Written Answers of 15 January 1991

EMPLOYMENT

  Deaf Trainees
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if the Training Agency has researched the use of the communication support services for deaf trainees; and if he will make it his policy that the provision of these services will be maintained by the training and enterprise councils.

  Mr. Jackson
  My Department has conducted no formal research specifically into the use of communication support services for deaf trainees. Training and enterprise councils are required to provide a communication service for deaf trainees, together with other relevant support to trainees with disabilities where appropriate.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Marriage Breakdown
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest estimate of the full annual cost to the Government of marriage breakdown.

  Mr. John Patten
  Detailed research on which to base a firm estimate is not available. We are presently considering an estimate that RELATE—formerly the National Marriage Guidance Council—has drawn up based on its own work. It is likely that considerable further research and verification would be necessary before this could be used as a definitive basis for calculation.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the statement by the deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan police on the force's strategy for 1991.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  I am placing copies of the strategy statement for 1991, which I fully endorse, in the Library today. I am also sending copies to all right hon. and hon. Members whose constituencies fall wholly or partly within the Metropolitan police district. I am inviting London Members to discuss the statement with me.

ENVIRONMENT

  Refuse Disposal and Collection
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he intends to take with regard to circular 13/88 and the matter of charges for the collection of waste from mixed hereditaments.

  Mr. Baldry
  I understand that some local authorities have not fully complied with the advice given by my hon.452
  Friend the Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Boscawen) on 4 July 1990.

  This guidance recognised that some of the waste from a composite property arises from the residential part of the property. My hon. Friend advised that the most sensible way for local authorities to treat such properties under their existing powers is that, once they have received a request to collect commercial waste from such properties, they should collect or empty free of charge at least one refuse sack or dustbin per week per property. They should also be prepared to consider alternative or additional arrangements on an individual basis.

  It is our intention to revise the Collection and Disposal of Waste Regulations 1988 to which circular 13/88 relates. The revision will take account of the changes brought about by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and we shall take the opportunity to clarify the advice to local authorities about the treatment of refuse collection from composite hereditaments. However, no local authority should use our plans to revise the regulations as an excuse for delaying implementation of the policy that I have described.

  Mr. Janman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what information he has on(a) the lowest and (b) the highest United Kingdom refuse disposal costs per tonne;

  (2) what information he has on (a) the lowest and (b) the highest United Kingdom refuse collection costs per tonne;

  (3) what information he has on the cost of United Kingdom refuse collection to local authorities;

  (4) what information he has on the cost of United Kingdom refuse disposal to local authorities.

  Mr. Baldry
  The costs of waste collection and disposal vary widely depending on the type of waste, method of collection or disposal, and proximity of disposal facilities. The Department has no information about highest and lowest costs, and the latest published figures for average costs are for 1986–87. These are set out in the table.

  total £ million

  per tonne £

  Gross revenue expenditure on waste disposal by local authorities in England and Wales

  270

  10

  Gross revenue expenditure on waste collection by local authorities in England and Wales

  515

  29

  The information should be treated with caution both because estimates of waste tonnage are not always reliable, and because the response rate from local authorities was very poor. Figures for later years cannot be produced because the base data are insufficiently reliable. The Department is currently reviewing the availability of waste statistics as a whole.

  Water Charges
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, further to his reply of 18 December,Official Report, c. 116, (a) what definition of undue discrimination is to be used in drawing up guidelines on water charges and

  453
  (b) if he will list the various classes of customers and potential customers for whom protection against such discrimination is to be provided.

  Mr. Baldry
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him yesterday.

  Crown Offices
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether there are any covenants or other restrictions on the Crown offices in Crown way, Cathays, Cardiff, which would prevent their use by(a) Government Departments other than the Welsh Office and (b) non-Government users or bodies.

  Mr. Yeo
  The freehold of the Crown Offices in Crown way, Cathays, Cardiff is vested in the Secretary of State for the Environment. The conveyances contain restrictive covenants limiting the use of the premises for the purpose of Government Offices.

  Environment Council
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Environment Council on 20 and 21 December 1990.

  Mr. Trippier
  I represented the United Kingdom at this meeting.

  The Council agreed a new regulation for the control of substances that deplete the ozone layer. This is necessary to implement within the Community the revision of the Montreal protocol which was agreed in London last June, but it also demonstrates our commitment to the protection of the ozone layer by requiring a faster phase-out within the Community. Under the regulation, chlorofluorocarbons will be cut by 85 per cent. by the middle of 1995 and phased out by the middle of 1997—two and a half years in advance of the Montreal protocol requirements. Halons are to be cut by 50 per cent. by the start of 1995, and phased out by the end of the century. Carbon tetrachloride will be phased out by 1998, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane by 2005. In certain cases exemptions for essential uses, such as medical aerosols and some fire-fighting applications, may be permitted, should those prove necessary. I pressed at the Council for an even quicker phase-out of CFCs and halons. Nonetheless, the agreement reached is a major step forward in protecting the ozone layer, and sends a strong signal to the rest of the world that still faster cuts than those agreed in London can be achieved.

  The United Kingdom worked actively to secure agreement in the Council of a common position on the proposal for a consolidated directive on car emissions. The strict new standards it contains would come into effect from the end of 1992. They would require the fitting of three-way catalysts to all new cars, and would reduce pollution from each car to about a quarter of present levels. The Council also agreed to invite the European Commission to produce a proposal for a further round of yet stricter standards which could come into effect from 1996. This is excellent news for Europe's environment and confirms the Community's determination to come to grips with pollution from transport. It is also good news for the motor industry, which will now have a much clearer idea of the standards towards which it should engineer.

  The Council agreed a directive on hazardous waste to replace the existing directive on toxic and dangerous waste
  454
  which dates from 1978. The new directive's most important feature is a provision for defining hazardous waste in a clear, practical way. Before the directive comes into force a list of hazardous wastes will be drawn up. Other features of the new directive are controls on the mixing and movement of hazardous waste. The new directive will be implemented by means of the proposed revision of the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations 1980.

  A regulation establishing a programme of action for the protection of the Mediterranean sea was agreed. The programme, known as MEDSPA, will provide pump-priming funds for a range of actions to help deal with the serious environmental problems affecting the Mediterranean.

  The Council also agreed a resolution welcoming the European Commission's recent green paper on the urban environment. The resolution notes that, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, the primary responsibility for protecting the urban environment lies with local, regional and national authorities, but recognises that in certain areas there may be a role for the Community to play. The Council has invited the Commission to establish a group of experts to advise on possible further action.

  Proposed directives on sewage treatment and on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances were both discussed in detail. Very good progress was made in each case on resolving a number of outstanding issues, and Ministers expressed the hope that agreement could be reached on both directives at the next Council meeting.

  With support from a number of member states, I was able to secure from the European Commission a commitment to review the operation of certain aspects of the existing directive on the protection of wild birds. In particular, the Commission agreed to look at those provisions in the directive that impede action against certain pest species for which control measures are necessary, and where this would not endanger the conservation of the species. This is a welcome recognition on the Commission's part of the need to address an anomaly which has caused some concern here.

  The Council also held brief discussions on climate change, on the use of economic instruments to achieve environmental objectives, and on the site of the European Environment Agency.

  Rural Development Commission Factories
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has reached a decision on the disposal of the Rural Development Commission factory estates; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  The Rural Development Commission and its predecessors have funded a very successful programme of workspace provision over many years. Following the announcement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 23 April, I have sought the advice of the Rural Development Commission on the disposal of its portfolio. The RDC portfolio has a number of special characteristics, among them the fact that many of the factory units that have been provided are in small blocks in remote rural areas. I am pleased to announce that having received the Rural Development Commission's advice, I have decided to proceed with the sale of the portfolio. Government policy
  455
  is to encourage suitable premises and sites to be made available through the private sector to new and expanding enterprises in rural areas. The sale of the estate is intended to further this policy by involving the private sector in the ownership and management of property in rural areas. It also builds on the existing policy of selling units to tenants in appropriate circumstances. I propose to introduce a new grants scheme to encourage private developers to make further provision while at the same time withdrawing progressively from direct provision to complement this. The twin objectives of maximising the return to the taxpayer from the sale and encouraging the involvement of a range of private sector interests will best be met through a phased sale, with the intention that this should be spread over a period of about three years with the rate of disposal adjusted to market conditions.

  Wherever it is practical to do so, and in line with the above objectives I have asked the Rural Development Commission and English Estates to offer existing tenants an opportunity to bid for their premises.

  Rate Support Grant
  Mr. Ken Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the rate support grant supplementary report for 1989–90 for England will be published.

  Legal limit

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  mg/100ml

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Great Britain

  80

  33

  28

  26

  26

  24

  23

  21

  19(p)

  New South Wales

  50(1)

  40

  36

  33

  33

  34

  32

  31

  33

  The following table shows, for all drivers and riders killed whose blood alcohol level was known, the

  Specified blood alcohol level mg/100ml

  1982 Per cent.

  1983 Per cent.

  1984 Per cent.

  1985 Per cent.

  1986 Per cent.

  1987 Per cent.

  1988 Per cent.

  1989(p) Per cent.

  80

  33

  28

  26

  26

  24

  23

  21

  19

  100

  30

  25

  24

  24

  22

  21

  19

  18

  150

  21

  18

  15

  17

  17

  15

  14

  13

  200

  12

  11

  8

  11

  9

  9

  8

  8

  North Sea Rescue Services
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list year by year since 1980 the dates and locations and numbers of injuries and fatalities of crew members of fast rescue craft engaged in rescues in the North sea oil fields.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Department is aware of two incidents: these were both associated with the Piper Alpha oil platform fire in July 1988. Six personnel on two of the rescue craft were injured, two fatally.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list year by year since 1980 the number of successful rescues carried out by fast rescue craft in the North sea oil fields, indicating from where the craft were launched and the dates and location of where the rescues took place.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Department does not collect this data. However, information presented to the public inquiry into the Piper Alpha disaster showed that 126 incidents occurred of men falling overboard from an oil
  456
  Mr. Heseltine
  I have laid the supplementary report before the House today. The main purpose of the report is to correct the effects of an error in respect of road lengths in the London borough of Croydon used in the calculation of its grant-related expenditure assessments for 1989–90.

