asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the six largest industrial sectors which consume natural gas and electricity, and the percentage derived from private sources in each

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the total public expenditure to date on the Dungeness B power station project; what is the current estimate for the total cost and completion date of work on this project; and what is the estimate of the unit cost of electricity from this project.

I am advised by the CEGB that expenditure on Dungeness B to 31 March 1979 was £320 million; expenditure—at March 1979 prices—after that date is estimated to bring the total cost to £430 million—excluding initial nuclear fuel and interest

The following figures are for 1978, the latest year for which information is available.during construction. Commissioning is planned to start in 1980–81.Future generating costs are subject to uncertainty and depend amongst other things on the performance of the station and the rate of inflation.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the current production costs of coal per tonne (a) in the United Kingdom, (b) in Yorkshire and the East Midlands, (c) in Wales and (d) in Scotland; and what he estimates to be the production costs of Selby and Belvoir.

Schedule 8 on pages 58–59 of the National Coal Board's report and accounts 1978–79 sets out the cost of coal production on an Area basis. Estimates of future production costs, such as at the new mines of Selby and North-East Leicester are matters for the board.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he anticipates that by 1985 and 2000 there will be a market demand for coal sufficient to match the planned production under the current programme.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many coalfields are currently in operation in the United Kingdom; how many new seams have been recently discovered; where each is located; and when it is estimated that supplies of coal in the whole of the United Kingdom will run out, assuming that no new workable deposits are discovered.

This is a matter for the National Coal Board and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many platforms are presently producing oil off the United Kingdom coastline; how many rigs are being developed in the same areas; how many barrels of oil each platform produces each day; and when the supplies of each platform are expected to run out

There are currently 19 oil-producing platform installations on the United Kingdom continental shelf. A further seven rigs are being developed in the same area. Offshore crude oil production figures for each field for the year 1979 are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he intends to authorise the ordering of the two additional nuclear power stations referred to in his recent statement; and if he will make a further statement.

As my right hon. Friend told the House on 13 March —[Vol. 980, c. 1552]—we are considering the capital programmes of the electricity supply industry, including the two AGRs, in the light of the latest forecasts of electricity demand. The House will be informed in due course of our conclusions.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received on postponing generation of electricity from nuclear power.

We have been generating electricity from nuclear power in the United Kingdom since 1956. There is widespread interest in all aspects of nuclear policy and I regularly receive representations from the public, from Members of Parliament, and from those concerned with the industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the price of gas used for horticulture production in pence per therm in the United Kingdom; and what is the price in the Netherlands, using average contract prices.

Relatively little gas is used for horticulture production in Great Britain and is sold on the non-domestic tariff at a commodity rate of 26·1p per therm as at 1 April 1980 for consumption up to 100,000 therms per annum and, for higher consumption, on special contract terms, negotiated at a price related to that of the competing oil product.I understand that in the Netherlands, where gas is the major fuel used for horticulture production, a federation of market gardeners negotiates a price with Gasunie for horticulture producers which in January 1980 was about 18 cents. per cubic metre, equivalent to 11p/therm at current exchange rates, which is only a fraction of the equivalent oil price.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he would be prepared to seek to exempt from the gas monopoly the supply by pipe of medium British thermal unit coal gas (300–400 BTUs) by manufacturers to industry within selected areas of the United Kingdom.

It is not clear that legislation on this subject would serve any useful purpose at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has assessed the changed expectations of United Kingdom economic growth and energy demand; and what impact these are likely to have on the National Coal Board investment programme.

The results of the Government's latest review of NCB's capital expenditure are included in the Public Expenditure White Paper published on 26 March. These figures are reviewed annually, taking account of the matters mentioned by the hon. Member and of all other relevant factors.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the advanced gascooled reactors to be located at Heysham and Torness are now to proceed or to be deferred due to a revision of electricity demand for the late 1980s.

