady

  58·51

  8·01

  +15·86

  223·91

  25·14

  +12·65

  129·91

  56·86

  —30·44

  Lisburn

  57·83

  2·27

  +4·09

  223·23

  19·40

  +9·52

  129·23

  60·60

  —32·63

  Magherafelt

  52·95

  3·95

  +8·06

  218·35

  21·08

  +10·69

  124·35

  60·92

  32·88

  Moyle

  79·57

  5·35

  +7·21

  244·97

  22·48

  +10·10

  150·97

  59·52

  —28·28

  Newry and Mourne

  62·10

  4·10

  +7·07

  227·50

  21·23

  +10·29

  133·50

  60·77

  —31·28

  Newtownabbey

  73·25

  8·56

  +13·23

  238·65

  25·69

  +12·07

  144·65

  56·31

  —28·02

  North Down

  74·88

  5·64

  +8·15

  240·28

  22·77

  +10·47

  146·28

  59·23

  —28·82

  Omagh

  69·90

  5·60

  +8·

  235·30

  22·73

  +10·69

  141·30

  59·27

  —29·55

  Strabane

  72·75

  5·50

  +8·18

  238·15

  22·63

  +10·50

  144·15

  59·37

  —29·17

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Family Conciliation Service
  Mr. Gregory
  To ask Mr. Attorney-General, what is the Government's policy with regard to the Family Conciliation Service; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  The Government recognise the valuable contribution made in the area of family law by conciliation services. The Government are at present reviewing all aspects of divorce reform and conciliation is under review as part of that review.

  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Attorney-General what is the level of Government funding for the principal family conciliation services; if he will list this by name of service and date since 1979–80; and whether he plans to conduct a reappraisal of its support for these agencies.

  The Attorney-General
  Other than the funding by the Home Office of the Bristol courts family conciliation service in 1982–83 and 1983–84, no direct or specific central Government funding is or has ever been available for conciliation services, although indirect help is provided through the courts, the probation service and the legal aid fund in some cases. The Government are reviewing the future of, and funding for, conciliation services as part of their consideration of proposals to reform the divorce law.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, he number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

  The Attorney-General
  As at 1 April 1991, there were six permanent staff employed in the press office of the Lord
  584
  Chancellor's Department. Since that date, the number of staff in post has increased to seven, four of whom are members of the Government information service.

  Staff in post

  1984–85

  1

  1985–86

  2

  1986–87

  3

  1987–88

  5

  1988–89

  6

  1989–90

  6

  1990–91

  16

  1 and one on secondment from another Government Department for six months.

  For the years up to 1985–86 the staff in post were the same as the complement. In 1986–87 complements were abolished, but the authorised staff levels since that date have been the same as the staff in post.

  There were no such staff employed in the period up to 1983–84.

  Crown Prosecution Service (Vacancies)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Attorney-General how many vacancies there were for professionally qualified staff in the Crown prosecution service on 1 April; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  I have taken the hon. Gentleman's question to be confined to lawyer vacancies.

  On 1 April 1991, there were 323·3 vacancies for lawyers in the Crown prosecution service against 1,800 lawyers in post, representing a welcome reduction from 23 per cent. to 15 per cent. over the previous year.

  Divorce
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Attorney-General what is the estimated cost to the Exchequer of divorce in terms of legal costs.
  585
  The Attorney-General
  The net amount of legal aid paid for divorce, and related matters, in England and Wales during 1989–90 was £117,397,000.

EMPLOYMENT

  Training
  Mr. Terry Fields
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many places for (i) employment training and (ii) youth training were available in 1990–91; and how many places are expected to be available in 1991–92.

  Mr. Jackson
  For 1990–91 there were 215,000 places available for people eligible for employment training and 380,000 places available for young people eligible for youth training. The provision of places in 1991–92 is a matter for training and enterprise councils.

  Mr. Terry Fields
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many youth training places are available in England and Wales; and how many 16 and 17-year-olds are registered as seeking a place.

  Mr. Jackson
  Information on the number of youth training places available or the number of 16 and 17-year-olds seeking places in England and Wales is not held centrally.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Robson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, (1) the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department;

  (2) the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of the Training Agency and the Manpower Services Commission.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information requested is given in the table below:

  In post 1st April

  Complement

  1979–80 to

  1987–88

  n/a

  n/a

  1988–89

  62·5

  57·5

  1989–90

  118·0

  123·0

  1990–91

  120·0

  126·0

  1991–92

  119·0

  115·5

  Figures for 1988–89 are for Training Agency's information branch services branch only. Figures for the Department of Employment are not available. Figures for 1989–90 onwards represent the total numbers for the Department's information branch. The branch was formed during 1989 by merging the Department of Employment's information division and the Training Agency's information services branch.

  Earnings
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the proportion of(a) males, (b) females and (c) all workers in the county of
  586
  Northumberland earning less than (a) £100 per week, (b) £120 per week, (c) £150 per week, (d) £180 per week and (e) £200 per week at the latest available date.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information available from the new earnings survey is given in the following table:

  Full-time employees in Northumberland on adult rates whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence as at April 1990.

  Percentage with weekly earnings, including overtime, less than:

  £100

  £120

  £150

  £180

  £200

  Men

  1·8

  6·6

  14·8

  30·1

  38·9

  Women

  9·3

  24·0

  47·5

  67·8

  74·9

  All

  4·5

  12·8

  26·4

  43·5

  51·7

  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of workers in each of the 10 standard industrial classification divisions, within the county of Northumberland earned less than £180 per week and less than £170 per week at the latest available date.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information requested is not available.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Accommodation
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how it would be decided whether The Times room would be better used as an extension of the Table Office.

  Mr. MacGregor
  Any such proposal would be considered by the Services Committee.

  Victoria Tower (Cleaning)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Lord President of the Council, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Newport, West of 22 April,Official Report, column 300, what is his estimate of the total costs of the cleaning operation on the Victoria Tower.

  Mr. John MacGregor
  The estimated cost of the project to repair and restore the stonework of the Victoria Tower, being undertaken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is £7·5 million.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Head Teachers
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he advises local education authorities and school governing bodies to consider as a relevant consideration any inspector's report on a shortlisted candidate for appointment as a head teacher.

  Mr. Eggar
  My right hon. and learned Friend has not issued formal guidance on procedures to be adopted by local education authorities and governing bodies when selecting head teachers. This is a matter for the individual governing bodies and LEAs concerned. However, the Department has commissioned a school governor training package which gives guidance on good practice in making staff appointments, including the use of references.

  GCSE
  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the spending per head for secondary school pupils and the proportion of eligible pupils obtaining grades A-C in GCSE, for the most recent year, for all English counties.

  Mr. Fallon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wyre Forest (Mr. Coombs) on 12 February 1991 in Official Report, columns 437–442.

  Birmingham Polytechnic
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the current salaries of members of the directing staff at Birmingham polytechnic.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  This information is not available to the Department.

  Degree Courses
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans to introduce two-year degree courses.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  No. Course design and content are essentially for individual universities, polytechnics and colleges to consider. Institutions will however need to review what they offer, including where appropriate the balance between two year sub-degree courses and longer degree level courses, in responding to the increased demand from a more diverse student body.

  Polytechnics
  Mr. George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish the formula for determining the salaries of the directing staff of polytechnics.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  There is no formula: the salaries of these staff are set as part of individual contracts.

  Education Budgets
  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science using the latest figures, if he will show, for each English county, what proportion of standard spending assessment for education is being spent and what proportion of the education budget is being retained for administration, in rank order.

  Mr. Fallon
  The latest available figures showing the amount that each shire county authority budgeted to spend on education compared with the education element of their standard spending assessment in 1990–91 are given in the following table. Information about the proportion of the education budget that each authority retains for administration is not held centrally.

  Local education authority

  Education standard spending assessment

  Budgeted expenditure on education

  as proportion of education SSA

  £ million

  £ million

  Percentage

  Kent

  456·635

  434·043

  95

  Cornwall

  140·824

  138·336

  98

  Berkshire

  229·252

  225·469

  98

  588

  Local education authority

  Education standard spending assessment

  Budgeted expenditure on education

  as proportion of education SSA

  £ million

  £ million

  Percentage

  West Sussex

  183·940

  181·805

  99

  Lincolnshire

  179·312

  177·303

  99

  Hereford and Worcester

  196·842

  197·342

  100

  Norfolk

  209·872

  212·391

  101

  Hampshire

  453·266

  461·580

  102

  Essex

  458·657

  472·463

  103

  Surrey

  257·425

  266·984

  104

  Buckinghamshire

  206·348

  214·468

  104

  Isle of Wight

  36·532

  38·047

  104

  East Sussex

  168·819

  176·212

  104

  Cambridgeshire

  193·391

  202·693

  105

  Lancashire

  445·622

  467·334

  105

  Devon

  276·355

  290·463

  105

  Bedfordshire

  175·531

  184·802

  105

  Cleveland

  202·966

  214·430

  106

  Northamptonshire

  179·549

  190·199

  106

  Staffordshire

  302·935

  321·768

  106

  Warwickshire

  142·196

  151·144

  106

  Wiltshire

  163·364

  174·677

  107

  Humberside

  277·145

  296·792

  107

  North Yorkshire

  196·440

  211·188

  108

  Dorset

  157·560

  169·468

  108

  Shropshire

  128·216

  138·087

  108

  Cheshire

  294·559

  318·739

  108

  Durham

  183·819

  199·467

  109

  Nottinghamshire

  311·592

  338·799

  109

  Suffolk

  172·628

  188·230

  109

  Hertfordshire

  293·468

  320·460

  109

  Gloucestershire

  148·565

  163·654

  110

  Leicestershire

  276·819

  305·248

  110

  Cumbria

  142·882

  159·102

  111

  Northumberland

  89·824

  100·350

  112

  Oxfordshire

  151·459

  169·252

  112

  Somerset

  128·613

  146·238

  114

  Avon

  254·787

  303·570

  119

  Derbyshire

  271·798

  326·789

  120

  Total shire LEAs

  8,739·807

  9,249·386

  106

  Note: Information on budgeted expenditure is taken from local authorities' returns to the Department of the Environment on Forms RA90/91 and RA(SG)90/91. Figures have been repriced to outturn.