  The report requires the approval of the House. Subject to that, I propose to make the revisions to grant payments to reflect the report early in April. Copies of the report arid tables showing revised rate support grant entitlements are being sent today to local authority associations and to each authority.

TRANSPORT

  Drink Drivers
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the comparative reductions and levels of over-the-limit alcohol in dead drivers from 1982 in Great Britain, New South Wales and Sweden.

  Mr. Chope
  The table shows, for all drivers and riders killed whose blood alcohol level was known, the proportion who were over the legal limit. Comparative data for Sweden are not available.

  proportion who were over the level specified. The figures are for Great Britain only. Comparative data for Sweden and New South Wales are not available.

  installation between 1974 and 1986, and the most common means of recovery was by fast rescue craft deployed from standby vessels.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will indicate the existing procedures and logging requirements for the repair and maintenance of fast rescue craft used in the North sea oil fields.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The recording of the repair or the maintenance of fast rescue craft is a matter for the owner or operator of the standby vessel, but surveyors from the Department will examine the condition of the craft during surveys and general inspections.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to make changes in respect of fast rescue craft used in the North sea oil fields(a) to power the craft with diesel instead of petrol and (b) to have guarded propellers on such craft; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  When fast rescue craft were first developed all that was generally available for propulsion
  457
  were outboard petrol engines. New developments have made the use of diesel engines more practicable for the larger craft and their use is increasing. The phasing out of petrol engines and the use of guarded propellers will need to be considered in the revision of the present code of practice, but because of the range of duties a fast rescue craft is called upon to perform it is essential that design parameters should be as flexible as possible.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will indicate what training procedures exist for crews of fast rescue craft in the North sea oil field; and who is responsible for monitoring such training.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Under the code of practice published by the Department, crews of fast rescue craft should attend a course in the operation of fast rescue boats which is offered by a number of training institutions. These courses are checked and endorsed by the Department. During annual inspections of standby vessels marine surveyors verify that sufficient numbers of crew members who have attended these courses are on board; and they often seek a demonstration of how the boats are handled.

  Road Accidents
  Mr. Mudd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents occurred, and how many people were killed or injured in those accidents, on(a) the M I between junctions 1 and 17, (b) the M6 between junctions 1 and 4, (c) the A34 between Oxford and Stratford and (d) the A423 between Oxford and Coventry over the period 20 December 1990 to 3 January 1991.

  Mr. Chope
  I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as the information is available.

  Underground Structures
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which Government Departments and associations of statutory or local authorities know the precise position of the principal underground services and utilities and, in particular, the position of sewers, water conduits, cables, pipes and wires belonging to the public utilities and how they relate to one another.

  Mr. Chope
  The requirements on persons with underground services to maintain records of their position vary according to the statutory powers or licence under which it was placed. The Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950 and utilities' enabling legislation require undertakers executing works to consult other undertakers whose apparatus is likely to be affected and the street authority before starting major works. There is a need to improve the consistency and availability of records of underground services and the New Roads and Street Works Bill currently before Parliament contains provision for this.

  Deeside Industrial Park
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the start date of the construction of a new entrance to the Deeside industrial park; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  Late 1994, subject to satisfactory completion of statutory procedures and the availability of funds.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on apportioning the British total allowable catch for 1991 to the individual ports; and how he negotiates a Scottish allocation.

  Mr. Curry
  As agreed with the industry, the United Kingdom 1991 white fish quota will continue to be distributed among the United Kingdom fleet in proportion to the track record of individual fishing vessels. Most pelagic quota is also distributed in the same way, although currently some vessels have a fixed share of certain pelagic fisheries and the non-sector, because of its small size, has received an allocation rather greater than its track record would warrant. Departments will shortly be consulting the industry over the methodology to be applied in distributing pelagic quotas in future. The industry will also be consulted as necessary on the distribution of Hague preference fish obtained by the United Kingdom at the December Council.

  Water Protection
  Mr. Carttiss
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the code of good agricultural practice on water protection as foreshadowed in the Environment White Paper "This Common Inheritance".

  Mr. Gummer
  Last autumn's environment White Paper "This Common Inheritance" stated that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food would be preparing a revised free advisory package of codes of good agricultural practice for farmers. I am pleased to announce that the first of these codes, which relates to the protection of water, has now been prepared in draft form for consultation in England and Wales. It contains practical and detailed guidance to farmers on how to avoid water pollution from farm wastes, fertilisers, nitrate, fuel oil, sheep dip, carcase disposal and pesticides. This draft code has been placed in the Libraries of the House, and is also available from the Vote Office.

  Livestock Protection
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take to improve the protection of livestock in markets.

  Mr. Maclean
  Orders have been made under the Animal Health Act 1981, to come into force on 1 March 1991, which will lay down detailed welfare safeguards for farm livestock and horses in markets. This important legislation will create a new offence of causing injury or unnecessary suffering to animals in markets. Horses at markets and other places of sale will now be protected by specific controls for the first time. The new orders will introduce minimum ages at which calves and foals can be put through markets without their mothers. There will be a ban on selling calves more than twice in any 28-day period, and practices such as the use of electric goads on calves, young pigs, sheep and horses and the tying of poultry and calves will be prohibited. Among other new provisions are controls on handling, penning, feeding and watering animals.
  459
  This legislation has been discussed with market operators and other interested parties, and follows closely recommendations from the Farm Animal Welfare Council, to which I am very grateful. We are also issuing codes of practice which give further guidance to all those involved in markets on how best to safeguard the welfare of animals.

  In recent years, concern for animal welfare has become increasingly important in the design and running of today's markets. Everyone should realise that transport to and from market and the time spent there, can be potentially stressful for animals. The overriding principle behind the new orders and codes of practice is the need for particular care and consideration for all animals in these different environments.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Civil Service Pay
  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement about the discretionary pay scheme for grades 2 and 3 staff in the home civil service.

  Mr. Renton
  In the fourth and last round of awards under the arrangements announced by my right hon. Friend the then Prime Minister on 23 April 1987, awards

  July

  August

  September

  1October

  November

  December

  2January

  Ff/£

  high

  10·06

  10·18

  9·96

  10·15

  9·90

  9·83

  9·97

  low

  9·56

  9·88

  9·75

  9·82

  9·74

  9·72

  9·80

  DM/£

  high

  3·006

  3·034

  2·981

  3·025

  2·936

  2·903

  2·926

  low

  2·929

  2·946

  2·904

  2·929

  2·887

  2·852

  2·888

  Lira/£

  high

  2195

  2255

  2225

  2267

  2205

  2180

  2200

  low

  2150

  2155

  2170

  2200

  2175

  2155

  2180

  Maximum £ deviation from central rate per cent.

  above

  —

  —

  —

  +2·70

  —

  —

  +1·05

  below

  —

  —

  —

  -4·15

  -4·25

  -4·67

  -4·04

  1 From 8 October 1990.

  2 To 13 January 1991.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the inflow and outflow to and from and the net gain or loss to the reserves from the date of joining the exchange rate mechanism to the latest available date and for the equivalent period before joining.

  Mr. Maples
  Net changes to the reserves in the three months before and after sterling's entry to the ERM are as follows:

  $million

  Total change

  Level of reserves at end of month

  July

  -172

  38,842

  August

  +455

  39,297

  September

  -237

  39,060

  October1

  -488

  38,572

  460
  have been made to 21 grade 2s and 53 grade 3s. The total number of staff currently granted awards following four rounds of the scheme is 41 grade 2s and 157 grade 3s, respectively 29 per cent. and 32 per cent. of each grade. This is within the ceiling of 35 per cent. of each grade recommended by the Top Salaries Review Body.

  The full-year cost of these awards is approximately £565,000 or about 1·9 per cent. of the annual pay bill for the grades concerned. The scheme is due to be replaced by new arrangements in April 1991.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Exchange Rate Mechanism
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give sterling's range of variation against(a) the franc, (b) the deutschmark, (c) the lira and (d) within the 6 per cent. bands for each month since Britain joined the exchange rate mechanism and for (a), (b) and (c) for the three months before joining.

  Mr. Maples
  Sterling's variation against the franc, deutschmark and lira before and after its entry to the ERM, and the greatest percentage dievations from sterling's central rates against all the other ERM currencies since entry are as follows:

  Total change

  Level of reserves at end of month

  November

  -102

  38,470

  December

  -6

  38,464

  1 Sterling entered the ERM on 8 October 1990.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the top and bottom of the pound's bands within the exchange rate mechanism and the highest and lowest points within them reached by sterling in each month since membership.

  Mr. Maples
  Sterling's upper and lower limits against the other ERM currencies, and the highest and lowest points at close of business since sterling's entry to the mechanism, are as follows:
  461

  October1

  November

  December

  January2

  Currency

  Upper limit

  Lower limit

  High

  Low

  High

  Low

  High

  Low

  High

  Low

  Belgian/Luxembourg Franc3

  64·6

  57·3

  62·3

  60·2

  60·6

  59·7

  60·0

  59·0

  60·3

  59·6

  French Franc

  10·51

  9·32

  10·15

  9·82

  9·90

  9·74

  9·83

  9·72

  9·97

  9·80

  Italian Lira

  2,344

  2,079

  2,267

  2,200

  2,205

  2,175

  2,180

  2,155

  2,200

  2,180

  Dutch Florin

  3·53

  3·13

  3·41

  3·30

  3·31

  3·26

  3·27

  3·22

  3·30

  3·26

  Deutschemark

  3·132

  2·778

  3·025

  2·929

  2·936

  2·887

  2·903

  2·852

  2·926

  2·888

  Danish Krone

  11·95

  10·60

  11·54

  11·19

  11·24

  11·07

  11·14

  11·20

  11·27

  11·14

  Irish Punt

  1·169

  1·037

  1·131

  1·089

  1·100

  1·077

  1·098

  1·068

  1·080

  1·076

  Spanish Peseta

  203·6

  180·6

  190·0

  183·8

  186·2

  183·6

  185·0

  182·8

  184·8

  184·0

  1 From 8 October.

  2 To 13 January 1991.

  3 The exchange rate between the Belgian franc and the Luxembourg franc is fixed, with no margin of fluctuation.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide figures for VAT returns for the Gordon constituency, or the Gordon district and Aberdeen district, for the last five years for which data are complete.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The figures for VAT returns are not available in the form requested except at disproportionate cost. It has been possible to provide details for the last two financial years for traders currently registered at the Aberdeen local VAT office which covers the north-east of Scotland from Montrose to Nairn and the Shetland islands. The figures are as follows:

  Year ending

  Payments by Traders £ million

  Repayments to Traders £ million

  Net Payments to Traders £ million

  31 March 1989

  129·3

  165·2

  35·9

  31 March 1990

  167·1

  204·5

  37·4

  Government Telecommunications Service
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on the outcome of the Government telecommunications service project negotiation.