As my right hon. Friend told the House on 13 March—[Vol. 980, c. 1552]—we are considering the capital programmes of the electricity supply industry, including the two AGR's, in the light of the latest forecasts of electricity demand. The House will be informed in due course of our conclusions.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is proposing to have discussions with representatives of all oil companies operating in the exploration for oil and gas in the North Sea before a decision is taken on the allocation of the seventh round of licences for the new blocks.

I would expect, as in previous rounds, all companies who apply for licences to be interviewed about their applications, before decisions are made on the awards.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the taxes on the production of North Sea oil are assessed on the well-head price, the landed price, or the market price.

I have been asked to reply.For tax purposes North Sea oil is valued at its landed market value if not sold at arm's length and at its realisation price if sold at arm's length.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he proposes to have with all companies operating offshore on the safety precautions, inspection of rigs, equipment, residential accommodation and safety training to safeguard the lives of the persons employed in the exploration for oil and gas in the North Sea.

Officials of my Department will continue their present practice of regular dialogue with the oil industry on all aspects of the safety of offshore installations. Following the recent tragic accident to the Alexander Kielland, I have asked companies to carry out immediate inspections of the structural integrity of all semi-submersible installations operating on the United Kingdom continental shelf. We will consider what further action is necessary in the light of the Norwegian Government inquiry. In addition, I am pressing ahead with the registration as offshore installations, of floating accommodation units operating in United Kingdom waters.Close liaison is being maintained with the Health and Safety Commssion which has policy responsibility for occupational health and safety offshore, and who are advised by the Oil Industry Advisory Committee, and with the Department of Trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list all those rigs operating in the British sector of the North Sea, and which are floating or semi-submersible rigs, together with the dates when the flotation chambers of these rigs were subjected to a complete underwater inspection; and whether maintenance or remedial action was necessary arising from these inspections.

A list of mobile installations (rigs) operating in the British sector of the North Sea is set out below. The dates of the last complete underwater inspection and consequential actions taken are given.An additional inspection was started on Friday, 28 March 1980, of all Pentagone type installations in United Kingdom waters and preliminary reports show no cause for alarm. Similar inspections of all other floating installations in the United Kingdom sector are under way.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how he intends to apply his proposals on student union financing to the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge; to what extent he has made details of his proposals available to interested parties; what date he has set for their replies; and whether he has received any objections to this timetable of consultation.

Arrangements for introducing the new system to all institutions, including the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge, are still under consideration and have not yet been put to other parties.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guideance he proposes to give as to the appropriate increase in finance for student unions for 1980–81.

The parties concerned have been advised that the increase should not exceed 14 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he has taken to fulfil the obligations laid on him by section 4 of the Education Act 1944.

I have not as yet seen the need to appoint a central advisory council.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the total amount of nonpublic funds raised by or on behalf of State schools and used by them for educational purposes.

In the financial year 1978–79, the income from sales of goods and services by maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special schools in England and Wales amounted to £2·8 million at outturn prices. No information is available about the amounts raised on behalf of maintained schools by parent-teacher associations and similar bodies.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which bodies have commented on the Keohane committee's report on proposals for a certificate of extended education since it was published; and if he will indicate the kind of comments he has received.

The Schools Council, the local authority associations, teacher associations, the school examination boards and further education examining bodies, the CBI and the TUC have all commented on this Report. A little over half the replies received generally support the introduction of a CEE as recommended by the Keohane Group. The remainder are either opposed on education grounds to the underlying philosophy of a single subject examination with no necessary vocational bias, or question the wisdom of inaugurating a separate new examination alongside existing examinations for a similar target group who follow pre-employment courses in further education.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will make a statement on the proposed "I" level examination suggested by the Schools Council.(2) when he expects to have finished his consideration of the Keohane committee's report and to be able to put forward firm proposals concerning the certificate of extended education.