  University Teachers (Pay)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will extend his proposal that teachers' pay and conditions should in future be determined by an independent review body to include university teachers.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  No. It is for the universities to settle these matters through the universities academic salaries committees.

  Vacation Hardship Allowance
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from Mr. Mark A. Santos, vice-president of Hull university union, with responsibility for education and welfare, on the subject of the withdrawal of the students' vacation hardship allowance; and what reply he has sent.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Representations have been received from Mr. Santos and an official reply, explaining the reasons for withdrawing the allowance, will be made to him shortly.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department.

  Mr. Eggar
  The information is given below:

  In post

  Vacancies

  1979

  42

  —

  1980

  39

  1

  1981

  38

  —

  1982

  38

  —

  1983

  38

  —

  11984

  224

  —

  1985

  n/a

  n/a

  11986

  223

  —

  1987

  n/a

  n/a

  1988

  n/a

  n/a

  1989

  39

  2

  1990

  38

  4

  11991

  37

  3

  1 Figures for 1984 are as at 1 March, those for 1986 are as at 1 January, and those for 1991 are as at 15 April

  2 Excludes figures for administrative staff which are not available.

  Wandsworth CTC
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the date, purpose and location of all meetings held between Wandsworth city technology college and the principal sponsor, ADT plc.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I have no detailed information and require none. Such meetings are a matter for the principal sponsor and the college.

  East Birmingham Task Force
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how often the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education has met or visited the East Birmingham task force.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  During the course of my various visits to Birmingham I have so far visited the area of the task force four times, and I shall be visiting there again shortly. I have had two other meetings with the task force leader.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Special Car Tax
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to abolish the special car tax.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I have no plans to abolish car tax.

  Trade Statistics
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reasons underlie the delay in publishing figures for import penetration in the Central Statistical Office's monthly digest of statistics; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the figures for the years 1989 and 1990 together with the corresponding figures for imports from the EC.
  590
  Mr. Maples
  Import penetration figures published in the latest monthly digest of statistics are the most up-to-date. As a result of recommendations in the 1989 review of Department of Trade and Industry statistics which considered the arrangements for collection of economic statistics by DTI and the burdens placed on businesses, quarterly sales data for most manufacturing industries, which are used in the calculation of this ratio, are no longer collected. Data for 1989 and 1990 are therefore not available.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reasons underlie the delay in publishing figures for the exchange rate and other countries' export values for manufactures in the monthly review of external trade statistics.

  Mr. Maples
  The delay in publishing exchange rates in table F1 of the monthly review of external trade statistics was the result of an oversight which occurred during the changeover to a new computer system; however, this data is widely available in other publications including "Economic Trends". Up-to-date information was published in the April 1991 edition of the review. The delay in the publication, in table E2 of the review, of main manufacturing countries—MMCs—shares of exports arises because the calculation of the shares requires statistics for manufacturing exports for all MMCs. While statistics on exports of manufactures are available for most MMCs within a few months of the period to which they relate, some countries' statistics are not available until much later.

  Manufacturing Investment
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount invested by business in 1989 compared to 1979; how much was invested by manufacturing other than food, drink and tobacco; how much was invested, in each case, in plant and machinery; and what the cost would have been in each of the four cases of constant allowances in 1989 and the 1979 notes.

  Mr. Mellor
  The table provides the available comparisons.

  Business investment

  £ million current prices

  1979

  1989

  All fixed assets

  24,816

  66,457

  Plant and machinery

  12,979

  33,842

  Manufacturing investment1 other than food, drink and tobacco

  £ million

  Current prices

  1985 prices

  1979

  1989

  1979

  1989

  All fixed assets

  5,614

  10,824

  8,701

  9,426

  Plant and machinery

  4,362

  8,975

  6,728

  7,964

  1 Excludes leased assets, for which no industrial analysis is available.

  Petrol Prices
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, pursuant to his answer of 19 April,Official Report, column 272, he will give the estimated effects on petrol prices in the United Kingdom if the European Commission's minimum rates of duty for mineral oils are accepted; and if he will make a statement.
  591
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Our rates of duty for petrol are currently above the proposed European Community minimum rates. If the minimum rates were to be accepted this would not affect petrol prices in the United Kingdom.

  Inward Investment
  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total net direct inward investment in the United Kingdom from overseas in 1990 for each quarter; and which countries were the main sources of such investment.

  Mr. Mellor
  The figures are published in table A9, on direct investments in the March issue of "Economic Trends", published by the Central Statistical Office. A country analysis of the quarterly estimates is not available. However a geographical analysis is available for cross-border acquisitions and mergers by overseas companies in the United Kingdom in 1990. This is published in table 7 of Business Bulletin 23/91 "Cross border acquisitions and mergers (Q4 1990)". Copies of both publications are in the Library. It should be noted that cross-border acquisitions and mergers do not always give rise to direct investment capital flows and direct investment may be in forms other than acquisitions.

  Tax Office
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he makes of any additional cost involved in a separate tax office dealing with the tax affairs of a non-working spouse.

  Mr. Maude
  None.

  The tax office in which the tax affairs of non-working spouses are handled depends on their individual circumstances: for example, if they receive an occupational pension, it is the tax office dealing with that pension scheme; if they have investment income liable to tax it is their local tax office; and where the individual is claiming a repayment of tax suffered on investment income, the claim will be handled in one of the new Inland Revenue offices specialising in this work. These arrangements are the most cost-effective way to provide a good all-round service to taxpayers.

  Where the tax office is remote from the person's home, any personal inquiries can be directed to the local tax inquiry centre.

  Earnings
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table giving (a) rates of inflation, (b) growth in gross domestic product, (c) growth in gross domestic product less oil, (d) manufacturing output, (e) employment, (f) real average earnings for the whole economy and (g) real average earnings for manual workers for (i) France and (ii) the United Kingdom, for each year since 1985.

  Mr. Maples
  The latest available information can be obtained from the following publications:

  (a) rates of inflation
  Separate tables showing consumer price indices are given in both countries in "Main Economic Indicators Historical Statistics 1969–1988" and in part I (indicators by subject) in the monthly "Main Economic Indicators" both published by OECD. (b) growth in gross domestic product and (c) growth in gross domestic product less oil.
  592
  Part III (appendix) in "Main Economic Indicators" published monthly by OECD gives GDP for both countries. Data on a comparable basis are not available for gross domestic product excluding oil.

  (d) manufacturing output
  "Industrial Trends Theme 4 Series B" published monthly by Eurostat contains the latest data for both countries.

  (e) employment
  Information on occupied population is given in table 0 in "National Accounts ESA Aggregates 1970–1988 Theme 2 Series C" published by Eurostat.
  (f) real average earnings for the whole economy and (g) real average earnings for manual workers.
  Information on compensation of employees which includes all payments in cash and in kind made by employers in remuneration for the work done by their employees is given in Table J in "National Accounts ESA Aggregates 1970–1988 Theme 2 Series C" published by "Eurostat". Data in respect of manual workers are not separately available.

  Copies of all these publications are available in the Library of the House.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of the Treasury.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The number of press and public relations staff employed in my Department on 1 April, with the full budgeted provision shown in brackets was as follows:

  Staff

  1986–87

  10(12)

  1987–88

  10(10)

  1988–89

  10(10)

  1989–90

  10(10)

  1990–91

  10(10)

  1991–92

  9(9)

  The information for earlier years is not available in the form requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Trusts
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the relationship between the £100 million in lost revenue that the Chancellor referred to in his Budget statement under the section dealing with trusts,Official Report, 19 March, column 174 and the figure of £10 million that is shown in the Red Book on page 45 in table 4·1 against item 45, "Non-Resident Trusts: Anti-Avoidance Measures".

  Mr. Maude
  The figure of £10 million in table 4·1 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Review" is the expected increase in receipts in 1992–93 from the measures concerning non-resident trusts in the Finance Bill. The annex to the table states that, without these measures, there could be a significant loss of tax: this loss was estimated, by my rt. hon. Friend in his Budget statement, to be up to £100 million in a full year.

  P11D Forms
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many P11D forms for the year 1989–90 have not yet been processed by the Inland Revenue; and how many taxpayers are estimated to be affected by these forms.

  Mr. Maude
  Approximately 120,000 remain to be examined. Nearly all of these are for separate individuals and are returns for 1989–90.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the gross amount of assessed income tax excluding PAYE and unassessed companies payments collectable for 1988–89; how much had been assessed by 31 July 1989; how much had been remitted by 31 October 1989; and how much had been stood over or suspended by 31 October 1989.

  Mr. Maude
  The amount of assessed income tax excluding PAYE and unassessed companies' payments collectable for the accounts year ended 31 October 1989 was £11,489.3 million.

  The amount stood over in the year ended 31 October 1989 and not included in the above was £5,188.7 million.

  The amount of assessed income tax excluding PAYE and unassessed companies payments remitted in the year ended 31 October 1989 was £227.6 million, although most if not all of this would relate to assessments raised in earlier years.

  The amount of tax assessed by 31 July 1989 cannot be ascertained as the Inland Revenue do not hold such figures on a month-by-month basis.

