Skip to main content

Written Answers

Volume 130: debated on Wednesday 30 March 1988

The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.

Written Answers To Questions

Wednesday 30 March 1988

Defence

Nato-Warsaw Pact (Weapons)

67.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the comparative nuclear, conventional and chemical weapons' levels of NATO and the Warsaw pact.

Comparisons of NATO and Warsaw pact nuclear and conventional forces are published annually in the "Statement on the Defence Estimates".While there is broad parity at the strategic level of nuclear forces, the Warsaw pact continues to enjoy a significant advantage in the intermediate and short-range categories.The Soviet Union also commands the world's largest, most comprehensive and advanced capability for chemical and toxic agent warfare. The United Kingdom abandoned its chemical weapons capability in the 1950s and the United States produced no chemical weapons between 1969 and 1987. However, this unilateral restraint by the West has not been matched by the Soviet Union. It was against this background that the United States began its modernisation programme to replace its own aging stocks with binary weapons stationed on United States territory.As regards conventional forces, the Warsaw pact enjoys massive numerical superiority, and these forces are deployed so as to enable them to initiate surprise attack and large scale offensive action. They also have the potential to bring forward massive land-based reinforcements across relatively short distances. By contrast, NATO is faced with the need for many of its reinforcements to cross the Atlantic.

Pay Awards

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the number of his Department's staff at grade 2 and grade 3 who have received discretionary pay awards, the proportion of staff in receipt of the awards with the average amount by grade, and the total expenditure; and if he will make a statement.

The Department made three awards at grade 2 level and 11 awards at grade 3 level in October 1987 representing 25 per cent. and 20 per cent. respectively of the total numbers in each grade. Payments were made in the form of increments of £2,500 to grade 2 and £2,000 to grade 3. Expenditure on the basis described would be £29,500 in a full year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if executive officers, higher executive officers and senior executive grades in his Department are being considered for a pay increase similar to the discretionary awards paid to grades 2 and 3 in his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Pay for these grades is negotiated centrally by Her Majesty's Treasury.

Strategic Defence Initiative

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the results to date in terms of (a) contracts and (b) jobs of the memoranda of understanding between the United States and the United Kingdom in connection with the strategic defence initiative.

The value of SDI research awards so far won by British organisations is about US $60 million, spread over 65 contracts. It is not known what results this business has led to in terms of jobs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will summarise such details as he is able to provide of the memoranda of understanding between the United States and the United Kingdom in connection with the strategic defence initiative.

The information requested is set out in "UK Participation in the US SDI Research Programme — Guidelines", issued by the Ministry of Defence in May 1986. A copy was placed in the Library of the House at that time.

Equipment Budget

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was (a) the percentage and (b) the amount by which his Department's equipment budget was not foreseen (i) when projects started and (ii) when projects entered full development; and if he will supply this information for current projects and for the past five years.

Reliable information is not available in the form requested. Some attempts have been made to establish the degree of cost and time increase between earliest and current estimates for selected major projects, but no simple unarguable correlation exists between these figures and the total equipment budget.

Detective Chief Inspector Broome (Lecture)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether prior approval was given for the text of the lecture given by Detective Chief Inspector Robert Broome of the Ministry of Defence police, at the faculty of law, university of Southampton on 9 December 1987: and if he will make a statement.

Detective Chief Inspector Broome took part in an informal, in-house discussion held in the university by members and students of the faculty. There was no script. However, before accepting such an invitation he should have obtained the prior approval of the chief constable. He did not do so, and accordingly has been seen by the chief constable to be given formal advice in accordance with force standing orders, as to his future conduct.

Consultancy Contracts

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

Details of management and computer consultancy contracts awarded by the Ministry of Defence during 1987 are as follows:

Management consultancy contracts
FirmSubject of Assignment
Arthur YoungStudy into Vacant Married Quarters and Disposals
Arthur YoungReview of Ex-Works Transport
Arthur YoungConsultancy Assistance on Transport Matters
Colebrook Evans and McKenzieMachinery Valuation at the Director of Military Survey, Feltham
College of Maritime StudiesManpower Utilisation Study, Consultancy Assistance with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Deloitte Haskins and SellsStudy into the Functions and Activities of the Stores and Clothing Development Establishments.
Deloitte Haskins and SellsStudy into Asset Management in the Chief of Fleet Support Area
Deloitte Haskins and SellsConsultancy Assistance for IT Effectiveness and IT Technical Audits
Deloitte Haskins and SellsStudy into Spares Procurement for the Master General of the Ordnance and the Quartermaster General
Deloitte Haskins and SellsStudy into Spares Procurement for Director General of Supplies and Transport (Naval)
Harold Whitehead and PartnersProductivity Scheme Review at Royal Ordnance Factory, Cardiff
Harold Whitehead and PartnersProductivity Scheme Review at RAF St. Altham
Harold Whitehead and PartnersReview of the Senior Management Structure of the Royal Navy Stores
Harold Whitehead and PartnersAssistance with the Review of the RAF Maintenane Executive
Harold Whitehead and PartnersProductivity Schemes Review of Central Ordnance Depot, Bicester
Hunting Engineering Ltd.Consultancy to Study the Relationship between Aircraft Fleet Size and Availability
John Brown TourismStudy into the Future. Presentation of HMS Victory
N. M. Rothschild and Sons Ltd.Merchant Bank Advisor for the Royal Ordnance Factories
PA Consulting Services Ltd.Study into Tri-Star Long Term Support
PA Consulting Services Ltd.Assistance with the Quarter Master General's Equipment Maintenance Study
PA Consulting Services Ltd.Study to Review Consumable Stores Management—Director General Aircraft (Navy)
PA Consulting Services Ltd.Feasibility of a Science Park at Royal Signals and Research Establishment
PA Consulting Services Ltd.Phase 2 of the Rotables Study—Director General Aircraft (Navy)
PA Consulting Services Ltd.Consultancy Study to Define a Repair Policy Analysis Methodology—Director General Aircraft (Navy)
PA Consulting Services Ltd.Rosyth Dockyard Commercial Material Systems
PIRAStudy into the Replacement of Internal Survey Equipment at the Director of Military Survey Feltham
Price WaterhouseConsultancy Support for Director General Ship Refitting Corporate Development
Price WaterhouseResource Management in United Kingdom Land Forces
Price WaterhouseBusiness Systems Support to Subships at Devonport

Firm

Subject of Assignment

Publishing Resources Ltd.Recruitment Strategy Study for Engineers
Steve Mercer AssociatesConsultancy Assistance for Director of Naval Manpower Audit
Touche Ross and CompanyDGDA Efficiency Audit—Cash Management Study
Touche Ross and CompanyCommercialisation of the Royal Dockyards

Computer Consultancy Contracts

Arthur Andersen and Co.Study to develop MOD systems Architecture for Non-operational IT
Arthur Andersen and Co.Study to develop a MOD wide Information Architecture for Non-operational IT
Arthur YoungImplementation Support for the Fleet Maintenance and Repair Organisation's Management Accounting System
D. E. Barnard SystemsSupport to IT Strategy Unit
CAP IndustryStudy for MOD wide connexion Architecture for Non-operational IT
Computer SciencesStudy of computing requirements of Royal Aircraft Establishment
Computer SciencesStudy into Army Supply Computer Systems
Computer SciencesAdvice on replacement of Royal Aircraft Establishment Management Information System
Computer SciencesConsultancy requirement for Management and Technical advice for Corporate HQ Office Technology System
Computer SciencesProvision of Consultancy Services for Corporate HQ Office Technology System
EASAMS Ltd.Modelling requirements for Army Logistics
EASAMS Ltd.Project Management System for Procurement Executive (Master General of the Ordnance)
EASAMS Ltd.Study into systems calibrations for laboratories
Honeywell Bull Ltd.Operations Management Development Consultancy on RAF Stations
LOGIC A UK Ltd.Study into replacement communications system for Navy Suppliers
LOGICA UK Ltd.Consultancy support for Training Army Commanders (Simulation)
LOGSYS Ltd.Systems design study into Royal Signals and Radar Establishment Personal Information Systems.
Norton Computer ServicesMaintenance of New Range COBOL Programs
Peat Marwick McLintockComputer consultancy to validate 10 year plan for computing needs at RMSC Shrivenham
Peat Marwick McLintockConsultancy Support to IT Strategy Unit
PIRAStudy into the Future of Printing Technology
PRAXIS SYSTEMSConsultancy for MOD Library
Price WaterhouseConsultancy Support for Implementation of Director General Ship Refitting Information Technology Strategy
Price WaterhouseStudy into computerisation of handling Civilian Travel Claims
Rex Thompson and PartnersImplementation of the Army Planning model

Firm

Subject of Assignment

TRI-PLAN Ltd.Consultancy assistance with Data planning for Project Management Systems
Touche Ross and Co.Study to define Information Technology for Director General Aircraft (Navy)

Rescue Helicopters

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions have taken place between his Department and the Civil Aviation Authority in relation to the replacement of the Sea King helicopters by a squadron of Wessex helicopters at the air sea rescue base at RAF Coltishall, with particular reference to the mechanical aspects of the different capabilities of the Wessex and the Sea King in their air sea rescue role; and if he will make a statement.

None. There is no requirement for military aircraft to be licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the poor weather flying and long-range operation capability of the Wessex helicopter in relation to air-sea rescue duties in the North sea; what is the equivalent capability of the Sea King helicopter; and if he will make a statement.

The Sea King's more sophisticated avionics and flight control system, longer range and extra capacity makes it a more capable all-weather aircraft than the Wessex. However, the Wessex remains capable of performing rescue operations in most weather conditions, including at night, where there is sufficient visibility.

Nhs Patients

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made towards achieving a formal financial agreement between his Department and the Department of Health and Social Security Service for the treatment of National Health Service patients in United Kingdom hospitals.

A financial arrangement between the two Departments has just been concluded. Essentially, the MOD will continue to treat NHS patients in service hospitals up to a specified baseline, broadly equating to the defence training requirement and accept the cost as a charge to Defence Votes. Any spare capacity above that baseline will be identified and offered to health authorities on a marginal extra cost basis to relieve NHS waiting lists and maximise the contribution of service hospitals to civilian health care. The national arrangement is a framework which sets out guidelines within which local contracts and planning agreements between service hospitals and health authorities will be promoted. Its implementation will depend on the active co-operation of health authorities and service hospitals. Both my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health and I will do all that we can to encourage this.

Defence Procurement

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the scrutiny report "Defence Procurement, Learning from Experience"; and if he will make a statement.

My noble Friend has decided that this report need no longer carry a privacy marking restricting its circulation. Accordingly, copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of the House, together with a paper indicating how its recommendations are to be implemented.The report's recommendations, in the words of its authors, represent

"a necessary extension and complement to current initiatives; they are not an attempt to push off in some totally new direction".

The principal initiatives taken so far to secure better value for money are given in the answer at volume 130, column 107. The measures now planned will build on these by improving further the assessment of technical risks, the tailoring of the Procurement Executive's organisation to meet its evolving tasks, the monitoring of performance and the dissemination of lessons learnt.

Prime Minister

Biwaters

To ask the Prime Minister whether., pursuant to her answer of 21 March, Official Report, column 20, she was aware in assessing Biwaters reputation as worthy of her support in Malaysia, that Biwaters had not by then successfully completed a major water project anywhere and had twice appeared in Nigerian courts for alleged poor performance; and if she will make a statement.

The support given to Biwater, in relation to the Malaysian rural water supply project reflected our assessment that the company was fully capable of implementing the contract. Completion of the project in Niger state by Biwater represents the first request to come from the Nigerian Government for finance under the recently agreed Export Credits Guarantee Department package.

Consultancy Contracts

To ask the Prime Minister if she will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by the Cabinet Office in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

The management and computer consultancy contracts awarded by the Cabinet Office, in the calendar year 1987, are as follows:

FirmAssignment
BGM ConsultantsIdentification of core skills in clerical grades
Diane Bailey AssociatesPreparation of a Stress Management Training Pack
ITS LtdGuide to conducting Training Reviews
Systems Concepts LtdTraining Information Communications Study—Feasibility Study
John ChildsTraining Information Communications Study—Customer needs survey

Firm

Assignment

Anne Hughes HalletResearch on undergraduate attitudes to a career in HM Tax Inspectorate
B. O'ConnorSelection procedure design (engineer recruitment)
National Foundation for Educational ResearchAptitude test analysis
PE Consulting ServicesStudy into future development of the Civil Service College Administrative Computer System
Centre for Training and Evaluation StudiesEvaluation of the self instruction training package for the new staff appraisal system
Richard WilliamsEqual Opportunities monitoring project
Business Research UnitEvaluation of staff attitudes to the new staff appraisal system
Crow AssociatesResearch on computers in personnel management
Keith RobertsonConsultancy for the 'Managing Absence' project
Diane Bailey AssociatesSurvey on presentation of Occupational Welfare Service to management and staff in the Civil Service
Institute of Manpower StudiesAdvice on manpower planning and computers in personnel
John RowleyProduction of guidelines for managers and trade unionists on job satisfaction projects and a summary of the guidelines for staff
W. O'KeefeStudy of purchasing and stores activities (Cabinet Office)
Hay Management ConsultantsA study of the feasibility of short service assignments in the Science Group
Purchasing Index (UK) Ltd1Development of the Central Unit on Purchasing database
Frank Griffiths Associates1Advice in connection with the Institute of Civil Engineers review of conditions of contract
R W White1Review of arrangements for Purchasing and Supply function in Government

Name of firm

Assignment

CMG Information Systems:Development of a new Administrative Computer System for Her Majesty's Inspectorate.
CCTA:Education Information study.
Research Services Limited:Undergraduate income and expenditure survey.
Coopers and Lybrand:Advice on financial delegation to schools.
Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co:Review of the preparation and production of inspection reports.
Spicer and Pegler Associates:Review of accounting procedures at one of the Department's grant-aided bodies.
Deloitte Haskins and Sells:Financial management advice and assistance to the University Grants Committee.
Deloitte Haskins and Sells:Review of audit controls over teachers' pensions (payments and contributions).
Loughborough Consultants Limited:Analysis of universities' responses to the Jarratt report.
BIS Applied Systems Limited:Office Systems Strategy-telecommunications study.

Firm

Assignment

E R Farnbridge and C Evans1Review of Supply and Service Agreements between departments and the Central Purchasing Agencies
DF Collins1Advice on Written Guidance

1 Costs for these studies were shared with other Government Departments.

Education And Science

Railway Records, Relics And Premises

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will list the documents and objects which he has specified as of sufficient interest to warrant preservation under section 144(7) of the Transport Act 1968; (a) generally and (b) relating to the former Great Western railway;(2) what transfers of records, relics or premises have been made under section 144(1)(a) of the Transport Act 1968;(3) what is his policy on the acquisition and preservation of railway records, relics and premises under section 144 of the Transport Act 1968; and what steps have been taken to identify, locate and assess such records, relics and premises.

I am arranging for inquiries to be made and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Consultancy Contracts

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

The Department awarded the following contracts to management and computer consultancy firms during the calendar year 1987:

Student Grants

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will now publish details of his decisions on the levels of student grants for the 1988-89 academic year.

The main rates of student grant for the 1988-89 academic year were announced on 18 December 1987, at column 759. Reductions in assessed parental contributions to compensate for the ending of tax relief on non-charitable covenants have also been announced. In addition, I announced on 24 February, at column 213, the Government's decision to amend the Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations so that international degree courses will no longer require specific designation for awards purposes.I am publishing today all the supplementary grant rates for 1988-89. Details have been placed in the Library. There will also be some further minor changes to the grant arrangements, including an increase in the disregard of orphans' trust income and a new disregard of the first £2,000 of all pension income in the calculation of student income.

Science Base

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the increase in public spending on the science base between 1987-88 and 1988-89 (a) after allowing for general inflation and (b) in cash terms.

After allowing for general inflation, as measured by the GDP deflator, there will be an increase of about 2 per cent. in expenditure on the science base between 1987-88 and 1988-89. The increase in expenditure in cash terms between the two years is about 6 per cent. These figures should be substituted for those quoted by my right hon. Friend in the debate on British science on 29 February at column 720.

Environment

Guinness Trust (Exhibition)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has considered an application for an exhibition relating to housing development and the Guinness Trust to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

As I told Mr. Cohen, the chief executive of the Guinness Trust, in my letter to him of 13 November 1987, I am happy to give my support to the trust's proposal for such an exhibition.

Consultancy Contracts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by the Property Services Agency in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

Management consultancy contracts

Firm

Subject of Assignment

Management Consultancy

Mr. I. J. MillerRe-write of Clerk of Works Handbook
Arthur YoungTo examine procedural and training implications of move to cost recovery and untying of major project services for civil clients
Mr. P. HydeDevelopment of a methodology tor addressing the management of change when moving to cost recovery and untying of major project services for civil clients
UIS LtdTo provide assistance for audit of the Civil Estate Record Information System
Coopers and Lybrand Associates LtdAssistance to the IT Committee and the Project Services Project Board
Mr. D. BoylanEfficiency Scrutiny of Project Management
Mr. J. B. G. QuinlanTo consider the findings of the special audit of London District Works Offices and make recommendations
Mr. C. F. GriffinTo consider the findings of the special audit of London District Works offices and make recommendations

Computer Consultancy

Software Sciences Ltd.Conversion to new computer operating system
International Computers Ltd.Specialist support for accounting (LAFIS) software package
Rapid-Gen System LtdTechnical advice on use of specialist software
International Computers Ltd.Enhancement/development of new accounting systems
Telfast Computer Services (London) Ltd.Enhancement/development of new accounting systems
Primary Systems Ltd.Techincal support for PRIME computer hardware
Surrey UniversityInvestigation into Construction Project Management System
Oracle Corporation UK Ltd.Development of Construction Project Management System
W S Atkins Management ConsultantsProject Management support for IT Strategy
Oracle Corporation UK Ltd.Development of Measured Term Contract Ordering System
PA Computers and Telecomms Ltd.Advice on procurement of PSA's distributed computer infrastructure for IT Strategy
PA Computers and Telecomms Ltd.Advice on development of software for IT Strategy
PA Computers and Telecomms Ltd.Study of PSA's finance and accounting functions to identify information systems needs
Scicon Ltd.Support for systems analysis methodology
Peat Marwick McLintockStudy for computer aided design
Metron Technology Ltd.Computer capacity planning study
B S Oldacres Computers Ltd.Pilot study-extraction of data from computer aided design system
Dialatron Business Systems Ltd.Support for installation of text processing systems
PA Computers and Telecomms Ltd.Corporate Information Requirements
International Computers Ltd.Support for computer communications
Oracle Corporation UK Ltd.Software support

Firm

Subject of Assignment

International Computers Ltd.Software support
Spicer and Peglar AssociatesSupport for specialist software
Metascybe Systems Ltd.Feasibility Study for financial control computer system.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

Central records are collected annually after the end of the financial year. The latest available returns therefore cover 1986-87.The contracts awarded to management or computing consultants by the Department of the Environment in the financial year 1986-87 were as follows:

Management consultancy contracts
FirmSubject of Assignment
DOE (Central)
CACI Ltd.1984 Labour Force Estimates
Coopers and LybrandStudy of Accounting Framework
Coopers and LybrandTeesside UDC—headed consortium for Inter-Disciplinary Study
Coopers and LybrandBusiness Plan for Thamesmead Town
Dames and Moore InternationalHazard Assessment of Landfill Operations
Deloitte Haskins and SellsAdvice on Implementation of New Financial Regimes for New Towns
Digital (DEC)Installation of Software
Ecotec Research and Consulting Ltd.Black County UDC—headed consortium for Inter-Disciplinary Study
Ecotec Research and Consulting Ltd.Assessment of Demand for Geographic Information in the Private Sector
Frazer Williams (London) Ltd.Training Division Administrative Computing System
Imbucon/Landuse ConsultantsHyde Park Study
I.T.R.U.Training Needs Analysis
Landuse ConsultantsAdvice on Spoil Disposal
Landuse ConsultantsHampton Court Palace—Restoration of Lime Avenue
Landuse ConsultantsRichmond Park Tree Planting Scheme
McDonnell Douglas Information Systems Ltd.Additional Support AB Application Software
MSL InternationalHeadhunters—UDC Chief Executives
MUA SystemicaMigration Component of the Official Sub-National Population for Projection
Negus and NegusTower of London Signs Survey
PactelCapacity Planning for Romney House Computer Bureau
Peter PeregrinusProcessing information for ENRIP/ERIB database
Pinpoint AnalysisLocal Authority Planning Performance and Land-use Change Statistics
Price WaterhouseManagement Training at RTCC
Price WaterhouseTraining in Presentational Skills and Dealing with the Media
Price WaterhouseTyne and Wear UDC—headed consortium for Inter-Disciplinary Study
Roger Tym and PartnersEvaluation of Derelict Land Grand Systems
Roger Tym and PartnersTrafford Park UDC—headed consortium for Inter-Disciplinary Study
Russell Reynolds and AssociatesHeadhunters—SW Water Authority Chairmanship
SchlackmansRoyal Palaces Market Research

Firm

Subject of Assignment

SchlackmansTower of London Market Research 'Open to View/English Heritage' Tickets
Spicer and Pegler AssociatesManagement Information System at BES
Stallard and Co.Legal advice to Thamesmead on Transfer of Thamesmead from LRB

Norfolk And Suffolk Broads Bill

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has had on the terms of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Bill since it received Royal Assent; when he expects the new authority to be operational; and if he will make a statement.