My right hon. and learned Friend has already said that he will be considering the Keohane Report alongside other proposals relating to the sixth form curriculum and examination structure including the case for an intermediate examination between GCE O and A-level. He has not yet reached a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will give a direction to the British Steel Corporation under section 4(5) of the Iron and Steel Act 1975 to dispose of all assets which are not used in the production of iron and steel; and if he will list the corporation's assets which fall within this category.

My right hon. Friend has no plans to give any such directions to the British Steel Corporation. The BSC is actively pursuing the sale of assets both at home and overseas which are not central to its business.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the total cost to the taxpayer of the nationalised steel industry since its creation, expressed as an average for each household.

The net loss of the British Steel Corporation between nationalisation in 1967 and end September 1979 amounts to £1,220 million. Over the same period the corporation has required finance from external sources of £4,400 million all of which counts, on current definitions, as public sector borrowing. These sums represent £60 and £220 respectively for each household in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Keighley of 31 March, if the duties of the former deputy secretary, Mr. J. Lippitt, included tendering advice on the electricity generating plant industry and maintaining contact on a number of issues with the General Electric Company Ltd.; and if, in view of the lack of conditions attaching to his new appointment, whether Mr. Lippitt will be able to use freely all the knowledge and experience gained during his employment at his Department.

Mr. Lippitt was not directly responsible for tendering advice on the electrical generating plant industry although his duties involved contacts with the General Electric Company Ltd. This involvement was taken into account by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments in giving its advice. Mr. Lippitt remains subject to the Official Secrets Acts in respect of information which he acquired or to which he had access through his official position.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to encourage and promote the development of a unified computer industry in the United Kingdom and other European countries, in view of the preponderant share of the current world market held by the United States of America.

The Government recognise the importance to the United Kingdom and Europe of a healthy computer manufacturing industry. The United Kingdom is playing a full part in the EEC four-year programme for the development of data processing within the Community adopted last year. Furthermore, we are discussing with our European partners the Commission's proposals for action to increase the competitiveness of European industry across the whole range of information technology. It is not clear, however, that formal measures of industrial unification are necessary.

asked the Attorney-General what is the present number of black magistrates who sit in juvenile courts in the Greater London Area.

The number of magistrates sitting in the juvenile courts in the Inner London Area who are of Asian, African or West Indian Origin is 26. No record is kept of magistrates' colour, and the expression "black" is in this context not appropriate.

asked the Attorney-General, in view of his public statement that he has known of cases where the police have corruptly charged, and secured convictions of, persons for crimes that they did not commit, what action he has taken or intends taking to deal with these illegalities; and whether he will make a statement.

I do not propose to make a statement. The phrase I used was "fitted-up" and when I used it I had in mind two specific cases in recent years, in each of which the police officer concerned was prosecuted for and convicted of the offences disclosed.

asked the Attorney-General how many cases of (a) electricity and (b) gas debts have resulted in court proceedings during each of the most recent five years; and what was the average amount of the debt, the average amount recovered, and the average length of time between the final demands being sent and the court action being heard.

I regret that the information is not available to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new staff it is intended to recruit to the Scottish Office in 1980–81, and of what grades; and to which sub-departments they will be assigned.

I cannot give the information requested until I have considered in more detail the incidence of the staff reductions which are to be made in the Scottish Office. When staff are recruited, they are assigned to the Scottish Office and their deployment is dictated by the needs of the departments in it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish an estimate of the number of households in Scotland in all forms of public and private sector tied accommodation, disaggregated as far as is possible and reasonable.

It is estimated that there are about 10,000 households in tied accommodation owned by regional coun- cils, 1,000 in tied accommodation owned by district or island councils and approximately a further 60,000 in other forms of tied accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to extend the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 to include Scotland.

My right hon. Friend has no such plans.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many incidents involving the misuse of poisons in the countryside have been investigated by officials of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland in the last five years.

There were 143 confirmed cases of misuse of poisons involving wildlife and domestic pets in the countryside in Scotland during the five-year period 1975 to 1979.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to restore smaller hospitals in Scotland, and to stop any threatened closure or re-designation of rural hospitals.