  Mr. Maples
  My right hon. Friend the then Economic Secretary to the Treasury announced in a written answer on 15 February 1990, at column 340, that negotiations would be opened with Racal Data Networks Ltd. (RDNL) to determine whether the company could satisfactorily supply an integrated voice and data telecommunications service for use by Government Departments, to be known as the Government Telecommunications Service—GTS.

  The Government and the company have now reluctantly concluded that it would not be possible to achieve agreement on the terms for the provision of such a service. The two parties have therefore agreed that the GTS negotiations should be discontinued. The decision was announced on 7 January 1991. The Departments concerned in the GTS negotiation will now be considering with the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency how best to meet future telecommunications requirements. This decision does not affect the existing service contracts held by RDNL which the company is continuing to implement—the Government data network —GDN—which serves 18 Departments and includes the NHS family health service network, and the voice network which RDNL is developing for the Department of Social Security.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to submit draft treaty texts to the intergovernmental conference on economic and monetary union; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maude
  My right hon. Friend submitted a document, "Economic and monetary union—beyond Stage 1: Possible Treaty Provisions and Statute for a European Monetary Fund", to the Luxembourg presidency on 8 January. This sets out legal texts designed to amend the treaty of Rome so as to allow for the establishment of a European monetary fund managing a hard ecu in line with the proposals first put forward by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister when Chancellor. Copies have been placed in the Vote Office and the House of Commons Library.

  Government Staff
  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of staff in post in central Government departments at 1 October 1990.

  Mr. Mellor
  On 1 October 1990 there were 556,250 staff in post in central Government. Of those, 491,032 were non-industrials and 65,218 were classified as being in industrial work.

HEALTH

  Deaf School Leavers
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that deaf school leavers are provided with communication support when being assessed under section 5 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986;

  (2) what consideration is being given to the implementation of section 3(b) of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 to ensure that deaf people have access to sign language interpreters and other communication support when being assessed for services by local authorities.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to monitor the implementation of section 5 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986, particularly in regard to deaf school leavers.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The social services inspectorate has carried out an exercise to monitor the implementation of those
  463
  sections of the Act that are in force. The results of this inspection, and of the findings of a more specific study of the implementation of sections 5 and 6, were published last year in its reports "Developing Services for Disabled People" and "Developing Services for Young People with Disabilities", copies of which are in the Library. We expect authorities to provide communication support for all clients who require it as a matter of normal good practice, and our guidance on the implementation of community care has emphasised the importance of such services. Similar guidance is to be issued to assist authorities in the implementation of the provisions of the Children Act.

  Sign Language Interpreters
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is being undertaken by his Department to address the shortage of registered sign language interpreters for deaf patients.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The Department provides grant aid to the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People, which arranges courses in communication with deaf people and maintains a register of interpreters. The Department has also, for a number of years, grant-aided the British Sign Language Training Authority. The availability of sign language interpreters to deaf people seeking health care is a matter for local health service management, who are best placed to determine and provide for the local need for such a service.

  Medical Research
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he proposes to take to help non-teaching hospitals that provide major service support for research by external funders.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I am pleased to announce a £2 million scheme to help meet the service support costs of research in non-teaching hospitals. The scheme will give financial help to hospitals that provide service support for major levels of research activity by external funders including local and national charities and the Medical Research Council. Applications for support under the scheme will be invited for autumn 1991 and the first allocations made for April 1992. An NHS management executive letter will be issued to health authorities shortly and will give further details.

  Myelograms
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what equipment currently available under the NHS is capable of determining whether or not myodil dye was used in the past; what is the location of each scanner: and what is its current availability for use.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 14 January 1991]: If myodil dye was used in the past for a myelograrn its clearance from the body will vary from patient to patient. Normal radiographic X-ray equipment should detect any myodil still present in a patient's body.

ENERGY

  Electricity Privatisation
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what consultations he has had with the chairman of National Power and PowerGen concerning a staggered sale of the share capital; what estimates he has made of the difference in net proceeds from a 100 per cent. sale and a staggered sale; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  My right hon. Friend has decided to offer for sale 60 per cent. of the share capital of National Power and PowerGen next month, subject to market conditions. The chairmen of the companies have been informed of this decision, which reflects the Government's confidence in the long-term future of the companies and the wish to maximise proceeds in time.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what resources are allocated for a campaign to encourage home insulation as part of the energy efficiency project.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The Energy Efficiency Office promotes energy efficiency measures in the domestic sector through a range of initiatives including the new home energy efficiency scheme, which came into operation on 1 January, provision of targeted information to householders, and the best practice programme. Of the total budget expected to be available to the EEO of nearly £42 million in 1991–92, some £30 million is in support of these programmes.

  Electricity Cables
  Sir Dudley Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will institute a feasibility study in co-operation with the electricity industry with a view to improving the overhead cable system and making it less vulnerable, particularly in rural areas, to severe snow and storm conditions.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  A joint Department-electricity supply industry panel of inquiry chaired by the Department's chief engineering inspector was set up in January 1982 to investigate the adequacy, and so on, of overhead electricity lines following the very severe snow storms in December 1981 and January 1982 which seriously affected Wales and the west of England. As a result a programme of improvements was put in hand costing over £100 million, which included the strengthening of the more vulnerable overhead lines and closer control of tree growth. The snowstorm which affected the midlands area in December 1990 was exceptional, but the East Midlands Electricity company—the worst affected —is carrying out a review of the event and the Department's engineering inspectorate is monitoring this review.

  Electricity Prices
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next expects to meet the 12 chairs of the electricity consumer committees to discuss next year's forecast price increases for domestic consumers.
  465
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The functioning of the electricity consumers' committees is a matter for the Director General of Electricity Supply.

  Electricity Consumers
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has regarding the numbers of electricity consumers with average consumption slightly less than 1 MW, who have stepped up consumption just sufficiently to gain access to non-franchise purchasing terms.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The criteria for franchise customers are set out in condition 2 of the second tier supply licences issued to suppliers. This makes it clear that the relevant demand calculations must be on the basis of the average of the three highest months of maximum demand in a 12-month period under normal operating conditions. It is for the Director General of Electricity Supply to oversee the implementation of licence conditions and to determine any disputes over whether the criteria have been met.

  Power Cables
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will call for a report on the problem of ice accretion on power cables and the threat it poses to security of supply.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The phenomenon of ice accumulation on overhead electric lines and other structures is well understood technically. Weather conditions and their effect on overhead electricity transmission and distribution systems, including ice accumulation and electricity supply industry design standards, were exhaustively addressed in the joint Department of Energy-industry review into the widespread storm damage in the west of Britain during the winter of 1981–82. The phenomenon is not confined to the United Kingdom and occurs in other countries, including other parts of Europe, with similar climatic conditions to our own.

  The area of East Midlands Electricity was particularly badly affected last December. The company is carrying out a review of those events and the Department's engineering inspectors will be keeping closely in touch with it.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Levitt Group
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who is responsible for making an announcement, and at what time he expects it to be made, concerning the safety and security of money placed by investors with the Levitt Group.

  Mr. Redwood
  I understand that the provisional liquidators reported to creditors on Monday 14 January.

  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has on the current position of the Levitt group and the safety of investors' moneys.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 14 January 1991]: I understand that the provisional liquidators reported to creditors on Monday 14 January.

  Auditors
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times company auditors have notified his Department of corporate fraud and irregularities.

  Mr. Redwood
  This information is not available in the form requested. To try to provide comprehensive information over a reasonable time period would involve disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the individuals criticised in the inspectors' report on Bryanston can still carry out company audits.

  Mr. Redwood
  In respect of accountants, yes, except for Mr. Keith Cunningham whose membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has lapsed. The accountancy firm involved was required to pay costs of £273,000 and reprimanded under the joint disciplinary scheme.

  Tottenham Hotspur plc
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what inquiries he has made into the suspension of shares of Tottenham Hotspur plc.

  Mr. Redwood
  The suspension of shares is a matter for the International Stock Exchange.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he has taken or is proposing to take against Tottenham Hotspur plc for late filing of its annual accounts.

  Mr. Redwood
  Tottenham Hotspur plc has failed to submit accounts for the period ended 31 May 1990. The registrar has confirmed that the company has been notified of the default and appropriate action is being taken to secure compliance.

  Suspension of Shares
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has any plans to propose legislation under which within six weeks of the share quotation being suspended the existing board of directors will be required to offer itself for re-election.

  Mr. Redwood
  No. If the shareholders of such a company wish to dismiss some or all of the directors they may requisition the convening of an extraordinary general meeting for that purpose under the provisions of section 368 of the Companies Act 1985.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will bring forward proposals for legislation to require a company whose share quotation is suspended to call an extraordinary meeting.

  Mr. Redwood
  No. Section 368 of the Companies Act 1985 already gives a company's shareholders the power to requisition an extraordinary general meeting if they consider one necessary.

  Accounting Procedures
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether he has any proposals for companies to write off purchased good will against profits rather than reserves;
  467
  (2) if he will propose legislation under which property companies would be prevented from capitalising the interest on their borrowings;

  (3) what proposals he has for defining mergers and eliminating the anomalies arising from merger accounts.

