Written Answers To Questions
Thursday 23 May 1985
Civil Service
Recruitment Schemes (Surveys)
asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether the Government have completed the evaluation of the surveys of the ethnic origins of applicants in Civil Service recruitment schemes held in the north-west and the county of Avon; and if he will make a statement.
A report on the surveys is being published today. Copies have been placed in the Library. The surveys covered non-industrial recruitment during March to August 1984. A high response rate was achieved. The proportion of respondents classifying themselves as being of ethnic minority origin was, overall, close to the estimated proportion in the working population as a whole, but was lower for those in the younger age range. Because of the small numbers involved, it was not possible to draw firm conclusions from the results.Building on this experience, a comprehensive 12-month survey of executive officer recruitment will be conducted nationally, starting at the end of this year; there will be a continuing programme of sample surveys in the main areas of departmental recruitment; and there will be a service-wide study to follow the long term progress of staff who enter some of the main recruitment grades during 1986. In addition, ways will be explored of giving further encouragement to ethnic minority school leavers, in particular, to apply for Civil Service posts.
Attorney-General
Child Prostitutes (Contraceptives)
asked the Attorney-General on how many occasions in each of the last five years the Director of Public Prosecutions has instituted or taken over proceedings against a doctor who has issued a contraceptive to a child prostitute for either aiding and abetting the procurement of a child for immoral purposes or for enticement; and if he will make a statement.
Records maintained by the Director of Public Prosecutions relate to categories of offence which are not further classified so as to permit identification of cases the facts of which correspond with those specified in the Question. But so far as can be ascertained, the Director of Public Prosecutions has not been responsible for any prosecution of this nature in the past five years.
Solicitor Schemes
asked the Attorney-General in which regions of the United Kingdom experiments in 24-hour duty solicitor schemes have taken place at police stations.
Experimental 24-hour duty solicitor schemes have taken place at police stations in Birmingham and Northamptonshire as part of the Law Society's planning for a national scheme.
Trade And Industry
Women In Business
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to the number of women chief executives and general managers who are running high technology or related businesses in England and Wales.
The information requested is not available.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to the percentage of women employed in industry and business management at each level compared with overall management structure in industry.
Estimates from the 1983 labour force survey indicate that 7 per cent. of employed women in Great Britain were employers and managers. The comparable figure for the employed population as a whole was 13 per cent. and for employed men 17 per cent.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to the percentage of new businesses started up with women as the principals in the past year.
I regret that the information requested could not be provided except at disproportionate cost.
Pirate Radio
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give an estimate of the date by which he expects to have eliminated pirate radio broadcasting within the United Kingdom either as a result of steps currently being taken to enforce the law, or as a result of additional new measures to be introduced; and if he will make a statement.
I cannot estimate when unlicensed broadcasting will be eliminated since the individual broadcaster, not I, takes the decision on whether to broadcast. What I can ensure is that breaking the law in this way is subject to rapid enforcement action and financially is never worthwhile. Since the start of 1985 the Department's radio investigation service has taken action on 76 occasions against 42 unlicensed broadcasting stations. In the same period, 48 people have been prosecuted and convicted for their involvement in the operation of unlicensed stations.
Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if any additional lenders can now offer facilities under the small firms loan guarantee scheme arrangements.
I am now in a position to announce that the Trustee Savings Bank has been added to the list of participating banks and financial institutions which are able to offer facilities under the loan guarantee arrangements.
Satellite Master Antenna Television Systems
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the Government's policy towards the licensing of satellite master antenna television systems for the reception of programme services from low-powered satellites.
My right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary and I have received considerable numbers of representations from cable operators, programme providers and equipment manufacturers in support of the liberalisation of satellite master antenna television systems. We have considered these representations at length particularly because of their implications for wideband cable systems and direct broadcasting by satellite.We have now concluded that, subject to certain safeguards, some relaxation in the licensing of SMATV and other cable diffusion systems can be permitted. Systems which serve more than one dwelling house or single set of premises will require licences under the Cable and Broadcasting Telecommunications and Wireless Telegraphy Acts and the Cable Authority will be charged with the task of determining whether the licensing of a particular system is consistent with its primary duty of promoting wideband cable systems. For this reason these licences will be restricted in certain cases; the terms of such licences will be shorter; and the operator will be expected to give way in due course to any operator who is granted a wideband franchise by the Cable Authority covering the area in question. The "must carry" rule, involving an obligation to carry DBS and broadcast services, will apply. These principles are elaborated in a detailed guidance note which the Cable Authority is issuing today. All those wishing to operate SMATV and other cable diffusion systems, even if the particular system is confined to a single set of premises, should obtain a copy of that note.We have further decided that direct reception of low-powered satellite services on a single set of premises may also be permitted. Such reception will require a licence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, but this licence will not carry with it any guarantee that services will be able to be received without interference. Because of this, and the likely size and relatively high cost of a dish currently needed to receive these services, it seems unlikely that this facility will be taken up in the short term by many members of the general public, although some commercial organisations may wish to do so.Moreover, all those wishing to operate SMATV and other cable diffusion systems should note that, in most circumstances, dishes also require planning permission at present. The Government published proposals in 1984 to amend the general development order to take account of a wide range of recent developments in the telecommunications field; but these changes have not yet been introduced and are unlikely to reduce controls on dishes of the size currently required for low-powered satellite reception.The low-powered satellite services originating in the United Kingdom at present are primarily intended to be retransmitted by cable systems operating in the United Kingdom, so their content is regulated by the Cable Authority. We expect this pattern to continue. If future services should develop in this country which are intended exclusively for direct reception in the United Kingdom and clearly demonstrate the need for additional regulatory powers, the Government will consider what steps might be necessary to provide the appropriate regulation.The Government are satisfied that these steps will provide a welcome boost to the cable industry and represent a significant opportunity, both domestically and eventually internationally, for our equipment and programme service industries.
Life Insurance Contracts (Traded Options)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to amend the insurance companies regulations to clarify whether options traded on the stock exchange are a permitted link for life insurance contracts.
Whilst it is my understanding that the insurance companies regulations do not make options traded on the Stock Exchange a permitted link, interpretation of the regulations on this point has given rise to some difficulty. I therefore intend to take an early opportunity to amend the regulations so as to put beyond doubt that traded options are not permitted links. Further consideration will be given to the suitability of traded options and other assets as permitted links within the new regulatory regime proposed in the White Paper on financial services.
Overseas Development
Unesco
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in relation to Britain's membership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation; and if he will make a statement.
We will make a final review of our membership of UNESCO towards the end of 1985 after the general conference. Until then we shall continue in consultation with other member states, to pursue vigorously the reforms set out in my letters of 2 April and 4 July 1984 and that of my right hon. and learned Friend of 5 December 1984 to the Director-General of UNESCO.
Scotland
Tayside Health Board (Finance)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give in percentage terms the element of growth finance given to Tayside health board in each of the last 10 years.
In the years 1974–75 to 1977–78, resources were made available to health boards on the basis of the sums required to meet the cost of existing services and to fund approved new developments. Arrangements were introduced in 1978–79 — Scottish health auhority revenue equalisation formula—with a view to achieving a more equitable distribution of available resources among boards. Since then Tayside health board, which is the best funded board in Scotland in SHARE terms, has received annual increases in financial allocations intended to meet only expected increases in pay and prices.
Forth And Clyde Canal
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on the extent of his Department's involvement in the promotion of the Forth and Clyde canal for leisure, recreation and amenity purposes;(2) what consideration he has given to district council local plans within the Strathclyde region and Central region in respect of the Forth and Clyde canal.
My Department has not been involved directly in the promotion of the Forth and Clyde canal for leisure, recreation and amenity purposes. I am, however, aware that a number of local authorities, including Strathclyde regional council and Falkirk district council, and other bodies are at present involved in the preparation of a local plan dealing specifically with recreational, amenity and commercial uses which might be expected to develop on the canal. I understand that the authorities and bodies involved have agreed that the processing of the plan through its statutory stages should be the responsibility of Strathclyde regional council and Falkirk district council. Although my Department has been keeping abreast of progress on its preparation, the plan will not be formally submitted to me until such time as it has been finalised and an opportunity has been given to interested parties to make representations on its provisions. I am informed that the plan is not likely to reach that stage before the autumn of this year.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance the Scottish Development Agency is providing in the development of amenity, leisure and recreational usage of the Forth and Clyde canal.
By way of land renewal schemes designed to bring about an overall environmental improvement to the canal, the agency has spent some £1·25 million. In the current financial year two further land renewal projects totalling £110,000 are planned. In addition, as a member of a working group led by the British Waterways Board, the agency will be contributing to the cost of a study of the development potential of the canal.
Education (Provision And Standards)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the change in the levels of (a) provision and (b) standards in education in the years 1979 to 1985; and if he will make a statement.
Between 1979–80 and 1984–85, the provision made for education in the rate support grant settlements increased in real terms by 5·1 per cent per pupil. In making this level of provision, the Government's aim has been to maintain standards and effect improvements in appropriate areas.
Schoolchildren (Behaviour)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to seek to make parents responsible for their children's behaviour at school such as a system of fines; and if he will make a statement.
I believe that the regulations governing exclusion from school are adequate to ensure the early involvement of parents when problems arise over their children's behaviour at school. Moreover, there is provision in existing legislation for the prosecution of a parent whose child fails to attend school regularly without reasonable excuse, notwithstanding that the child may have been required to discontinue his attendance at school for disciplinary reasons. I do not consider that it would be possible to make it an offence for a parent to fail to ensure that his child complies with school rules, since to define the offence adequately one would have to impose an undesirable uniformity on the disciplinary policies of individual schools.
Corporal Punishment
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many education authorities in Scotland have now banned corporal punishment in schools; what representations he has received about the consequences; and if he will make a statement.
Of the 12 education authorities in Scotland, six have completed the process of abolition and two others expect to do so by the end of this school session. Of the remainder, three authorities have abolished corporal punishment in all but secondary schools and only one authority has decided to retain corporal punishment in both the primary and secondary sector.Such representations as I have received in this matter relate mainly to the effectiveness of the alternative sanctions, particularly the time spent in their administration.
Aluminium Mobilisation (Report)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans there are to publish the results of the research on aluminium mobilisation, commissioned by the Forestry Commission and the Department of the Environment with the Macaulay Institute of Soil Research, Aberdeen; what results the Foresty Commission has obtained in analysing the aluminium content of certain stands of stichless spruce growing in the south Wales coalfield; and if he will give the location of each study.
The research by the Macaulay Institute, the field part of which is being carried out at Loch Fleet in Galloway and Fetteresso in Grampian region, is only in its second year and results are not yet available. The Forestry Commission's work on sitka spruce is taking place in the Afan forest district, south Wales, and the indications so far are that the poor growth in some stands is due to a combination of climatic stress and infestation by green spruce aphis, rather than to aluminium toxicity.
Yew Trees (Research)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimates the Forestry Commission has made or plans to make, of (a) crown thinning, (b) pollution damage, (c) symptoms of decline and (d) other diseases, in yew trees, in the United Kingdom and abroad.
The Forestry commission has no plans for a systematic survey of the state of health of this species. The Commission's research division investigates reports of damage and disease in yew in the same way as it does for other tree species.
Acid Rain
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies the Forestry Commission has made of forest decline and acid rain damage to trees in other countries.
The Forestry Commission keeps closely in touch with the situation in Europe and North America, and its scientists have made several visits to West Germany to study the problem. A Forestry Commission scientist, together with others from Britain, took part earlier this month in an advanced research workshop in Canada on the effects of acid deposition on forests, wetlands and agricultural ecosystems.
Ash Die-Back
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimates the Forestry Commission has made of the level of ash die-back in each of the counties of England, Scotland and Wales.
No estimates have been made by the Forestry Commission of the level of ash die-back on a national scale by counties.The incidence of this condition in woodlands is minimal. It is, however, more significant in non-woodland trees and appears to be related to the intensity of agricultural activity, particularly in areas of arable farming. The census of woodlands and trees carried out by the Forestry Commission between 1979 and 1982, on a county basis in England and Wales and a Forestry Commission Conservancy basis in Scotland, provides some information on the health of non-woodland ash trees, but this does not differentiate between ash die-back and other causes of poor health, such as old age.
Rating Revaluation
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment has been made of the alteration caused by the Scottish rating revaluation to the competitive position of industry in Scotland compared with industry in other parts of the United Kingdom.
We estimate that the general revaluation of all property in Scotland, taken together with the reduction in industrial derating from 50 per cent to 40 per cent both effective from 1 April 1985, leave the competitive position of Scottish manufacturing industry unchanged by comparison with England and Wales.
Coatbridge Project
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many jobs he expects to become available arising from Scottish Development Agency involvement in the Coatbridge project.
The agency estimates that some 950 jobs have to date been created or safeguarded by the project. It is hoped that by the end of the project this figure will have risen to 1,500.
Heart Disease
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what figures are available about the numbers of persons suffering from heart disease in the Monklands/Cumbernauld district hospital area; and what comparisons are available at district, national and international level.
The number of patients suffering from heart disease and ischaemic heart disease who were discharged from hospital during 1983 in these areas were as follows:
Numbers | |
(a) Monklands/Cumbemauld health district area | 1,368 |
(b) Lanarkshire Health Board area | 5,170 |
(c) Scotland | 50,238 |
Monklands District Hospital
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the extension to the accident and emergency unit of Monklands district hospital is expected to be completed.
Detailed costing of the scheme to alter and extend the accident and emergency department at Monklands district general hospital are at present under discussion. Lanarkshire health board expects a start on site in late autumn 1985, with the construction period lasting some 18 months.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of personnel employed in Monklands district hospital compared with 1977.
At September 1984, 1,393·8 staff, whole time equivalent, were employed at Monklands district general hospital. The comparable figure for September 1977 was 900 staff WTE.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many patients were admitted to Monklands district general hospital in 1984 compared with 1977.
In the twelve months to 30 September 1984, Monklands district general hospital had 19,447 in-patients, compared to 12,305 for the year to September 1978, the first full year for which data are available following commissioning of the hospital in 1977.
Note: The figures quoted are for deaths, discharges and transfers to other hospitals.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many private patients have been admitted to Monklands district hospital; and in which departments.
Monklands district hospital is not authorised to treat private patients.
Police Forces (Strengths)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the actual strength of each of the Scottish police forces, and in total at the latest date for which figures are available; and how these figures compare with the comparable month in 1979.
The information requested is set out in the following table:
Force | Actual Strength at 31 March 1979 | Actual Strength at 31 March 1985 | Percentage Increase |
Central Scotland Police | 477 | 548 | 14·9 |
Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary | 298 | 309 | 3·7 |
Fife Constabulary | 639 | 659 | 3·1 |
Grampian Police | 903 | 954 | 5·6 |
Lothian and Borders Police | 2,236 | 2,386 | 6·7 |
Northern Constabulary | 595 | 604 | 1·5 |
Strathclyde Police | 6,599 | 6,778 | 2·7 |
Tayside Police | 928 | 951 | 2·5 |
TOTAL | 12,675 | 13,189 | 4·1 |
Assisted Places Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has decided the amount of fee remission grant to allocate to schools participating in the assisted places scheme in respect of session 1985–86.
The allocations of fee remission grant for 1985–86 are shown in the table below. As in 1984–85, forty-two schools will participate.
School | |
£ | |
Dollar Academy | 68,000 |
Kilquhanity House | 26,000 |
St. Leonard's | 40,000 |
Albyn School for Girls | 14,000 |
Robert Gordon's College | 60,000 |
Gordonstoun | 59,000 |
St. Margaret's School for Girls, Aberdeen | 18,000 |
Fort Augustus Abbey | 95,000 |
Merchant Company Schools | 750,000 |
Edinburgh Academy | 66,000 |
Fettes | 67,000 |
George Heriot's | 275,000 |
Loretto | 58,000 |
Merchison Castle | 106,000 |
Rudolf Steiner | 72,000 |
St. Denis and Cranley | 32,000 |
St. George's | 24,000 |
St. Margaret's Convent | 15,000 |
St. Margaret's (Newington) | 74,000 |
Belmont House | 13,000 |
Craigholme | 44,000 |
Glasgow Academy | 58,000 |
High School of Glasgow | 75,000 |
Hutchesons' Grammar | 156,000 |
Keil | 97,000 |
Kelvinside Academy | 59,000 |
West of Scotland School Company | 338,000 |
Lomond | 62,000 |
St. Aloysius' College | 140,000 |
Wellington | 43,000 |
Convent of the Sacred Heart | 58,000 |
High School of Dundee | 195,000 |
Morrison's Academy | 200,000 |
Rannoch | 52,000 |
Strathailan | 76,000 |
Glenalmond College | 103,000 |
TOTAL | 3,720,000 |
Boundary Commission
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has made any changes in the composition of the Boundary Commission for Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
The members of the Boundary Commission for Scotland are—
Mr. Speaker, ex officio, Chairman.