I do not propose to take any steps to reopen hospitals which have been closed, nor to seek to dissuade health boards from putting forward proposals for closure of hospitals or substantial changes in the use of hospitals when, after consultation with local interests, they consider that such changes would make better use of resources. Such closures or changes require the approval of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will decide whether a public inquiry is to be held into the proposals by Longhaven Quarries Limited to build a jetty and extract quarrying materials for overseas transhipment at Longhaven in the constituency of East Aberdeenshire.

The proposed developments are the subject of a draft order by the promoters under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936. Formal petitions of objection have been lodged by various interests, which are still under consideration and subject to negotiation by the promoters. This procedure may take some months. On the assumption that the objections are not subsequently withdrawn, they would, in terms of the Act, become the subject of a public inquiry by Parliamentary Commissioners sitting in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the recent large numbers of job losses in the engineering, fishing, and fish processing industries in the East Aberdeenshire constituency, he will take steps, in co-operation with the Scottish Development Agency in order to attract new oil and gas-related industries to the area.

Decisions on location are ultimately for the companies concerned, but my Department and the Scottish Development Agency will, of course, continue to take such steps as are appropriate to encourage the creation of jobs in East Aberdeenshire.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the large number of redundancies and total job losses involving both highly skilled and unskilled persons in East Aberdeenshire due to the lack of new industry in the area, he will consider what further measures can be taken to alleviate the position.

We are taking steps to reduce inflation and create a sound and prosperous economy in which industry—in East Aberdeenshire and elsewhere—can expand and create new jobs. The measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 26 March to assist small firms are particularly relevant to the needs of areas such as East Aberdeenshire.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the concern in the burgh of Fraserburgh at the decision of the Grampian health board to re-designate 10 acute hospital beds at Fraserburgh hospital to geriatric beds, if he will ensure that no action is taken on this matter until full discussions have taken place between his Department and all parties concerned.

No. This is a matter for the health board to decide and it is at present in consultation with local interests.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the figures relating specifically to Scotland in Cmnd. 7873 "The Interception of Communications in Great Britain".

No. It would not be appropriate to add to the information given in the Command Paper.

asked the Secretary or State if he will hold discussions with all interested parties in areas which have been affected by the oil and gas industries, particularly in East Aberdeenshire, before the Grampian region is downgraded to intermediate area status on 1 August.

It has been announced that areas which are to be downgraded by more than one step to non-assisted status will have their circumstances reviewed before the final step is taken on 1 August 1982. I have also announced, preparatory to that review, a study on the impact of oil-related developments on indigenous industries which is now under way and during which the study team will consult local authorities on the circumstances of their areas.While I am aware of the recent and prospective job losses in East Aberdeenshire, I do not believe it would be right to depart from our reshaped regional policy or to modify the changes which are to take place this summer, which reflect our decision to concentrate effort and resources on the areas of greatest need.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many incidents involving misuse of poisons in the countryside have been investigated by officials in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the last five years.

226.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what communication he has received from the Commission of the European Economic Community concerning the import of liquid milk into the United Kingdom; and when he plans to make it available to relevant Select Committees of the House.

The Commission has written to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs recording its view that certain health measures within the United Kingdom relating to Ultra Heat Treated milk and cream are contrary to the provisions of the EEC Treaty. In accordance with the provisions in Article 169 of the Treaty, the Commission has invited the Government to submit its observations within 30 days.It has not been the practice to deposit in Parliament a document such as this, which is confidential to the Commission and the Government.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in the proposed legislation to enforce the White Fish Authority levy to be paid on transhipment of fish caught in British waters.