  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the collectable balance of assessed income tax excluding PAYE and unassessed companies' payments at 31 July 1989; how much of this collectable balance was remitted during the period from 1 August to 31 October 1989; and how much of this collectable balance was stood over or suspended during the period from 1 August to 31 October 1989.

  Mr. Maude
  These figures for part years cannot be obtained as the Inland Revenue only makes up accounts for the whole year, ending on the last Friday in October.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give separate figures for the spending by the Treasury on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year; and what are his latest estimates for 1990–91 and budgets for 1991–92.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  [holding answer 25 April 1991]: The expenditure for 1988–89 was £49,310, that for 1989–90 was £52,486 and that for 1990–91 was £43,581, none of which was on television or radio advertising. The 1991–92 budget is £53,693 none of which is likely to be on television or radio advertising.

  Comparable figures for the years 1979–80 to 1987–88 are not available because of machinery of Government changes and could only be given at disproportionate cost.

  Duty Free Shopping
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in the Official Report the representations he has received concerning the proposed abolition of duty free shopping in the single European market; what replies he has sent; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  [holding answer 25 April 1991]: In the past 15 months, Treasury Ministers have replied to over 100 letters and several parliamentary questions and have held six meetings with representative trade bodies, including two with the Duty-Free Confederation.

  Although no specific proposals have been put forward, the European Commission has made clear its view that, as a consequence of the completion of the single market, duty-free shopping for travellers within the Community should cease.

  The Government understand the Commission's view, but equally are aware of the significance of the duty-free trade for United Kingdom producers, vendors and the transport industry in general. We are examining very carefully all the evidence put to us in representations, and hope to be able to announce our view shortly.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which medical and paramedical toiletries attract VAT.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  [holding answer 25 April 1991]: Toiletries are normally chargeable with the standard rate of VAT. However, goods prescribed for the treatment of a patient by a registered medical practitioner and dispensed by a registered pharmaceutical chemist are zero-rated.

THE ARTS

  Items in Lieu of Tax
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if there have been any items accepted in lieu of tax or allocated since his last announcement on 31 January,Official Report, column 584.

  Mr. Renton
  Since that announcement, I am pleased to inform the House that five further offers have been accepted. These consist of a collection of paintings and drawings by Alexander Runciman, a collection of papers relating to the geologist George Bellas Greenough, a watercolour by Whistler, a collection of musical instruments and two paintings by Nasmyth. These offers satisfied £196,000, £26,600, £7,000, £126,956 and £56,000 tax respectively. No decision has yet been taken on the allocation of these items except for the Nasmyth paintings, which will go to the Whitworth art gallery, Manchester in accordance with the condition on which the offer was made.

  I am also pleased to announce the allocation of three offers previously accepted in lieu of tax. A painting by Sickert entitled "Girl at a Window, Little Rachel", will be allocated to the Tate gallery, a collection of works by and relating to John Piper will go to the Wolverhampton art gallery and a collection of photographs by and of Cecil Beaton will go to the National Portrait gallery.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Colin Wallace
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service if he will issue a statement on the acknowledgment by the Civil Service Appeal Board that it was approached by Ministry of Defence representatives over the Colin Wallace affair.

  Mr. Renton
  That private communications took place between representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the chairman of the hearing before Mr. Wallace's appeal to the Civil Service Appeal Board is not in dispute. The Government accept that the communications should not have occurred; and the present chairman of the Civil Service Appeal Board has confirmed that it is not the board's practice to engage in private discussions with Departments in advance of an appeal hearing about matters which may be material to the outcome of the appeal and that it would refuse to entertain any request to engage in such discussions.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Arms Exports
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many licences were(a) applied For and (b) granted under the export control system of the Department of Trade and Industry for arms exports in each year since 1980.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Separate statistics are not maintained for the export of arms. Export licence applications received and granted for all military equipment for the years 1987 to 1990 and for the first quarter of 1991 were as follows:

  Year

  Applications Received

  Licences Granted

  1987

  17,590

  16,745

  1988

  15,697

  216,005

  1989

  14,601

  13,584

  1990

  14,996

  14,603

  31991

  3,313

  2,993

  1 Figures include applications for temporary export.

  2 Carry-over of applications from 1987.

  3 First quarter.

  Statistics were not maintained in this form before 1987 and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

  About one third of the above totals represents licences for firearms for personal, Government and police use.

  Iraqi Currency
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now allow companies in the United Kingdom to tender for the production of Iraqi currency; and when he last refused permission for companies to produce Iraqi currency.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  It is up to companies to decide whether they wish to tender for this business. However, it is not our present policy to grant licences in such cases. One company has recently sought advice about the possibility of obtaining a licence.

  Optical Manufacturing Market
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the estimated size of the optical manufacturing market in the years ended(a) 31 March 1989 and (b) 31 March 1990.

  Mr. Leigh
  The latest available figures are for the year to December 1989. Estimates for that year and for 1988 as shown as follows:

  United Kingdom market1

  £ million

  Industry2

  1988

  1989

  Spectacles and unmounted lenses

  230

  272

  Optical precision instruments

  212

  185

  Photographic and cinematographic equipment

  661

  683

  1,103

  1,140

  Source:

  Business monitors PAS 3731, PAS 3732 and PAS 3733.

  1 United Kingdom figures devised by manufacturers' sales less exports plus imports.

  2 Activity headings 3731, 3732 and 3733 respectively of the standard industrial classification.

  Car Trade
  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the changes in volume of car exports and of car imports over the past year; and what has been the effect on the balance of payments.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Information in the volume of car and taxi exports and imports is regularly published in the monthly statistical review of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, available in the House of Commons Library. The balance of trade in cars and taxis narrowed from minus £5,008 million in 1989, to minus £4,175 million in 1990, a reduction of £833 million.

  SIM's Law
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations have been made(a) to him and (b) him about Italy's SIM's law.

  Mr. Redwood
  The International Stock Exchange wrote to me on 21 January drawing my attention to the law, and it has kept in touch with my Department. The ISE, the Securities and Investments Board and my Department have all made strong representations to the Italian authorities about the effects of the law on United Kingdom firms wishing to do investment business in Italy. The law may be in breach of the treaty of Rome and the Government are considering asking the Commission to take this up with the Italian authorities.

  Newspapers
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ask the Office of Fair Trading to review restrictive practices affecting the distribution and sale of daily and Sunday newpapers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  The Director General of Fair Trading is currently conducting a review of a number of issues
  597
  concerning the distribution of newspapers. The Director General will decide in the light of this review whether further action under the competition legislation for which he is responsible is required. It would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the completion of the Director General's review.

  GATT
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how negotiations on the future of the multi-fibre arrangement and GATT round are progressing; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The future of the multi-fibre arrangement pending the conclusion of the Uruguay round is to be addressed by a meeting of the textiles committee in Geneva scheduled for 16 May. The Community has recently begun to discuss the details of the mandate which will guide the Commission in that negotiation. All member states have agreed that a 17-month extension of the M FA should be sought. In the wider GATT negotiations, we hope that the good progress which was made towards a satisfactory textiles agreement at Brussels last December can be maintained now that the talks have resumed.

  Football Premier League
  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the proposed football premier league to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

  Mr. Redwood
  No. Any agreement between organisations and clubs may, however, constitute a registrable agreement under the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976. This would be a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading.

  The Gulf (Arms Sales)
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was his Department's allocation, in each of the last five years, to that part of the British Overseas Trade Board charged with encouraging arms sales to countries in the Gulf.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  None. The British Overseas Trade Board has no remit specifically to promote defence sales and there is no part of the board charged with encouraging arms sales.

  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the budget allocated by the British Overseas Trade Board for exporters of military equipment taking part in past arms fairs in Baghdad, Iraq for(a) travel, (b) accommodation, (c) exhibition stands, (d) shipping costs and (e) in total; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  My Department has never provided financial support for companies attending the Baghdad arms fair.

  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the budget allocated by the British Overseas Trade Board for exporters of military equipment taking part in (i) Dubai '91, (ii) Arabian security and technology exhibition, Riyadh, September 1991, (iii)598
  International Defence Equipment and Aviation, Ankara, 13 November 1991 and (iv) Middle East defence exhibition, Bahrain 1992 (a) for travel, (b) for hotel or accommodation, (c) for exhibition stands, (d) for shipping costs and (e) in total; and if he will make a statement as to the entitlement of exhibitors to apply for a share of that money.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  There is no separate budget for exporters of military equipment.

  Support provided by my Department for companies participating in British groups at certain overseas trade fairs takes the form of the provision of stands at subsidised rates and contribution to the travel costs of up to two company representatives attending the fair. No provision is made for hotel or accommodation or for shipping costs.

  Car Prices
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to equalise British car retail prices with those charged elsewhere in the EC; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Leigh
  The Monopolies and Mergers Commission is currently investigating the United Kingdom car market, including car prices in the United Kingdom. When the Commission's report is available, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will need to consider whether there is scope for any action in the light of it.

  Iraq and Libya (Arms Supplies)
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will obtain a copy of the special report commissioned by the Simon Wiesenthal Centre on western suppliers of unconventional weapons and technologies to Iraq and Libya, for his Department's library; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 24 April 1991]: My Department obtained a copy of the report last year. The report consists of information obtained from various press sources. Her Majesty's Government were aware of the information contained in the report on British companies.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Convention on the Rights of the Child
  Mr. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 21 March,Official Report, column 192–93, to the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Sims), if he will detail the reasons why the United Kingdom has not yet ratified the United Nations convention on the rights of the child; and if he is now able to state when it is Her Majesty's Government's intention to do so.

  Mr. Hogg
  In the reply of 21 March given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Sims) we announced the United Kingdom mainland position in respect of the convention. We are considering with the United Kingdom islands and dependent territories their positions and when these have been established we will ratify the convention.