Royal Assent to the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 was signified on 15 March. Under the Act's provisions my right hon. Friend is empowered to make an order specifying the date on which the new Broads Authority will be constituted as soon as not less than 27 of the 33 appointments required to be made (under section 1(3)(a) and (b) of the Act) by my right hon. Friend and the 12 other appointing authorities have been duly made. Those authorities have all been invited to inform the Department as soon as their appointments have been made. Consultations have also been initiated with the various interested bodies about the nine appointments which my right hon. Friend is required to make, and suggestions are now being received.My right hon. Friend intends to make an order establishing the new authority as soon as all the necessary appointments have been made. As I informed the House on 29 February, during consideration of Lords amendments, it is intended that the "operative date", on which the new authority will assume all its executive functions, will be 1 April 1989.

Highway Maintenance

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report for each highway authority in England and Wales the amount by which it either underspent or overspent the proportion of its GRE allowed for highway maintenance in the last year for which figures are available.

Following is the information requested for highway authorities in England:

1985-86 overspend on highway maintenance for highway authorities
£ million
City of London2·684
Camden1·606
Greenwich1·154
Hackney-0·471
Hammersmith and Fulham1·514
Islington-0·350
Kensington and Chelsea1·187
Lambeth-0·840
Lewisham1·101
South wark·935
Tower Hamlets2·808
Wandworth-0·087
Westminster4·387
Barking and Dagenham-0·250

£ million

Barnet·047
Bexley-0·379
Brent·515
Bromley-0·163
Croydon-1·145
Ealing·456
Enfield-0·487
Haringey-1·427
Harrow-2·083
Havering-0·391
Hillingdon-0·287
Hounslow-0·486
Kingston·upon·Thames-0·201
Merton·674
Newham1·401
Redbridge-0·364
Richmond·upon·Thames·137
Sutton·276
Waltham Forest·726
G.L.C.31·435
Greater Manchester2·032
Merseyside-9·474
South Yorkshire-0·417
Tyne and Wear3·356
West Midlands1·258
West Yorkshire-1·311
Isles of Scilly-0·079
Avon-2·119
Bedfordshire2·602
Berkshire-2·152
Buckinghamshire0·312
Cambridgeshire-0·246
Cheshire-7·911
Cleveland1·141
Cornwall-0·287
Cumbria-3·979
Derbyshire-0·366
Devon0·807
Dorset-0·882
Durham-1·953
East Sussex0·287
Essex3·933
Gloucestershire-1·119
Hampshire-1·865
Hereford and Worcester-2·275
Hertfordshire1·339
Humberside1·444
Isle of Wight0·234
Kent2·408
Lancashire-0·717
Leicestershire-0·209
Lincolnshire-0·078
Norfolk-3·624
Northamptonshire-2·368
Northumberland-1·811
North Yorkshire1·760
Nottinghamshire-2·409
Oxfordshire-0·085
Shropshire-2·861
Somerset-1·044
Staffordshire-1·648
Suffolk-0·034
Surrey-3·210
Warwickshire1·804
West Sussex1·340
Wiltshire-0·395

Footpaths

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce a decision on the appeal made by Mr. and Mrs. John Baybutt of The Copping, Hundred End land, Hesketh Bank, Lancashire against the refusal of Lancashire county council to delete footpath 66 North Meols from the definitive map; and if he will make a statement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has following the case David Rubenstein v. the Secretary of State for the Environment, to seek to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to give power to his Department to delete footpaths from the definitive map; and if he will make a statement.

The implications of this judgment are receiving careful consideration and a further statement will be made as soon as possible.

Sport And Leisure

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list, by local authority area, the numbers of schoolchildren taught to swim by amateur swimming clubs in each year since 1979;(2) if he will list by name the number of publicly owned sport and leisure facilities within each local authority area;(3) what information he has on the percentage of publicly owned swimming pools which are open for use between 6 and 8 am

(a) on weekdays and (b) at weekends;

(4) what information he has on the average charges to swimmers using publicly owned sports facilities;

(5) if he will list those local authorities which have taken positive steps to encourage the use of publicly owned sport and leisure facilities by Olympic swimmers and athletes;

(6) if he will list those local authorities who operate concessionary charging policies, in respect of publicly owned sport and leisure facilities, for (a) the disabled, (b) schoolchildren, (c) the unemployed and (d) pensioners;

(7) what information he has as to any sport and leisure facilities, formerly under private ownership, that are now controlled by local authorities and as to the reasons for the change of responsibility in each case.

The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the training facilities available to swimmers and athletes (a) of Olympic standard and (b) of national competition standard, in the light of the responses he has received to the consultation exercise on competition in the management of local authority sports and leisure facilities.

No such information came to light in the process of the consultation exercise. However, I understand that there are a substantial number of facilities countrywide at which swimmers and athletes of all abilities can train.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will name, and list by local authority area, those publicly owned sport and leisure facilities currently under private management.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make an announcement about the future management of publicly owned sports and leisure facilities.

We have received more than 350 responses to the consultation paper which set out our proposal to bring compulsory competition to the management of local authority sport and leisure facilities. These are now receiving careful consideration. I expect to be able to make an announcement about our decisions before the summer recess.As my hon. Friend's answer today to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate (Mr. Banks) said, if we decide to go ahead with compulsory competition for the management of sport and leisure facilities, implementation will be delayed beyond the 1 August 1989 date applicable to the other activities in the Local Government Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the responses he has received from amateur sporting bodies in respect of the consultation exercise on competition in the management of local authority sports and leisure facilities.

We have written to all the respondents to the consultation exercise seeking their agreement to publish their replies. When we have confirmation that they have no objections we shall place copies of their responses in the House Library.

Race Relations

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet decided which questions on race relations matters should be specified for the purposes of section 18 of the Local Government Act 1988.

Following consultation with the Commission for Racial Equality, the Confederation of British Industry, the local authority associations and other interested bodies, I have decided that the questions and description of evidence specified under section 18(5) of the Local Government Act 1988 should be as follows:LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1988-SECTION 18(5)

Speccation of questions and descriptions of evidence
1. Is it your policy as an employer to comply with your statutory obligations under the Race Relations Act 1976 and, accordingly, your practice not to treat one group of people less favourably than others because of their colour, race, nationality or ethnic origins in relation to decisions to recruit, train or promote employees?
2. In the last three years, has any finding of unlawful racial discrimination been made against your organisation by any court or industrial tribunal?
3. In the last three years, has your organisation been the subject of formal investigation by the Commission for Racial Equality on grounds of alleged unlawful discrimination?
If the answer to question 2 is in the affirmative or in relation to question 3, the Commission made a finding adverse to your organisation;
4. What steps did you take in consequence of that finding?
5. Is your policy on race relations set out—
  • (a) in instructions to those concerned with recruitment, training and promotion;
  • (b) in documents available to employees, recognised trade unions or other representative groups of employees;
  • (c) in recruitment advertisements or other literature?
  • 6. Do you observe as far as possible the Commission for Racial Equality's Code of Practice for Employment, as approved by Parliament in 1983, which gives practical guidance to employers and others on the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of equality of opportunity in employment, including the steps that can be taken to encourage members of the ethnic minorities to apply for jobs or take up training opportunities?

    Description of evidence

    In relation to question 5: examples of the instructions, documents, recruitment advertisements or other literature.

    These questions and description of evidence will be notified to local authorities in a circular to be issued shortly.

    Rating Reform

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to the answer of 13 January, Official Report, column 278, he will give the total numbers of individuals gaining and losing on a regional basis from the poll tax, as derived from figures 6 and 9 of the accompanying note.

    Estimates of gainers and losers can be made only for households or tax units. Estimates on both these bases and at regional level were contained in the figures published on 13 January.

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the responses to the document entitled "Appeals and Valuation and Community Charge Tribunals", published by his Department on 10 November 1987.

    We have received 122 responses to the consultation document. A summary of the views expressed has been placed in the Libraries of the House, together with copies of those responses where we have the respondents' permission to publish their views.The consultation document set out the Government's proposals for the constitution and procedures of valuation and community charge tribunals, which will replace local valuation courts and become the appellate body for both rating appeals and appeals arising from the community charge. The proposals were generally welcomed by respondents and will form the basis of regulations to be made under the provisions of the Local Government Finance Bill, following Royal Assent. These regulations will be the subject of further consultation.In the light of the responses to the consultation document, certain changes have been made to the proposals. In relation to the president of each tribunal, it had been proposed that he or she should be appointed by the Secretary of State. But the majority of respondents pointed out that the present system, whereby the chairman of the local valuation panel is elected by the members, has worked well and that there is no justification for change. The Government accept this view.The consultation document proposed that where two or more existing local valuation panels share a clerk and office, consideration should be given to amalgamating those panels under one president. In the light of the responses to the consultation document, the Government have accepted that such amalgamation should take place only with the agreement of the panels concerned.The proposal for limiting the number of serving councillors on any tribunal commanded general support. A number of respondents took the view that the ceiling of 50 per cent. of the membership was too high. In the light of this, the Government propose that the percentage of serving councillors should be reduced to 30 per cent. of the membership of any tribunal. The Government recognise, however, that some local valuation panels currently have a significantly greater proportion of serving councillors than this. There would be no benefit in terminating the appointment of a large number of experienced panel members at a time when the panels are assuming their new and expanded duties. It is proposed therefore that the 30 per cent. ceiling should be achieved over a period — as members' terms of office come to an end and new members are appointed.

    Illuminated Signs

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for changing controls of illuminated signs and advertisements on business premises in conservation areas and in towns and villages generally.

    On 28 October last year my Department issued a consultation paper canvassing proposals for amending the Town aand Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1984 so as to provide "deemed consent" for certain types of illuminated advertisement displayed on "business premises", possibly including premises in conservation areas. The comments submitted in response to the consultation paper are being considered and my right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement in due course.

    Stockbridge Village Trust

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to publish the report prepared by Roger Tym and Partners on the work of the Stockbridge Village Trust.

    The report is published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office today. It is entitled -Stockbridge Village Trust: Building a Community" and covers the period 1983-85, with a brief update at the end of 1986. The report is a useful account of the early years of the trust's ambitious development programme. It records the substantial progress which the trust has made in transforming one of the worst local authority estates on Merseyside into an area where people actively want to live. During this period the trust gained tenants' confidence as a responsible and efficient landlord, turning a void rate of more than 10 per cent. into a fully occupied estate with a substantial waiting list. And the trust also succeeded in attracting private investment to an area which would have been unthinkable previously: over 200 residents had exercised the right to buy and around 100 new homes had been built for sale in the period covered by the report. Equally importantly, the report describes some of the difficulties which the trust has faced, particularly on its initial financial assumptions, and contains a number of important lessons for initiatives of this kind. We have sent copies to all local authorities in England and other interested parties, and I have placed a copy in the Library. Further copies are available from Her Majesty's Stationery Office stockists, or from the Department, at £5·95 each.

    Competitive Tendering

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a timetable for the implementation of competitive tendering procedures for individual local government services in the phasing programme.

    [pursuant to his reply, 2 November 1987, c. 598-99]: My right hon. Friend has now considered the responses to the consultation paper on implementation of competition for English local authority services issued on 2 November. He has decided to confirm the proposal of a phased introduction of competition by local authorities (other than parish councils), with authorities split into groups and each group taking the activities covered by the Act in a different order.The groups of authorities will be the same as set out in the consultation paper. The date by which authorities will have had to have exposed their first activities to competition will be set at 1 August 1989, to allow adequate time for all stages of the competitive process to be completed.Three other changes to the implementation proposals have been made which will help ensure efficient implementation of the competition process. These take account of the fact that a decision on the possibility of adding sport and leisure management to the list of defined activities has not yet been taken, and therefore, if this activity is added by order, some delay in implementing competition for it is inevitable.My right hon. Friend has decided to confirm the £100,000 de minimis level below which authorities' services would be exempt from competition.These decisions are described fully in a letter which is today being sent to all affected authorities, and copies of which have been placed in the Library.A further announcement will be made shortly about implementation for the other English authorities and bodies covered by part I of the Act.

    Trade And Industry

    Industry Restraint Agreements

    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will list those voluntary industry restraint agreements which have been terminated as a result of Government pressure, referred to by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Corporate Affairs, the hon. Member for Warwickshire, North (Mr. Maude) on 18 March Official Report, column 1365, and those which remain.

    The Government have informed the industries concerned that it sees no case for continuing inter-industry voluntary restraint arrangements (VRAs) covering the following products:

    Monochrome televisions from Singapore, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Thailand;
    Colour televisions from Japan, Singapore, Republic of Korea and Taiwan;
    Music centres from Japan, Republic of Korea and Taiwan;
    Pottery from Japan;
    Stainless steel cutlery from Japan and Republic of Korea.
    Separately, restraints on imports of pottery and footwear from Taiwan have lapsed.We are aware that voluntary arrangements at present remain for fork-lift trucks, machining centres, numerically controlled lathes, cars and commercial vehicles from Japan; and special steels from Spain. The United Kingdom industry is discussing the renewal of arrangements on footwear with the Republic of Korea.

    The European Commission has negotiated a number of restraint agreements on steel and, in addition to the multifibre arrangement, on certain limited textile and clothing products. A number of other arrangements with Japan were brought to an end in 1985. On behalf of the United Kingdom the Commission has negotiated restraints on leather footwear from certain eastern European countries.

    Illegal Broadcasting

    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many prosecutions have taken place over the past 12 months in respect of illegal broadcasting by pirate radio stations.

    During 1987 there were 77 prosecutions, of which 75 resulted in conviction under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 for offences connected with unlicensed broadcasting.

    South Africa (Ec Code Of Conduct)

    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on how British companies have complied with the European Community code of conduct for companies with interests in South Africa during the 12-month period to 30 June 1987.

    By 18 March 1988, 128 companies had submitted reports to the DTI under the code of conduct. Copies of the reports and of the Department's analysis and summary have, as in previous years, been placed in the Library of each House. These documents may also be inspected at the Department's statistics and market intelligence library, at the British embassy in Pretoria, at the British consulate-general in Johannesburg, and at the British consulates in Cape Town and Durban.The analysis and summary is the second since the adoption of the revised code of conduct by EC Foreign Ministers in November 1985. The period under review was again characterised by an inflation rate which was significantly higher than the average rate of wage increases. Against this background, the performance of British subsidiaries in further reducing the number of their black employees paid below the code's recommended minimum level is particularly encouraging. Companies' reports for the period under review indicated that over 97 per cent. were paid above that level. In addition, companies continued to report impressive levels of involvement in projects benefiting the wider communities from which their work forces were drawn.The Government are grateful to companies for this year's unprecedented level of co-operation in providing reports, and urge them to maintain this performance and to comply fully with the code.

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list each management or computer

    Firework injuries in Great Britain (4-week period in October-November)
    19871986198519841983
    Place of accident
    1. Family or private party260286255231311
    2. Semi-public party (e.g. scouts, cricket club)8872766584

    consultancy contract awarded by the Office of Fair Trading in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    This is a matter for the Director-General of Fair Trading, and I will ask him to write to my hon. Friend.

    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    Tour Operators (Fuel Surcharges)

    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will initiate an inquiry into the extent of fuel surcharges made by tour operators; what recent evidence he has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement.

    I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 28 March at column 360.

    Fireworks (Injuries)

    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish the figures of injuries caused by fireworks in 1987; and if he will make a statement.

    According to reports from hospitals in England, Wales and Scotland 960 people required treatment for injuries caused by fireworks during the three weeks leading up to 5 November 1987 and the few days after. The figures for 1987 and the preceding four years are shown in the table.Although the figures are somewhat disappointing, they do not justify further restrictions on the retail sale of fireworks to the public.We will be mounting a higher profile firework safety campaign again, this year urging the public to treat fireworks with care and not to misuse them. We will be asking local trading standards officers to work closely with the police in enforcing vigorously the increased penalties for selling fireworks to the under-16s and in taking action against those who let off fireworks in the streets.For its part, the fireworks industry has agreed to stop supplying mini-rockets to the shops, since these particularly lend themselves to misuse by hooligans. It is also making a training video for organisers of displays on how to run a public display safely.We are also drawing up a British standard for the performance, testing and labelling of fireworks, which should enable us to stop the importation of the more hazardous fireworks from the far east.

    1987

    1986

    1985

    1984

    1983

    3. Large public display155119117108111
    4. Casual incident in street etc.364299435298257
    5. Other place4752645954
    6. Indoors2018211716

    Type of firework

    1. Banger163161241175184
    2. Rocket174159197115107
    3. Roman candle, coloured fire etc.968890103114
    4. Home-made or extracted powder2414272115
    5. Other proprietary fireworks109118737478
    6. Sparklers9580676595
    7. Unspecified type299226273225240

    Severity of injury

    1. Fatal injury01
    2. Detained more than one night6048535561
    3. Sufficient to cause absence from work of equivalent158160231161147
    4. Minor injury661582632506592
    5. Unspecified injury8156525533
    Eye injuries (included in 2–5)312291341295293

    Age group of injured persons

    1. Over 20252235214180215
    2. 16 to 20168145161109108
    3. 13 to 15220207271208173
    4. Under 13320259322281337
    Total960846968778833

    Internal Market Council

    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the Internal Market Council held on 22 March.

    The Council, at which I represented the United Kingdom, adopted a directive to amend the existing EC directives on the rules for public sector supplies contracts. It also adopted directives on fluid fertilisers; the sound power level of lawnmowers; the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations; and modification of the investment rules for undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities. The Council also discussed a proposed directive on broadcasting activities, received a progress report from the Commission on completion of the internal market, and heard a Commission statement relating to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute.

    Overseas Development

    Fiji

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has concerning the location of the Overseas Development Agency regional office in Fiji; and if he will make a statement.

    The future of the British development division in the Pacific was examined in 1984 as part of an efficiency scrutiny. The conclusion was that the division represented a cost-effective vehicle for aid delivery and that it was appropriately located. While I will continue to keep under review the cost-effectiveness and siting of all five of the ODA's development divisions overseas, I have no current plans to relocate the British development division in the Pacific.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the level of United Kingdom assistance to Fiji since the military coup in May 1987; and what information he has about the level of assistance provided by other EEC countries.

    United Kingdom assistance to Fiji since the military coup in May 1987 to the end of February 1988 totalled £866,303. Information about aid provided by other European Community countries for so recent a period is not available.

    Central America

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what levels and types of technical assistance and bilateral aid are given to Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala, E1 Salvador, Belize and Mexico, respectively; and when was the last time a project for such aid or assistance was approved for Nicaragua.

    The latest available figures by level and type of British aid are for 1986:

    Financial project Aid1Technical cooperation2Disaster reliefTotal (£000s)3
    Costa Rica11,01652211,538
    Panama7070
    Nicaragua38286
    Guatemala1010
    E1 Salvador47193239
    Belize2,3148653,179
    Mexico686117803
    1Includes investments made by the Commonwealth Development Corporation.
    2 Includes personnel, training and equipment but not projects co-

    financed with British voluntary agencies.

    3 Totals may not exactly equal sum of individual columns as all figures are rounded.

    The last bilateral Government to Government aid provided to Nicaragua was in 1987 for sheets worth £600 for the Bertha Calderon hospital in Managua.

    We have responded positively to appeals from various relief organisations including the International Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for their work in Central America including Nicaragua. Since 1985–86 we have contributed over £1·5 million. We also support small development projects in Nicaragua co-financed with British voluntary agencies. Thirty such projects have been approved since 1985–86. Nicaragua also receives aid through the European Community ($9 million in 1986) of which Britain's share is around 20 per cent.

    Attorney-General

    Councillor Mrs Angela Pink

    To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the decision not to prosecute Councillor Mrs. Angela Pink of Nottingham city council.

    I have written to the hon. Gentleman about the case to which he refers.

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Attorney-General if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by Her Majesty's Land Registry in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    No new management or computer consultancy contracts were awarded by Her Majesty's Land Registry in 1987.

    To ask the Attorney-General if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by the Lord Chancellor's Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    The following contracts were awarded to management or computer consultancy firms by the Lord Chancellor's Department in 1987:

    FirmSubject of Assignment
    Coopers and Lybrand AssociatesReview of funds accountancy system—system testing.
    Coopers and Lybrand AssociatesReview of funds accountancy system—project plans.
    CAP Industry Ltd.Review of machine accounting system at the Public Trust Office.
    DigitusAdvice on computer operating system.
    Helistar MarlowAssistance with the Crown Court Computer Project.
    Peat Marwick and McLintockAdvice to the Business Efficiency Team in connection with the Claims Registry Project.

    Dog Fighting

    To ask the Attorney-General (1) if he will prosecute the publication "Pit Bull News" for promoting illegal dog fights; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he will prosecute those persons alleged to have been involved in illegal dog fighting who are named in the

    article entitled "Killer Dogs" which appeared in the

    Yorkshire Evening Post of Monday 21 March: and if he will make a statement.

    No evidence has as yet been submitted by the police to the Crown Prosecution Service in respect of those matters to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I have, however, referred them to the Director of Public Prosecutions. If he thinks it appropriate, the director will invite the police to make inquiries.

    Extradition

    To ask the Attorney-General when he expects to agree extradition arrangements under the new Irish legislation with the Attorney-General of the Irish Republic.

    In my answer on 18 February to the right hon. and learned Member for Aberavon (Mr. Morris) I indicated that I had notified the Attorney-General of the Irish Republic that I was entirely willing to provide him in each instance with a note from me confirming that the United Kingdom prosecuting authorities had considered the evidence, as they were required to do; that they were satisfied that it was sufficient to found a prosecution; and that there was a settled intention to prosecute accordingly. I had also agreed to his request that I provide him in each instance with a note setting out the relevant law, but I had said that the Government saw the possibility of seriously damaging consequences for the intended criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom if I were to provide him with the actual evidence supporting any warrant.On 25 February I wrote to the Irish Attorney-General to say that I was very hopeful that we could find a way through our mutual difficulties towards the end that I knew we both desired. I believed that in the first instance it would be useful if officials were to meet as soon as possible to discuss the matter.At the subsequent meeting of officials on 2 March an offer was made on my behalf to provide the Irish Attorney-General in each instance additionally with a statement of facts which would give a clear picture of the case against the accused.Following requests by me for a response to this offer the Irish Attorney-General yesterday requested a further meeting of officials to be held on 7 April. I have agreed to this request.I regard it as imperative that extradition arrangements between the two countries under the new Irish legislation be agreed as soon as possible.

