Written Answers

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Written Answers To Questions

Thursday 22nd May 1975

President Ford (Talks)

Q5.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his recent discussions with President Ford.

Q6.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his recent meeting with President Ford.

Q15.

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his meeting with President Ford.

Q16.

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his discussions with President Ford.

Q25.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his discussions with President Ford.

Q27.

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the President of the United State of America.

Q28.

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his meeting with President Ford.

I had useful discussions with President Ford on 7th May covering a wide range of questions including the Comonwealth Conference and my commodities initiative, on which we have kept in close touch with the United States Government since last January. We also discussed the forthcoming OECD meeting, the Middle East situation and the NATO summit and I took the opportunity to talk to President Ford about Concorde.

Environment

Road Construction Contracts

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether difficulties have arisen over the completion of his road contracts because of the fixed price nature of the contracts; and if he will make a statement.

A serious situation has arisen in connection with the completion of a number of current motorway and other trunk road construction contracts undertaken by W. & C. French (Construction) Ltd., most of which are on a firm price or limited variation of price basis. A full list of the contracts concerned is given below.It has become apparent that without special assistance the contractor would be unable to complete these contracts, on which about £40 million worth of work remained to be completed at 1st March last. In view of the very large additional costs to public funds of having the work completed by other contractors the Government decided in November 1974 to make an ex gratia payment of £3·5 million to the company, conditional upon a review at the end of 1975. In the light of the evidence available at that time such a payment appeared necessary and sufficient to enable the company to complete the contracts.However, subsequent forecasts showed that more money was required. Interim payments of up to £3·75 million were authorised to enable work to proceed while the position was fully investigated with the assistance of an independent firm of accountants, and it is now evident that a further amount of up to £6·75 million may be required to enable the contracts to be completed. An assessment of the additional costs which would be incurred in securing the completion of the current trunk road contracts by other contractors if, for lack of further assistance, W. & C. French (Construction) Ltd. were unable to continue trading and to complete them has shown that these would still greatly exceed the total amount of assistance needed to enable French to complete them.In view of this, and after taking into account the total trading situation and prospects of the company, as well as those of the holding company, French Kier Holdings Ltd., and its other subsidiary companies, the Government have decided that it would be in the public interest, in order to ensure the completion of these important trunk road contracts at the least possible additional expense to public funds, to make the further money available to the company under the powers of the Highways Act 1959. I intend, therefore, to provide a further ex gratia grant of £2·25 million and will also be prepared if necessary to make avilable thereafter a loan of up to a maximum of £4·5 million, subject to the following principal conditions:

payments will be made in appropriate instalments, as may appear to be necessary;
loan payments will attract a rate of interest 1 per cent. higher than that charged to the company by its bankers;

my Department shall have a right to convert any amount of loan outstanding after 31st December 1976 into shares in the holding company—the exercise of this option could lead to a holding of up to 28 per cent.—and to nominate a director to the board of the holding company;
no funds may be transferred from the construction company or the holding company to other subsidiary companies in the group without the Department's consent;
the Department shall have the right to monitor closely the financial position of the holding company and its subsidiaries;
if the eventual loss on the contracts is less than the forecast loss, half the difference between the two amounts shall be repayable;
the company will abandon a large volume of claims against the Department which if pursued to settlement would result in very substantial payments.

It is now for the company and French Kier Holdings Ltd. to ensure that the contracts are duly completed on the basis of this assistance.

M23 Bletchlingley-Pease Pottage
M18 Thorne-East Cowick
M62 Pollington-Rawcliffe
A69 Horsley-Hedon-Throckley
A406 Waterworks Corner
M23-Hooley-Merstham
M25 Reigate-Godstone (including M23-M25 Interchange)
A47 Kings Lynn bypass
A45 Stowmarket-Claydon bypass
M11 Redbridge-Loughton
M23 Gatwick Link and A23 Improvement
A12 Ufford and Wickham Market bypass
A127 Halfway House Flyover
A3 Esher bypass
A108(A19) Hylton Bridge
A78 Irvine bypass

Dog Licences

32.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now urgently review the system of dog licensing to take into consideration the type and size of dog, accommodation and neighbourhood, as well as type of family, designed to include an element of insurance against unforeseen circumstances.

The system of dog licensing is currently being reviewed by a working party which I set up last year. Among the matters being considered by the working party are the merits of a differential licensing scheme and the need for some form of third party insurance.

Derelict Land

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about the result of the 1974 survey of derelict and despoiled land undertaken by local authorities in England.

The tabulated results of the survey are now being sent to local authorities and other interested bodies. They show that at 1st April 1974 the total area of derelict land in England was 43,273 hectares—nearly 107,000 acres.The area considered to justify treatment was 33,068 hectares, an increase of some 7,000 hectares as compared with the 1971 survey. Most of this increase was the result of reappraisal by the new local authorities of the need for restoration, but there were also some added areas consequent upon rail, colliery and other closures, and the inclusion for the first time of some Services land.Over the period from 1st January 1972 to 31st March 1974, 4,993 hectares, over 12,300 acres, of land were restored to beneficial use. This represents an annual average of 2,219 hectares compared with the total of 1,939 hectares reclaimed in 1971, which was the highest annual total up to that time.For the first time the survey collected information about current mineral workings and refuse tips. The total area of land for which planning permission for mineral working had been given was 94,402 hectares, of which 49,076 hectares were in use in April 1974. About 78 per cent. of the total permitted area was subject to conditions requiring the restoration of the sites when working was completed, but there were 2,307 hectares of abandoned land where restoration was unfulfilled. 11,399 hectares of land were currently in use for refuse and industrial waste disposal, of which 8,440 hectares were subject to restoration conditions, and further permissions had been given for 2,876 hectares. There were 2,198 hectares of filled land which required further work to fit them for beneficial use.

Housing (Cornwall)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the total number of persons and families on public sector housing waiting lists over each of the last five years in Cornwall; and how this compares with the figures for England and Wales, as a percentage per head of the population;(2) what estimate he has of the number of persons on public sector housing lists wthin each district council in Cornwall.

The Department does not collect detailed information about local authority waiting lists and, therefore, is not in a position to compare lists one with another or to make estimates of the number of persons on those lists.

Public Transport (Use)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the powers of his Department to encourage more use of public transport.

Yes. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary said in reply to a previous Question from my hon. Friend, the key at local level lies in the policies adopted by local authorities. In present circumstances there is also the constraint arising from the need to contain public expenditure.

Community Land Bill

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what average rate of interest he has assumed in calculating the costs of the Community Land Bill;(2) what assumptions he has made about the average period of time between acquisition by local authorities and disposal of land acquired by them under the Community Land Bill in assessing the costs of that Bill.

The figures given in the Financial Memorandum to the Community Land Bill are for the annual cost of acquisition and the annual capital value of disposals when the scheme is in full operation. At this stage the scheme will be self-financing so that no allowance for interest and no assumption about time between acquisition and disposal are required. When borrowing is required to finance the scheme authorities will borrow at market rates. They will be encouraged to plan their purchases with a view to early disposal, especially in the early years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what assumptions he has made about management costs to local authorities of land held by those authorities under the provisions of the Community Land Bill;(2) what assumptions he has made as to the number and extent of disposal notification areas, the number of notifications which would be made within such areas and the administrative costs in connection with such areas, in estimating the total costs of the Community Land Bill.

Any management costs over and above the staff costs set out in the Financial Memorandum to the Bill should be covered by receipts from rents for land held awaiting development. Costs of operating the disposal notification area provisions are not separately identifiable.

Speed Limits

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on energy savings and road safety as a result of the 60 mph and 50 mph (Temporary Speed Limit) Order 1974.

A special study of speeds and accident trends is being undertaken. I will report further to the House before the order expires in the autumn.

Trunk Roads (Marking)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why recent trunk road improvements have included the provision of a nearside margin of carriageway some 2 ft. wide separated by a white line; and whether he will revise the Highway Code so that advice is given as to whether this margin should or should not be used by motorists to facilitate over-taking by other vehicles, and as to whether it should or should not be used in any circumstances by cyclists.

A hard strip, usually about 3 ft. wide, is added to the carriageway of certain roads in order to reduce the effect on traffic flow of stationary vehicles. My right hon. Friend will consider whether the Highway Code should contain advice about its use.

Homeless Persons

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many persons in the Thanet area were homeless at the last available date.

Figures for the Thanet area on its own are not available. The number of people in temporary accommodation in Kent at 30th September 1974 was 2,275.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the next steps the Government propose to take on their review of homelessness.

