Written Answers To Questions
Thursday 30th January 1975
Atmospheric Pollution
Q7.
asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Department of Energy and the Department of the Environment in matters concerning atmospheric pollution.
I have been asked to reply.Yes.
Scotland (Environment)
Q8.
asked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to transfer to the Scottish Office the responsibilities at present under the care of the Minister of the Environment so far as these relate to Scotland.
I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to do so although, of course, this Question raises issues which will need to be considered in relation to the Government's proposals for devolution.
Eec Renegotiation
Q10.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will now transfer to himself responsibility for the renegotiations on British membership of the EEC.
I have been asked to reply.No. My right hon. Friend sees no need to alter the present arrangements whereby my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary is responsible for the overall conduct of renegotiation.
Economic Policy
Q11.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will assume overall responsibility for the management of the economy.
Q12.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will assume overall responsibility for the management of the economy.
I have been asked to reply.I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Christchurch and Lymington (Mr. Adley).
Department Of Industry
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the arrangements for preventing the unauthorised disclosure of information by civil servants in the Department of Industry.
I have been asked to reply.Yes. Security arrangements for all Government Departments are kept under constant review.
Ministerial Policy (Statements Of Objection)
Q14.
asked the Prime Minister if he will make it the practice of his administration that Ministers will answer Questions relating to formal statements of objection to ministerial policy by accounting officers.
I have been asked to reply.No.
United States Car Manufacturers
Q15.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will take up with President Ford the desirability of a British Government stake in United States car manufacturers operating in Great Britain.
I have been asked to reply.No. My right hon. Friend will be discussing current economic problems including matters of concern to the motor car industry during his present visit to Washington but I have no reason to believe that he will be raising this aspect.
Oil Supplies
Q16.
asked the Prime Minister if, on his next visit to the United States of America, he will discuss with the President appropriate action in connection with oil supplies from the Arab States.
I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend will be discussing the various aspects of international energy policy which are of concern to the British and American Governments during his present visit to Washington.
Q19.
asked the Prime Minister if, on his next visit to the United State of America, he will discuss with President Ford the question of oil supplies and the Middle East situation.
Q20.
asked the Prime Minister if, when he next visits the United States of America, he will discuss with the President the question of appropriate action to be taken in connection with supplies of oil from the Arab States.
I have been asked to reply.I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker).
National Economic Development Council
Q17.
asked the Prime Minister when he last took the chair at a meeting of the NEDC.
I have been asked to reply.On 8th January.
European Movement
Q18.
asked the Prime Minister on how many occasions in this Parliament he has attended in his official capacity occasions organised by the European Movement.
I have been asked to reply.None.
Royal Prerogative Of Mercy
Q21.
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that three Secretaries of State are personally responsible for advising on the use of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, respectively, he will examine the operation of the system in order to see if it would be desirable to introduce uniform criteria for the exercise of these responsibilities.
I have been asked to reply.In advising on the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy the responsible Secretaries of State already apply well understood common principles.
European Parliament
Q22.
asked the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for arranging direct elections to the European Parliament by 1978.
I have been asked to reply.The Government's position remains as stated in the communiqué issued by Heads of Government after their 9th-10th December meeting (Cmnd. 5830). We shall not take up a position on this proposal before the process of renegotiation has been completed and the results have been submitted to the British people.
Ministry Of Transport
Q23.
asked the Prime Minister if he will transfer the responsibilities for the Ministry of Transport from the Secretary of State for the Environment to the Secretary of State for Industry.
I have been asked to reply.No. The House should assume that unless and until my right hon. Friend makes a statement to the contrary, he does not intend to change the allocation of responsibility between Ministers.
West Germany
Q24.
asked the Prime Minister when he next proposes to visit Bonn.
I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to do so.
House Of Commons
Hours Of Work
asked the Lord President of the Council if he will move to set up a Select Committee on the hours of work of Members.
The question of late sittings of the House is one which is before the Select Committee on Procedure at present.
Environment
Churches
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on Government aid for historic churches in use.
Historic buildings grants are not at present made to buildings in ecclesiastical use, which are exempt from control over the demolition of listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments. A Working Party of the General Synod of the Church of England has pursued with the Government, and through the Churches Main Committee with the other denominations, the possibility of such grants being made available for historic churches in use; and has, in consultation with my Department, carried out studies of the estimated costs of repair and the resources available to meet them in sample areas.After considering these studies and other representations from the General Synod, the Government have accepted in principle the case for some measure of State aid for historic churches and other ecclesiastical buildings in use, subject to agreement being reached on the amount of aid, conditions, methods and other relevant matters, and also having regard to the implications for public expenditure. On the basis of the studies, the aid involved, which would not extend to cathedrals, is not expected to exceed £1 million per annum at 1973 prices.My right hon. Friend, in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, will be inviting the General Synod and, through the Churches Main Committee, the other denominations, to discuss the matters to be agreed with representatives of my Department.
Planning Procedures
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made in speeding up planning procedures so as to ensure that there is no undue delay in house building programmes.
Circular 171/74 said that priority should be given to planning applications for housing, and, as my right hon. Friend told my hon. Friend on 27th January—[Vol. 885, c. 43–4.]—local authorities will be urged to handle planning applications for housing development quickly. In addition I shall be considering very carefully the recommendations designed to accelerate decisions on planning applications in general contained in the final report of Mr. George Dobry, QC, on his Review of the Development Control System.
Planning Applications (Local Authority Costs)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will enable local authorities to charge a fee adequate to cover expenses incurred before the withdrawal of a planning application.
Proposals for charging a fee for planning applications have been rejected on many occasions because of the cost of collection and the extra administrative burden. I am aware that Mr. George Dobry, QC, has been looking at this as part of his review of development control, and I shall carefully consider any recommendations made.
Heveningham Hall
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much public money has been spent on the maintenance and running, respectively, of Heveningham Hall in each financial year since it was acquired by his Department; if he will give his estimates for the current financial year and for 1975–76; and if he will also give the number of visitors during each year and the gross receipts from their admission.
Heveningham Hall was acquired by my Department in August 1970, and the relevant figures are given below.
Year | Gross repair and maintenance costs | Gross expenditure on opening to the public |
£ | £ | |
1970–71 | 456 | 8,008 |
1971–72 | 4,020 | 13,207 |
1972–73 | 15,877 | 13,360 |
1973–74 | 20,924 | 15,522 |
1974–75 | 10,000* | 17,000* |
1975–76 | 10,000* | 18,000* |
* Estimate. |
Year | Visitors | Gross admission receipts |
£ | ||
1970 | 5,689 | 1,000 |
1971 | 20,750 | 3,763 |
1972 | 22,548 | 4,201 |
1973 | 22,562 | 4,529 |
1974 | 20,073 | 4,566 |
Year | Deficit |
1970–71 | £4,844 |
1971–72 | £6,906 |
1972–73 | £5,912 |
1973–74 | £5,244 |
1974–75 (to date) | £7,818 |
Housing (Standards)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will revise minimum Parker Morris standards to permit the contribution by local authorities, in suitable environments, of larger numbers of dwellings with one or two bedrooms.
I am in favour of the construction of larger numbers of such dwellings where there is a need for them, but Parker Morris standards do not prevent this. If the hon. Member knows of a difficulty in this context I should be grateful if he would write to me about it.
Rents
asked the Secretary of State for the Envronment if he will make a statement about the Government's policy towards council rent increases.
Responsibility for determining rents is being returned to local authorities under the Housing Rents and Subsidies Bill, which is now before Parliament, and any rent increases will, therefore, be a matter for them to decide. But the subsidy proposals in the Bill are such that, if local authorities restrain their expenditure on management and maintenance as they are asked to in Circular 171/74, they should find it possible to hold increases in both rents and rate fund contributions towards housing to a reasonable level in 1975–76.
Solent And Spithead
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware of the serious damage being caused to the beaches in the Solent and Spithead by excessive dredging; and what steps he is taking to secure the stability and maintenance of the coastline in their areas.
The Crown Estate Commissioners licence commercial dredging. They seek technical advice from the Hydraulics Research Station before granting any licence. I am not aware of any conclusive evidence that dredging has led to damage to beaches in the Solent and Spithead. Responsibility for protecting the coastline lies with the Coast Protection Authority.
Uriconium
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for visitors and training of archaeologists at the Roman city of Uriconium at Wroxeter, Shrewsbury; and if he will make a statement.
A meeting will be convened, to which the hon. Gentleman will be invited, with local authorities and other bodies to discuss a long-term plan prepared by my Department for the excavation and presentation of this most important site. The problem of training archaeologists is under general review, and in this connection the potentialities of this area will be taken into account.
Railway Accident, Bushey
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce his proposals for a public inquiry into the rail accident which occurred at Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Thursday 23rd January 1975; and if he will make a statement on his inspector's findings to date.
I have ordered an inquiry into this accident. It will be held by the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways and will open in the Stephenson Room, Euston Station, at 10 a.m. on 6th February. It would not be proper to make a further statement until the inquiry is complete.
Rate Support Grant
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimated percentage of inflation he took into account in determining the rate support grant for 1975–76.
It is not Government policy to publish their forecast of inflation.
Eastbourne
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to announce his decision about the Eastbourne town centre redevelopment scheme, in respect of which a local planning inquiry was held in April 1974.
I hope to be able to announce the decision shortly.
Water Authorities
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to amend the law so that present borrowing restrictions on the water authorities may be eased and consumer interests may be more effectively represented, either by the establishment of water consumer councils, or by requiring some or all members of the authorities to be directly elected.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will consider the hon. Member's suggestions as part of the general review of the working of the water industry which he proposes to undertake next year.
St Mary's Hospital, Paddington
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he has decided not to publish the report of his inspector's inquiry into the proposed redevelopment of St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has decided to postpone this project and to withdraw the request for planning clearance. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is no longer, therefore, required to decide its planning merits or to publish his inspector's report. Any future redevelopment will require fresh planning clearance.
Improvement Grants
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will propose removing the rateable value ceiling for improvement grants for houses in housing action areas.
No, but my right hon. Friend is ready to consider, without commitment, whether there is any justification for varying the rateable value limits if it can be demonstrated that in any particular areas they are preventing significant numbers of needy owner-occupiers from improving their homes to a desired standard. The RV limits do not, of course, apply to tenanted dwellings, nor to applications for intermediate or repairs grants.
House Sales (New Towns)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment under what powers he has banned, without his prior approval, the further sale of new town houses built for rent; in what form his decision has been commmunicated to the new town authorities; and on what date.
Development corporations were requested in a letter to general managers dated 25th April 1974 not to sell rented dwellings except where they were under a legal obligation to do so or where they had obtained my right hon. Friend's prior approval. Section 4 of the New Towns Act 1965 enables him to give directions to any development corporation restricting the exercise by it of any of its powers under the Act or requiring it to exercise those powers in any manner specified. The letter made it clear that the request formed part of an interim procedure pending a review of new town policy, and he did not think it necessary to invoke formal powers.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list, for each English new town, the total number of dwellings sold that had originally been built for rent up to 30th September 1974.
The information requested is as follows:
Aycliffe | 1,077 |
Basildon | 5,402 |
Bracknell | 1,172 |
Central Lancs | — |
Corby | 1,505 |
Crawley | 2,582 |
Harlow | 3,936 |
Hatfield | 706 |
Hemel Hempstead | 1,892 |
Milton Keynes | 238 |
Northampton | 158 |
Peterborough | 316 |
Peterlee | 426 |
Redditch | 76 |
Runcorn | 409 |
Skelmersdale | 558 |
Stevenage | 6,320 |
Telford | 45 |
Warrington | 1 |
Washington | 37 |
Welwyn Garden City | 885 |
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment under what criteria he will be prepared to approve the sale of new town houses originally built for rent.
The criteria to be adopted will depend in the long run on the outcome of the discussions on the consultation document "New Towns in England and Wales". Meanwhile, in considering whether to give approval in a particular case, I shall have in mind particularly the level of demand for rented housing in the town in question and whatever exceptional circumstances may be adduced.
House Sales And Lets (New Towns)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list, for each English new town, the total number of houses built for sale by private developers on land made available to them by the new town, up to 30th September 1974; what percentage that figure represents of the total dwelling stock in the new town in each case; and what is the total rented stock for each new town, expressed in numerical terms.
The following table shows, in respect of each new town in England, at 30th September 1974, (a) the total number of houses built for sale by private developers on land made available to them by the development corporation; (b) the number of such privately built houses expressed as a percentage of the total number of new houses built in the town on land owned or made available by the development corporation; (c) the total remaining rented stock of the development corporation after taking account of sales of rented houses to tenants.
(a) Privately built houses | (b) Percentage of total new houses built | (c) remaining rented stock | |
Aycliffe | 335 | 4·9 | 5,444 |
Basildon | 978 | 4·7 | 14,120 |
Bracknell | 998 | 9·3 | 7,844 |
Central Lancashire | — | — | 4 |
Corby | 676 | 7·6 | 8,826 |
Crawley | 2,427 | 15·6 | 9,686 |
Harlow | 760 | 3·4 | 16,658 |
Hatfield | 228 | 5·0 | 3,268 |
Hemel Hempstead | 1,990 | 14·0 | 10,443 |
Milton Keynes | 1,106 | 33·5 | 2,289 |
Northampton | 659 | 20·7 | 2,375 |
Peterborough | 217 | 9·8 | 2,006 |
Peterlee | 371 | 5·0 | 6,483 |
Redditch | 1,768 | 33·6 | 3,456 |
Runcorn | 696 | 10·9 | 5,978 |
Skelmersdale | 496 | 6·5 | 6,897 |
Stevenage | 993 | 5·0 | 12,956 |
Telford | 615 | 10·1 | 5,345 |
Warrington | 498 | 71·8 | 348 |
Washington | 1,945 | 32·7 | 3,505 |
Welwyn Garden City | 300 | 4·5 | 5,740 |
d) below. Column ( e) shows the approximate total of rented stock, whether owned privately, by local authorities housing associations or development corporations. Both columns are based upon figures at 31st March 1974 the latest available.
(d) | (e) | |
Column (a) as percentage of total dwelling stock | Approximate total rented stock
| |
Aycliffe | 4·8 | 5,500 |
Basildon | 3·7 | 18,000 |
Bracknell | 8·0 | 8,500 |
Central Lancashire | — | 31,000 |
Corby | 4·5 | 12,000 |
Crawley | 10·9 | 12,500 |
Harlow | 3·1 | 18,500 |
Hatfield | 2·7 | 5,500 |
Hemel Hempstead | 8·5 | 14,000 |
Milton Keynes | 5·8 | 10,000 |
Northampton | 1·3 | 20,500 |
Peterborough | 0·7 | 15,000 |
Peterlee | 5·0 | 7,000 |
Redditch | 20·0 | 7,000 |
Runcorn | 4·4 | 10,500 |
Skelmersdale | 6·2 | 10,000 |
Stevenage | 4·3 | 14,000 |
Telford | 2·0 | 18,000 |
Warrington | 1·1 | 19,000 |
Washington | 15·5 | 9,000 |
Welwyn Garden City | 2·3 | 9,000 |
House Building
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what percentage the average period between the start and completion of houses built by English local authorities lengthened between February 1972 and February 1974.