  Polish Resettlement Act 1946
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to reach a decision on implementing some assistance under the Polish Resettlement Act 1947.

  Mr. Forth
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Polish Resettlement Act 1947 was passed to enable the Government of the day to look after the welfare of members of the Polish armed forces and their dependents, in recognition of their gallant service alongside their British allies in the second world war, and Polish civilian refugees.

  It enabled several Government Ministries to provide help for those Poles who elected to remain in this country and seek employment, or with arrangements and financial assistance for those who wanted to return to Poland or to emigrate to a third country.

  There are no proposals to re-introduce assistance.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The full complement of staff including posts in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office diplomatic wing news department and the aid wing press office for each year from 1979–80 is as follows:

  Year

  Complement

  1979–80

  29·0

  1980–81

  28·0

  1981–82

  27·0

  1982–83

  26·0

  1983–84

  26·0

  1984–85

  26·0

  1985–86

  26·5

  1986–87

  25·5

  1987–88

  19·0

  1988–89

  18·0

  1989–90

  18·0

  1990–91

  18·0

  1991–92

  18·0

  The number of staff actually employed on 1 April 1990 and 1991 was 18. Figures for staff actually employed on 1 April in the preceding years 1979–80 to 1989–90 are not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Iraq (Refugees)
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest position of insurgents and refugees in the south of Iraq and on the Iran-Iraq border; and what aid Her Majesty's Government has sent and is proposing to send specifically for this area.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 25 April to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn).

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, once the safe havens have 600
  been duly established in Iraq and have been in working order for a while, he will arrange for a delegation of hon. Members to visit these sites.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We shall certainly ensure that hon. Members are kept fully informed of progress on the establishment of safe havens for Iraqi refugees and shall consider how this can best be done, if appropriate by including visits to the sites.

  Nuclear Suppliers Group
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the purpose of the meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in the Hague on 5 to 7 March; who represented the United Kingdom; when the previous Nuclear Suppliers Group meeting was held; what plans were made for the next Nuclear Suppliers Group meeting; and if he will make a statement on the role of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The meeting of states adhering to the Nuclear Suppliers Group guidelines focused on the strengthening of existing nuclear-related export controls and possible expansion of the group. Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Energy and the Department of Trade and Industry represented the United Kingdom. The last meeting of the full group had been in 1978. The participants in the recent meeting agreed to meet again in the future, but no firm date was set. The role of the group is to draw up and administer guidelines for the control of nuclear-related exports.

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the annual report on Hong Kong will be laid before Parliament.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The report is being published and laid before Parliament today. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Doncaster Benefits Office
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the overall cost to date of the computerisation of the payment system of benefits to claimants at his Department's offices in the Doncaster area; and what will be the final cost on completion of the system.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The computerisation of the social security payment system, otherwise known as the operational strategy, is being undertaken on a nationwide basis and it is therefore impracticable to apportion development costs to any one location.

  Widowed Parent Allowance
  Mr. Hayward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what would be the annual cost of extending widowed mothers' allowance to widowed fathers where at least one of the children is under five years;

  (2) what would be the annual cost of extending widowed mothers' allowance to widowed fathers where at least one of the children is under 11 years.
  601
  Miss Widdecombe
  It is not possible to estimate accurately the cost of extending the widowed mothers' allowance to widowed fathers for those with children in the specified age groups.

  Appeals
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has concerning the delays in weeks between the notification of appeals against the decisions taken by adjudication officers on(a) claims for benefit relating to vibration white finger disability and other manual-occupation inflicted disability and (b) claims for the payment of arrears of reduced earnings allowance, in local DSS offices in Stranraer, Greenock and Port Glasgow, and the hearing of such appeals by social security appeals tribunals and medical appeals tribunals; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The question of delay between appeal and hearing involves not only the Department of Social Security but also the office of the president of social security appeal tribunal, which is independent of the Department and falls within the responsibility of the Lord Chancellor. Information as to the time taken to prepare appeals for hearing of specific benefits, by specific local offices is not kept and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 15 April,Official Report, column 91, how many family credit entitlements of less than 50p a week were decided in 1990; and what would be the cost of (a) paying family credit of less than 50p a week and (b) entitling families with such awards to social fund payments and remission of NHS charges.

  Mr. Jack
  Information is not readily available for the whole of 1990 as retrieval from records could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Information for the period from August 1990 to date indicates there are about 4,800 claims for family credit a year where the entitlement is less than 50p a week and therefore is not payable.

  The cost of paying the assessed entitlement in those cases would be around £30,000 a year. There would also be additional administration costs.

  Non-entitlement to family credit does not prevent some further help being given to families. For example, help with NHS charges is also available to anyone on a low income through the NHS low income scheme. People can also apply for crisis loans from the social fund whether or not they are in receipt of family credit, and if they are in receipt of housing benefit or community charge benefit, they can also receive funeral payments. The additional cost of entitling families with family credit awards of less than 50p to maternity and funeral payments from the social fund and to automatic full remission of NHS charges would depend on the extent to which they were already entitled to such benefits and to the extent to which they needed to make use of them. From information available about social fund maternity and funeral payments to existing family credit recipients the extra cost is estimated at around £20,000 a year at 1990–91 levels. Information is not available to enable estimates to be made on the same basis in respect of remission of NHS charges.

  Severe Hardship Provision
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list, for the latest available date, the numbers of 16 and 17-year-olds for whom a direction was made enabling income support to be awarded under the severe hardship provision who were(a) living independently and (b) in lodgings.

  Mr. Jack
  The latest information available, for the four weeks commencing 25 March 1991, shows that 2,240 directions enabling income support to be awarded to young people living independently were made under the severe hardship provision. Of those, 308 were made to those in board and lodging accommodation and 223 to those in hostels, including night shelters.

  Appeals
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals were heard by social security appeal tribunals in each month since January 1990; in how many cases no presenting officer appeared; and what information he has regarding the outcome of these appeals compared with those where a presenting officer was present.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Statistics relating to social security appeal tribunal hearings are collated on a quarterly basis. The latest figures available are for the quarter ending 31 March 1990, when there were 17,851 hearings.

  No figures are available on the number of cases at which a presenting officer was not present, although it would be exceptional for a presenting officer not to be in attendance.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Salmon Catches
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the latest provisional figures available to his Department for salmon catches by all methods in United Kingdom waters, and what were the comparable figures for previous years.

  Mr. Curry
  The provisional catch data for salmon in the United Kingdom during 1990 has recently been estimated at 943·5 tonnes. The components of the catch are calculated as follows:

  Tonnes

  England and Wales

  297

  Scotland

  542·5

  Northern Ireland

  104

  All data are provisional since not all catch returns have been received.

  Responsibility for the publication of salmon catch data for England and Wales now rests with the National Rivers Authority, which is expected to publish detailed figures for 1989 shortly. Figures for 1989 in Scotland and Northern Ireland are already available.

  Data for earlier years in respect of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, have been published by the fisheries departments, and are available in the Library of the House.

  Spray Irrigation
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions his officials have had with the National Farmers Union and Country Landowners Association about the need to ban spray irrigation in certain areas during the coming summer months.

  Mr. Curry
  Officials have had numerous discussions recently with the National Farmers Union and the Country Landowners Association and with the National Rivers Authority and other interested organisations. The objective has been to encourage responsible water use in order to avoid, if at all possible, the complete ban on abstraction for spray irrigation which was imposed in some areas in 1990.

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department.

  Mr. Curry
  The information requested for the press office in my Department is as follows:

  Staff-in-post

  Complement

  1979–80

  1—

  22

  1980–81

  1—

  22

  1981–82

  1—

  20

  1982–83

  1—

  20

  1983–84

  1—

  24

  1984–85

  1—

  24

  1985–86

  1—

  24

  1986–87

  1—

  24

  1987–88

  1—

  27

  1988–89

  1—

  27

  1989–90

  24

  26

  1990–91

  23

  24

  1991–92

  22

  22

  1 Staff-in-post records prior to 1989–90 do not distinguish between staff dealing with press and public relations matters and other information division staff.

  In addition, approximately five staff years are devoted to press and public relations activities within the regional organisation.

  Number of crimes and offences recorded by the police and percentage change for each year since 1980

  K division, Sirathclyde region police authority

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  Numbers

  Total crimes and offences

  29,068

  28,784

  31,390

  30,256

  33,534

  32,758

  34,372

  36,125

  33,301

  36,007

  37,332

  Total crimes

  16,224

  17,330

  19,491

  19,113

  21,633

  21,350

  22,031

  23,346

  21,758

  23,555

  25,943

  Group 1 non-sexual crimes of violence

  337

  419

  443

  499

  575

  584

  595

  820

  714

  630

  749

  Group 2 crimes of indecency

  173

  178

  148

  128

  163

  162

  130

  150

  117

  138

  134

  Group 3 crimes of dishonesty

  12,430

  13,662

  15,500

  14,831

  16,526

  15,998

  16,594

  17,901

  16,738

  18,048

  19,948

  Group 4 fire-raising, vandalism etc.

  3,081

  2,817

  3,103

  3,342

  4,007

  4,141

  4,238

  3,857

  3,443

  3,912

  3,967

  Group 5 other crimes

  203

  254

  297

  313

  362

  465

  474

  618

  746

  827

  1,145

  Total offences

  12,844

  11,454

  11,899

  11,143

  11,901

  11,408

  12,341

  12,779

  11,543

  12,452

  11,389

  Group 6 miscellaneous offences

  5,334

  5,291

  5,170

  5,071

  5,305

  5,500

  5,893

  5,844

  5,412

  5,169

  4,594

  Group 7 motor vehicle offences

  7,510

  6,163

  6,729

  6,072

  6,596

  5,908

  6,448

  6,935

  6,131

  7,283

  6,795

  Foxes
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will institute a review of the nuisance experienced by farmers from predation by foxes, and of the means of fox control needed by farmers so as to limit that nuisance; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  No reviews of the nuisance experienced by farmers from predation by foxes or of the methods of fox control are planned.