    Home Department

    Fires (Statistics)

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many fires there were in (a) occupied dwellings, (b) multiple-occupied dwellings in detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, and (c) multiple-occupied dwellings in other buildings, in each of the three most recent years for which figures are available; and if he will analyse these data by the most likely cause of fire;(2) how many

    (a) deaths, and (b) casualties there were due to fire in (i) single occupied dwellings, (ii) multiple-occupied dwellings in detached, semi-detached and terraced house, and (iii) multiple-occupied dwellings in

    other buildings, analysed by the most likely cause of fire, in each of the three most recent years for which figures are available.

    Some information on fires attended by local authority fire brigades in dwellings in single and multiple occupation, and on the resulting casualties, is published annually in "Fire Statistics United Kingdom" (for example, tables 32, 46 and 47 of the volume for 1986) copies of which are in the Library. The following tables give the more detailed information requested, for the years 1984–86. Information for 1987 is not yet available.

    Fatal casualties from fires in dwellings by type of dwelling and cause of fire
    198419851986
    United Kingdom
    Dwellings in single occupation—total436438462
    Cause
    Deliberate or possibly deliberate404547
    Faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies353334
    Misuse of appliances788991
    Playing with fire203242
    Careless handling of fire or hot substances139125118
    Placing articles too close to heat514750
    Other, unknown or unspecified736780
    Detached semi-detached or terraced houses in multiple occupation—total998689
    Cause
    Deliberate or possibly deliberate5135
    Faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies1143
    Misuse of appliances141020
    Playing with fire3
    Careless handling of fire or hot substances384235
    Placing articles too close to heat81012
    Other, unknown or unspecified23711
    Other dwellings in multiple occupation—total151169194
    Cause
    Deliberate or possibly deliberate121614
    Faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies92120
    Misuse of appliances271735
    Playing with fire11310
    Careless handling of fire or hot substances746679
    Placing articles too close to heat121912
    Other, unknown or unspecified161724
    Dwellings in multiple occupation of unspecified type—total
    All dwellings in multiple occupation250255283
    Fires in dwellings by type of dwelling and cause of fire
    United Kingdom198419851986
    Dwellings in single occupation—total34,97236,90537,313
    Cause
    Deliberate or possibly deliberate1,8371,9082,065
    Faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies7,1527,7987,990
    Misuse of appliances15,66316,42916,682
    Playing with fire1,5181,7401,548
    Careless handing of fire or hot substances3,3543,3863,441

    United Kingdom

    1984

    1985

    1986

    Placing articles too close to heat2,3362,5572,627
    Other, unknown or unspecified3,1123,0872,960

    Detached, semi-detached or terraced houses in multiple occupation—total

    6,6167,2427,343
    Cause
    Deliberate or possibly deliberate678865870
    Faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies9301,0501,065
    Misuse of appliances2,9213,0103,109
    Playing with fire315316303
    Careless handing of fire or hot substances9381,0991,102
    Placing articles too close to heat430485496
    Other, unknown or unspecified404417398

    Other dwellings in multiple occupation—total

    14,38315,20315,020
    Cause
    Deliberate or possibly deliberate2,7023,0283,166
    Faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies1,2201,3821,310
    Misuse of appliances5,2515,5645,637
    Playing with fire1,4761,5561,297
    Careless handing of fire or hot substances2,4232,5092,520
    Placing articles too close to heat609619682
    Other, unknown or unspecified702545408

    Dwellings in multiple occupation of unspecified type—total

    212326

    All dwellings in multiple occupation

    21,02022,46822,389

    Non-fatal casualties from fires in dwellings by type of dwelling and cause of fire

    United Kingdom

    1984

    1985

    1986

    Dwellings in single occupation—total4,5464,8365,459
    Cause
    Deliberate or possible deliberate329337424
    Faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies591671697
    Misuse of appliances1,7271,9292,124
    Playing with fire363420408
    Careless handling of fire or hot substances8977961,057
    Placing articles too close to heat345341429
    Other, unknown or unspecified294342320

    Detached, semi-detached or terraced houses in multiple occupation—total

    1,1671,2301,347
    Cause
    Deliberate or possibly deliberate121170191
    Faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies112117128
    Misuse of appliances388431475
    Playing with fire343148
    Careless handling of fire or hot substances289283303
    Placing articles too close to heat8998109
    Other, unknown or unspecified13410093

    Other dwellings in multiple occupation—total

    1,9452,2762,385
    Cause
    Deliberate or possibly deliberate314367411
    Faulty appliances, leads or fuel supplies154193136
    Misuse of appliances682766842
    Playing with fire96154108
    Careless handling of fire or hot substances472514638

    United Kingdom

    1984

    1985

    1986

    Placing articles too close to heat140148168
    Other, unknown or unspecified8713482

    Dwellings in multiple occupation of unspecified type—total

    4

    All dwellings in multiple occupation

    3,1123,5063,736

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many rescues were made by fire brigades from fires in (a) single-occupied dwellings, (b) multiple-occupied dwellings in detached, semi-detached and terraced houses and (c) multiple-occupied dwellings in other buildings, in each of the three most recent years for which figures are available.

    The numbers of persons rescued, both by brigade staff and without brigade assistance, from fires attended by local authority fire brigades in dwellings and other occupied buildings in the United Kingdom are published in "Fire Statistics United Kingdom" (Table 20 of the volume for 1986, copies of which are in the Library). The following table gives the more detailed information requested for rescues by brigade staff for the years 1984–86. Information for 1987 is not yet available.

    Rescues by brigades from fires in dwellings by type of occupancy United Kingdom
    Type of buildingNumber of persons rescued
    198419851986
    Dwellings
    Single occupancy8979321,044
    Multiple occupancy
    Fatal casualties from fires in dwellings by type of dwelling, age and whether trapped—United Kingdom
    Number of persons
    198419851986
    TotalTrappedTotalTrappedTotalTrapped
    Dwellings in single occupation
    Total casualties436300438295462299
    0–15 years979374688175
    16–60 years1128011183147106
    Over 60 years227127251143232116
    Unspecified age2122
    Detached, semi-detached or terrace houses in multiple occupation
    Total casualties996686628962
    0–15 years1394477
    16–60 years433339324031
    Over 60 years432443264123
    Unspecified age11
    Other dwellings in multiple occupation
    Total casualties151113169113194120
    0–15 years111128272925
    16–60 years574746305633
    Over 60 years8355955610962
    Unspecified age
    Casualties in dwellings in multiple occupation of unspecified type
    All casualties in dwellings in multiple occupation250179255175283182
    1 The figures for persons trapped exclude those who became casualties while discovering or fighting the fire but were also trapped.

    Type of building

    Number of persons rescued

    1984

    1985

    1986

    Detached, semi-detached or terraced houses603693687
    Other1,0151,1771,127
    Of unspecified type6
    Unknown or unspecified occupancy394247
    All dwellings2,5542,8442,911

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown of the data for (a) deaths and (b) casualties from fires in (i) singly-occupied dwellings, (ii) multiple-occupied dwellings in detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, and (iii) multiple-occupied dwellings in other buildings according to whether the persons were (1) aged under 16 years, (2) aged between 16 and 60 years, and (3) aged over 60 years; and if he will provide information on how many of the fatalities resulted from persons being trapped.

    Information on the age, and circumstances, of casualties in fires in dwellings attended by local authority fire brigades is published in "Fire Statistics United Kingdom" (Tables 26, 46 and 47 of the volume for 1986, copies of which are in the Library). The following tables give the more detailed information requested for the years 1984–86. Information for 1987 is not yet available.

    Non fatal casualties from fires in dwellings by type of dwelling and age—United Kingdom

    Number of persons

    1984

    1985

    1986

    Dwellings in single occupation

    Total casualties4,2464,8365,459
    0 to 15 years781830949
    16 to 60 years2,2542,7473,073
    Over 60 years1,1251,1761,303
    Unspecified age8683134

    Detached, semi-detached or terrace houses in multiple occupation

    Total casualties1,1671,2301,347
    0 to 15 years96115143
    16 to 60 years746787878
    Over 60 years308304285
    Unspecified age172441

    Other dwellings in multiple occupation

    Total casualties1,9452,2762,385
    0 to 15 years282313295
    16 to 60 years1,1061,2891,423
    Over 60 years526650606
    Unspecified age312461

    Casualties in dwellings in multiple occupation of unspecified type

    4
    All casualties in dwellings in multiple occupation3,1123,5063,736

    Welford Road Prison, Leicester

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what capacity Welford road gaol in Leicester was built; what is its current average occupancy; and what urgent steps he is taking (a) in order to reduce the number of people turning to crime and (b) to alleviate the crisis in Leicester.

    The certified normal accommodation of Leicester prison is 200. On Friday 25 March, 411 prisoners were accommodated there. My right hon. Friend is today announcing measures which will provide general relief for the whole prison system which is under extreme pressure.The Government have just launched the safer cities initiative, which, in 20 inner city areas, will lead the way in providing constructive activities for those most at risk of turning to crime. This is in addition to the major new TV publicity campaign and other crime prevention measures concerned with improving physical security and design and better management of property or services.

    Irish Prisoners

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration is given the circumstances of the families of Irish category A prisoners in deciding on whether to transfer the prisoners near to where their families live; and if he will make a statement.

    Requests by prisoners for permanent transfer to Northern Ireland are considered in the light of criteria which have been made public. These criteria, which do not distinguish between category A and other inmates, deal with the circumstances of the inmate in question rather than those of his family, but as every application is dealt with on its merits, any exceptional family circumstances which may put forward in support of a request would be taken into account. Repatriation of prisoners to the Republic of Ireland is not at present possible since the Republic has not ratified the European convention on the transfer of sentenced prisoners.

    Criminal Trials (Time Limits)

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police areas in England and Wales operate statutory time limits for the presentation of criminal trials; whether he has plans to introduce time limits in all areas of England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

    From 1 April, statutory custody time limits in criminal proceedings will operate in 14 police areas covering the counties of Avon, Cheshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Somerset, West Midlands and Wiltshire, and the whole of Wales. We hope to extend time limits throughout England by 1990.

    South Africa House (Arrests)

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of arrests of persons outside South Africa House (a) so far this year and (b) in the last week; and if he will make a statement.

    I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the number of arrests outside South Africa House this year is six, of which three were made during the week ending 25 March.

    Crime Prevention

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned or is aware of into the incidence amongst (a) women and (b) pensioners of fear of going out after dark; if he proposes to hold discussions with chief constables on the prevention of crimes against women and pensioners; if he will meet representatives of women's arid pensioners' organisations to discuss the problem; and of he will make a statement.

    In recent years there have been a number of Home Office studies, principally the British crime surveys of 1982 and 1984, which, among other issues, covered the fear of going out after dark. The studies revealed that such fear among women and the elderly was substantial, particularly in some locations, but that levels of fear were frequently in excess of an objective assessment of the risk. Fieldwork is currently taking place for the 1988 British crime survey which will cover this issue again.Surveys by other organisations (for example the November 1987 poll by MORI for

    Readers' Digest and an October poll for Help the Aged) have confirmed that fear of crime is a significant problem, especially for women and the elderly.

    Chief officers of police and organisations such as Help the Aged and Age Concern give special attention to the particular needs of women and elderly people in the issue of crime prevention advice and guidance. The new Home Office handbook "Practical Ways to Crack Crime", which is freely available, contains sound, practical guidance specifically addressed to both groups. In addition, Government programmes such as the community or estate action programme and our plans to improve crime prevention on public transport are of particular benefit to potentially vulnerable groups.

    We are satisfied that the police pay particular attention to the concerns of women and the elderly in planning local crime prevention campaigns. We are, however, keen to work closely with responsible organisations representing the interests of women and pensioners in reducing the fear of crime; and I and colleagues have meetings, from time to time, with such groups at local and national levels.

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by the Metropolitan police in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the following contracts were awarded in 1987:

    FirmSubject of Assignment
    PActelFeasibility Study1
    Geoff FordWork Information Management System Consultancy1
    HoskynsDatabase Consultancy1
    DigitusSource Programs Advice on Manpower planning system2
    The Instruction SetUNIX2
    Safe ComputingImplementing Police Payroll—setting up software
    Time Manager InternationalManagement Training for staff
    LogicaCapacity Planning
    McDonnell DouglasStatistics systems—Hist. File Cleardown
    Chess ValleyMaintaining data input system for Crime statistics
    CarnellPJCS Consultancy for Payrolls
    ICLSetting up Personnel 20 package
    ICLConsultancy for New Traffic Tickets System
    Tom ScharffIn-line mailing-advice on whether cost effective to restore faulty equipment
    Gerard SystemsARTEMIS consultancy
    S.I.A.Rostering consultancy for Territorial Operations System
    HoskynsSpool increase consultancy
    Coopers and LybrandComputer management consultancy for Chief Engineer's Department
    PActel; Admiral Computer Services; Marshall Computing ServicesMiscellaneous computer consultancies for Chief Engineer's Department
    PActelProject Manager for Crime Report Information System
    HoskynsVarious levels of project staff for new Traffice Tickets System
    Eagling; K.P.G.Contract Operations for old Traffic Tickets System
    PrologVME
    HoskynsFixed Penalty Office Contract Staff
    1 All for the Electrical and Mechanical Branch Control Information Systems.
    2 Territorial Operation Systems.

    Dog Fighting

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to increase the sentences available to the courts for offences of dog fighting; and if he will make a statement.

    The Government entirely share the public abhorrence of the barbaric practice of dog fighting. The penalties for such activities, provided under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, were recently doubled by the Protection of Animals (Penalties) Act 1987 to the maximum penalties available summarily, that is, to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (£2,000), or six months' imprisonment, or both. We are giving full support, in which I hope the hon. Member will join us, to the proposals by my hon. Friend the Member for Winchester (Mr. Browne) in his Protection of Animals (Amendment) Bill to increase substantially the maximum penalties for attendance at animal fights or baiting.

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to prevent advertisements for the sale of fighting dogs being placed in British newspapers.

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions for dog fighting were obtained in 1987; where the offences were committed; and what sentences were given by the courts concerned in each case.

    Information collected centrally does not distinguish offences relating to dog fights from other offences under the Protection of Animals Act 1911.

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take urgent action to prevent the importing of American pit bull dogs for use in illegal dog fighting rings; and if he will make a statement.

    We do not consider that such a ban would be effective in preventing illegal fighting, given the number of dogs already in the United Kingdom which are susceptible to abuse, and the difficulty in distinguishing between dogs bred for fighting and as pets. In addition, an import ban on the whole of a particular strain of dog would be contrary to our international trading obligations unless the domestic sale and commercial breeding of dogs of the strain in question were similarly prohibited.

    Oak Tree Farm Rural Projects

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will investigate the reasons for the delay by the Charity Commission in dealing with the request for registration by Miss Monica Moreton of Great Haywood, Stafford, on behalf of the Oak Tree Farm Rural Projects.

    My right hon. Friend has asked the chief charity commissioner to look into these matters.

    Immigration

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people living in the Birmingham area were waiting to be interviewed by immigration officials in connection with applications for entry clearance for members of their family to join them in the United Kingdom at 31 January.

    At 31 January 1988, there were 36 outstanding entry clearance applications referred to the immigration service and awaiting interview of persons living in the Birmingham area. All have either now been completed or have appointments arranged before 31 March 1988.

    Sinn Fein

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any proposals to seek to limit Sinn Fein's access to the broadcasting media; and what representations he has received on this matter.

    We have no proposals at present to seek to limit Sinn Fein's access to the broadcasting media, nor have we received any representations on the matter.

    Extraditions (Irish Republic)

    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the names of the persons for whom extradition warrants were sent from England and Wales to the Irish Republic in each of the last five years, indicating in each case in which terrorist-type activity was the reason for the warrants, whether the persons named were extradited and which warrants were held to be defective, showing in such cases the exact reasons each warrant was held to be defective.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: Information on individual warrants sent from England and Wales to the Republic of Ireland is not held centrally. My right hon. Friend's reply of 6 November 1987 at columns 906–7 gave the available information for the years 1982–86. Figures for 1987 are not yet available. In that period, the return of Evelyn Glenholmes to face charges in connection with terrorist offences failed because the Irish court considered that information on oath that had already been laid should have been resworn on the day when the warrants were issued.

    The Arts

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his office in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    One computer consultancy contract was awarded by my office in 1987 to AMTEC Consulting for the Government art collection database project.

    Antiquarian Books

    To ask the Minister for the Arts (I) whether the criteria laid out in the Waverley rules cover copies of the Grolier-bound "Hypnerotomachia" (1499) or "Aesop's Fables" (1480) currently owned by the John Rylands library, Manchester;(2) if he will seek to prevent the export of antiquarian books from British libraries.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: Any book which has been in this country for more than 50 years and is over £16,000 in value requires an export licence. If such an application were made and referred to the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art the item would be assessed against the Waverley criteria. Export licences are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

    National Finance

    Income Tax

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the revenue costs of a cut in all higher rates of income tax to (i) 40 per cent. and (ii) 35 per cent. in (a)1988–89 and (b) 1989–90.

    The cost of abolishing all higher rates of income tax above 40 per cent. is estimated to be £965 million in 1988–89 and £2,070 million in 1989–90. The abolition of rates of income tax above 40 per cent. was announced in the Budget on 15 March; the costs given above are those published in table 4.1 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1988–89. The cost of further reducing the higher rate of tax to 35 per cent. is estimated to be an additional £405 million in 1988–89 and an additional £880 million in 1989–90.

    Tax Allowances

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the yield in 1989–90 from reducing capital gains tax allowances to the level of personal allowances.

    About £10 million. The levels of personal allowances substituted for the annual exempt amount as a basis for this reply are those proposed in chapter 4 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1988–89 (Cm. 361).

    Inheritance Tax

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue effect in 1989–90 of reducing the top rate of inheritance tax to 40 per cent.; and if he will give the most recent available figures for the annual number of taxpayers paying inheritance tax at a rate above 40 per cent. and the average value of their estate.

    The cost in 1989–90 is estimated at £150 million. It is estimated that for 1987–88 a total of 5,200 taxpayers will have paid IHT at rates above 40 per cent. The average value of their estates is estimated at £475,000.

    Benefits In Kind

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received in favour of the introduction of legislation to treat as benefits in kind for tax purposes the official accommodation, cars, and other facilities provided for Ministers of the Crown; what reply he has given; and if he will make a statement.

    None. Whether or not official accommodation, car and other facilities provided for Ministers of the Crown are treated as benefits in kind for tax purposes is determined, according to the facts of each case, under the same legislation which deals with the taxation of benefits in kind received by office holders generally.

    Personal Incomes

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the weekly gain of a single person earning £150,000 a year from his Budget tax changes.

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the weekly gain of a single person earning £100,000 a year from his Budget tax changes.

    The weekly gain from the Budget of a single person earning £150,000 and £100,000 a year, with no other income, would be £721·92 and £464·23 respectively. The figures refer only to income tax and assume that the taxpayer is entitled to no income tax reliefs or allowances other than the single person's allowance. The calculation is made by comparing the taxpayer's income tax liability under the 1987–88 tax regime with that under the proposed regime for 1988–89.

    Gross Domestic Product

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in gross domestic product per capita in each of the English regions, Wales and Scotland since 1979.

    Estimates of gross domestic product per capita were published in the November 1987 edition of Economic Trends, a copy of which is available in the House Library.Increases in gross domestic product per capita between 1979 and 1986 are provided for the specified regions in the table below.

    Increase in General Domestic Product' per capita from 1979 to 19862
    £Per cent.
    North2,44190
    Yorkshire and Humberside2,46189
    East Midlands2,53889
    East Anglia2,865103
    South east3,15892
    South west2,63196
    West Midlands2,24179
    North west2,37883
    Wales2,17783
    Scotland2,40585
    1 GDP at factors cost: current prices.
    2 1986 figures are provisional.

    Laboratory Animals

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent steps the Inland Revenue has taken to counteract tax evasion by suppliers of animals to university laboratories; and what statistics are maintained for this purpose.

    No centrally co-ordinated steps have been taken or thought necessary and no statistics are maintained. If the hon. Gentleman has reason to believe there is evasion in this field, perhaps he would write to me.

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by Her Majesty's Stationery Office in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    Management consultancy contracts

    Firm

    Subject of Assignment

    A. P. Computer ConsultantsFeasibility study of revised publications subscription system
    P. Headley ConsultantsModification of software package
    Daton Systems Ltd.Specification of micro system for forms stockholding
    Printing Industries Research AssociationPreparation for BS5750 quality assurance accreditation
    NHMC ConsultingWarehouse organisation and efficiency review
    NHMC ConsultingForms Centre organisations and efficiency review
    NHMC ConsultingDesign of new warehouse
    NHMC ConsultingReview of storage of departmental forms and stationery

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount spent by the Inland Revenue in 1987 on management and computer consultancy contracts, excluding hardware and software purchases.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: The amount spent by the Inland Revenue in 1987 on management and computer consultancy contracts, excluding hardware and software purchases was £13·9 million.

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount spent by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in 1987 on management and computer consultancy contracts, excluding hardware and software purchases.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: About £2·1 million in the calendar year 1987.

    Petrol Duty

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total revenue yield from excise duty payable on petrol in the last year for which figures are available; and on what total quantity of petrol that duty was collected.