The Department, in consultation with the Department of Health and Social Security and the Welsh Office, has sent a joint consultation paper to the local authority associations and to a number of voluntary organisations and other bodies concerned. It invites views on, in particular, the need for legislation to clarify the rôles of housing and social services authorities, and the range of statutory provisions under which they operate; and also on methods of improving co-operation within and between local authorities and departments. At the same time, the Departments have asked all local authorities in England and Wales with housing or social services responsibilities a number of questions about their implementation of the joint circular on homelessness of February 1974. The information received will also be vital background to the views being sought on the consultation paper from representative organisations. While the review is going forward I consider it essential for local authorities to observe the recommendations in the joint circular.

Expenditure

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the economies which (a) have been introduced this year and (b) are under urgent examination within his Department; and what saving on administration he aims to achieve.

I am examining the implications of the Chancellor's Budget Statement for expenditure on the services for which I am responsible and am not yet in a position to list the precise steps I shall be taking.

Planning Appeals (West Lancashire)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning appeals are still outstanding relating to the West Lancashire District Council; and how many have been approved.

Thirty-two planning appeals were outstanding at 21st May 1975. Nine have been allowed since 1st April 1974.

Playspaces

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now make it his practice to collect statistics on applications from local authorities for playspace scheme subsidies under Circular 79/72.

Arrangements have been made already to obtain certain information and these will continue. I will write to the hon. Member about the information which is available.

Home Heating Savings

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given local authorities with regard to the installation of adequate heating controls in council-owned property in the interests of conserving energy.

Local authority representatives have been among the many groups to whom the Property Services Agency has communicated the valuable lessons learned from its campaign of energy saving in Government buildings, and ways of extending this communication are being explored.

Ashford

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he received the inspector's report on the proposed Singleton development in the borough of Ashford; and when he intends to publish the recommendations and his decision.

The inspector's report on the inquiry into this amendment to the development plan and associated compulsory purchase order was received in April 1974. My right hon. Friend expects to announce the proposed modifications to the development plan amendment next month.

Durham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he can explain the delay in confirming the pedestrianisation order for certain streets in Durham City; and if he will now expedite the authorisation of this scheme.

The Secretary of State's consent to the making of this order was sent to the Chief Executive and Clerk of Durham City Council on 20th May 1975. The application was received in November 1974, and involved assessment of the report of the public inquiry and a number of objections, together with consultations concerning the modifications proposed in the original order.

Bahamas Legislature (Gift)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will arrange for the display in the Upper Waiting Hall of the mace to be presented by the House of Commons to the House of Assembly of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Yes. The mace will be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 9th June to Friday 13th June.

National Freight Corporation

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the anticipated trading results for the National Freight Corporation during the current year.

It is too early to predict the corporation's results.

North West Regional Water Authority

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now dismiss the Chairman of the North West Regional Water Authority.

I have already written to the Chairman about the purchase of a special number plate for his car, and I have reminded him of Ministers' strong views on the need to avoid ostentatious gestures of this kind. I am awaiting his explanation.

Railways

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the anticipated trading results for the British Railways Board during the current year.

It is too early to predict the board's results.

Northern Ireland (Civil Servants' Housing)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether the normal planning provisions apply to houses in Northern Ireland owned by the Northern Ireland office of the Department of the Environment and occupied by civil servants in the Northern Ireland Office;(2) what was the cost in 1974–75 of (

a) cutting the grass and doing other gardening jobs, ( b) cleaning the windows, ( c) painting and decorating, and ( d) clearing blocked drains in the houses occupied by civil servants serving in Northern Ireland;

(3) whether any internal alterations were made to any of the houses purchased for civil servants posted to Northern Ireland; what was the cost of such alterations; and whether he is satisfied that the purchase price accurately reflects the condition of the houses;

(4) whether he will list in the Official Report (1) the total number of houses and flats purchased by the Northern Ireland Office or the Department of the Environment for civil servants employed by the Northern Ireland Office in the Province and (2) the number which cost up to £5,000, between £5,000 and £7,500, between £7,500 and £10,000, between £10,000 and £15,000 and over £15,000, respectively;

(5) what was the actual expenditure on the upkeep and maintenance of the houses and flats occupied by civil servants in the Northern Ireland Office in the Province in 1974–75; and what is the estimated cost in 1975–76.

I will write to the hon. Member.

Home Department

Police (Motor Vehicle Purchases)

28.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will recommend police forces to purchase motor vehicles made in Great Britain whenever possible.

I am sending a circular to police authorities saying that, before buying a foreign vehicle, I assume they will wish to survey the market carefully and satisfy themselves that no suitable British vehicle of comparable specification and price is available.

Identification (Devlin Committee)

31.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the progress of the Devlin Committee on Identification; and whether its findings and conclusions have yet been reached.

The committee hopes to report in the autumn.

Exorcism

29.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will seek powers to regulate the practice of exorcism.

The Government are aware of concern recently expressed about this matter, but it does not follow that regulatory powers would be appropriate.

Indictable Offence Hearings (Defendants' Costs)

30.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the provisions of the Criminal Cases Act 1973 enable magistrates, in cases where they have dealt summarily with an indictable offence and dismissed the information, to order the payment of all the innocent defendants' costs.

The Costs in Criminal Cases Act 1973 gives magistrates' courts, dealing summarily with an indictable offence and dismissing the information, power to order the payment out of central funds of such sums as appear to the court to be reasonably sufficient to compensate the accused for the expenses properly incurred by him in carrying on his defence. They also have power to order such costs to be paid by the prosecutor to the accused as they think just and reasonable. It is therefore possible for the court to order the payment of all the innocent defendants' costs in such cases if it considers the amount reasonable.

Helicopters (Public Service Use)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many helicopters are used in public service roles by the police, fire and ambulance services in Greater London.

Last year the Metropolitan Police hired helicopters for about 1,300 hours of operational flying, including help for the City of London Police when necessary. The London Fire Brigade looks to the Armed Services or Metropolitan Police for help, when required; the brigade made no use of a helicopter last year. I understand that the London Ambulance Service has hired helicopters twice during the last two years.

Remanded Juveniles

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many juveniles are at present detained in Brock Hill Remand Centre; how many of them have been in that centre for less than one month, less than two months, less than three months, less than four months, less than five months, les than six months and more than six months while awaiting trial.

On Wednesday 14th May, 31 boys aged 14–16 were held in this remand centre of whom 12 had first been received into custody on conviction. Of the remaining 19, eight had been convicted and were awaiting sentence and 11 were awaiting trial. The periods spent in Brock Hill by these 20 boys while awaiting trial were then as follows:—

Less than 1 month	10
1 month and less than 2 months	5
2 months and less than 3 months	3
3 months and less than 4 months	1
More than 4 months	0

Prisoners (Maintenance Costs)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average cost of periods of imprisonment served by offenders convicted of offences of violence.

I regret that it is not possible to isolate the separate cost of maintaining prisoners convicted of offences of violence. The estimated average weekly cost of maintaining an inmate in Prison Department establishments in the financial year 1973–74 was £43.

Shoplifting

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men, how many women and how many children have been prosecuted for shoplifting during each of the last five years for which records are available; of those who pleaded not guilty in each category, how many and what percentage were acquitted by magistrates' courts and by Crown courts, respectively; and how many and what percentage of the unsuccessful prosecutions were brought by shopkeepers or other private individuals and how many and what percentage by the police.

Following is the available information on persons proceeded against for shoplifting:—

PERSONS PROCEEDED AGAINST FOR SHOPLIFTING AND PERSONS ACQUITTED OR FOUND GUILTY
England and Wales 1969–1973
					Persons proceeded against	Magistrates' courts		The Crown Court
Year					Persons proceeded against	Acquitted	Found guilty	Acquitted	Found guilty
1969	…	…	…	…	40,181	1,574	37,527	201	357
1970	…	…	…	…	43,477	1,845	40,114	222	478
1971	…	…	…	…	47,589	2,094	43,592	319	659
1972	…	…	…	…	49,611	2,307	45,043	416	876
1973	…	…	…	…	48,446	2,219	44,373	525	929

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those convicted of shoplifting for the first time had ever previously been on criminal charges; and how many were subsequently charged with shoplifting again, after an initial conviction, for each of the last five years for which figures are available.

I regret that the information is not available.

Television Licences

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why a person whose television licence expired in March and who sought to renew it on 27th March in accordance with Post Office

PERSONS PROCEEDED AGAINST FOR SHOPLIFTING, BY AGE GROUP AND SEX OF PERSONS OVER 17
England and Wales 1969–1973
Number of persons
	Under 14	14 and under 17	17 and over
Year	Under 14	14 and under 17	Men	Women
1969	3,600	5,086	12,819	18,676
1970	3,560	5,202	14,926	19,789
1971	2,496	5,027	18,061	22,005
1972	2,561	4,830	19,383	22,837
1973	2,769	4,808	19,109	21,760

The information requested in the remainder of the Question is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time which people awaiting trial for shoplifting have to wait, in each area for which statistics are compiled.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of people accused of shoplifting in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how many were, respectively, acquitted and found guilty, in each of these years.