Following consideration of representations made by hon. Members and by the fishing industry, the Government have reached two decisions. First, we will introduce as soon as possible in the present parliamentary Session legislation to enable the White Fish Authority to collect its general levy on trans-shipped fish. The levying of trans-shipped fish as well as fish landed in the United Kingdom will ensure that the costs of financing the WFA are shared equitably among the industry.Secondly, we propose to limit the increase in the rate of general levy to half of that originally proposed by the authority. An Order providing for a new rate of 1·2p per stone of fish (with appropriate differentials for fish products) will be laid in the next few weeks. This will be the first increase it the authority's levy for six years.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider adding the controlling of farm wastes and wastes in general generated by the agriculture industry to the controls that already exist in industry and commerce under the Control of Pollution Act 1974.

I have been asked to reply and will do so shortly.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will seek to raise at the next meeting of the European Economic Community Ministers the need to alter the powers of the Commission so as to enable individual national Governments to prevent the circulation within their borders of information emanating from the Commission which give what, in the view of the national Government concerned, is false information on their economic relationship with other members of the Community.

No. Any information put out by the Commission is published on its own responsibility. Member States can make a correction or provide supplementary information if it is required.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, following his answer on 28 March, when the European Development Fund will make its decision on the Bilinyang campus of the University of Juba, Sudan; and if he will make a further statement at that time.

I understand that the Commission may be submitting a financing proposal to the Community member States soon, but this is a complex project and the Commission needs to be sure it is properly designed. My hon. Friend will inform the hon. Member when a decision has been taken.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what are the arrangements for repayment of Rhodesia 6 per cent. stock 1976 to 1979 and arrears of interest to United Kingdom holders.

The new Government of Rhodesia have made it clear that they intend to honour debts outstanding to the British Government and to private creditors in the United Kingdom. We expect that the Zimbabwe Government will be meeting representatives of the holders of Rhodesian stock fairly shortly after independence to discuss the arrangements for servicing and repayment.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what representations have at any time been made in Dublin to secure voting rights for United Kingdom citizens resident in the Republic of Ireland equivalent to those enjoyed by its citizens when resident in the United Kingdom.

The Government have made no such representations.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any discussions have taken place between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Government of the Irish Republic about the special privileges granted to Irish citizens resident in the United Kingdom.

No.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what instructions are given to embassy staffs in general, and those in Saudi Arabia in particular, concerning the use of alcoholic beverages; and whether on official occasions all such staffs are advised not to use alcohol when this is against the law of the country in which the embassy is situated.

In accordance with the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations, all British Embassy staff in Saudi Arabia as in countries elsewhere are expected to observe the laws and regulations of the countries to which they are sent. Staff are given briefing about local conditions before posting and on arrival. Detailed instructions about particular local regulations are laid down by each head of mission as necessary. Legislation about alcohol varies from country to country in the Middle East. Local advice to staff and our practice on official occasions are tailored accordingly.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the visit to Great Britain of Mr. Viljoen, of the South African Administration in Namibia, and his discussions with representatives of Her Majesty's Government.

Dr. Viljoen is on a private visit to London to address the half-yearly dinner of the South Africa Club. Dr. Viljoen paid courtesy calls yesterday on my right hon. and noble Friend, and me during which the negotiations for Namibian independence were reviewed.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement about money being donated from the foreign aid programme to the Royal Veterinary College for research into sheep breeding.

For expenditure in the financial year 1979–80 about £83,000 was allocated to four schemes at the Royal Veterinary College under the Research and Development Sub-head (D5) of the Overseas Aid Vote. Expenditure on three of those schemes will continue until 1981–82. They chiefly concern aspects of the breeding and adaptation of British sheep in developing countries. Most of the detailed technical work is being done at the college.

asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with co-ordination between the Department of the Environment and the Department of Energy regarding insulation standards for buildings.

Yes. The Departments are in close touch.

asked the Prime Minister what are her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her public engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will state her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she wil list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 April.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 3 April.

I refer my hon. Friends and the hon. Members to the reply which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire (Mr. O'Neill).

asked the Prime Minister when she expects to meet trade union leaders in the textile industry.