The Honourable Lord Ross, Deputy Chairman—appointed by the Lord President of the Court of Session on 14 January 1977 and re-appointed from 1 January 1985.
Professor Urlan A. Wannop—appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 6 June 1983 and re-appointed from 1 January 1985.
Mr. Adam R. Napier—appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 2 May 1985.
The appointed members' term of office expires on 31 December 1988.
Northern Ireland
Mentally Handicapped People
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what future help he intends to provide for the mentally handicapped in the North Down and Ards area.
The Department of Health and Social Services is funding a 25-place extension to Ravara adult training centre, Bangor. The scheme is expected to be completed in the summer of 1986. In addition, a statutory residential home providing three places for mentally handicapped adults is expected to open later this year.It is too early to say anything about the practical consequences in terms of service provision for North Down and Ards of the decision to transfer responsibility for the education of mentally handicapped children to the Department of Education and the Education and Library Boards.Funds are being made available by the Department of Environment to Nih Housing Association Limited to provide, in conjunction with MENCAP, a 12-place hostel at Princetown road, Bangor, which is due to be completed shortly. Proposals from the association for an extension to its existing scheme at Bloomfield road, Bangor, which is managed jointly with the CROFT community, are currently under consideration.
Radioactive Waste
Cook asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what means he ensures that the licensed limits for activity and quantity of radioactive waste disposed of to air, land or water are adhered to in Northern Ireland.
Disposals of radioactive waste are subject to controls under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960. The certificates of authorisation issued under it contain limitations and conditions designed to ensure that the effects of disposal are regulated in accordance with the internationally recommended standards of radiological safety. Officers appointed under the terms of the 1960 Act visit premises to check that conditions of authorisation are being complied with.
Hearing Aids
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many outpatients in Northern Ireland are waiting to have a hearing aid fitted or exchanged; and what is the average waiting time.
At 31 December 1984, the latest date for which figures are available, the total number for whom an appointment had been made or who were on the waiting list for the fitting of an aid, including replacements, was 742.A recent departmental survey indicates that, in general, aids are issued within seven weeks of the first appointment with a consultant.
Personation
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were charged with vote stealing or personation during the recent council elections.
One.
Ross Lough (Drainage)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations there have been between Northern Ireland Government Departments and the owner of the land concerned, about drainage works at Ross Lough, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh; and if he will now take steps to protect the wildlife at this site.
There have been recent consultations about these works between the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland and the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland and the landowner concerned. It has been agreed that there is no reason for the works in question to stop.Ross Lough was declared an area of scientific interest under the Amenity Lands Act (Northern Ireland) 1965 and this declaration remains valid under the terms of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, which came into operation on 14 April 1985. All Areas of Scientific Interest are being reevaluated with a view to formal re-declaration as areas of special scientific interest under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 which came into operation on 15 April 1985 also provides protection for wildlife.
Homes (Dampness)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many homes administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive have been reported as suffering from dampness; and what methods are used to ascertain whether this dampness is attributable to bad design, condensation or disrepair.
[pursuant to his reply, 14 May 1985, c. 96–97]: This is a matter for the chairman of the Housing Executive, who has advised me that information about the number of dwellings is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Any reported dampness is inspected by a member of the Housing Executive technical staff in order to determine the cause, which is seldom attributable to any one factor.
Defence
Cruise Missiles
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if regular checks of the electronic equipment on cruise missiles are undertaken, especially after each lorry journey outside the base.
Regular checks are made to ensure the continuing efficiency and reliability of ground-launched cruise missiles.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what technical evaluation there has been of the operating characteristics of cruise missiles based in the United Kingdom; if he is satisfied with the results of such evaluation; and if he will make a statement.
These missiles have been subject to an extensive flight testing, and test and evaluation programme in the United States. The overall flight testing of the ground launched cruise missile has been satisfactory. Some details were given in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Houghton and Washington (Mr. Boyes) on 30 January 1984, column 33.
Defence Contractors
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with current methods of controlling the profits of defence contractors; and if he will make a statement.
Yes, Sir. It is MOD policy to place contracts following competition whenever possible, since we believe that effective competition is the best method of ensuring that the MOD secures best value for money. Under the 1968 agreement between the Government and industry, the profit paid on non-competitive Government contracts is determined according to a profit formula which is subject to triennial general reviews and, from 1984, intermediate annual reviews, by an independent review board. Following consultation with industry, the implementation of its recommendations is a matter for the Government. My right hon. and learned Friend the Chief Secretary announced on 30 April—columns 97 and 98—the outcome of the first annual review by the review board, and I provided further details in my reply of 16 May—columns 207–8—to my hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Mr. Forth).The 1968 agreement provides also for equality of information between the parties up to the time the price is fixed and for post-costing to establish the actual cost of a contract. Post-costing acts as a check on the MOD's pricing procedures, assists in the pricing for follow-on contracts and enables adjustments to be made to any price which was agreed on the basis of materially inaccurate or incomplete information.
European Fighter Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress was made over the development of the European fighter aircraft during his talks on 15 May with his European colleagues.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the results of his discussions in Rome about the European fighter aircraft.
[pursuant to the reply, 17 May 1985, c. 265]: Defence Ministers, including my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I, met in Rome on Thursday 16 May to discuss the European fighter aircraft project.Progress was made by the potential partner nations, in particular in defining more closely the in service weight and engine thrust of the aircraft. It was agreed that the
Joint UK/US Underground Nuclear Tests conducted at the Nevada Test Site | ||
Event | Date | Yield (kT. =kilotons) |
Pampas | 1 March 1962 | low (less than 20 kT) |
Tendrac | 7 December 1962 | low (less than 20 kT) |
Cormorant | 17 July 1964 | low (less than 20 kT) |
Charcoal | 10 September 1965 | 20–200 kT |
Fallon | 23 May 1974 | 20–200 kT |
Banon | 26 August 1976 | 20–150 kT |
Fondutta | 11 April 1978 | 20–150 kT |
Quargel | 18 November 1978 | 20–150 kT |
Nessel | 29 August 1979 | 20–150 kT |
Colwick | 26 April 1980 | 20–150 kT |
Dutchess | 24 October 1980 | low (less than 20 kT) |
Serpa | 17 December 1980 | 20–150 kT |
Rousanne | 12 November 1981 | 20–150 kT |
Gibne | 25 April 1982 | 20–150 kT |
Armada | 22 April 1983 | low (less than 20 kT) |
Mundo | 11 May 1984 | 20–150 kT |
Egmont | 9 December 1984 | 20–150 kT |
Falkland Islands
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any contribution towards the cost of expenditure on the Falkland Islands has been made by foreign Governments or organisations.
There has been no contribution by a foreign Government or organisation to defence expenditure on the Falkland Islands.
Log Books And Signals
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report his letter dated 20 May to the hon. Member for Linlithgow about log books and signals of HMS Superb, HMS Warspite, HMS Courageous and HMS Splendid.
Yes. It is as follows:
Dear Tam
On 4th April, I said that I would write to you about the log books and signals of HMS Superb. HMS Warspite and HMS Courageous. Can I at the same time deal with your outstanding
industries of the five nations should work closely together to take this work forward and report to Ministers ahead of their meeting in London next month.
However, there remains a good deal yet to he done before it will be possible to enter project definition on a collaborative programme.
Nuclear Weapons
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a list of the nuclear weapons tests conducted by or for the United Kingdom at the Nevada test site in the United States of America or jointly conducted by or for the United Kingdom and United States of America at the Nevada site; if he will give code names and dates for these tests; and whether these were above ground or underground.
The United Kingdom, jointly with the United States of America, has conducted 17 nuclear test explosions at the Nevada test site; all tests were conducted underground. A list of the tests, detailing the event name. date and yield range is as follows:
enquiry about HMS Splendid's signals log (Hansard Vol. 68, column 335) on which, due to an oversight, you were riot told that we would be replying by letter.
As I told the House on 15th November, signals logs are not retained permanently: HMS Splendid's signals log for the Falklands Campaign was destroyed on 2nd October 1982 in accordance with standing instructions.
I assume that your questions about HMS Submarines Superb, Warspite and Courageous relate to your allegation, reported in The Times on 3rd April, that they were protecting a Polaris submarine in the South Atlantic. In fact, of the three submarines, only HMS Courageous was involved in the conflict (as stated in both the Falklands White Paper and Admiral Fieldhouse's Despatch). As the Prime Minister told George Foulkes (in her letter of 19th September 1984 which was published in Hansard on 22nd October), there was no change in the standard deployment pattern of our Polaris submarines during the conflict; moreover, the Government gave a categorical assurance at she time that nuclear weapons would not be used in the Falklands conflict.
As to the logs of these submarines, I can confirm that my Department has in its possession the control room logs covering the period of the Falklands Campaign for Superb, Warspite and Courageous. I have given careful consideration to providing the information on signals logs which you requested and which overlapped a request from George Foulkes for information concerning all naval vessels which participated in the Falklands Campaign. I have concluded that no useful purpose would be served in checking whether each has destroyed its signals in accordance with standing instructions.
Yours ever,
Michael
Raf Trainer Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 8 May to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) Official Report, column 386, if he will make a further statement on the exchange of telephone calls between the commercial director of British Aerospace and the principal director of contracts (air) on 13 March concerning the new trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force.
I am aware that the group commercial director of British Aerospace, Mr. Alan Smith, denies that in the telephone call made to him by the Ministry of Defence's Principal Director of Contracts (Air) on 13 March, he was told that an end point of midday on 14 March had been set for improved offers in respect of the new trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force.The Government regret that such a misunderstanding should have arisen. This matter has been fully discussed in a debriefing given to British Aerospace by the Ministry of Defence on the competition. While each side maintains its position on what was said during the telephone call, both now regard the matter as closed.
House Of Commons
Parliamentary Questions
asked the Lord Privy Seal what has been the daily average of starred and unstarred questions for such of the last 10 parliamentary sessions as figures are available and the current session to date.
Over the last 10 sessions the daily average numbers of questions appearing on the Order Paper were as follows:
Oral | Written | |
1974–75 | 59 | 138 |
1975–76 | 63 | 167 |
1976–77 | 59 | 163 |
1977–78 | 68 | 170 |
1978–79 | 69 | 153 |
1979–80 | 64 | 164 |
1980–81 | 63 | 139 |
1981–82 | 65 | 135 |
1982–83 | 66 | 149 |
1983–84 | 79 | 188 |
1984–85* | 106 | 185 |
* To 26 April 1985. |
Note: Figures relating to oral questions exclude Friday sittings.
Environment
Local Authorities (Construction And Maintenance Work)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in respect of which local authorities he has used his powers under (a) section 17(4) of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 and (b) section 17(5) of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980.
I have recently exercised my powers under section 17 (4) of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 to direct the London boroughs of Brent, Haringey, and Greenwich, and the metropolitan district of St. Helens, to submit special reports on new building work carried out by their direct labour organisations. I have not yet exercised my powers under section 17(5) of the Act.
Wildlife And Countryside Act 1981
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is yet in a position to respond to the "First Report of the Environment Committee on the Operation and Effectiveness of Part II of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981", published in January; and if he will make a statement.
The Government have already implemented several of the recommendations made by the Select Committee. We feel this area is of sufficient importance to publish our formal response today as a Command Paper, issued jointly by my Department, the Welsh Office and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Although the Committee's report did not deal directly with Scotland, the Secretary of State for Scotland wishes to be closely associated with the approach set out in response.The Committee clearly recognised the major contribution of the Wildlife and Countryside Act to the valuable developments that have taken place in our drive to conserve the resources of the countryside. We are especially encouraged by their firm endorsement of the voluntary approach to conservation. We would like to record a special tribute to the vast majority of those who live on and work the land for the constructive way in which they have responded to the policy for consent and co-operation embodied in the Act.The Government response deals with the detailed recommendations, and sets these in the context of its overall policies. It makes it clear that we will continue to support voluntary co-operation with the selective use of more rigorous measures. The Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Bill, which we are supporting through Parliament, will provide useful improvements in the effectiveness of the 1981 Act.The Committee expressed concern about the balance of the Government's priorities between agriculture and conservation. The Government's policies are not of course those of a single Department or Minister but represent a balance of the Departmental objectives of the various Departments involved. My Department works closely with MAFF and the Welsh and Scottish Offices and other Government Departments to seek to ensure this balance. The agriculture industry and those concerned with the ownership and management of the countryside are becoming much more aware of the importance of conservation and the changing policies of agriculture departments both foster and reflect these changing attitudes. As examples, I would mention the changes to the farm capital grant scheme to achieve a closer integration of conservation and agricultural policies, and the Government's success in negotiating a provision in the new structures regulation for special payments to farms in environmentally sensitive areas. The joint MAFF — Countryside Commission three-year experiment to conserve the unique landscape of the Broads is a very positive example of this approach.Many of these initiatives meet criticisms made by the Committee and represent a real attempt by the Government to pull together the various aspects of policy in this area. There has, for example, been a move away from providing support for operations such as hedge removal and land reclamation in favour of assistance for positive conservation measures. And we broadly accept the Committee's recommendation that ADAS staff should give greater priority to advisory effort related to conservation of the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside.The Government are grateful to the Environment Committee for its hard work, which has resulted in a very valuable report. We welcome it as an important contribution to the emerging consensus on how best to safeguard our precious countryside and its wildlife. Our Command Paper sets out in detail the many actions we have already taken to meet recommendations made by the Committee. We intend to press ahead with our policies, reviewing them where necessary to cope with changing circumstances.
Water (Aluminium Levels)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether there have been any occasions in recent years when aluminium levels in water supplies in the United Kingdom have not been within the limits laid down by the European Community directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption.
Aluminium levels in some United Kingdom water supplies do exceed the limit laid down by the European Community. Derogation or delay applications have been received by the competent national authorities in the United Kingdom in respect of 179 water supply zones in which the maximum admissible concentration for aluminium of 0·2 mg per litre is exceeded on the basis of a three-monthly average. These applications are under consideration.
Oil Refineries (Sulphur Dioxide Emissions)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what emission factors are used in calculating the emissions of sulphur dioxide from oil refineries; and in which year these were last reviewed.
Oil refinery fuel is a mixture of very low sulphur gas oil and high sulphur fuel oil. Emissions are therefore calculated on the basis of three quarters of total fuel consumption assuming a sulphur content as for fuel oil. Account is taken of the fact that the sulphur content varies from year to year.The method of calculation is currently under review.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentages of sulphur dioxide emissions in the United Kingdom are calculated by his Department to have originated in oil refineries in each of the last 20 years for which figures are available; and what forecasts his Department has made of such emissions.
The percentage of United Kingdom sulphur dioxide emissions originating from oil refineries, were as follows:
Per cent. | |
1964 | 3 |
1965 | 3 |
1966 | 4 |
1967 | 4 |
1968 | 4 |
1969 | 4 |
1970 | 4 |
1971 | 4 |
1972 | 5 |
1973 | 5 |
1974 | 6 |
1975 | 5 |
1976 | 6 |
1977 | 5 |
1978 | 6 |
1979 | 5 |
1980 | 6 |
1981 | 5 |
1982 | 5 |
1983 | 4 |
The figures for 1973–83 are published in my Department's "Digest of Environmental Protection and Water Statistics No. 7 1984". Earlier figures are available from Warren Spring laboratory, Department of Trade and Industry. Specific forecasts of emission levels are not available, but I am not aware of any reason to expect any significant increase in sulphur dioxide emissions from oil refineries over the next 10 to 15 years.
Pesticides
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice is given by his Department and the Nature Conservancy Council regarding the application of organochlorine pesticides to timber in roof spaces and other enclosed situations.
The Department of the Environment participates in the pesticides safety precautions scheme under which organochlorine pesticides used in timber treatment are evaluated and cleared for safety in use. Advice on the application of pesticides cleared under the scheme is issued by the Health and Safety Executive, and recommended precautionary measures are included on the label of products offered for sale. Technical advice on the use of these pesticides in buildings is provided by the Department's Building Research Establishment.The Nature Conservancy Council's advice on the application of pesticides in timber treatment was summarised in my answer to the hon. Member's question on 4 March 1985, column
347.
Local Government Reform
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for each of the residuary bodies to assume responsibility in the event of abolition of the Greater London council and metropolitan county councils the names of the people who have been appointed as shadow chairmen and core members of each body.
No such appointments have been made.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will take steps to retain skilled Greater London council computer staff in a temporary body divorced from executive functions;
(2) if he will take steps to ensure that successor bodies continue to use the computer systems of the Greater London council.