  Montgomeryshire
  Mr. Alex Cartile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to his statement in the debate of 18 April,Official Report, column 602, when he last paid an official visit to Montgomeryshire.

  Mr. Gummer
  I visited Montgomeryshire on 21 March 1987 and 27 April 1988, as Minister of State in this Department.

  Net Limitation Orders
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what net limitation orders are currently in force in the Northumbria sea fisheries area; and when these are due for renewal.

  Mr. Curry
  There is one such order to limit netting for salmon and migratory trout, made under section 26 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. This is the Northumbrian Water Authority (Limitation of Net Licences) Order 1981. This order expires in February 1992.

SCOTLAND

  Health Service
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many doctors, nurses and ancillary workers were employed in hospitals in East Lothian during the first three months of 1981 and 1991, respectively.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Information on staffing levels is not available centrally on a monthly or quarterly basis.

  Strathclyde Police
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the percentage change in the number of crimes in the K division of Strathclyde police for each year since 1980, and for each category of crime.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is given in the following table:
  605

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  Annual percentage change

  Total crimes and offences

  —

  –1

  9

  –4

  11

  ‒2

  5

  5

  –8

  8

  4

  Total crimes

  —

  7

  12

  –2

  13

  –1

  3

  6

  –7

  8

  10

  Group 1 non-sexual crimes of violence

  —

  24

  6

  13

  15

  2

  2

  38

  –13

  –12

  19

  Group 2 crimes of indecency

  —

  3

  –17

  –14

  27

  –1

  –20

  15

  –22

  18

  –3

  Group 3 crimes of dishonesty

  —

  10

  13

  –4

  11

  –3

  4

  8

  –6

  8

  11

  Group 4 fire-raising, vandalism etc.

  —

  –9

  10

  8

  20

  3

  2

  –9

  –11

  14

  1

  Group 5 other crimes

  —

  25

  17

  5

  16

  28

  2

  30

  21

  11

  38

  Total offences

  —

  –11

  4

  –6

  7

  –4

  8

  4

  –10

  8

  –9

  Group 6 miscelleaneous offences

  —

  –1

  –2

  –2

  5

  4

  7

  –1

  –7

  –4

  –11

  Group 7 motor vehicle offences

  —

  –18

  9

  –10

  9

  –10

  9

  8

  –12

  19

  –7

  Source: Reports of the chief constable of Strathclyde.

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people have been charged over the last five years for drug-related offences in the K division of Strathclyde police; and what is the rate of such charges in K division relative to other Strathclyde police divisions.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Information on numbers of persons charged is not held centrally.

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many car thefts were reported in the K division of Strathclyde police in the last five years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The available information is given in the following table.

  Number of thefts of motor vehicles recorded by the police K division, Strathclyde region police authority

  Year

  Number recorded

  1986

  1,573

  1987

  1,310

  1988

  1,470

  1989

  1,978

  1990

  2,106

  Source: Reports of the chief constable of Strathclyde.

  Legal System
  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons were(a) recruited to the procurator fiscal service in the past year, (b) how many left because of retirement age and (c) how many resigned for other than retirement reasons.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In the year from 1 April 1990 to 31 March 1991(a) 94 persons were recruited to the procurator fiscal service, (b) eight retired, and (c) 62 resigned. These figures refer to all staff in the procurator fiscal service.

  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the Crown Office policy on plea bargaining.

  North Strathclyde Sheriffdom

  1990

  1989

  1988

  1987

  1986

  Reports received

  43,973

  45,254

  41,459

  42,530

  40,779

  Number proceedings

  3,559

  3,488

  6,180

  6,003

  7,588

  Number1 further proceedings

  1,068

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  Non-court proceedings

  Warning letters

  1,960

  1,736

  1,780

  2,322

  2,218

  Conditional offers

  11,577

  11,528

  7,392

  6,860

  5,604

  Fiscal fines

  3,629

  3,450

  1,984

  n/a3

  n/a3

  Diversions

  95

  119

  112

  n/a4

  n/a4

  606
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  "Plea bargaining" is generally understood to involve an agreement whereby an accused will tender pleas in return for an assurance as to the sentence which will then be imposed by the court. No such arrangements can be made in Scotland and accordingly "plea bargaining" is an inappropriate term in Scotland. The prosecution does retain the right in the public interest to abandon proceedings, amend the charges, or accept a partial plea of guilty, at any stage prior to the final determination of proceedings. This may be done by the prosecutor for a variety of reasons. As with the decision to institute proceedings, it is left to the discretion of advocate deputes or procurators fiscal. In specified circumstances individual prosecutors may be required to consult senior members of the procurator fiscal service, Crown counsel or the law officers before taking such a course.

  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many criminal trials in the past six months started within 10 days of the legal termination that would have been applied by the 110-day rule.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the percentage of prosecutions when measured against the total number of charges reports submitted to procurators fiscal in each sheriffdom at the latest available full year; and if he will give the comparable figures for each of the last five years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information which is set out in the tables below refers to court proceedings as a percentage of reports submitted to procurators fiscal. The first column details the number of reports received in each year. The subsequent columns detail the disposals for each year, although some of the disposals may relate to reports received in the preceding year.
  607

  1990

  1989

  1988

  1987

  1986

  Court proceedings

  22,085

  24,933

  24,011

  27,345

  25,369

  Court proceedings as percentage of Total

  50·22

  55·10

  57·92

  64·30

  62·21

  1 Proceedings discontinued.

  2 Not separately recorded.

  3 Fiscal Fines were introduced in 1988.

  4 No figures are available for the numbers of Diversions in 1986 and 1987. Such disposals would have been recorded as "Number proceedings".

  South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway Sheriffdom

  1990

  1989

  1988

  1987

  1986

  Reports received

  64,284

  62,471

  59,308

  57,820

  52,757

  Number proceedings

  4,907

  5,166

  7,329

  4,781

  4,521

  Number1 further proceedings

  499

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  Non-court proceedings

  Warning letters

  1,977

  2,163

  2,448

  2,447

  2,617

  Conditional offers

  17,273

  16,787

  15,396

  14,210

  10,236

  Fiscal fines

  3,423

  3,509

  1,809

  n/a3

  n/a3

  Diversions

  164

  83

  63

  n/a4

  n/a4

  Court proceedings

  36,041

  34,763

  32,263

  36,382

  35,383

  Court proceedings as percentage of Total

  56·07

  55·65

  54·40

  62·92

  67·07

  1 Proceedings discontinued.

  2 Not separately recorded.

  3 Fiscal Fines were introduced in 1988.

  4 No figures are available for the numbers of Diversions in 1986 and 1987. Such disposals would have been recorded as "NO PROS".

  Lothian and Borders Sheriffdom

  1990

  1989

  1988

  1987

  1986

  Reports received

  58,551

  60,419

  54,880

  57,970

  74,123

  Number proceedings

  5,815

  5,472

  6,855

  12,789

  31,522

  Number1 further proceedings

  3,814

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  Non-court proceedings

  Warning letters

  1,829

  1,909

  1,943

  2,930

  3,076

  Conditional offers

  16,544

  17,917

  14,666

  11,775

  8,488

  Fiscal fines

  1,746

  1,912

  860

  n/a3

  n/a3

  Diversions

  353

  296

  300

  n/a4

  n/a4

  Court proceedings

  28,450

  32,913

  30,256

  30,476

  31,037

  Court proceedings as percentage of Total

  48·59

  54·47

  55·13

  52·57

  41·87

  1 Proceedings discontinued.

  2 Not separately recorded.

  3 Fiscal Fines were introduced in 1988.

  4 No figures are available for the numbers of Diversions in 1986 and 1987. Such disposals would have been recorded as "NO PROS".

  Glasgow and Strathkelvin Sheriffdom

  1990

  1989

  1988

  1987

  1986

  Reports received

  80,543

  79,126

  70,477

  75,434

  69,868

  Number proceedings

  14,377

  19,066

  18,514

  19,772

  10,824

  Number1 further proceedings

  5,644

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  Non-court proceedings

  Warning letters

  3,897

  4,826

  6,223

  6,393

  5,986

  Conditional offers

  21,077

  14,198

  10,297

  8,680

  5,790

  Fiscal fines

  2,366

  1,963

  1,048

  n/a3

  n/a3

  Diversions

  264

  296

  178

  n/a4

  n/a4

  Court proceedings

  32,918

  38,777

  34,217

  40,589

  47,268

  Court proceedings as percentage of Total

  40·87

  49·01

  48·55

  53·81

  67·65

  1 Proceedings discontinued.

  2 Not separately recorded.

  3 Fiscal Fines were introduced in 1988.

  4 No figures are available for the numbers of Diversions in 1986 and 1987. Such disposals would have been recorded as "NO PROS".

  Grampian, Highlands and Islands Sheriffdom

  1990

  1989

  1988

  1987

  1986

  Reports received

  46,090

  42,231

  41,204

  39,654

  44,216

  Number proceedings

  3,798

  3,388

  5,038

  7,471

  8,486

  Number1 further proceedings

  106

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  608 609

  1990

  1989

  1988

  1987

  1986

  Non-court proceedings

  Warning letters

  1,211

  1,004

  840

  1,691

  1,326

  Conditional offers

  12,597

  10,240

  9,075

  6,617

  8,699

  Fiscal fines

  2,244

  2,359

  2,393

  n/a3

  n/a3

  Diversions

  337

  312

  336

  n/a4

  n/a4

  Court proceedings

  25,797

  24,928

  23,522

  23,875

  25,705

  Court proceedings as percentage of Total

  55·97

  59·03

  57·09

  60·21

  58·14

  1 Proceedings discontinued.

  2 Not separately recorded.

  3 Fiscal Fines were introduced in 1988.

  4 No figures are available for the numbers of Diversions in 1986 and 1987. Such disposals would have been recorded as "NO PROS".