I have no plans to meet the trade union leaders in the textile industry. However, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade met TUC leaders to discuss textile policy last week. He has also seen a number of deputations from the textile industry that included trade union representatives.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to undertake a diplomatic initiative, under the auspices of the EEC, on the Middle East; and whether she will give an assurance that one policy requirement of Her Majesty's Ministers will be support for the territorial integrity of the State of Israel within secure and defensible borders, in accordance with resolutions 242 and 338 of the United Nations Security Council.

We are discussing with our European partners ways in which Europe may be able to help. We do not wish to cut across any negotiations presently taking place, and no decisions have yet been taken. Any settlement must recognise Israel's right to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries and the right of the Palestinians to self-determination in the framework of a negotiated settlement.

asked the Prime Minister what items she intends to place on the agenda of the EEC Heads of Government meeting in Venice on 12 and 13 June.

European Councils have no fixed agenda. It is too early to say what topics I shall wish to raise.

asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to visit Newburgh.

I have at present no plans to do so.

asked the Prime Minister when last she met the leaders of the Confederation of British Industry.

At the NEDC meeting on 9 January.

asked the Prime Minister which Ministers are responsible for the various aspects of family policy.

All Ministers take account of family policy issues which arise in their fields of responsibility.

asked the Prime Minister what representations she has received from the town clerk of Manchester with regard to part VI of the Local Government, Planning and Land (No. 2) Bill; what reply she is sending and if she will make a statement.

I have received a letter dated 24 March asking the Government to give further consideration to the local authority associations' alternative to the Government's proposals on block grant. The same letter was sent to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, who will be replying on behalf of the Government.The associations' proposals were unacceptable, but the Government have invited them to submit constructive amendments in Committee to incorporate any additional safeguards, consistent with the basic principles of block grant, on the operation of the system.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will publish an outline of the research design by which the so-called "tougher régimes pilot project" will be evaluated:(2) by whom the evaluation of the "tougher régimes pilot project" will be carried out; and if he will undertake to publish its report.

I have placed in the Library of the House a copy of the Home Office note of guidance to staff, which includes a summary of the evaluation programme. It will be carried out largely by the Home Office, although we hope that members of the probation service and social services will be prepared to assist. The results will be made publicly available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the handloom shop at New Hall will be retained; if so, in view of the antiquated nature of these machines, if he is satisfied that their use is likely to reduce the inmates' recidivism rate; and if he make a statement.

The handloom weaving shop at New Hall will be retained. The evaluation programme will cover re-conviction rates, but it will not be possible for this purpose to isolate particular elements of the regime. I have placed in the Library of the House a copy of the Department's guidance to staff about the pilot project, which will start on 21 April 1980.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the rebuilding and modernisation programmes now under consideration for Wormwood Scrubs prison; what is the proposed cost of the work; what is the date of commencement and completion; and what discussions are now taking place on this issue with the governor and representatives of the Prison Officers' Association.

The projects which are included in the next phase of building at Wormwood Scrubs comprise major repairs and improvements to security in A Hall and the hospital; new kitchens; new visits block, improvements to hospital and operating theatre; and upgrading of sanitary facilities. The eventual cost of this phase will exceed £5 million and work on site should start in late 1981 and take at least two years. This would be followed by further phases involving improvements to the remaining blocks. There have been, and will continue to be, consultations with the governor and his staff on these projects and on the complicated measures necessary to keep the prison operational while work proceeds. The governor consults and informs the local branches of the various staff associations at the prison, including the POA.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many licensed premises there are in the inner London magistrates' courts area.

The latest available information is for 30 June 1979 when there were 8,357 licensed premises of all types in the Inner London area. Further particulars are given on page 19 of the Home Office publication "Liquor licensing statistics for England and Wales 1979". which is in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received from the Prison Officers' Association regarding pay telephones for prisoners; and what has been his reply;(2) how many pay telephones are installed in prisons for the use of prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the Government's intentions in this matter.