There was an estimated increase of 22 per cent. in the time lag between start and completion of dwellings built in England and Wales for local authorities and new towns.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what percentage the number of dwellings completed for rent in English new towns fell in 1972 compared with 1971, and in 1973 compared with 1971; and by what percentage the number of local authority houses completed in England fell in 1972 compared with 1971, and in 1973 compared with 1971.
In the English new towns the number of dwellings completed for rent in 1972 and 1973 showed falls of 24·3 per cent. and 24·4 per cent., respectively, in comparison with the 1971 figure. The comparable falls in English local authority completions were 18·9 per cent. and 32·0 per cent. respectively.
Fire Precautions (Old People's Homes)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether a decision has yet been reached whether any problems arise within Government responsibility arising from the recent loss of life at an old people's home built in accordance with the CLASP system; and, if so, what action is proposed.
I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friends and I will consider what action is appropriate to each of the Departments concerned once we have the report of the committee now set up to inquire into the fire at Fairfield.
New Towns
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which policy changes in the consultation paper "New Towns in England and Wales" have already been imposed by Her Majesty's Government on new towns in advance of consultation, other than his ban on the sales of new town houses built for rent; under what powers; when the decision was communicated to the New Towns Act 1965.
The procedure whereby the Secretary of State issues informal advice to development corporations and the commission stems from the power of direction contained in Section 4 of the New Towns Act 1965.In order not to prejudice the outcome of a general review of new town policy which I put in hand on taking office in March 1974, new town development corporations in England and the Commission for the New Towns were asked first in a letter of 29th March 1974 not to enter into further commitments to disposal of land for private sector commercial and industrial development freehold, and secondly in a letter of 25th April not to enter into further commitments to dispose of housing land to the private sector without obtaining the agreement of the Secretary of State. In a circular issued on 5th September 1974, the same authorities were advised, inter alia and still pending the outcome of the policy review, that the Secretary of State would not normally give approval to the freehold sale of land in their ownership to private housebuilders or for private sector commercial and industrial development, and that in the immediate future emphasis should be placed on meeting the demand for rented housing.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total amount of the needs element in the rate support grant allocated for the West Lancashire District Council for 1975–76 and the percentage increase in 1974–75.
In a non-metropolitan county the needs element of the rate support grant is paid to the county council; it is not allocated to districts. Lancashire's initial 1975–76 needs element entitlement is £73·9 million, which is 50 per cent. higher than its original 1974–75 entitlement.
Manchester Underground Railway Link
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations his Department had with the officials and members of Great Manchester Council prior to his decision not to allow sufficient funds to allow a start to be made on the Picc-Vic rail tunnel project in 1975–76.
Discussions about this project have taken place at officer level over the past four years. Both my predecessor and I have visited Manchester to meet the council and the passenger transport executive. I also met a deputation from the council on the topic in London on 13th May 1974.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what discussions he has had following his rejection of the Picc-Vic project;(2) if he will visit Greater Manchester to inspect the areas affected by the proposals related to Central Manchester and the Bury road rail link interchange with the Picc-Vic rail tunnel project.
I have been invited by the Greater Manchester Council to visit Manchester, and hope to do so during the next few weeks. Under the transport supplementary grant provisions, it is for local authorities to determine their priorities within the total resources available.
Transport (Grants)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what has been the total amount of Government grants given to the conurbations of Liverpool, Tyneside, Birmingham, London and Manchester during the past 10 years for road and rail projects that are related to transportation policies;(2) what were the total Government grants for transportation projects paid to the conurbations of Liverpool, Tyneside, Birmingham, London and Manchester per year over the past 10 years expressed on a per capita basis.
Information in the form requested is not available. The new system of transport supplementary grant begins on 1st April next, and local authority boundaries and functions have altered substantially. In addition, not all Exchequer grants can be attributed to particular transport schemes.
National Finance
Family Farm Holdings
9.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect he estimates the gift tax will have on the size of family farm holdings over the next 10 years.
The rates of the tax are lower than were those of the estate duty and the Finance Bill provides a generous measure of relief for working farmers. The new tax is, therefore, unlikely to affect the size of family farm holdings.
Government Borrowing
12.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the light of increased Government subsidies to industry, he will revise the Government borrowing requirement of £6·3 billion for the current financial year.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Lamont).
Foreign Investment (European Countries)
19.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a table showing the investment in Great Britain by Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg and the investment by Great Britain in these countries in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974.
Estimates of capital flows between the United Kingdom and other EEC countries are available only for direct investment and only up to 1972. For details of these estimates I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Short) on 21st January.
Petrodollar Surpluses
18.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a further statement about his discussions with Finance Ministers on the recycling of Arab petrodollar surpluses.
I would refer my hon. Friend to my statement of 21st January.—[Vol. 884, 1229–31.]
Foreign Investment
29.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the increase in the level of foreign investment in the United Kingdom since March 1974.
Overseas investment in the United Kingdom public and private sectors, net of disinvestment, in the second and third quarters of 1974, the latest period for which information is available, totalled £1,304 million.
21.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider setting up a foreign investment board to monitor overseas influence on the economy of this country in the light of the present economic situation.
22.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider setting up a foreign investment board to monitor overseas influence in the economy of this country in the light of the present economic situation.
34.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider setting up an investment bank to investigate, and approve or disapprove, proposed foreign investments to be made in all branches of British industry; and whether he will make a statement.
37.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in the light of the present economic situation, he will consider establishing a board with responsibility for monitoring the flow of foreign investment into the United Kingdom.
39.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider setting up a foreign investment board to monitor the influence of foreign capital investment on the economy of the United Kingdom.
Interdepartmental machinery already exists for considering proposals for foreign investment in this country and their likely effect on our economy.
Invalidity Benefit
23.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the tax position of a person receiving an invalidity benefit which becomes a retirement pension at the age of 70 years, so as to maintain the tax exemption applicable to the invalidity benefit.
The tax structure is kept under regular review. To allow retirement pensioners who have been receiving invalidity benefits up to age 70 to draw their retirement pension tax free could be regarded as unfair by other pensioners whose incomes are not larger. No tax, of course, is payable where an individual's only income is a national insurance retirement pension.
Private Investment
24.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of private investment for 1975; and how this compares with 1974.
Forecasts for private investment as a whole have not been published except at Budget time in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report". I do not propose to depart from this practice today.
European Investment Bank Loans
25.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the loans granted by the European Investment Bank for projects in the United Kingdom in 1974.
In 1974 the European Investment Bank granted nine loans totalling £79·9 million for projects in the United Kingdom. The details are:
EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK LOANS, 1ST JANUARY 1974 TO 31ST DECEMBER 1974 | ||||||||||
Borrower | Amount £m. | Terms | Project | |||||||
North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board | … | … | … | 10·4 | 20 years at 9½ per cent. | Peterhead Power Station, Aberdeenshire. | ||||
Elf Oil (U.K.) | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 10·4 | 10 years at 9⅞ per cent. | Development of the Frigg gas field in the North Sea. |
Total Oil (U.K.) | … | … | … | … | … | … | ||||
Aquitaine Oil (U.K.) | … | … | … | … | … | … | ||||
Kent and Essex County Councils | … | … | … | … | 7·0 | 10 years at 10½ per cent. | Second Dartford Tunnel. | |||
British Steel Corporation | … | … | … | … | … | 8·0 | 12 years at 10½ per cent. | New Sinter plant at Port Talbot Steelworks. | ||
British Steel Corporation | … | … | … | … | … | 12·0 | 12 years at 10½ per cent. | Construction of bar mill at Thrybergh Steelworks near Rotherham. | ||
Industrial and Commercial Finance Corporation | … | … | 10·0 | 10 years at 10½ per cent. | For on-lending to small and medium-sized firms in the development areas. | |||||
Lewis Offshore Ltd. | … | … | … | … | … | … | 4·0 | 8 years at 10½ per cent. | Development of a construction yard at Arnish Point in the Hebrides for the assemble of equipment for offshore oil exploration and production. | |
Electricity Council | … | … | … | … | … | … | 15·6 | 12 years at 10½ per cent. | Nuclear power station at Hartlepool. | |
Short Brothers and Harland Ltd., Belfast | … | … | … | 2·5 | 5 years at 10½ per cent. | Development of low-cost commuter aircraft at the company's factory in Belfast. |
Value Added Tax
20.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to take account of inflation, he will seek to raise the point at which traders have to register for VAT.
I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.
28.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the revenue collected in the year 1973–74 from VAT on sanitary towels and toilet paper.
I regret that the information requested is not available.
Manor Of Northstead
26.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the criteria he uses to consider applications for the stewardship of the Manor of Northstead.
There are no fixed criteria which govern my consideration of applications for the Stewardship of the Manor of Northstead, but it is customary for the Chancellor to grant formal applications as a matter of course, except in very extreme cases.
Development Land Tax
27.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a detailed statement on the proposed development land tax.
The statement will be issued very shortly. Copies will be placed in the Library.
Social Contract
30.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that the guidelines in the social contract and its current application will help him achieve his recent budgetary forecasts.
As I said in my Budget Statement, we have a commitment to fight both unemployment and inflation. Firm adherence to the social contract is essential if we are to achieve these ends, as the TUC has recognised in recent talks with the Government.
Eec Finance Ministers (Meeting)
31.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the meeting held by the EEC Finance Ministers on 19th December 1974.
33.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the meeting of EEC Finance Ministers on 19th December 1974.
35.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the meeting of the EEC Finance Ministers on 19th December 1974.
At their meeting on 19th December 1974 the Finance Ministers had a general discussion of the consequences of the decisions on economic matters taken by the Heads of Government at their conference on 10th and 11th December. Ministers also heard progress reports on a number of monetary and financial issues and agreed in principle to the regulation implementing the Community Loans Scheme. They also had a progress report on the Sixth Draft Directive on VAT. The Council adopted a resolution on the strengthening of co-operation between tax authorities.
Motor And Construction Industries
32.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any proposals for preventing rising unemployment in the motor car and construction industries.
We have already assisted British Leyland with a bank guarantee of £50 million. We have also allocated additional money for public sector housing and public sector construction, in addition to loan facilities to the building societies. Both sectors will also share in the general benefits to company finance brought about by my right hon. Friend's November measures. The Government are keeping the position in both these industries under constant review.
Eec Budget
36.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what means Her Majesty's Government make comments and press for changes in the EEC draft budget; what representations were made in connection with the budget for 1975; and with what result.
Before the Council of Ministers establishes the draft budget the preliminary draft budget is discussed in detail at official level in various committees of the Council prior to being considered by the Budget Council. The United Kingdom representatives played an active part in these discussions, which resulted this year in a reduction of almost £500 million in the expenditure proposed in the preliminary draft budget.
Interest Rate (Small Deposits)
38.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will remove the present limit on the rate of interest payable by banks on small deposits.
I have no plans for doing so at present, but the situation will be kept under review.
Small Businesses
40.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will set up a special fund to purchase small businesses which cannot be sold but which have to pay capital transfer tax and where the owner has no means outside of the business of finding the money required.
No. The Finance Bill already provides a significant relief for small business; the capital transfer tax on certain business assets may be paid by instalments interest free.
Taxation Changes (Publicity)
41.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure in future that leaflets issued by the Inland Revenue describing his proposals for changes in tax rates and allowances make clear to the reader that such proposals are subject to acceptance, rejection or amendment by Parliament.
It is the normal practice of the Inland Revenue to describe Budget proposals as such in the leaflets it issues.
Inflation Accounting
43.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to publish the Sandilands report on inflation accounting.
I understand Mr. Sandilands' committee does not hope to submit its report to the Government before the end of March. The question of publication will be for decision in the context of the Government's consideration of its recommendations.
Rent (Owner-Occupiers)
44.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his present estimate of tax avoidance by owner-occupiers who do not declare rent received from privately rented accommodation within their homes.
It is not possible to make an estimate.
Oil Taxation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will identify the tax element in gasoline as a percentage of total retail price in each country of Western Europe.
The following is the information for EEC members:
TAXES ON PETROL AS PERCENTAGE OF RETAIL PRICE* | |
Belgium | 60·6 |
Denmark | 52·2 |
France (Paris zone) | 56·2 |
Germany (Average Aral AG) | 58·9 |
Ireland | 38·2 |
Italy | 67·6 |
Luxembourg | 51·0 |
Netherlands | 62·1 |
United Kingdom | 51·0 |
* With the exception of the figures for the United Kingdom and Ireland this information is based on details of petrol prices and taxes published in the Petroleum Times. |
Treasury Staff (Qualifications)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what number and what proportion of the administrative class officials in the Treasury have economics degrees.
The administrative class no longer exists. In those grades in the Open Structure and the Administration Group approximately analogous to the old administrative class grades there are 156 officers of whom 32 per cent.—50—hold economics degrees. In addition there are 52 officers in the Treasury employed as professional economists, all of whom hold economics degrees.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what number and what proportion of the administrative class officials in the Treasury joined the Civil Service straight from university.
Sixty-five officers of the 156 in those grades in the Open Structure and the Administration Group approximately analogous to the old administrative class grades entered the Civil Service straight from university after taking their first degree.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what number and what proportion of the administrative class civil servants in the Treasury, excluding exchange arrangements or temporary release, have any experience of working either in industry or in the City.
There are 156 officers in the Treasury in the Open Structure and in the Administration Group in those grades approximately analogous to the old administrative class grades. Excluding exchanges or temporary releases, 10 of these have had substantive experience of working in industry or the City.
Public Expenditure
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what growth in total public expenditure he now expects in 1975; and what was the growth in 1973 and 1974.
I would refer the hon. Member to the White Paper on Public Expenditure to 1978–79 (Cmnd
SUPERANNUATION AND PENSION FUNDS' HOLDINGS AT MARKET VALUE OF ORDINARY SHARES IN UNITED KINGDOM REGISTERED COMPANIES | ||||||||
End 1966 | End 1973 | |||||||
United Kingdom quoted companies | United Kingdom unquoted companies | Total | United Kingdom quoted companies | United Kingdom unquoted companies | Total | |||
Private sector funds | 1,524 | 12 | 1,536 | 2,884 | 64 | 2,948 | ||
Local authority funds | 225 | 0 | 225 | (575) | (15) | 590* | ||
Other public sector funds | 420 | 0 | 420 | 1,324 | 16 | 1,340 | ||
Total (A) | … | … | 2,169 | 12 | 2,181 | 4,783 | 95 | 4,878 |
Total in issue (B) | … | 24,006 | 4,189 | 28,195 | 40,519 | † | † | |
Percentage (A) to (B) | 9·0 | 0·3 | 7·7 | 11·8 | † | † | ||
* Relates to 31st March 1974 and includes holdings of ordinary shares in overseas companies; division of holdings between quoted and unquoted roughly estimated. | ||||||||
† Not available. |
5879), published today, which provides figures for public expenditure from the financial years from 1969–70 to 1978–79. The growth rates, in volume terms, for the three financial years 1973–74, 1974–75 and 1975–76 are, respectively, 6 per cent., 7·4 per cent. and 1·4 per cent. The corresponding figures are not available for calendar years.
Incomes Policy
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any proposals to introduce a wage freeze, a wages or incomes policy other than that contained in the existing social contract of any form of Government or statutory control over wages.
It remains the Government's view that firm adherence to the TUC guidelines under the social contract offers the best prospect of curbing inflation and preventing additional unemployment.
Pension Funds
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated holding of superannuation and pension funds in the equity of British industry; and what percentage of total investment in equity this represents.