  Tayside, Central and Fife Sheriffdom

  1990

  1989

  1988

  1987

  1986

  Reports received

  73,031

  69,459

  67,976

  65,151

  62,243

  Number proceedings

  8,357

  7,489

  8,581

  8,203

  8,287

  Number1 further proceedings

  1,172

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  n/a2

  Non-court proceedings

  Warning letters

  2,771

  2,669

  3,202

  3,260

  3,417

  Conditional offers

  20,723

  19,766

  17,981

  13,479

  11,596

  Fiscal fines

  3,577

  2,363

  1,210

  n/a3

  n/a3

  Diversions

  190

  69

  25

  n/a4

  n/a4

  Court proceedings

  36,241

  37,103

  36,977

  40,209

  38,943

  Court proceedings as percentage of Total

  49·62

  53·42

  54·40

  61·72

  62·57

  1 Proceedings discontinued.

  2 Not separately recorded.

  3 Fiscal Fines were introduced in 1988.

  4 No figures are available for the numbers of Diversions in 1986 and 1987. Such disposals would have been recorded as "NO PROS".

  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the staffing levels in each office of the procurator fiscal service for the latest available year and each of the past five years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is set out in the table below.

  Staffing levels

  1 April each year

  Office

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Aberdeen

  34·0

  35·0

  37·0

  37·5

  36·5

  Airdrie

  27·0

  25·0

  28·0

  29·0

  30·0

  Alloa

  5·5

  5·5

  5·5

  5·5

  5·5

  Arbroath

  3·5

  4·5

  4·5

  4·5

  5·0

  Ayr

  20·5

  19·0

  18·0

  20·5

  21·0

  Banff

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  Campbeltown

  2·0

  2·0

  2·0

  2·0

  2·0

  Cupar

  4·0

  4·0

  4·5

  5·0

  5·0

  Dingwall

  3·5

  3·5

  3·5

  3·5

  3·5

  Dornoch/Tain

  5·0

  5·0

  5·0

  5·5

  5·0

  Dumbarton

  23·0

  22·0

  23·0

  23·0

  24·0

  Dumfries/Kirkcudbright

  20·0

  20·0

  20·0

  22·0

  22·0

  Dundee

  32·5

  32·5

  36·5

  38·5

  38·5

  Dunfermline

  14·0

  15·0

  15·0

  15·0

  16·0

  Dunoon

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  Duns/Jedburgh

  4·0

  4·0

  4·0

  4·0

  4·0

  Edinburgh

  115·0

  115·0

  123·5

  130·5

  135·5

  Elgin

  6·0

  6·5

  6·5

  6·5

  7·0

  Falkirk

  14·0

  17·0

  17·0

  14·0

  19·0

  Forfar

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  4·0

  Fort William

  2·5

  2·5

  2·5

  3·0

  3·0

  Glasgow

  273·5

  282·5

  278·0

  287·5

  285·5

  Greenock/Rothesay

  21·5

  21·0

  19·0

  18·0

  20·0

  Haddington

  6·0

  6·0

  6·5

  8·0

  7·0

  Hamilton

  55·0

  60·5

  63·5

  66·0

  64·5

  Inverness

  14·0

  15·0

  16·0

  17·0

  17·0

  Kilmarnock

  32·0

  32·0

  28·5

  33·0

  35·0

  Kirkcaldy

  17·0

  17·0

  17·0

  19·0

  18·0

  Kirkwall/Wick

  5·0

  4·0

  5·0

  6·0

  4·0

  Lanark

  4·5

  5·0

  3·0

  5·5

  5·5

  Lerwick

  2·5

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  2·0

  610

  Office

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Linlithgow

  16·0

  17·0

  17·0

  17·0

  17·0

  Lochmaddy/Portree

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  Oban

  2·0

  2·5

  2·5

  2·5

  2·5

  Paisley

  35·0

  37·0

  38·0

  38·0

  40·5

  Peebles

  2·0

  2·0

  2·0

  2·5

  2·5

  Perth

  15·0

  16·5

  17·5

  20·0

  18·5

  Peterhead

  4·5

  4·5

  4·5

  4·5

  4·5

  Selkirk

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  Stirling

  12·0

  12·0

  12·5

  13·0

  14·0

  Stonehaven

  3·5

  3·5

  3·5

  3·5

  3·5

  Stornoway

  2·0

  2·0

  1·0

  2·5

  2·5

  Stranraer

  4·0

  4·0

  4·0

  4·5

  5·5

  878·0

  901·0

  913·0

  955·5

  968·0

  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many specialist drug offences units exist within the procurator fiscal service.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There are no specialist drug units within procurator fiscal offices. Restraint and confiscation procedures in relation to drug trafficking are dealt with by the fraud and specialist services unit at the Crown office.

  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the salary scales for the procurator fiscal service.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information which is set out in the table below refers to the minimum and maximum points on the scale for each legal grade. An officer on the maximum point for his grade may be eligible for performance pay.
  611

  £

  £

  Crown Agent (grade 2)

  59,020

  —

  Regional procurator fiscal (Glasgow and Edinburgh—Grade 3)

  47,090

  —

  Min.

  Max.

  Regional procurator fiscal (Aberdeen, Dundee, Hamilton and Paisley);

  40,116

  41,681

  Senior assistant procurator fiscal, deputy crown agent

  Upper level procurator fiscal;

  32,551

  36,997

  Assistant procurator fiscal; Assistant solicitor

  Lower level procurator fiscal;

  23,407

  31,851

  Senior depute

  Senior legal assistant

  22,399

  30,481

  Legal assistant

  15,156

  19,348

  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons charged with drugs offences connected with dealing had the charges reduced in severity on the day of trial at Glasgow sheriff court in each of the past six months.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned Friend, the Lord Advocate will write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will show the number of legal staff by age ranges in each procurator fiscal office.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is set out in the table below.

  Office

  25–35

  36–45

  46–55

  56+

  Aberdeen

  5

  3

  1

  2

  Airdrie

  5

  2

  —

  1

  Alloa

  —

  1

  1

  —

  Arbroath

  1

  —

  —

  1

  Ayr

  3

  2

  —

  1

  Banff

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Campbeltown

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Cupar

  1

  —

  —

  1

  Dingwall

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Dornoch/Tain

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Dumbarton

  4

  1

  —

  2

  Dumfries

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Dundee

  4

  6

  —

  —

  Dunfermline

  —

  1

  1

  —

  Dunoon

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Duns/Jedburgh

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Edinburgh

  9

  9

  5

  2

  Elgin

  1

  —

  —

  1

  Falkirk

  2

  1

  2

  —

  Forfar

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Fort William

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Glasgow

  31

  29

  3

  1

  Greenock/Rothesay

  3

  2

  1

  —

  Haddington

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Hamilton

  9

  8

  —

  1

  Inverness

  3

  1

  1

  —

  Kilmarnock

  2

  4

  3

  —

  Kirkcaldy

  —

  3

  —

  —

  Kirkwall/Wick

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Lanark

  —

  2

  —

  —

  Lerwick

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Linlithgow

  1

  —

  2

  1

  Lochmaddy/Portree

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Oban

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Paisley

  7

  2

  2

  —

  Peebles

  —

  —

  —

  I

  612

  Office

  25–35

  36–45

  46–55

  56+

  Perth

  1

  4

  —

  1

  Peterhead

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Selkirk

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Stirling

  —

  2

  1

  1

  Stonehaven

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Stornoway

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Stranraer

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Court Hearings (Scotland)
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Paymaster General what information he has regarding the delay in weeks between pleading and trial hearings in(a) each sheriff court and (b) each district court in Scotland for the quarters ended 30 June 1990, 30 September 1990, 31 December 1990 and 31 March 1991.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The figures for the quarter ended 31 March 1991 are not yet available. The figures for the other quarters are set out in the tables below:—