    Information specifically related to petrol is not available. In 1986–87 the revenue collected from the excise duty on light oil (of which petrol is the major element) was £5,755 million. This represents the duty on 29,700 million litres.

    Corporation Tax

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received seeking amendment of the law to end the practice whereby fuel surcharges are not counted as income for the purposes of corporation tax.

    None so far as I am aware. Under the law as it stands, fuel surcharges imposed by tour operators are in principle taxable like other trading receipts. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, I should be glad to look into it if he will let me have details.

    General Commissioners Of Income Tax

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations were received in response to the Inland Revenue's consultative documents on the General Commissioners of Income Tax; and if he will make a statement.

    In July 1987 the Inland Revenue published, with the authority of my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Lord Chancellor, a consultative document on the possibility of setting up General Commissioners in Northern Ireland. Comments were received from professional bodies, individual firms and others, representing a wide range of interests. A clear majority of these were in favour of the introduction in Northern Ireland of local tax tribunals. Where reservations were expressed they were predominantly about the importance of appointing and training appropriate General Commissioners, and about the transitional arrangements for introducing the new system.In view of this broad measure of support, the Finance Bill will include the legislation necessary to enable General Commissioners to be introduced in Northern Ireland. However, the system will not be brought into operation before January 1989. My right hon. Friend the Lord Chancellor will set the date for the change in the light of progress with the appointment of General Commissioners. This will also allow the Inland Revenue to inform taxpayers and their advisers in Northern Ireland how their rights to appeal to an independent tribunal will be preserved and improved by the new system.The Board of Inland Revenue issued a separate consultative document in November 1987 on possible changes to the legislation which determines which body of General Commissioners deal with an appeal (or other proceedings). The proposal was that in some tax offices appeals by companies, trusts and large unincorporated businesses should be brought before the General Commissioners for the division in which the tax office was situated, subject to the taxpayer's right of objection. Comments from professional and representative bodies, individual firms and others recognised that the existing legislation was inflexible and caused difficulty. However, there was concern that the proposed changes to the legislation might in practice be equally inflexible, and about the lack of opportunities for taxpayers to propose a different place of hearing for their appeals.The Inland Revenue is therefore undertaking further consultation on new proposals which will make it easier for taxpayers to agree with tax offices where their appeals should he heard. This should make it unnecessary for the Inland Revenue to make use of directions for many taxpayers.If taxpayers and their advisers find this revised approach more acceptable the aim will be to introduce the necessary legislation in this year's Finance Bill.

    Tax (Repayment)

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is to be any change in the way that the Inland Revenue handles claims for repayment of tax by individuals during the course of a tax year.

    Multiple of average earnings
    HalfTwo-thirdsOneFiveTen
    (a)(b)(a)(b)(a)(b)(a)(b)(a)(b)
    Single
    1978–7923·5100·027·5100·031·5100·052·2100·067·5100·0
    1979–8022·9102·526·3103·429·7100·442·8121·651·4151·8
    1980–8124·7103·627·7104·930·7106·444·3122·652·1154·7

    Individuals who are not liable to tax can claim payment of the tax credit attached to dividends; they can also claim repayment of tax deducted from certain interest and other payments. Whether or not an individual is liable to tax cannot be finally settled until the end of the tax year when his or her actual income and personal allowances and reliefs for the year are known.Nevertheless the Inland Revenue's practice has been to allow individuals to claim provisional repayment by instalments during the course of a tax year rather than waiting until the end of the year. In very many cases these involve repayment of comparatively small amounts of tax at a disproportionate cost.With effect from 6 April 1989, therefore, there will be a change in the Inland Revenue's practice. With my approval, after that date the Inland Revenue will repay tax claimed during the course of the tax year only when the amount of tax involved exceeds a limit of £50. Where the tax repayable is less than this, the Inland Revenue will not process the claims but instead will be asking individuals to wait until either the amount exceeds the £50 limit or the end of the tax year, whichever is the earliest, before claiming repayment. This change in practice may affect the timing of repayments, but it will not affect the amount repaid.

    Taxation

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will construct an index, with 1978–79 equalling 100, of the changes in the level of income tax and national insurance contributions for each subsequent year for a taxpayer on (a) half, (b) two thirds, (c) average, (d) five times average and (e) 10 times average earnings for households where the taxpayer is (i) single, (ii) married with no children, (iii) married with two children and (iv) married with four children, in all cases assuming the wife does not work, using a similar form to his answer of 1 May 1987, Official Report, columns 287–90.

    [holding answer 17 March 1988]: The table shows (a) income tax plus national insurance contributions less child benefit, where appropriate, as a percentage of gross earnings; and (b) real net income after tax, NIC and child benefit in index number form with 1978–79 equalling 100. The calculations assume that the taxpayer has no reliefs other than the appropriate personal allowance and that national insurance contributions are at the contracted-in rate. Average earnings are those for full-time males paid at adult rates whose pay was not affected by absence. Figures for 1987–88 and 1988–89 are provisional.

    Half

    Two-thirds

    One

    Five

    Ten

    (a)

    (b)

    (a)

    (b)

    (a)

    (b)

    (a)

    (b)

    (a)

    (b)

    1981–8226·9100·029·6101·632·3103·446·4117·253·2150·4
    1982–8327·3100·330·1101·633·0103·145·9119·353·0152·4
    1983–8427·0104·630·0105·833·0107·245·1125·752·5159·6
    1984–8526·5108·329·6109·432·7110·745·3128·952·6164·0
    1985–8626·2110·329·4111·332·6112·445·5130·352·7165·9
    1986–8725·8115·628·9117·031·9118·545·7135·452·8172·7
    1987–8825·0120·827·8122·830·5125·045·9139·453·0178·1
    1988–8923·8125·826·3128·328·9131·036·1168·738·0240·2

    Married

    1978–7916·0100·021·9100·027·8100·050·5100·066·5100·0
    1979–8016·0101·721·1102·626·3103·841·5120·250·7149·6
    1980–8117·9102·822·6104·227·3105·842·9121·251·5152·4
    1981–8220·898·725·0100·429·3102·445·2115·752·6148·0
    1982–8320·899·425·3100·829·8102·544·6117·952·3150·1
    1983–8420·1104·124·9105·329·6106·743·7124·451·9157·4
    1984–8519·3108·324·2109·329·2110·543·9127·851·9161·7
    1985–8618·9110·323·9111·229·0112·344·0129·252·0163·7
    1986–8718·9115·023·7116·428·5118·044·2134·252·1170·3
    1987–8818·9119·123·1121·227·4123·844·5138·052·3175·6
    1988–8917·9123321·9126·126·0129·335·1165·337·6235·2

    Married with 2 children (both under 11)

    1978–792·4100·011·5100·020·9100·048·8100·065·6100·0
    1979–801·4102·810·2103·218·9104·140·0119·050·0147·8
    1980–814·9102·512·9103·620·8105·241·6119·850·8150·4
    1981–827·399·414·9100·622·5102·443·9114·651·9146·2
    1982–836·9100·614·9101·422·8102·843·2116·851·6148·4
    1983–845·9105·614·2106·222·4107·342·3123·351·2155·5
    1984–855·0109·813·5110·222·0111·142·4126·651·2159·9
    1985–865·0111·213·5111·722·0112·642·6127·951·3161·7
    1986–875·7115·213·8116·121·9117·742·9132·751·5168·2
    1987–886·2118·413·7120·221·1122·843·3136·451·6173·3
    1988–896·1121·513·0124·020·0127·533·9162·637·0231·2

    Married with 4 children (two under 11, one 11–15 and one over 16)

    1978–79-11·7100·00·1100·013·3100·046·7100·064·5100·0
    1979–80-13·3103·0-0·8102·611·6103·638·5117·349·3145·5
    1980–81-8·1101·73·1102·014·3103·940·3117·850·2147·8
    1981–82-6·299·54·899·815·8101·642·5112·851·3143·8
    1982–83-7·0100·94·5100·915·9102·241·8115·150·9145·9
    1983–84-8·4106·23·5105·815·3106·940·9121·550·4153·0
    1984–85-9·3110·32·7109·814·8110·741·0124·850·5157·3
    1985–86-8·9111·33·1110·915·1111·941·2126·050·6159·1
    1986–87-7·5114·73·9114·715·2116·441·6130·650·8165·3
    1987–88-6·4117·34·2118·214·8121·042·0134·151·0170·2
    1988–89-5·8119·44·2121·114·1124·932·7159·236·4226·4

    Clearing Banks (Tax Receipts)

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he anticipates in tax receipts from the clearing banks for the year 1987–88 before any provision for sovereign country debt and after tax relief given on account of sovereign country debt.

    [holding answer 28 March 1988]: The effect on tax receipts of these provisions by all banks for the year 1987–88 was given in the answer to the hon. Member for Oxford, East (Mr. Smith) on 14 March 1988 at column 429. Because of the Inland Revenue's rules of confidentiality, it is not the practice to give figures of this kind for particular parts of the banking sector.

    Rail Services (Budget Document)

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department has made or intends to make any payment to British Rail for the publication and distribution on inter-city services of a document entitled "Summary of the Budget Proposals"; and if he will make a statement.

    [holding answer 28 March 1988]: No. I understand that a Budget summary was published by a private firm and made available to inter-city passengers at no cost to British Rail.

    Building Societies

    To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the implications for the members and mortgagors of a building society which converts to a public liability company.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: It is for the investing and borrowing members of a society to decide whether conversion is in their best interests. A society cannot convert unless they vote in favour. The Building Societies Act 1986 imposes stringent voting thresholds and majorities for passing resolutions, and also provides for the members to be given all the material information they need to reach an informed judgment on which way they wish to vote. In addition a society seeking to convert must first obtain a banking licence from the Bank of England. The Government have sought to remove both artificial obstacles and artificial inducements to conversion.

    Scotland

    Ettrick And Lauderdale (Housing Capital Allocations)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he plans any increase in housing provisional capital allocations, 1988–89, for Ettrick and Lauderdale district council.

    On 28 March my right hon. and learned Friend announced details of the final housing capital allocations for all district and island councils. These included increased allocations of £1·8 million on the HRA block and £0·65 million on the non-HRA block for Ettrick and Lauderdale district.

    Rating Reform

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether sporting organisations in Scotland will be required to pay the unified business rate; and if he will make a statement.

    As the first stage in the reform of non-domestic rates in Scotland, increases in the non-domestic rate poundages set by local authorities will, under section 3 of the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987, be subject to an index-linked ceiling from 1 April 1989. This will benefit sporting organisations and other non-domestic ratepayers in Scotland.

    Mentally Ill People

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many long-stay mental patients he expects there will be in hospitals in Scotland in each of the next seven years.

    I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on Tuesday 29 March 1988.

    Aids

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to respond to the British Medical Association, Royal College of General Practitioners and Scottish General Medical Services committees' call for general practitioners to be able to give out free needles and condoms; and if he will make a statement.

    The suggestions made by the three bodies are contained in a joint policy statement setting out a wide range of proposals on AIDS, HIV infection and drug misuse. I welcome the interest of these

    GradesEstablishmentFunded establishmentStaff or post at 29 February 1988
    1987–881987–88Full-timePart-time
    Chief nursing officer111
    Deputy chief nursing officer111
    Assistant chief nursing officer111
    Senior nurses (including one senior tutor)141414
    Charge nurses-ward sisters (including one clinical teacher)565456
    Staff nurses5355312
    Senior enrolled nurses373737
    Enrolled nurses146146139
    Nursing assistants212119
    TOTAL3303302992

    bodies in a matter which is of major concern to the Government, and we shall be arranging early discussions with their representatives to consider the details of their proposals.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the operation and future of the syringe exchange centres in Scotland.

    I refer the hon. Member to my reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Stewart) on Tuesday 29 March 1988.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to prevent the spread of HIV 2 in Scotland.

    HIV 2 infection in the United Kingdom has been monitored for some time. The indications are that the disease is extremely rare in the United Kingdom: the first positive among several thousand tests was found only some two weeks ago. Blood samples from high risk groups will continue to be monitored and we shall take account of the situation in Europe, where HIV 2 infection is thought to be more prevalent, to assess whether further measures are needed.

    Community Care

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate for expenditure on community care in Scotland in each of the next three years.

    No such estimates are available. Community care can take a number of forms and expenditure may arise for health boards, local authorities and central Government (through the social security system).

    Nurses

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing (a) the establishment figures, (b) the funded establishment figures and (c) the in-post figures of Carstairs state hospital for each nursing grade employed; and if he will publish, for each grade category, the number of employees in full-time posts, the number of part-time employees and the whole-time equivalents of those part-time employees.

    The establishment figure is based on a patient population of 230. The current patient population is 210. The information is given in the following table:

    1 Whole-time equivalent 1·25.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing (a) the establishment figures, (b) the funded establishment figures and (c) the in-post figures of each health board in Scotland for the following nursing grades: regional nursing officer 1 and 2, regional nurse 1 and 2, district nursing officer grades 1 to 7, director of nursing services grades 1 + to 6, senior nurse grades 1 + to 8, sister I, sister II, health visitor, deputy nursing sister, staff nurse, senior enrolled nurse, enrolled nurse, nursing auxiliary/assistant; and if he will publish, for each grade category, the number of employees in full-time posts, the number of part-time employees and the whole-time equivalent of those part-time employees.

    Table
    ScotlandArgyll and ClydeAyrshire and ArranBordersDumfries and GallowayFifeForth ValleyGrampianGreater GlasgowHighlandLanarkLothianOrkneyShetlandTaysideWestern Isles
    C.A.N.O.15·01·01·01·01·01·01·01·01·01·01·01·01·01·01·01·0
    Director of Nursing Services83·08·04·02·04·08·05·08·016·03·06·014·00·00·010·01·0
    Senior Nurses Grades 1–81,343·8101·580·429·043·078·083·811·60370·564·3111·5192·04·05·060·06·0
    Sister/Charge Nurse17,303·1603·8387·9175·4218·7270·8378·1709 11,838·4318·9677·5975·634·138·2634·266·5
    Staff Nurse/Midwife13,089·3818·1845·8195·1446·7780·0565·41,125·82,936·5610·5893·32,271·821·247·21,278·872·2
    Senior Enrolled591·043·817·44·013·819·416·829·9170·921·4137·455·10·02·059·10·0
    Enrolled9,784·3685·9471·7150·9275·9752·4473·41,037·52,053·9317·21,116·41,196·872·345·21,084·448·4
    Health Visitor21,420·3126·884·032·538·395·883·2147·2267·680·9137·6186·210·512·0108·711·0
    Protected Grades178·110·15·00·03·01·02·010·04·02·029·015·00·00·097·00·0
    Other Qualified3959·052·342·918·027·054·546·9104·6250·728·077·5184·50·00·084·00·0
    Auxiliary/Assistant15,592·21,562·6949·5342·2482·4854·81,200·01,552·63,837·3545·51,255·52,349·536·344·31,619·958·9
    Table 2
    Whole timeNumber Part timeTotalWTE for part time
    CANO150150·0
    Director of Nursing Services830830·0
    Senior Nurses Grades 1 to 81,336121,3487·8
    Sister/Charge Nurse16,3661,4107,778937·1
    Staff Nurse/Midwife9,1577,03316,2003,922·3
    Senior Enrolled49713353094·0
    Enrolled6,6384,92711,5853,145·3
    Health Visitor1 21,3091991,508111·3
    Protected Grades17721791·1
    Other Qualified1 29414698728·0
    Auxiliary/Assistant8,39712,30820,7058,295·2
    1 Includes district nurses and midwives who are on the same pay scale.
    2 Includes combined duty health visitors.
    3 Includes teaching grades.

    Pupils (Behaviour)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils were excluded from school on account of bad behaviour in each of the past five school years; and if he will give the figures for each year for each education authority.

    Forestry

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his most recent estimate of the area of annual new planting of trees in the United Kingdom over the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

    The Government's aim is traditional planting at the rate of 33,000 hectares a year.

    Information is not held centrally about health boards' establishments or funded establishments for nursing staff. Table 1 sets out for each health board in Scotland at March 1987 the whole-time equivalent numbers of staff in post in the grades that correspond as closely as possible to the categories set out in the question. Some of these categories are specific to the English situation. Information about numbers of employees in full-time posts and about part-time employees in each health board at March 1987 could be made available from central records only at disproportionate cost. Table 2 sets out for Scotland as a whole and for the same grades the number of staff in full time posts, the number in part-time posts and the whole-time equivalent of those employed part time.In addition, the proposed farm woodland scheme will provide for the planting of 36,000 hectares in the period of three years from its introduction.

    Students (Allowances)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will publish full details of students allowances for session 1988–89.

    I announced the main rates of student grant for the 1988–89 academic year in response to a question from my hon. Friend on 18 December 1987, at columns 819–20.I am publishing today the supplementary grant rates for the 1988–89 session. The increases in these rates are

    broadly in line with the 4 per cent. increase in the main rates. In addition, there are three minor changes in the terms of the students allowances scheme, namely:

  • (i) All student pension income will be disregarded up to a limit of £2,000;
  • (ii) a student who reaches the third anniversary of his or her marriage during a course will be given independent status with effect from his or her next award; and
  • (iii) unpaid placements will not count towards the length of a previous course for the purposes of the "previous study" requirements.
  • Cash Limits

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will announce any change to the 1987–88 cash limit for local authority non-housing capital expenditure.

    The 1987–88 cash limit figure has been increased from £437·8 million to £443·8 million to reflect the £6 million in supplementary capital allocations issued in December to local authorities to assist with the capital costs of implementing the community charge.

    Personal Information (Access)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when consultation will take place on the regulations to be made under section 3 of the Access to Personal Files Act 1987 in respect of access for individuals to manually maintained records containing information relating to themselves held by local authority social work departments in Scotland.

    Proposals for the making of these regulations were issued today and a copy of the consultative paper and a list of bodies to which it is addressed has been placed in the Library of the House. The paper has been issued to local authorities in Scotland, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and those voluntary organisations principally concerned with the interests of social work client groups whose records are likely to be held by local authorities and others representing more general consumer interests. A response has been requested by 27 May.The right of access provided under these proposals is in line with that already available in relation to local authority records of the same type under the Data Protection Act 1984. The proposals include a safeguard that information may be withheld if access is likely to result in serious harm to the physical or mental health, or emotional condition, of the individual requesting access, or to another person.It is proposed that local authorities will be able to charge an access fee of up to a maximum of £10.

    Pollution

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is taking to combat air and water pollution.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: The Scottish Office is actively engaged in a large number of measures to deal with pollution of all kinds. For example, we played a full part in the policy and administrative preparations for the North sea conference of Ministers in London in November, including the organisation of the preliminary international meeting of senior officials in Edinburgh, and we are now taking action to implement the measures agreed by Ministers at the conference; these are listed in the declaration, of which a copy is available in the Library.We identified for the first time 23 Scottish waters in terms of the EC bathing waters directive, and these are being monitored to ensure compliance with the directive's standards.We have tackled particular water pollution problems as necessary, for example by placing restrictions on the use of TBT anti-fouling paints on small boats and fish cages.In the field of air pollution, we are maintaining a close watch on the implementation in Scotland of the EC directives relating to air pollution; encouraging, and paying grants to, local authorities which carry out smoke control measures under the clean air acts; and actively considering comments received on the Government's paper on the review of air pollution legislation in Great Britain. We have also commissioned research projects on specific air pollution questions in Scotland.If the hon. Member has any particular aspect in mind, he may like to write to me or to my right hon. and learned Friend.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the measures his Department is taking to encourage a reduction in the emission of pollutants which cause acid rain.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: The reduction of acid-producing emissions has to be approached on a national and international basis. The reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment to my hon. Friend the Member for Epping Forest (Sir J. Biggs-Davison) on 16 November 1987, at column 185, outlined the reduction in United Kingdom emissions since 1970 and the specific measures being taken by the CEGB to reduce emissions from some major power stations. These measures will be of particular benefit in reducing acidification in Scotland, which receives a major part of its acid-producing emissions from elsewhere. In relation to Scottish emissions, the use of low sulphur coal in the two major SSEB coal-fired stations, and the high level of hydro and nuclear electricity generation, considerably reduce the level of acid-forming pollutants produced in Scotland. We are, however, keeping the position under review.

    Patients (Spending)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the average annual expenditure per patient in Scotland in 1986–87.

    [holding answer 23 February 1988]: It is not possible to provide a meaningful overall average cost per patient. However, information on the cost of in-patient and out/day-patient treatment based on the statistical information produced annually and contained in the publication "Scottish Health Service Costs" is given in the table:

    Average annual cost (1986–87)

    £

    In-patient case1,177·90
    Out-patient attendance12·65
    Accident and emergency attendance17·54
    Day patient1 attendance29·06
    Day case2 attenance64·36

    1 Defined as a patient who attends a day hospital or day facility from outwith the hospital on a regular basis.

    2 A patient using a hospital facility during the course of a day for investigation, operative procedure or other treatment, who requires some form of preparation, period of recovery or observation and who does not remain in the facility overnight.

    Comparison with other countries of the United Kingdom on the basis of these figures is difficult, as average annual expenditure per patient is influenced by the mix of cases treated, the age and sex of patients and a variety of other factors. Scotland, for example, has a higher proportion of the United Kingdom's teaching hospital places and proportionately more patient care takes place within the relatively more expensive teaching hospital environment. Average expenditure per patient also depends on the methods used to allocate hospital running costs between certain categories; for example, inpatients and day cases.

    Energy

    Electricity Industry

    To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are his plans for the Central Electricity Generating Board generation development and construction division, Barnwood, Gloucester, in the context of the proposed privatisation of the electricity industry; and if he will make a statement.