The available information relates to the equity capital of all United Kingdom companies, including financial as well as industrial and commercial companies. The latest figures for the equity capital of all companies, whether quoted or unquoted, relate to the end of 1966, but figures for quoted companies are available as at end 1973. The information is as follows:
In addition to the figures shown above for independent superannuation or pension schemes, many employers make use of facilities provided by life assurance companies. Figures of company securities held by life assurance companies in respect of occupational pension business are not in general distinguished, since a single fund is maintained for all longterm business including individual pensions and ordinary life assurance. At the end of 1966 the ordinary shares held by insurance companies' long-term funds were valued at £3,022 million—quoted companies—and £46 million—unquoted companies—which represented respectively 12·8 per cent. of the equity capital of quoted companies, 1·1 per cent. of that of unquoted companies; and 11·1 per cent. of all companies.
Imports Control
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any proposals to introduce selective import controls.
No.
Demand Management
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that the present methods of measuring the pressure of demand provide the accurate data necessary for efficient demand management; and, if not, what steps he is taking to develop more accurate methods.
There is no unique way of assessing the pressure of demand at either the national or the individual industry level. A wide range of approaches is used by the Government in gauging both the pressure and pattern of demand and supply. These techniques, both quantitative and qualitative in nature, require careful interpretation. I fully appreciate the need to develop further the Government's ability to monitor the pressure of demand.
Oecd
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average annual growth in real domestic product per head of population, of each of the member States of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, during the periods 1948 to 1958, 1958 to 1973 and at the latest date for which figures are available, respectively.
Figures are not available on an internationally comparable basis for periods before 1950, nor, at present, for later than 1972. The following table shows the average annual percentage rate of growth in gross domestic product at constant purchasers' values per head of population, as defined by the OECD, for the periods 1950 to 1958 and 1958 to 1972. Figures for New Zealand, Portugal and Yugoslavia are not available.
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AT CONSTANT PURCHASERS' VALUES: PER HEAD OF POPULATION | ||
(Average annual percentage rates of growth) | ||
Country | 1950–58 | 1958–72 |
Canada | 1·4 | 3·1 |
United States | 1·2 | 2·9 |
Japan | 5·9* | 9·5 |
Australia | ·· | 3·0† |
Austria | 5·5 | 4·5 |
Belgium | 1·9‡ | 4·2 |
Denmark | 1·8 | 4·3 |
Finland | ·· | 4·7† |
France | 3·5 | 4·7 |
Germany | 6·6 | 4·5 |
Greece | 5·2 | 6·7 |
Iceland | 3·3 | 3·0 |
Ireland | 1·5 | 3·8 |
Italy | 4·7§ | 4·7 |
Luxembourg | ·· | 2·5 |
Netherlands | 2·8 | 4·2 |
Norway | 2·2§ | 3·9 |
Spain | ·· | 5·2 |
Sweden | 2·4 | 3·3 |
Switzerland | 2·7 | 3·2 |
Turky | 3·3 | 2·8 |
United Kingdom | 2·0 | 2·3 |
Sources: National Accounts of OECD Countries, 1950–68; National Accounts of OECD Countries 1961–72; Manpower Statistics 1950–62 (OECD); GDP for the United Kingdom is as defined by the OECD, but consistent with figures published in National Income and Expenditure, 1963–73. | ||
* 1952–58. | ||
† 1960–71. | ||
‡ 1953–58. | ||
§ 1951–58. |
£ Sterling
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, taking the £ as 100p today, what its equivalent purchasing power, expressed in terms of new pence, was in 1914, 1938, 1947 and 1951, respectively.
Taking the internal purchasing power of the pound as 100p in December 1974, the latest available date, its value is estimated to have been:
1,050p in | 1914 |
670p in | 1938 |
370p in | 1947 |
300p in | 1951 |
The basis for these estimates is given in "The Internal Purchasing Power of the Pound", a leaflet released by the Press and Information Service of the Central Statistical Office.
Eec Grants And Loans
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in the Official Report the total of grants made by various funds of the European Community to projects and undertakings in the United Kingdom for each of the years 1973 and 1974, naming those where the annual grant is in excess of £500,000 or other convenient figure as the respective authority for that expenditure.
The total of United Kingdom receipts for 1973 and 1974, other than from loans, from the European Communities is:
£m. 1973 | £m. 1974 | |
European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF)— | ||
Guarantee Section (under various Community instruments) | 63 | 112 |
Guidance Section (under Council Regulation (EEC) 1353–73) | — | 0·02 |
European Social Fund (under the Council Decision of 1st February 1971) | — | 22 |
European Coal and Steel Community (under Article 55 of the Treaty of Paris) | — | 1 |
10 per cent. refund for the costs of collecting "own resources" (under Article 3 of the Council Decision of 21st April 1970) | 13 | 19 |
Euratom (under various Community instruments) | 0·1 | 1·5 |
Capital Gains Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much capital gains tax in the last financial year was levied from the privately-rented element of owner-occupied housing.
I regret that this information is not available.
Industrial Investment
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will tabulate in the Official Report the approximate amounts of investment in productive industry in the United Kingdom for each of the years 1970 to 1974, indicating broadly the sources of such capital investment.
Information on investment in fixed assets by the industries covered by the index of industrial production—the total of mining and quarrying, gas, electricity and water, construction, and manufacturing—is given in the table below.
Gross Domestic Fixed Capital Formation | |
£ million at current prices | |
1970 | 3,207 |
1971 | 3,299 |
1972 | 3,232 |
1973 | 3,887 |
1974 (first three quarters only) | 3,666 |
Pensions Taxation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that new allowances for retirement pensioners are being properly coded for PAYE purposes.
Where the information available to the Inland Revenue indicates that a taxpayer is likely to be entitled to the new age allowance, appropriate provision is being made in his PAYE coding for next year.
Income Tax Code Notices
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the note attached to coding notices relating to age allowance (P.354) does not state that the suggestion that this allowance should be introduced is one which is subject to parliamentary approval.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29th January 1975; Vol. 885, c. 182], gave the following information:Because the notices of coding being sent to taxpayers are also accompanied by a leaflet which describes my proposal for an age allowance as such.
Poulson Case
asked the Attorney-General if he is now able to announce whether he has received advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions concerning the strength of the evidence available to prosecute persons associated with the convicted architect, Mr. Poulson, in his activities in this country and in Malta.
I have received advice from the Director on several occasions on these matters, but investigations are still proceeding. I hope to be in a position to make a statement on their progress soon.
Pornography
asked the Attorney-General what expert advice is obtained prior to a decision by the police to seize allegedly pornographic magazine material.
These are matters for the police, for whom I have no ministerial responsibility. The Director of Public Prosecutions is available to advise the police.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Animals (Exports)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if the limits on length of journeys for animals exported for slaughter, as presently laid down in the Balfour Assurances, will continue to apply; and if he will clarify the conditions under which licences will be issued;(2) if the EEC draft directive on intra-community trade in live animals—64/432/EEC as amended—applies to sheep; and under what international and legally enforceable code the export trade in sheep from the United Kingdom will operate, particularly to France which had not signed the Balfour Assurances for sheep;(3) if the Balfour Assurances on the export trade in live animals for slaughter will continue to operate; and if so for what countries.
The Balfour Assurances were undertakings given by the Governments of Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands and West Germany on the treatment of animals exported from this country for slaughter. They are being superseded by more comprehensive safeguards for animal welfare which have been sponsored by the European Economic Community and by the Council of Europe.EEC Directive 64/432, as amended, contains health provisions for cattle and pigs, with incidental welfare benefits. Directive 74/577, adopted on 18th November 1974, deals with the humane slaughter of cattle, sheep and pigs. It will become fully operative throughout the Community by not later than 1st July 1975.The welfare of farm animals during transport between member States will be safeguarded by another directive which the Commission is expected to put to the Council of Ministers shortly. It will give effect in Community law to the Council of Europe Convention, already ratified by six EEC member States, including France, on the welfare of animals during international transport. In the convention, the accent is on ensuring that the animals are fit to travel and on avoiding delays rather than on precise distance limits. Applications for licences will be considered for exports to member States of the European Economic Community and to such other countries as can provide adequate safeguards for the animals in question. There will be close veterinary control.
Eggs
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received suggesting that EEC regulations on eggs are not being applied equitably and fairly throughout the Common Market; what assessment he has made of the likely impact on the United Kingdom market of imports from the Community; and if he will make a statement.
Various sections of the industry have from time to time suggested that the EEC regulations on eggs are not equitably and fairly applied throughout the Community. I have no evidence of this. But if there were such evidence I would ensure that it was followed up in the appropriate way.The level of imports from the Community varies from time to time, but the total quantities involved are small, amounting to less than 3 per cent. of supplies last year. The availability of imported eggs has some influence on prices here, but the main factor is the level of home production.
Cereals (Growers' Incomes)
asked the Minister of Agricuture, Fisheries and Food what estimate has been made by the European Commission of the increase in United Kingdom cereal producers' incomes in 1974; and how this compares with estimates prepared by his own Department.
In its annual report to the Council on the agricultural situation in the Community (R/3408/74) the European Commission estimated that incomes on cereal farms in the United Kingdom were likely to practically double between 1972–73 and 1973–74 and that some further increase was expected in 1974–75. These estimates were based on information supplied by my Department relating to net incomes on specialist cereal farms. Net incomes on general cropping farms increased by rather less.
Sugar
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how much of the rise in sugar prices to £285 per ton was attributable to the cost of purchasing EEC raw sugar at premium prices;(2) how much of the rise in sugar prices to £285 per ton was attributable to losses incurred in the collapse of the Paris sugar market;(3) how much of the rise in sugar prices to £285 per ton is attributable to increases in the price of sugar beet to United Kingdom growers;(4) how much of the rise in sugar prices to £285 per ton was attributable to losses incurred in borrowing sugar for the domestic market, which had been purchased on the world market for export;(5) how much of the rise in sugar prices to £285 per ton was attributable to the cost of compensating other Commonwealth Sugar Agreement countries following the agreement to purchase sugar from Guyana at £145 per ton;(6) how much of the rise in sugar prices to £285 per ton was attributable to losses incurred in buying sugar on the world market, which failed to obtain sufficient subsidy to bring its price within the EEC price range under the Lardinois scheme.
The new price was determined in accordance with the Price Code, as modified by a certificate of the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection issued under paragraph 83 of the code. Details of the cost increases which were taken into account are confidential to the three main sugar refining companies concerned.
Eec Grants And Loans
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the disbursements of the EAGFF of the EEC for the year 1974 showing the amounts received in each of the member States for each of the main commodities supported by the fund.
This information is not yet available as the financial statements of member States on their expenditure in 1974 under guarantee section of the EAGGF are not due to be submitted to the Commission of the European Communities until the second half of February.
Fruit
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what has been the annual change in the acreage devoted to the production of
ENGLAND AND WALES: ESTIMATED CROPPED AREA AND OUTPUT OF FRUIT FROM ORCHARDS GROWN COMMERCIALLY* | |||||||||
June/May years | |||||||||
1964–65 | 1965–66 | 1966–67 | 1967–68 | 1968–69 | |||||
TOTAL CROPPED AREA ('000 acres) | |||||||||
Apples | … | … | … | 128·0 | 121·0 | 113·0 | 113·0 | 112·0 | |
Pears | … | … | … | … | 19·0 | 18·4 | 17·6 | 17·0 | 16·6 |
Plums† | … | … | … | 22·0 | 20·7 | 19·6 | 18·8 | 18·2 | |
Cherries | … | … | … | 11·7 | 10·5 | 9·8 | 9·0 | 8·5 | |
OUTPUT ('000 tons) | |||||||||
Apples | … | … | … | 571·0 | 486·0 | 343·0 | 295·0 | 332·0 | |
Pears | … | … | … | … | 65·0 | 63·6 | 38·1 | 23·1 | 70·2 |
Plums† | … | … | … | 45·5 | 36·6 | 28·3 | 13·7 | 77·1 | |
Cherries | … | … | … | 13·1 | 9·4 | 5·0 | 2·6 | 4·7 | |
1969–70 | 1970–71 | 1971–72 | 1972–73 | 1973–74 | |||||
TOTAL CROPPED AREA ('000 acres) | |||||||||
Apples | … | … | … | 111·0 | 111·0 | 110·0 | 109·0 | 108·0 | |
Pears | … | … | … | … | 16·5 | 16·2 | 15·8 | 15·5 | 15·3 |
Plums† | … | … | … | 17·6 | 16·6 | 15·7 | 15·6 | 15·4 | |
Cherries | … | … | … | 8·1 | 7·5 | 7·2 | 6·9 | 6·7 | |
OUTPUT ('000 tons) | |||||||||
Apples | … | … | … | 381·0 | 459·0 | 452·0 | 347·0 | 451·0 | |
Pears | … | … | … | … | 56·2 | 67·8 | 66·5 | 50·5 | 44·0 |
Plums† | … | … | … | 51·1 | 44·7 | 34·1 | 43·8 | 50·8 | |
Cherries | … | … | … | 4·0 | 12·5 | 9·1 | 9·3 | 7·6 | |
* The area of mixed orchards and orchards growing other varieties of fruit and nuts during the past ten years is estimated to have been about 2,600 acres with an annual outpt of about 2,600 tons. | |||||||||
† Includes damsons and gages. |
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the volume of apples, pears, plums, cherries and other tree fruits imported
Tons | |||||||||
Apples | Pears and Quinces | Plums* | Cherries | ||||||
1965 | … | … | … | … | … | 242,864 | 51,452 | 11,989 | 965 |
1966 | … | … | … | … | … | 274,369 | 79,324 | 8,886 | 1,930 |
1967 | … | … | … | … | … | 285,434 | 64,857 | 13,734 | 2,924 |
1968 | … | … | … | … | … | 294,938 | 58,172 | 9,269 | 1,538 |
1969 | … | … | … | … | … | 285,397 | 53,078 | 9,936 | 1,212 |
1970 | … | … | … | … | … | 254,421 | 51,323 | 7,900 | 1,426 |
1971 | … | … | … | … | … | 260,674 | 53,402 | 16,530 | 2,171 |
1972 | … | … | … | … | … | 272,771 | 54,850 | 13,040 | 1,790 |
1973 | … | … | … | … | … | 326,616 | 49,276 | 11,182 | 1,894 |
1974 (January-November)† | … | … | 292,283 | 46,961 | 15,838 | 2,440 | |||
* Including bullace, damsons, greengages and mirabelles. | |||||||||
† Figures for December 1974 are not yet available. |
apples, pears, plums, cherries and other tree fruits in England and Wales over the course of the past 10 years;
(2) what has been the change in annual volume of apples, pears, plums, cherries and other tree fruits produced in England and Wales over the course of the past 10 years.
The information is as follows:from abroad for each year from 1965 onwards.
The following table shows imports of tree fruits of kinds grown in the United Kingdom on a commercial scale:
Rents
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on agricultural rents in the light of the recent decision to lift the control on business rents.
We are considering the matter.
Food Imports
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the approximate proportions of the major categories of food for human consumption in the United Kingdom derived from the United Kingdom, the original six members of the EEC, Denmark and Eire, Commonwealth countries, and the rest of the world respectively for each of the years 1972 and 1974.