  Interval (in weeks) between pleading and trial diets

  A. Sheriff Courts

  Sheriffdom-Glasgow and Strathkelvin

  Quarter ending

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  1990

  1990

  1990

  Glasgow

  12

  15

  13

  Sheriffdom-Grampian, Highland and Islands

  Quarter ending

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  1990

  1990

  1990

  Aberdeen

  19

  13

  14

  Stonehaven

  12

  12

  9

  Banff

  12

  9

  7

  Peterhead

  12

  9

  12

  Dingwall

  11

  10

  12

  Tain

  9

  10

  4

  Wick

  9

  8

  8

  Dornoch

  15

  11

  10

  Elgin

  10

  11

  11

  Inverness

  12

  11

  13

  Fort William

  12

  11

  6

  Portree

  4

  8

  4

  Stornoway

  10

  10

  10

  Lochmaddy

  12

  12

  4

  Lerwick

  14

  10

  8

  Kirkwall

  11

  8

  8

  Sheriffdom-Lothian and Borders

  Quarter ending

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  1990

  1990

  1990

  Edinburgh

  21

  15

  18

  Peebles

  12

  9

  8

  Haddington

  12

  12

  10

  Linlithgow

  17

  10

  18

  Jedburgh

  12

  10

  7

  Duns

  12

  9

  7

  Selkirk

  12

  6

  4

  Sheriffdom-North Strathclyde

  Quarter ending

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  1990

  1990

  1990

  Dumbarton

  18

  18

  20

  Campbeltown

  10

  8

  8

  Oban

  14

  12

  12

  613

  Quarter ending

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  1990

  1990

  1990

  Greenock

  14

  10

  10

  Paisley

  14

  17

  15

  Dunoon

  14

  12

  12

  Rothesay

  15

  10

  8

  Kilmarnock

  12

  14

  13

  Sheriffdom-South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway

  Quarter ending

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  1990

  1990

  1990

  Airdrie

  14

  15

  19

  Hamilton

  20

  22

  24

  Lanark

  11

  10

  10

  Ayr

  11

  12

  12

  Dumfries

  10

  9

  7

  Kirkcudbright

  10

  12

  12

  Stranraer

  10

  10

  8

  Sheriffdom-Tayside, Central and Fife

  Quarter ending

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  1990

  1990

  1990

  Arbroath

  18

  10

  13

  Forfar

  9

  8

  8

  Perth

  8

  8

  8

  Dundee

  5

  5

  5

  Falkirk

  10

  14

  12

  Stirling

  7

  7

  13

  Alloa

  10

  10

  11

  Cupar

  8

  19

  10

  Kirkcaldy

  10

  12

  13

  Dunfermline

  8

  12

  11

  B District courts

  Quarter ending

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  1990

  1990

  1990

  Aberdeen

  19·0

  20·0

  12·0

  Airdrie

  18·0

  16·5

  17·0

  Alloa

  12·0

  8·0

  17·0

  Arbroath

  4·0

  4·0

  4·0

  Ayr

  14·5

  9·5

  10·0

  Banff

  9·0

  9·0

  8·0

  Campbeltown

  4·0

  8·0

  4·0

  Cupar

  12·0

  10·0

  16·0

  Dingwall

  4·0

  4·0

  4·0

  Dornoch

  10·0

  10·0

  10·0

  Dumbarton

  12·0

  10·0

  12·0

  Dumfries

  12·0

  12·0

  12·0

  Dundee

  13·0

  15·0

  17·0

  Dunfermline

  17·0

  11·0

  14·0

  Department of Energy R, D & D Expenditure on Renewable Energy (£ million)

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  Wind

  0·6

  0·8

  0·9

  2·5

  2·5

  4·8

  5·4

  3·7

  4·0

  3·9

  4·8

  Wave

  3·0

  3·3

  4·4

  3·1

  1·0

  0·4

  0·4

  0·1

  0·2

  0·1

  0·1

  Geothermal Aquifers

  1·3

  1·7

  2·6

  1·5

  1·8

  1·1

  0·3

  0·1

  —

  0·1

  0·2

  Geothermal hot dry rocks

  6·0

  0·6

  5·6

  3·0

  2·9

  4·6

  3·5

  3·5

  3·6

  3·5

  3·3

  Solar

  1·2

  0·9

  0·7

  1·4

  0·9

  0·5

  0·7

  0·9

  1·1

  1·4

  1·9

  Biomass1

  0·1

  0·4

  0·4

  1·2

  0·7

  1·1

  0·8

  1·3

  2·2

  1·5

  1·4

  Tide

  0·6

  1·4

  0·4

  —

  —

  0·3

  0·1

  0·1

  1·4

  1·2

  1·1

  Hydro/general studies

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0·8

  0·8

  0·8

  Technology transfer and promotion

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0·7

  1·0

  1·6

  ETSU services

  1·4

  1·2

  2·3

  2·0

  2·9

  2·1

  2·0

  2·3

  2·3

  2·5

  2·7

  8·2

  11·3

  17·3

  14·7

  11·7

  14·9

  13·2

  12·0

  16·3

  16·0

  17·9

  614

  Quarter ending

  30 June

  30 September

  31 December

  1990

  1990

  1990

  Dunoon

  8·0

  8·0

  8·0

  Duns

  4·0

  4·0

  4·0

  Edinburgh

  19·0

  20·0

  19·0

  Elgin

  14·0

  11·0

  11·0

  Falkirk

  21·0

  16·0

  10·5

  Forfar

  22·0

  16·0

  10·0

  Fort William

  6·0

  4·0

  6·0

  Glasgow

  15·5

  16·0

  16·5

  Greenock

  7·0

  6·0

  8·0

  Haddington

  9·0

  11·0

  11·0

  Hamilton

  14·0

  13·0

  11·0

  Inverness

  8·0

  8·0

  10·5

  Jedburgh

  6·0

  6·0

  6·0

  Kilmarnock

  11·0

  13·0

  10·0

  Kirkcaldy

  12·0

  10·0

  15·0

  Kirkcudbright

  10·0

  10·0

  10·0

  Kirkwall

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Lanark

  10·0

  12·0

  10·0

  Lerwick

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Linlithgow

  14·0

  9·0

  8·0

  Lochmaddy

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Oban

  2·0

  12·0

  12·0

  Paisley

  9·5

  13·5

  16·0

  Peebles

  8·0

  8·0

  8·0

  Perth

  7·0

  4·0

  8·0

  Peterhead

  13·0

  10·0

  18·0

  Portree

  8·0

  4·0

  8·0

  Rothesay

  8·0

  4·0

  12·0

  Selkirk

  6·0

  6·0

  6·0

  Stirling

  6·0

  7·0

  5·5

  Stonehaven

  15·0

  10·0

  11·0

  Stornoway

  10·0

  6·0

  6·0

  Stranraer

  13·0

  5·0

  4·0

  Tain

  8·0

  10·0

  10·0

  Wick

  3·0

  3·0

  3·0

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the annual expenditure in each year since 1979 on renewable energy programmes in or for Scotland; and if he will break down the total sum spent among(a) solar active and passive, (b) photovoltaics, (c) biofuels, (d) wind, (e) tidal, (f) wave, (g) geothermal, (h) hydro power (including small systems,) and (i) others.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  My right hon. Friend the Secretay of State for Energy administers the Government's programme of expenditure on renewable energy in order to stimulate development for the UK as a whole. The table below gives expenditure within that programme since 1979. There is no specific allocation for Scotland.
  615

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  External contributions

  0·7

  0·9

  1·9

  3·2

  2·0

  3·3

  2·1

  3·1

  3·9

  4·7

  5·3

  Total

  8·9

  12·2

  19·2

  17·9

  13·7

  18·2

  15·3

  15·1

  20·2

  20·7

  23·2

  1 Includes expenditure on "waste as a fuel" projects unde the energy efficiency office demonstration scheme.

  Notes:

  1. Where available external contributions include both private sector, generating boards and the European Commission.

  2. Up to 1986–87 total for RED also includes expenditure on low head hydro and general studies to 1986–87. These are separately identified for 1987–88 and include work carried out by the chief scientist group ETSU.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of renewable energy potentials in Scotland by type of source including(a) solar active and passive, (b) photovoltaics, (c) biofuels, (d) wind, (e) tidal, (f) wave, (g) geothermal, (h) hydro power (including small systems) and (i) others.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  The potential for the development of renewable energy in the United Kingdom was described in the Department of Energy Paper No. 55 published by HMSO in 1988 "Renewable Energy in the United Kingdom—The Way Forward". It was estimated on a United Kingdom basis that renewable energy might provide by the year 2025:

  Electricity producers

  TWh/year

  Wind power onshore

  0·30

  Tidal

  0·28

  Geothermal HDR7

  0–10

  Wave

  0–0·2

  Small-scale hydro

  0·3–0·7

  Electricity producers

  Mice/year

  Passive solar

  1–2

  Biofuels:

  Wet and dry wastes

  3–10

  Forestry

  1–5

  Working Hours and Earnings
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will (1) publish figures showing the(a) average earnings, (b) average gross hours and (c) average overtime hours for (i) male, (ii) female and (iii) all workers in full-time employment in each of the Scottish regions and islands area for each year from 1979 to 1990, inclusive;

  (2) publish figures showing (a) average earnings, (b) average gross hours and (c) average overtime hours for (i) male, (ii) female and (iii) all workers in full-time employment in Scotland for each year from 1979 to 1990, inclusive.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  The available information is given for 1990 in the table below. Since such a large volume of information has been requested, I will write to the hon. Member giving the equivalent information for each year from 1979 to 1989 inclusive. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.
  616

  Average weekly earnings, total hours and overtime hours1 for Scotland and Scottish regions April 1990

  Average weekly earnings £ per week

  Total hours

  Overtime hours

  Borders

  Males

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Females

  145·4

  38·0

  0·6

  All

  205·7

  2—

  2—

  Central

  Males

  276·7

  41·6

  3·7

  Females

  169·3

  37·5

  1·0

  All

  238·5

  40·1

  2·7

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Males

  252·4

  42·3

  3·9

  Females

  169·8

  —

  —

  All

  226·5

  40·6

  2·7

  Fife

  Males

  255·9

  42·9

  4·4

  Females

  182·3

  38·3

  1·1

  All

  228·7

  41·3

  3·2

  Grampian

  Males

  327·6

  44·4

  4·7

  Females

  188·3

  37·7

  0·9

  All

  287·6

  42·2

  3·5

  Highland

  Males

  261·4

  42·0

  3·7

  Females

  175·9

  37·1

  0·6

  All

  229·2

  40·0

  2·5

  Lothian

  Males

  274·3

  40·8

  3·2

  Females

  197·4

  37·0

  0·7

  All

  244·8

  39·3

  2·2

  Strathclyde

  Males

  273·8

  42·2

  4·1

  Females

  190·1

  37·5

  0·9

  All

  243·1

  40·4

  2·9

  Tayside

  Males

  251·6

  41·5

  3·3

  Females

  177·2

  36·8

  0·5

  All

  222·4

  39·6

  2·2

  Islands

  Males

  253·1

  2—

  2—

  Females

  2—

  2—

  2—

  All

  243·4

  2—

  2—

  Highlands and Islands

  Males

  259·4

  41·8

  3·5

  Females

  184·7

  37·3

  0·8

  All

  232·3

  40·1

  2·5

  Scotland

  Males

  276·4

  42·1

  3·9

  Females

  187·2

  37·4

  0·8

  All

  244·0

  40·3

  2·7

  Source: Employment Department.