The following is the information:advice notes that failure to do so before 1st April would result in payment of the increased fee was nevertheless charged the increased rate which came into force on 1st April.

Television licences expire on the last day of a month and are due for renewal on the first day of the succeeding month. The holders of licences which expired on 31st January or 28th February were advised to renew them before 1st April, the date from which the licence fees were to be increased. Licences which expired on 31st March were due for renewal on 1st April at the new fees. If the hon. Member has knowledge of a case not covered by these rules and will supply my noble Friend the Minister of State with the particulars, we will have inquiries made.

Illegal Immigrants

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were repatriated at public expense, as illegal immigrants, following deportation

I. ILLEGAL ENTRANTS
A. Commonwealth citizens removed
Country or territory issuing passport					1968	1969	1970	1971	1972	1973	1974	Totals
Bangladesh		…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	7	—	7
Cyprus	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	1	—	1	2
Gambia		…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	1
Ghana		…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	1
Guyana		…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	1
India	…	…	…	…	13	20	47	38	49	65	84	316
Mauritius		…	…	…	—	—	—	—	1	4	1	6
New Zealand		…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	2	2	4
Nigeria		…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	3	3
Pakistan^*		…	…	…	16	11	47	38	8	33	—	153
Sierra Leone		…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	1
Trinidad and Tobago				…	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	1
Totals		…	…	…	29	31	94	76	59	114	93	496
Notes:
^* (1) Citizens of Pakistan ceased to be Commonwealth citizens from 1st September 1973.
(2) Before the coming into force of Section 3 of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1968 a Commonwealth citizen who entered the United Kingdom without examination by an immigration officer did not enter illegally unless a refusal of admission was in force in relation to him.

B. Foreign nationals removed

Nationals of

1973

1974

Algeria

…

—

Austria

…

—

Bolivia

…

—

Denmark

…

—

France

…

—

Italy

…

—

Japan

…

—

Mali

…

—

Mauritania

…

—

Morocco

…

—

Pakistan^*

…

Poland

…

—

Senegal

…

—

Spain

…

Sweden

…

—

Turkey

…

—

United States of America

…

Nationality unknown

…

Totals

…

Note:

(3) Figures for foreign nationals removed as illegal entrants before 1973 are not available.

C. Entry certificates authorised for the return of persons removed as illegal entrants

Citizens of India

…

Citizens of Pakistan

…

orders, and under the provisions of Section 29 of the Immigration Act 1971, respectively, for each of the years 1965 to 1974, indicating the receiving countries in each case and the numbers of those who have returned to this country, where appropriate.

Following is the information available:

II. DEPORTATION ORDERS MADE
A. Commonwealth citizens
Country or territory issuing passport						1965	1966	1967	1968	1969	1970	1971	1972	1973	1974	Total
Australia		…	…	…	…	—	4	6	4	1	6(1)	4	2	6	6(1)	39(2)
Bangladesh		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	3	3
Barbados		…	…	…	…	—	2	2	2	1	1	1	2	—	1	12
Bermuda		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	1	2	1	1	—	5
Canada	…	…	…	…	…	—	2	4	3	4	4	8	4	5	9	43
Cyprus	…	…	…	…	…	10	4	5	9	18	28	21	44	72(1)	34(1)	245(2)
Ghana	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	5	4	8	5	9	11	23	40	105
Gibraltar		…	…	…	…	1	1	—	1	1	—	2	1	—	—	7
Guyana	…	…	…	…	…	6	8	2	—	3	3	3	6	3	3	37
Hong Kong		…	…	…	…	—	—	1	—	—	1	1	—	1	5	9
India	…	…	…	…	…	2	3	7	19	79	61	73	62	60	39	405
Jamaica		…	…	…	…	40	26	11	12	10	9	11	2	5	1	127
Kenya	…	…	…	…	…	—	1	—	—	1	—	1	3	1	—	7
Malawi	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	1
Malaysia		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	2	1	1	4	4	3	15
Malta	…	…	…	…	…	4	6	7	6	4	6	5	1	4	2	45
Mauritius		…	…	…	…	3	—	—	3	5	16	32	28	12	18(1)	117(1)
New Zealand		…	…	…	…	1	—	1	1	—	—	—	1	—	—	4
Nigeria	…	…	…	…	…	5	3	4	4	20	18	18	13	14	26	125
Pakistan		…	…	…	…	8	10	10	24	26	59	48	39	25	—	249
Sierra Leone		…	…	…	…	1	—	—	—	2	—	8	2	4(1)	8(1)	25(2)
Singapore		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	1
Sri Lanka		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	2	2	7	—	4	7	2	24
Tanzania		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	2	2	1	5	10
Trinidad and Tobago			…	…	…	6	4	4	2	3	2	2	2	6	3	34
Uganda	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2	1	3
Other Commonwealth				…	…	8	8	3	4	2	5	3	3	1	1	38
TOTAL		…	…	…	…	95	82	72	100	192	233(1)	55	237	258(2)	211(4)	1,735(7)

B. Citizens of the Republic of Ireland

Country or territory issuing passport

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

Total

Irish Republic

…

161

171(1)

183(10)

177(6)

200(6)

142(6)

116(1)

122(4)

59(39)

46(45)

1,377(118)

Note: Figures in brackets are for persons who having been deported returned while the deportation order was in force and were deported again.

C Foreign nationals
Country or territory issuing passport						1965	1966	1967	1968	1969	1970	1971	1972	1973	1974	Total
Algeria	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	7(2)	5	12(2)
Argentina		…	…	…	…	—	—	1	1	1	—	—	2	2	2	9
Austria	…	…	…	…	…	1	2	3	2	2	2	1	2	2	1	18
Belgium		…	…	…	…	1	1	1	1	1	1	—	4	3	—(1)	13(1)
Brazil	…	…	…	…	…	—	2	—	1	—	—	—	1	—	1	5
Chile	…	…	…	…	…	3	—	—	—	—	—	3	3	1	6(1)	16(1)
Colombia		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	3	2	—	4	—(2)	4	13(2)
Denmark		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	1	4	—	2	—	7
Egypt	…	…	…	…	…	—	1	—	—	—	1	—	—	1	3	6
Finland	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	1	2	—	1	—	—	—	4
France	…	…	…	…	…	10	6	4	6	9	7	9	8	9	6	74
Germany		…	…	…	…	3	9	13	15	10	12	17	5	14	10(2)	108(2)
Greece	…	…	…	…	…	2	2	—	2	3	5	2	5	3	1	25
Hungary		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	1
Iran	…	…	…	…	…	3	2	1	3	1	3	5	3	3	4	28
Iraq	…	…	…	…	…	1	2	1	2	—	1	—	—	—	—	7
Israel	…	…	…	…	…	—	1	—	—	—	5	1	3	2	3	15
Italy	…	…	…	…	…	5	7	8	2	9	7	11	7	15	9	80
Libya	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2	2	4
Morocco		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	7	4	11
Netherlands		…	…	…	…	2	6	4	2	3	1	3	2	2	5	30
Norway		…	…	…	…	—	1	2	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	4
Pakistan		…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	29	40	69
Peru	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	5	1	—	—	—	—	1	3	10
Poland	…	…	…	…	…	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	2
Portugal		…	…	…	…	3	2	1	2	3	2	1	1	1	3	19
South Africa		…	…	…	…	5	—	6	3	4	4	4	—	7	4	37
Spain	…	…	…	…	…	4	1	4	10	14	10	10	4	4(2)	11	72(2)
Sweden	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	2	—	2	—	1	—	—	5
Switzerland		…	…	…	…	—	—	1	—	—	1	—	1	1	1	5
Turkey	…	…	…	…	…	1	—	2	3	2	12	5	16	8	4(1)	53(1)
United States of America				…	…	15	4	17	9	13	29	31	24	20	20	182
Uruguay		…	…	…	…	—	2	—	1	3	3	1	—	1	—	11
Venezuela		…	…	…	…	2	1	—	—	1	2	—	2	1	3(1)	12(1)
Yugoslavia		…	…	…	…	1	—	—	1	4	6	4	2	3(1)	3	24(1)
Doubtful		…	…	…	…	4	—	—	2	2	9	—	—	1	—	18
Others	…	…	…	…	…	2	3	6	12	6	9	24	31	14	11(1)	118(1)
TOTAL		…	…	…	…	69	55	80	84	96	137	137	131	168(7)	170(7)	1,127(14)
Note: Figures in brackets are for persons who having been deported returned white the deportation order was in force and were deported again

III. REPATRIATION UNDER SECTION 29 OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT 1971
Country of destination						April 1972 to March 1973	April 1973 to March 1974	April 1974 to December 1974
Jamaica	…	…	…	…	…	42	94	60
Nigeria	…	…	…	…	…	36	89	45
Others	…	…	…	…	…	37	57	31
Total		…	…	…	…	115	240	136
Two persons are known to have returned in 1973 and five in 1974

Imprisoned Mothers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the individual ages and offences of those eight girls aged under 21 years who were imprisoned with their babies on 16th April 1975.