The United Kingdom produced nearly 55 per cent. of its supplies of food for human consumption in 1972–73, the latest period for which this analysis is available. Import statistics for agricultural commodities do not show whether imports were intended for human consumption or not. It is not, therefore, possible to tell what proportion of imports from a particular country are intended for human consumption as against use for animal feed or for various industrial purposes.
Food Subsidies (Administration)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total number of civil servants in his Department administering food subsidies on (a) 1st June 1974, (b) 1st November, and (c) 1st January 1975; and what was the annual administrative cost on each date, including both salaries and administrative overheads.
On each date the number of civil servants administering subsidies in my Department and the total cost were as follows:
1st June 1974 | 40 | £165,881 |
1st November 1974 | 117 | £484,812 |
1st January 1975 | 127 | £536,748 |
Church Commissioners (Farm Tenancies)
asked the hon. Member for Kingswood, as representing the Church Commissioners, whether it is the policy of the Commissioners in letting farms to give preference, subject to evidence of competence, to farmers' sons wishing to take over tenancies on the death or retirement of their fathers.
Yes. The Commissioners' policy is to accept a tenant's son in succession to his father provided he has proved himself and has adequate financial resources to run the farm at an agreed proper rent. If for some special reason a son who fulfilled these requirements could not be offered the tenancy, the Commissioners would endeavour to offer him the tenancy of another Commissioners' farm at the first opportunity. The Commissioners welcome the fact that the tenancies of many of their farms have been in the same families for generations.
Defence
Textiles (Departmental Purchases)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total value of textile goods purchased by his Department during the past 12 months.
In the 12 months ending 31st December 1974 the Ministry of Defence purchased textile goods to the value of about £33 million.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of textile goods over the last 12 months has been purchased from British manufacturers by his Department.
In the 12 months ending 31st December 1974 the Ministry of Defence purchased about 96 per cent. of its requirements for textile goods from British manufacturers.
Cadets
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the function served by the Combined Cadet Force.
The Combined Cadet Force is a voluntary part-time force organised in schools which continue education to the age of 18 or above. It is intended to provide the framework of a disciplined organisation, through which young people who wish to join may develop qualities of endurance, self-reliance, leadership and responsibility. It is also designed to encourage those who are interested to take up a career in the Regular or Reserve Forces.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the evidence to which he has referred as indicating that the Combined Cadet Force performs a useful function.
The evidence consists in the continued strength and vitality of the individual contingents of the Combined Cadet Force, the high regard in which they are held by the schools and the enthusiasm of the members for the various activities of the force. I have already promised to write to the hon. Member on the recruiting aspect.
Fishery Protection Vessels
asked the Secretary of State for Defence in how many incidents fishery protection boats have been involved with foreign vessels fishing illegally in British waters over the last five years; and in how many cases prosecutions resulted.
During the past five years, Royal Navy fishery protection vessels have, in addition to making many routine boardings, investigated 125 foreign fishing vessels for infringements of the fishing regulations; all but two were successfully prosecuted. Of these, 56 were convicted of illegal fishing in British waters.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many fishery protection boats there are; and of the total, how many are applied to use in Scottish waters.
As the House will be aware from my answer on 5th December 1974—[Vol. 882, c. 607]—there are, at present, eight mine countermeasures vessels and one fast patrol craft in the Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron, but other units of the Fleet assist as necessary. As far as the inshore fishery protection duties of the Royal Navy are concerned, the waters of the British Islands are treated as a whole and vessels are not allocated to particular countries.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what reduction or reductions in the fishery protection fleet is, or are, pending; and if he will publish such details in the Official Report.
No reduction in the Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron is contemplated.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the defence budget of the United Kingdom has been spent on fishery protection boats in each of the last five years.
Royal Navy vessels employed on fishery protection duties operate as an integral part of the Fleet and their cost cannot sensibly be separately identified within the defence budget.
Education And Science
Higher Education (Overseas Students)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many overseas students from (a) Commonwealth and (b) non-Commonwealth countries are included in the revised figure of 640,000 higher education students for the year 1981; and how this compares with the breakdown of the previous figure of 750,000.
In planning higher education numbers for 1981 allowance is made for overseas students as a whole but there is no differentiation between those from Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth countries. Nearly half of these students are following postgraduate courses, mainly in universities, and places required for overseas students as a whole within the 640,000 higher education total cannot be estimated until I have completed the discussions with universities and maintained institutions described in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford (Mr. Luard) on 25th November 1974.
Student Grants
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science in order to assist educational authorities allocate grants to students, if he will circulate guidelines with regard to the provision of information about the true income of parents applying for assistance.
For students receiving mandatory grants, provisions concerning the income of parents and the parental contribution are set out in statutory regulations. In addition, my Department issues general guidance to local education authorities by means of circulars and other publications.
School Heating (Holiday Periods)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will carry out an inquiry into how many schools throughout the country kept heating plants and domestic hot water circuits left on in schools which remained unused during the Christmas holidays, in order to establish whether greater economies in fuel consumption could have been achieved;(2) if, in the interests of energy conservation, he will take steps designed to ensure that schools which remain unused during holiday periods, do not waste heat unnecessarily.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy is holding urgent discussions with local authorities on energy conservation, which will include economy in the use of fuel when buildings are not occupied. In most schools automatic controls shut off the heating and hot water plant during weekends and holidays, except when it is activated by a frost warning device. Many local authorities have fuel efficiency officers who assist schools to operate their plant economically, and my Department is encouraging all authorities to adopt such good housekeeping arrangements. I do not think a special inquiry is needed.
Universities
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied with the number of universities in North and Mid-Wales, and the number of places for students in Wales.
University development is related to the needs of Great Britain as a whole, and current provision of university places is consistent with the Robbins principle.
Students (Cost Distribution)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is now the estimated total value of spouses' contribution to the cost of married women's higher education.
About £1 million per annum.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is now the estimated total value of the parental contribution to the cost of students' higher education.
The latest estimate available is about £63 million for 1973–74.
School Milk
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give an assurance that he intends to reintroduce free milk into schools; and when he expects to be able to do this.
I regret I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend on 22nd January.—[Vol. 884, c. 416.]
Employment
Halesowen And Stourbridge
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures he has available for men and women in Halesowen and Stourbridge who are working short time.
Currently there are 600 males and 3,200 females known to my Department to be on short-time working in the Stourbridge employment office area. The comparable figures for Halesowen are 22 males and 16 females.
Theatres And Clubs
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to ensure that those who engage in public entertainment in theatres and clubs, and are exposed to hazards such as electricity, are given similar protection at law to those who are generally employed in industrial occupations.
An entertainer working in a club or theatre will be protected by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 when the general provisions of that Act come into operation on 1st April 1975.
Health And Safety
asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what guidance the Health and Safety Commission or Health and Safety Executive will be giving to inspectors to enable them to decide when they should serve a prohibition notice under Section 22 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974;(2) what guidance the Health and Safety Commission or Health and Safety Executive will be giving to inspectors to enable them to decide if an activity involves a risk of serious personal injury for the purposes of Section 22(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 27th January 1975; Vol. 885, c. 16], gave the following information:The Health and Safety Commission has informed me that guidance is being given to all inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive in the form of general guidelines, instructions and training. This is a continuing exercise to enable such guidance to be sharpened and revised in the light of experience of these new procedures.Prohibition of use of premises and plant is not, of course, a new power for inspectors, but the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 has created new and more flexible procedures.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if his Department treats the loss of a finger or broken arm as falling within the classification of serious personal injury for the purposes of Section 22(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 27th January 1975; Vol. 885, c. 16] gave the following information:I am informed by the Health and Safety Commission that such risks would be regarded by it as a risk of serious personal injury.
Energy
Oil Rigs
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish in the Official Report the number of rigs which are currently exploring for oil and gas in the North Sea, the number in operation in January in each of the past seven years, and the total number in each of the past seven year on an annual basis.
29 mobile drilling platforms are operating on the whole of the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea. The following table shows the numbers of platforms operating during the years 1968–1974:
Number of platforms operating | ||
Year | January | Over the year |
1968 | 9 | 13 |
1969 | 6 | 14 |
1970 | 7 | 12 |
1971 | 4 | 13 |
1972 | 6 | 21 |
1973 | 10 | 25 |
1974 | 18 | 37 |
asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) of the 27 drilling rigs operating in the North Sea how many are engaged on drilling exploratory, and development, wells;(2) how many rigs are engaged in exploratory drilling in the south North Sea basin.
All of the 27 mobile drilling platforms operating in the United Kingdom sector of the northern North Sea are engaged in exploratory operations. Development drilling is usually carried out from permanent drilling platforms. Two mobile drilling platforms are currently carrying out exploratory drilling in the southern basin.
Offshore Oil And Gas Licences
asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many exploration licences, awarded for the exploration of oil and gas in the North Sea, have been given up by the holders since such licences were first awarded, to date.
Of the 109 exploration licences granted since licensing began in 1964, 61 have run the full term of three years and have now expired. A further 12 have been surrendered before due date.
Oil Imports
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what tonnage of crude oil and refined products was imported into the United Kingdom during 1973 to produce the 16·6 million tons consumed motor spirit and 5·5 million tons consumed derv; what percentage of total oil imports these figures represent; and what are the most recently available comparable figures.
According to figures provided by the United Kingdom petroleum industry the quantities of crude oil, motor spirit, gas/diesel oil and other petroleum products imported in 1973 together
1973 | |||||||||
Crude and Process | Motor Spirit | Gas/Diesel Oil | Other Products | ||||||
Arrivals | … | … | … | … | … | 113·6 | 3·3 | 1·5 | 12·7 |
Shipments | … | … | … | … | 3·2 | 1·2 | 6·7 | 8·5 | |
Net arrivals | … | … | … | … | 110·4 | 2·1 | -5·2 | 4·2 | |
Refinery throughput | … | … | … | 112·5 | — | — | — | ||
Refinery output | … | … | … | … | — | 14·6 | 27·4 | 62·3 | |
Inland deliveries | … | … | … | — | 16·7 | (Derv 5·6) (Other 14·9) | 60·6 |
1974— | |||||||||
Crude and Process | Motor Spirit | Gas/Diesel Oil | Other Products | ||||||
Arrivals | … | … | … | … | …… | 111·7 | 3·0 | 0·8 | 10·4 |
Shipments | … | … | … | … | 1·4 | 0·9 | 6·6 | 6·6 | |
Net arrivals | … | … | … | … | 110·3 | 2·1 | -5·8 | 3·8 | |
Refinery throughput | … | … | … | 109·6 | — | — | — | ||
Refinery output | … | … | … | … | — | 14·3 | 27·2 | 60·6 | |
Inland deliveries | … | … | … | — | 16·2 | (Derv 5·4) (Other 13·4) | 56·3 | ||
Note: Some of the figures for 1974 are partly estimated. |
Gas Appliances
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to give statutory effect to the control of the import of gas appliances by means of the gas industry granting its "seal of approval" to imported appliances; and if he will list those provisions of EEC legislation which would exempt EEC countries from such control.
No. I am not aware of evidence to justify the imposition of statutory safety standards for gas appliances, nor would a "seal of approval" extending beyond the safety aspects be an appropriate basis.The British Gas Corporation's "seal of approval" is comprehensive but has no statutory backing. All gas appliances, whether of British or foreign make, sold through British Gas showrooms, or
with the estimated corresponding quantities in 1974 are shown below. In addition there were exports of these products and the figures of exports and net trade are also shown in the table. Separate refining output and trade data on derv are not available. It is not meaningful to relate these net movements directly to the quantities of motor spirit and derv consumed because of stock changes in crude oil and products. It is also not meaningful to express consumption of motor spirit or derv as a percentage of total imports because although part of motor spirit consumption is met by net imports, most motor spirit and all derv are produced from imported crude.
through authorised dealers, conform to BSI and British Gas Corporation's exacting requirements covering safety, performance and fitness for purpose.
An EEC directive concerning mutual trade in gas appliances complying with a common safety requirement is under consideration, but no such provisions are yet in force.
Conservation (Transport)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what studies his Department carries out into the energy conservation aspects of major transport schemes such as the Picc-Vic rail tunnel project.
I have been asked to reply.The appraisal of such major projects includes a cost benefit analysis in which likely fuel cost is one element.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Masirah
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the request for the use of British facilities at Masirah by the United States of America is in accordance with the terms of the agreement with Oman based on Command Paper No. 8633 and Command Paper No. 507; and if he will specify the paragraph or section which covers this.
Such a request is not specifically covered by the terms of the agreements, but this does not prevent consideration of the matter by the Government of Oman and Her Majesty's Government who are the parties primarily concerned.
Oman
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the text of any further agreements determining relations between Great Britain and Oman which are not contained in Command Paper No. 8633 or Command Paper No. 507.
There are no further agreements. There are a number of detailed memoranda of understanding which supplement the two agreements. These are confidential to the Governments of Oman and the United Kingdom.
Cyprus
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reply Her Majesty's Government have received from the Turkish Government in reply to their representations on behalf of Greek Cypriot refugees prevented from returning to their homes.
Diplomatic exchanges between Her Majesty's Government and the Turkish Government on the question of Greek Cypriot refugees and related matters are continuing.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received from British residents in Cyprus about their present position; and what action is being taken to safeguard their homes from looting and seizure in the Turkish-held area.
The High Commission is in constant touch with British residents in Cyprus, both direct and through the United Kingdom Citizens Association. The protection of British property is the responsibility of the local authorities. We do not regard the situation in the Turkish-held areas as satisfactory and we have made repeated representations to the Turkish authorities.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present state of negotiations regarding Cyprus, with special regard to the United Kingdom obligations under the Treaty of Guarantee 1960.
I have nothing to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 22nd January.—[Vol. 884, c. 350.]—and my reply of 21st January.—[Vol. 884, c. 315.]
Eec (Regulations, Decisions And Directives)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the number of regulations, decisions and directives, respectively, made by the Commission of the European Communities without reference to the Council of Ministers, for each of the years 1973 and 1974; and how many of these documents have been scrutinised by the Select Committee on European legislation.
Details of the numbers of Commission instruments in 1974 were given in my reply of 29th January.—[Vol. 885, c. 167–8.] The figures for 1973 were 3,242 Regulations, 285 decisions and eight directives. Commission instruments deal primarily with administrative matters on which powers have been delegated to the Commission by the Council. They are not normally referred to the Council and are not scrutinised by the Select Committee.
South Africa (Arms Supplies)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy towards the supply to the South African Government of arms and military spare parts.
The Government's policy was set out in my right hon. Friend's statement in the House on 4th December.—[Vol. 882, c. 1555–1557.]
Home Department
Asian Immigrants
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has fixed an upper limit for the number of fiancées of Asians who will be allowed entry during the next six months.
No. Admission is regulated by the immigration rules.
Indian And Pakistani Visitors
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many visitors from India and Pakistan were refused entry on arrival in 1974 the the latest available date;(2) how many visitors from India and Pakistan came to Great Britain in 1974 to the latest available date.
In the period January-October 1974—the latest date to which figures are available—40,141 visitors from India and 18,063 visitors from Pakistan were admitted to this country. During the same period, 422 citizens of India and 704 citizens of Pakistan were refused leave to enter, but it is not possible to say how many of these sought entry as visitors.
Remand Centre, Risley
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the official complement of individuals, male and female, at Risley Remand Centre, Warrington.