  Mr. Redwood
  Issues of this sort are better dealt with through accounting standards than in the law. The matters raised are encompassed within exposure drafts issued by the Accounting Standards Committee and the responses received will be considered by the Accounting Standards Board in due course.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has for requiring every public company to establish an audit committee and to specify in the annual reports any changes in accounting practice and its implications for the future.

  Mr. Redwood
  The Government endorse the use of audit committees, but have no plans to impose them on companies through legislation. Companies must be free to decide for themselves whether such committees are appropriate to their circumstances.

  The existing requirements of SSAP2 in respect of the disclosure by companies of the accounting policies they have adopted and of SSAP6 in respect of the disclosure of the effect of prior period adjustments arising when an accounting policy is changed already cover the question of accounting policies.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he has had with the professional accountancy bodies about the establishment of a review panel to examine the accounts of listed companies and to establish an urgent issues task force to clear up areas of anomaly and clarify accounting guidelines.

  Mr. Redwood
  My Department consulted the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies fully about the implementation of the Dearing report, which recommended the creation of a review panel and an urgent issues task force.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to ask the Audit Commission to lay down guidelines for the accountancy profession on the auditing of company accounts.

  Mr. Redwood
  None.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy that the Export Credits Guarantee Department should continue to be based in the Crown offices at Cathays, Cardiff; and if he will list any obstacles that would need to be overcome for such a policy to be implemented in the long term.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  After the proposed privatisation of its insurance services group, ECGD's remaining operations will continue to be based in London and in various locations in Cardiff. It is ECGD's intention that, in respect of these remaining operations, it should retain a significant presence in Cardiff for the foreseeable future. I am not aware of any obstacles likely to prevent this. As regards the location of the insurance services group following privatisation, this would be a matter for the new management and owners.

  Company Accounts
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to authorise a person under section 245c of the Companies Act 1985 for the purpose of making applications to court under section 245b in respect of accounts which it is alleged did not comply with the Act.

  Mr. Redwood
  Last week I made an order authorising the Financial Reporting Review Panel Ltd, a subsidiary of the Financial Reporting Council Ltd, for this purpose. The authorisation takes effect from 1 February. The relevant provisions of the Act apply to accounts for financial years starting on or after 23 December 1989. The review panel will be able to apply to the court for a declaration that a company's accounts did not comply with the Act and for an order requiring the directors to prepare revised accounts.

  Research Council
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Research Council on 21 December 1990.

  Mr. Leigh
  My noble Friend the Minister for Industry represented Her Majesty's Government at the meeting of the Council of Ministers (Research) in Brussels on 21 December.

  The Council agreed common positions on three specific programmes under the third framework programme for R and D 1990–94: "Environment, Telematics, and Marine Sciences and Technologies". It approved in principle the specific programme of life sciences and technologies for developing countries while asking the Committee of Permanent Representatives—COREPER—to consider further the technical annex of the programme. COREPER was also asked to examine the following programmes with a view to the possible adoption of common positions early in 1991: information technologies, communication technologies, industrial and materials technologies, and biomedicine and health.

  RENAVAL Programme (Plymouth)
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures his Department is taking as a result of the European Commission's approval of the RENAVAL programme for the Plymouth travel-to-work area.

  Mr. Leigh
  The RENAVAL programme enables the Department to introduce regional enterprise grants into the Plymouth travel-to-work area and this we shall do with immediate effect.

  The programme is designed to support our regional policies of increasing competitiveness, encouraging innovation and business development and improving the skills of individuals.

  Regional enterprise grants, up to £1 million in total, will be available to small firms employing fewer than 25 people for investment in new equipment and towards the costs of developing or improving products or processes.

  I am sure that RENAVAL and the help now available under regional enterprise grants will be of enormous benefit to small businesses in the Plymouth area. It is a useful addition to the support already available under regional selective assistance and the enterprise initiative.
  469
  The grants will be administered from our Plymouth office. Regional selective assistance continues to be available to larger firms and consultancy support continues unchanged.

  Life Companies
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has of the practice of life companies using policyholders' funds to acquire shares in a company to benefit the company and not the policyholders; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 14 January 1991]: Life companies have freedom to invest policyholders' funds for the benefit of the policyholders subject to the prudential regulation of my Department. Policyholders' funds must be applied with the intention of benefiting policyholders although not all investment decisions will turn out to be successful with the benefit of hindsight. The application of policyholders' funds with the intention of benefiting policyholders is a requirement of the Insurance Companies Act 1982 and failure to comply constitutes a criminal offence.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Czechoslovak Academic Links Project
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications have been received by the British Council for funding under the Czechoslovak academic links project; and how many applications have been approved to date.

  Mrs. Chalker
  To date, the British Council has received 65 applications for links with Czechoslovakia under the Czechoslovak academic links project which is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office under the know-how fund. Of these 15, have been approved.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding has been made available by the Government's know-how funds for the links projects with(a) Czechoslovakia, (b) Poland and (c) Hungary in 1990–91; and how much has been allocated in respect of projects for each country to date.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The sums made available in 1990–91 under the know-how fund for the academic links projects in Czechoslovakia, Poland and Hungary are £150,000, £150,000 and £100,000 respectively. To date £150,000 has been allocated under the Czechoslovak scheme, £143,000 under the Polish scheme and £94,514 under the Hungarian scheme.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Middle East
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice Her Majesty's Government are giving to British citizens in the middle east.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  As a precautionary measure against the risk of war and the possibility of civil disturbance and terrorist attack in some countries, the Foreign and 470
  Commonwealth Office has given the following advice to travellers and residents. The dangers to British nationals are being kept under constant review, and advice may change at any time.

  Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon

  Do not attempt to travel to these countries.

  Bahrain, Qatar, Riyadh, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

  Visitors: those with business in Bahrain, Qatar and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and the cities of Riyadh and Tabuk should not be deterred from making necessary visits. They should register their arrival with the nearest British diplomatic mission and should tell the mission how long they expect to stay. Tourists and others whose visits are a matter of choice should defer their visits.

  British Community: dependants are advised to leave these areas before the deadline of 15 January which has been set by the Security Council for the withdrawal of Iraq from Kuwait.

  Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates

  Visitors: those with business to conduct should not be deterred from making necessary visits. Others whose visits are a matter of choice should defer their visits.

  British Community: United Arab Emirates: dependants currently on leave or planning on taking leave should consider delaying their return until the situation becomes clearer.

  Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia: no reason for dependants to leave provided this is not contrary to employers' policy.

  Jordan, Yemen

  Visitors: travellers are advised to defer visits to these countries if they can.

  British Community: all British nationals whose continued presence is not essential should leave until the situation becomes clearer.

  Israel and the Occupied Territories

  Visitors: Travellers are advised to defer visits if they can.

  British Community: British nationals should consider leaving if they have no essential reason for staying.

  Algeria

  Visitors: Travellers should defer their visit if they are able to do so.

  British Community: British dependents are advised to leave Algeria until the situation becomes clearer; those who remain should keep a low profile and take sensible precautions against the risk of civil disturbance.

  Morocco, Tunisia

  Visitors: Travellers to Morocco and Tunisia should be aware of the risk of disturbances, particularly in cities.

  British Community: Should keep a low profile and take sensible precautions against the possibility of civil disturbances.

  Syria

  Visitors: Travellers should keep in close touch with events and keep their plans under review. They should notify the British embassy in Damascus of their arrival.

  British Community: Residents should maintain a low profile and avoid disturbances and public demonstrations.

  Iran

  Visitors: In the light of developments in the middle east

  471
  and the proximity of Iran to the area of possible conflict, visitors should keep their plans under review and stay in close touch with events. They should tell the British embassy in Tehran of their arrival. Travellers should consider postponing visits to south western parts of Iran.

  British Community: British nationals resident in the area close to the Iraqi border and the Gulf should consider moving themselves, or their dependants, to safer parts of Iran.

  Turkey

  Visitors: There is no reason not to travel to Turkey. Travellers should be aware that the situation in the south-east of the country might be affected if there were to be hostilities in the Gulf. Visitors planning to travel to the area are advised to inform the British embassy in Ankara. Travellers should also be aware that there have been recent terrorist incidents in the provinces of Diyarbakir, Elazig, Mardin, Hakkari, Siirt and Simok.

  British Community: British nationals resident in southeast Turkey are being advised to keep in close touch with the British embassy. Those who are particularly worried about the situation should consider moving away for the time being.

  Karachi

  Visitors: travellers should not be deterred from making necessary visits but should register their arrival with the deputy high commission.

  British Community: no change to the advice, which is to keep a low profile and take sensible precautions against the possibility of civil disorder.

  Bangladesh

  Visitors: given the uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Gulf intending travellers should consider postponing their journey unless they have substantive business to undertake. Any visitors to Bangladesh should keep in close touch with the British high commission.

  British Community: British citizens should continue to take special care particularly during the period 15 and 16 January. Those working for organisations with known British or American connections should also consider what additional precautions they should take both for themselves and their companies.

  Kaduna

  Visitors: travellers should not be deterred from making necessary visits but should inform the deputy high commission of their arrival. Overland travellers through Kano should maintain a low profile for the time being.

  British Community: are advised to keep a low profile and take sensible precautions against the possibility of civil unrest.

  Sudan

  Visitors: In the light of recent developments in Sudan travellers should visit the country only if their journey is essential.
  472
  British Community: All British nationals resident in the Khartoum area whose continuing presence is not essential are advised to leave.

  Egypt, Greece, Oman, Libya, Cyprus

  Visitors: no reason for travellers to change their plans in the light of recent developments.

  EC Council of Ministers
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report a statement on the forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.

  Dr. Hampson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  The Fisheries Council will possibly meet on 17 January and may discuss 1991 total allowable catches and quotas, agreement between the EC and Norway, agreement between the EC and Sweden, agreement between the EC and the Faroes, agreement between the EC and NAFO, agreement between the EC and French Guyana, total allowable catches and quotas for Spanish and Portuguese waters, the 10th amendment to technical conservation measures, autonomous tariff quotas and tariff suspensions and the amendment to the structures regulation.