It would not be appropriate to publish details which would identify these young women, but I am writing to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women imprisoned with their babies were parted from their babies in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

It has not been the practice to record centrally information about children being transferred from prison during their mothers' sentences. It is exceptional for this to be necessary other than at the mother's request.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women and girls have their babies with them in prison at the latest date for which figures are available.

Twenty-seven on 15th May.

Television (Wales)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the report of the working party set up to consider the recommendations made by the Crawford Committee in regard to the use of the fourth television channel in Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to be able to make a statement on his working party's report on the pro- posal in the Crawford Committee's Report that a fourth television channel should be used for Welsh broadcasting.

The working party has yet to report. I understand that it expects to complete its task shortly.

Crime (Detection)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can explain the fall in the percentage of offences cleared up in 1974 as compared to 1973.

It seems reasonable to suppose that this is a consequence of the additional strain put on the police by the general increase in the volume of recorded crime, and especially by the increase in offences of burglary and criminal damage in which it is often difficult to detect the offender.

Magistrates

asked the Attorney-General how many magistrates are shopkeepers in each county of England and Wales.

I regret that it would entail a disproportionate amount of work to obtain the information requested.

"Babies For Burning"

asked the Attorney-General whether the Director of Public Prosecutions has yet reached a decision as to whether to proceed with a prosecution in the case of the publication "Babies for Burning".

The Director of Public Prosecutions is not yet in a position to reach a decision, since inquiries by the police have not been completed. The matter is being dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

Employment

European Social Fund

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how much money from the EEC Social Fund has been allocated to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively.

It is estimated that during the period 1st January 1973 to date allocations from the Fund to England, Wales and Scotland amount to £27·8 million, £7 million and £12·5 million respectively. Separate allocations to Northern Ireland amount to £8·6 million.

Horse Racing

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the present number of registered apprentices employed in the horse racing industry and in what training areas; what are the terms and conditions of employment and indentures; and if he will make a statement;(2) what provision is made for further education day release and other training for apprentices in the horse racing industry; how many apprentices at racing stables eventually become jockeys; what percentage of the yearly indentured apprentices this represents over the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the number of indentured apprenticeships in horse racing is currently 628. There are no standard terms and conditions of service for apprentices and the provision for further education and day release is a matter for individual trainers. But the Joint Racing Board has established an apprentice training course at the National Equestrian Centre at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. The commission regrets that the remaining information requested is not readily available.

asked the Secreary of State for Employment whether he will refer to the Commission on Health and Safety the working conditions of apprentices and stable lads in the British racing industry, particularly sleeping accommodation, refreshment and other facilities at racecourses.

I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the British racing industry is one of the many new activities now covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act but outside the scope of previous health and safety legislation. Working conditions in the numerous new activities are being considered but the limited resources of the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities make it necessary to distinguish priorities. The Chief Inspector of Factories is aware of this Question and will bear the case of the stable lads and apprentices in mind, but also has to consider activities where the health and safety of employees is at immediate risk.

Unemployment Benefit

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish figures of the average unemployment benefit received per week expressed as a percentage of the average male manual workers' earnings per week for each of the last five years.

I have been asked to reply.The latest comparable figures available are for the first week in May in each year and they are given in the following table.

Average payment of unemployment benefit (including earnings-related supplement) in the first week in May as a percentage of average earnings^*
Year and Benefit as a percentage of earnings
1970	32·5
1971	29·0
1972	31·1
1973	30·1
1974	29·3
^* 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 inquiry.

Bournemouth

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the total number of job vacancies for males and females in the Bournemouth, East parliamentary constituency currently notified to his Department; and what were the comparable figures for the nearest convenient date in each year from 1970 to 1974, inclusive;

(2) what is the total number of unemployed males and females in the Bournemouth, East parliamentary constituency currently notified to his Department; and what were the comparable figures to the nearest convenient date in each year from 1970 to 1974, inclusive.

			Bournemouth
			Notified vacancies remaining unfilled
			Employment Office		Careers Office		Unemployed
			Males	Females	Males	Females	Males	Females
May 1975	…	…	250	286	40	69	2,482	451
May 1974	…	…	547	546	256	276	1,355	202
May 1973	…	…	754	742	165	196	1,301	272
May 1972	…	…	393	430	53	130	1,977	291
May 1971	…	…	252	364	62	183	1,809	266
May 1970	…	…	239	347	106	176	1,524	270
Because of possible duplication, the vacancy figures for employment offices and careers offices should not be added together.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the proportion of persons of working age presently unemployed in Bournemouth; what were the comparable figures to the nearest convenient date in each year from 1970

PERCENTAGE RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT^*
					Bournemouth Travel-to-work Area	South East and South West Regions	Great Britain
May 1975 (Provisional)			…	…	4·9	2·7	3·6
May 1974	…	…	…	…	2·4	1·6	2·4
May 1973	…	…	…	…	2·5	1·6	2·6
May 1972	…	…	…	…	3·9	2·3	3·7
May 1971	…	…	…	…	3·6	2·1	3·2
May 1970	…	…	…	…	3·1	1·7	2·4
^* The unemployed expressed as a percentage of the estimated number of employees (employed and unemployed)

House Of Commons

Official Paid Letters

asked the Lord President of the Council what are the rules governing the use of House of Commons official paid letters addressed to Commonwealth and foreign destinations by air and by surface mail, respectively.

The official House of Commons envelopes can be used only to United Kingdom and BFPO addresses.

Referendum

asked the Lord President of the Council what detailed arrangements right hon. and hon. Members will have to make to attend both the polling stations in their constituencies

The following table shows information for the Bournemouth Employment Office area at May each year. The vacancy figures relate only to vacancies notified to employment offices and careers offices and are not a measure of total vacancies.to 1974, inclusive; and what were the comparable figures for (i) Central Southern England and (ii) Great Britain.

Following is the information for May each year:and the counting of the votes in connection with the referendum campaign.

Members of Parliament are entitled, after making a declaration of secrecy, to be admitted to polling stations within their constituencies and to the verification and counting of votes in areas within which their constituencies wholly or partly lie. Information about detailed arrangements for admission may be obtained from the responsible local officials. In England and Wales the returning officers—who will be responsible for the conduct of the poll—and the verification officers will be officers of district councils or London boroughs and the counting officers will be officers of county councils, including the Greater London Council. In Scotland all three functions will be discharged by or on behalf of officers of regional or islands councils. In Northern Ireland all three functions will be discharged by the Chief Electoral Officer.

Members Of Parliament (Pay)

asked the Lord President of the Council what would be the level of Members' salaries if they were now increased by (a) the increase in average prices since the last salary increase and (b) the increase in average earnings since the last salary increase.

The present salary level of £4,500 pa was introduced in January 1972. On the basis of the increases in the index of retail prices and in the index of average earnings from then to March 1975, Members' salaries would be increased to (a) approximately £6,750 pa or (b) approximately £7,700 pa respectively.

Wales

Agriculture

asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the number of agricultural holdings returning farmers, partners and directors—at the June agricultural census on the lines of table 63 of the latest volume for the "Digest of Welsh Agricultural Statistics"—for June of each year from 1971 onwards for Wales, and for each of the old counties in Wales;(2) if he will publish in the

Official Report a table showing ( a) the number of agricultural holdings returning whole-time farmers, partners and directors and ( b) the number of agricultural holdings returning part-time farmers, partners and directors for June of each year from 1971, onwards for Wales;

(3) if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the number of agricultural holdings and the number of farmers, partners, and directors, for June of each year from 1971 onwards for Wales, and for each of the old counties in Wales;

(4) if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the proportion of all farmers, partners, and directors, and those who are whole-time and part-time, respectively, who are returned by

agricultural holdings with fewer than 275 standard-man-days, between 275 and 600, and more than 600, respectively, in the latest year for which figures are available in Wales, and in each of the old counties in Wales.

The information requested is not yet available for 1974 for Wales as a whole and will not become available for each of the old counties of Wales as statistics for 1974 were collected on the basis of the new counties. I am sending the hon. Member tables containing the information he seeks for 1971, 1972 and 1973 as these are too voluminous to publish in the Official Report.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of independently occupied farm businesses, whole-time and part-time, excluding businesses which are run by persons already counted as the occupiers of other farm businesses in Wales and in each of the old counties of Wales, for each year from 1971 to date.

I regret that the information on which to form such estimates is not available.

Brucellosis

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many cattle have been slaughtered under the brucellosis scheme this year in Wales; and what were the corresponding figures for 1974.