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    Contracts placed with private sector firms and companies for management or computer consultancy were:

    ConsultantsSubject
    Spencer StuartAdvice on the selection of UK Atomic Energy Authority Board Member
    Valstar Technical Systems Ltd)Contracts for computing
    Gearhart Geodata Service Ltd)advice and support to the Department's Petroleum Engineering Division

    Energy Performance Information

    To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if, pursuant to the oral answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Worcestershire South (Mr. Spicer) of 7 March, Official Report, column 11, he will give the detailed evidence on which was based the assertion that the Danish Government's scheme to provide energy performance information for buildings is not particularly successful; what representations he has received from the Danish Government on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

    My hon. Friend's remarks were based on the conclusion of a study of the Danish heat survey scheme prepared for the European Commission by independent consultants. I have received no representations from the Danish Government.

    Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

    East-West Relations

    14.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current state of East-West relations.

    We welcome the improved atmosphere of East-West relations. Mr. Shultz and Mr. Shevardnadze met in Washington last week. They fixed dates for the Moscow summit (29 May-2 June). We look for further substantive progress in the key areas of arms control, regional issues and human rights.

    Libya And Syria

    15.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the implications for relations with (a) Libya and (b) Syria of the revelations at the trial in West Berlin of Christina Endrigkeit, in relation to the bombing of La Belle discotheque.

    None, Sir. Christina Endrigkeit is not on trial. I have nothing to add to what my right hon. and learned Friend told the House on 24 October 1986, namely that there is no evidence available to us which implicates Syria or any country other than Libya in the La Belle bombing.

    Falkland Islands (Bbc Services)

    16.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will discuss with representatives of the Legislative Council for the Falklands Islands arrangements for transmission of the external services of the BBC.

    My right hon. and learned Friend has no present plans to meet representatives of the Legislative Council. The BBC world service can be heard throughout the islands on short wave and further BBC radio material is rebroadcast daily on the FM band by the Falkland Islands broadcasting service and by British forces broadcasting services.

    Ussr (Foreign Policy)

    17.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the implications for Soviet foreign policy of internal protest within the Soviet Union.

    Unfortunately the improving Soviet human rights performance has not yet been reflected at the CSCE conference in Vienna. Nationalist tensions clearly have implications for Mr. Gorbachev's policy of openness.

    Afghanistan

    18.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures have been taken recently to encourage the Soviet Union to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan.

    When I was in Moscow in February I told Mr. Gorbachev and Mr. Shevardnadze of the need for the complete withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan this year and our wish to see a neutral, nonaligned and independent Afghanistan. We welcome the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General's personal representative to pave the way for a settlement.

    24.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to visit Kabul.

    25.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about progress towards a Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    The Soviet Union has expressed its intention to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. Arrangements for the withdrawal are the subject of proximity talks in Geneva involving Pakistan and the Kabul regime. We have repeatedly called for Soviet withdrawal to be completed within 1988.

    Middle East

    19.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to visit the middle east.

    My right hon. and learned Friend has no current plans for an early visit to the middle east. I regularly visit the area, and we keep in the closest touch with developments in the region.

    43.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards a middle east peace settlement.

    We support current efforts to promote the convening of an international conference as a framework for negotiations to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. We hope that all the parties concerned will avoid action which could stifle progress towards a settlement.

    50.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Government policy towards the Arab-Israeli conflict in the middle east.

    We support current efforts to promote the convening of an international conference as a framework for negotiations to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. We hope that all the parties concerned will avoid action which could stifle progress towards a settlement.

    57.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet the Israeli Foreign Minister to discuss the situation in the middle east; and if he will make a statement.

    My right hon. and learned Friend has tic, plans at present for such a meeting.

    62.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contributions he intends to make towards encouraging the Israeli Government to respond favourably to the Shultz plan on the middle east.

    We shall continue to stress to the Israeli Government the urgent need for progress towards a peaceful settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the proposals for peace negotiations in the middle east put forward by the United States Secretary of State in his letter to the Prime Minister of Israel dated 4 March; and whether that policy has been conveyed to Mr. Shultz and Mr. Shamir.

    We support the United States' initiative, and urge the parties to work for progress on this basis. All concerned are aware of our views.

    Ec-Japan

    20.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will report on recent bilateral discussions between the European Community and Japan.

    Members of the Commission met Japanese Ministers in Tokyo on 2–5 December last year to discuss current issues between the two sides. There have been regular official level meetings since then.

    South Africa

    21.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiatives Her Majesty's Government have taken since 1979 about the repeated South African invasions of Angolan territory, the illegal occupation of Namibia and the repression of black South Africans.

    We have been active throughout in urging the withdrawal of South African troops from Angola. As a member of the contact group, we have also been closely involved in negotiations for Namibian independence. We have repeatedly called for an early end to apartheid, and sought to encourage dialogue between all South Africans across the racial divide.

    23.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of South Africa concerning the administration of justice in South Africa.

    32.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list all the initiatives taken since 1979 by Her Majesty's Government, alone or with member nations of the United Nations or European Community, regarding (a) apartheid in South Africa, (b) the illegal occupation of Namibia by South Africa, (c) the repeated violation of the territory of Angola by South African troops and (d) the funding of mercenary troops in Mozambique.

    We have taken every opportunity bilaterally, with European Community partners, the Commonwealth and through the United Nations to urge on the South African Government the need to end apartheid, to implement the United Nation plan for Namibian independence, to withdraw from Angola, and to pursue a peaceful policy towards her neighbours. We shall continue to do so.

    47.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the benefits to the United Kingdom of maintaining normal diplomatic relationships with South Africa; and if he will make a statement.

    Without diplomatic relations it would not be possible for us to influence the South African Government or to maintain contact with a wide range of opinion in South Africa including many members of the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary opposition, the Churches and trades unions. We use our contacts with the South African Government to seek to persuade them of the need for peaceful but fundamental change, to allow the United Nation plan for Namibian independence to go ahead, and to withdraw from Angola.

    61.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to meet the South African ambassador in London; and if he will make a statement on the recent contacts between his Department and representatives of the South African Government following the decision on the Sharpeville Six of 18 March.

    My right hon. and learned Friend has no present plans to meet the South African ambassador. On the "Sharpeville Six", I have nothing to add to what I told the House on 16 and 17 March.

    66.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the South African Government regarding the new restrictions imposed upon certain organisations.

    My right hon. and learned Friend issued a statement on 24 February condemning these restrictions, following which I summoned the South African ambassador for the same purpose on 25 February. Her Majesty's ambassador at Cape Town has also made plain our views to the South African Government.

    France

    22.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when last he met the President of France.

    My right hon. and learned Friend last saw President Mitterrand at the NATO summit on 2–3 March although they did not have the opportunity at that time for a substantive discussion.

    Iran-Iraq War

    26.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his latest information on developments in the Iran-Iraq war.

    Although we have seen nothing on the scale of last year's offensives near Basra, fierce fighting continues in Kurdistan, where there have also been recent claims of the use of chemical weapons. The "war of the cities" involving the exchange of missile attacks on major Iranian and Iraqi cities also continues, resulting in the deaths of many innocent civilians. Attacks on shipping in the Gulf have recently resumed after a three-week lull.We deplore the continuation of the conflict and call on both sides to implement Security Council resolution 598 immediately, most importantly a complete ceasefire.

    56.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about progress towards achieving a ceasefire in the Gulf conflict.

    The Security Council issued a statement on 16 March reaffirming the need for immediate implementation of SCR 598, and supporting the Secretary-General's intention of having intensive consultation with emissaries from Iran and Iraq. In parallel, work is continuing on an arms embargo resolution.

    China

    27.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when last he met the Chinese Foreign Minister; and what subjects were discussed.

    My right hon. and learned Friend had talks with Foreign Ministers Wu on 10–11 March during his visit to the United Kingdom. Their agenda covered a wide range of bilateral and international subjects including East-West relations, disarmament, the middle east and Hong Kong.

    63.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current state of Sino-British relations.

    During their talks earlier this month my right hon. and learned Friend and the Chinese Foreign Minister noted with satisfaction the excellent state of Sino-British relations. We continue to work closely together on matters relating to Hong Kong, and there is an active programme of commercial, scientific, educational and cultural exchanges between our two countries.

    Kampuchea

    28.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent developments in Kampuchea.

    We continue to seek the withdrawal of all Vietnamese forces from Cambodia and a settlement which would allow the Cambodian people to determine their own future, free from outside interference, through free and fair elections.

    Ussr (Broadcasting)

    29.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics about freedom of broadcasting across frontiers.

    None. Jamming of the BBC vernacular services to the Soviet Union and Poland has ceased. We hope that the Soviet Union will take steps to end all jamming and will continue to make our views known in appropriate fora.

    Persian Gulf

    30.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what length of stay he envisages for the Gulf task force.

    The Armilla patrol will remain in the region for as long as British shipping remains under serious threat as a result of the Iran — Iraq conflict. However, we keep that presence under constant review and make necessary adjustments in the light of current circumstances.

    35.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will initiate international discussions to ensure the right of peaceful navigation through the Persian Gulf.

    There is already close co-operation between western countries which maintain naval forces in the Gulf in order to help ensure freedom of navigation. We encourage all countries with an interest in the region to contribute by whatever means they can to upholding this vital principle.

    Ec Foreign Policy

    31.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next proposes to have discussions with his European Community partners concerning the development of common European foreign policies.

    My right hon and learned Friend met his colleagues from the Twelve to discuss European political co-operation matters at an informal weekend meeting in Konstanz on 5–6 March, and again on 22 March in Brussels. He expects to discuss these matters with them next on 13 June in Brussels.

    Foreign Ministers Meeting (Hamburg)

    33.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with what action he proposes to follow up the conference of European and Central American Foreign Ministers in Hamburg.

    We continue to give firm support to the peace process. The commitments which the Community and its member states have entered into are recorded in the political and economic communiqués copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.

    55.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's response to the European Community conference on Central American affairs, held in Hamburg on 29 February.

    I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Clydesdale (Mr. Hood) on 4 March at column 742.

    Ussr

    34.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he received from Soviet human rights groups on his recent visit to Moscow.

    My right hon. and learned Friend met a number of refuseniks and former prisoners of conscience during his visit and accepted representations from them. The Soviet authorities have been left in no doubt of our views on the human rights issues raised and the individual cases concerned.

    38.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will be making representations to the Soviet Union about human rights in Armenia and Azerbaijan.

    We regularly raise with the Soviet authorities the issue of human rights in the Soviet Union as a whole. Recent events in Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly the violent clashes which have taken place, are clearly of major concern to the Soviet authorities. We are following closely their efforts to address grievances and defuse tensions in the area.

    46.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek a further opportunity of raising with the Soviet Foreign Minister the plight of those long-term refuseniks such as Inna and Yuly Kosharovsky who are still waiting for exit visas.

    Yuly Kosharovsky was among the refuseniks with whom my right hon. and learned Friend met during his recent visit to the Soviet Union. Inna and Yuly Kosharovsky are among the cases about which we have repeatedly expressed our concern to the Soviet authorities. We shall continue to take every possible opportunity to raise with them the plight of the refuseniks.

    49.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes there have been in the Soviet Union, during the period of glasnost, in the numbers of dissidents obtaining exit visas.

    During 1987 more than 8,000 Soviet Jews, 15,000 Germans and several thousand Armenians left the Soviet Union, a considerable increase over previous years. While we welcome these signs of greater freedom of movement, the fundamental change in Soviet policy towards freedom of emigration which we seek is still absent. We shall continue to press the Soviet authorities to respect the right to emigrate of all Soviet citizens who wish to do so.

    54.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Soviet Union on the freedom of religion over the last year.

    We regularly make representations to the Soviet Union on freedom of religion, both in bilateral contacts and at the CSCE review conference in Vienna. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister pressed for greater freedom of religion during her talks in Moscow in March last year. My right hon. and learned Friend again raised this issue with the Soviet authorities during his recent visit to the Soviet Union.

    60.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made by the Soviet Union, under pressure from Her Majesty's Government, to grant human rights to all its citizens.

    I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Thanet, North (Mr. Gale) on 2 March. We continue to press for further improvements in Soviet human rights performance both bilaterally and at the CSCE follow-up meeting in Vienna.

    65.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further measures are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to persuade the Soviet Government to permit Michael Kremen to emigrate.

    Michael Kremen's case is among those about which we have expressed concern to the Soviet authorities. My right hon. and learned Friend again raised the issue of Soviet citizens denied permission to emigrate with Mr. Shevardnadze during his talks in Moscow last month.

    United States Of America

    36.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to meet the President of the United States of America to discuss Anglo-American relations.

    My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to see President Reagan when he visits London on 2–3 June after the Moscow summit.

    Trinidad And Tobago

    37.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago; and what was discussed.

    My right hon. and learned Friend last saw Prime Minister Robinson at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Vancouver in October 1987. A variety of international and bilateral topics of mutual interest was discussed.

    Operation Fire Focus

    39.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been received from other Governments in relation to Operation Fire Focus.

    I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Halifax (Mrs. Mahon) on 2 March at column 587.

    Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament

    40.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament on the outcome of the recent NATO summit.

    No direct representations have been received from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament on the outcome of the recent NATO summit.

    Chemical Weapons

    41.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on progress towards achieving a verifiable worldwide ban on chemical weapons.

    Encouraging progress has been made at the chemical weapons negotiations in Geneva. However, complex issues remain to be dealt with, particularly on verification and arrangements for an international inspectorate, if we are to achieve an effective convention.

    Falkland Islands

    42.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the Governor General of the Falklands; and what subjects were discussed.

    I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Brandon-Bravo) on 2 March at column 587.

    Single European Act

    44.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect on the decision-making process within the Community of the Single European Act.

    I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave on 21 October to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor). Since then, qualified majority voting has led to the adoption of air transport liberalisation measures and the public supplies directive which opens up contract opportunities. It has enabled a common position to be reached by the Council on a number of other single market measures, including non-life insurance and toy safety.

    Nicaragua

    45.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the recent peace talks in Nicaragua.

    None. However, we welcome the resumption of direct ceasefire talks between the Nicaraguan Government and the Contras, and hope that they will lead to a ceasefire and prevent any repitition of the Nicaraguan incursion into Honduras.

    Cyprus

    48.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to meet the President of Cyprus in the near future.

    My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my right hon. and learned Friend will have talks with President Vassiliou in London on 31 March.

    Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference

    51.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role his Department has in preparations for the forthcoming review of the working of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference; and if he will make a statement.

    The review of the working of the Conference is to be undertaken by the two Governments. My Department will contribute to the preparation and conduct of our part in the review.

    Nato—Warsaw Pact (Conventional Forces)

    52.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on progress towards reducing the imbalance in conventional forces between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the Warsaw pact.

    I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, South (Mr. Sumberg) on 3 February at column 629.

    Austria

    53.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made in negotiations to associate Austria more closely with the EEC.

    The European Economic Community—Austria free trade agreement of 1972 provides a basis for economic co-operation. EC-EFTA ministerial meetings take place regularly to promote co-operation in specific fields. Progress has been made recently in areas of interest to Austria, including transit procedures and frontier controls.

    Japan

    58.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the current state of Anglo-Japanese relations.

    South-East Asia

    59.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to seek to make an official visit to south-east Asia; and if he will make a statement.

    My right hon. and learned Friend will make official visits to Malaysia (5–7 April), Singapore (7–9 April) and Brunei (9–10 April). The purpose of these visits is to build on the excellent relations which exist between the United Kingdom and the three Commonwealth countries of south-east Asia, and to discuss a range of regional and international issues.

    Mauritius

    64.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the Mauritian high commissioner; and what was discussed.

    My right hon. and Learned Friend met the Mauritian high commissioner on 15 January during his intitial call as the new high commissioner for Mauritius in London. Topics of mutual interest were discussed.

    Refugee Camps

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how often during the past 10 years Her Majesty's Government have made formal representations to the Governments of (a) Jordan and (b) the Lebanon about conditions in the Palestinian refugee camps in those countries; and when was the last occasion in respect of each Government.

    This information is not available in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. We regularly discuss Palestinian refugee issues with the Jordanian and Lebanese Governments. In February 1987, my right hon. and learned Friend raised with President Gemayel conditions in the refugee camps in Lebanon.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the infant mortality rate in the refugee camps in Gaza and the comparable rates in (a) Syria, (b) Iran, (c) Iraq, (d) the Yemen, (e) the Lebanon and (f) Jordan.

    World Health Organisation figures for infant mortality per 1,000 live births in 1987 are as follows:

    Number
    Syria59
    Iran113
    Iraq80
    Yemen1137
    2135
    Lebanon52
    Jordan54
    1 Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen.
    2 Yemen Arab Republic.
    United Nations Relief and Works Agency's latest estimate is that the infant mortality rate in Palestinian refugee camps in all five areas of operation (Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan) is between 30 and 40 per 1,000 live births.

    Nuclear-Free Zone

    To ask the Secretary of State of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government policy on the proposals of the Warsaw pact countries of a nuclear-free corridor along the line of contact between the Warsaw pact and NATO with a width of 300 km and from which all types of offensive weapons would be withdrawn; and if he will make a statement.

    It is our view that such a nuclear-free corridor would not enhance the security of the area. The corridor could still be targeted by weapons based outside and mobile systems could easily be moved back at a time of tension.

    Naval Forces (Mediterranean)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conditions he considers are required to accept the Soviet Union proposal of a freeze on naval forces in the Mediterranean from 1 July; and if he will make a statement.

    We cannot support this Soviet proposal. A freeze on naval forces would constrain NATO's ability to reinforce Europe by sea in times of crisis, on which our defensive strategy depends, without significantly affecting the Warsaw pact's military capability.

    British Citizens (Belgium)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Belgian Government in connection with the arrest of a number of British citizens in Brussels on 2 March; what representations he has received from the families of those arrested and other interested parties; and if he will make a statement.

    My right hon. and learned Friend has made no representations to the Belgian Government. He has received copies of statements from five of the persons who were taken into custody.

    Data Protection

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will provide information to the Data Protection Registrar, in a way that does not compromise national security, on the number, scope and extent of the certificates that he has signed under section 27 of the Data Protection Act.

    No. It is not necessary for the Registrar, in the exercise of his responsibilities under the Act, to have these details.

    Nato (Flexible Response)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress was made on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation summit in seeking to maintain the policy of the flexible response.

    The declaration issued by Heads of Government at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation summit confirms the continuing validity of the Alliance's strategy, which depends on an

    "appropriate mix of adequate and effective nuclear and conventional forces which will continue to be kept up to date where necessary."

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    The management and computer consultants awarded contracts in the financial year 1987–88 are as follows:

    Management consultancy contracts
    FirmSubject of Assingment
    Management Consultants
    B. J. Stent, Materials Services and ConsultancyProcurement Consultancy
    Kinsley LordReview of Assistant Under Secretary command
    R. PopeReport on Purchasing
    Peat Marwick McLintockFreight Tender Review
    Ken Snooks InternationalReview of Thomas Cook/British Airways Implant
    SPS Management ServicesForeign and Commonwealth Office Travel Contract
    Touche RossStudy of Foreign and Commonwealth Office Computer Audit Requirements
    BISReview of Information Handling Requirements of the Diplomatic Service
    Computer Consultants
    Data GeneralManagement Accounting and Information System
    Excel SystemsAn Expenditure Forecasting System
    Kinesis Computing LimitedDevelopment of Overseas Systems
    BISDevelopment of Overseas Systems
    Kode LimitedReview of Faults in Overseas Systems

    Firm

    Subject of Assingment

    Towngate Software LimitedDevelopment of an Overseas Accounting System
    Computer Sciences LimitedFolios Consultancy Studies
    Logica United Kingdom LimitedFolios Consultancy Studies
    Systems Designers Public Limited CompanyFolios Consultancy Studies
    The Instruction Set(i)Folios Consultancy Studies
    (ii)Administration Records Consultancy
    Information and Records Management SystemsFolios Consultancy Studies
    Psychometric R + D LimitedFolios Consultancy Studies
    Information Resources(i)A Financial Estimates System
    (ii)An Overseas Estates Financial System
    Software Sciences LimitedAdvice on computer strategy and standards
    Price Waterhouse(i)Computerisation of Administration Records
    (ii)Replacement of Financial System
    Kings Brook Information AssociatesReplacement of System for Library and Records.

    Palestine Liberation Organisation

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the officially stated policy of Her Majesty's Government relating to the claim of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, endorsed by the Arab League and other bodies, to be the sole legitimate representative of the Palestine people; and whether he will make a statement.

    Anglo-Guatemalan Relations

    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Guatemalan authorities about Anglo-Guatemalan relations.

    Both my right hon. and learned Friend and I met the Vice President of Guatemala, Sr. Roberto Carpio Nicolle, on 8 March. Our conversations covered a number of topics, including the nature of our bilateral relationship.

    House Of Commons

    Members Of Parliament (Allowances)

    To ask the Lord President of the Council whether he will carry out a full review of hon. Members' allowances including an assessment of staffing and equipment needs of hon. Members.

    The Top Salaries Review Body carried out a full review of Members' allowances in 1986. There is no case for a further review at present.

    To ask the Lord President of the Council (1) whether he intends to increase hon. Members' research and secretarial allowance in line with inflation in 1988;(2) whether he has any proposals to increase hon. Members' research and secretarial allowance in 1988.

    The office costs allowance will increase in line with the formula set out in the Resolution of this House of 21 July 1987.

    Select Committees (Officials)

    To ask the Lord President of the Council whether the "Memorandum of Guidance to Officials Appearing Before Select Committees" issued in 1980 is still in use.

    I have today arranged for copies of an updated memorandum of guidance to be placed in the House Libraries. The principles of the 1980 memorandum remain unchanged, though the additional guidance issued in April 1987, on evidence concerning the conduct of civil servants, has been incorporated, as undertaken in Cm. 78.