  The Agriculture Council will meet on 21 and 22 January and will discuss the review of the sugar regime and the beef balance sheet. Other items which may be discussed are organic agricultural production, GATT beef quotas, GATT agriculture, GATT accompanying measures, presentation of 1991 agricultural prices proposals, fish hygiene and bivalve molluscs.

  The Economic and Finance Council will meet on 28 January to conduct a multilateral surveillance of the economies of member states. It is likely that other items for discussion will include the abolition of fiscal frontiers and assistance to central and eastern Europe.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support Gibraltar has received from the European Community's structural funds.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  Gibraltar is to receive £237,223 from the United Kingdom's 1990 European social fund allocation to finance training and just under £2 million —2·8 million ecu—from the European regional development fund to assist in the conversion of a warehouse into small business premises. These are the first awards that Gibraltar has received from the structural funds.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Blindness
  Sir Russell Johnston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department has any plans to recompense for the additional costs of blindness those
  473
  claimants who are registered blind aged over 80 years and whose income support currently makes no provision in relation to their additional problems.

  Miss Widdecombe
  People who are registered blind and aged 60 years or more automatically qualify for the higher pensioner premium, which provides an extra £17.05 a week for single people and £24.25 a week for couples on top of their personal allowances. In addition, blind people can qualify for the severe disability premium, worth £28.20 a week, if they receive attendance allowance, nobody else lives with them and no one gets invalid care allowance in respect of their care. There are no plans to change these arrangements.

  Food Vouchers
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if food vouchers are used as a suitable method of paying crisis loans in circumstances other than where the need has arisen because of the claimant's loss of money due to recklessness.

  Mr. Scott
  The power to make a payment out of the social fund under section 32(2)(b) of the Social Security Act 1986 may be exercised by making a payment to a third party with a view to the third party providing, or arranging for the provision of, goods or services to the applicant.

  The method of payment is a matter for consideration in the circumstances of each individual case. Information relating to the ways in which local offices make payments for crisis loans in individual cases is not available.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of crisis loans have been awarded as food vouchers for each month since April 1988(a) nationally, (b) regionally and (c) in each of his Department's local office areas.

  Mr. Scott
  The information requested is not available.

  Deaf People
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether the new telephone line that will be set up to help disabled people claim benefits will include a minicom for deaf people.

  Mr. Scott
  The benefit inquiry line, which has been operating in Berkshire for a trial period of six months, includes the minicom facility for deaf people. Such a facility would be part of any extension to the system.

  Community Charge (Strathclyde)
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list in respect of the 1989–90 community charge rebate scheme for Strathclyde regional council(a) how many applications have been received, (b) how many applications have been approved, (c) to how many applicants payment of rebate has been made and (d) how much in total has been paid out in rebates.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The information requested is not available. However, in December 1989 Strathclyde regional council estimated that its expenditure on community charge rebates in 1989–90 would be around £100 million and, in November 1989, 520,000 claimants were in receipt of a community charge rebate. Claims from couples are counted as one.
  474
  Source: 1. Housing and Community Charge Benefit Management Information System November 1989 quarterly stock count of claims.

  2. Estimate of Community Charge Rebate expenditure prepared by Strathclyde Regional Council.

  Disability living Allowance
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security at what age a child in normal physical and mental health will be regarded as not requiring guidance and supervision for the purposes of entitlement to the lower mobility component of disability living allowance; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 20 December 1990]: We have no plans to specify the age at which children normally cease to require guidance or supervision. The aim is to compare the requirements of a disabled child under age 16 with those of a child of the same age in normal physical and mental health. These reduce as children grow older and the Bill currently before Parliament recognises that, eventually, a point is reached when a child in normal physical and mental health will no longer require any guidance or supervision.

WALES

  Alcohol Misuse
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what factors influenced his decision on the timing of the announcement in respect of the criteria to be applied to applications from organisations seeking to develop local services in Wales for those involved in alcohol misuse.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  The criteria set for bids for funding projects to combat alcohol misuse were primarily influenced by the experience gained in operating a similar central funding initiative in respect of drug misuse.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the reasons for the delays from the initial announcements of plans for a campaign to tackle alcohol misuse and from the announcement of the amount of cash available for his Department to make details available and to invite applications from organisations concerned with the provision of local services in Wales in respect of alcohol misuse.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  Following the announcement that central resources were being made available to combat alcohol misuse, it was necessary to establish a framework within which expenditure would be utilised and to seek the views of local agencies as to how the resources might best be deployed.

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether any account will be taken of projected land sales in determining his Department's annual level of contribution to each health authority in Wales(a) in 1990–91, (b) in 1991–92 and (c) in subsequent years.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  At present, district health authorities in Wales benefit from the proceeds of surplus land and buildings, unless the facilities become surplus as a consequence of a centrally funded development. In these
  475
  cases, the receipts are used to offset the cost of the development. No account is taken of the expected level of receipts in determining each health authority's ,share of capital funds, and authorities which are able to realise land sales have therefore benefited directly by the amounts raised enabling them to develop and improve health services. These arrangements, including the treatment of the receipts from surplus mental handicap and mental illness hospitals which should contribute to the development of alternative patterns of care, are described in the land transactions handbook.

  Under the new arrangements proposed for capital funding for introduction in 1992–93, after a transitional period all proceeds from sales will be retained centrally and used to contribute to the cost of new developments. This is intended to ensure that the benefits from such sales should be used wherever they provide the best return in terms of health gain or improved efficiency. These arrangements are described in the consultation paper "The Health Service in Wales Implementing the White Paper: Capital Allocations" and copies are in the Library of the House. Because of the volume of capital developments that is currently in the pipeline or otherwise committed, and the time taken to complete new developments, the proposed arrangements would be phased in over a number of years. These transitional arrangements and details of the way in which it is decided that the new system should work will be announced in due course. However, for 1991–92, the current arrangements will continue to apply.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of their land sales will be retained by health authorities in Wales(a) in 1990–91, (b) 1991–92 and (c) in 1992–93 and future financial years.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  District health authorities are currently entitled to retain and use the proceeds from the sale of land and buildings no longer needed by the health service except in those cases where the property has become surplus as a result of a closure following the provision of a centrally funded scheme. In such cases proceeds are returned to the all-Wales provision. Most receipts are retained by health authorities. The proportion of proceeds retained by health authorities in any year will depend on the particular sales which are completed during that year about which it is not possible to speculate.

  These arrangements will continue in 1991–92. For 1992–93 and subsequent years, new arrangements for capital funding are in prospect. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to him today on that subject.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each district health authority and special health authority in Wales for each of the last five years, 1985–86 to 1990–91,(a) the costs his Department considered in advance that the authority should achieve in efficiency savings, (b) the actual savings achieved and (c) the percentage of the previous year's (i) budget and (ii) actual expenditure represented by (a) and (b) in each case.
  476
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  Financial targets in respect of efficiency savings to be achieved through cost improvement in the NHS in Wales were first introduced in 1989–90. Monitoring of health authorities' cost improvement programmes began in 1988. Estimates of the new recurrent savings achieved by district health authorities and the Welsh health common services authority in 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88 are set out in the following table together with reported savings in 1988–89 and 1989–90 and the savings expected to be achieved in 1990–91. The cost improvement targets set for 1989–90 and 1990–91 are also shown. The equivalent information for the health promotion authority for Wales is not available.

  Table 1: 1985–86

  Recurring savings as a percentage of:

  Health authority

  Recurring revenue efficiency savings achieved in 1985–861

  1984–85 recurrent revenue allocations

  1984–85 revenue expenditure

  (£000s)

  Per cent

  Per cent

  Clwyd

  824

  1·2

  1·2

  East Dyfed

  336

  0·8

  0·7

  Gwent

  797

  0·9

  0·9

  Gwynedd

  240

  0·6

  0·5

  Mid Glamorgan

  971

  1·0

  0·9

  Pembrokeshire

  107

  0·7

  0·7

  Powys

  205

  1·0

  1·0

  South Glamorgan

  1,176

  1·0

  1·0

  West Glamorgan

  361

  0·5

  0·5

  Welsh health common services authority

  10

  0·2

  0·2

  1 New recurring savings estimated to have been achieved in 1985–86 at the time an efficiency scrutiny of cash-releasing cost improvements in the NHS in Wales was conducted in 1988.

  Table 2: 1986–87

  Recurring savings as a percentage of:

  Health authority

  Recurring revenue efficiency savings achieved in 1986–871

  1985–86 recurrent revenue allocations

  1985–86 revenue expenditure

  (£000s)

  Per cent

  Per cent

  Clwyd

  95

  0·1

  0·1

  East Dyfed

  602

  1·3

  1·3

  Gwent

  903

  1·0

  1·0

  Gwynedd

  234

  0·5

  0·5

  Mid Glamorgan

  1,045

  1·0

  0·9

  Pembrokeshire

  386

  2·3

  2·4

  Powys

  236

  1·1

  1·1

  South Glamorgan

  1,365

  1·1

  1·1

  West Glamorgan

  507

  0·7

  0·7

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority

  35

  0·8

  0·7

  1 New recurring savings estimated to have been achieved in 1986–87 at the time an efficiency scrutiny of cash-releasing cost improvements in the National Health Service in Wales was conducted in 1988.

  477

  Table 3: 1987–88

  Recurring savings as a percentage of:

  Health authority

  Recurring revenue efficiency savings achieved in 1987–81

  1986–87 recurrent revenue allocations

  1986–87 revenue expenditure

  (£000s)

  (Per cent)

  (Per cent)

  Clwyd

  260

  0·3

  0·3

  East Dyfed

  518

  1·0

  1·0

  Gwent

  661

  0·7

  0·7

  Gwynedd

  654

  1·3

  1·3

  Mid Glamorgan

  1,563

  1·3

  1·3

  Pembrokeshire

  98

  0·5

  0·6

  Powys

  123

  0·5

  0·5

  South Glamorgan

  963

  0·7

  0·7

  West Glamorgan

  1,073

  1·3

  1·3

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority

  30

  0·6

  0·5

  1 New recurring savings estimated to have been achieved in 1987–88 at the time an efficiency scrutiny of cash-releasing cost improvements in the National Health Service in Wales was conducted in 1988.