12,932 brucellosis reactors and dangerous contacts were slaughtered in Wales in the period 1st January to 30th April this year. In the corresponding period of 1974 the number slaughtered was 1,472. The increase in the number of animals slaughtered so far this year results from the addition on 4th November 1974 of a large part of Wales to the existing compulsory eradication areas.

Llangollen (Sewage Discharge)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales, in view of the fact that crude sewage is being discharged into the River Dee at Llangollen, Clwyd, and will continue to be so discharged, as a result of the failure of the Welsh National Water Development Authority to implement phase IV of the Llangollen Chapel Street sewerage scheme, whether he will take immediate steps to investigate this situation on health grounds.

This is a matter for the Welsh National Water Development Authority. It has carried out tests and informs me that there is no evidence that there is a public health risk involved.

Education And Science

University Students

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has regarding the proportions of male and female students accepted into universities during the years 1972, 1973 and 1974: and if he will make a statement.

The percentages of male and female undergraduate new entrants to universities in Great Britain in the years 1972, 1973 and 1974 are set out below:

Academic Year	Men Percentage	Women Percentage
1972–73	66·4	33·6
1973–74	64·9	35·1
1974–75 (provisional)	64·0	36·0

The number of women new entrants has grown much more rapidly—by 28 per cent.—than the number of men entrants, which increased by 3 per cent., in the five years up to 1973–74. Women are also more successful than men in gaining admission to university; 55 per cent. of women home applicants aged 20 and under were accepted for entry in 1973–74, as compared with 52 per cent. of men applicants.

Adult Illiteracy

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make available the advice of Her Majesty's Inspectorate and other expert staff in conjunction with the proposed BBC television series on adult illiteracy.

The advice of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools is available to local education authorities and other providers of adult literacy tuition, the BBC's Further Education Advisory Council, and the management committee of the National Institute of Adult Literacy Resource Agency. The provision of advice is also a function of the agency.

asked the secretary of State for Education and Science what is the latest aavilable estimate of the number of adult illiterates in the United Kingdom, categorised as far as reasonably possible into age brackets and distinguishing those who are and those who are not of immigrant background.

The Bullock Committee, in its report "A Language for Life", acknowledges that it is impossible to say with certainty how many adult illiterates or semi-literates there are in the country. The Department collects no statistics on this question but independent estimates range between 1 million and more than 2 million.

Medical Schools

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the proportion of medically qualified staff in the pre-clinical departments of medical schools in universities how this proportion compares with previous years; and what has been the equivalent proportion of newer staff recruited into those departments over the last 12 months.

In December 1973, 37 per cent. of teaching staff in pre-clinical departments of medical schools in universities in the United Kingdom were medically qualified. I regret that the other information requested is not available.

Student Grants

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the value of (a) the maximum, and (b) the average unit student grant at constant prices over the past 15 years, taking 1974–75 as the base level.

The information is given below for students on first degree and comparable courses at universities and further education establishments in Great Britain.

Maximum main rate(1) of maintenance award for students:
		London		Residing away from home Oxford and Cambridge	Elsewhere		Residing at home			Average maintenance award per student(1)(3)
		College/hostel	Lodgings		College/hostel	Lodgings	London	Oxbridge	Elsewhere
		£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
1960–61	…	634	611	735	577	543	434	(2)	412	Not available
1961–62	…	660	639	732	606	574	470	502	448	Not available
1962–63	…	702	692	723	671	629	503			495
1963–64	…	691	680	711	660	619	495			486
1964–65	…	662	652	682	632	593	474			464
1965–66	…	697			640		518			490
1966–67	…	673			618		500			456
1967–68	…	663			609		493			454
1968–69	…	668			609		491			446
1969–70	…	636			580		467			419
1970–71	…	632			571		459			407
1971–72	…	637			589		473			412
1972–73	…	614			569		454			378
1973–74	…	609			568		457			350
1974–75	…	665		605			475			(estimated) Not available
(1) All rates adjusted to September 1974 prices using the retail price index.
(2) No maximum main rate was specified.
(3) Per student receiving mandatory awards, including minimum award holders.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of university students have received (a) the maximum, and (b) the minimum grant over each of the last 15 years.

The proportion of home undergraduate students in universities in Great Britain in receipt of a mandatory award who received maximum grants is estimated at 21 per cent. in 1972–73, the only year for which the information is available. The corresponding percentage for students with minimum grants—£50—was 8 per cent., and the proportion has remained between 7 and 8 per cent. over the previous 10 years.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of university students receive no grants from central Government or local authorities.

In 1972–73, the latest year for which the information is available,

				London		Oxford and Cambridge
				1964–65	1974–75	1964–65	1974–75
				£	£	£	£
Actual difference:
Residence of student:
College or hostel	…	…	…	15	60	25	0
Lodgings	…	…	…	30	60	45	0
At home	…	…	…	0	0	0	0
Estimated difference at September 1974 prices^*:
Residence of student:
College or hostel		…	…	30	60	49	0
Lodgings	…	…	…	59	60	89	0
At home	…	…	…	0	0	0	0
^* Actual differences for 1964–65 adjusted by the change in the Retail Price Index between September 1964 and September 1974.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the average assessed level of parental contributions to student grants in the last available year and 10 years previously at constant prices.

In 1972–73, the latest year for which the information is available, the average assessed parental contribution to maintenance and fees for students, including minimum award holders, on first degree and comparable courses in universities and further education establishments in Great Britain is estimated at £199 compared with £156 in 1962–63, both figures being adjusted to prices at September 1974 using the retail price index.

the proportions of home students in universities in Great Britain who did not receive grants from central or local government sources are estimated to be 11 per cent. for undergraduates and 33 per cent. for postgraduates, including 6 per cent. of undergraduates and 21 per cent. of postgraduates who received grants from other sources.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the differential at the present in grants given to Oxford and Cambridge and London students and those at Scottish universities at real and constant prices; and what this was 10 years ago.

The maximum undergraduate rates of grant for students in Scottish universities are exceeded by those for students in Oxford, Cambridge and London by the amounts shown in the following table. For postgraduates a differential of £80 was introduced for London students in 1974–75.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will reduce the age threshold for a married student to be regarded as independent of his or her parents for grant purposes from 21 to 18 years.

I considered the criteria for independent status in the review of student grants for the year 1975–76 which was recently completed, and about which I made a statement on 20th May.—[Vol. 892, c. 321–2.] I came to the conclusion that, apart from those who achieve independence by supporting themselves for three years, there should be a single minimum age—25—for independence from parental contributions for all students; but it will no longer be a requirement that they reach that age before the start of the course.

Postgraduate Awards

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been

MAXIMUM MAIN RATE ^* OF MAINTENANCE AWARD FOR STUDENTS
Residing away from home
				London			Elsewhere
				College/hostel	Lodgings	Oxford and Cambridge	College/hostel	Lodgings	Residing at at home
				£	£	£	£	£	£
1960–61	…	…	…	634	611	735	577	543	434
1961–62	…	…	…	606	584	704	552	520	416
1962–63	…	…	…	943	943	943	943	943	713
1963–64	…	…	…	928	928	928	928	928	701
1964–65	…	…	…	889	889	889	889	889	672
1965–66	…	…	…	942	942	942	942	942	716
1966–67	…	…	…	909	909	909	909	909	691
1967–68	…	…	…	896	896	896	896	896	681
1968–69	…	…	…	897	897	897	897	897	694
1969–70	…	…	…	854	854	854	854	854	660
1970–71	…	…	…	797	797	797	797	797	617
1971–72	…	…	…	753	753	753	753	753	582
1972–73	…	…	…	831	831	831	831	831	639
1973–74	…	…	…	814	814	814	814	814	632
1974–75	…	…	…	960		880			660
^* All rates adjusted to September 1974 prices using the Retail Price Index.

Cornwall

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give details of the following in primary and secondary schools in Cornwall: full-time pupils on registers, full-time teachers, full-time equivalent of part-time teachers, pupils per teacher, and his estimates for those categories in each of the next five years.

At January 1974, the latest year for which information is available, the details for maintained primary and secondary schools in Cornwall were as follows:

	Primary	Secondary	Primary and Secondary
Full-time pupils	38,275^*	27,982	66,257^*
Full-time qualified teachers	1,395	1,523	2,918
Full-time equivalent of part-time teachers	53	53	106
Pupils per teacher†	26·7	17·8	22·1
^* Including 1,641 full-time 4-year-old pupils.
† Part-time pupils have each been included as 0·5 pupil and the pupil/teacher ratio is expressed in terms of full-time equivalents.

Estimates by my Department for Cornwall for the following five years are available

the value of postgraduate awards at constant prices over the last 15 years.