The future of the GLC's computer services and their staff is a matter for the successor authorities, but we expect that the operation of general purpose computers will pass initially to the residuary body. My noble Friend Lord Elton has undertaken to bring forward an amendment to the Local Government Bill in another place providing for residuary bodies to take an active part in identifying and securing the future of worthwhile centres of expertise.
Council Spending
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the total amount which his Department acquired resulting from penalties which were imposed on councils for spending in excess of required amounts during the 1984–85 financial year.
The total amount of block grant held back by the exchequer from local authorities in England which budgeted to exceed their expenditure guidance in 1984–85 was £455 million.
Water Charges
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Government's consideration of changes in the rating system will include consideration of any consequent changes in the present system of water charges to domestic consumers.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Leeds Central (Mr. Fatchett) on Tuesday 30 April, column 85
Stolport
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is now in a position to announce his decision on the proposed stolport development in London's dockland.
I have today granted planning permission for the proposed stolport in the Royal Docks, Newham, subject to a number of conditions. I have placed a copy of the decision letter in the Library of the House.
Basildon Development Corporation
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the Basildon development corporation to be wound up.
Although the Development Corporation has been vigorously pursuing the tasks which must be completed before it is wound up, the target date of 30 June 1985, which my right hon. Friend announced on 21 December 1983, has not proved attainable. We now consider that the corporation's remaining assets and liabilities should transfer to the Commission for the New Towns in April 1986. The Department will initiate consultations with the Essex county council and the Basildon district council as soon as possible, with a view to the making of an order under section 41 of the New Towns Act 1981, winding up the corporation.
Departmental Cars (Cost)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to the Answer of 9 May, Official Report, column 467–8, if he will give resasons for the annual increases of £2,600 between 1981–82 and 1982–83 in respect of costs to provide cars for the Secretary of State and five of the departmental Ministers; why the increases were uniform; why the costs of car provision for one of the Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State declined by £8,060 between 1980–81 and 1981–82 when costs were increasing for all other Ministers; what caused the annual increase in car costs of £4,680 for all Ministers between 1982–83 and 1983–84 except one; and why the costs remained stable for the Secretary of State's car between 1983–84 and 1984–85 whilst over the same period it declined by a uniform £2,600 per annum in respect of four of his departmental Ministers.
[pursuant to his answers, 22 May 1985, c. 441, and 9 May 1985, c. 267–8]: The costs identified for 1980–81, 1981–82 and 1982–83 were those incurred by PSA Supplies on behalf of DOE in providing ministerial cars as described. The annual increase in cost for those years reflects increases in the cost of provision, including increases in drivers' wages and overheads, fuel, maintenance, management and garaging. It is coincidental that the sum of these increases were uniform for these two years. The cost of provision of a car for one Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State reduced between 1980–81 and 1981–82 because he was in office for only six months in 1981–82. His successor does not use an allocated car. In 1983, the property repayment services scheme was introduced whereby Government Departments paid PSA Supplies, subsequently the Crown Suppliers, direct according to tariffs reflecting different levels of service provided, such as different models and different periods of time for which the cars were available. The increase in cost of provision of cars for all Ministers, except one who was in office for only nine months of 1983–84, reflects the levels of service provided and increases in operating costs as detailed above. In 1984–85, the Secretary of State required the same level of service as provided in 1983–84, four of his departmental Ministers required a lower level of service, while one departmental Minister required a higher level of service.
Asbestos (Faslane)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment further to his reply to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman) on 13 May, Official Report, column 26, what public bodies were consulted about the transportation of asbestos contaminated material from Faslane; what form the consultation took; and how they responded.
I will answer this question shortly.
Woodlands
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what estimates he has as to the percentages of broadleaved woodland in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively, which are contained within sites of special scientific interest;(2) if he will estimate for England, Scotland and Wales respectively, the percentages of total woodland and the areas represented by
(a) ancient semi-natural woodlands, (b) ancient woodland sites, (c) recent semi-natural and (d) other broadleaved woodlands.
I will answer this question shortly.
Water Industry (Privatisation)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what responses he has had to the Government's discussion paper on the privatisation of the water industry.
The discussion paper was sent to all water authority chairmen and to the chairman of the Water
Persons travelling as part of a family | ||||||
1980* | 1981* | 1982* | 1983† | 1984† | Total | |
Australia | — | 2 | — | — | — | 2 |
Argentina | — | 5 | — | — | — | 5 |
Bangladesh | — | 3 | 3 | — | — | 6 |
Barbados | 7 | 4 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 31 |
Canada | 6 | — | — | — | — | 6 |
Dominica | — | 8 | 2 | — | — | 10 |
Grenada | 10 | — | 6 | 2 | — | 18 |
Guyana | — | — | 2 | 4 | — | 6 |
India | — | — | 6 | 2 | — | 8 |
Jamaica | 52 | 34 | 75 | 61 | 14 | 236 |
Malaysia | — | — | 3 | — | — | 3 |
Mauritius | 6 | 8 | 6 | — | — | 20 |
New Zealand | — | — | — | — | 7 | 7 |
Nigeria | 7 | 8 | 2 | 3 | — | 20 |
Pakistan | — | — | — | — | 4 | 4 |
St. Lucia | 2 | 2 | — | 3 | — | 7 |
St. Vincent | — | — | 4 | 2 | 4 | 10 |
Trinidad | 5 | — | 4 | 4 | 4 | 17 |
United States | — | 3 | 6 | 4 | — | 13 |
Zimbabwe | — | 20 | 55 | 6 | — | 81 |
Total | 95 | 97 | 184 | 94 | 40 | 510 |
*Shows departures by the year in which they were confirmed to the Home Office by International Social Service of Great Britain. | ||||||
†Shows departures by number of persons who travelled during that year, as confirmed to the Home Office by International Social Service of Great Britain. |
Persons travelling singly | ||||||
1980* | 1981* | 1982* | 1983† | 1984† | Total | |
Barbados | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | — | 5 |
Dominica | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 |
Fiji | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 |
Gambia | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 |
Grenada | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | 7 |
Guyana | — | 1 | — | — | — | 1 |
India | — | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | 5 |
Jamaica | 15 | 11 | 26 | 31 | 14 | 97 |
Kiribati | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 |
Mauritius | — | — | 2 | 2 | — | 4 |
Nigeria | — | 5' | 1 | 1 | — | 7 |
Pakistan | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | 2 |
Seychelles | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
Sierra Leone | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 |
Somalia | 1 | — | — | 1 | — | 1 |
Companies Association. The water authorities' collective response is expected by the end of this month. We have received individual responses from a number of authorities.
Home Department
Repatriation
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons identified as families arid single persons have been voluntarily repatriated and to which countries, by name, under section 29 of the Immigration Act 1971 in each of the past five years.
The scheme operated under section 29 of the 1971 Act on behalf of the Government by International Social Services of Great Britain provides financial assistance to non-British citizens who wish to return permanently overseas but do not have the means io do so. The available information about persons who have been so assisted in the period 1980 to 1984 is as follows:
1980*
| 1981*
| 1982*
| 1983†
| 1984†
| Total
| |
Sri Lanka | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 |
St. Lucia | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | — | 4 |
St. Vincent | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 |
Trinidad | 1 | — | 2 | 1 | — | 5 |
Zimbabwe | — | 8 | 3 | 3 | — | 14 |
Total | 25 | 33 | 42 | 48 | 19 | 167 |
*Shows departures by the year in which they were confirmed to the Home Office by International Social Service of Great Britain. | ||||||
†Shows departures by number of persons who travelled during that year, as confirmed to the Home Office by International Social Service of Great Britain. |
Lion Intoximeter
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received any reports on the performance and reliability of the Lion intoximeter; and if he will make a statement.
My right hon. and learned Friend has received the report of the forensic science service on the operation of the Lion intoximeter and Camic breath analyser evidential breath testing instruments, which will be published in due course.
Interviews (Tape Recording)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the results of pilot schemes to tape-record interviews between police officers and persons suspected of criminal offences; and if he will make a statement.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Bruinvels) on 10 January, at columns 529–530. Since that time, the field trials have been continuing, and it is hoped shortly to extend them to an additional police station in the Metropolitan police district, and to establish a new scheme in Gloucestershire. The continuing picture from all the field trial areas is of a favourable police response to tape recording, and the earlier signs of a general increase in pleas of guilt have also continued. The lessons to be learned from the field trials are being assessed in the planning now under way for the transition to a national tape recording scheme as provided for by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Featherstone Prison (Suicides)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicides have occurred in Her Majesty's Prison Featherstone situated near Wolverhampton since the prison was opened.
One—in October 1980.
Abduction And Kidnapping
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the recommended and average sentence for (a) child abduction and (b) child kidnapping; and if he will make a statement;(2) how many people have been convicted of (i) child abduction and (ii) child kidnapping in each of the past five years and the current year to date.
The maximum penalty for child abduction, for merely child stealing, is seven years imprisonment, for kidnapping life imprisonment and for abduction of an unmarried girl two years imprisonment. The Child Abduction Act 1984 introduced from October 1984 the offence of child abduction in place of child stealing. The sentences imposed within these maxima for the courts to decide. Information on sentencing for offences of child stealing—offence classification 13—abduction—offence classification 25—and kidnapping, etc. — offence classification 36 covering kidnapping, hijacking, and false imprisonment — is published annually in 'Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, Supplementay Tables'. In the latest issue for 1983, tables 1.1(A) and 2.1(A) give convictions and sentences and tables 2.3–2.5 lengths of custodial sentences. Information on convictions is summarised in the following table.
Offenders found guilty of certain offence | |||||
England and Wales | Number of persons | ||||
Offence | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 |
Child stealing | 15 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 19 |
Abduction | 27 | 26 | 21 | 17 | 19 |
of which, abduction of unmarried girl under 16 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
Kidnapping | 22 | 39 | 44 | 45 | 40 |
Ian Brady And Myra Hindley
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet reached a decision on the cases of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley.
On 1 March I informed the House that I was asking the local review committees at the prisons in which Ian Brady and Myra Hindley are held and the parole board to consider these cases—column 311. The parole board has now recommended to me that neither Ian Brady nor Myra Hindley should be released and that the case of Ian Brady should be considered again by the local review committee where he is then held in ten years' time and that that of Myra Hindley should be similarly considered in five years' time. I have accepted these recommendations. I would repeat that the review then of these cases does not mean either that the periods of detention necessary to meet the requirements of retribution and deterrence will have been completed or be near completion; or that the parole board will recommend the release of either prisoner; or that the then Home Secretary would necessarily accept such a recommendation if it were made.
Solicitor-General For Scotland
Defence Policy
asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland what complaints have been submitted to procurators fiscal that a British defence policy based on the threatened use of nuclear weapons is illegal; what action has been taken as a result; and whether he will arrange to meet the complainants concerned to discuss their evidence.
Such a complaint was submitted to the procurator fiscal at Stirling on 29 March 1985 by a delegation of students from the University of Stirling. The matter was referred to Crown counsel who instructed "no proceedings" and I do not think that any further purpose would be served by meeting the complainers.I am not aware of any other complaints of a similar nature having been made.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Foreign Affairs Council
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Foreign Affairs Council of 20–21 May.
My right hon. and learned Friend and I represented the United Kingdom at the Foreign Affairs Council which met in Brussels on 20 May.The Council briefly discussed some of the few remaining issues in the enlargement negotiations still to be resolved before the treaty of accession is signed on 12 June.There was also a brief discussion of progress in following up the proposals in the first report of the "People's Europe" Committee. The Commission urged member states to speed up implementation of some of these recommendations.There was further consideration of the negotiating mandate for the second EC-Yugoslavia financial protocol. Discussion of this will continue at the June meeting of the Council.The Council agreed a declaration on relations with the United States in the steel sector, stressing the need to find satisfactory solutions to outstanding problems as soon as possible and reiterating the declaration agreed by the Council of Industry Ministers on 26 March that the Community would react strongly to any unilateral restrictions on trade imposed by the United States. Copies of the declaration are being placed in the Library of the House.Ministers of the Ten briefly discussed the situation in the Lebanon, and issued a short statement. Copies of this are also being placed in the Library of the House.
Colombo Commission
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the Colombo commission to report.
We expect the Colombo commission to make an interim report in mid-June.
Israel (Boycott)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received from Her Majesty's Ambassador in Saudi Arabia regarding the meeting of the Islamic bureau for the boycott of Israel in Jeddah on 27 April, in which the Secretary-General of the Islamic Conference Organisation called for a strengthening of the boycott; and whether Her Majesty's Ambassadors in Islamic conference nations have stressed to their host Governments that the United Kingdom does not recognise or observe the boycott in any way.
It is well know that we are strongly opposed to all attempts by third parties to restrict our trade with Israel.
Palestine Liberation Organisation
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has had from Her Majesty's ambassadors in Baghdad or Tel Aviv relating to the claim made by the Palestine Liberation Organisation on Palestine Liberation Organisation Central Radio in Baghdad at 16.36 hrs Greenwich mean time on 12 May that they had been responsible for explosions in Jerusalem during Mr. Shultz's visit and describing violent action of this kind as a major national option; and whether Her Majesty's ambassador has made any protest to the Iraqi Government about continuing violence and its effect on peace negotiations.
All concerned in the Arab-Israeli dispute are well aware that we condemn the use of violence from whatever quarter. We continue to believe that a just and lasting settlement can only be achieved through negiotiations at which the voice of the Palestinians would be heard. We therefore welcome the agreement between King Hussein and Mr. Yasser Arafat to work for a peaceful, negotiated settlement.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what report he has received from Her Majesty's Ambassador in Tunis about the statement on 13 May on Radio Monte Carlo by the leading member of the central committee of Al-Fatah, known as Abu Iyad, that the Palestine Liberation Organisation would be mistaken to approve an initiative by King Hussein which involved a Jordanian-Palestinian confederation and which would negotiate an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza; and whether he has received any confirmation from other ambassadors in Arab countries that this is the official view of Yasser Arafat's branch of the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
We are aware of the statement referred to, and of the commitment by King Hussein and Mr. Yasser Arafat on 11 February that the Jordanian Government and the Palestine Liberation Organisation should work together for a negotiated settlement.
Abduction
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions his Department has been involved following the abduction of British children from the United Kingdom to other foreign countries in 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985 to date; and if he will detail the ages of the children and the other countries involved.
The information is not readily available. I shall arrange for it to be published in the Official Report as soon as possible.
Anglo-Irish Encounter Group
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Anglo-Irish encounter group has published the report of its third conference on increasing the appreciation of our cultural heritage.
The report of the third encounter conference is expected to be available towards the end of June 1985.
Namibia
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent events in Namibia.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent developments over Namibia.
[pursuant to his reply, 22 May 1985, column 459]: The following is the information:We remain concerned at the situation in Namibia. The new administrative arrangements announced by the South African Government have no status under the United Nations plan. It remains the South African Government's responsibility to permit the implementation of the United Nations plan.
Education And Science
Science And Engineering Research Council (Exhibition)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will arrange for an exhibition relating to the Science and Engineering Research Council to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.
I understand that arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 17 to Friday 21 June.
Student Grants
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what work has been done, in the context of assessment of the impact of the various alternative forms of student financial support, to update the research in 1983 on the impact of grants on the rate of increase in participation in higher education.
The 1983 paper "Future Demand for Higher Education in Great Britain" (DES report on education 99) was updated in July 1984 by "Demand for Higher Education in Great Britain 1984–2000" (report on education 100). The variant Y projection of demand in ROE 100 reflected the student support levels then current and the effects of any changes in student support arrangements should be shown by revisions to that projection.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assessment has been made of the impact of replacing the grant system by a students loan scheme on access to higher education in both universities and polytechnics to social classes below A and B.
None, but in the review of student support, attention will be given to loans in place of grants, in part at least, as one possibility for change in the present student support arrangements.
Teachers (Pay)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why the decision was taken to restrict salary increases for teachers to 4 per cent in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
The teachers' pay increase for 1985 has not yet been decided. The Burnham committee adjourned last week but negotiations will continue when the committee reconvenes today.
School Meals
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many families living in the west midlands region are presently receiving assistance for their children to have free school dinners.
The number of pupils taking a free school meal in schools in the local education authorities in the west midlands region on the day of the annual school meals census in October 1984 is shown in the report on the 1984 school meals census, which is available in the Library.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the pupil-teacher ratio in special schools, excluding hospital schools, for each year since 1979–80.
The pupil-teacher ratios in maintained and non-maintained special schools in England from January 1980 to January 1984 were:
January | Pupil-teacher ratios* |
1980 | 7·7 |
1981 | 7·7 |
1982 | 7·5 |
1983 | 7·4 |
1984 | 7·1 |
* Excluding hospital schools. |
Special Education (Expenditure)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the projected rate of expenditure on special education, expressed in (a) cost and (b) real terms for each year from 1984–85 to 1987–88.