  Table 4: 1988–89

  Recurring savings as a percentage of:

  Health authority

  Recurring revenue efficiency savings achieved in 1988–891

  1987–88 recurrent revenue allocations

  1987–88 revenue expenditure

  (£000s)

  Percentage

  Percentage

  Clwyd

  909

  1·0

  1·0

  East Dyfed

  1,157

  2·1

  2·0

  Gwent

  1,791

  1·7

  1·6

  Gwynedd

  639

  1·2

  1·1

  Mid Glamorgan

  1,759

  1·4

  1·3

  Pembrokeshire

  311

  1·5

  1·6

  Powys

  146

  0·6

  0·6

  South Glamorgan

  1,027

  0·7

  0·7

  West Glamorgan

  802

  0·9

  0·9

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority

  8

  0·1

  0·1

  1 New recurring savings reported by health authorities.

  Table 5: 1989–90

  Target as a percentage of:

  Recurring savings as a percentage of:

  Health authority

  Cash releasing cost improvement target

  1988–89 recurrent revenue allocations

  1988–89 revenue expenditure

  Recurring revenue efficiency savings achieved in 1989–901

  1988–89 recurrent revenue allocations

  1988–89 revenue expenditure

  (£000s)

  (Per cent)

  (Per cent)

  (£000s)

  (Per cent)

  (Per cent)

  Clwyd

  1,170

  1·2

  1·1

  710

  0·7

  0·7

  East Dyfed

  741

  1·2

  1·2

  1,116

  1·9

  1·7

  Gwent

  1,392

  1·2

  1·1

  1,347

  1·2

  1·1

  Gwynedd

  701

  1·2

  1·1

  492

  0·9

  0·8

  Mid Glamorgan

  1,638

  1·2

  1·1

  1,355

  1·1

  0·9

  Pembrokeshire

  279

  1·2

  1·2

  249

  1·1

  1·1

  Powys

  334

  1·2

  1·2

  267

  1·0

  0·9

  South Glamorgan

  1,870

  1·2

  1·1

  1,702

  1·1

  1·0

  West Glamorgan

  1,205

  1·2

  1·2

  1,069

  1·1

  1·0

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority

  87

  1·4

  0·9

  43

  0·7

  0·4

  1 New recurring savings reported by health authorities.

  478 479

  Table 6: 1990–91

  Target as a percentage of:

  Recurring savings as a percentage of:

  Health authority

  Cash releasing cost improvement target

  1989–90 recurrent revenue allocations

  1989–90 revenue expenditure

  Estimated recurring revenue efficiency savings in 1990–911

  1989–90 recurrent revenue allocations

  1989–90 revenue expenditure

  (£000s)

  (Per cent)

  (Per cent)

  (£000s)

  (Per cent)

  (Per cent)

  Clwyd

  1,282

  1·2

  1·2

  1,338

  1·3

  1·2

  East Dyfed

  824

  1·2

  1·2

  939

  1·4

  1·4

  Gwent

  1,518

  1·2

  1·2

  1,746

  1·4

  1·3

  Gwynedd

  761

  1·2

  1·1

  717

  1·1

  1·1

  Mid Glamorgan

  1,776

  1·2

  1·2

  1,679

  1·1

  1·1

  Pembrokeshire

  312

  1·2

  1·2

  344

  1·4

  1·3

  Powys

  367

  1·2

  1·2

  666

  2·2

  2·2

  South Glamorgan

  2,079

  1·2

  1·1

  2,016

  1·2

  1·1

  West Glamorgan

  1,312

  1·2

  1·2

  1,212

  1·1

  1·1

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority

  94

  1·2

  0·9

  50

  0·7

  0·5

  1Estimated new recurring savings reported by health authorities.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a list showing how much has been spent(a) by the Welsh Office itself and (b) by each health authority in Wales on training for the people recently appointed by him to the new health authority boards.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave him on 14 January 1991.

  Bronllys Hospital
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will investigate Powys health authority's inability recently to find money for a replacement washing machine for ward D at Bronllys hospital.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  Powys health authority advises that no request has been made for a washing machine to be located on Defynnog ward.

  Llangoed Hall
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will order an investigation into Powys health authority's expenditure on a weekend at Llangoed Hall near Brecon.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  No; this is a matter for Powys health authority.

  Laura Ashley Factory, Clwyd
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the future of the Laura Ashley factory at Leeswood, Clwyd.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The WDA is continuing its efforts to work with Laura Ashley to find purchasers. Detailed discussions are currently taking place with at least one interested company. My Department is being kept closely informed.

  School Curriculum
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the national curriculum for pupils from the age of 14 years.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  We intend to make a statement shortly.
  480
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the teaching of(a) arts and music, (b) technology, (c) history and (d) geography from the age of 14 years.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  We intend to make a statement shortly.

  Industrial Development, Clwyd
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning his plans to assist the development of the Warren Hall, Broughton, Clwyd site for modern industry.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I am advised that the Welsh Development Agency is exploring the possibility of a partnership development with the owners to bring the land forward for business use.

  Castle Cement Factory, Clwyd
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit the Castle Cement factory, Clwyd, to meet the work force.

  Mr. David Hunt
  As the hon. Gentleman knows, I met a delegation from Castle Cement on 18 December.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he will take concerning the proposed loss of jobs at the Castle Cement factory, Clwyd.

  Mr. David Hunt
  It is very much regretted that the company consider it necessary to take such steps. The Welsh Development Agency will take these proposed job losses into account in planning its future activities and will review its plans in the light of continuing developments.

  Roads
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will indicate the initiatives taken to advance the construction of the relief road of Shotton and Connah's Quay and the proposed new road bridge over the River Dee.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The timing of the scheme is a matter for Clwyd county council as the responsible highway authority. Preparation costs have been accepted for transport grant support in 1991–92.

  Owens-Conning, Clwyd
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he proposes consequent upon the loss of jobs at Owens-Corming at Llay, Clwyd.

  Mr. David Hunt
  These job losses are very much regretted. The Welsh Development Agency will take these job losses into account in planning its future activities and will review its plans in the light of continuing developments.

  Water Charges
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what sanctions are available to him if the guidelines and criteria produced by the Director General of Water Services on methods of charging for water are disregarded.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  [holding answer 14 January]: 1 refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to him on 14 January by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment.

SCOTLAND

  Noble Organisation
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the terms of the judgment of dismissal given by the Court of Session on 7 December of the appeal by Glasgow district council in the matter of the provision of an entertainments licence to the Noble Organisation at premises in Duke street, Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The terms of the Court of Session's judgment in this case have been noted. The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 is to be the subject of a consultative review next year and interested parties will have the opportunity to submit representations on the operation of its provisions.

  Business Rates
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of non-payment of business rates for the years 1989–90 and 1990–91.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  The information is not available centrally.

  Rural Communities
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what level of resources will be provided for the rural communities of Scotland in the 1991–92 financial year.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The components of expenditure programmes which are relevant to rural areas are not separately identified.

  Gipsy Sites
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report a list of all established gipsy sites in Scotland, indicating when they were established at each site.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The travelling people's sites run by local authorities in Scotland are listed in the 482
  table. In addition to them, it is estimated that around 240 pitches are regularly used by travelling people on privately run sites.

  Local Authority

  Location

  Established

  Permanent Sites

  Aberdeen

  Clinterty, Aberdeen

  November 1982

  Angus

  Tayock, Montrose

  November 1980

  Argyll and Bute

  Dunchologan, Lochgilphead

  December 1978

  Argyll and Bute

  Torlochan, Dunoon

  December 1984

  Banff and Buchan1

  Greenbanks, Banff

  May 1989

  Clackmannan

  Westhaugh, Alva

  December 1984

  Cumnock and Doon Valley2

  Auchinleck, Cumnock

  Early 1980s

  Cunninghame

  Merkland Bridge, Arran

  September 1982

  Cunninghame

  Redburn, Irvine

  July 1989

  Dumbarton

  Dennystown, Dumbarton

  July 1981

  East Kilbride

  Springbank, East Kilbride

  April 1990

  Edinburgh

  Duddingston, Edinburgh

  August 1983

  Falkirk

  Redding, Falkirk

  June 1985

  Glasgow

  Carmyle, Glasgow

  June 1985

  Glasgow

  Rodney Street, Port Dundas

  April 1990

  Hamilton

  Swinhill, Larkhall

  January 1987

  Inverness

  Longman, Inverness

  September 1985

  Kyle and Carrick

  Houdston Farm, Girvan

  February 1989

  Lochaber

  Aonachan, Spean Bridge

  September 1989

  Monklands

  Annathill, Glenboig

  August 1989

  Motherwell

  Mossend, Bellshill

  April 1982

  North East Fife

  Tarvit Mill, Cupar

  May 1988

  Perth and Kinross

  Double Dykes, Perth

  December 1982

  Renfrew

  Oldbarhills, Hurlet, Barrhead

  November 1989

  Tweedale2

  Kilnknowe, Innerleithen

  Early 1980s

  Temporary Site

  Stirling

  Craigforth, Stirling

  January 1984

  1 Seasonal site.

  2 Local authority caravan site.

  Opencast Mining
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many planning applications refused by local authorities regarding opencast mining have been upheld by the Scottish Office; and if he will give this information in percentage terms.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Local authorities assumed responsibilities for approving proposals for opencast coal mining on 11 December 1987. Since then my right hon. Friend has determined seven appeals against refusal of permission and has upheld three (43 per cent.)

  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from the Law Mining Company concerning its planning application for opencast coal reserves at Townhead, near Rigside, within Clydesdale constituency; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The company's planning appeal concerning its application to extract coal and fireclay by opencast operations at Townhead near Rigside is due to be heard at a public inquiry in Rigside village hall, commencing on 29 January. As this appeal is to be determined by the chief reporter, under delegated powers, the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that it would not be
  483
  appropriate for me to comment on the merits or otherwise of the proposals, but he may be assured that before reaching a decision the reporter will give all aspects of the matter the most careful consideration.