The information is given below for postgraduates in courses leading to higher degrees:only for full-time pupils aged five and over and are as follows:

	Primary	Secondary	Primary and Secondary
1975	37,100	29,000	66,100
1976	37,300	30,200	67,500
1977	37,500	31,200	68,700
1978	37,300	32,000	69,300
1979	36,800	32,500	69,300

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will give details of the number of students in Cornwall aged 15 to 17 years and as a percentage of the 15 to 17 year age group, on full-time, sandwich, part-time day, evening only and evening institute courses, and his estimates for changes in the next five years;(2) if he will give details of the number of students in Cornwall aged 18–20 years and as a percentage of the 18 to 20 age group, on full-time, sandwich, part-time day, evening only, and evening institute courses, and his estimates for changes in the next five years.

The number of students attending further education establishments located in Cornwall at November 1973 and the percentage these formed of the relevant age group resident in Cornwall are as follows:

Type of course						Number of students 15–17	Percentage of 15–17 age group	Number of students 18–20	Percentage of 18–20 age group
Major Further Education Establishments and Colleges of Education:
Full-time	…	…	…	…	…	938	6·4	959	6·7
Sandwich	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	11	0·1
Part-time day	…	…	…	…	…	729	5·0	1,211	8·5
Evening only	…	…	…	…	…	414	2·8	406	2·9
Evening Institutes	…	…	…	…	…	1,021	6·9	323	2·3

Many full-time students, especially in the 18–20 age group, study outside their normal area of residence. My Department does not estimate future further education numbers by individual local education authority area.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give details of his Department's estimates for changes in the school and student population in Cornwall, and compare

ESTIMATED MAINTAINED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL POPULATION
'000
		Primary pupils (aged 5 and over)		Secondary pupils		Primary and secondary pupils (aged 5 and over)
		England and Wales	Cornwall	England and Wales	Cornwall	England and Wales	Cornwall
1974	…	4,875·6	36·6	3,695·7	28·0	8,571·3	64·6
1975	…	4,828·5	37·1	3,809·5	29·0	8,638·0	66·1
1976	…	4,754·0	37·3	3,928·0	30·2	8,682·0	67·5
1977	…	4,676·8	37·5	4,021·4	31·2	8,698·2	68·7
1978	…	4,558·5	37·3	4,080·7	32·0	8,639·2	69·3
1979	…	4,410·7	36·8	4,103·8	32·5	8,514·5	69·3

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give details of the number of new school places, in primary and secondary schools in Cornwall, brought into use by new construction in each of the last two years, and give estimates of similar categories over the next five years; and if he will compare these figures with the totals for England and Wales.

New school places provided by major building projects in 1973 and 1974 are as follows:

	Cornwall
	Primary	Secondary
1973	760	1,555
1974	1,440	550
	England and Wales
	Primary	Secondary
1973	126,306	112,936
1974	154,272	120,111

Details of those provided by minor building projects are not available. The authority has been allocated £2,733,000 for school building starts in 1975–76 and as my right hon. Friend stated in the

these figures with similar for England and Wales.

The only forward estimates by my Department of pupil and student numbers in Cornwall that are available are those for maintained primary and secondary pupils aged five and over. Figures for January 1974 and projections for the following five years, together with corresponding figures for England and Wales, as as follows:House on 6th May—[Vol. 891, c. 1202]—he will try to inform authorities by the end of June of their allocations for 1976–77.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many school leavers in Cornwall went to universities, colleges of education, polytechnics and other full-time education over the last 10 years; and how this compares with similar figures, per head of school population, for England and Wales.

I regret that the precise information asked for is not available, but the number of new awards to students entering universities, establishments of further education and colleges of education, and their ratios to population—both nationally and in each local education authority including Cornwall—have been published annually for each year since 1966 in Volume 5 (Finance & Awards) of "Statistics of Education", copies of which are available in the Library.

Comprehensive Education (Kent)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the replies which he has received from Kent County Council concerning the implementation of comprehensive eductaion: and if he will make a statement.

No. I have nothing to add to my reply given on 4th February to a Question by my hon. Friend.—[Vol. 885, c. 449.]

Secondary Education Selection

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list those authorities which have refused to submit plans for the elimination of selection in secondary education, those which have failed to submit plans and those which have submitted plans which fail to cover the whole of their area.

The following authorities have failed to submit plans for the total elimination of selection: Bexley, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Kingston, Redbridge, Sutton, Trafford. A full response is awaited from Bolton, Bury, Derbyshire, Stockport, Warwickshire and Wigan. None of these authorities has refused to submit a plan.Authorities which have not yet submitted a response covering the whole of their areas are Cheshire, Cumbria, Devon, Dorset, Kent, Lincolnshire, Liverpool, Suffolk and East Sussex. We are aware that in many cases local consultations are in hand with respect to the remaining areas or schools, including voluntary schools.

Thanet

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many special units are being, or have already been, set up in the Thanet area to deal with children with behavioural difficulties; what types of special unit have been set up in each case; and what is the annual running cost.

As I explained in my reply of 23rd April to a Question by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Steen)—[Vol. 890, c. 317–8]—we have no detailed information in the Department about such provision.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many occupational or training centres there are in the Thanet area for mentally handicapped people; and how many persons can be accommodated in them.

I have been asked to reply.There is one centre for adults with 90 places.

National Finance

Income Taxation

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue would be raised if all income above £5,000, £6,000, £7,000, £8,000, £9,000, £10,000 and £20,000 were taxed at a marginal rate of 100 per cent.; and what the total of extra revenue in each case would be if existing revenue were subtracted.

Assuming that the allowances and rates of tax prepared for 1975–76 apply the figures are as follows:

Limit of net income after tar	Yield
£	£m
5,000	960
6,000	450
7,000	235
8,000	100
9,000	65
10,000	35
20,000	5

Trainees (Child Allowances)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many cases child allowances were claimed by parents of employed trainees; and what was the value of these allowances, in the last financial year for which information is available.

I regret that this information is not available.

Crown Estate Commissioners

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present number of empty residential units in London owned by the Crown Commissioners; how many units are now occupied by squatters; and what action the Commissioners are taking to ensure the maximum occupancy of their properties.

I am informed by the Crown Estate Commissioners that there are at present 67 such residential units—including 17 newly built flats—of which 40 are under offer. Of the remainder, 13 are the subject of planning applications, 11 are awaiting conversion and three are uninhabitable; these cannot, therefore, be used for short-term housing. There are also 26 residential units occupied by squatters of which 24 are the subject of planning applications and two are awaiting conversion.

Inflation

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current rate of inflation based on the same basis as his computation of 8·4 per cent. in October 1974.

Year					Standard or basic rate threshold for earned income as percentage of average earnings^*†	Standard or basic rate†	Effective standard rate on earned income‡
(1)					(2)	(3)	(4)
					Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.
1945–46	…	…	…	…	142·9	50·0	45·0
1946–47	…	…	…	…	148·4	45·0	39·37
1947–48	…	…	…	…	154·7	45·0	37·5
1948–49	…	…	…	…	193·0	45·0	36·0
1949–50	…	…	…	…	187·3	45·0	36·0
1950–51	…	…	…	…	177·7	45·0	36·0
1951–52	…	…	…	…	169·7	47·5	38·0
1952–53	…	…	…	…	218·1	47·5	36·94
1953–54	…	…	…	…	205·7	45·0	35·0
1954–55	…	…	…	…	190·6	45·0	35·0
1955–56	…	…	…	…	179·3	42·5	33·06
1956–57	…	…	…	…	168·2	42·5	33·06
1957–58	…	…	…	…	159·2	42·5	33·06
1958–59	…	…	…	…	156·2	42·5	33·06
1959–60	…	…	…	…	148·0	38·75	30·14
1960–61	…	…	…	…	137·8	38·75	30·14
1961–62	…	…	…	…	131·8	38·75	30·14
1962–63	…	…	…	…	127·5	38·75	30·14
1963–64	…	…	…	…	128·7	38·75	30·14
1964–65	…	…	…	…	119·0	38·75	30·14
1965–66	…	…	…	…	109·8	41·25	32·08
1966–67	…	…	…	…	106·0	41·25	32·08
1967–68	…	…	…	…	100·7	41·25	32·08
1968–69	…	…	…	…	89·6	41·25	32·08
1969–70	…	…	…	…	82·0	41·25	32·08
1970–71	…	…	…	…	57·6	41·25	32·08
1971–72	…	…	…	…	58·6	38·75	30·14
1972–73	…	…	…	…	59·9	(38·75	30·14)
1973–74	…	…	…	…	52·4	30·0
1974–75	…	…	…	…	51·1	33·0
1975–76	…	…	…	…	49·3	35·0
^* The earnings figures used in the calculations are annual equivalents of the average weekly earnings of full-time adult male manual workers in manufacturing and certain other industries at October each year, except for the year 1945–46 when the figures related to July 1945. An estimated figure of £54 per week at March 1975 has been used for 1975–76.
† Standard rate for the years 1945–46 to 1972–73, and basic rate for the years 1973–74 to 1975–76.
‡ Rate at which earned income charged assuming the full rate of earned income relief for the years 1945–46 to 1972–73, and ignoring any liability above the standard or basic rate.