  1Earnings, total hours and overtime hours of adults in full-time employment whose pay was not affected by absence.

  2Denotes sampling error too high or sample numbers too low for reliable information to be given.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will (1) publish figures showing the distribution of earnings in Scotland for (i) all, (ii) male and (iii) female full-time workers earning(a) median, (b) the point below

  617
  which the lowest 10 per cent. of workers fall and (c) the point above which the highest 10 per cent. of workers fall, for each year between 1979 and 1990, inclusive;

  (2) publish figures showing the distribution of earnings in each Scottish region and islands area for (i) all, (ii) male and (iii) female full-time workers earning (a) median, (b) the point below which the lowest 10 per cent of workers fall and (c) the point above which the highest 10 per cent. fall, for each year beween 1979 and 1990, inclusive.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  The available information for 1990 is given in the table below. Since such a large volume of information is involved, I will write to the hon. Member giving the equivalent information for each year from 1979 to 1989 inclusive. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

  Median and decile distribution of gross weekly earnings1 for Scotland and Scottish regions: April 1990

  £ per week

  Lowest decile

  Median

  Highest decile

  percentage

  percentage

  percentage

  Borders

  Males

  2

  n/a

  2

  Females

  92·1

  n/a

  251·5

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Central

  Males

  149·6

  n/a

  408·0

  Females

  101·1

  n/a

  285·1

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Males

  132·7

  n/a

  413·5

  Females

  96·7

  n/a

  314·5

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Fife

  Males

  140·6

  n/a

  399·6

  Females

  101·6

  n/a

  314·7

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Grampian

  Males

  149·4

  n/a

  573·0

  Females

  101·4

  n/a

  314·2

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  na/

  Highland

  Males

  134·5

  n/a

  406·7

  Females

  98·7

  n/a

  314·0

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Lothian

  Males

  144·1

  n/a

  441·8

  Females

  115·4

  n/a

  314·2

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Strathclyde

  Males

  142·7

  n/a

  424·4

  Females

  105·7

  n/a

  313·8

  All

  120·3

  n/a

  389·1

  Tayside

  Males

  130·7

  n/a

  407·2

  Females

  105·5

  n/a

  312·1

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Islands

  Males

  137·7

  n/a

  421·5

  Females

  2

  n/a

  2

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Highlands and Islands

  Males

  2

  n/a

  2

  Females

  2

  n/a

  2

  All

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Scotland

  Males

  142·3

  243·3

  443·2

  Females

  104·4

  163·5

  313·5

  All

  119·5

  n/a

  398·9

  Source: Employment Department.

  1 Earnings of adults in full-time employment where pay was not affected by absence.

  2 Denotes sampling error too high or sample numbers too low for
  618
  reliable information to be given. Information on medians and deciles other than that shown is obtainable only at disproportionate cost, and is designated n/a on the table.

  St. John Ambulance Brigade
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what facilities he has made available to staff in his Department to contribute to the appeal that has been launched for people with the name of John to help raise £5 million for the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

  Mr. Lang
  My Department has not made facilities available to staff to contribute to the appeal. The St. John Ambulance Brigade does not operate Scotland.

  Housing
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report each private sector landlord and local authority who has expressed an interest in acquiring the former Scottish Special Housing Association housing stock in the Border region to date; and when he expects to announce a deadline after which further applications will be too late to be considered.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Expressions of interest in acquiring Scottish Homes housing stock will be registered with that agency, which will then screen them in accordance with the procedures published by Scottish Homes in October 1989. Any proposals acceptable after the initial screening stage will be notified to the tenants and made public by means of a press release. There is no requirement for Scottish Homes to make available the names of those making unsuccessful proposals.

  Scottish Homes asked for registration of interest to be submitted to it by 6 April. Applications received after that date will not be considered.

  MFV Antares
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any information concerning the date and location of the forthcoming fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of the crew of the MFV Antares; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Investigations are continuing into the deaths of the crew of the MFV Antares. The date and location of the fatal accident inquiry have yet to be fixed.

  Child Abuse
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many criminal convictions there have been for offences against children where children were abused by a parent in the Renfrew division of Strathclyde region in the last two years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Information on the relationship between offenders and their victims is not colleced centrally.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any proposals to reduce delays in court proceedings in child abuse and sexual cases; and if he will make a statement.
  619
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Considerable priority is given initially by the prosecution authorities and subsequently by the courts to the speedy handling of cases involving children.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any proposals to introduce in court proceedings concerned with child or sexual cases video recordings of testimony from child witnesses as evidence; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Certain of the recommendations of the Scottish Law Commission in its report on the evidence of children and other potentially vulnerable witnesses were implemented in the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990. We are considering whether it might be appropriate to bring forward legislative provisions implementing the remaining recommendations of the Commission. These recommendations include the possible taking of the evidence of a child on commission with the proceedings being video recorded for subsequent replay at the trial.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year; and what are his latest estimates for 1990–91 and budgets for 1991–92.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 25 April 1991]: For 1988–89 to 1990–91, the figures were:

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  £

  £

  £

  Television advertising

  576,000

  974,000

  741,000

  Radio advertising

  40,000

  85,000

  188,000

  Newspaper advertising

  378,000

  1,022,000

  613,000

  Other promotional material

  933,000

  1,001,000

  1,098,000

  For 1979–80 to 1987–88 an analysis in the form requested is not available.

  Total expenditure on information publicity was:

  £

  1979–80

  263,000

  1980–81

  362,000

  1981–82

  393,000

  1982–83

  386,000

  1983–84

  360,000

  1984–85

  704,000

  1985–86

  677,000

  1986–87

  857,000

  1987–88

  1,094,000

  Provision for expenditure by the Scottish Office on information campaigns in 1991–92 is £2·2 million. The breakdown of expenditure by different media is not available.

  The above figures do not include the running costs of the Scottish Office information directorate.

ENERGY

  Press and Public Relations Staff
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give for each year from 1979–80, including 1991–92, the number of staff actually employed on 1 April and the full complement of staff, including vacant posts in the press and public relations office of his Department.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The staffing of my Department's press office, including the speech writing unit and the public inquiry point where appropriate, has been as follows:

  Numbers

  1991

  13

  1990

  13

  1989

  13

  1988

  113

  1987

  211

  1at 1 July 1988.

  2at 1 December 1987

  It is not possible to identify separately the staffing of the press office before 1987.

  Nuclear Accidents
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what studies have been undertaken by his Department in the five years since the Chernobyl accident to evaluate the long-term costs of a nuclear accident, in the United Kingdom or nearby continential Europe, involving the equivalent energy and radiation release as occured in the Soviet accident.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Since the Chernobyl accident, the approach of the United Kingdom Government and nuclear industry has been to concentrate on ensuring that the high standards of safety employed in the design, construction and operation of United Kingdom nuclear installations are maintained. These standards mean that the likelihood of any accident at a United Kingdom nuclear plant resulting in a significant off-site release of radioactivity is extremely small. The chance of an accident involving a release on the scale of that which occurred at Chernobyl is widely acknowledged as being considerably more remote.

  Extensive programmes of research and development funded both by Government and the nuclear industry are being carried out to underpin the maintenance of the United Kingdom's high safety standards.

  Despite the extremely low chance of an accident on the scale of Chernobyl at a United Kingdom nuclear installation, the Government have thoroughly reviewed nuclear emergency planning arrangements since the Chernobyl accident. In collaboration with the safety regulatory authorities, the industry, and other bodies involved in emergency planning at both central and local level, a number of improvements have been put in place. These should ensure a continuation of high standards of emergency planning for responding to a nuclear accident. and protecting the public from any consequences.

  There is no reason to suppose that the standard of safety adopted in nearby continental Europe are any less rigorous than those applied in the United Kingdom, and international conventions on early notification provide for early warning of events likely to have trans-boundary

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  consequences. The Department of the Environment has developed a national response plan to provide a framework for dealing with any consequences for the United Kingdom of an overseas accident; it includes the establishment of a nationwide network of monitoring stations, the Radioactive Incident Monitoring Network, RIMNET, designed to detect independently any radioactivity arriving in this country.

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what British nuclear expert assistance has been offered by the Government to the Soviet atomic energy authorities managing the Chernobyl sarcophagus to obviate the threat of radioactive dust pollution.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I understand that the Soviet Union has not requested any assistance from the United Kingdom Government in respect of this matter. Nevertheless, the United Kingdom is prepared to give sympathetic consideration to any such requests.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many scientists from(a) his Department, (b) the nuclear installations inspectorate and (c) the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, respectively, have visited the Chernobyl reactor complex since 1986.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I understand that the information requested is as follows:
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  (a) no scientists from my Department have visited the Chernobyl reactor complex;

  (b) two principal inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate have made such visits;

  (c) six scientists from the Atomic Energy Authority have made such visits.

  In addition, since the accident, members of both the nuclear installations inspectorate and the Atomic Energy Authority have made visits to the Soviet Union to further collaboration on various aspects of nuclear safety. The United Kingdom has also participated in discussions held under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

  Advanced Nuclear Fuels (Uranium Shipment)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the outcome of the investigation by EURATOM into the mistaken shipment by Advanced Nuclear Fuels of Lingen, Germany, of 130 kg of enriched uranium to the United States of America; and what assessment has been made of the implications for the application of EURATOM nuclear safeguards in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  It is not for the United Kingdom Government to comment on such matters. EURATOM safeguards will continue to apply to all civil nuclear material in the United Kingdom.