  New St. Andrew's House
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to removing the Scottish Office from New St. Andrew's house to alternative accommodation in Edinburgh; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  In the light of the work needed to remove asbestos from New St. Andrew's house and refurbish the building consideration is being given to a number of options for the longer-term accommodation strategy of the Scottish Office. No decisions have yet been taken.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of the renovation work required to upgrade the Scottish Office premises at New St. Andrew's house, Edinburgh recommended by the Property Services Agency report.

  Mr. Lang
  As part of the reinstatement of the building after removal of asbestos Property Holdings would propose to refurbish the building to a high standard. The report by PSA Building Management, which was commissioned by Property Holdings, sets out a number of options for additional enhancement of the building, the total cost of which if they were implemented would amount to some £5 million, excluding fees and VAT.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is proposed to evacuate all staff employed at New St. Andrew's house, Edinburgh while the asbestos is removed.

  Mr. Lang
  The work programme for the removal of asbestos is still under consideration.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of removing all asbestos from the Scottish Office at New St. Andrew's house, Edinburgh.

  Mr. Lang
  The report commissioned by Property Holdings estimates the cost of removing the asbestos and reinstating the building to an appropriate standard as between £6·3 million and £8·6 million, excluding fees and VAT, depending on the work programme adopted.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of the improvement to the ventilation system at the Scottish Office at New St. Andrew's house, Edinburgh.

  Mr. Lang
  A number of possible alternative ways in which the heating, ventilation and air conditioning in New

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1991–92

  1991–92

  Poundages

  Pre-NNDR Reduction

  Poundages

  Poundages at Ratepayer Level

  Reduction to Ratepayer

  Borders

  36·0

  39·9

  37·9

  Central

  41·7

  46·2

  43·9

  Dumfries and Galloway

  38·3

  42·5

  40·4

  Fife

  461

  51·1

  48·6

  Grampian

  34·2

  37·9

  36·0

  Highland

  41·3

  45·8

  43·5

  484
  St. Andrew's house might be improved are under consideration; accurate cost figures cannot be given at this stage.

  Non-domestic Rates
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on non-domestic rates for 1991–92.

  Mr. Lang
  As a result of our policy of reducing Scottish business rate poundages to the level of the English national non-domestic rate, Scottish businesses will pay £58 million less in rates next year than they otherwise would have done. This is a reduction of almost 5 per cent. The total reduction due to this policy and our earlier decision to limit increases in poundages to no more than inflation from 1989–90 onwards is £230 million. That saving has been of great value to Scottish business and therefore to investment and employment levels.

  The reduction of £58 million is larger than had been allowed for in drawing up the spending plans we made last year and £48 million of it will be met by increased revenue support grant to local authorities. Local authorities are being asked to contribute the remaining £10 million through efficiency savings.

  The table shows the rate poundage which I intend to prescribe for each local authority in regulations that I shall lay before Parliament this week.

  I am aware that Scottish business would like us to make faster progress towards full harmonisation, but we have to balance the costs of funding this policy with the pressures on the taxpayer and with the level of community charges. The decision to reduce business rates and to increase revenue support grant next year beyond our original plans at a time when resources are scarce does, I believe, demonstrate the high priority that we give to it. We remain committed to eliminating the difference between Scotland and England over the same timetable as the national non-domestic rate is phased in south of the border.

  As last year, the reduction in poundages will be accompanied by an associated reduction in derating: from 35 to 32 per cent. Also as last year, this will apply across the board to all authorities in Scotland. However, a number of representations have been made to my Department suggesting, for example, that reductions in rates should be made differently in future, in order to give earlier benefits to higher-rated areas, or that a single level of derating for manufacturing and freight industry is particularly generous in those areas which have relatively low rates. I shall be reviewing these matters and our progress towards harmonisation, including the powers available to me, during the coming year to see whether a different approach might be adopted in future. In this context I will welcome the views of interested bodies.
  485

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1991–92

  1991–92

  Poundages

  Pre-NNDR Reduction

  Poundages

  Poundages at Ratepayer Level

  Reduction to Ratepayer

  Lothian

  47·5

  52·7

  50·0

  Strathclyde

  46·0

  51·0

  48·5

  Tayside

  43·0

  47·7

  45·3

  Berwickshire

  7·5

  8·3

  7·9

  45·8

  2·4

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  8·5

  9·4

  9·0

  46·9

  2·4

  Roxburgh

  9·4

  10·4

  9·9

  47·8

  2·5

  Tweeddale

  7·2

  8·0

  7·6

  45·5

  2·4

  Clackmannan

  14·9

  16·5

  15·7

  59·6

  3·1

  Falkirk

  12·2

  13·5

  12·9

  56·8

  2·9

  Stirling

  18·1

  20·1

  19·1

  63·0

  3·3

  Annandale and Eskdale

  9·1

  10·1

  9·6

  50·0

  2·6

  Nithsdale

  9·1

  10·1

  9·6

  50·0

  2·6

  Stewartry

  7·9

  8·8

  8·3

  48·7

  2·6

  Wigtown

  7·4

  8·2

  7·8

  48·2

  2·5

  Dunfermline

  10·1

  11·2

  10·6

  59·2

  3·1

  Kirkcaldy

  12·6

  14·0

  13·3

  61·9

  3·2

  North East Fife

  11·3

  12·5

  11·9

  60·5

  3·1

  Aberdeen City

  11·0

  12·2

  11·6

  47·6

  2·5

  Banff and Buchan

  9·8

  10·9

  10·3

  46·3

  2·5

  Gordon

  7·9

  8·8

  8·3

  44·3

  2·4

  Kincardine and Deeside

  6·5

  7·2

  6·8

  42·8

  2·3

  Moray

  8·2

  9·1

  8·6

  44·6

  2·4

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  6·3

  7·0

  6·6

  50·1

  2·7

  Caithness

  9·8

  10·9

  10·3

  53·8

  2·9

  Inverness

  7·5

  8·3

  7·9

  51·4

  2·7

  Lochaber

  11·4

  12·6

  12·0

  55·5

  2·9

  Nairn

  6·3

  7·0

  6·6

  50·1

  2·7

  Ross and Cromarty

  9·8

  10·9

  10·3

  53·8

  2·9

  Skye and Lochalsh

  9·4

  10·4

  9·9

  53·4

  2·8

  Sutherland

  7·1

  7·9

  7·5

  51·0

  2·7

  East Lothian

  13·4

  14·9

  14·1

  64·1

  3·5

  Edinburgh City

  13·1

  14·5

  13·8

  63·8

  3·4

  Midlothian

  13·4

  14·9

  14·1

  64·1

  3·5

  West Lothian

  11·8

  13·1

  12·4

  62·4

  3·4

  Argyll and Bute

  14·9

  16·5

  15·7

  64·2

  3·3

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  10·3

  11·4

  10·9

  59·4

  3·0

  Clydebank

  15·3

  17·0

  16·1

  64·6

  3·4

  Clydesdale

  13·2

  14·6

  13·9

  62·4

  3·2

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  13·0

  14·4

  13·7

  62·2

  3·2

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  13·4

  14·9

  14·1

  62·6

  3·3

  Cunninghame

  16·1

  17·9

  17·0

  65·5

  3·4

  Dumbarton

  14·9

  16·5

  15·7

  64·2

  3·3

  East Kilbride

  11·2

  12·4

  11·8

  60·3

  3·1

  Eastwood

  7·9

  8·8

  8·3

  56·8

  3·0

  Glasgow City

  20·9

  23·2

  22·0

  70·5

  3·7

  Hamilton

  14·2

  15·7

  15·0

  63·5

  3·2

  Inverclyde

  12·6

  14·0

  13·3

  61·8

  3·2

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  13·0

  14·4

  13·7

  62·2

  3·2

  Kyle and Carrick

  13·4

  14·9

  14·1

  62·6

  3·3

  Monklands

  14·2

  15·7

  15·0

  63·5

  3·2

  Motherwell

  12·9

  14·3

  13·6

  62·1

  3·2

  Renfrew

  14·2

  15·7

  15·0

  63·5

  3·2

  Strathkelvin

  12·6

  14·0

  13·3

  61·8

  3·2

  Angus

  10·6

  11·8

  11·2

  56·5

  3·0

  Dundee City

  16·9

  18·7

  17·8

  63·1

  3·3

  Perth and Kinross

  11·0

  12·2

  11·6

  56·9

  3·0

  Orkney

  39·3

  43·6

  41·4

  41·4

  2·2

  Shetland

  37·1

  41·1

  39·1

  39·1

  2·0

  Western Isles

  57·6

  63·9

  60·7

  60·7

  3·2

  Landfill Gas
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what support is being given to local authorities, other than urging them to act on the recommendations on waste management paper No. 27 "The Control of Landfill Gas" on sites other than those which are commercially viable.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 14 January 1991]: It is for local authorities to make my right
  486
  hon. Friend aware of their need to incur expenditure on the control of landfill gas, through their financial plans. Where authorities have identified gas control schemes in their plans, priority has been given to these schemes when consent allocations have been determined.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will detail the landfill sites at which energy recovery is(a) now under way and (b) being considered for the future.
  487
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 14 January 1991]: We are not aware of any sites in Scotland where energy recovery is practised. Information on current and planned operations may be obtained from the district and islands councils which are responsible for regulating waste disposal activities, but they may not be aware of future plans of private operators whose proposals may be commercially confidential.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Satellite Television
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Lord President of the Council (1) what would be the cost of installing satellite Sky television in a special viewing room in the House; and if he will make arrangements to do so after the Christmas recess;

  (2) what consideration has been given to making it possible to watch satellite television in the television rooms.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The fourth report of the Services Committee of last Session (HC 614) states that, while access by Members to satellite and terrestrial television should be accepted in principle, no action should be taken to implement the introduction of that facility until the feasibility and cost of installing a broad-band telecommunications network for the Palace is known. The report calls for urgent communications to identify the type and capacity of cable required for the transmission of all forms of electronic data.

  Text Telephones
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what consideration has been given to the installation of minicoms, or text telephones, in the House to enable deaf people to contact their Members of Parliament and Members of Parliament to contact their deaf constituents.

  Mr. MacGregor
  Text telephones for the assistance of deaf persons are not in use within the House of Commons at present. I am arranging for the matter to be looked into.