The following are the figures requested in respect of education in special schools in England over the period 1984–85 to 1986–87; the sum provisionally allocated in the Government's Cmnd. 9428 plans to local authority current expenditure on education in 1987–88 has not been divided between sectors. Information is not available on expenditure on pupils with special needs outside special schools, or on students with special needs in further education.
Expenditure on special schools
| |||
£million | |||
Financial years
| |||
1984–85
| 1985–86
| 1986–87
| |
Cash | 420 | 404 | 420 |
Real terms | 439 | 404 | 402 |
Notes:
1. The 1984–85 cash figure is an estimate based on local authority budgets, and those for 1985–86 and 1986–87 are projections.
2. The 1984–85 figure is not directly comparable with that for 1985–86 because the former may include, and the latter excludes, expenditure from the unallocated margin of local authority expenditure. There is no unallocated margin for 1986–87, but the split between services of planned local authority current expenditure for that year is provisional.
3. To produce the real terms line the cash figures have been adjusted to 1985–86 prices for general inflation as measured by the GDP deflator. Cmnd. 9428 explains that this process is now referred to as an adjustment to "real terms" rather than "cost terms".
4. The number of pupils in special schools is projected to decline by around 2 per cent. between 1984–85 and 1986–87.
Education (Expenditure)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to make available the report of Her Majesty's Inspectorate on the effects of local authority expenditure policies on the education service in England in 1984.
The Her Majesty's Inspectorate report on the observed effects of local authority expenditure policies on the education service in England in the autumn of 1984 has been published today. Copies are available in the Vote Office. This report, the fifth since this Government decided that Her Majesty's Inspectorate's findings should be published, should be read with attention by all of us concerned with the provision of education.
Bursaries
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the numbers of bursaries which have been allocated to individual students
Number of classes and pupils in them by size of class in January 1984 (Primary schools) | ||||||||
Size of class taught by one teacher | ||||||||
0–30 | 31–35 | 36–40 | 41 and over | |||||
Classes | Pupils | Classes | Pupils | Classes | Pupils | Classes | Pupils | |
Barking | 520 | 12,185 | 23 | 753 | 5 | 188 | 0 | 0 |
Barnet | 790 | 17,069 | 70 | 2,252 | 3 | 116 | 0 | 0 |
Bexley | 425 | 10,506 | 158 | 5,135 | 8 | 294 | 2 | 115 |
Brent | 765 | 15,735 | 32 | 1,070 | 1 | 36 | 0 | 0 |
Bromley | 610 | 14,942 | 129 | 4,118 | 3 | 108 | 0 | 0 |
Croydon | 726 | 16,751 | 155 | 5,069 | 5 | 180 | 0 | 0 |
Ealing | 841 | 17,965 | 80 | 2,558 | 6 | 216 | 0 | 0 |
Enfield | 622 | 14,716 | 148 | 4,840 | 2 | 75 | 1 | 41 |
Haringey | 655 | 14,307 | 2 | 62 | 1 | 37 | 0 | 0 |
Harrow | 506 | 10,961 | 120 | 3,919 | 7 | 257 | 0 | 0 |
Havering | 612 | 14,920 | 119 | 3,823 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 43 |
Hillingdon | 557 | 12,849 | 116 | 3,764 | 15 | 568 | 0 | 0 |
Hounslow | 573 | 11,849 | 69 | 2,229 | 9 | 336 | 1 | 46 |
Kingston upon Thames | 271 | 5,995 | 79 | 2,598 | 6 | 222 | 0 | 0 |
Merton | 260 | 5,932 | 46 | 1,500 | 6 | 223 | 1 | 43 |
Newham | 721 | 16,744 | 29 | 923 | 1 | 36 | 1 | 60 |
Redbridge | 428 | 9,737 | 143 | 4,666 | 7 | 263 | 0 | 0 |
Richmond upon Thames | 314 | 7,059 | 33 | 1,061 | 1 | 36 | 1 | 64 |
Sutton | 245 | 5,866 | 109 | 3,582 | 21 | 770 | 0 | 0 |
Waltham Forest | 570 | 12,754 | 70 | 2,276 | 4 | 144 | 1 | 42 |
Inner London | 6,360 | 127,637 | 166 | 5,308 | 4 | 148 | 1 | 43 |
in each academic year since 1978–79 for postgraduate study in the faculties of mechanical and electrical engineering.
[pursuant to his reply, 23 April 1985, c. 439]: I regret that the information given in my earlier answer was incorrect. I understand from the Science and Engineering Research Council that studentships do not divide simply into either mechanical or electrical engineering. Consequently, the numbers of research and advanced course postgraduate studentships have been re-examined and a fuller presentation should be as follows:
Mechanical* engineering | Electrical †engineering | |
1978–79 | 117 | 177 |
1979–80 | 109 | 182 |
1980–81 | 65 | 167 |
1981–82 | 61 | 151 |
1982–83 | 86 | 176 |
1983–84 | 101 | 499 |
1984–85 | 125 | 541 |
* Includes Production Engineering. | ||
† Includes Electronic Engineering and those Specialist and Conversion Advanced courses supported by SERC's Information Engineering Committee. |
Class Sizes
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a table showing the number of classes and of pupils in classes in each local education authority with 30 and under, 31 to 35, 36 to 40 and over 40 pupils per class for primary and secondary schools in 1979, 1981 and 1984 respectively.
[pursuant to his reply, 29 April 1985, c. 5]: The information for 1979 was set out in my reply of 6 July 1984 to my hon. Friend the member for Nuneaton (Mr. Stevens) at columns 315–28. The information for both 1981 and 1984 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The latest information for January 1984, however, is set out in the following table.
Size of class taught by one teacher
| ||||||||
0–30
| 31–35
| 36–40
| 41 and over
| |||||
Classes
| Pupils
| classes
| Pupils
| Classes
| Pupils
| Classes
| Pupils
| |
Birmingham | 2,519 | 58,339 | 844 | 27,693 | 38 | 1,420 | 1 | 51 |
Coventry | 728 | 16,375 | 227 | 7,373 | 27 | 991 | 0 | 0 |
Dudley | 834 | 19,009 | 194 | 6,262 | 9 | 340 | 2 | 112 |
Sandwell | 870 | 19,703 | 187 | 6,057 | 11 | 412 | 2 | 236 |
Solihull | 500 | 11,512 | 140 | 4,588 | 12 | 440 | 1 | 91 |
Walsall | 906 | 18,960 | 79 | 2,553 | 7 | 256 | 2 | 83 |
Wolverhampton | 918 | 18,704 | 52 | 1,673 | 4 | 150 | 2 | 84 |
Knowsley | 501 | 11,533 | 92 | 2,994 | 9 | 327 | 2 | 99 |
Liverpool | 1,514 | 33,982 | 199 | 6,421 | 19 | 704 | 2 | 83 |
St. Helens | 514 | 11,565 | 125 | 4,082 | 25 | 945 | 3 | 125 |
Sefton | 744 | 17,536 | 183 | 5,945 | 8 | 289 | 0 | 0 |
Wirral | 862 | 20,181 | 206 | 6,701 | 20 | 737 | 0 | 0 |
Bolton | 596 | 13,796 | 218 | 7,098 | 41 | 1,540 | 8 | 405 |
Bury | 422 | 9,504 | 119 | 3,880 | 14 | 513 | 0 | 0 |
Manchester | 1,173 | 27,385 | 220 | 7,144 | 24 | 895 | 3 | 139 |
Oldham | 560 | 12,542 | 187 | 6,133 | 27 | 997 | 5 | 213 |
Rochdale | 559 | 13,014 | 110 | 3,571 | 7 | 259 | 1 | 41 |
Salford | 760 | 17,372 | 69 | 2,225 | 6 | 224 | 3 | 149 |
Stockport | 697 | 17,197 | 155 | 5,040 | 15 | 551 | 0 | 0 |
Tameside | 552 | 12,993 | 159 | 5,171 | 19 | 713 | 2 | 85 |
Trafford | 465 | 10,588 | 126 | 4,110 | 12 | 438 | 2 | 94 |
Wigan | 854 | 19,234 | 153 | 4,967 | 37 | 1,388 | 2 | 137 |
Barnsley | 696 | 16,091 | 59 | 1,874 | 3 | 110 | 0 | 0 |
Doncaster | 951 | 21,355 | 64 | 2,044 | 7 | 271 | 0 | 0 |
Rotherham | 779 | 18,257 | 99 | 3,196 | 9 | 351 | 0 | 0 |
Sheffield | 1,645 | 36,818 | 83 | 2,666 | 14 | 525 | 3 | 124 |
Bradford | 1,119 | 25,593 | 99 | 3,155 | 7 | 263 | 0 | 0 |
Calderdale | 625 | 14,040 | 98 | 3,176 | 4 | 148 | 0 | 0 |
Kirklees | 966 | 21,741 | 257 | 8,366 | 37 | 1,369 | 2 | 186 |
Leeds | 1,423 | 33,227 | 283 | 9,154 | 48 | 1,814 | 9 | 417 |
Wakefield | 740 | 17,162 | 120 | 3,844 | 13 | 486 | 1 | 41 |
Gateshead | 762 | 16,168 | 18 | 568 | 2 | 77 | 2 | 96 |
Newcastle upon Tyne | 792 | 16,113 | 38 | 1,204 | 2 | 72 | 2 | 83 |
North Tyneside | 610 | 12,183 | 34 | 1,085 | 3 | 114 | 0 | 0 |
South Tyneside | 507 | 11,336 | 34 | 1,095 | 2 | 73 | 0 | 0 |
Sunderland | 948 | 21,862 | 133 | 4,325 | 3 | 109 | 1 | 97 |
Isles of Scilly | 9 | 123 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Avon | 1,690 | 39,919 | 825 | 26,857 | 75 | 2,750 | 1 | 42 |
Bedfordshire | 984 | 22,773 | 270 | 8,754 | 33 | 1,236 | 3 | 173 |
Berkshire | 1,551 | 36,555 | 431 | 14,011 | 50 | 1,831 | 2 | 87 |
Buckinghamshire | 1,480 | 34,871 | 549 | 17,852 | 80 | 2,957 | 6 | 279 |
Cambridgeshire | 1,436 | 34,479 | 414 | 13,425 | 37 | 1,361 | 0 | 0 |
Cheshire | 2,232 | 51,377 | 642 | 20,862 | 91 | 3,371 | 9 | 393 |
Cleveland | 1,811 | 42,382 | 189 | 6,115 | 32 | 1,224 | 1 | 42 |
Cornwall | 963 | 21,857 | 327 | 10,633 | 40 | 1,484 | 2 | 84 |
Cumbria | 1,442 | 31,372 | 176 | 5,645 | 11 | 400 | 0 | 0 |
Derbyshire | 2,271 | 51,273 | 511 | 16,629 | 71 | 2,625 | 3 | 132 |
Devon | 1,999 | 46,083 | 520 | 16,949 | 113 | 4,206 | 0 | 0 |
Dorset | 898 | 20,334 | 338 | 11,047 | 80 | 2,964 | 2 | 82 |
Durham | 1,697 | 39,932 | 275 | 8,910 | 14 | 514 | 2 | 131 |
East Sussex | 1,411 | 32,413 | 274 | 8,879 | 12 | 440 | 1 | 41 |
Essex | 3,254 | 79,952 | 1,127 | 36,105 | 19 | 691 | 2 | 98 |
Gloucestershire | 1,105 | 25,121 | 380 | 12,356 | 32 | 1,171 | 2 | 87 |
Hampshire | 3,035 | 73,028 | 1,280 | 41,773 | 106 | 3,899 | 2 | 85 |
Hereford and Worcester | 1,065 | 25,205 | 474 | 15,484 | 54 | 1,987 | 0 | 0 |
Hertfordshire | 2,352 | 54,226 | 538 | 17,453 | 42 | 1,544 | 4 | 171 |
Humberside | 2,447 | 54,519 | 237 | 7,603 | 17 | 635 | 7 | 307 |
Isle of Wight | 186 | 4,629 | 27 | 869 | 7 | 254 | 0 | 0 |
Kent | 2,763 | 66,521 | 1,212 | 39,497 | 112 | 4,117 | 2 | 104 |
Lancashire | 3,166 | 73,902 | 934 | 30,512 | 154 | 5,701 | 9 | 405 |
Leicestershire | 2,447 | 55,849 | 349 | 11,271 | 17 | 645 | 7 | 343 |
Lincolnshire | 1,214 | 28,062 | 416 | 13,603 | 61 | 2,251 | 1 | 42 |
Norfolk | 2,002 | 45,335 | 372 | 12,077 | 13 | 472 | 1 | 41 |
North Yorkshire | 1,635 | 35,670 | 330 | 10,734 | 44 | 1,634 | 1 | 41 |
Northamptonshire | 1,492 | 34,068 | 243 | 7,839 | 22 | 822 | 1 | 42 |
Northumberland | 489 | 10,821 | 214 | 7,007 | 5 | 186 | 0 | 0 |
Nottinghamshire | 2,833 | 63,834 | 280 | 8,959 | 34 | 1,311 | 3 | 159 |
Oxfordshire | 950 | 23,095 | 313 | 10,152 | 12 | 440 | 1 | 46 |
Shropshire | 1,117 | 24,715 | 144 | 4,677 | 14 | 515 | 1 | 44 |
Somerset | 772 | 18,171 | 345 | 11,259 | 29 | 1,053 | 0 | 0 |
Staffordshire | 2,709 | 61,514 | 339 | 10,967 | 56 | 2,069 | 5 | 255 |
Suffolk | 1,425 | 32,418 | 174 | 5,617 | 8 | 294 | 2 | 98 |
Surrey | 2,289 | 53,052 | 531 | 17,235 | 36 | 1,327 | 2 | 83 |
Warwickshire | 1,281 | 29,064 | 359 | 11,781 | 28 | 1,030 | 1 | 42 |
Size of class taught by one teacher
| ||||||||
0–30
| 31–35
| 36–40
| 41 and over
| |||||
Classes
| Pupils
| Classe
| Pupils
| Classes
| Pupils
| Classes
| Pupils
| |
West Sussex | 1,293 | 30,404 | 429 | 13,955 | 28 | 1,027 | 0 | 0 |
Wiltshire | 1,202 | 28,562 | 378 | 12,155 | 10 | 366 | 0 | 0 |
England | 114,379 | 2,606,929 | 24,525 | 796,447 | 2,359 | 87,368 | 159 | 7,747 |
Secondary Schools
| ||||||||
Size of class taught by one teacher
| 0–30
| 31–35
| 36–40
| 41 and over
| ||||
Classes
| Pupils
| Classes
| Pupils
| Classes
| Pupils
| Classes
| Pupils
| |
Barking | 535 | 10,538 | 6 | 187 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Barnet | 894 | 15,744 | 41 | 1,309 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bexley | 781 | 15,856 | 31 | 978 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 57 |
Brent | 770 | 13,286 | 16 | 503 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bromley | 898 | 16,903 | 56 | 1,805 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Croydon | 986 | 18,831 | 67 | 2,123 | 2 | 72 | 0 | 0 |
Ealing | 688 | 12,850 | 22 | 691 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Enfield | 871 | 15,787 | 85 | 2,750 | 5 | 184 | 0 | 0 |
Haringey | 604 | 11,018 | 14 | 443 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Harrow | 497 | 8,952 | 23 | 736 | 0 | 0 | 0 | o |
Havering | 887 | 16,461 | 60 | 1,908 | 2 | 78 | 0 | 0 |
Hillingdon | 742 | 14,268 | 32 | 1,021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Hounslow | 682 | 12,559 | 28 | 889 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Cl |
Kingston upon Thames | 367 | 6,860 | 40 | 1,272 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Merton | 543 | 10,905 | 77 | 2,470 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Newham | 747 | 14,401 | 13 | 411 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Redbridge | 677 | 12,896 | 40 | 1,286 | 2 | 73 | 0 | 0 |
Richmond upon Thames | 298 | 6,180 | 17 | 538 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sutton | 443 | 8,317 | 83 | 2648 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Waltham Forest | 772 | 13,703 | 17 | 544 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 49 |
Inner London | 6,280 | 112,385 | 193 | 6,114 | 8 | 301 | 1 | 41 |
Birmingham | 3,280 | 65,784 | 350 | 11,172 | 9 | 330 | 2 | 160 |
Coventry | 1,012 | 20,644 | 104 | 3,272 | 2 | 73 | 0 | 0 |
Dudley | 984 | 19,109 | 55 | 1,750 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sandwell | 1,171 | 22,788 | 64 | 2,034 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Solihull | 764 | 15,543 | 67 | 2,142 | 4 | 147 | 0 | 0 |
Walsall | 1,240 | 22,769 | 51 | 1,604 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wolverhampton | 981 | 18,847 | 32 | 1,017 | 1 | 36 | 0 | 0 |
Knowsley | 646 | 12,612 | 28 | 905 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 93 |
Liverpool | 1,674 | 32,353 | 161 | 5,110 | 2 | 73 | 1 | 44 |
St Helens | 676 | 12,854 | 71 | 2,276 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sefton | 1,041 | 20,328 | 91 | 2,935 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wirral | 1,142 | 22,256 | 84 | 2,675 | 1 | 36 | 0 | 0 |
Bolton | 914 | 18,197 | 88 | 2,820 | 1 | 38 | 0 | 0 |
Bury | 563 | 10,782 | 59 | 1,875 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Manchester | 1,532 | 28,915 | 89 | 2,835 | 4 | 149 | 1 | 43 |
Oldham | 706 | 14,192 | 70 | 2,254 | 5 | 186 | 0 | 0 |
Rochdale | 834 | 15,604 | 32 | 1,025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Salford | 902 | 17,649 | 18 | 575 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Stockport | 1,020 | 20,298 | 64 | 2,055 | 1 | 36 | 0 | 0 |
Tameside | 786 | 14,865 | 49 | 1,569 | 1 | 38 | 0 | 0 |
Trafford | 708 | 14,302 | 19 | 596 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wigan | 1,325 | 26,106 | 61 | 1,932 | 1 | 39 | 1 | 42 |
Barnsley | 885 | 18,070 | 13 | 406 | 1 | 40 | 0 | 0 |
Doncaster | 1,111 | 22,302 | 73 | 2,308 | 3 | 110 | 0 | 0 |
Rotherham | 968 | 19,044 | 80 | 2,564 | 4 | 145 | 0 | 0 |
Sheffield | 1,658 | 33,002 | 67 | 2,122 | 2 | 76 | 0 | 0 |
Bradford | 1,913 | 38,643 | 179 | 5,775 | 14 | 510 | 4 | 192 |
Calderdale | 675 | 13,315 | 66 | 2,109 | 3 | 108 | 0 | 0 |
Kirklees | 1,396 | 27,507 | 130 | 4,194 | 7 | 263 | 0 | 0 |
Leeds | 2,646 | 50,583 | 324 | 10,538 | 15 | 556 | 2 | 91 |
Wakefield | 1,143 | 22,756 | 112 | 3,598 | 6 | 219 | 0 | 0 |
Gateshead | 692 | 13,084 | 42 | 1,322 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Newcastle upon Tyne | 1,034 | 19,195 | 23 | 731 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
North Tyneside | 888 | 15,829 | 29 | 930 | 1 | 37 | 0 | 0 |
South Tyneside | 570 | 10,875 | 23 | 719 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 44 |
Sunderland | 1,069 | 20,979 | 80 | 2,530 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Isles of Scilly | 10 | 152 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Avon | 2,739 | 54,443 | 222 | 7,121 | 9 | 339 | 0 | 0 |