The certified normal accommodation at Risley Remand Centre is for 559 males and 91 females.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average number of individuals, male and female, detained at Risley Remand Centre, Warrington, for each of the last six months, up to the latest available date.
The information in respect of the last six months of 1974 is as follows:
Males | Females | |
July | 696 | 102 |
August | 723 | 98 |
September | 786 | 105 |
October | 731 | 110 |
November | 758 | 122 |
December | 707 | 114 |
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sentenced females are at present detained at Risley Remand Centre, Warrington, awaiting transfer to women's prisons; and what is the average waiting time before transfer.
On 22nd January there were 38 sentenced females at Risley Remand Centre awaiting transfer. At present the average waiting time before transfer is between two and three weeks.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what top security detention facilities are available at Risley Remand Centre, Warrington, for individuals, male and female, held on remand charged with serious crimes.
Facilities exist at Risley Remand Centre for holding a number of male and female unconvicted prisoners in the highest security category. It would not be in the public interest to give further details.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals, male and female, aged 16 year of age and under, are at present detained in Risley Remand Centre, Risley, Warrington, (a) on remand and (b) serving custodial sentences; and what is the average length of the sentences.
On 22nd January there were 47 males and 4 females aged 14 to 16 unsentenced at Risley Remand Centre. There was one female aged 16 sentenced to borstal training.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what special facilities have been built, or provided, at Risley Remand Centre, for detaining young people, made and female, under the provisions of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969;(2) how many qualified teachers are attached to Risley Remand Centre, Warrington, for the purpose of educating young people detained under the Children and Young Persons Act 1969; and what is the average size of class;(3) which magistrates' panels are sending young people to Risley Remand Centre, Warrington, because of shortage of facilities within their own local government area;(4) what facilities exist at Risley Remand Centre, Warrington, for segregating young people, male and female, sentenced under provisions of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969, from young people, male and female who are remanded in custody under that Act;(5) what facilities exist at Risley Remand Centre, Warrington, for segregating young people male and female, who are detained under provisions of the Children and Young Persons Act from adults male and female, who are remanded in custody there;(6) what communal dining facilities are available at Risley Remand Centre, Warrington, for males and females who are remanded there;(7) what communal dining facilities are available at Risley Remand Centre, Warrington, for young people, male and female, who are sentenced or on remand.(8) what additional facilities are planned for Risley Remand Centre, Risley, Warrington, for the detention of young people, male and female, under the Children and Young Persons Act 1969; and when building work will commence;(9) if the young people detained at Risley Remand Centre under the provisions of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 are receiving full-time education in accordance with all the provisions of the Education Act 1944.
Section 23 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 provides that a person under 17 remanded or committed for trial who is not given bail shall be committed to the care of the local authority unless a court certifies that he is so unruly that he cannot be safely committed to such care. The committal in custody of a young person aged 14 and under 17 in these circumstances and under Section 28 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1952 after committal to the Crown court with a view to a borstal sentence must be to a prison or remand centre. Under the terms of section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 a young person after being found guilty of certain serious offences may also be located in the first place in a remand centre, if the Secretary of State so directs.For males, Risley provides remand centre facilities for courts in the whole of the north-west of England, parts of North Wales and the North Midlands; for females it serves courts in an area extending as far south as Leicestershire, the whole of North Wales, most of the Midlands—except Birmingham—and South and West Yorkshire.Although the accommodation for young persons at Risley is intended primarily for persons aged 17 and under 21, it provides special facilities for those young persons under 17 who are sent to it by the courts. One complete building, and one landing segregated from the other parts of another building are used solely for accommodating males under the age of 21. Boys under school leaving age are located on one landing of the self-contained building and, so far as possible, they are not allowed to associate with older young persons. There is virtually no contact between males under 21 and males over this age. There is less segregation of females, but those aged 14 are accommodated in the hospital, and other female young persons do not normally share sleeping accommodation with adults. The sentenced male prisoners who provide the domestic work force are accommodated separately from all other prisoners. Those prisoners who are convicted but unsentenced—including those young persons committed with a view to a borstal sentence—are accommodated with unconvicted adults or young persons according to their age.There are no communal dining facilities for male adult unsentenced prisoners. All male young persons under 17 dine communally. About half the females dine communally each day.
One senior education officer, 2 full-time teachers and 3 part-time teachers appointed with the approval of the local education authority provide full-time education for young persons below school leaving age, who also receive daily physical education. The average size of class is 13.
A new education block is planned for the use of young persons at Risley. No other additions to the existing accommodation for them are under consideration at present. As more secure accommodation becomes available in observation and assessment centres within the community home system, it is to be hoped that fewer juveniles will need to be committed to remand centres by the courts.
Violence (London Transport)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures, in co-operation with the Metropolitan Police and the London Transport Executive, he proposes to take to protect both the public, and the conductors, drivers, and station staffs of the London Transport Board.
The Government are taking an active part in devising measures to deal with this problem. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport and I held discussions in the course of last year with London Transport and representatives of transport workers. Certain suggestions, including the provision of two-way radios, and of alarm systems, and the establishment of joint local committees are being pursued by London Transport, the Department of the Environment and others concerned. The police are doing what they can to increase the protection available. My right hon. Friend and I will continue to give urgent attention to this serious problem. I hope to have a further meeting early next week with London Transport and the unions concerned.
Fire Precautions
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many small hotels and boardinghouses in England and Wales have now closed or reduced the number of their letting bedrooms to less than six, as a result of the requirements of the Fire Precautions Act; and if he will make a statement.
Fire brigades have been asked to include in their annual returns instances where hotel and boardinghouse keepers have reduced their accommodation in such a way as to take the premises outside the scope of the Fire Precautions (Hotels and Boarding Houses) Order 1972. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as this information is available.
Licensed Premises (Violence)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many assaults were committed on licensed premises for the year ended December 1972 and December 1973, and for the latest period for which figures are available.
I regret that the information is not available.
Taxi Trade
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the joint committee of the cab trade; which organisations attended; and which did not accept the invitation.
The London Joint Cab Trade Committee, which has recently been reconstituted, met representatives of the Home Office on 6th January. I understand that the committee invited the Transport and General Workers' Union Cab Trade Committee to come with it, but only the representatives of the London Motor Cab Proprietors' Association, the Owner Drivers' Society, and the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association attended.
Vagrancy And Street Offences
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of, and a progress report on, the current general review of the law on vagrancy and street offences now being carried out under an official working party, with particular reference to the legal provisions governing the public display of indecent material which this examination includes.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Mitchell) on 14th January.—[Vol. 884, c. 89.]
Juveniles (Detention)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how long the boys in Brixton Prison since mid-November have been there;(2) how long the three girls in Holloway Prison have been awaiting trial;(3) how long the six boys in Canterbury Prison have been awaiting trial.
I regret that information in the form requested is not available.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the 146 young persons in prison or remand centres in mid-November 1974 awaiting trial have been waiting for more than three months; and how many have been waiting for more than six months.
I regret that this information is not available.
Northern Ireland
Casualties (Compensation)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will list the circumstances in which compensation has been paid from public funds to civilians or to the dependants of civilians who have been killed or injured or who have suffered illness as a result of activities of terrorists or of the security forces in Ulster during the present emergency and the amount of compensation paid in each case.
Compensation is payable under the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 to those who have suffered criminal injuries and the dependants of those who have died as a result of criminal injuries. In the case of persons injured or the dependants of persons killed by the security forces compensation claims are considered by the Ministry of Defence or the Police Authority on their merits and it is always open to such persons to pursue civil actions for damages through the Northern Ireland courts. It is not possible without disproportionate effort to provide the information asked for about the circumstances of individual cases and the amounts paid.
Prisoners (Political Status)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to abolish political status for convicted prisoners in Northern Ireland.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Duffy) about the Gardiner Report.
Fugitive Offenders
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if Her Majesty's Government will introduce legislation setting up machinery corresponding to the extra-territorial courts being set up in the Republic of Ireland to deal with fugitive offenders; and why there has been a delay in this matter.
The Criminal Jurisdiction Bill [Lords], which confers on courts in Northern Ireland jurisdiction to try fugitive offenders accused of committing serious crimes of violence in the Republic of Ireland, was introduced on 23rd January.
Rents And Rates (Arrears)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing, district by district, at the latest convenient date, the number of householders in arrears, and the total sums outstanding in arrears, in respect of public housing rents and rates, respectively.
Information about arrears of public housing rents is not available in the form requested. Detailed information about the number of ratepayers in arrears, broken down district by district, will not be available before the accounts to 31st March 1975 are closed, and I will send this to the right hon. Member as soon as possible thereafter.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether there has been any recent change in policy regarding arrears of rent and rates; and if he will make a statement.
No.
Paroles
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he intends to introduce a parole board scheme in Northern Ireland.
I am exploring the possibility of introducing in Northern Ireland, where at present no parole board system exists, a scheme on the lines of that introduced in Great Britain by the Criminal Justice Act 1967. There are, however, many differences in prison circumstances which need to be considered, and I shall be consulting widely before coming to a decision.
Lord Gardiner's Report
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he now expects to publish the report of Lord Gardiner's committee.
The report is publised today and copies are available in the Vote Office. Our thanks are owed to Lord Gardiner, and to his committee for the competent way in which they tackled their difficult task, and for the speed with which they completed it.The Government are examining the committee's recommendations and the effect on the Emergency Provisions Act 1973.The report raises a number of difficult and complex issues which the Government have to consider in the light of the facts of violence in Northern Ireland, and I shall make a statement in due course giving the Government's views, but there are two points that I can make now.Lord Gardiner says that the Government have acted legitimately, and consistently with the terms of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in restricting certain fundamental freedoms, and he makes it clear that the ending of detention is a matter that only the Government can decide. I agree with this, and, indeed, the whole weight of my statement on 14th January was based on this. As I said on that occasion, once I am satisfied that there is a geniune and sustained end of violence I shall progressively release all detainees.
The committee recommends that there should be no amnesty for convicted prisoners with the administrative status of special category. I have already made it clear that this is my view.
The committee also recommends that special category status should be ended. This raises many difficult questions, and, indeed, as the report recognises, the availability of accommodation and facilities for work in prisons in Northern Ireland is crucial to the Government's reactions to this proposal.
The recommendations in the report on prison accommodation and in particular for additional cellular accommodation are being urgently considered in the light of the new prison programme for Northern Ireland which I announced on 18th November 1974.
Prices And Consumer Protection
Food Prices
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection by how much the food retail price index has risen since February 1974.
Between 19th February and 10th December 1974, the latest date for which information is available, the Food Index rose by 13·4 per cent.
Overseas Development
European Development Fund
asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will publish in the Official Report a table showing the disbursements of the European Development Fund for each of the years 1973 and 1974; and if she will state the measures in which she is able to influence or determine such disbursements.
Statistics of disbursements under the European Development Fund are provided separately in respect of the three appropriations, for the years 1958–63, 1964–69 and 1970–75, agreed under the terms of the original Implementing Convention establishing the fund and of the first and second Yaounde Conventions which provided for its renewal.
EDF I
In 1973 10,855,000 units of account (£1=2·4 ua) were disbursed from the remainder of EDF I. The 1974 disbursements figure is not yet available: but will certainly prove to be small.
Disbursements
| |||||||||||
(thousand units of account) | |||||||||||
1973
| 1974 (first half) | ||||||||||
EDF
| EDF
| ||||||||||
Category
| II
| III
| II
| III
| |||||||
1. Grants— | |||||||||||
(a) Investment projects in the economic and social sector | … | … | … | … | … | … | 26,053 | 67,847 | 6,541 | 30,645 | |
(b) Technical assistance connected with (a) | … | 646 | 3,831 | 112 | 1,688 | ||||||
(c) Technical supervision and control | … | … | -801* | 6,802 | — | 3,349 | |||||
(d) General technical assistance | … | … | … | 348 | 1,195 | -1* | — | ||||
(e) Aid to agricultural production (including price support and structural improvement) | … | 4,546 | — | 1,430 | — | ||||||
(f) Diversification of economic structure | … | 11,391 | — | 3,702 | — | ||||||
(g) Emergency aid | … | … | … | … | … | — | 12,000 | — | 2,171 | ||
(h) Development of commerce and sales promotion | … | … | … | … | … | — | 1,226 | — | 294 | ||
(i) Interest rate rebates in connection with loan from the European Investment Bank | … | — | 478 | — | 1,999 | ||||||
(j) Administrative expenses | … | … | … | 375 | 44 | — | 293 | ||||
Total | … | … | … | … | … | 42,558 | 93,423 | 11,784 | 41,019 | ||
2. Special loans (loans with specially low rate of interest) | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 7,093 | 5,051 | — | 2,547 |
Total | … | … | … | … | … | 49,651 | 98,474 | 11,784 | 43,866 | ||
148,125 | 55,650 | ||||||||||
* Correction of statistical error. |
Decisions on proposals for financing from the European Development Fund rests with the European Commission, after approval of such proposals by the member States represented on the EDF Committee or, failing that, by the Council of Ministers. The United Kingdom was not a party to the conventions between the original member States and the associated African States which established the three funds and does not contribute to them. The United Kingdom therefore participates in the EDF Committee in a non-voting capacity. Similarly, the United Kingdom does not vote in Council on proposals referred to it by the Commission after non-approval by the EDF Committee.
The United Kingdom will have full voting rights on the Management Committee proposed for the new EDF, to be established under the convention now in its final stages of negotiation.
EDF II and III
A more comprehensive analysis of disbursements by category from EDF II and III is available for 1973 and the first half of 1974. This is given in the table below:
Social Services
Unemployed Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, of the 230,000 registered unemployed in November 1974 who received supplementary benefit, how many were ineligible for unemployment benefit because they had been unemployed beyond the statutory 312 days, how many were ineligible through lack of contributions in the applicable contribution year, how many were disqualified from benefit, and how many were ineligible because they were registering for employment for the first time.
The figures which the hon. Member requests are not yet available in respect of November 1974.
Cohabitation Rule
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she expects to receive the report on the operation of the cohabitation rule; and if she will publish it.
The report will be published, but I am as yet unable to say when I shall receive it.
Immigrants (Newham)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will give a detailed list of the number of immigrant people, adult male and
Country of birth | Total | Males | Females | ||||||||
Total | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 27,450 | 14,700 | 12,750 |
Irish Republic* | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 4,200 | 2,115 | 2,085 | |
Old Commonwealth | … | … | … | … | … | … | 355 | 200 | 155 | ||
New Commonwealth | … | … | … | … | … | … | 20,135 | 10,970 | 9,165 | ||
Africa | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 3,075 | 1,710 | 1,365 |
America | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 7,605 | 3,770 | 3,835 |
Asia and Oceania | … | … | … | … | … | … | 9,065 | 5,295 | 3,770 | ||
Europe | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 390 | 195 | 195 |
Other countries and at sea | … | … | … | … | … | 2,760 | 1,415 | 1,345 | |||
* Includes persons giving birthplace as "Ireland". |
National Insurance Fund (Contributors)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services
Approximate number of contributors (million) | Amount paid (£ million) | |||||||
Year | Total | Employees | Self-employed | Employees | Employers | Self-employed | ||
1968–69 | … | … | 24·97* | 23·23* | 1·52 | 826 | 1,016 | 69 |
1973–74 | … | … | 24·47† | 22·66† | 1·62 | 1,595 | 2,002 | 124 |
* Excluding about 500,000 contributors paying industrial injuries contributions only, but including about 4·22 million married women and other contributors whose personal flat-rate contribution is for industrial injuries only and for whom the employer pays the full amount. | ||||||||
† Excluding about 1 million contributors paying industrial injuries contributions only, but inculding about 4·42 million married women and other contributors whose personal flat rate contribution is for industrial injuries only and for whom the employer pays the full amount. |
Assessment Centres
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is now in a position to make a statement further to her answer to the hon. Member for Stockport, North on 18th November (columns 334–335), on the provision of assessment centre places in the North-West of England, and to provide a clear statistical picture of the need for such facilities.