    SessionReportReport or recommendations debated
    1958–59Procedure in the Public Business of the House13 July 1959
    1961–62Effect of Standing Order No. 58 (2) on minorities
    1962–63First ReportThe rule relating to reference in the House of Commons to matters considered as sub judice20 June 1963
    Second ReportExpediting the Finance Bill
    Third ReportThe Recommittal of Bills to Committees of the whole House; the operation of sub-paragraph (a) or paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 1A (Exemptions from S.O. No. 1 (Sittings of the House)) in relation to Consolidated Fund Bills; renaming Standing Committees; the application of Standing Order No. 95A (Statutory Instruments, (Procedure)) to motions for affirmative resolution; the application of paragraph 4 of Standing Order No. 8 (Questions to Members) in relation to Mondays23 July 1963
    1963–64First ReportThe form of the Defence Estimates
    Second ReportThe disclosure of matters contained in the Reports of Select Committees27 October 1965
    Third ReportThe allocation of time to proceedings on public bills; the method of signifying objection during the time for unopposed business; opportunities for short speeches; morning sittings
    1964–65First ReportSecond Reading Committees; Ten-Minute Rule Bills27 October 1965
    Second ReportQuestion Time27 October 1965
    Third ReportExpediting the Finance Bill27 October 1965
    19 April 1967
    Fourth Report"Specialist" Committees27 October 1965
    14 December 1966
    Fifth ReportProxy voting for sick Members
    1965–66First ReportSupply, Ways and Means, and other Money Committees14 December 1966
    1966–67First ReportTimes of Sitting of the House14 December 1966
    19 April 1967
    12 December 1967
    12 November 1968
    Second ReportUrgent and Topical Debates19 April 1967
    14 November 1967
    Third ReportMethods of Voting19 April 1967
    Fourth ReportThe Finance Bill19 April 1967
    14 November 1967
    Fifth ReportQuestions14 November 1967
    Sixth ReportPublic Bill Procedure14 November 1967
    12 December 1967
    1967–68The Dates of the Session; The Financial Year
    1968–69First ReportScrutiny of Public Expenditure and Administration21 October 1969
    12 November 1970
    Second ReportThe Form of the Defence Estimates21 October 1969

    Procedure Committee Reports

    To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will publish in the Official Report a list of Procedure Committee reports for each Session since 1958; and if he will list those reports which were debated on the Floor of the House, together with the date, since that date.

    The following list includes the substantive reports from Procedure Committees, together with their titles or an indication of their subject matter, and the dates on which the reports, or the recommendations made in reports, were debated:

    Session

    Report

    Report or recommendations debated

    1969–70First ReportTen Minute Rule Bills23 November 1970
    Second ReportQuestion Time7 April 1971
    1970–71Second Special ReportJoint Committee on Consolidation, etc Bills
    First ReportScrutiny of Taxation
    Second ReportThe Process of Legislation

    116 November 1971

    24 November 1971
    8 August 1972
    18 December 1972
    1971–72Fourth Special ReportScrutiny of Taxation
    First ReportElection of a Speaker8 August 1972
    Second ReportDebates on Consolidated Fund Bills; and Ministerial Statements18 December 1972
    Third ReportRights of Members to attend Meeting of Select Committee18 December 1972
    Fourth ReportMatters sub judice28 June 1972
    Fifth ReportLords Amendments to the NHS (Family Planning) Amendment Bill
    Sixth ReportTime of Opposed Private Business
    1972–73First ReportTiming of the Budget Statement
    Second ReportPowers of Chairman of Standing Committees, and Public Petitions
    Third ReportDebates on Defence24 November 1973
    Fourth ReportIntroduction of New Members after By-Elections
    Fifth ReportDeferment of Private Members' Bills20 November 1973
    Sixth ReportMembers' Constituency Interests and Select Committee Inquiries
    1974–75First ReportEuropean Secondary Legislation3 November 1975
    Second ReportCalling Amendments for Division at the end of debate on a motion
    Third ReportLate Sittings of the House
    Fourth ReportRestriction on the length of speeches
    1975–76First ReportProcedure for establishing the order of Oral Questions31 October 1979
    Second ReportOrder of Precedence of Private Members' Bills31 October 1979
    Third ReportTabling of Questions and Access to the Table Office
    1976–77First ReportCalling Amendments for Divison at the end of Debate31 October 1979
    Second ReportMethod of Raising Points of Order during Divisions31 October 1979
    Third ReportVoting on Opposition Motions on Supply Days31 October 1979
    30 October 1980
    Fourth ReportBusiness of the House Motions31 October 1979
    Fifth ReportQuestions to the Prime Minister31 October 1979
    Sixth ReportThe Operation of Standing Order No. 931 October 1979
    Seventh ReportEligibility of Members successful in Ballots for Motions and Bills to take part in subsequent Ballots31 October 1979
    Eighth ReportTabling of Amendments to Bills on the day of Second Reading31 October 1979
    1977–78First ReportPublic Bill Procedure; Delegated31 October 1979
    Legislation; European Communities17 January 1980
    Legislation; Financial Control; Organisation of Sessions and sittings30 October 1980
    1980–81First ReportProcedure (Supply)19 July 1982
    1982–83First ReportProcedure (Finance)6 December 1983
    1983–84First ReportShort Speeches31 October 1984
    1984–85First ReportPrinting of Oral Questions to the Prime Minister
    Second ReportPublic Bill Procedure27 February 1986
    Third ReportQuestions lost when a Sitting is broken27 February 1986
    Fourth ReportShort Speeches27 February 1986
    1985–86First ReportThe Operation of Standing Order No. 1027 February 1986

    Session

    Report

    Report or recommendations debated

    Second ReportAllocation of time to Goverment Bills in Standing Committee
    Third ReportShort Speeches
    1986–87First ReportA Parliamentary Calendar
    Second ReportUse of time on the Floor of the House
    Third ReportEarly Day Motions

    1 Some recommendations were the subject of a Government Statement on 8 November 1971.

    Wales

    Welsh Language

    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to reduce the continuing shortage of Welsh medium teachers in all secondary school subjects.

    I am proposing to introduce a teacher training incentive supplement which I hope will encourage Welsh-speaking graduates to consider teaching as a career. It is designed in particular for those who need some practice and additional language immersion to give them the confidence to use their Welsh in a formal teaching situation.The supplement, to be paid in addition to the normal mandatory maintenance grant, will be £1,200. Selected students will he expected to attend additional language workshops to improve their command of the language. These additional attendances will take place during the vacation periods.The scheme will be available in the first instance for secondary post-graduate certificate of education courses at UCW Aberystwyth, UCNW Bangor, University college, Cardiff (home economics), Gwent college of higher education (CDT) and Trinity college Carmarthen (religious education). The scheme is being introduced on a trial basis for 1988 and 1989. If it leads to an increase in the number of students training through the medium of Welsh it could be extended in future years.

    Employment

    Disabled Persons

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what programmes are presently in existence to promote the employment of disabled persons; and what initiatives are being considered to encourage employers to hire the handicapped.

    The Department of Employment and the Manpower Services Commission promote the employment of people with disabilities through a range of programmes which are designed to assess abilities; determine needs; assist rehabilitation and development of skills; place in employment; and, for people with severe disabilities, provide employment opportunities. These programmes include the Department resettlement service, the quota scheme, disablement advisory service, the code of good practice on employment of disabled people, and sheltered employment programme; and the commission's rehabilitation service, and support for residential training centres. All general programmes administered by the Department and the commission are also open to people with disabilities. Information about the operation of all these programmes was published in the Manpower Services Commission's report for 1986–87. Measures to encourage employers to recruit and retain people with disabilities are the particular responsibility of the Department's disablement advisory service. The effectiveness of measures taken to encourage employers to develop an equal opportunity policy towards people with disabilities will be included in the review of policies and programmes which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment announced that we would be undertaking during the debate on the Local Government Bill, on Wednesday 19 March at column 346.

    Benefits (Income Support)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether individuals who benefit from transitional protection to prevent their benefit being reduced under income support will retain the protection on leaving a place on the adult training scheme.

    Race And Sex Monitoring

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what information he has concerning the extent of race and sex monitoring, respectively, among major and minor industries, respectively.(2) how many and what percentage of the significant private sector employers visited by his Department's race relations advisory service since 1985, have introduced ethnic monitoring arrangements; and how many and what percentage were considering the introduction of such arrangements at the time of the visit.

    No detailed information is available on the full extent of race and sex monitoring in the workplace. However for race in the period 1 April 1985 to 31 December 1987, of 374 major private sector employers visited by the Department of Employment's race relations advisory service, 126 (34 per cent.) have introduced or are actively considering the introduction of ethnic monitoring. No records are available to show the number who were already considering such arrangements prior to the visit being made.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will institute an inquiry to ascertain the extent to which (a) race and (b) sex monitoring practices in major and minor industries, respectively, comply with the codes of the Commission for Racial Equality and of the Equal Opportunities Commission.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what research projects he has commissioned to ascertain the response of industry to the introduction of sex and race monitoring systems; and if he will make a statement.

    A research project will shortly be commissioned to investigate the benefits that accrue from the introduction of ethnic monitoring systems by employers. In so far as it does not detract from the central focus of the project, the research will cover gender and disability dimensions also.

    Tourists

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many overseas tourists visited (a) London, (b) the rest of England, (c) Scotland, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) Wales in 1987.

    The information is not yet available for the whole of 1987. However, in the 12 months to September 1987, overseas residents made 9 million visits to London 7 million visits to the rest of England, 1·4 million visits to Scotland and 0·6 million visits to Wales. A comparable estimate of visits to Northern Ireland is not available.

    Tourism (North-West)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to promote job opportunities in tourism in the north-west.

    My Department works with other Government Departments and the tourist boards to promote the many and varied job opportunities that exist in tourism, and to create the framework which will encourage new jobs. Jobs in tourism are growing at the rate of nearly 1,000 a week all over the country. In the north-west specifically there was a 7 per cent. increase in hotel and catering jobs in the 12 months to September 1987.

    Health And Safety Executive

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what have been the levels of funding for the Health and Safety Executive to carry out research in each of the past three years.

    The Health and Safety Commission and Executive are responsible for the provision of funds for research from their overall operational budget. The figures for HSE's spending on research since 1985–86 are:

    £ million
    1985–865·3
    1986–875·4
    1987–8815·1
    1 Estimate.

    Labour Statistics

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people aged between 16 and 25 years were unemployed on 1 January of each of the past 10 years.

    The following is the available information, which is also in the Library. The tables show for the date closest to January 1 each year for which data are available, the numbers of unemployed registrants aged 16 to 24 years in the United Kingdom for each year from 1979 to 1982 (table (a)) and the numbers of unemployed claimants in the same age category for each year from 1983 to 1988 (table (b)). The figures are affected by the changes in the coverage of the count.

    Table (a)
    United KingdomUnemployed registrants—aged 16 to 24 years
    11 January 1979524,724
    10 January 1980538,574
    15 January 1981930,990
    14 January 19821,153,602
    Table (b)
    United KingdomUnemployed claimants—aged 16 to 24 years
    13 January 19831,225,957
    12 January 19841,259,737
    10 January 19851,286,182
    19771978197919801981198219831984198519861987
    (a).Number of complaints to CAC under section 191362382118181211161322
    (b). Number of declarations under section 19101315261332
    (c). Number of complaints under section 20122
    (d).Number of CAC awards under section 211

    Youth Training

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will categorise the main areas of employment currently providing places for YTS trainees; and if he will make a statement.

    At 31 December 1987, 60 per cent, of YTS training was in the main occupational areas of: administrative and clerical; construction and civil engineering; selling and storage; health community and personnel service; mechanical engineering and metal processing.A further 20 per cent, of training was in motor vehicle repair and maintenance; agriculture; electrical and electronic engineering and catering and food preparation.YTS places exist in all sectors of the economy, covering almost all occupations. The Manpower Services Commission plans YTS places according to local labour

    United Kingdom

    Unemployed claimants—aged 16 to 24 years

    9 January 19861,245,892
    8 January 19871,132,792
    14 January 1988893,317

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what were the unemployment figures for the Langbaurgh division in (a) June 1983 and (b) January 1988.

    On 14 January 1988 the number of unemployed claimants in the parliamentary constituency of Langbaurgh was 6,800. The corresponding figure for June 1983 was 8,000.

    Employment Protection (Complaints)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many complaints under section 19 of the Employment Protection Act have been made to the Central Arbitration Committee in each year since 1977;(2) how many Central Arbitration Committee declarations had been made under section 19 of the Employment Protection Act for each year since 1977;(3) how many complaints under section 20 of the Employment Protection Act have been made to the Central Arbitration Committee for each year since 1977; and how many Central Arbitration Committee awards of improved terms and conditions have been made under section 21 of the Employment Protection Act.

    The information requested is as follows:market needs. Two-year YTS is now firmly established and offers all school leavers quality training in modern work skills.This will be of benefit both to young people and to British industry, which will gain from a better trained, more flexible young work force.

    Adult Training

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when the new adult training programme will come into operation.

    The new programme, which I have decided will be called "Employment Training", will come into operation on 5 September this year. The Manpower Services Commission is now well advanced with its detailed plans for launching the new programme and it has already established contact with a wide range of training providers. This new programme, which will have resources of £14 billion, will enable up to 600,000 unemployed people each year to acquire the training they need to fill the job vacancies which are now increasingly available.

    Gangmasters

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is now able to give the results of his Department's recent investigations into the activities of gangmasters; and if he will make a statement.

    Benefit fraud investigators from my Department, supported by investigators from the Department of Health and Social Security, have now concluded a major investigation into the activities of gangmasters and their workers in Lincolnshire. Of the 600 people investigated, all of whom were drawing benefits as unemployed, between 40 and 60 are likely to face prosecution for offences under social security legislation. Up to 20 of those facing prosecution are likely to be gangmasters. In addition to the likely prosecution cases 300 of the 600 claimants investigated withdrew their claims to benefit during the investigation. Benefit savings from the exercises are likely to total some £330,000.The Government are determined to reduce abuse of the gangmaster system in the interests both of safeguarding public funds and of protecting legitimate gangmasters and their equally honest employees whose businesses are being undermined by the dishonest in the industry. Further unannounced fraud drives will therefore take place in the areas concerned at regular intervals for the foreseeable future.

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by Manpower Services Commission in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    The management and computer consultancy contracts awarded during 1987 are listed below:

    Management consultancy contracts
    ConsultantsSubject of Assignment
    Jones, Lang, WoottonFeasibility study on untying MSC from Property Services Agency.
    Central Unit on Purchasing (Her Majesty's Treasury Consultant)Provide advice about purchasing arrangements within MSC
    PIEDATo improve local labour market operations in Scotland
    Centre for Urban and Regional Industrial Development (University of Manchester)Manchester labour market consultancy project
    Coopers and LybrandGuidance for MSC staff on appraisal and viability of Voluntary Organisations
    Centre for EmploymentStudy of operational systems
    Initiatives
    Coopers and LybrandGuidance for MSC staff on implementation of item 5 above
    Armitage NortonDrawing up financial systems of control for community roots trust
    EOSYS LtdProduction of an information technology directory

    Consultants

    Subject of Assignment

    Armitage NortonDrawing up managerial systems of control for community roots trust
    Centre for Employment InitiativesStudy of operational systems
    Sheffield Council of Voluntary ServicesPilot appraisal and viability test checks see 5 and 7 above
    Prospect CentreDevelop MSC's human resource development strategy
    Sheffield City PolytechnicTo assist central research information unit

    (2) Computer consultancy projects

    P E Consulting ServicesTo study current and future needs of sheltered employment branch
    C. J. MakesonA study to examine MSC's proposals for, and design of a network terminal protocol
    ComshareTo provide MSC senior management with on-line access to screen-based reports of corporate information
    Central Computer and telecommunications Agency (CCTA)To examine the PLECTRUM computer system, evaluate errors and security procedures
    A. J. AykroydA consultant to assist with the development of the "Master Modeller" software package
    Coopers and LybrandTo advise the Director of the MSC on the levels of investment the commission should make in information technology
    P A Computer and TelecommunicationsTo assist MSC in the introduction of office technology in head office
    Arthur YoungTo assist MSC in deciding whether data sharing is applicable in the MSC environment
    P. E. Consulting ServicesTo produce options and recommendations for stand-alone office technology systems
    Hoskyns GroupTo study the options for the continuing support of the TOPS and SPECTRUM systems
    Mr. BoothroydTo monitor the progress of the introduction of office technology for senior management and special measures division
    Concurrent Computer Corporation LtdTo test the work load capacity of the SUPERVACS system
    Arthur YoungA consultant to provide technical support in information engineering concepts and methods
    CCTA ConsultantA feasibility study into the expansion of the BACIE database
    CCTA ConsultantTo examine MSC's use of automated software development tools and to make recommendations for future use
    Mr. HarrisonTo produce a distance learning package for SUPERVACS operators
    Mr. BoothroydTo provide advice to head of computing on proposed office technology development
    CCTATo establish the effectiveness of control, management and working methods employed on the FMAS project
    CCTATo establish the user requirements, system specification and business case for central research information system
    Mr. HumphriesA consultant to provide advice about the training access point project
    ICLA consultant to provide advice about the implementation of a free text multi-user database

    Consultants

    Subject of Assignment

    CAP Industry LtdTo provide quality assurance for the SUPERVACS project
    CCTATo provide contingency plans to support the SUPERVACS system
    CompsoftA consultant to provide advice about computerisation of the staff deployment survey
    South Yorkshire Microsystems CentreTo develop a database and provide training for the RESTART project
    ComshareAdditional development work on providing information to MSC senior management
    P. A. ConsultantsA consultancy to provide a training course for the implementation of the office technology systems
    CCTATo carry out further work on the central research information system
    CCTA ConsultantTo carry out a post-implementation review of the 'VETG' reorganisation project
    XentecTo assist in the running of the SPECTRUM system
    J. Westgate (Consultants) LtdTo assist with the implementation of network terminal protocol
    CAPTo look into the feasibility on implementing a terminal protocol on an open systems interconnection conforming network
    XentecTo assist in the maintenance of the SPECTRUM system
    C. MakemsonTo provide quality assurance for the various outputs from MSC's virtual terminal protocol project
    Sherringtom Software LtdTo provide programmers for work on the TOPS MINIS project
    CCTA ConsultantTo establish the requirements for the display of vacancies on ORACLE
    COMPSOFTTo provide guidance on the most efficient way to design and implement an accident database
    Presenting with StyleTo provide training in the use of 'WordPerfect' software for senior officers' secretaries
    M. Wilson (Consultant)To carry out changes to the Supercalc system for a staff development survey
    P. A. Computers and Telecommunications LtdTo provide advice and assistance on replicating MSC's 'MASCOT' system in head office
    EOSYSTo carry out a strategic review of videoconferencing requirements within the DE group
    CCTA ConsultantTo undertake a scoping study of funding, charging and management aspects of the MSC network
    ORACLE TELETEXT LtdTo investigate and determine the requirements of the employment service in respect of passing information from the jobcentre computer network to ORACLE
    CAMTECTo assist with the development of the MSC network management system

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    The following firms were awarded contracts by the Department of Employment group, excluding the Manpower Services Commission, in 1987:

    Management consultancy contracts

    Firm

    Subject of assignment

    AIMS TrainingAdvice on the use of structured systems analysis and design methodology (SSADM)
    Arthur AndersenTo prepare a full study report on computerisation of benefit-related payments
    D. E. Barnard SystemsPost-implementation review follow-up study
    CACIResearch on unemployment in council house estates
    CCTA Consultancy ServicesElectronic mail study
    CCTA Consultancy ServicesNon-quantifiable benefits study
    CMA Ltd.Ad-hoc consultancy for computer project
    CMG Information Services Public Sector Ltd.Comparative study of computing costs
    Coopers and LybrandReview of local innovation centres
    Datasolve Ltd.Consultancy support to computer
    Deloitte Haskins and SellFinancial management review of British Tourist Authority and English Tourist Board
    Durham University Business SchoolEmployment of graduates in small firms
    HUSATJob design and other human factors affecting operators in the NUBS 2 project
    ICL Ltd.Advice on the use of software tools
    ICL Ltd.Development of a computer prototype
    IFF Research Ltd.Vacancies and recruitment in Great Britain
    LogicaSystem support
    Macdonell DouglasTo produce a prototype for the computerisation of personnel records
    R O'Connor ConsultantsInformation technology standards strategy study
    PA Computers and Telecommunications Ltd.Evaluation criteria for a major computer project
    PA Consultancy Services Ltd.Office automation pilot study
    PA Consultancy Services Ltd.Work in connection with the review of the skills training agency
    Pannell Kerr Foster AssociatesReview of the statistical needs of the tourism industry
    Segal Quince WicksteedHelping small firms start up and grow; creating a supportive local environment
    Donald Smith Seymour and RooleyGenerator replacement feasibility study
    Yale Data Ltd.To investigate the feasibility of local payment of benefit
    Arthur YoungTo prepare and advise on procedures for managing major capital works projects
    Arthur YoungEnhancement to resource information system: commitment accounting

    Closed Shops

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to the number of union membership agreements or closed shops, approved by ballot, in newspapers, broadcasting and other media since 14 August 1980; and if he will list those media companies where such closed shops currently exist.

    My Department does not have direct access to the information requested. We are aware, however, of two such ballots which have taken place since 14 August 1980. One of the ballots reached the required majority for approval, the other did not.

    Job Release Schemes

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will announce the results of the review of the rates of allowance payable under both the job release scheme and the part-time job release scheme.

    Although the job release scheme closed on 31 January 1988, the allowances will continue to be paid to participants for up to five years. Following our annual review, the allowances payable from 11 April 1988 under the job release schemes will be as follows:

    Full-time Scheme

    For disabled men who entered the scheme aged 60, 61, 62 and 63:

    for those who are married with a dependent wife whose net income from all sources does not exceed £13 a week—£75·50 a week, taxable;
    for all other disabled men £62·15 a week, taxable.