Bedfordshire | 2,045 | 42,187 | 135 | 4,291 | 1 | 37 | 2 | 100 |
Berkshire | 2,251 | 42,298 | 230 | 7,360 | 9 | 332 | 0 | 0 |
Buckinghamshire | 1,607 | 30,715 | 96 | 3,036 | 5 | 182 | 1 | 42 |
Cambridgeshire | 1,760 | 34,928 | 145 | 4,649 | 4 | 145 | 2 | 141 |
Cheshire | 3,206 | 62,310 | 326 | 10,502 | 15 | 549 | 2 | 106 |
Cleveland | 2,155 | 42,743 | 84 | 2,662 | 1 | 37 | 1 | 42 |
Cornwall | 1,346 | 26,778 | 130 | 4,169 | 4 | 147 | 1 | 59 |
Secondary Schools
| ||||||||
Size of class taught by one teacher
| 0–30
| 31–35
| 36–40
| 41 and over
| ||||
Classes | Pupils | Classes | Pupils | Classes | Pupils | Classes | Pupils | |
Cumbria | 1,799 | 34,213 | 75 | 2,373 | 2 | 72 | 0 | 0 |
Derbyshire | 2,967 | 58,980 | 285 | 9,149 | 7 | 257 | 0 | 0 |
Devon | 2,598 | 52,601 | 287 | 9,204 | 5 | 181 | 0 | 0 |
Dorset | 1,735 | 34,417 | 188 | 6,036 | 6 | 220 | 3 | 139 |
Durham | 1,906 | 37,894 | 206 | 6,600 | 5 | 182 | 2 | 183 |
East Sussex | 1,548 | 30,926 | 152 | 4,834 | 4 | 146 | 1 | 44 |
Essex | 4,906 | 99,027 | 378 | 12,014 | 11 | 403 | 1 | 43 |
Gloucestershire | 1,569 | 30,692 | 183 | 5,859 | 7 | 259 | 0 | 0 |
Hampshire | 4,304 | 87,554 | 345 | 11,050 | 9 | 328 | 4 | 180 |
Hereford and Worcester | 2,187 | 42,855 | 300 | 9,658 | 10 | 367 | 0 | 0 |
Hertfordsire | 3,518 | 65,416 | 220 | 7,006 | 1 | 36 | 1 | 46 |
Humberside | 3,588 | 68,799 | 236 | 7,592 | 12 | 451 | 1 | 42 |
Isle of Wight | 458 | 9,093 | 47 | 1,525 | 1 | 36 | 0 | 0 |
Kent | 5,154 | 103,852 | 320 | 10,123 | 4 | 153 | 2 | 211 |
Lancashire | 4,368 | 85,959 | 391 | 12,528 | 18 | 658 | 2 | 93 |
Leicestershire | 3,010 | 60,274 | 128 | 4,074 | 2 | 76 | 3 | 152 |
Lincolnshire | 1,775 | 34,826 | 107 | 3,437 | 6 | 228 | 1 | 41 |
Norfolk | 2,047 | 40,929 | 102 | 3,255 | 4 | 154 | 1 | 64 |
North Yorkshire | 2,210 | 42,188 | 216 | 6,934 | 7 | 256 | 2 | 126 |
Northamptonshire | 2,154 | 42,061 | 137 | 4,393 | 3 | 112 | 0 | 0 |
Northumberland | 1,199 | 23,585 | 137 | 4,433 | 15 | 548 | 1 | 41 |
Nottinghamshire | 3,685 | 71,591 | 156 | 4,961 | 3 | 109 | 3 | 133 |
Oxfordshire | 1,654 | 33,254 | 108 | 3,455 | 2 | 74 | 1 | 57 |
Shropshire | 1,383 | 26,389 | 96 | 3,070 | 4 | 149 | 0 | 0 |
Somerset | 1,226 | 25,310 | 154 | 4,960 | 5 | 190 | 0 | 0 |
Staffordshire | 3,783 | 73,676 | 354 | 11,414 | 6 | 221 | 1 | 45 |
Suffolk | 2,214 | 44,341 | 145 | 4,607 | 8 | 291 | 2 | 98 |
Surrey | 2,355 | 44,335 | 167 | 5,340 | 6 | 219 | 1 | 45 |
Warwickshire | 1,379 | 27,512 | 108 | 3,435 | 2 | 74 | 0 | 0 |
West Sussex | 1,874 | 36,031 | 239 | 7,667 | 14 | 516 | 2 | 87 |
Wiltshire | 1,701 | 33,988 | 126 | 4,028 | 3 | 108 | 0 | 0 |
ENGLAND | 153,884 | 2,999,803 | 11,370 | 363,704 | 347 | 12,795 | 61 | 3,216 |
Employment
Live Animals (Experiments)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will seek powers to permit the Health and Safety Commission to include in the test guidelines associated with the notification of new substances regulations, a requirement that in vitro alternatives to living animals are used to determine eye irritancy, particularly with reference to known or suspected severe irritants; and if he will make a statement.
The notification of New Substances Regulations 1982 implement in Great Britain the notification reqirements of European Commission directive 79/831/EEC and lay down a regime for the testing prior to marketing of new chemical substances so as to permit an assessment to be made of the risks to man and the environment. The test methods to be used are given in EC directive 79/831/EEC and detailed in EC directive 84/449/EEC. The eye test specified there is one of a set of test guidelines drawn up by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and agreed internationally.An in vitro test for eye irritancy is currently being evaluated by the OECD. If such a test is found to be acceptable, the United Kingdom will seek a change in the European requirements which may then be carried forward into United Kingdom legislation.Where possible, for example where the substance is known to be irritant by virtue of it corrosive nature or has been shown to be a skin irritant, the test guidelines accompanying the regulations already make it clear that an eye test on living animals may be omitted.
Retail Trades (Report)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment when the first version of the report finally entitled "Pay and Employment in Four Retail Trades" was submitted to his Department.
A first draft of this report was received in November 1983.
Pesticides
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps his Department or the Health and Safety Executive takes to inform the public of the risks arising from the pesticides used in wood treatment.
The Health and Safety Executive participates in the pesticides safety precautions scheme, which provides for all pesticides to be cleared for safety before being introduced into the United Kingdom. Where the product is to be offered for sale, clearance also includes agreement on a suitable label reflecting risks and recommended precautionary measures. Information on risks and necessary precautions arising from wood treatment is also contained in the recommendation sheets in the 'Chemical Compounds used as Pesticides' series. These are available from the Health and Safety Executive.
Clothing Industry
asked the Secretary of State for Employment why the report on pay in the clothing industry was not commissioned from an external body.
Resources and data were available internally for a study of employment determination in the clothing industry to be carried out in a cost-effective manner.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he decided to produce a report on pay in the clothing industry.
The employment market research unit, which has a general aim to further understanding of the employment consequences of various labour market practices, started a project on wage floors during 1983. A reference to the work is contained in "Department of Employment Research 1983–84" published by HMSO.
Waddon Skillcentre
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the future of the Waddon and Waddon annexe skillcentre; and if he will make a statement.
Under the skillcentre training agency's plans for the reorganisation of the skillcentre network, Waddon skillcentre and its annexe at Sydenham are to close. My right hon. Friend has asked the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission to make sure that satisfactory alternative provisions have been identified before any individual skillcentre closure takes place. The chairman is expected to announce his decision in each case shortly. The skillcentre reorganisation has to be seen in the context of adult training strategy which will provide many more training opportunities overall. In 1986–87, we shall help to train more than twice as many people as in 1983–84 including up to 5,900 adults in south-east London. Both employed and unemployed people will benefit from this expansion.
Wages Councils (Waltham Forest)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many employees in Waltham Forest are covered by the operation of wages councils; how many visits were made by the inspectorate to firms in Waltham Forest in 1984; and how many firms were visited.
Estimates of the number of workers covered by wages councils are available only on a national basis. Statistics relating to the number of visits made by wages inspectors are not collected for areas smaller than wages inspectorate divisions.
Warehouse Fire (Sheffield)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment, in each successive week since the National Carriers' warehouse fire in Sheffield, (a) how many man hours health and safety inspectors have spent investigating the incidents in Sheffield, (b) how many hours of paid overtime have been worked by inspectors involved in the Health and Safety Executive's investigation of the incident and (c) what jobs have been done during the paid overtime worked by the inspectors.
A breakdown of man hours and overtime spent by health and safety inspectors investigating the incident in Sheffield is not available without disproportionate cost. The jobs done during the overtime worked by inspectors have been exclusively concerned with interviewing firemen and taking statements
Unemployment Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, pursuant to the answer of 29 April, Official Report, column 45, he will indicate in which areas statistics obtained from the European Economic Community or Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member states nullify direct comparability between them.
Statistics from administrative sources, rather than from household surveys, are not directly comparable because of differences in definitions, administrative practice and methods of compilation. In particular, the coverage of the figures may differ in respect of age limits or the type of work sought by the unemployed, for example whether permanent or temporary, or full-time or part-time. Differences in conditions of entitlement to benefits also affect comparisons of registered unemployment. A detailed summary of the treatment of data on registered unemployment in EC countries is given in "Definitions of registered unemployed, 1984" published by the statistical office of the European Communities, a copy of which is available in the Library.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to the percentage increase in the population eligible for unemployment benefit for each of the last three years in each of the European Economic Community and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.
International comparisons of unemployment are not available in the form of estimates of the population eligible for unemployment benefits.
Labour Statistics
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to the change in the number of people in employment in each of the European Economic Community and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries for each of the last three years.
The available information for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member states, including those in the European Communities, is given in the following table:
Civilian Employment, Thousand | |||
Change 1981–82 | Change 1982–83 | Change 1983–84 | |
Canada | -362 | 90 | 266 |
United States | -871 | 1,308 | 4,171 |
Japan* | 570 | 950 | 330 |
Australia | 39 | -114 | 182 |
New Zealand | 16 | na | na |
Austria* | 98 | -30 | na |
Belgium | -49 | -36 | na |
Denmark | -1 | 21 | na |
Change 1981–82
| Change 1982–83
| Change 1983–84
| |
Finland | 23 | 13 | 24 |
France | 15 | -145 | Na |
Germany | -466 | -410 | -41 |
Greece | -38 | 17 | Na |
Iceland | 1 | Na | Na |
Ireland | 2 | -22 | Na |
Italy | -64 | 53 | 339 |
Luxembourg | 0 | 0 | Na |
Netherlands | -21 | -55 | Na |
Norway* | 14 | 11 | 13 |
Portugal* | -10 | Na | Na |
Spain | -55 | -71 | -423 |
Sweden* | -6 | 5 | 31 |
Switzerland* | -21 | -39 | na |
Turkey | 124 | na | na |
United Kingdom | -419 | -299 | 375 |
* Figures include Armed Forces. | |||
na = not available. |
Source: OECD 'Labour Force Statistics' and 'Quarterly Labour Force Statistics', SOEC 'Employment and Unemployment', and for United Kingdom 'Employment Gazette'.
Community Programme
asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what steps he has take to initiate discussions with charitable groups in order to secure additional community programme placements as indicated in his recently published White Paper, "Employment: the Challenge to the Nation"; and if he will make a statement;(2) if an invitation to charitable bodies to submit proposals for new placements for the enhanced community programe in 1985–86 will extend to groups not at present participating in the programme.
The White Paper "Employment: The Challenge to the Nation" (Cmnd. 9474) explains that as well as increasing the community programme by 100,000 places to 230,000 places, £10 million will be made available to explore new approaches to helping long-term unemployed people. My right hon. Friend has asked the Manpower Services Commission to develop detailed proposals for these experiments as quickly as possible. Many charities and voluntary organisations aready make a invaluable contribution to the success of the community programme. All suggestions, whether from charities or other bodies about how to build on that success are both welcomed and carefully considered.
"Chemicals In Agriculture"
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to publish the work of the working group "Chemicals in Agriculture"; and if he will list the membership of the group and their qualifications.
A summary of the working group's activities is contained in the Health and Safety Commission's report which is published annually.The membership of the working group is as follows:
Mr N Finch—Country Landowners Association
Mr T Horsfield—National Farmers Union
Mr W J Taylor—National Farmers Union
Mr T D McLean—British Agrochemicals Association
Mr A H Jones—Timber Growers Association
Mr M Cunningham—National Union of Public Employees
Mr A Watterson — General Municipal, Boilermakers and Allied Trade Union
Mr C Kaufman— Agriculture and Allied Workers National Trading Group
Mr D V J Thomas— Agriculture and Allied Workers National Trading Group
Mr M Housden— Agriculture and Allied Workers National Trading Group
Dr C Clutterbuck— Agriculture and Allied Workers National Trading Group
Information on the qualifications of individual members of the working group could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
Pesticides
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what studies his Department has made of information regarding the application of organochlorine pesticides to timber in roof spaces and other enclosed situations; and what action his Department has taken as a result.
The Health and Safety Executive, as a participant in the pesticides safety precautions scheme, studies all relevant information when considering a pesticide for clearance. Clearances are reviewed in the light of any significant new information. As a result, the clearance for use of certain organochlorine pesticides has been withdrawn and the use of others severely restricted.
Health And Safety Executive (Library And Information Service)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment for what reasons the Health and Safety Executive library and information service has reduced public access time.
The hours of public telephone access have been reduced by one hour daily — now 10.00 am to 3.00 pm—so that library staff can cope more efficiently with a growing number of written as well as telephoned enquiries. The impact of this move is being closely monitored by the Health and Safety Executive.
Wages
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average minimum wage for a 39-hour week in retail non-food shops (a) in London and (b) outside London for (i) 19-year-olds, (ii) 18-year-olds, (iii) 17-year-olds and (iv) those aged under 17 years at the latest available date.