In preparing the regional plan for the accomodation of children in care the regional planning committee
female and children, who have settled in the London borough of Newham for the longest stated period of time.
At the 1971 Census of Population the numbers of United Kingdom residents present in the London borough of Newham who had not been born in the United Kingdom were as follows:what was the total number of contributors to the National Insurance Fund in the last convenient year; what were the numbers of primary class 1 contributors and class 2 contributors, respectively; what were the amounts contributed by primary class 1, secondary class 2 and class 3 contributors, respectively, and what were the equivalent figures for each of the above five years ago.
The information is as follows:for the North-West estimated that a maximum of 1,130 places would be needed in observation and assessment centres in the period up to 31st March 1975. On 1st April 1973 there were 772 such places available, and to meet the deficit the committee proposed that a further 454 places should be provided including 30–40 in secure accomodation.Thirty more places came into use last year, making a total of 802 now available. I regret that in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 18th November last—[Vol. 881, c.
334–335]—this figure was wrongly shown as 1,002.
The capital programme for 1974–75 included three assessment centre projects providing 79 places, plus eight places for non-residential assessment. For the 1975–76 programme, local authorities have submitted schemes that will provide some 150 more places, of which 19 will be secure. Authorities will shorty be informed which of these projects are provisionally approved.
When all these schemes are completed there will be some 1,030 residential places in observation and assessment centres in the area. The remaining places will be provided as resources permit if experience shows that they will be needed.
Bradwell Hospital, Newcastle-Under-Lyme
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans there are for modernising the Bradwell Hospital, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The West Midlands Regional Health Authority plans to replace Bradwell and Lymewood Hospitals with a new geriatric unit and day hospital. I am considering whether funds can be found to start the scheme in 1975–76.
Mentally Handicapped Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Socal Services if she will seek to define more clearly the responsibility of providing special facilities for mentally handicapped persons between the ages of 16 years and 19 years; and if she will make recommendations designed to improve the liaison between education and social services departments in respect of these people's needs.
Local education authorities have a duty to secure that facilities for full time education are available either in school or in an institution for further education—although not necessarily the alternative of the person's choice—for all young people between the ages of 16 and 19 who want to continue their education. When a mentally handicapped person leaves school it is the responsibility of the local social services department to provide facilities for training. Some mentally handicapped persons may require special care, and the responsibility for developing these facilities is decided services department and area health after joint discussion between the social authority.
Local education authorities and social services departments are aware of the need for joint discussion about the future needs of mentally handicapped children once they have left school.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to improve the identification of mentally handicapped adults who would benefit from training facilities.
Local authority social services departments, in collaboration with local education authorities, should be able to discharge their responsibilities for identifying mentally handicapped adults in need of training but if my hon. Friend has any suggestion for improving the identification I shall be happy to consider them.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to expand facilities for mentally handicapped adults in respect of training and therapy.
Under a new procedure for the forward planning of local authority social services capital projects for the period 1975–78, local authorities are being given greater freedom to decide their own priorities. I have suggested to them that about 25 per cent. of the resources available might be used for mental handicap projects but it will be for them to decide the priority they give to the provision of facilities for metnally handicapped adults for training and therapy.
Alcoholism
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if more help in terms of beds and supporting hostels for Great Britain's homeless alcoholics will be provided as soon as possible.
Circular 21/73 outlined the funds available to voluntary bodies from central sources for the expansion of hostels for alcoholics. Since April 1973 grants to 14 projects in England and Wales, providing 148 beds, have been approved. One local authority hostel providing 12 beds has also been opened. A further five projects, providing 44 beds, are under consideration. I am always willing to consider further applications. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will reply separately.
National Insurance Contributions (Industrial Disputes)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will amend the regulations which require a person who is laid off because of a dispute at his place of employment in which he is not directly involved to pay national insurance contributions at the non-employed rate.
From 6th April 1975 the payment of Class 3 contributions will be voluntary, and non-employed persons will no longer be liable for contributions. Those not directly involved in a dispute who satisfy the conditions currently in section 22(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965 will continue, as at present, to qualify for unemployment benefit, and thus for contribution credits, and will not need to pay Class 3 contributions.
Bone Marrow Tissue
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will now make additional funds available to step up the search for matching bone marrow tissue in the case of Master Anthony Nolan, of Manston, Kent; and if she will make a statement.
Anthony Nolan is a young boy of 2½ years who is being treated at the Westminster Hospital for a rare immune deficiency disease—Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome.In 1973 the Department called together a group of experts to advise on the desirability of forming a bone marrow donor panel on a national basis. The expert group advised that such a panel was desirable and a working party was set up to prepare a possible scheme. This working party has not yet reported but it is likely, I understand, to recommend to the Department the setting up of a panel of 30,000 donors over the next four-five years by the National Blood Transfusion Service.Until we can set up a national panel, bone marrow transplantation can be undertaken only on the initiative of hospitals themselves, and the Westminster Hospital is in process of tissue-typing volunteers. It is for the area health authority concerned to decide on the allocation of resources. The Anthony Nolan Appeal Fund, launched by the child's mother, is providing resources principally for staff for tissue-typing at the hospital. The National Blood Transfusion Service has been able to help with the provision of tissue-typing sera.
Doctors (Qualifications)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present position with regard to the acceptability in the United Kingdom of medical qualifications obtained elsewhere, and particularly in other countries of the EEC.
In accordance with the provisions of the Medical Acts an overseas medical qualification may be recognised by the General Medical Council for the purpose of registration as a medical practitioner. The council recognises some—mainly those obtained in Commonwealth countries—for full registration if accompanied by appropriate experience, and a fully registered overseas doctor of good repute is entitled to practise in the same way as is a United Kingdom graduate. Other qualifications may be recognised for temporary registration, whereby the doctor can take up a specific post approved by the council.Doctors who hold registrable qualifications from the Republic of Ireland are granted full registration under special arrangements. At the present time qualifications obtained in member countries of the EEC may be recognised by the General Medical Council only for temporary registration.
Self-Employed Persons (Catering Trade)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she has received from the Ross-on-Wye and District Hoteliers and Caterers Association concerning the effects which will be experienced by the self-employed hoteliers and caterers as a result of the increased national insurance contribution for the self-employed; and whether she will make a statement.
I have received a letter dated 15th January 1975 from the chairman of the association, to which I replied on 29th January. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my reply, which gives the facts and the background about the self-employed contributions.
Pensions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the effect on the estimated finances, cost and rates of contributions of the pensions proposals contained in the White Paper "Better Pensions" if earnings and prices were both assumed to rise at rates of 10 per cent. per annum in place of the figures assumed in the Government Actuary's memorandum.
In the Appendix to "Better Pensions" by the Government Actuary, the estimated costs of benefits expressed in relation to July 1974 earnings levels, as shown in Table 1, would be increased by a total of about £70 million in 1988–89, £300 million in 1998–99 and £700 million in 2008–09 and the rates of contribution shown in Table 2 would be increased by about 0·1 per cent. in 1988–89, 0·6 per cent. in 1998–99 and 1·4 per cent. in 2008–09.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish in the Official Report the percentage of average industrial earnings represented by the State retirement pension (a) for a single person and (b) for a married couple, as at 1st January 1972. 1973, 1974 and 1975, respectively.
The information is as follows:
STANDARD RATE OF RETIREMENT PENSION AS PERCENTAGE OF GROSS AVERAGE EARNINGS* | ||
Single person | Married couple | |
January each year— | ||
1972 | 19·0 | 30·7 |
1973 | 18·5 | 29·9 |
1974† | 19·4 | 31·4 |
1975‡ | 19·3 | 30·8 |
* Estimated average earnings of male, adult, full-time manual workers in manufacturing and certain other industries based on the Department of Employment's regular October enquiry. | ||
† The figures reflect temporary reductions in earnings whilst three-day working and other restrictions were in operation. | ||
‡ Provisional figures for latest date available, which is November 1974. |
Invalid Vehicles
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish a list of all safety tests, including handling tests and impact tests, carried out by her Department, other than the formal reports commissioned from the Motor Industry Research Association, in respect of the following invalid tricycles, respectively, Model 57 (AC), Model 59 (Tippen), Model 66 (Invacar), Model 67 (AC), Model 70 (AC) and Invacar.
There have been no impact tests apart from those at MIRA on the Model 70, which has been the only model in production for more than three years. It is not practicable to produce an exhaustive list of the numerous handling and other tests related to the various models which extend over a period of at least 15 years.
Assessment Centres
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many places in assessment centres for children there are in West Yorkshire; how many of these places are in secure accommodation; how many additional places are proposed up to April 1976; and how many of these are intended to be in secure accommodation.
There are 212 places in observation and assessment centres in West Yorkshire, of which seven are technically in secure accommodation but are, in practice, suitable only for enabling a child to be separated temporarily from his colleagues.The regional plan provides for a further 50 places in such centres in West Yorkshire, 10 of which were intended to be in secure accommodation. The plan, particularly in relation to secure accommodation, is currently under review, and none of these secure places is likely to be in use by April 1976.In the meantime, one authority in the area has, in its 1975–76 capital programme, included a centre with some 70 places of which an, as yet, unspecified number are to be in secure accommodation. Authorities will shortly be informed about provisional approval in respect of schemes in their 1975–76 programmes.
Geriatric Accommodation
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the need for geriatric accommodation in Hertfordshire, whether she will make available the capital allocation necessary for the planned geriatric unit at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Welwyn Garden City in the immediate future.
I am making a special allocation for geriatric services available to each region. The North-West Thames Regional Health Authority is giving the Welwyn scheme very high priority and will certainly be taking account of the needs of this area in formulating its programme for 1975–76.
Impaired Hearing
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many times the Advisory Committee on Services for Hearing Impaired People has met; and if she will make a statement.
The committee has met twice and it is too early to say what advice it is likely to give. My hon. Friend may like to know that so far the committee has appointed two working groups to consider the rôle of the graduate scientist in audiology and the rehabilitation of the adult hearing-impaired respectively.
Eec Grants
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what grants have been made by the European Community to individuals or bodies in the United Kingdom to study social questions; what are the conditions of such grants, if they have been made with her consent; and if she will make a statement.
Four officials of my Department have been authorised to undertake, outside their normal duties, separate studies relating to the United Kingdom, financed by grants from the Community, to supplement information provided by the Six original member States. These subjects are:Relations between the medical profession and the social security system.Pharmaceutical consumption in the framework of social security.The cost of hospitalisation.The social security position of farmers and farm workers.All these studies were set in train before February 1974. Two of them were completed before that date and two subsequently.
I have no knowledge of any grants which may have been made by the Community to other persons or bodies for studies on matters which concern my Department.
Grants have also been made from the European Social Fund to non-official bodies carrying out five studies dealing with the training and employment of workers. These studies were approved by the Department of Employment.
Conditions of grants are determined by the Community separately in each case and embodied in a formal contract with the individual or body concerned.
Pension Books
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether pension books being issued to new pensioners now contain correct information about the level of earnings at which the earnings rule takes effect.
Due partly to printing difficulties, the notes in pension order books do not at present show the current earnings levels. However, all pensioners directly affected by the change in the earnings rule in July 1974 were advised individually of the new limits and those limits have since been used to adjust their pensions where appropriate. In addition a poster referring to the alteration in the limits was displayed in post offices for two months after the change took place in July. It is hoped that pension order books issued to pensioners from the beginning of May of this year will show the earnings limits effective from April.
Lassa Fever
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps she has taken to protect the health of passengers, aircrew, airport workers and medical staff who came into contact with the passenger, now deceased, suspected of suffering from Lassa fever who entered Great Britain at London Airport nearly two weeks ago aboard Sabena airliner flight No. 611 from Nigeria; what measures are to be introduced to prevent a repetition of this incident; and if she will make a statement.
Lassa fever, which was first reported in 1969 from North-East Nigeria, is a rare virus disease. This is only the second confirmed case of Lassa fever imported into the United Kingdom. The virus is found in a tropical species of rat from which the disease can be transmitted to man. Secondary cases, such as the case to which the hon. Member refers probably was, are less infectious than primary cases, namely, those arising directly from infected rodents.Dr. P. Kennedy, a physician at a Mission Hospital in Nigeria, fell ill on 5th January. Five days later he was taken by air as a stretcher-case accompanied by a nurse from Kano to Brussels—Sabena flight SN438—where he changed planes coming on to Heathrow Airport—Sabena flight 611—arriving at 21.05 hours on 10th January. The Principal Medical Officer at Heathrow Airport had been informed by Sabena Airline on 9th January that Dr. Kennedy would arrive on the following day. The Hospitial for Tropical Diseases was also contacted by Sabena and agreed to accept him for urgent investigation and treatment.Dr. Kennedy had a certificate signed by a consultant in Nigeria that he was suffering from pyrexia of unknown origin and was fit to travel.On arrival at Heathrow, Dr. Kennedy was taken to the port health unit and then transported by ambulance to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, where he died two days later. Lassa fever was suspected as the cause of death and eventually, on 27th January, this diagnosis was confirmed by the Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia. All known contacts at the port health unit, in the ambulance, and at the hospital were placed under surveillance as soon as Lassa fever was suspected and appropriate measures were taken for disposal of the body and terminal disinfection.My Department was informed on Sunday 12th January, by the Medical Officer of Environmetal Health of Camden Borough that Dr. Kennedy was suspected of having Lassa fever. Though the chances of his having transmitted the disease to other passengers were considered slight, the Press and the broadcasting authorities were notified on 13th January and a more detailed Press notice was issued on 14th January, warning passengers on Dr. Kennedy's flights to consult a doctor if they developed feverish illness within the next 14 days and to tell the doctor they might have been in contact with Lassa fever. Any family doctor approached in this way was asked to pass this information to the appropriate medical officr for environmental health. At the same time, the chief medical officer wrote to all the medical officers of environmental health and port medical officers on 14th January to inform them of the case. I am glad to say that the 17-day maximum incubation period has now elapsed without any further cases being reported.During the entire period, close communication was maintained with the World Health Organisation and the Belgian authorities.I am satisfied that the steps taken in this country to protect the health of those involved were satisfactory and met the requirements of the circumstances. The chief medical officer is examining the complex issues raised by cases of Lassa fever with a view to minimising any risk, but, since the early symptoms are nonspecific and no immediate diagnostic tests are available, it is difficult to be certain of preventing another incident. To refuse admission to this country to any British person who was unwell and who wished to return to the United Kingdom for treatment from a tropical area would raise very serious issues of principle and practicability.
Trade
Trade Deficit
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the latest balance of payments between the United Kingdom and each of the other member countries of the European Economic Community on a 12-month basis; and what would have been the equivalent amounts if the rates of exchange between sterling and the other respective currencies had remained constant as at the time of this country's accession to the Common Market.