    For women who entered the scheme aged 59 and men who entered the scheme aged 64:

    for those who are married with a dependent spouse whose net income from all sources does not exceed £13 a week —£70·25 a week, tax free;
    for all others £56·05 a week, tax free.

    Part-time Scheme

    The part-time job release scheme closed on 30 May 1986. However, the rates of allowance for those who entered the scheme on or before that date will be as follows:

    For disabled men who entered the part-time scheme aged 60 and 61 and men who entered the part-time scheme aged 62 and 63:
    who are married with a dependent wife whose net income from all sources does not exceed £13 a week—£44·70 a week, taxable;
    for all others £37·25 a week, taxable.
    (There are no longer any participants receiving the tax-free allowance on the part-time scheme.)

    Disability Benefit

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people received (a) provisional assessments; and (b) final assessments of under 14 per cent. in respect of disability benefit in the 12 months prior to September 1986; and what was the total amount paid.

    [holding answer 28 March 1988]: I have been asked to reply.The information is as follows for the period 1 October 1985 to 30 September 1986.

    Number
    Provisional assessments less than 14 per cent.53,850
    Final assessments less than 14 per cent.155,240
    1 Includes some assessments also shown under provisional assessments.
    Disablement benefit was paid in most of these cases as a lump sum gratuity. It is estimated that the total amount paid in this period was about £40 million.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people received (a) provisional assessments and (b) final assessments of 14 per cent. and higher in respect of disability benefit in the 12 months following September 1986; and what was the total amount paid.

    To date information on assessments is available only for the six-month period 1 October 1986 to 4 April 1987. It is as follows:

    Number

    Provisional assessments 14 per cent. or more5,175
    Final assessments 14 per cent. or more2,325

    The total amount paid on these cases during this period is estimated to be about £5¾ million. Following changes introduced in October 1986 this sum consists mainly of weekly pensions, though it includes some lump sum gratuities.

    Social Services

    Hospital Waiting Lists

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give a breakdown by regional health authority of the allocation of resources to district health authorities for operations to be conducted by private hospitals to reduce waiting lists for the next financial year.

    Our policy is that the Health Service and the private sector should co-operate to provide the best possible total health care for all patients. Health authorities provide us with data on contractual arrangements with private institutions annually in arrears. We do not, therefore, have data for the next financial year.So far 20 projects which will make use of the private sector facilities are in the regional health authorities' programmes for the use of the £30 million waiting list fund for 1988–89.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the waiting list figures for September 1987.

    I regret to say that there have been continuing difficulties in switching to the new and more detailed information system which have delayed the production of waiting list statistics in a validated form. They will be published as soon as possible after Easter.Further work is being undertaken to establish whether gaps in the data so far collected by health authorities can be filled.

    Mental Patients

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the amounts provided for the forthcoming year by each health region in England and Wales for bridging funds for local care of patients discharged or excluded from mental hospitals; how much in each case is provided for the long-term patients still to be discharged from hospitals and how much for those already discharged from hospitals; and what the time per patient is in each case.

    I regret that this information is not available centrally. My hon. Friend may wish to contact the chairman of each regional health authority for the information he is seeking.

    Hospital Closures

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy not to announce any decision regarding proposals for hospital or ward closures during the period when the House of Commons is in the summer adjournment; and if he will make a statement.

    Decisions on the closure of hospitals are taken, and announced, as a part of a formal process over many months involving district health authority discussion and, where appropriate, consideration by the regional health authority and Ministers. It would not be conducive to good Health Service planning and the efficient use of resources to delay formal announcements of closures by Ministers by what could be a further three months in some cases.

    Griffiths Report

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to respond to proposals made by Sir Roy Griffiths in his report to the Secretary of State for Social Services, "Community Care Agenda for Action"; and if he will make a statement.

    I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Caernarfon (Mr. Wigley) on 29 March.

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    Details of each management or computer consultancy awarded by the Department in 1987 are as follows:

    Management consultancy contracts
    FirmSubject of assignment
    Abbey Business ConsultantsGeneral support
    Abbey Business ConsultantsFamily Practitioner Committee computing requirements
    Abbey Business ConsultantsDevelopment of General Practitioner/ Family Practitioner Committee links
    Abbey Business ConsultantsEvaluation of system for Medical Practices Committee
    Action TechMedical Division clinical trial exemption project
    Applied Systems Engineering; CSCDepartmental Integrated Support Environment
    Arthur Andersens; CSCOperational Strategy Services task force
    Arthur Andersens; CSCEnd to End Architecture
    Arthur AndersensRetirement Pension Forecast and Advice Service
    Arthur YoungGeneral support
    Medicines Division—IT Strategy
    Medicines Division—Adverse drug reaction
    Arthur YoungWhole Unit Concept: internal staffing factors
    Arthur YoungExpert system for Korner-based performance indicators
    Arthur Young; Systems Design; Enator; KPMGReview of forecasting, planning and control systems for local office network
    Arthur Young; Dr. P.Good laboratory practice
    Grasso
    Atkins PlanningSetting targets for the utilisation of NHS residential accommodation
    D. E. BarnardFamily Practitioner Services Data Communications

    Firm

    Subject of assignment

    Binder HamlynIT User Training
    Binder Hamlyn; A. HolbrookReview of medicines laboratory at Edinburgh
    BISDevelopment of an implementation methodology.
    BISReview of telecommunications.
    Delia BubbyProgramming: Operational Research Studies.
    BT;CSCFamily Credits.
    BT TalksStrategy Data Network.
    Campbell and Devore AssociatesFamily Centres Inspection.
    Cocking and Drury; Data LogicOperational Strategy implementation model based on APL.
    Computer People SouthDentists/Dental Estimates Board links software development.
    Coopers and LybrandActivity sampling in Social Security offices.
    Coopers and LybrandHealth promotion and disease prevention—policy modelling.
    Coopers and Lybrand; Queen Mary's Medical School; St. Mary's Medical SchoolIntegrated Review of Resource Allocation Working Party.
    Coopers and Lybrand; Gallup; Logica; Sigma; DelgatRegional Organisation Scrutiny.
    CRC (Commercial)GP computing support.
    CSC; FalconLocal Office Project.
    CSCService Management.
    CSCStrategy Product Assurance Group.
    CSCOverall Management.
    CSSLSR5 Information Centre.
    Kay CurtisUpgrade of Primary Care system GP/ FPC links software development.
    DEGWAccommodation study for occupation of Richmond Yard.
    Deloitte, Haskins and SellsProprietorial lead element of pharmacist proprietors notional salary.
    EnatorAggregate Performance Indicators.
    EnatorImplementation of Regional Office By Office Package in six Social Security Regions.
    EosysRichmond Yard (communication implications).
    Ernst and WhinneyInvestment Appraisal.
    Ernst and WhinneyFA/FB—Operational Project.
    Ernst and WhinneySocial Services Inspectorate—System Specification
    Fabric Care Research AssociationTotal linen management systems.
    GraftonSR5 Information Centre.
    ICLMainframe Management System: Newcastle Central Office.
    ICLRetirement Pension Project.
    ICLConsultant (mainframe environment).
    I.N.I. SystemsOperational Strategy: Manpower Model.
    Institute of Health Services ManagementSenior manager's pay structure plus analysis of backgrounds of Unit General Managers.
    Institute of Manpower StudiesManpower Management Model.
    Institute of Manpower StudiesStaffing implications of Social Security Review.
    Kings Fund CollegeAdvice to the national development team for people with mental handicap.
    Kinsley LordManagement communications in the NHS.
    KPMGFincare campus. Development needs of the NHS finance function.
    Linklaters and Paines; Rowe and MawePersonal Pension Scheme model rules
    Local Government Training BoardTraining of senior managers in Social Services

    Firm

    Subject of assignment

    LogicaTelecommunications Network studies
    LogicaImplications of moving mainframe to Lytham
    John McGeeFacilitator for NHS Management Board on organisational strategies
    MAS; IJK Research; CACI; Leicester UniversityAdvertising on smoking
    MetronInterim system for Professional Information Requirements
    MOMAsset register
    Dr. A. T. MoorePilot study in East Anglia, out-patient referral systems
    Moss Price ComputingMedicines Division Inspectorate— operational planning system
    National Institute of Social WorkOne day seminar
    Oxford RHAFPC Software Training
    PA Management ConsultantsManagement Information Systems for Regional Directorate
    PActelSR5 Information Centre
    Peat Marwick McLintockIntegrated Strategic Planning
    PHH Ltd.Transport fleet management and information system
    Price WaterhouseReview of Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work
    Price WaterhouseService Management group
    Price WaterhouseWaiting List initiative
    Price WaterhouseYTS Feasibility Study
    RELStrategy Security
    Resources International; Ultra Comp.National Unemployment Benefit system
    Richmond AssociatesConsultancy on accommodation
    Drs. Rogers, Lockwood, Zermansky, Rose, Sandilands and Phillips (GPs)Review of prescribing publications and other work
    Roundhouse Marketing; J.C. BarnettAction on prescribing
    SIASR5 Information Centre
    Software AGSR5 Information Centre
    Software AGFA/FB—Operational Project
    Spicer and PeglerPerformance Indicators expert system
    Grant ThorntonDomestic catering and laundry services
    Touche RossGP/FPC links trial evaluation
    Touche RossDentists/Dental Estimates Board links trial evaluation
    University of KeeleStructures in pathology laboratory Service
    WS AtkinsQuality Assurance
    WS AtkinsRegional Liaison general IT support
    WS AtkinsTelecommunications: Wiring survey
    Wootton JeffreysProcurement guidance

    Patients (Treatment Statistics)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list for each district health authority, regional health authority and special health authority and for England as a whole (a) the number of people readmitted for treatment and tests once during the last year and the proportion of the total case load this figure represents, (b) the number of people readmitted for treatment and tests during the last year and the proportion of the total case load this represents, and (c) the number of people readmitted for treatment and tests more than twice in the last year and the proportion of the total case load this represents.

    Abortions

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to publish the results of the study currently being undertaken at the request of his Department into the incidence of post-abortion stress disorder.

    The collection of data for the joint Royal College of General Practitioners — Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists "Attitudes to Pregnancy" study continued until the end of 1987. The data are still being analysed. It is hoped that some information on the psychiatric sequelae of abortion will be published this year.

    Family Credit

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much of the extra £220 million being spent on family credit is attributable to the cash compensation for the loss of free school meals.

    The net cost of including cash in the children's rates in place of free school meals and free welfare milk, after allowing for the cost of these items which would otherwise arise, is around £65 million. It is not possible to estimate a separate figure in respect of free school meals.

    Social Security Act 1986

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what extra resources he plans to make available to his Department's local budgets to implement the Social Security Act 1986.

    Budgets for 1987–88 were increased by some £27 million to provide 3,000 staff for the implementation of the reforms. Thereafter, as the reformed schemes and the computerisation programmes are implemented, the Department's manpower and consequently the budgets will reduce (see Cmnd. 288-II table 15.30).

    Dental Treatment

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much the maximum cost of dental treatment has risen in real terms between April 1979 and April 1988.

    The maximum cost to the patient for a single course of treatment under the general dental service was £30 on 1 April 1979. On 1 April 1988 it will become £150, an increase of 400 per cent, in cash and 160 per cent, in real terms1.

    1 adjusted in line with the RPI.

    Prescription Charges

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much prescription charges have risen in cash and real terms between April 1979 and April 1988.

    April 1979

    April 1988

    Percentage change

    £

    £

    Cash

    Real

    1

    Prescription charge·202·601,200577
    Pre-payment certificate:
    4-monthiy13·50n/an/a
    6-monthly2·00n/an/a
    Annual3·5037·50971458

    Note:

    n/a not available.

    1 Adjusted in line with the RPI.

    Smoking

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what medical evidence is available to him about the comparative health risks of (a) smoking cigarettes and (b) ingesting oral tobacco products; and if he will break down this evidence as between the different forms of health risks.

    I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Sir D. Smith) on 23 March 1988, at columns 153–54.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps Her Majesty's Government now propose to take in the light of the publication of the Froggatt report on passive smoking to persuade smokers to change to alternative methods of ingesting tobacco; and if he will make a statement.

    The Government do not propose to encourage alternative forms of tobacco consumption, as all common use of tobacco carries a significant risk to health.

    Death Rates

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list, for each year since 1979, the death rate (a) from drowning, (b) from accidents in the home and (c) from road accidents.

    Information from the registration of deaths is given in the table. Statistics for 1981 may have been affected by a dispute in the registration service, and are not comparable with other years.

    Mortality rates per million population for drowning, accidents in the home, road accidents. Persons of all ages. England and Wales—1979–1986
    Drowning 994·11Cause of death Accidents in the home E850-E869, E880-E9281Road accidents E8W-E819, E826-E8291
    197923·393·4118·5
    198024·186·3117·6
    198122·865·582·6
    198222·578·3107·1
    198321·778·3103·4
    198419·577·6102·4
    198519·776·398·0
    1986218·3na97·6

    1 International Classification of Diseases—9th Revision.

    2 Age 28 days and over.

    na = not yet available.

    Operations

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list, for each regional health authority in order of frequency, the total numbers of operations performed in each of the following categories in the latest year for which figures are available (a) kidney transplant operations (h) hip replacement operations, (c) heart surgery upon infants, (d) cataract operations, (e) male and female sterilisations and (f) terminations of pregnancy;(2) what information he has concerning the average National Health Service waiting times in each regional health authority for operations in each of the following categories

    (a) kidney transplant operations, (h) hip replacement operations, (c) heart surgery upon infants, (d) cataract operations, (e) male and female sterilisations and (f) terminations of pregnancy; and if he will make a statement.

    [holding answer 24 February 1988]: The total number of kidney transplants performed in 1987, by region, in which the operation was carried out according to information provided by the Unite Kingdom transplant service, is given in table I. Information on waiting times for kidney transplants is not collected centrally.Table 2 shows, for the remaining categories, the numbers of patients operated on in National Health Service hospitals in England during 1985 (the latest year for which the figures are available) and the median waiting times, in weeks, of those admitted from a hospital waiting list. These were estimated from a 10 per cent. sample of anonymised hospital records for in-patients and day-case patients.

    Table 1
    Regional Health AuthorityKidney transplants
    Northern75
    Yorkshire81
    Trent108
    East Anglian67
    North West Thames97
    North East Thames126
    South East Thames181
    South West Thames42
    Wessex71
    Oxford72
    South Western89
    West Midlands125
    Mersey52
    North Western79
    Total1,265

    Table 2

    Estimated numbers and median waiting time in weeks of waiting list cases, selected operations, by region of treatment, National Health Service hospitals, England, 1985

    In-patient cases treated region of residence

    England

    Northern

    Yorkshire

    Trent

    East Anglian

    North West Thames

    North East Thames

    South East Thames

    Operation on eye lensEst. No.59,1404,4404,9506,0603,3003,5403,2903,790
    Med. W.T.1613211615171116
    Interval sterilisation— FemaleEst. No.49,9103,2003,5506,3602,7003,8102,8803,300
    Med. W.T.12121713117811
    Termination of pregnancyEst. No.47,6503,8402,9305,9202,6804,4804,7703,330
    Med. W.T.<1<1<1<1<1<1<1<1
    Hip replacement operationsEst. No.37,6502,0602,4703,3301,5602,4803,6602,850
    Med. W.T.2119202521131823
    Sterilisation associated with deliveryEst. No.9,9728491,1211,372196653719555
    Med. W.T.n/rn/rn/rn/rn/rn/rn/rn/r
    Sterilisation associated with abortionEst. No.5,024301400608420315490279
    Med. W.T.n/an/an/an/an/an/an/an/a
    Ligation or Vasectomy of Vas DeferensEst. No.3,710270310300130120360180
    Med. W.T.12u/r712u/ru/ru/ru/r
    Heart surgery: 0 to 4 yearsEst. No.2,12020019080nil100nil280
    Med. W.T.2u/rnilu/rnilnilnilu/r

    n/a—Not available.

    n/r—Not relevant.

    u/r—Small sample numbers—unreliable estimates.

    In-patient cases treated

    Day cases

    South West Thames

    Wessex

    Oxford

    South Western

    West Midlands

    Mersey

    North Western

    SHA's

    England

    Operations on Eye LensEst. No.3,4703,8002,1603,7905,0002,7405,4503,4001,570
    Med. W.T.14182421271116106
    Interval Sterilisation—FemaleEst. No.12,7703,3503,1103,2104,9601,7904,910n/r6,560
    Med. W.T.1511141315910n/r16
    Termination of PregnancyEst. No.1,7702,0503,2503,7202,8709304,72039025,820
    Med. W.T.11<l11<11nil1
    Hip Replacement operationsEst. No.2,6402,7302,0902,8404,0201,5503,3302060
    Med. W.T.26281822241619u/rn/a
    Sterlisation associated with DeliveryEst. No.14353274683921,1106641,110n/ru/r
    Med. W.T.n/rn/rn/rn/rn/rn/rn/rn/rnil
    Sterlisation associated with AbortionEst. No.190295319350360145552n/anil
    Med. W.T.n/an/an/an/an/an/an/an/anil
    Ligation or Vasectomy of Vas DeferensEst. No.19047015049035080310u/r42,080
    Med. W.T.u/r9u/r12u/ru/r7nil10
    Heart Surgery: 0–4 yearsEst. No.nil200503024047040240u/r
    Med. W.T.nilu/rnilu/ru/r1u/ru/rnil

    Brighton Health Authority

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide details of the Brighton health authority waiting list for each category of care for each year from 1979, and for each quarter in 1987.

    Number of patients on the in-patient waiting list for Brighton District Health Authority from 31 March 1979 to 31 March 1987
    Specialty197919801981198219831984198519861987
    Thoracic medicine3
    Dermatology1210197
    Geriatrics431345389101813
    General surgery1,6961,3981,1971,0201,1081,0461,4631,0241,138
    Ear, nose and throat556554436395670471477405568
    Traumatic and orthopaedic873896826907979874625678984
    Ophthalmology51113169131204299320207148
    Urology722568568494456725601553225
    Plastic surgery531830
    Oral surgery112223129107123144164204237
    Orthodontics1041

    [holding answer 4 March 1988]: The information available centrally is given in the table.

    Specially

    1979

    1980

    1981

    1982

    1983

    1984

    1985

    1986

    1987

    Neurosurgery12
    Gynaecology391367284345242281303413398
    Mental illness15391716
    G.P. dental51
    Paediatric surgery15263360244
    Other232430332936
    Total4,5154,2503,7703,4933,8013,8594,0063,9154,022

    1 between 1982 and 1985, Paediatric Surgery was included in General Surgery.

    Spending Power

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will publish figures, similar to those in his Department's tax-benefit model tables, comparing net weekly spending power for a lone mother with two children aged four and six years, in each of the following circumstances (a) not working, after one year on benefit, (h) earning £20 a week from part-time work, (c) earning £40 a week from part-time work and (d) working full time and earning (i) £60, (ii) £70, (iii) £80, (iv) £90, (v) £100, (vi) £110 and (vii) £120 per week under the tax and insurance rates announced in the Budget of 15 March, and the benefit system which will be implemented in April;(2) if he will publish tables, similar to those in his Department's tax-benefit model table, showing net weekly spending power for each of a single wage married couple (i) with two children aged four and six years and (ii) with three children aged three, eight and 11 years earning

    (a) £60, (b) £70, (c) £80, (d) £90, (e) £100, (f) £110, (g) £120, (h) £130, (i) £140, (j) £150, (k) £160 and (l) £170 under the tax and insurance rates announced in the Budget on 15 March and the benefit system which will be implemented in April.

    [holding answer 16 March 1988]: The information requested is set out in the tables. It should be

    New lax and benefit system from April 1988—lone working mother with two children aged 4 and 6 (assuming average local authority rent and rates)
    Gross earningsTaxNIFamily creditChild benefitRentRent rebateRatesRate rebateFares to workNet weekly spending power
    60·000·003·0040·3219·4019·120·009·800·005·8581·95
    70·000·004·9034·6519·4019·120·009·800·005·8584·38
    80·000·315·6028·3519·4019·120·009·800·005·8587·07
    90·002·8163·023·5919·4019·120·009·800·005·8589·11
    100·005·317·0018·8319·4019·120·009·800·005·8591·15
    110·007·819·9015·6119·4019·120·009·800·005·8592·53
    120·0010·3110·8010·9919·4019·120·009·800·005·8594·51
    New tax and benefit system—single wage married couple with two children aged 4 and 6
    Gross earningsTaxNIFamily creditChild benefitRentRent rebateRatesRate rebateFares to workNet weekly spending power
    60·000·003·0040·3214·5019·124·369·801·875·8583·28
    70·000·004·9034·6514·5019·122·789·801·395·8583·65
    80·000·315·6028·3514·5019·121·029·800·855·8584·04
    90·002·816·3023·5914·5019·120·009·800·005·8584·21
    100·005·317·0018·8314·5019·120·009·800·005·8586·25
    110·007·819·9015·6114·5019·120·009·800·005·8587·63
    120·0010·3110·8010·9914·5019·120·009·800·005·8589·61
    130·0012·8111·706·3714·5019·120·009·800·005·8591·59
    140·0015·3112·601·7514·5019·120·009·800·005·8593·57

    noted that the results are hypothetical in two senses. First, the results are based on average local authority housing charges and do not reflect the wide variety of rents and domestic rates that people actually pay. Secondly, the other assumptions used are those set out in "Impact of the Reformed Structure of Income Related Benefits," October 1987.