The minimum weekly rates of pay for employees at various ages covered by the Retail Trades (Non-Food) Wages Council (Great Britain) Wages Order are shown on page 172 of the regularly updated publication, "Time Rates of Wages and Hours of Work" (Department of Employment), a copy of which is in the Library.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any information on the approximate changes in the level of wages of cleaners since the abolition of the fair wages resolution in 1983.
No. The fair wages resolution applied only to workers, other than cleaners, on Government contracts. Terms and conditions of cleaners on Government contracts were dealt with under separate Treasury arrangements.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of (a) retail food shops and (b) retail non-food shops visited by wages inspectors were found to be illegally underpaying their staff in 1982, 1983 and 1984, respectively.
The information requested is given in the following table:
1982 Per cent. | 1983 Per cent. | 1984 Per cent. | |
Percentage of establishments covered by the Retail Food Trade Wages Council visited by Wages Inspectors and found to be underpaying one or more workers | 43·9 | 45·9 | 43·9 |
Percentage of establishments covered by the Retail Non Food Trades Wages Council visited by Wages Inspectorsand found to be underpaying one or more workers | 36–1 | 38·0 | 38·8 |
Workers | 1982 Per cent. | 1983 Per cent. | 1984 Per cent. |
percentage of workers in the retail food trade whose pay was checked by all methods who were found to have been underpaid | 9·7 | 6·7 | 3·3 |
Perpercentage of workers in the retail non-food trade whose pay was checked by all methods who were found to have been underpaid | 5·2 | 3·1 | 3·3 |
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average minimum wage for a 39-hour week in retail food shops in (a) London and (b) outside London for (i) 19-year-olds, (ii) 18-year-olds, (iii) 17-year-olds and (iv) those aged under 17 years at the latest available date.
The minimum weekly rates of pay for employees at various ages covered by the Retail Food and Allied Trades Wages Council (Great Britain) Wages Order are shown on page 168 of the regularly updated publication, "Time Rates of Wages and Hours of Work" (Department of Employment), a copy of which is in the Library.
Shop Workers (Hours)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the average number of hours worked by part-time shop workers in (a) retail food shops and (b) retail non-food shops in 1979 and 1984.
The available information on a broadly comparable basis in 1979 and 1984 relates to the average weekly hours of part-time female employees covered by pay-as-you-earn schemes and whose pay was not affected by absence in the survey week in April. Details for the main sectors of retail distribution are published in table 177 of the reports of the new earnings survey for 1979 and for 1984 respectively, copies of which are in the Library.
Ec (Social Fund)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what regions and projects in the United Kingdom will be excluded as a result of the revision in the terms of the European Economic Community social fund; what is the expected loss in the United Kingdom share of the fund following the revision; if he will place a copy of the revised terms in the Library; and if he will make a statement.
The European Commission recently published its fund management guidelines indicating which types of project and which regions will be given priority for support from the European social fund in 1986. Ihave placed a copy in the Library. The main changes in priority projects are that all training schemes must include an element of new technology training, and that priority will no longer be given, except in Northern Ireland and other absolute priority regions, to temporary job creation schemes or to wage subsidy schemes for people over 25.The main changes to priority regions in the United Kingdom are that the Western Isles, Powys, Warwickshire, parts of Devon, north Yorkshire, most of Cumbria, Grampian and the Borders have lost their previous priority status, while Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and the Isle of Wight have gained priority status. Non-priority areas continue to qualify for support under some parts of the fund.Most member states will be experiencing a greater reduction in areas with priority status than the United Kingdom. We are continuing to pursue with the Commission a number of anomalies in their selection of priority areas. It is too soon to say how these changes will affect United Kingdom allocations from the fund.
Wales
School Meals
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report the percentage of school meals which have been provided free of charge to pupils in each education authority in Wales for each year from 1979 to the latest available date.
The number of pupils receiving a free school meal expressed as a percentage of the total number of pupils taking meals, at all maintained schools on a specific day in the autumn of each year, was as follows:
Percent. | ||||||
1979
| 1980
| 1981
| 1982
| 1983
|
*1984
| |
Clwyd | 21·2 | 21·0 | 27·9 | 30·8 | 30·4 | 30·8 |
Dyfed | 19·4 | 12·6 | 15·0 | 18·8 | 21·4 | 23·2 |
Gwent | 30·4 | 30·6 | 34·0 | 39·9 | 41·5 | 47·5 |
Gwynedd | 29·1 | 19·9 | 23·4 | 27·6 | 30·7 | 31·8 |
Mid Glamorgan | 21·3 | 25·2 | 29·5 | 33·4 | 37·7 | 47·9 |
Powys | 14·5 | 12·5 | 13·9 | 17·7 | 19·7 | 22·1 |
South Glamorgan | 31·7 | 35·5 | 39·2 | 49·8 | 49·2 | 48·3 |
West Glamorgan | 21·9 | 27·4 | 29·4 | 35·2 | 35·8 | 42·1 |
* Provisional estimate. |
The number of pupils receiving a free school meal expressed as a percentage of the total number of pupils present was as follows:
Per cent. | ||||||
1979
| 1980
| 1981
| 1982
| 1983
|
*1984
| |
Clwyd | 12·5 | 8·6 | 11·3 | 13·4 | 15·6 | 16·5 |
Dyfed | 13·9 | 8·4 | 10·5 | 13·5 | 15·2 | 17·5 |
Gwent | 15·4 | 15·0 | 17·7 | 20·6 | 22·8 | 27·3 |
Gwynedd | 21·4 | 12·3 | 15·1 | 17·2 | 19·6 | 20·5 |
Mid Glamorgan | 12·7 | 13·0 | 16·5 | 18·9 | 21·6 | 29·7 |
Powys | 10·6 | 7·1 | 9·7 | 11·8 | 13·8 | 14·5 |
South Glamorgan | 16·2 | 14·6 | 17·2 | 18·8 | 20·5 | 21·4 |
West Glamorgan | 12·0 | 11·4 | 14·7 | 17·3 | 19·8 | 23·9 |
* Provisional estimate. |
Rates
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report the number of domestic hereditaments in Wales on an authority-by-authority basis with a rateable value of under £400.
The information is given in the following table:
Domestic hereditaments with rateable values under £400 at April 1984 | |
Number | |
Alyn and Deeside | 25,858 |
Colwyn | 21,485 |
Delyn | 23,572 |
Glyndwr | 14,808 |
Rhuddlan | 20,948 |
Wrexham Maelor | 42,100 |
Carmarthen | 17,102 |
Ceredigion | 22,044 |
Dinefwr | 12,829 |
Llanelli | 29,364 |
Preseli | 23,965 |
South Pembrokeshire | 14,683 |
Blaenau Gwent | 31,003 |
Islwyn | 24,696 |
Monmouth | 25,088 |
Newport | 49,503 |
Torfaen | 34,285 |
Aberconwy | 20,987 |
Arfon | 22,483 |
Dwyfor | 12,016 |
Meirionnydd | 14,660 |
Ynys Mon | 25,910 |
Cynon Valley | 26,184 |
Merthyr Tydfil | 22,916 |
Number
| |
Ogwr | 47,445 |
Rhondda | 31,676 |
Rhymney Valley | 37,824 |
Taff-Ely | 34,070 |
Brecknock | 14,073 |
Montgomery | 17,491 |
Radnor | 7,815 |
Cardiff | 102,917 |
Vale of Glamorgan | 39,231 |
Afan | 20,165 |
Lliw Valley | 23,207 |
Neath | 25,529 |
Swansea | 70,035 |
Total | 1,049,967 |
X-Ray Examinations (Ysbyty)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the longest delay in providing an X-ray examination at Ysbyty, Gwynedd, following a doctor's request.
This information is not held centrally.
Ambulance Service
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of occasions on which his Department has referred problems concerning aspects of the ambulance service in Wales to the ambulance service advisory committee.
The ambulance service advisory committee ceased to exist in 1974.
Disabled People
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many disabled persons have been taken into employment in Wales under the job introduction scheme during the past 12 months.
Statistics are available only from 10 September 1984. Between that date and 8 March 1985 there have been 96 placings.
Mentally Iii People
asked the Secretary of State for Wales, where in Wales there now exists a formal joint team between district health authorities and county social service departments, in relation to the development of services for mentally ill people; and if he is satisfied with the rate of progress in this area.
All health authorities, local authorities and family practitioner committees are required by statute to form joint consultative committees, which include representation of voluntary sector interests. The arrangements below the level of JCCs for ensuring effective joint working are for authorities locally to decide.Much remains to be done to achieve the decentralised patterns of mental illness services which are our objective. None the less, we are taking steps to ensure the coordinated development of services. These include monitoring health authorities' strategic plans; the requirement placed on health authorities to reinvest the proceeds of the first 0·5 per cent. of efficiency savings on developments in continuing care services for mentally ill, mentally handicapped and elderly people; special funding of mental illness developments in the NHS in 1985–86 of almost £1 million; and Welsh Office contributions to jointly financed developments in social services of over £2 million in 1985–86.We have arranged for a further independent review of mental illness services jointly by the NHS health advisory service and the social work service of the Welsh Office between 1985–86 and 1987, the reports of which will be published.
Fluoridation
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate (a) the initial capital cost of equipment and (b) the continuing cost of labour and materials in Wales as a result of the addition of fluoride to water supplies.
The initial capital cost of equipment for the addition of fluoride to water supplies in the Welsh water authority area was £32,800 and the continuing cost of labour and materials is approximately £25,000 per annum, based on the 12 months ending 31 March 1985.
House Prices
asked the Secretary of State for Wales to what factors he attributes the fall in the level of house prices in Wales compared with the rest of the United Kingdom in the last year.
No meaningful conclusion can be drawn from the fact that average Welsh house prices rose more slowly in 1984 than in United Kingdom as a whole. The most recent Building Societies Association Bulletin explains that, although over time Welsh prices move in line with the United Kingdom average, the pattern year by year is different.
Prime Minister
Sheffield
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to pay an official visit to Sheffield.
I have at present no plans to do SO.
Rating Reform
Q22.
asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the recent representations she has received on the reform of the rating system.
I am well aware of the objections which many people have to the present rating system. Alternative forms of local taxation are among the issues being considered by the Government's studies on local government finance now in progress.
Anti-Fouling Paints
Q35.
asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with co-ordination between the Departments of the Environment and Trade and Industry the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Northern Ireland Office on the consultation prior to the publication of draft regulations restricting the use of anti-fouling paints on. boats; and if she will make a statement.
Yes. My right hon. Friends are now considering representations made on these draft regulations during the period of public consultation which has just ended.
Rented Dwellings
Q108.
asked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government have plans to seek to increase the supply of homes to rent.
The Government's public expenditure plans already allow for over £3 billion of public investment in housing in 1985–86. We have encouraged local authorities to concentrate their resources on those in special need. We are also considering whether further steps, in addition to those in the Housing Act 1980, should be taken to encourage private landlords to meet the demand for homes to rent.
Nicaragua
asked the Prime Minister what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards United States policies towards Nicaragua, especially its economic and trade boycott.
We share with the United States Administration the common objectives of promoting stability, security and peaceful development in central America. Like them we want to see progress in Nicaragua towards the establishment of genuine pluralist democracy, the scaling down of armaments and an end to support for subversion of neighbouring states. We have not been asked to participate in the United States economic boycott.
Engagements
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 23 May.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 23 May.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 23 May.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 23 May.
This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House I shall be having further meetings later today.
Missing Children
asked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government will initiate a nationwide campaign to assist distressed parents in locating their missing children.
I can well understand the distress of parents in such circumstances but doubt whether a Government campaign would provide the answer. The information which is necessary operationally for the police is already available; in addition the Metropolitan police missing persons bureau, which is a measure of the particular problem experienced in London, provides some statistical indication of the numbers of children involved. The views of the Association of Chief Police Officers were sought on whether a more comprehensive facility was required but the police considered that arrangements for recording vulnerable missing persons on the police national computer were adequate and effective.
Transport
Driving Examinations
Ross asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to privatise the examination of learner drivers; and if he will make a statement.
My right hon. Friend has no proposals to privatise the driving test organisation.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the continuing delays in the examination of learner drivers.
I refer the hon. Member to the last paragraph of my reply about L test waiting periods to his hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Wainwright) on 19 February at column 437.
Speed Governors
asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department is monitoring the use of vehicle speed governors such as the Lucas road speed limiter; and whether he is considering making their use mandatory on coaches and lorries.
As the hon. Member is aware the House of Commons Transport Committee, in its report on road safety, recommended that the development of speed limiters should be monitored closely with the possibility of mandatory fitment in due course. We shall be responding to the report shortly.
Drink-Drive Campaign
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce the date on which the next Christmas drink-drive campaign will start; what slogan will be used; and if he will make a statement.
Decisions as to the content and timing of future publicity on drinking and driving will need to take account of a number of factors, not least our evaluation of the results of the Christmas 1985 campaign, which is not yet completed. It will therefore be some time before I am in a position to make a firm statement of our future plans.
Service Stations (M1)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport on what dates his officials last carried out an annual inspection of each service station on the nine service stations between London and Leeds on the M1; and what was the conclusion of their inspection of the telecommunications systems at that time.
The motorway service areas on the M1 between London and Leeds were inspected on the dates given in the following table:
Motorway service area | Date |
Scratchwood | 14 November 1984 |
Toddington | 28 June 1983 |
Newport Pagnell | 26 February 1985 |
Rothersthorpe | 7 March 1984 |
Watford Gap | 7 March 1984 |
Leicester Forest East | 10 February 1983 |
Trowell | 11July 1983 |
Woodall | 4July 1984 |
Woolley Edge | 4 July 1984 |
Rural Bus Grant
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he will make available maps relating to the rural bus grant referred to in the Transport Bill.
The maps are available from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys.
Severn Bridge
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recommendation was made by the inspector who held a public inquiry into proposed tolls increases at the Severn bridge; and when he expects to announce his decision.
The proposal before the inspector was that the toll for cars should be increased from 20p to 50p and for lorries and coaches from 40p to £1 but that the present 10p toll for motor cycles should cease. The Inspector recommended that the order necessary to give effect to this proposal be made, subject to a minor modification to clarify the definition of motor cycles. My right hon. Friend has accepted the inspector's recommendation. The Severn Bridge Tolls Order 1985 (SI 1985/726) has been made and is being laid today. The order will come into effect on Sunday 23 June. It should be noted that this is the first toll increase since August 1979. Copies of the inspector's report and the formal decision letter sent today to all objectors have been placed in the Library.
Aerial Crop Spraying
asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many Civil Aviation Authority inspectors are employed to investigate aerial crop spraying incidents; how many are employed to make spot checks unannounced on aerial crop spraying contractors; and how many are employed routinely to monitor aerial crop spraying.
The Civil Aviation Authority employs eight investigators to deal with alleged breaches of civil aviation regulations, including those relating to aerial spraying. The authority also employs three inspectors who examine all operators and the adequacy of their staff, premises, equipment and aircraft before granting aerial application certificates. The inspectors make regular checks on all the operators including unannounced spot checks.
Dual Carriageways (Safety Barriers)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average cost per mile of erecting safety barriers on the central reservations of dual carriageways.
The average cost is approximately £48,000 per mile, but it can vary considerably according to local circumstances.
Section 20 Rail Services
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements will be made in passenger transport executive areas for the continuation of financial support to section 20 rail services in the event that one or more district councils secede from the joint board arrangements.
The arrangements would depend on the circumstances of the individual case. The Local Government Bill recognises this by providing for secession to be approved on the basis either that a district council would remain a member of the Passenger Transport Authority for certain services such as section 20 agreements, whilst taking over responsibility for public transport in other fields, or that it would secede for all purposes.
Boeing 747 (Safety Standards)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will urge the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority to set up new trials to test proposed safety standards for escaping passengers in Boeing 747s;
(2) if the Civil Aviation Authority is satisfied that safety standards for passengers will be maintained on British Airways' Boeing 747s modified to seal up two of the escape exits.
I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the question put by the Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mrs. Dunwoody) on 22 May.
Energy
Power Stations (Flue Gases)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate the likely costs to the domestic electricity consumer in each of the first 10 years of implementing the requirements of the draft EEC directive on combustion from large plants, acid rain, by retrofitting 12 major power stations with flue gas-desulphurisation equipment.
Such estimates are a matter for the Central Electricity Generating Board and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.
Domestic Electricity Bills
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the average annual domestic electricity bill.
I understand from the Electricity Council that the average bill in 1984–85 for domestic consumers in England and Wales on standard tariffs is estimated to have been £194—6·03p per kilowatt hour. The estimated average bill for those on Economy 7 tariffs was £309 — 3·82p per kilowatt hour. The resulting overall average electricity bill for all domestic consumers was £206—5·37p per kilowatt hour.