PRIME MINISTER

  Government Achievements
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the achievements of Her Majesty's Government since 1987.

  The Prime Minister
  Since 1987 the Government have continued to build upon the changes begun in 1979, to strengthen the economy, foster a spirit of enterprise and improve living standards.

  Sterling has been brought into the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system, reinforcing the Government's strict anti-inflationary policy. Output is 8 per cent. higher. Investment has grown faster than at any time since the second world war. Taxes have been reformed. Privatisation of 29 more major businesses has taken place and 24 per cent. of the adult population now own shares. The Government have exercised strict control of public expenditure—general Government expenditure
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  has been brought below 40 per cent. of GDP for the first time since 1966–67. Almost £30 billion of public debt will have been repaid by the end of the current financial year. Over 2 million more people are in work than in 1987.

  In the public services we have improved efficiency, safeguarded quality and enhanced safety. Key themes, reflected in the reform of the health service, in housing policy and in education have been to increase choice and to encourage people to take personal responsibility for their well-being and that of their families.

  The Government have striven to improve the quality of life of all the British people. A number of special initiatives have focused on those living in inner cities. The Government have played a leading role in developing environmental protection, nationally and internationally.

  The Government have maintained a firm commitment to national defence and the NATO alliance. We have supported and contributed to NATO's efforts to establish closer relations with the Soviet Union and with the countries of eastern Europe. The United Kingdom has played an important role in securing firm reaction of the United Nations in dealing with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. We have played a positive role in the building of the single market in the European Community.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Holland with Boston (Sir R. Body)Official Report, 18 December, column 165, what further investigation of the common agricultural policy he expects the EC to make; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The common agricultural policy is likely to be subject to a period of further reform as a result of renewed production and expenditure pressure and the outcome of the current GATT negotiations. The Commission's 1991–92 price proposals are likely to incorporate a first instalment of these reforms.

  GATT
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister, further to his statement on 18 December,Official Report, column 157, whether the remit for the EC negotiations in the GATT talks has been altered by the recent Heads of Government meeting.

  The Prime Minister
  The meeting of European Heads of Government asked the Commission, which negotiates on behalf of the Community, to intensify its contacts with other participants in order to resolve outstanding problems.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 13 December,Official Report, column 1108, on what basis he calculates the figure of a loss of three quarters of a million jobs through the establishment of a national minimum wage.

  The Prime Minister
  Officials in the Department of Employment have estimated that a national minimum wage set at half male median earnings will result in the loss of about three quarters of a million jobs. This estimate uses earnings information from the new earnings survey and information on the relationship between real wages and
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  employment set out in the published Treasury paper "The Relationship Between Employment and Wages: Empirical Evidence for the United Kingdom" (HM Treasury, January 1985).

  A detailed explanation of the method was placed in the House of Commons Library on 2 February 1990—"Estimating the Effect of a National Minimum Wage".

  Publicity and Advertising
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Prime Minister, further to his reply on 17 December,Official Report, c. 15, if he will list the Government conventions regarding the use of paid publicity and advertising within which expenditure on advertising in the press, television and other forms of publicity is a matter for departmental Ministers.

  The Prime Minister
  The conventions on Government publicity and advertising have already been published. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy on 28 June 1990 to my hon. Friend the Member for Wanstead and Woodford (Mr. Arbuthnot) at column 311.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  University Staff (Salaries)
  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the current salary levels of university staff; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  My right hon. and learned Friend received a delegation from the Association of University Teachers on 11 December 1990. I myself received representatives of the union on 20 November. At these meetings a number of issues, including salary levels, were raised.

  Youth Service Organisations
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from youth service organisations concerning proposals for a core curriculum of activities.

  Mr. Atkins
  We have received a number of representations on the core curriculum following the first and second ministerial conferences with the youth service. The Government will take account of the comments received in responding to the recommendations of the second ministerial conference. I shall send my hon. Friend a copy of that response in due course.

  Educational Provision
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards eliminating surplus places and rationalising educational provisions.

  Mr. Eggar
  It is for local education authorities to bring forward proposals for rationalising their school provision. My right hon. and learned Friend and his predecessors have repeatedly urged LEAs to do more to remove wasteful surplus places.

  Sport (Drugs)
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will meet the chairman of the Sports Council to discuss means to discourage the use of drugs in sport.

  Mr. Atkins
  I already meet the chairman of the Sports Council at regular intervals to discuss issues of mutual concern, including the misuse of drugs in sport.

  University Funding
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from the Association of University Teachers on university funding.

  Mr. Douglas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has received from the Association of University Teachers on university funding.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  My right hon. and learned Friend has received copies of the association's recent publications, and met a deputation from the association on 11 December.

  Vocational Education
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last met representatives of the Business and Technical Education Council to discuss vocational education.

  Mr. Eggar
  I met representatives of the council on 21 November to discuss vocational education. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to meet them in the spring.

  Schools Budget
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what variation there is between local education authorities in the proportion of education budgets delegated to schools under local management of schools.

  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the proportion of the schools budget which local education authorities are holding back for central control.

  Mr. Fallon
  The proportion of the potential schools budget delegated to schools varies from 89.10 per cent. in the LEA delegating the most, to 77.97 per cent. in the LEA delegating the least. This wide variation is unacceptable and we are determined that LEAs should delegate more. We have recently proposed that LEAs should delegate at least 85 per cent. of the potential schools budget by 1 April 1993.

  Secondary School Libraries
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when was the last occasion on which Her Majesty's inspector of schools investigated the state of secondary school libraries.

  Mr. Fallon
  Her Majesty's inspectorate's most recent report on secondary school libraries was published in January 1990 and covered 58 secondary schools in six local education authorities.

  Bradford City Technology College
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total amount, to the most recent practicable date, spent on grant aid by his Department on the city technology college in Bradford; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  Total grant aid to Bradford city technology college up to 31 December was £7·8 million. This total includes management, capital and running costs.

  Teacher Recruitment
  Mr. Tredinick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last discussed teacher recruitment in Leicestershire; what were his conclusions; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Fallon
  Leicestershire local education authority requested grant support for £150,000 of expenditure on teacher recruitment in 1991–92; the authority was informed last month that this bid will be met in full, as part of the grant support announced by my right hon. and learned Friend on 18 December, at columns 122–23. A similar amount will be available in 1992–93. This funding reflects the Department's commitment to assist authorities in the development of initiatives to improve teacher recruitment.

  Sixth-form Colleges
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications he has received from sixth-form colleges seeking to obtain grant-maintained status.

  Mr. Eggar
  None so far.

  Daily Worship
  Mr. Gregory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the number of schools holding a daily act of collective worship; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  Under the Education Reform Act all maintained schools are required to provide daily collective worship for all registered pupils, except those pupils withdrawn by their parents.

  Sport
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards sport in schools.

  Mr. Atkins
  Physical education, which includes sport, will be a compulsory part of the curriculum in all maintained schools for the first time under the requirements of the national curriculum. All pupils of compulsory school age will be required to participate in a programme of physical education throughout all the key stages of the national curriculum.

  As part of the Government's current review of their policies towards sport and active recreation, we are also looking at other ways in which children of school age can be encouraged to participate in sport both during and outside school hours, including through the further promotion of links between schools and local sports clubs.

  Further Education
  Mr. Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to the setting of targets for participation in full and part-time education and training for 16 to 19-year-olds; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  My right hon. and learned Friend's objective is to raise both the proportion of 16 to 19-year-olds taking part in full and part-time education and training, and their levels of attainment. The Government are making good progress in both respects as a result of the recent school reforms, the introduction of pilot training credit schemes, and the many growing links between education and industry. They expect to see further improvements in participation rates in the 1990s as a result of the introduction of the national curriculum.

  English and Mathematics
  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of 15 and 16-year-olds achieved an A, B or C pass in(a) GCSE English and (b) GCSE mathematics for the most recent year available.

  Mr. Eggar
  Of the pupils eligible to take GCSE examinations in year 11 in 1988–89, 45 per cent. gained grades A to C in GCSE English and 34 per cent. in mathematics.

  Deaf Children
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans his Department has to research and monitor the literary attainment of deaf children in mainstream schools and special units.

  Mr. Fallon
  The Department has no plans to undertake any specific research in this area. However, unless statutory exceptions have been made, the literary attainments of deaf children in ordinary schools and special units will be assessed, as for all children, under the arrangements for the national curriculum.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance his Department has issued to inner London boroughs on the provision of special youth work provision for young deaf people to replace that previously provided by the Inner London education authority.

  Mr. Atkins
  No special guidance has been issued to individual inner London boroughs. Following the abolition of the Inner London education authority, the Department is providing interim support of £500,000 per annum for each of the financial years 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 to the Londonwide voluntary education organisations. Friends for the Young Deaf has benefited from this arrangement, as have organisations such as SENSE, PHAB and Gateway.

  TEMPUS Scheme
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the European Council of Ministers intends to extend the TEMPUS scheme to promote the development of the higher education systems
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  in the countries of central and eastern Europe to countries in addition to Poland and Hungary; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The European Community has already approved the extension of the TEMPUS programme to the former German Democratic Republic and Czechoslovakia in academic year 1990–91, and in principle to Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria in 1991–92. The Community would consider extensions to other central and eastern European countries if they requested it.

  Teacher Assessment
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what additional funding is to be made available to meet the additional cost of teacher assessment.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I shall support through education support grants £10 million of spending on school teacher appraisal in England in 1991–92 and at least £10 million in 1992–93. The figures for subsequent years will be set in due course.

  NON-TEACHING HOSPITALS: RESEARCH FUNDING
  NON-TEACHING HOSPITALS: RESEARCH FUNDING
  COMPANIES ACT AUTHORISATION
  COMPANIES ACT AUTHORISATION
  MR. SALMAN RUSHDIE
  MR. SALMAN RUSHDIE
  RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: DISPOSAL OF PORTFOLIO
  RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: DISPOSAL OF PORTFOLIO
  EC ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL, 20th-21st DECEMBER
  EC ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL, 20th-21st DECEMBER