Information on the balance of payments between the United Kingdom and the individual members of the EEC is not compiled. "Crude" trade balances can be obtained from the figures of imports cif and exports fob in Tables II and V, respectively, in the December 1974 issue of the monthly Overseas Trade Statistics—an advance copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library. The crude trade deficit—the difference between imports cif and exports fob—is not a goad measure of the balance of trade in goods because, inter alia, of differences in valuation.I am not prepared to venture estimates in reply to the second part of the Question. Our trade has been affected by a number of factors since 1st January 1973 and there is no certain way of identifying the effect of changes in exchange rates.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the percentage increase in our non-oil trade deficit between 1973 and 1974 with the other eight EEC countries, EFTA, the Commonwealth, the USA and the rest of the world, respectively.
On an overseas trade statistics basis the percentage changes between 1973 and 1974 in the "crude" trade deficits on non-oil goods with the EEC(8), EFTA, the Commonwealth and the USA were + 80, + 26, - 43 and + 394 respectively; for the rest of the world there was a surplus which increased by 134 per cent. between 1973 and 1974.
Footwear (Imports)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will consider banning imports of footwear from any source for three months whilst the Government holds an inquiry into the industry; and what is to be done to save footwear jobs.
Banning imports, even for a short period, would do more harm than good. It would breach our international obligations and invite retaliation or imitation. Moreover, for some lines the United Kingdom consumer has relied for many years mainly on imports. But, as indicated by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Industry in the Adjournment debate of 20th January, the footwear industry has been urged to make proposals on how Government and industry together might determine how best to assure a successful future for the industry.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what information he has about the foreign trading operations of British footwear manufacturers itemising (a) from which country or countries they import, (b) at what prices they import, (c) the quantities they are importing; and if he will make a statement.
The information is not available, as imports by footwear manufacturers are not distinguished separately in the overseas trade statistics.
Textiles (Exports)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will publish in the Official Report figures showing United Kingdom exports of textiles to Japan during the most recently available 12 month period, and the figures for the previous 12 months;(2) if he will publish in the
Official Report figures showing United Kingdom exports of textiles to the United States of America during the most recent available 12 month period, and the figures for the previous 12 months.
Following is the information:
£ million f.o.b. | ||
12 months ended November 1973 | 12 months ended November 1974 | |
U.S.A. | 47·8 | 33·7 |
Japan | 37·3 | 45·4 |
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish in the Official Report the total volume and value of the export of textiles from the United Kingdom during the last recorded 12-month period, and for the previous similar period.
Available information is published under SITC(R) headings 262.8, 266 and 651 to 657 in Table VI of the 1973 and 1974 December issues of the monthly Overseas Trade Statistics.
European Economic Community
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what study he has made of the differences between accounting and auditing practice in the United Kingdom or other countries of the European Community and the problems that would occur in the event of harmonisation of such practices.
My Department has taken account of the differences in accounting and auditing practice between the United Kingdom and other member States in its consideration of EEC proposals for harmonisation of the form and content of company accounts consolidated accounts and auditors qualifications. These proposals and their likely effect on United Kingdom law and practice are the subject of continuing detailed study by the Department in consultation with the accountancy profession and representatives of other interested organisations.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the approximate amount of United Kingdom capital investment in the original six member States of the EEC for each of the years
UNITED KINGDOM DIRECT INVESTMENT* IN THE ORIGINAL SIX MEMBER STATES OF THE EEC | ||||||||||
£ million | ||||||||||
1970 | 1971 | 1972 | ||||||||
Agriculture, forestry and fishing | … | … | … | 0·1 | 0·2 | 0·7 | ||||
Mining and quarrying | … | … | … | … | … | ·· | — | -0·1 | ||
Mechanical engineering and instrument engineering | … | 7·4† | 9·2† | 23·8 | ||||||
Electrical engineering | … | … | … | … | … | 6·7 | ||||
Shipbuilding and vehicles (excluding motors) | … | … | ·· | 14·1‡ | -0·5 | |||||
Motor vehicle manufacture | … | … | … | … | 8·3 | |||||
Food drink and tobacco | … | … | … | … | … | 54·0† | 148·1† | 33·9 | ||
Chemical and allied industries | … | … | … | … | 16·4 | |||||
Metal manufacture | … | … | … | … | … | 0·3 | ||||
Textiles, leather clothing and footwear | … | … | … | 3·8 | ||||||
Paper, printing and publishing | … | … | … | … | 3·1 | |||||
Rubber | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | -0·2 | ||
Other manufacture | … | … | … | … | … | 12·4 | ||||
Construction | … | … | … | … | … | … | 1·2 | 0·3 | 4·4 | |
Transport and communications other than shipping | … | 1·5 | 1·9 | 7·3 | ||||||
Shipping | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 0·8 | 1·6 | 0·1 |
Distributive trades | … | … | … | … | … | 18·6 | 39·8 | 75·1 | ||
Other financial institutions | … | … | … | … | -6·2 | -2·9 | 0·4 | |||
Property owning and managing | … | … | … | … | 0·2† | 50·2† | -7·8 | |||
Other activities | … | … | … | … | … | … | 34·0 | |||
Total | … | … | … | … | … | … | 77·8‡ | 262·5‡ | 222·4‡ | |
* Excluding oil. | ||||||||||
† Figures for industries bracketed together were not compiled separately for 1970 and 1971. | ||||||||||
‡ Components do not necessarily add to totals because each figure has been rounded independently; also, for 1970, figures not shown separately are included in the total. | ||||||||||
— Nil or less than £50,000. | ||||||||||
·· Figures cannot be shown separately because information about individual firms would be disclosed. |
asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing the changes in the level and balance of trade between the United Kingdom and the six original members of the European Economic Community, identifying where practicable those items where any significant
1970 to 1974, indicating where practicable the categories of enterprise in which such investment has been made, including that of productive industry.
The information available is given in the table below. It relates to United Kingdom investment net of disinvestment; portfolio, oil and miscellaneous investment—including other investment in real estate—are not covered. United Kingdom direct investment is the total investment by United Kingdom companies in their overseas branches, subsidiaries and associates, including reinvested profits; separate information is not available on the investment in fixed assets of these overseas affiliates. Corresponding information relating to 1973 will be published in this year's Business Monitor, M4, Overseas Transactions.changes have occurred, between the years 1970 and 1974;(2) If he will publish in the
Official Report a table showing the changes in the level and balance of trade between the United Kingdom and Denmark and Eire, respectively, identifying where practicable those items where any significant
changes have occurred, between the years 1970 and 1974.
There is no commodity analysis of trade on a balance of payments basis, and it is therefore necessary to use information on an overseas trade statistics basis. For 1970, information at division level relating to imports is published in Table 1 of Volume 1 of the Annual Statement of Overseas Trade; corresponding information relating to exports may be found in Table III of that publication. Similar data for 1974 is provided in Tables II and V of the monthly Overseas Trade Statistics for December 1974, an advance copy of
SITC(R) Division | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | ||||
01—Meat and Meat Preparations | |||||||||
EEC (six) | … | … | … | … | 6 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 12 |
Denmark and Eire | … | … | … | 40 | 41 | 36 | 34 | 47 | |
Rest of World | … | … | … | 54 | 52 | 58 | 57 | 42 | |
02—Dairy Products and Eggs | |||||||||
EEC (six) | … | … | … | … | 9 | 13 | 12 | 26 | 46 |
Denmark and Eire | … | … | … | 31 | 28 | 30 | 39 | 37 | |
Rest of World | … | … | … | 59 | 58 | 58 | 35 | 17 | |
03—Fish and Fish Preparations | |||||||||
EEC (six) | … | … | … | … | 5 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
Denmark and Eire | … | … | … | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | |
Rest of World | … | … | … | 83 | 83 | 82 | 80 | 77 | |
04—Cereal and Cereal Preparations | |||||||||
EEC (six) | … | … | … | … | 18 | 19 | 22 | 39 | 50 |
Denmark and Eire | … | … | … | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
Rest of World | … | … | … | 81 | 80 | 77 | 58 | 47 | |
05—Fruit and Vegetables | |||||||||
EEC (six) | … | … | … | … | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 22 |
Denmark and Eire | … | … | … | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
Rest of World | … | … | … | 80 | 80 | 78 | 79 | 77 | |
06—Sugar, Sugar Preparations and Honey | |||||||||
EEC (six) | … | … | … | … | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 18 |
Denmark and Eire | … | … | … | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | |
Rest of World | … | … | … | 93 | 95 | 95 | 92 | 78 | |
07—Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Spices and Manufactures thereof | |||||||||
EEC (six) | … | … | … | … | 6 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 15 |
Denmark and Eire | … | … | … | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6 | |
Rest of World | … | … | … | 90 | 90 | 87 | 84 | 79 | |
08—Feeding Stuffs for Animals (excluding unmilled cereals) | |||||||||
EEC (six) | … | … | … | … | 9 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 16 |
Denmark and Eire | … | … | … | 12 | 16 | 20 | 18 | 20 | |
Rest of World | … | … | … | 79 | 72 | 68 | 71 | 65 | |
09—Miscellaneous Food Preparations | |||||||||
EEC (six) | … | … | … | … | 27 | 32 | 44 | 48 | 50 |
Denmark and Eire | … | … | … | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 12 | |
Rest of World | … | … | … | 66 | 59 | 46 | 41 | 38 | |
Note: In some cases the figures do not add to 100 because they have been rounded to the nearest whole number. |
Exports And Imports
asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will list in the Official Report the top 20 countries to which the United Kingdom exports, in order of importance;
which is in the House of Commons Library.
Food Imports
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the approximate proportions of the major imported foodstuffs originating from the original six members of the European Economic Community, Denmark and Eire, and the rest of the world, respectively, for each of the years 1970 to 1974.
Percentages, by value consigned from the three areas are as follows:(2) if he will list in the
Official Report the top 20 countries from which the United Kingdom imports, in order of importance.
The value of United Kingdom trade with the top 20 countries can be ascertained from the published monthly Overseas Trade Statistics—imports: Table II, exports: Table V.
Fishing Vessels (Radio Equipment)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has any proposals to require higher standards of radio equipment in fishing vessels so that the number of occasions when a fishing vessel is believed missing because of a breakdown in communications is reduced and the strain on rescue services minimised.
The new radio rules for fishing vessels (SI 1974 No. 1919) which came into operation on 1st January 1975 will require a considerably higher standard of radio installation in fishing vessels, including a new provision for reserve equipment to be carried by fishing vessels of 24·4 metres and over in length. Transitional periods are allowed under the rules for the installation of new equipment but it is hoped that implementation of the rules will result in a reduction of breakdowns in fishing vessel communications.
Missing Vessels
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether it is Government policy not to employ aircraft to search for missing vessels at sea if a number of surface vessels are already doing so; and if he will make a statement.
No. Each case is decided on its merits. The factors taken into account include the visibility and weather conditions in the search area, the possibility of a false alarm, and the extent to which the use of an aircraft would significantly increase the chances of finding the missing vessel.
Night Flights (Heathrow And Gatwick)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what restrictions are to be applied to night jet movements at Heathrow and at Gatwick in the summer season from 1st April to 30th October 1975.
At Heathrow the permitted number of night jet movements in the period will be 2,600 by comparison with the limit of 3,300 imposed for the summer of 1974. The limit for Gatwick, as compared with 3,750 in 1974, will be 3,100; the overall limit at both airports includes a quota of 200 movements reserved for noise-certificated aircraft. The hours of restriction at both airports, and the severe restriction on night jet departures at Heathrow, will apply on the same basis as in the summer of 1974.
Scotland
New Towns
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to complete his review of policy towards new towns in Scotland.
The outcome of my review and my proposals for action are set out in a consultative document which is being sent today to Scottish new town development corporations, regional and district councils with new towns in their areas, and local authority associations. Copies have been sent to hon. Members who represent constituencies which include new towns in Scotland, and further copies are available the Library.
Industry
Typewriter Production
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will conduct an inquiry into the potential of possible domestic typewriter production, and the United Kingdom capacity to meet the demand.
We are currently examining this possibility.
Paper And Board Industry
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposals he has for assistance to the paper and board industry to finance stocks of waste paper in order to enable it to overcome the problem caused by cyclical fluctuations in demand.
The Advisory Group on Waste Paper Recycling, which I chair, is at present urgently studying alternative methods of stabilising the waste paper market in the future. In the meantime, I have told representatives of the paper and board industry that I will give urgent consideration to any application for assistance with increased stock-piling made to me under existing legislation. So far I have received no such application.
Waste Paper
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that there is a continuing market for the sale of wastepaper collected by charities, bearing in mind that the recycling of waste paper not only has a beneficial effect on the balance of trade, but also contributes to the conservation of natural resources.
This is one of the central matters being urgently considered by the Advisory Group on Waste Paper Recycling under my chairmanship. Meanwhile, I have told representatives of the paper industry that I will certainly give urgent consideration to any application they may make for assistance with increased stockpiling of waste paper which is consistent with the requirements of Section 8 of the Industry Act 1972. So far I have received no such application.
Offshore Installations
asked the Secretary of State for Industry how much of the £1,000 million provided for purposes under Section 10 of the Industry Act 1972 has been allocated for mobile offshore installations.
There is no specific allocation, but it is estimated that of the £1,000 million which my right hon. Friend has power to guarantee some £50 million will relate to mobile offshore installations and drill ships.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will indicate the type or description of the offshore installations that have attracted loans or grants under Section 10 of the Industry Act 1972, their location, the number of companies involved and the highest total granted to any one company.
Under Section 10 of the Industry Act 1972 my right hon. Friend has no power to make grants or loans directly for the construction of ships or mobile offshore installations, but he has power to guarantee loans made by others. Since the Act became law guarantees have been given or offered in respect of one jack-up rig, two dynamically positioned drill ships and one other vessel which can be used for various purposes including drilling. None of these has yet been completed. Four companies are involved. The highest amount guaranteed for any one company is approximately £20 million.
Hs146 Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) by what date he expects to receive the report of the tripartite working group on the Hawker Siddeley 146 project;(2) when the tripartite working group on the future of the Hawker Siddeley 146 project is expected to start work; and if he will name its members.
The membership of the tripartite working group will be drawn from the trade unions, the management of Hawker Siddeley Aviation, and Government officials. It is intended that it should operate informally and without a rigid predetermined membership, though there is agreement that the numbers should be limited. Papers have already been submitted by the company and the unions and details are being finalised for an early meeting. In keeping with the group's informal character it might decide that a formal written report to my right hon. Friend would be unnecessary.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what discussions he has had since 17th December with Hawker-Siddeley Aviation Limited about the terms on which Government finance might be made available to continue the design capability of the HS146 project team; and whether he will make a statement.
Officials of my Department have been in touch with both the management of Hawker Siddeley Aviation and the trade unions about further action on the HS146. The precise terms on which Government funding might be made available cannot be determined until the tripartite working group has examined the possible methods of keeping the project in being.
Concorde
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if the Concorde aircraft offered to Japan Air Lines and Iran Air, respectively, are identical in specification and cost to those ordered by British Airways and Air France; and if he will make a statement.
Negotiations with Iranair concern aircraft to the same basic standard as those ordered by British Airways and Air France. The detailed specification is a matter for negotiation in the light of any particular customer requirements. Negotiations on price must also take account of modifications requested by the customer as well as changes in the general level of prices. The manufacturers are having discussions with Japan Air Lines following the extension of that airline's options, but there are at present no detailed negotiations on price or specification.