Cegb (Environmental Performance Targets)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the responsibilities of the Central Electricity Generating Board with regard to caring for the environment in its operations; and what performance targets it has to meet in this respect.
The Central Electricity Generating Board's responsibilities with regard to the environment are set out in section 37 of the Electricity Act 1957. While I do not set specific performance targets in this area, the board is required, in common with the rest of industry, to comply with any general statutory environmental limits applicable to its operations.
Onshore Licensing
asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he will make an announcement about on-shore licensing arrangements.
I hope to be able to make an announcement about the first round onshore licensing round by the end of June.
Offshore Licensing
asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to announce licence awards under the ninth round of offshore licensing.
[pursuant to the reply, 23 January 1985, c. 418]: I have today announced the conditional awards of petroleum production licences for a further 80 blocks in the ninth round. These lie in all the areas in which blocks were offered. They include the deep water frontier areas of the Rockall and Faeroes troughs; the other frontier areas of the central and extreme southern North sea and the Celtic sea; the intermediate areas of the English Channel and West Shetlands basin; and mature areas in the northern and southern North sea and Morecambe bay.On January 23 of this year my right hon. Friend announced awards for 13 cash tender blocks applied for in the auction part of the round, bringing in a total of 121·3 million. Today's awards bring the ninth round to a very successful conclusion. A record number of applications were received, and the extent of the work obligations involved is high.The total of 93 awards is significantly greater than the maximum of 80 we originally expected to be able to make. We also achieve our objective of opening up new frontier areas, including some in deeper water than we have previously licensed. The awards also reflect the continuing high level of interest in gas exploration and development.Some of the blocks which I am licensing today lie close to the coast. In inviting applications for these blocks I made two matters clear. First, that there will need to be special arrangements because of the sensitivity of these areas for fishing, wildlife and navigation. Secondly, I expect the licensees, if and when they come to consider development plans for such blocks, to carry out a study into the implications and impact of the proposed development.I would also expect the study to be carried out in consultation with all interested parties including the relevant local authorities, and with fishing and environmental bodies. I emphasise the importance of these matters.More particularly, I have requested and obtained from all applicants, including the successful companies, confirmation of their acceptance of the special arrangements. I have set out certain essential elements which must be included in the contingency plans to be considered by my Department before drilling can take place. The purpose of these plans is to ensure a rapid response to any oil spill, access to adequate resources in reserve, and good liaison with the relevant local and other authorities.A copy of the list of awards and the list of elements has been lodged in the Libraries of both Houses.
Social Services
Licences
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the Official Report all the different types of licences operated or granted by his Department and the year in which they first came into operation.
The information is as follows:
Year
| |
Therapeutic Substances Act 1956 (and previous legislations): | |
Research Licences | 1927 |
Medicines Act 1968: | |
Product Licences | 1971 |
Product Licences of Right | 1971 |
Manufacturer's Licences | 1971 |
Wholesale Dealer's Licences | 1971 |
Licences for the manufacture of medical equipment: | |
Endoscope dual viewing device | 1975 |
Blood Flow Detector | 1976 |
Radiation detector | 1978 |
Ultra sound equipment | 1982 |
Licences for computer software products: | |
Fortran IV programs for digitising and processing single beam echocardiograms | 1977 |
Echocardiogram system (Brompton) | 1979 |
Radiotherapy Dose planning (Addenbrooke) | 1979 |
Phoenix Pathology System) | 1979 |
Dietary Analysis (Stoke) | 1981 |
WIMS (Works Information Management System | 1981 |
Radiology (East Anglia) | 1982 |
Master Index and Out-patient Appointments (East Anglia) | 1982 |
Coral Phoenix (Oxford) | 1982 |
Regional Standard System (West Midlands) | 1983 |
Primary Care System (Exeter) | 1983 |
Standard Equipment Scheduling | 1984 |
DHSS-DATA (Library Data base) | 1984 |
Bloodbank (Wolfson) | 1985 |
Junior Hospital Doctors
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will assess the effect on patient care of the hours worked by junior hospital doctors;(2) how many junior hospital doctors currently work in excess of the agreed maximum of 84 hours per week;(3) how many junior hospital doctors currently work in excess of 60 hours per week.
We do not have information in the form requested. The average number of hours for which junior hospital doctors are contracted is 87·3. This comprises a basic working week of 40 hours, plus additional times spent working, standing-by in hospital, or available on-call at home, and includes provision for covering the annual and study leave of colleagues where appropriate. The hours spent actually working will be considerably fewer than those contracted; a survey commissioned by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration in 1981 and published in its 12th report (1982, Cmnd. 8550) indicated an average of 55·3 hours.For some time we have accepted that the long hours required of some junior doctors are not in their interests, nor those of patients. It is for this reason that in 1983 we banned rotas requiring any junior doctor to be on duty on average for more than one night and one weekend in every two. At the same time we asked health authorities to conduct a major review of rotas more onerous than one in three, which are roughly equivalent to 84 hours a week. By the end of that year, the number of such rotas had fallen or was planned to fall by 20 per cent. from 5,000 to 4,000. We expect authorities to keep the need for the most onerous rotas under continuing review, and have set rotas of one in three or better as the target maximum commitment for the future. This year we have asked authorities to take steps to relieve the pressure on those doctors likely to have a heavy burden of out-of-hours work where there is no immediate prospect of improving their rotas. We estimate that the number of doctors in this category is unlikely to be more than 2,000 or under 10 per cent. of all juniors.The Government are committed to the aim of reducing the excessive hours of some junior doctors and we have the support and agreement of the leaders and representatives of the medical profession. We will continue to make progress if we can secure the co-operation of the profession at local level in every Authority.
Consultant Vacancies
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many consultant vacancies are currently unfilled; and how many of these have been unfilled for more than 12 months.
Information in the form requested by the hon. Member is in the following table:
NHS consultant posts not occupied by a permanent holder at 30 September 1984 (All figures, England and Wales) | |||
Total | Medical | Dental | |
Wholly unoccupied | 729 | 705 | 24 |
Occupied by locums | 269 | 269 | 3 |
Wholly unoccupied on 30 September 1984 and not occupied by a permanent holder for 12 months or more | 345 | 334 | 11 |
Occupied by locums on 30 September 1984; and not occupied by a permanent holder for 12 months or more | 117 | 115 | 2 |
Consultant Posts
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many consultant posts there are; and how this compares with 1980.
The numbers of medical and dental consultant posts in the hospital service in England at 30 September 1984, and at the comparable date in 1980, are given in the following table.
Medical posts | Dental posts | Total posts | |
30 September 1984 | 14,117 | 529 | 14,646 |
30 September 1980 | 13,240 | 506 | 13,746 |
Ec (Retirement Pensions)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set out the basic retirement pension, in £ sterling, and the basic rate of unemployment benefit in each of the EEC countries; and if he will express the figures in each case as a percentage of the national average wage.
For the first part of his question I refer the hon. Member to sections IV and VII of the Department's publication, "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the Member States of the European Communities, Portugal and Spain, (position at 1 January 1984)", a copy of which is in the Library. As to the second part of the hon. Member's question, the data available do not allow reliable comparisons with the national average wage in each member State of the European Community.
Nhs (Theft And Fraud)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the number of cases of theft or fraud which were (a) reported to management, (b) reported to the police and (c) in which prosecutions took place in the National Health Service in England in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984.
The number of cases of theft. fraud and arson etc. reported to the Department was as follows:
Number | |
1979–80 | 3,540 |
1980–81 | 3,923 |
1981–82 | 4,049 |
1982–83 | 4,289 |
1983–84 | 4,181 |
Widows (Pensions)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the latest estimate of the number of widows in receipt of widows' pension who have underlying entitlement to invalidity pension (a) with and (b) without invalidity allowance.
The information requested is not available.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many widows are currently in receipt of additional component to widows' pension; and what is the average additional component in payment.
At September 1983, the latest date for which information is available, there were 77,300 widows in receipt of additional component to their widow's pension. The average amount of notional additional component — before deduction of any guaranteed minimum pension — was £2·85 per week. The comparable figures for widows in receipt of widowed mother's allowance were 39,250 and £3·21 per week, giving a total of 116,550 recipients of widows' benefit receiving additional component averaging £2·97 per week.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the latest estimate of the number of widows who are currently in receipt of both invalidity allowance and additional component to widows' pension.
The information requested is not available.
Teachers
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to how many full-time teachers have been in receipt of benefits of any form including in relation to dentist or optician charges in 1984, or in any period for which figures are available.
I regret that benefit statistics are not kept according to the occupation of the claimant.
Unemployment Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the criteria in each European Economic Community country whereby people offered employment and refusing it relinquish their right to unemployment benefit; and how frequently checks are made on individual claims in each country.
I refer my hon. Friend to section VII of the Department's publication, "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the Member States of the European Communities, Portugal and Spain, (position at 1 January 1984)", a copy of which is in the Library. This outlines the qualifying conditions for entitlement to unemployment benefit in each country of the European Community. I have no information regarding the frequency of checks made on individual claims.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the level of benefit available in each European Economic Community country for unemployed people in the following categories (a) school leavers aged 16 years, living at home, (b) school leavers aged 16 years, estranged from home, (c) school leavers aged 17 years living at home, (d) school leavers aged 17 years, estranged from home, (e) school leavers aged 18 years living at home, (f) school leavers aged 18 years, estranged from home, (g) married men with no dependants, (h) married women with no dependants, (i) married men with two children and (j) married women with two children.
Section VII of the Department's publication, "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the Member States of the European Communities, Portugal and Spain, (position at 1 January 1984)", a copy of which is in the Library, outlines the information available regarding rates of benefit provided specifically for the unemployed in each country. Section IX of the tables contains information on additional cash benefits which may be available to unemployed people.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has for each EEC country as to the categories of people entitled to draw unemployment benefit.
I refer my hon. Friend to Section VII of the Department's publication, "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the Member States of the European Communities, Portugal and Spain, (position at 1 January 1984)", a copy of which is in the Library.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has for each European Economic Community country as to its criteria whereby people in the following categories are entitled to draw unemployment benefit (a) married women who have been in work, but are now unemployed, (b) married women who have never been employed, but who are on the unemployment register, (c) people voluntarily retired, but under pensionable age and (d) school leavers who have not been in employment.
To qualify for unemployment benfit in EC countries a person needs to have been an insured worker. Section VII of the Department's publication, "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the Member States of the European Communities, Portugal and Spain, (position at 1 January 1984)", a copy of which is in the Library, sets out details of entitlement.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the different categories in each European Economic Community country of those eligible to receive unemployment benefit; and if he will indicate the time limit in each country.
I refer my hon. Friend to section VII of the Department's publication, "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the Member States of the European Communities, Portugal and Spain, (position at 1 January 1984)", a copy of which is in the Library.
Mortgage Interest (Unemployed Persons)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to how long in each European Economic Community country benefit is available to pay mortgage interest for people who become unemployed.
We have no information on this particular point.
Unemployed People (Assistance)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has for each of the European Economic Community countries as to the level of assistance available to the unemployed and low paid with the following payments (a) telephone, (b) gas, (c) electricity and (d) other fuels.
We have no worthwhile comparative information on these matters.
Stanley Royd Hospital, Wakefield (Inquiry)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the chairman of the Wakefield district health authority has refused to give oral evidence to the public inquiry on the outbreak of food poisoning at Stanley Royd hospital, Wakefield; and if he will take steps to ensure that such evidence is now provided.
The chairman of Wakefield Health Authority, along with many others, provided written evidence to the public inquiry. I understand that he indicated that he was willing to appear before the inquiry panel to give oral evidence, but that it was not considered necessary to ask him to do so.
Public Health Laboratory Service
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to reach a decision on the recommendations contained in the report of his
Department's review of the public health laboratory service; and whether he intends to introduce an amendment to subsection 2(c) of section 5 of the National Health Service Act 1977 to transfer to health authorities responsibility for the administration and funding of the public health laboratory service's regional and area laboratories.
Consultation is now taking place on the recommendations contained in the report of the review of the public health laboratory service. We have asked for comments by 15 August. We shall consider our own response to the review in the light of the comments we receive.
Pay Scales at:— | ||||||||||
Grades | 1 April 1979 | 1 April 1980 | 1April 1981 | 23 August 1982 | 1 April 1984 | |||||
Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | |
£ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
Nursing Sister II (Ward Sister) | 3,888 | 4,949 | 5,309 | 6,807 | 5,628 | 7,215 | 6,321 | 8,103 | 6,827 | 8,751 |
Staff Nurse | 3,150 | 3,813 | 4,198 | 5,119 | 4,450 | 5,426 | 4,998 | 6,094 | 5,398 | 6,582 |
Enrolled Nurse | 2,850 | 3,411 | 3,781 | 4,561 | 4,008 | 4,835 | 4,501 | 5,430 | 4,861 | 5,864 |
1st Year | 3rd Year | 1st Year | 3rd Year | 1st Year | 3rd Year | 1st Year | 3rd Year | 1st Year | 3rd Year | |
£ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
Student Nurse | 2,452 | 2,667 | 3,104 | 3,390 | 3,290 | 3,593 | 3,695 | 4,035 | 3·917 | 4,277 |
Surplus Hospital Land
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the total financial gains which have been made by the National Health Service resulting from the sale of surplus hospital land in each year since 1979 and the organisations which made purchases.
The information in respect of the National Health Service in England is as follows:
Year ending 31 March | £million |
1979 | 7·5 |
1980 | 9·9 |
1981 | 15·2 |
1982 | 19·4 |
1983 | 18·0 |
1984 | 31·5 |
Heart Transplants
Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has yet made a definite decision to open another heart transplant centre.
No. A gradual expansion of heart transplantation was recommended in the report* evaluating its costs and benefits copies of which are in the Library, and my right hon. Friend has asked the supra regional services advisory group to make recommendations as to how its development might best be taken forward. These recommendations are not expected before the late autumn, and no decision on the extent and nature
Nurses (Pay)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the levels of pay which have been made to student nurses, nurses and ward sisters employed by National Health Service hospitals in each year since 1979.
The table shows for the years 1979 to 1984 the minimum and maximum points of the pay scales for the grades of student nurse, enrolled nurse, staff nurse and ward sister. Pay rates for 1985 will be determined in the light of the recommendations of the Review Body for nursing staff, midwives, health visitors and professions allied to medicine.of any expansion in the service will be taken until they have been fully considered and account taken of all the other competing demands on the resources available.
* Costs and Benefits of the Heart Transplant Programmes at Harefield and Papworth Hospitals, HMSO £7·50.
Ex-Service Men (Benefits)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what benefits are currently paid out to second world war ex-service men who suffered the loss of (a) one leg, (b) two legs, (c) an arm, (d) both arms, (e) one eye or (f) both eyes and to war widows.
The second world war ex-service men disabled as a result of that service and war widows are eligible for pensions and allowances under the war pensions scheme. The rate of disablement pension depends upon the assessed degree of disablement. Minimum assessments for the injuries quoted are:-
Percentage assessment | Weekly pension | |
(a) amputation of leg through hip joint | 90 | £52·56 |
(b) amputation of both legs | 100 | £58·40 |
(c) amputation of arm through shoulder joint | 90 | £52·56 |
(c) amputation of both arms | 100 | £58·40 |
(e) loss of one eye | 40 | £23·36 |
(f) loss of both eyes | 100 | £58·40 |
Nhs Contracts (Competitive Tendering)
Short asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will invite the chairmen of regional health authorities to discuss with him the effects of enforced competitive tendering for National Health Service contracts on the manpower and wage levels of ancillary workers, caterers, cleaning and laundry staff.
We discuss competitive tendering at regular meetings with chairmen of regional health authorities. I see no purpose in raising the particular point to which the hon. Member refers.
Local Authorities (West Midlands Region) | |||||||
Percentage of children in care who were boarded out in foster homes at 31 March | |||||||
1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1979–84 | |
Hereford & Worcester | 42·9 | 41·3 | 39·2 | 41·5 | 45·1 | 47·5 | 42·8 |
Shropshire | 45·3 | 44·6 | 44·8 | 46·7 | 48·4 | 54·6 | 47·3 |
Staffordshire | 33·4 | 34·8 | 37·9 | 41·5 | 45·8 | 48·1 | 39·9 |
Warwickshire | 62·3 | 63·5 | 67·2 | 68·2 | 85·6 | 74·9 | 70·2 |
Birmingham | 21·0 | 23·0 | 27·1 | 31·7 | 35·3 | 37·8 | 28·5 |
Coventry | 40·9 | 44·2 | 47·8 | 54·8 | 54·5 | 60·0 | 50·0 |
Dudley | 42·4 | 45·0 | 54·2 | 56·2 | 59·7 | 58·7 | 52·3 |
Sandwell | 28·2 | 29·9 | 34·3 | 43·9 | 30·4 | 33·2 | 33·5 |
Solihull | 33·0 | 43·3 | 40·0 | 35·1 | 41·3 | 46·5 | 39·0 |
Walsall | 33·2 | 35·4 | 36·3 | 38·9 | 44·4 | 48·0 | 38·9 |
Wolverhampton | 32·3 | 35·0 | 35·4 | 40·2 | 41·6 | 48·4 | 38·5 |
District General Hospitals
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of newly constructed district general hospitals which have been completed in each single year since 1979; and in what regions these have been located.