One pay telephone has been installed at Kirkham open prison on an experimental basis. Prisoners may use their earnings to dial outgoing calls during specified times in the evening and at weekends. Incoming calls are not permitted and it is not possible to call the operator or the emergency services. Consideration is being given to extending the experiment to a women's prison and to another men's prison.The Prison Officers' Association has expressed opposition to an extension of the experiment and the matter is to be further considered in consultation with the association.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the death in Brixton prison of Mr. David Logden.

Mr. Logden was found dead in his cell on 30th March 1980. The police and the coroner were informed. The police are inquiring into Mr. Logden's death and until the outcome of those inquiries and the result of the inquest are known we can add nothing further.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that almost all chief constables publish figures in their annual reports, he will arrange for the total number of firearms and shotgun certificates in existence at 31 December each year to be published in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales" at chapter 3, with cumulative tables showing the trends in the legitimate ownership of firearms.

Figures on numbers of firearm and shotgun certificates are not collected centrally from police forces on a regular basis. However, as stated in the reply on 4 March to a Question by the hon. Member for Harlow—[Vol. 980, c. 105.]—figures are being obtained for 1979. "Criminal Statistics" would not appear to provide a suitable means of publishing data on the legitimate ownership of firearms.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, be- fore deciding on any increase in the level of firearms fees, he will give consideration to increasing the period of validity of firearm and shotgun certificates.

An order increasing the fees charged under the Firearms Act 1968 will be laid shortly after the Easter recess. The increase provided for in that order will, however, be an interim one: the costing system used to determine the level of fees has given rise to criticism and I am arranging for it to be reviewed in detail.This review will consider, in the light of Government policy on fees and charges, a number of suggestions which have been made to reduce police tasks and thus reduce costs, including extending the period of validity of certificates, and combining firearm and shotgun certificates for those who currently hold separate certificates. The need to maintain the effectiveness of the existing controls on firearms and shotguns will be borne in mind throughout the review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in each of the last five years, how many fires have been recorded in houses where the electricity was disconnected; how many deaths or serious injuries have resulted from them in Sunderland and in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

I regret that the information requested is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individual civil servants are represented by counsel at public cost in the Tribunal on the Crown Agents; how many are jointly represented and how many individually; and what is the total number of barristers retained at public expense on the hearing.

Thirty-five civil servants are represented at public expense; of these 34 are jointly represented and one is represented individually. The total number of barristers-at-law retained at public expense in connection with the several stages of the inquiry is 35 of whom five represent civil servants.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has so far been expended from public funds in respect of the Tribunal on the Crown Agents; and what is the best estimate he can make of the likely final total cost.

About £1·09 million so far, of which £0·428 million represents the costs of legal representation. There are, however, accrued liabilities for further substantial amounts the bills for which have not been presented for payment. We cannot, at this stage of the inquiry, give any reliable estimate of the final total cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Iranian nationals have been convicted of drug offences involving heroin in the years 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979, respectively; how many were apprehended at the port of entry; and how many subsequently were deported.

The information available is given in the following table. The remainder of the information requested is not readily available, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what oath is taken by citizens of the Republic of Ireland when they are sworn in as constables in United Kingdom police forces.

There is no requirement to take an oath, but on attestation as a constable in a police force in England and Wales citizens of the Republic of Ireland, like all other recruits, must make a declaration in the form set out in schedule 2 to the Police Act 1964.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the exemption given to most of the major religious bodies from the statutory obligation of charity trustees to submit annual accounts to the Charity Commissioners, with particular reference to the interpretation of the phase "no permanent assets".

I am not aware of any problems arising from the present arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is able to announce a publication date for a White Paper on changes to present legislation on British nationality.