Aerospace
asked the Secretary of State for Industry which new aerospace projects his Department has sponsored in whole, or in part, since 1st March 1974 in the factories of BAC, HSA or HSD.
No new major projects have been sponsored by my Department since 1st March, though the Government have continued to make payments in connection with the Concorde, Trident, and HS146 projects, and we have placed a number of contracts for other items of work in the aerospace sector.
Nationalised Industries (Employees)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will publish a list giving the number of employees of each of the nationalised industries for which he is responsible on its vesting date and the numbers since made redundant in each of these industries.
The information is as follows:
Number of employees on vesting date | Number made redundant to 31st December 1974 | |
Post Office (part-time employees counted as half) | 405,212 | 400* |
British Steel Corporation | 257,000 | 22,530 |
* Estimated—precise figure is not readily available. |
Postal Services
asked the Secretary of State for Industry as agency services contribute about 50 per cent. of the turnover of postal services of £10 billion, if he is satisfied that the services should contribute only £81 million, or 13 per cent., out of total income from the posts of £631 million; and if he is satisfied that sufficient charges are made for these services.
I regret I do not recognise the figures quoted in relation to the turnover of the postal services, but Post Office charges for agency services cover all appropriate costs and provide the Post Office with an agreed margin of profit.
Textiles (Departmental Purchases)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the total value of textile goods purchased by his Department during the past 12 months.
No separate figures are available of purchases of textile goods. The Department obtains by far the greater portion of its requirements through other Departments and public bodies.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry, what percentage of textile goods, over the last 12 months, has been purchased from British manufacturers by his Department.
No purchases are made direct from British manufacturers, nor can I estimate the proportion which would be of British manufacture.
Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will specify which categories of information which would be required by the Stock Exchange and Take-Over Panel in the case of a board of directors recommending the purchase of another company to shareholders, he intends not to publish before introducing legislation for the purchase out of public funds of certain aircraft companies.
No. The purpose of the City code is to defend the interests of shareholders in exercising their choice between accepting or rejecting a take-over bid. In the case of compulsory acquisition, it is Parliament which has to be satisfied that fair compensation will be paid to the shareholders. Therefore, provision to acquire any information necessary to assess fair compensation will be included in the legislative programmes to be brought before Parliament as soon as possible.
Industrial Production
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what growth in industrial production he now expects in 1975; and what was the growth in 1973 and 1974.
The index of industrial production rose by 7½ per cent. in 1973 compared with 1972. Estimates are not yet available for December 1974, but it seems likely that the index will have fallen by about 2½ per cent. in 1974, partly because of three-day working. Allowing for stock changes is unlikely to affect either of these. Several factors, including the uncertain state of world demand, will influence industrial production in 1975 and I cannot say what level is now expected.
Aerospace (Ministerial Advisers)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list the names of those outside the Civil Service who are employed or retained to advise him on matters concerned with the aerospace industry together with the qualifications which they possess for tendering such advice.
A small number of firms and individuals outside the Civil Service are paid to advise my right hon. Friend on these matters, but he has also received views and helpful advice from a great many people, for example in response to the consultation document on aircraft industry nationalisation.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) how many of the civil servants in his department who advise him on matters concerned with the aerospace industry have had experience of working in that industry;(2) how many of the civil servants in his Department who advise him on matters concerned with the aerospace construction industry have technical qualifications relevant to the work of that industry.
Within the Department of Industry there are about 45 civil servants advising on matters concerned with the aerospace construction industry who have technical qualifications relevant to the work of that industry. One-third of these have been directly employed within the industry at some time in their careers. Under the arrangements set up in 1971 the responsibility for detailed technical assessments and advice to the Department of Industry on aerospace matters fall largely to the Procurement Executive of the Ministry of Defence.
Nationalisation
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what plans he has for taking back into public ownership those firms hived-off by the previous Government.
As my hon. Friend will know, our manifesto stated our intentions in this matter. I have made it clear to the nationalised industries for which I have responsibility that I will consider sympathetically proposals for their expansion and diversification.
Kirkby Manufacturing And Engineering Company Ltd
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will name the directors of the Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Company Limited and their respective responsibilities.
The directors of Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Limited at present are Mr. J. Spriggs and Mr. R. Jenkins. They have no executive responsibilities. It is expected that other directors will be appointed in due course.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the present issued share capital of the Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Company Limited; and if he will list the shareholders and their respective shareholdings.
The authorised share capital of Kirkby Manufacturing Engineering Limited, as shown in the memorandum and articles of association deposited at the Companies Registration Office, is 5,000 shares of £1 each. Two shares have so far been issued, one each to Mr. J. Spriggs and Mr. R. Jenkins, who are also directors. I understand that further shares will be issued when the constitution of the co-operative is finally settled.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry how much of the grant of £3·9 million to the Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Company Limited was paid on 15th January; and on what dates and in what amounts is the balance expected to be paid.
The payment on 15th January was for an amount sufficient to cover the purchase of the assets, advance rental and an initial instalment of working capital. The timing of further payments is determined by proof of need. I do not propose to publish details of individual payments, since it is not the practice to disclose the instalments by which assistance offered under the Industry Act is paid.
asked the Secretary of for Industry whether the Department of Industry will be deemed a prior creditor in the event of the Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Company Ltd. going into liquidation.
As was made clear in the statement laid before the House on 20th December, the grant becomes repayable if the co-operative fails. This debt would rank behind other creditors.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will place in the Library a copy of the formal agreement completed with the Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Company Ltd.
No. It is not the practice to publish agreements with companies seeking selective assistance. Exceptionally, the main terms and conditions of the agreement with Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Limited were described in the statement which was laid before the House on 20th December 1974.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many people were employed by the Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Company Limited on 15th January 1975.
As in the case of any company receiving Industry Act assistance, this information has been given to my Department on a confidential basis.
European Economic Community
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will list the occasions on which he has had to consult the Commission of the EEC, in accordance with Community law or practice, before making a decision as to the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 20th December 1974; Vol. 883, c. 698], gave the following information:On 20th December I undertook to report further to the House about the occasions on which I have been obliged to consult the Commission on policy matters under the terms of the European Communities Treaties.First, Article 93.3 of the Treaty of Rome requires that the Commission should be informed, in sufficient time to enable it to submit its comments, of any plans to grant or alter grants of aid. Since March 1974 the Commission has had to be informed of such plans in cases which are the responsibility of my Department on the following occasions:
Secondly, at the Government's request the Commission took a decision on 25th June 1974 authorising the establishment in the United Kingdom of an open general export licence system for iron and steel products.
Alfred Herbert Limited
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the difference of view between the Industrial Development Advisory Board and his Department over Alfred Herbert Limited, referred to in the House by the Under-Secretary of his Department on 23rd January.
The board and I recognised that the business should be placed on a sound and continuing basis. The board recommended that this was best achieved through allowing the company to go into receivership. I took the view that this was not the best course.
Wales
Transport Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what were the original estimates and the latest estimates of grants to each of the counties of Wales for 1974–75 for the expenditures which will be covered in 1975–76 by the new transport supplementary grants.
The information is as follows:
County | Original estimate (£m.) | Out-turn forecast (£m.) |
Gwynedd | 0·70 | 0·70 |
Clwyd | 1·51 | 1·05 |
Dyfed | 0·65 | 0·60 |
Powys | 0·42 | 0·54 |
West Glamorgan | 1·66 | 1·63 |
Mid Glamorgan | 0·57 | 0·46 |
South Glamorgan | 1·00 | 0·80 |
Gwent | 2·89 | 2·71 |
asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what representations he has received from local authorities on his decisions on the level of local transport expenditure accepted for each county for 1975–76;(2) why the threshold level of local transport expenditure for Welsh counties was lower than that for English counties.
Lower thresholds mean higher grants, and the Welsh formula therefore represents a measure of additional assistance for Welsh local authorities in those instances where the safeguard threshold was not an advantage. Local authority officials have, naturally enough, made it clear that they would have liked higher levels of expenditure to have been accepted, but I believe that the necessity for the limitation of public expenditure in the national interest has been recognised.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated expenditure on local transport by each county in 1974–75; what is the level of expenditure accepted by him for each county in 1975–76; and what change this represents in each case over 1974–75.
The accepted levels of expenditure for the purposes of transport supplementary grant for the year 1975–76 at November 1973 prices are:
£ million | |
Gwynedd | 3·308 |
Clwyd | 4·864 |
Dyfed | 4·724 |
Powys | 2·851 |
West Glamorgan | 4·904 |
Mid Glamorgan | 5·212 |
South Glamorgan | 4·791 |
Gwent | 5·946 |
36·600 |
Roads (Expenditure)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the sum spent per mile on public roads of all categories in Wales in 1974.
About £3,640 for the year 1973–74.
Expressway (North Wales)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has reconsidered his preferred route for the proposed North Wales expressway, in so far as the latter affects Colwyn Bay and Llandullas, in the light of the counter-proposals made by the Colwyn Borough Council.
No. I shall not decide whether to make the draft scheme and orders as published, or to modify or withdraw them, until after the proposed public inquiry has been held and I have been able to consider all the evidence.
National Parks
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what grants have been paid in each year to each of the national parks in Wales since they were set up.
The grants paid to county councils in respect of this general field of expenditure in Wales are as follows:
Snowdonia (Designated 1951) | Pembrokeshire Coast (Designated 1951) | Brecon Beacons (Designated 1955) | |
£ | £ | £ | |
1954–55 | — | 688 | — |
1955–56 | 1,139 | 814 | — |
1956–57 | 530 | 1,752 | — |
1957–58 | 485 | 130 | — |
1958–59 | 345 | 331 | — |
1959–60 | 780 | 470 | — |
1960–61 | 1,816 | — | — |
1961–62 | 579 | 330 | — |
1962–63 | 3,605 | 373 | — |
1963–64 | 1,774 | 99 | — |
1964–65 | 4,560 | 10,921 | 129 |
1965–66 | 15,988 | 15,651 | 14,539 |
1966–67 | 13,427 | 10,851 | 1,502 |
1967–68 | 15,532 | 10,659 | 5,104 |
1968–69 | 8,649 | 11,768 | 11,940 |
1969–70 | 10,458 | 4,614 | 6,480 |
1970–71 | 6,286 | 5,220 | 18,736 |
1971–72 | 29,405 | 5,995 | 6,267 |
1972–73 | 9,836 | 11,319 | 72,533 |
1973–74 | 10,583 | 15,425 | 72,703 |
1974–75 | 25,586 | 19,923 | 1,070 |
Nursery Schools
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many local education authorities in Wales have not taken up their allocation of funds for the nursery building for 1974–75; and if he will list them.
None.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many local education authorities in Wales have reduced
their projected spending on nursery building in 1974–75; and if he will list them.
None.
Bardsey Island
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to purchase Bardsey Island in order to ensure its preservation as an ancient monument.
No. But a change in the ownership of the island would in no way prevent the effective working of those statutory controls relating to the conservation of its special features.
Housing
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report the latest available figures for housing starts, houses under construction, and completions in the public and in the private sectors, respectively, in Wales, together with the comparable figures for 1974.
The latest figures available, which relate to the first nine months of 1974, are given in the following table with comparable data for the previous years:
January-September 1973 | January-September 1974 | |
Starts: | ||
Public Sector | 2,330 | 5,693 |
Private Sector | 10,048 | 5,035 |
Total | 12,378 | 10,728 |
Completions: | ||
Public Sector | 2,558 | 2,776 |
Private Sector | 8,421 | 6,475 |
Total | 10,979 | 9,251 |
at 30th September 1973 | at 30th September 1974 | |
Under construction: | ||
Public Sector | 5,507 | 8,222 |
Private Sector | 15,344 | 13,909 |
Total | 20,851 | 22,131 |
Tregaron Hospital
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to build a purpose-built unit at Tregaron Hospital during 1975.
It is intended to build a new unit at Tregaron Hospital. Dyfed Area Health Authority is presently reviewing its starting date.
Drugs (Prescriptions)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many prescriptions were issued in Wales in each of the years from 1960 for psychotropic drugs and hynoptic drugs, respectively.
TABLE 1: PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS | ||||||||
Year | Appetite Suppressants and Stimulants | Anti-Depressants | Tranquilisers | Total | ||||
1968 | … | … | … | … | 293,000 | 331,000 | 1,117,000 | 1,741,000 |
1969 | … | … | … | … | 285,400 | 360,000 | 1,128,000 | 1,773,400 |
1970 | … | … | … | … | 290,800 | 378,000 | 1,167,400 | 1,836,200 |
1971 | … | … | … | … | 253,500 | 453,600 | 1,328,500 | 2,035,600 |
1972 | … | … | … | … | 252,500 | 440,200 | 1,373,500 | 2,066,200 |
1973 | … | … | … | … | 199,500 | 434,100 | 1,469,700 | 2,103,300 |
TABLE 2: HYPNOTIC DRUGS | |||
Year | Barbiturates | Non-Barbiturates | Total |
1968 | 1,125,000 | 346,000 | 1,471,000 |
1969 | 1,065,300 | 380,400 | 1,445,700 |
1970 | 903,400 | 471,300 | 1,374,700 |
1971 | 792,900 | 547,200 | 1,340,100 |
1972 | 729,600 | 589,200 | 1,318,800 |
1973 | 843,300 | 683,100 | 1,526,400 |
Hospital Staffs
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many administrative staff, hospital medical staff—in whole time equivalents—and unrestricted general practitioner principals were working in the latest year for which comparative figures are available; and what were the corresponding figures for 1965 and 1955.
The following are the figures for 1965 and for 1973, the latest date for which information is available. Figures for 1955 are not available.
1965 | 1973 | |
Administrative staff (whole-time equivalents, excluding secretarial, clerical and specialised grades within the administrative and clerical group) | 390 | 501 |
Hospital medical staff (whole-time equivalent) | 1,006·2 | 1,403 |
Unrestricted general medical practitioner principals | 1,230 | 1,269 |
The following tables show the number of prescriptions dispensed by chemist contractors in Wales in each of the years from 1968 to 1973 for psychotropic and hypnotic drugs respectively. Figures for the years prior to 1968 are not available. Information on the number of prescriptions dispensed in hospital pharmacies or by dispensing doctors is not available centrally.
Local Government Staffs
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many persons are employed in Welsh local government, including the Welsh National Water Development Authority; and what were the corresponding figures for 1955 and 1965.
The latest date for which figures are available is June 1974, when approximately 143,100 persons were employed by Welsh local authorities and the Welsh National Water Development Authority. Corresponding figures for 1955 and 1965 cannot be given as the Water Authority was not established until 1974.
Schools
asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the building of the new primary/junior school at Llangollen, Clwyd, to be commenced.
The new school at Llangollen, originally expected to start in 1975–76, was deferred by the cuts imposed by the previous Government in 1973. Under the revised arrangements for building programmes it will be for the local authority to decide when this project may start.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about his policy on public schools in Wales.
My policy is to provide within the maintained system for the educational needs of the children of Wales.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about his policy on the teaching of Welsh in primary and secondary schools in Wales.
It is my policy to encourage local education authorities to be sensitive to the wishes of parents in matters relating to the teaching of Welsh and to support them in making the language available both as a subject and a medium of instruction in their schools.