Region | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | Total |
Northern | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Yorkshire | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 |
Trent | — | — | — | — | 3 | 1 | 4 |
E. Anglian | 1 | — | 1 | — | 2 | — | 4 |
N.W. Thames | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
N.E. Thames | — | — | — | 1 | — | 2 | 3 |
S.E. Thames | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | 2 |
S.W. Thames | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | 2 |
Oxford | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 |
Wessex | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | — | 2 |
S. Western | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 |
West Midlands | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | 2 |
Mersey | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
North Western | — | 2 | — | — | 1 | — | 3 |
- | - | - | - | — | - | — | |
Total | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 6 | 33 |
Correspondence
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton may expect a reply to his letter to the hon. Member for Braintree (Mr. Newton) of 28 March regarding his Department's contributions towards charges for nursing homes, accompanied by a letter from a constituent of the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton.
I have written to my hon. Friend today.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will set out the rules governing the use of the name of a hospital by doctors resident at health authority premises when writing to hon. Members.
Children In Care
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the number of children who have been placed into care during the past six years in the west midlands region have been placed with foster parents.
The available information is given in the table which relates to each local authority in the West Midlands region.
33 major phases of district general hospitals have been completed since 1979 and are listed by year and region as follows:
There are no set rules although no doctor should put himself forward as any kind of spokesman for a hospital unless authorised to do so. I have no knowledge of any instance which the hon. Member has in mind when he refers to the use of the name of a hospital.
Smoking (Diseases)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the reply of 17 April, Official Report, column 215, if he will break down the figure of £170 million per annum cost to the National Health Service of diseases to which smoking is a major contributory factor into the cost of (a) inpatient treatment, (b) outpatient and inpatient treatment and (c) family practitioner services.
I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Acute Beds (Bloomsbury)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what criteria he based his conclusion that the Bloomsbury health district has a surplus of acute beds.
[pursuant to his reply, 16 May 1985, c. 226]: In 1979 the London health planning consortium advised of the need for
and in particular for a significant reduction in the number of acute beds in London's hospitals. Changes in population, medical advances and improvements in the efficiency with which hospital facilities were used were cited as the main reasons for arriving at this conclusion, together with the need to release resources to improve services for elderly, mentally ill and mentally handicapped people in London and elsewhere. These findings were confirmed in 1980 by the London Advisory Group which considered that"a major shift in the balance of services within the Thames Regions"
Between 1979 and 1983 (the latest year for which we have information) the number of acute beds in London has reduced by just under 10 per cent. It is for the district and regional health authorities to determine the precise level of services in each district within this overall framework."the order of change identified by the London Health Planning Consortium is broadly correct ie a reduction of 15 per cent. in the total number of acute beds in London between 1979 and 1988".
Pensions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pensioners in Wales drew an additional pension of some kind under the 1975 scheme in September 1984.
[pursuant to his reply, 20 May 1985 c. 330]: At September 1983, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 40,460 retirement pensioners receiving an earnings-related additional pension in Wales.
National Finance
Public Expenditure (Interest Rates)
15.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated change in public spending attributable to a 1 per cent. increase or decrease in interest rates.
The precise effect depends on such matters as the size and structure of Government debt and changes in relative interest rates.
European Monetary System
16.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on the practicability of the United Kingdom joining the exchange rate mechanism of the European monetary system.
Present conditions are not appropriate for United Kingdom membership, but we keep the matter under continuing review.
Personal Taxation
20.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his review of personal taxation will extend to consideration of benefits payable by the Department of Health and Social Security; and if he will make a statement.
As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor explained in his Budget speech, the Green Paper on personal taxation will discuss a range of options including closer integration between the tax and benefit systems.
Johnson Matthey Bankers
21.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that the Price Waterhouse report into Johnson Matthey Bankers fully covers the events leading up to the rescue operation; and if he will make a statement.
I have nothing to add to the answers which my hon. Friend gave the hon. Member on 25 April, column 975, and to the hon. Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Blair) on 8 May, column 401.
Vat (Soccer)
22.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about the levying of value added tax on professional soccer.
Only a few letters. Since the Bradford tragedy, there have been suggestions that VAT is a hindrance to ground improvements; but professional football clubs are registered for the tax, and subject to the normal rules can recover any VAT incurred on such works.
Capital Transfer Tax
24.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total annual cost of collecting capital transfer tax.
The estimated cost for 1984–85 of collecting both capital transfer tax and residual estate duty is £18·2 million. The cost of collecting capital transfer tax alone is not available.
Inland Revenue South-West Region
25.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with the efficiency of management in Inland Revenue south-west region; and what are the reasons for the present state of work in the tax offices of that region.
Yes. In most of the 39 tax offices in the south-west region, the state of work does not give cause for special concern. In some offices there are serious arrears; these are mainly attributable to the loss of trained staff, and in some instances also to transitional problems caused by reorganisation.
Money Supply
26.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the increase in April's money supply figure.
I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's earlier reply to the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr. Latham).
Budget Proposals (Pensions)
27.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received from pensioners following his Budget proposals.
We have received a number of representations from pensioners about various aspects of the Budget proposals.
State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme
28.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect on the revenue of the abolition of the state earnings-related pension scheme.
Estimates of the effect on revenue of the abolition of the state earings-related pension scheme would depend on the assumptions made about any consequential changes in the numbers of contributions made to pension schemes, and in their level.
Public Sector Borrowing Requirement
29.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the public sector borrowing requirement at the end of 1984–85; and what is the effect on its level of the sale of publicly owned enterprises during the year.
The latest estimate of the public sector borrowing requirement for 1984–85 is £10·1 billion. That is 3·1 per cent. of GDP, which is as low as it has been for well over a decade. The PSBR benefited in the year by an estimated £2·1 billion from the special sales of assets programme.
Parliamentary Questions
30.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his practice concerning the signing by Ministers in his Department of written answers to parliamentary questions before they are sent to hon. Members.
My right hon. Friend requires draft answers to be approved and initialled by Ministers before they are re-typed and sent to hon. Members.
Workplace Créche Facilities
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any plans to review the present arrangements for taxing workplace creche facilities.
I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden (Sir G. Johnson Smith) on 24 April, column 481.
Black Economy
32.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate is made for the black economy in computing gross domestic product.
The allowances made for the black economy were described in the October 1983 issue of Economic Trends, pages 77 and 78, and in the notes section of the 1984 edition of United Kingdom National Accounts, page 113. These publications are available in the Library of the House of Commons.
Public Expenditure
33.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking with regard to public expenditure control in the light of the report of the Audit Commission on capital spending.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has welcomed the Audit Commission's report on capital expenditure controls in local government in England—Vol. 78, column 786. Account will be taken of it in his review of the local authority capital control system and any action will follow the conclusion of that review.
Sugar (Taxation)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Her Majesty's Government have any plans to seek to tax sugar; and if he will make statement.
No.
Licences
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in the Official Report all the different types of licences operated or granted by his Department and the year in which they first came into operation.
Her Majesty's Customs and Excise issue excise licences for the following purposes:
- Still User
- Beer Primer
- Brewer for Sale
- Compounder
- Distiller
- Rectifier
- Producers of Wine and Made Wine
- Match Manufacturer
- Mechanical Lighter Manufacturer Methylator
- Limited Licence to Brew
- Gaming
- Gaming Machines
Balance Of Payments
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each year since 1978 and 1985 to date the change in the balance of payments on current account together with his estimate of the effect each year on (a) the United Kingdom money supply and (b) the level of domestic credit.
Figures showing the accounting relationship between the balance of payments and the external and foreign currency counterpart to changes in the money stock together with the components of changes in domestic credit up to the end of 1984 are given in "Financial Statistics" tables 11.5 and 11.6. Similar figures are not yet available for the first quarter of 1985.
Manual Earnings
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the number of minutes of work a male manual worker on average earnings needed to complete in 1973 and 1984, respectively, to earn the equivalent in the years in question of the average retail price of the following food items: (a) one pint of milk, (b) one dozen eggs, (c) one pound of beef, (d) one pound of pork, (e) one pound of lamb, (f) one pound of back bacon, (g) three pounds of chicken, (h) one pound of butter, (i) one pound of cheese, (j) one pound of potatoes, (k) two pounds of sugar, (/) one pound of tomatoes and (m) a 800 gramme white loaf.
The information requested is provided in the following table. The calculations, presented in minutes, are based on the average net hourly income (gross earings less NIC's and income tax) of a full-time manual man (single) on adult rates, excluding those whose pay was affected by absence and draws on information in "New Earnings Surveys". The price data come from information collected for the retail prices index.
Working time (minutes) | ||
April of each year | ||
1973 | 1984 | |
One pint of milk | 5·5 | 5·3 |
One dozen eggs (large) | 32·3 | 24·3 |
1 lb of beef (chuck) | 53·5 | 42·3 |
1 lb of pork (leg) | 39·9 | 26·9 |
1 lb of lamb (best end of neck, home-killed) | 42·1 | 31·7 |
1 lb of back bacon (smoked) | 50·3 | 38·3 |
3 lb of chicken (frozen) | 54·4 | 46·1 |
1 lb of butter (home-produced) | 23·8 | 22·4 |
1 lb of cheese (Cheddar type) | 31·8 | 29·3 |
1 lb of potatoes (old, white, sold loose) | 2·4 | 3·7 |
2 lb of sugar | 19·7 | 24·0 |
1 lb of tomatoes | 34·4 | 14·3 |
800 gramme white loaf (sliced) | 10·3 | 9·7 |
Ec (Financial Guidelines)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the European Economic Community financial guideline relates to calendar years or to financial years.
The Community's financial year is the calendar year. The guideline thus relates to the calendar year.
Manufacturing Investment
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the annual level of investment in manufacturing industry in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement.
Both Government and CBI surveys indicate an increase of 7 to 8 per cent. in manufacturing investment this year.
Share Schemes
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many save-as-you-earn share option schemes under the Finance Act 1980 have been (a) submitted to the Inland Revenue and (b) approved in each year since 1980.
[pursuant to his reply, 21 May 1985, c. 413–14]: The information requested is as follows,
(a) Schemessubmitted | (b) Schemesapproved | |
1980* | 33 | 7 |
1981 | 133 | 113 |
1982 | 77 | 76 |
1983 | 87 | 74 |
1984 | 150 | 100 |
1985† | 53 | 46 |
Total | 533‡ | 416 |
* The start date for the schemes was 15 November 1980. | ||
† Up to 30 April. | ||
‡ Of this total, 33 are schemes which companies have not proceeded with, for a variety of reasons. |
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many approved deferred share trust profit sharing schemes under the Finance Act 1978 (as amended) have been (a) submitted to the Inland Revenue and (b) approved in each year since 1979.
[pursuant to his reply, 21 May 1985, c. 414]: The information requested is as follows:
(a) Schemes submitted | (b) Schemes approved | |
1979* | 186 | 78 |
1980 | 120 | 106 |
1981 | 77 | 77 |
1982 | 73 | 67 |
1983 | 68 | 49 |
1984 | 83 | 69 |
19851 | 34 | 20 |
Total | 641* | 466 |
* The start date for the scheme was 6 April 1979. | ||
†. Up to 30 April. | ||
‡ Of this total, 120 are schemes which companies have not proceeded with, for a variety of reasons. |
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Cocoa Agreements
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to secure that the price objectives of international cocoa agreements are in future denominated in a representative basket of currencies.
Negotiations for a new International Cocoa Agreement are within the competence of the European Community. Her Majesty's Government are seeking, together with our EC partners and other consuming countries, a new agreement based on a realistic view of the market and taking account of the problems caused by currency fluctuations.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to seek amendment of the International Cocoa Agreement 1980 so as to permit adjustment of the price objectives to compensate for fluctuations in international currency markets.
The 1980 Agreement expires this September. The question of its further extension, including the application of any price range, is linked to the prospects for further negotiation of a successor Agreement and cannot be determined at this stage. I fully appreciate, however, the need to take into account in this context the effect of currency fluctuations.
Us Quotas
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken since the United States Government imposed quotas on certain imported goods under section 22 of the Agricultural Act 1933 in January.
On hearing of this action, my Department raised it with the European Commission, within whose competence such matters lie, and the Commission transmitted our concern to the United States authorities. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, also raised the issue, when he visited Washington DC on 7–9 May, with the United States trade representative.On 17 May, the United States Government decided, with effect from 19 May, to exclude from the restrictions imports of certain goods containing sugar, pending an investigation by the US International Trade Commission.These goods are:
—articles in retail packages, if not dry mixtures;
—articles in retail packages, if dry mixtures containing 10 per cent. or less sugar by dry weight;
—articles in bulk, whether or not dry mixtures, containing 10 per cent. or less sugar by dry weight;
—certain cake decorations (ie those to be used in the same condition as imported without any further processing other than the direct application to individual pastries or confections) containing 65 per cent. or less sugar by dry weight;
—crushed coconut meat or juice preparations with added sugar, containing 65 per cent. or less sugar by dry weight;
—minced sea food preparations containing 20 per cent. or less sugar by dry weight.
Brown Tail Moth
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what action he is taking to protect the fruit-growing areas of south Hampshire from the brown tail moth caterpillar;(2) what information he has about the incidence of serious infestations of the brown tail moth; and what is his policy towards its control.
The brown tail moth caterpillar occurs mainly in the coastal areas of Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Essex and Suffolk. The moth is not regarded as an agricultural pest and responsibility for any necessary control rests with the growers. I have no knowledge of any serious orchard infestation.The Agricultural Development and Advisory Service provides information on the habitat and control of this caterpillar in leaflet 40—"Web-forming Caterpillars"—copies of which have been placed in the library of the House.
Ec (Agricultural Expenditure)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what estimate he has made of the extra expenditure in the European Economic Community budget resulting from each 1 per cent. cut in cereal prices up to 3·6 per cent.; and whether the inter-governmental agreement for 1985 will be modified to take account of this increased expenditure;(2) which year's expenditure counts as the base for future agricultural spending as specified by the European Economic Community document on budgetary discipline; and what estimate he has made of the effect on future budgets of a cut in cereal prices below the 3·6 per cent. on which the budget was based.
The European Commission has estimated that each 1 per cent. increase in the intervention price for cereals, after taking account of consequent changes in payments for the carryover of end-of-season stocks, would increase EAGGF expenditure by about 3 mecu in 1985 and 60 mecu in 1986. The draft budget for 1985, including the additional finance to be provided through an intergovernmental agreement, has been drawn up on the basis of the Commission's original price-fixing proposals. Any increases in expenditure, arising from changes to these proposals or other factors, will however be accommodated within the budget provision as the Commission has stated that it will take whatever measures are necessary in the management of agricultural markets to avoid a supplementary budget for 1985.In accordance with article 4 of the Council's conclusions on budget discipline, the financial guideline for agriculture is calculated by reference to agricultural expenditure in 1984 and 1985 and the rate of growth of the own resources base.
Water Authorities (Grants)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria he applied when allocating a grant earning ceiling to water authorities in 1985–86.
In allocating grant-earning ceiling, that is, the total capital expenditure attracting grant aid to water authorities for sea defence, flood protection and arterial drainage purposes for the current year, I was faced with bids that in total exceeded the amounts available by over £16 million. I therefore decided that in allocating such expenditure I should establish a rough order of priorities that would seek to ensure that the money was allocated to cover the work that was most needed. The first factor that I took into account was the firm contractual commitments for 1985–86 that had already been entered into by authorities and where contractual penalties would be incurred if the work was not carried out. I then sought to allocate amounts with the following priorities very much in mind: flood warning schemes; urban sea defence; urban flood relief; rural sea defence and the preservation of existing rural drainage schemes; new rural drainage schemes.In using this broad order of priorities I recognised that many schemes serve more that one objective. I am not seeking to lay down the programme of works for water authorities. The order of priorities does not mean that I consider that all requirements in a higher category need to be met before there is any expenditure in a lower category. I envisage that some authorities may quite rightly consider that to protect an existing agricultural scheme is more important than to alleviate a particular urban sea defence problem in view of the likelihood or the scale of potential damage. It must always be for the drainage authority committee with knowledge of the local problems to decide on those schemes that it wishes to undertake