The rate of increase in the retail price index in the three months to April expressed at an annual rate is 34·4 per cent.

Income Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the effective standard rate of income tax in each year since the Second World War;(2) if he will list for each year since the Second World War the percentage of the average male manual worker wage at which the standard rate of income tax became payable for a married man with two children, assuming that no other reliefs were claimable.

Assuming that the children are under 11 the figures are as follows:

European Community

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the actual net payments made to the EEC by the United Kingdom in 1973 and 1974; what is the estimate for the current year; and how these figures compare with the estimates made at the beginning of each year in question.

In 1973 the United Kingdom's net contribution to the budget of the European Communities was £104 million, at outturn prices, compared with the estimate published in December 1972 in "Public Expenditure to 1976–77" (Cmnd. 5178) of £65 million at 1972 Survey prices. In 1974 the net contribution was £31 million, at outturn prices, compared with the estimate published in December 1973 in "Public Expenditure to 1977–78" (Cmnd. 5519) of £75 million at 1973 Survey prices. The United Kingdom's net contribution to the Community budget in 1975 was estimated in "Public Expenditure to 1978–79" (Cmnd. 5879) published in January 1975 to be £100 million. In the White Paper "Membership of the European Community, Report on Renegotiation" (Cmnd. 6003) published in March 1975 this estimate was revised downwards to £65 million-£75 million. Receipts from the Community budget in 1975 are now expected to be

£ million
								1954	1964	1973
Central Government receipts:
Taxes on income		…	…	…	…	…	…	1,213	2,751	7,782
Additions to tax reserves			…	…	…	…	…	33	95	558
National insurance, etc. contributions					…	…	…	532	1,444	3,926
Taxes on expenditure			…	…	…	…	…	1,866	3,121	6,748
Taxes on capital		…	…	…	…	…	…	183	308	729
Central Government expenditure:
Current grants to the personal sector:
Education		…	…	…	…	…	…	39	135	469
Social security benefits			…	…	…	…	…	844	1,981	5,222
Other	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	41	60	309
The subsidy element of consumers' expenditure						…	…	395	397	982
Current expenditure on goods and services and capital formation:
National health service				…	…	…	…	486	1,010	2,750
Milk and welfare foods				…	…	…	…	43	37	11
Social security benefits			…	…	…	…	…	50	106	268

Occupational Pensions

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the most recent estimate of (a) the total amount of tax relief granted on employees' and employers' contributions to occupational pension schemes, (b) the amount of

higher than the forecast quoted in Cmnd. 6003, giving a net contribution a good deal less than £65 million-£75 million.

Government Income And Expenditure

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report comparative tables of central Government income and expenditure for 1954–55, 1964–65 and 1974–75 showing the Government's interventions in the personal sector—including national insurance and all other main items contributing to the redistribution of income such as education and health—separately from the Government's income and expenditure belonging outside the personal sector.

I am not sure what the hon. Member has in mind, but the information readily available, which is for calendar years, is given in the table below. Figures are not yet available for 1974. The table shows identified elements of central Government expenditure directly affecting the personal sector and does not show expenditure on education and other services by local government, which is largely financed by central Government block grants. The full accounts of the central Government are given in tables 39 and 40 of "National Income and Expenditure 1963–1973."capital gains tax forgone from occupational pension funds by reason of occupational pensions funds not being subject to capital gains tax and (

c) the amount of tax forgone from the income from the investments of occupational pension funds by reason of this income not being taxable.

I regret that no later information is available than that given to my hon. Friend on 7th March 1975.—[Vol. 887, c. 527–8.]

Public Expenditure

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the imposition of current price ceilings on public expenditure programmes; which major countries have already adopted this method of controlling the growth of public expenditure; and when, if recently, they did so.

Some public expenditure programmes are already subject to cash control. As my right hon. Friend indicated in his Budget Statement, we need to reflect on the wisdom of planning public expenditure solely on the basis of constant prices and I am looking into this. So far as I am aware it is the exception, rather than the rule, for countries to plan and control public expenditure on a constant price rather than a cash basis.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing total expenditure by the public sector as a percentage of gross domestic product in 1945, 1955, 1965, 1970 and for each year thereafter up to the latest available date, including the estimate for 1975–76.

The following table shows the ratio of total public expenditure at market prices to GDP at factor cost, for certain years since 1949, the earliest year for which this information is available.

CURRENT RECEIPTS OF GENERAL GOVERNMENT AS A PERCENTAGE OF GDP
					United Kingdom	United States	West Germany	Japan	France
1970	…	…	…	…	41·3	29·5	37·4	21·9	20·9
1971	…	…	…	…	39·4	28·9	38·3	22·4	20·4
1972	…	…	…	…	37·6	30·0	38·7	22·6	20·5
1973	…	…	…	…	37·0	30·3	41·0	—	—

Whisky

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total excise duty paid in respect of whisky distilled on the Island of Islay for the most recent year for which figures are available.

Public Expenditure as a Proportion of GDP at Factor Cost
	Per cent.
1949	43·9
1955	41·8
1965	45·3
1970	50·7
1971	50·2
1972	50·3
1973	51·2
1974	57·7

I am not in a position to publish a forecast for 1975–76 because of the uncertainties which underlie current price projections of GDP.

Gross Domestic Product

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of GDP was represented by the total of all forms of Government revenue for each year since 1970; and what comparable figures he has for Germany, France, the United States of America and Japan.

The following table shows estimates of total current receipts of general—central plus local—government as a percentage of gross domestic product in purchasers' values for the United Kingdom, United States, West Germany, Japan and France. Figures for 1970 to 1973 are shown for all countries except Japan and France, and are derived from the publication "National Accounts of OECD Countries, 1962–1973." Figures for Japan and France were derived from the 1961–1972 edition of the same publication. Figures for the United Kingdom are calculated from returns made to the OECD on the same basis and are consistent with the Blue Book "National Income and Expenditure 1963–73".

Spirits duty is paid on release of whisky from bond after it has matured for at least three years. Matured whisky from Islay's eight distilleries is mainly sent to bonded warehouses on the mainland for blending with whiskies from many other sources. Since no differentiation between the sources of blended whisky is made when duty is paid it is not possible to say how much is attributable to the Island of Islay.

Value Added Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how "do-it-yourself" housebuilders can claim refunds of VAT under the Government's new refund scheme.

The Value Added Tax ("Do-it-yourself" Builders) (Relief) Regulations 1975, which prescribe the time limits and conditions for claiming the refund, came into operation on 19th May and do-it-yourself" housebuilders who have built complete new dwellings may now submit claims for refund of VAT on eligible goods purchased by them on or after 13th November 1974 from persons registered for VAT. Customs and Excise have published full details in their Notice No. 719; and copies of the notice, and of the forms on which claims must be made, are now available from Customs and Excise local VAT offices. For the convenience of Members, copies are available in the Vote Office.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue it is anticipated will accrue in the forthcoming financial year from the imposition of the new 25 per cent. rate of VAT on television rental agreements entered into before 15th April 1975.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 19th May 1975; Vol. 892, c. 285], gave the following information:Trade interests have estimated that raising to 25 per cent. the rate of VAT on the renting of television sets will yield about £100 million in a full year, although this may be a little too high. In the current financial year 1975–76 the extra revenue is estimated to be of the order of £50 million, nearly all of which will come from rental agreements entered into before 15th April 1975. The proportion of this additional revenue from such contracts will steadily decline.

Income Tax Allowances

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the increase in tax that would be payable if all personal allowances, single, married and married woman's earned income allowance, were reduced by £20.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 21st May 1975; Vol. 892, c. 427], gave the following information:About £165 million assuming the allowances and rates of tax proposed for 1975–76.

National Insurance Contributions

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the revenue of giving tax relief on class II and class IV national insurance contributions paid by self-employed contributors (a) if relief were given on the total of both contributions and (b) if relief were given only on the amount by which the total of both contributions exceeded five per cent. of earnings.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 21st May 1975; Vol. 892, c. 427], gave the following information:Information on which to base a precise calculation is not available, but it is estimated that the full-year cost for 1975–76 of allowing tax relief on class II and class IV contributions would be about £80 million. If relief were limited to contributions in excess of 5 per cent. of earnings the cost would be about £30 million.

Sheraton House, City Of Westminster

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what Vote the Government have leased Sheraton House in Great Chapel Street, London.

I have been asked to reply.Class VIII, Vote 2.

Defence

Masirah (United States Vessels)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many times facilities at Masirah have been used by United States vessels in 1974 and 1975, respectively.

None.

Contracts

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the value of defence contracts carried out in each of the standard regions of England and in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, respectively, in the most recent convenient period of time.