I have at present nothing to add to what I said in reply to questions by the hon. Members for Battersea, South (Mr. Dubs) and Tooting (Mr. Cox) on 13 February.—[Vol. 978, c. 522.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been brought under section 5 of the Protection of Birds Acts 1954 and 1967 in the last five years for offences involving the deliberate misuse of poisons and poisoned baits to kill wild birds.

Information collected centrally does not distinguish offences involving the deliberate misuse of poisons or poisonous baits from other offences against section 5 of the Protection of Birds Acts 1954 and 1967. Records available to me show that there were 37 prosecutions in England and Wales during the period 1974 to 1978—the latest year for which the information is available—for all offences against section 5 of the Protection of Birds Acts 1954 and 1967. However, because such prosecutions may be brought other than by the police, this information may be incomplete.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will grant an increase in London taxi fares.

I intend to make an order shortly increasing London taxi fares by an average of 25 per cent.The new tariff, which will come into operation on 18 May, will incorporate a minimum fare of 50p, including a hiring charge of 30p—for the first 840 yards or 4 minutes. Thereafter the rate will be 10p for each 420 yards or 2 minutes up to 6 miles and 10p for each 280 yards or 1 minute 20 seconds thereafter.In order to increase the supply of taxis at night, weekends and public holidays, I have decided that the extra charge for

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated effect on the money supply caused by credit cards at the present time in the United Kingdom.

I regret that, on grounds of commercial confidentiality, information on credit card use is not published. Moreover, even if this hurdle were overcome, it would not be evident how much of total lending by credit card companies was in substitution for other forms of credit and how much represented a net addition to the money supply.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department has made any estimate of the effect on the rate of interest of any shortfall or excess of the money supply, based on the target rate; and if so, whether

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update the information on building society mortgages given to the hon. Member for Melton (Mr. Latham)—Official Report, 3 December 1976, column 290.

The estimated tax paid in respect of building society interest received by taxpayers is as follows:he will publish the findings in the

The effect on interest rates of a given change in the money supply depends on a variety of factors and a series of complex economic relationships.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department has made any estimate of the effect of changes in the money supply on the velocity of circulation; and if so, whether he will publish the findings in the Official Report.

The effect on the velocity of circulation of a given change in the money supply depends upon a variety of factors and a series of complex economic relationships. However, in the long run, a change in the stock of money is unlikely to have a significant effect on velocity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect on the level of economic activity the successful achievement of the target increase in the money supply will have, if the rate of price inflation is greater.

For a given monetary target, the effect on activity of a higher rate of price inflation will depend on a variety of factors. But in general a high rate of inflation will have an adverse effect on activity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy on the implementation of a future computerised system of purchase by personal credit, which could lead to the eventual withdrawal from circulation of all notes and coinage.

There are certain advantages to be gained by developments in the computerisation of payment systems such as a reduction in the use of notes and coins. Given that this is a complex subject, the full implications of any particular scheme will need to be considered as more detailed proposals emerge.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in his Finance Bill to implement his Budget proposals, he will take the necessary action to ensure that his proposals on taxation of private use and worth of a company car shall apply on the same basis to all persons with use of a car, including top civil servants and Ministers of the Crown.

All individuals, including top civil servants and Ministers, for whom cars are provided by reason of their office or employment will continue to enjoy the same treatment in the measurement of any benefit for tax purposes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a summary of his Department's findings in both statistical and qualitative terms, on the relationship between exchange rate intervention to hold down the £ sterling and increase in the monetary aggregates.

I refer the hon. Member to Treasury working paper No. 5, a copy of which is available in the Library. I also remind him of the answer I gave to his question of 17 March 1980.—[Vol. 981, c. 29–30].

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many copies of the Budget speech, and copies of the summary, were collected from his Department; and what was the total cost.

The Treasury distributed 461 copies of the Budget speech and the check list and 435 copies of the "snapshot" to the Press and other bodies outside the public service. The approximate cost of providing copies of the Budget speech and check list was £700 and £60 for the "snapshot".

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will charge all those companies which received copies of the Budget speech and summary from the Treasury.