The values of defence contracts placed with firms in these areas were as follows for the financial year 1974–75:

	£ million
England
Northern	18
Yorkshire and Humberside	46
East Midlands	186
West Midlands	117
North West	77
South West	171
South East	490
East Anglia	27
England total	£1,132
Wales	36
Scotland	55
Northern Ireland	13
United Kingdom total	£1236

It is not possible to give similar figures for defence contracts carried out or completed.

Soviet Aircraft (British Airspace)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Soviet aircraft have been intercepted and turned back while attempting to enter British airspace during the last 12 months; and how many were in the area of the North-East of Scotland.

We reserve the right to intercept and identify aircraft approaching the United Kingdom without adequate flight plan clearance, but it would be contrary to normal practice and against the public interest to provide statistics of such interceptions. Providing the aircraft concerned are in international airspace the question of turning them back does not arise.

Submarine Orders

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any agreement has been reached within the Eurogroup or elsewhere whereby any future orders for conventional submarines are to be placed with Dutch manufacturers rather than British.

No.

Defence Equipment (Questions)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will review his practice of not answering Parliamentary Questions relating to inquiries about, and contracts for, the purchase of defence equipment.

It remains our practice to be as forthcoming as possible but we must judge what can be said on the merits of each case and in the light of all considerations.

Oman (British Personnel)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what compensation has been paid to the next of kin of those members of the British Armed Forces killed or wounded while on loan to the Sultan Qabus Bin Said, Sultan of Oman, by Her Majesty's Government, and how this compares with rates of compensation paid to the next of kin of British soldiers killed while on active service in Ulster.

The secondment of members of the British forces to those of the Sultan of Oman is governed by financial arrangements which include the provision by the Ministry of Defence of the full benefits of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. Those wounded and the widows of those killed on active service while on such a loan are therefore awarded pensions in exactly the same way as those on active service in Northern Ireland or any other part of the world.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces are now on service in Oman and how many are on loan to the Sultan Qabus Bin Said, Sultan of Oman; and how these numbers compare with the numbers in each of these categories serving in Oman 12 months earlier.

188 members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces are currently serving on loan with the Sultan of Oman's armed forces compared with 205 a year ago. It is not our practice to give the numbers providing direct assistance to the Sultan's forces in the campaign against the rebels in Dhofar. As for the rest of Oman, there are currently 530 members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces serving on the island of Masirah compared with 525 a year ago; there are also five serving on the permanent staff of Her Majesty's Embassy Muscat, the same number as a year ago.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has yet determined a date by which all British military personnel will be withdrawn from the Sultanate of Oman.

I have nothing to add to what was said in the Statement on the Defence Estimates 1975 (Cmnd. 5976) and in my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Thanet, East (Mr. Aitken) on 13th May 1975.—[Vol. 892, c. 225.]

Arms Sales

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the value of the sale of British-made armaments abroad in the year March 1973 to 1974 and March 1974 to 1975 or the nearest equivalent 12-month periods.

The estimated value of exports of defence equipment in the financial years ending 31st March 1974 and 31st March 1975 is as follows:

1973–74, £423 million.
1974–75, £475 million (provisional).

Expenditure

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the cost per head of the population and per average family of four persons of this year's arms estimates and of each year since 1960;(2) what is the annual increase per head of the population and per family of four persons of this year's arms estimates and of each year's arms expenditure since 1960 compared with the previous year.

Figures of expenditure on military defence for the calendar years 1960 to 1973 are set out in Table 14 of "National Income and Expenditure 1963–1973", at constant (1970) prices. On this basis a comparison can be made per head of population as follows:

Expenditure per head	(£)
1960	52·2
1961	53·4
1962	55·3
1963	54·7
1964	53·8
1965	54·0
1966	52·5
1967	54·8
1968	51·8
1969	46·5
1970	43·7
1971	43·8
1972	43·7
1973	43·1
Increase/Decrease
1960	-
1961	+1·2
1962	+1·9
1963	-0·6
1964	-0·9
1965	+0·2
1966	-1·5
1967	+2·3
1968	-3·0
1969	-5·3
1970	-2·8
1971	+0·1
1972	-0·1
1973	-0·6

Figures for families of four are not readily available over the period. The provisional total of military defence for 1974, on the same price base, is £2,355 million, or £41·9 per head of population. Information on military defence and population for 1975 on a comparable basis is not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the percentage increase in this year's arms estimates over the previous year's arms expenditure compared with the percentage increase in the cost of all goods and services in that period.

The increase at 1974 survey prices from provisional outturn, 1974–75, to Estimates, 1975–76, is 3·9 per cent. The element for inflation in the 1975–76 Estimates is 22·9 per cent. This compares with the increases in the indices of Retail and Wholesale Prices and Basic Weekly Wage Rates and Average Earnings of between 17 per cent. and 27 per cent.

Medical Advisory Boards

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has accepted the Jarrett Committee's recommendation that a single medical advisory board should replace the separate advisory boards to each of the defence medical services.

Yes. The Armed Forces Medical Advisory Board has been established to advise my right hon. Friend on matters of professional standards, practice and policy in connection with the medical services of the Armed Forces in the light of important medical developments. The board will also advise on any specific problems which may be referred to them.The chairman of the new advisory board will be Sir John Richardson, MVO, MA, MD, FRCP and the following will be members:Sir Cyril Clarke, KBE, MD, DSc, PRCP, FRS.Sir Kenneth Robson, CBE, MA, MD, FRCP.Dr. R. M. Mason, MA, DM, FRCP, FRCP(Ed).Professor J. W. Crofton, MD, PRCP(Ed), FRCP.Sir Rodney Smith, KBE, MS, PRCS.Mr. R. Myles Gibson, ERD, MSc, MD, FRCS, FRCS(Ed).Mr. Selwyn F. Taylor, MA, MD, MCh, FRCS.Mr. J. A. Ross, MBE, MD, MCh, PRCS(Ed), FRCS Glas.Dr. G. B. Shaw, BSc, FRCP, FRCP(Glas), FRCP(Ed), FRCPS(Glas).Mr. T. L. T. Lewis, MD, FRCS, FRCOG.Professor P. S. Byrne, OBE, PRCGP.Mr. J. H. Hovell, TD, MRCS, LRCP, FDS. RCS.Miss I. C. S. Brown, SRN, RSCN, RNT.Dr. W. G. Harding, MRCS, FRCP, FPCM, DPH.

		Less than 4 weeks		1–11 months		1 year and over		Total number of cases
Type of operation		Salford	Remainder of Region	Salford	Remainder of Region	Salford	Remainder of Region	Salford	Remainder of Region
General surgery	…	340	4,914	330	6,078	15	364	685	11,356
Ear, nose and throat		61	1,364	351	3,616	77	578	489	5,558
Traumatic and orthopaedic	…	38	1,077	62	2,038	4	367	104	3,482
Gynaecology	…	101	3,134	191	3,859	6	330	298	7,323
Other surgery	…	41	2,626	80	3,139	5	324	126	6,089

Volume 892: debated on Thursday 22 May 1975

Written Answers To Questions

President Ford (Talks)

Environment

Road Construction Contracts

Dog Licences

Derelict Land

Housing (Cornwall)

Public Transport (Use)

Community Land Bill

Speed Limits

Trunk Roads (Marking)

Homeless Persons

Expenditure

Planning Appeals (West Lancashire)

Playspaces

Home Heating Savings

Ashford

Durham

Bahamas Legislature (Gift)

National Freight Corporation

North West Regional Water Authority

Railways

Northern Ireland (Civil Servants' Housing)

Home Department

Police (Motor Vehicle Purchases)

Identification (Devlin Committee)

Exorcism

Indictable Offence Hearings (Defendants' Costs)

Helicopters (Public Service Use)

Remanded Juveniles

Prisoners (Maintenance Costs)

Shoplifting

Television Licences

Illegal Immigrants

Imprisoned Mothers

Television (Wales)

Crime (Detection)

Magistrates

"Babies For Burning"

Employment

European Social Fund

Horse Racing

Unemployment Benefit

Bournemouth

House Of Commons

Official Paid Letters

Referendum

Members Of Parliament (Pay)

Wales

Agriculture

Brucellosis

Llangollen (Sewage Discharge)

Education And Science

University Students

Adult Illiteracy

Medical Schools

Student Grants

Postgraduate Awards

Cornwall

Comprehensive Education (Kent)

Secondary Education Selection

Thanet

National Finance

Income Taxation

Trainees (Child Allowances)

Crown Estate Commissioners

Inflation

Income Tax

European Community

Occupational Pensions

Government Income And Expenditure

Public Expenditure

Whisky

Gross Domestic Product

Value Added Tax

Income Tax Allowances

National Insurance Contributions

Sheraton House, City Of Westminster