    New tax and benefit system from April 1988—lone mother with two children aged 4 and 6 (assuming average local authority rents and rates)

    Not working—1 year on benefit

    Working part-time—£20 earnings

    Working part-time—£40 earnings

    £

    £

    £

    Income support45·3540·3520·35
    Gross earnings0·0020·0040·00
    Tax0·000·000·00
    National Insurance0·000·000·00
    Fares to work0·002·922·92
    Rent19·1219·1219·12
    Rent rebate19·1219·1219·12
    Rates9·809·809·80
    Rate rebate6·426·426·42
    Child benefit19·4019·4019·40
    Free school meals2·552·552·55
    Free welfare milk1·831·831·83
    Net weekly spending power65·7577·8377·83

    Gross earnings

    Tax

    NI

    Family credit

    Child benefit

    Rent

    Rent rebate

    Rates

    Rate rebate

    Fares to work

    Net weekly spending power

    150·0017·8113·500·0014·5019·120·009·800·005·8598·42
    160·0020·3114·400·0014·5019·120·009·800·005·85105·02
    170·0022·8115·300·0014·5019·120·009·800·005·85111·62

    New tax and benefit system—single wage married couple with three children aged 3, 8, and 11

    Gross earnings

    Tax

    NI

    Family credit

    Child benefit

    Rent

    Rent rebate

    Rates

    Rate rebate

    Fares to work

    Net weekly spending power

    60·000·003·0051·7221·7519·122·709·801·365·8599·76
    70·000·004·9046·0521·7519·121·129·800·885·85100·13
    80·000·315·6039·7521·7519·120·009·800·005·85100·82
    90·002·816·3034·9921·7519·120·009·800·005·85102·86
    100·005·317·0030·2321·7519·120·009·800·005·85104·90
    110·007·819·9027·0121·7519·120·009·800·005·85106·28
    120·0010·3110·8022·3921·7519·120·009·800·005·85108·26
    130·0012·8111·7017·7721·7519·120·009·800·005·85110·24
    140·0015·3112·6013·1521·7519·120·009·800·005·85112·22
    150·0017·8113·508·5321·7519·120·009·800·005·85114·20
    160·0020·3114·403·9121·7519·120·009·800·005·85116·18
    170·0022·8115·300·0021·7519·120·009·800·005·85118·87

    Mental Handicap Services

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures will be undertaken by his Department and by local authorities to monitor the quality and effectiveness of community-based services for mentally handicapped people provided by his Department, the voluntary sector, the independent sector and local authorities;(2) what steps are being taken by his Department to ensure that Health Service managers and practitioners are informed of his Department's policy on mental handicap; and what measures are being taken to ensure that they are carrying out the policy.

    [holding answer 16 March 1988]: The Government's policy on the care of mentally handicapped people has been summarised and issued to health authorities and social services departments in a number of publications including "Mental Handicap: Policies and Priorities" under HN(85)2/LASSL (85)6 as annex 2 of the Government's response to the report of the Social Services Select Committee on "Community Care with Special Reference to Adult Mentally ill and Mentally Handicapped People" (November 1985. Cmnd. 9674). We shall be reviewing our community care policies in the light of the Wagner and Griffiths reports and reactions to them, bringing forward our own proposals in due course.Health authorities are responsible for monitoring their own services. The Department regularly assesses progress and plans through the annual review system. The social services inspectorate maintains liaison with local social services departments, monitors the development of personal social services and helps authorities to improve and maintain standards. The inspectorate has just completed a study of the implementation of the Registered Homes Act 1984, which included 11 visits to authorities and independent homes of which 18 had facilities for mentally handicapped people. The inspectorate has also completed a study of day services for mentally handicapped people in 13 local authorities chosen to be nationally representative and a selected sample of non-statutory provision.The Department also obtains information about health and social services through visits and reports from the national development team for people with a mental handicap, which advises health authorities and social services departments on the development of their services and draws attention to good practice. In addition, information is also obtained through the central collection of statistics, correspondence, discussions and visits involving private and voluntary provision of care as well as the statutory authorities.

    Northern Regional Health Authority

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the average cost per accident and emergency attendance in each hospital in the Northern regional health authority in the last year.

    [holding answer 24 March 1988]: The information for 1986–87 in respect of those hospitals in the northern region which undertake treatment of accident and emergency patients is as follows:

    Accident and emergency patients
    Health District and HospitalCost per attendance
    (£)
    Darlington
    Darlington Memorial12·40
    Durham
    Dryburn13·69
    East Cumbria
    Alston4·72
    Brampton4·87
    Cumberland Infirmary13·23

    Health District and Hospital

    Cost per attendance

    (£)

    Keswick10·41
    Penrith New8·84

    Gateshead

    Queen Elizabeth17·00

    Hartlepool

    General20·99

    Newcastle

    General17·12
    Royal Victoria Infirmary17·77

    North Tees

    General16·87

    North Tyneside

    General17·77
    GB Hunter7·75

    North West Durham

    Shotley Bridge General21·69

    Northumberland

    Alnwick Infirmary15·32
    Ashington15·74
    Berwick Infirmary19·52
    Coquetdale Cottage33·33
    Haltwhistle War Memorial5·67
    Hexham General22·59
    Morpeth Cottage28·82
    Thomas Knight Memorial3·34

    South Cumbria

    Furness General18·06
    Westmoreland County12·75

    South Tees

    Cleveland Cottage10·17
    Guiseborough General11·41
    Middlesbrough General17·24
    North Riding Infirmary8·38
    Stead Memorial6·71

    South Tyneside

    Ingham Infirmary11·60

    South West Durham

    Bishop Auckland General21·97

    Sunderland

    Eye Infirmary6·73
    District General16·87

    West Cumbria

    Cockermouth8·37
    Mary port3·78
    West Cumberland11·35
    Workington9·07

    Benefits (Refusal)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the total number of claimants in the Dundee area who have been refused benefit through the decision of an independent adjudication officer; if he will break this figure down according to the reasons for withdrawal of benefit; and if he will provide the information requested for each year since 1979.

    [holding answer 24 March 1988]: Statistics are available only for the number of supplementary benefit decisions where benefit was refused during the period 14 April 1982 to 9 February 1988. There are no corresponding statistics for contributory benefits. The total number of decisions where supplementary benefit was refused for the above period, in the two local offices serving the Dundee area is as follows:

    Dundee EastDundee West
    1982–833,9642,770
    1983–843,0892,946
    1984–852,7353,129
    1985–863,8183,376
    1986–874,7313,970
    1987–883,2392,319
    I regret that the reasons for refusal of benefit are not recorded and that no statistics are kept in respect of benefits withdrawn once entitlement has been established.

    Departmental Offices, Bradford

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the amount paid out in single payments at his Department's local offices at Lair Russell house, Vicar lane, Bradford, and Leeds road, Bradford, for 1987; what is the allocation for the social fund for the 12 months commencing in April 1988; and if he will make a statement.

    [holding answer 28 March 1988]: Information is not available in precisely the form requested. In the period from 17 December 1986 to 15 December 1987 single payments expenditure at the Bradford, South office was £583,457 and at the Bradford, East office it was £649,893. Information on their social fund budget allocations for the period from 11 April 1988 to 31 March 1989 was contained in my hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Mr. HeathcoatAmory) on 4 November 1987, at columns 774–81.

    Cancer Incidence

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will ensure that all material relating to the high incidence of child cancer in the Humberside villages of Kirkella Willerby and Analaby is referred to the area statistics unit within the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; and if, in accordance with its remit, he will request it to report as a matter of urgency;(2) what progress has been made by the area statistics unit within the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in identifying and analysing unusal clusters of disease in the neighbourhood of industrial installations; and what material emanating from its work has been, or is intended shortly to be, made public.

    [holding answer 28 March 1988]: The small area health statistics unit (SAHSU) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is establishing a computerised data base and, in collaboration with others, developing further methods of analysing health statistics in relation to potential sources of pollution. These advances should in due course greatly strengthen our understanding of such statistics.Officials from Departments funding the unit met the director and his colleagues at the steering committee on 23 March. The development phase is well advanced and should be completed within two years. Before then the unit will be able to advise on any reports of unusual incidence of disease using more limited means of analysis already available. SAHSU will publish reports of its scientific investigations in the usual way.My hon. Friend is aware that the East Yorkshire health authority has asked Dr. Ray Cartwright to assess the statistical evidence of local patterns of childhood cancer on Humberside. We await the results of that work, which I am told are expected very quickly. Because of the health authority's initiative and the unit's stage of development, we do not propose to ask SAHSU to investigate the problem reported on Humberside. Once the results are made available, we will take advice as to whether further studies would be helpful.I understand that my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for waste disposal and sport has instigated an investigation into the radioactive discharges from Capper Pass to be carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution.

    Motor Cyclists

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of stay in hospital for motor cyclists who have sustained serious leg injuries in road accidents.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: The information is not currently available centrally.

    Nhs Patients (Private Treatment)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the Official Report the number of National Health Service patients cared for and treated under contractual arrangements with the private sector, by specialty and regions for each year since 1979 and the cost to the regional health authorities.

    [pursuant to her reply, 10 March 1988, c. 347]: Tables showing the requested information have been placed in the Library. Expenditure by specialty is not collected separately.

    Transport

    Docklands Light Railway

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if there are any plans to extend the docklands light railway into the London borough of Southwark; and if he will make a statement.

    There are no current plans for such an extension. LRT, with the London Docklands development corporation and British Rail, is examining various possible improvements in rail transport for the London borough of Southwark, including a possible extension of the east London line to Peckham.

    Railway Records

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications for consents to transfers of relics, records or premises under section 144(1)(b) of the Transport Act 1968 he has received since the Act came into force; and if he will give details of those (a) to which he has consented and (b) which related to the area of the former Great Western Railway.

    We have received no applications for such consents in recent years. Records are not readily available for earlier periods.

    Non-Corridor Rolling Stock (Network Southeast)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will issue a direction to British Rail to withdraw, on grounds of passenger safety, all non-corridor rolling stock from all Network SouthEast routes.

    Deployment of rolling stock is a matter for BR in the light of its statutory obligations, but I have discussed the recent tragic murder with Sir Robert Reid. I understand that all non-corridor rolling stock will be phased out by 1991. In the meantime it is used only on a limited number of lines and normally only at peak times. Even off-peak, non-corridor compartment coaches account for only part of the train, so that passengers have a choice between compartment and open coaches. BR is taking steps to bring this choice to passengers' attention and is considering whether further measures might be appropriate.

    Kelsall Bypass

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for improving safety on the Kelsall bypass; and if he will make a statement.

    Following the two recent fatal accidents we have asked Cheshire county council, as our agents, to look at what might be done to improve safety. I expect its report shortly and will let my hon. Friend know what we decide.

    A51 (Chester Bypass)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for constructing a bypass round Chester on the A51; and if he will make a statement.

    Our only proposal for a bypass round Chester is on the A41 east of the city. This will include a new junction with the A51. Line and side roads orders were recently confirmed and construction could start next year.

    Private Companies (Safety)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to seek to extend his powers to enforce safety improvements on private companies.

    We regularly seek to foster the safe movement of people and goods.

    Transport Safety

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to produce a White Paper on transport safety; and if he will make a statement.

    I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 14 March, at column 476, to the hon. Member for Hackney, North and Stoke Newington (Ms. Abbott).

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    Comprehensive records of all contracts with consultancy firms are not held centrally. It would be disproportionately expensive to collect all the information required. The following list identifies those management and computing consultancies which began in 1987 and are valued at £10,000 or more.

    FirmSubject of Assignment
    CACI Inc. InternationalNIS-TR121A and TR529 forms—Computerisation
    Files and PQs databases—Mi,nor Modification
    HMIS Development
    DDS—Maintenance and Support Lands Management System
    Central Computer ServiceStudy of Highway Data needs in London
    DE Barnard Systems Ltd.NIS Quality Assurance—Technical Review
    HM SystemsFurther computerisation of Transport and Road Research Laboratory— administrative support services
    Howard Humphries and PartnersMaintenance and Support of DEFLEC and CHART—road condition survey material
    Structures Database Maintenance Contract
    Bridges Database Phase 2 Merging and Standardising Databases
    JMP Consultants LtdSupply and Maintenance of RMMS DCD software—road maintenance management material
    Learmonth Burchett Management SystemsNIS Central Consultancy
    Logsys Ltd.3rd Party Claims Database Phase 1 Highways Inquiries Database Phase 1 and 2
    Matt HallIndustrial Bonus Scheme
    Matt HallVehicle Examiners in Testing Stations
    MVA SystematicaCoding of COBA 10—cost benefit analysis system
    Peat Marwick McLintockLogical Design for RMMS
    PE ConsultantsProvision of independent means of assessing/validating manpower levels (in AA and AO grade) in Drivers Division
    Perth CrestWinter Fleet Maintenance
    S. G. BissonBridges database Report Generator Pace Data Load
    SIANISR/CHART Interface Contract
    NIS—Graphical Presentation Utility
    NISR and Accidents Maintenance Contract
    GPU Maintenance
    Savoy Software Science Ltd.Support and Development of RMMS —Two Counties Study
    Total VideoNIS—Video Copying
    Touche RossIFCOS—Stage One
    Transportation Planning AssociatesMaintenance of OSCADY
    Wootton JeffriesROTAN 2—Annual average day flow of traffic calculations for census work.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total amount spent by his Department in 1987 on management and computer consultancy contracts, excluding hardware and software purchases.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: The total amount spent by the Department in 1987 on management and computer consultancy contracts, excluding hardware and software purchases, was £2·3 million.

    Vehicle Excise Duty

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the total cost of administering the collection of vehicle excise duty in the latest year for which figures are available, broken down by (a) collection, (b) detection of evasion, (c) prosecution and (d) other.

    A breakdown of costs in the form requested cannot be provided. The function of licensing vehicles and collecting vehicle excise duty (VED) cannot readily be separated from the function of running a register of vehicles. The total cost of performing these functions together in the United Kingdom in 1986–87 was £99 million. Some £8 million to £9 million of that was Department of Transport costs of detecting, pursuing and prosecuting VED evaders. Police and traffic wardens contribute substantially to the detection of VED evasion in the course of their normal duties, and costs are likewise incurred by the Crown Prosecution Service.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total revenue collected from vehicle excise duty in the most recent year for which figures are available; what estimates he has of the total revenue owing but not collected in that year; and if he will make a statement.

    The net amount of vehicle excise duty collected in the United Kingdom in 1986–87 was £2,520 million. Estimated loss of revenue for that period through evasion (based on the evidence of a 1984 survey) was about £105 million. The Government are determined to increase the effectiveness of enforcement action against VED evasion. In 1986–87 £23 million was recovered in fines, back duty and out-of-court settlements, more than twice the 1982–83 total. Campaigns are an effective way of deterring evasion. Fifteen campaigns have been held during 1987–88, and 14 are already planned for the rest of the calendar year 1988.

    A38 (Roadworks)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the locations of all roadworks on the A38 (Exeter to Plymouth section); whether they are on the eastbound or westbound carriageway; what is the nature of the work; when the work was started; who the contractors are on each section; what is the contract completion date on each section; and what is the cost involved.

    The current roadworks are two central reserve safety barrier installations: for 3 miles at Drumbridges; and for 2·8 miles at south Brent.Over parts of these sections one lane of both east and west-bound carriageways is closed as the work progresses. Both sections started last October and were due to be completed in February. Because of poor ground conditions work on the Drumbridges section is not now expected to be completed until the end of April. Work at south Brent should be completed before Easter. The contractor for both sections it; Colas Roads Ltd. and the total cost is £576,000.

    Ferries (Safety)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on the safety of ro-ro ferries.

    My right hon. Friend receives frequent representations about ferry safety from organisations and individuals.

    M40

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the latest estimate of the completion date of the M40 motorway; and whether final decisions have been taken as to the number of lanes in each carriageway throughout its length.

    Subject to the outcome of the public inquiry held recently into the WaterstockWendlebury section, we plan to complete the whole of the M40 extension from Oxford to Birmingham during 1991.The sections north of Wendlebury will be dual three-lane standard. Between Waterstock and Wendlebury, where traffic flows are forecast to be much lower, we are proposing dual two-lane standard but with the scheme designed to accommodate provision of third lanes when warranted by traffic levels. The question of standards on this section was discussed in detail at the recent inquiry. We are currently awaiting the inspector's report.

    North Report

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the North committee report on road traffic laws will be published; and if he will make a statement.

    I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 22 March, at column 61, to my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. Coombs).

    Public Service Obligation Grant Cash Ceiling

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an announcement about the public service obligation grant cash ceiling for 1988–89.

    For 1988–89, the cash ceiling on PSO grant, will be £605 million. For the first time this year the grant will be for the Network SouthEast and provincial sectors only. The figure of £605 million makes full provision for worthwhile investment to improve quality of service and increase efficiency.

    Heathrow And Gatwick

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he proposes to respond to the report of the committee, chaired by Mr. Christopher Tugendhat, on runway utilisation at Heathrow and Gatwick.

    I have responded today. Copies of my letter to Mr. Tugendhat and of the report which was published today by the Civil Aviation Authority have been placed in the Library.

    Intercity

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes he has made to the directions given to the British Railways Board under section 3 of the Railways Act 1974, in view of the objective that InterCity should cease to be eligible for grant from 1 April of the current year.

    I have now issued a direction under section 3 of the Railways Act 1974 which excludes InterCity services from the passenger service obligation. As a result, that sector will no longer be eligible for grant. in accordance with the objectives agreed with Sir Ronald Reid in 1986. The new direction, which replaces that issued in 1974, also clarifies the status of subsequent developments in the board's activities. These changes do not mark any change of policy towards the services provided by the British Railways Board, or in the resources available to them.A copy of the direction has been placed in the Library of the House.

    National Bus Company

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the National Bus Company's disposal programme.

    I yesterday approved the sale of the National Bus Company's London Country (North East) subsidiary to Parkdale Holdings plc and Mr. Alan Stephenson, a bus operator. I understand that, subject to the approval of Parkdale's shareholders, the sale is likely to be completed before the end of April. This will mark the conclusion of the privatisation of NBC's bus operations.The substantial completion of privatisation, well before the statutory deadline, is a remarkable achievement. I am particularly pleased that the outcome of the privatisation has so clearly vindicated our decision to sell NBC's operations by means of the separate disposal of individual subsidiaries. Seventy subsidiaries have now been sold, 52 of them local bus operating companies. Some 40 of the companies have been bought by management or employee teams; and many of the sales have included provision for employee share schemes or profit-sharing schemes. NBC privatisation has helped to make a reality of our policy of spreading wealth in the community instead of concentrating it in the hands of the state.Separate sales have also achieved their objective of promoting competition in the bus industry. There are already numerous examples of ex-NBC subsidiaries competing with each other to provide better services for bus passengers up and down the country. Privatisation has thus reinforced and enhanced the success of our policy of bus deregulation.Finally, separate sales have proved good for proceeds. Individual sale prices are not being disclosed for commercial reasons; but I hope to make a statement to the House as soon as practicable on the aggregate proceeds of the disposal programme.In recording the success of the NBC privatisation I pay tribute to the board of NBC and in particular to the chairman of the company, Mr. Rodney Lund; to the board member responsible for privatisation, Mr. Christopher Campbell; and to their negotiating team who have worked so hard and so successfully over the past two years.

    Passenger Transport Authorities

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has considered the responses to his proposal for passenger transport authorities to bill their districts; and if he will make a statement.

    My right hon. Friend and I have considered carefully all the views expressed by local authorities, their associations and others in response to my Department's discussion paper. Although most respondents disliked our proposals, they did so on the grounds that the proposals will lead to mass secession from PTAs by district councils; we do not consider this will happen but will treat any applications on their merits. Moreover, their response has confirmed our view that the proposal will deliver valuable gains in accountability. The Government, therefore, intend to introduce appropriate amendments to the Bill on Report to effect the change. I have today placed copies of the responses to the discussion paper in the Libraries of both Houses.

    Cabotage

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the share of the United Kingdom cabotage market held by British shipping: and whether there is any information available as to the value of the market.

    British-flagged shipping was estimated to have some 72 per cent. of the total United Kingdom cabotage market (by value) in 1986, the last year for which information was available. The United Kingdom has 59 per cent, of the cargo cabotage, 93 per cent. of the passenger cabotage and 73 per cent. of the offshore supply markets. In addition, up to a further 5 per cent. of the total traffic carried in foreign-flagged vessels may have been beneficially owned by United Kingdom nationals. Other EC states accounted for 12 per cent. of the total market. The value of the total United Kingdom cabotage market is estimated to be in the order of £440 million.

    Motor Cyclists

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what area of the body is most often seriously injured amongst motor cyclist casualties.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: Over 60 per cent. of all serious injuries to motor cyclists are to the legs. It is estimated that leg protectors could transfer 40 per cent. of leg injuries from the serious category to slight and eliminate 30 per cent. of slight leg injuries.

    Portsmouth City Transport

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make a decision on the application for sale of Portsmouth City Transport.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: The Secretary of State has decided to grant his consent to the application from Portsmouth city council for the sale of Portsmouth City Transport Ltd. to Southern Vectis.

    Northern Ireland

    Mentally Iii People

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many homeless persons in Northern Ireland have previously been admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses;(2) how many homeless persons in Northern Ireland have previously been admitted to mental hospitals; and what this figure represents as a percentage of the total number of homeless persons in Northern Ireland;(3) how many residential places in the community will be provided for those discharged from mental hospitals in Northern Ireland in each of the next seven years.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what experiments in hospital hostels for discharged mental patients have been conducted in Northern Ireland; what lessons have been learnt; and if he will make a statement.

    Hospital hostels are regarded as part of the psychiatric hospital provision and do not accommodate patients who have actually been discharged. The hostels cater for some patients as part of their rehabilitation programmes. Experimentation with rehabilitation programmes using hospital hostels and other types of facilities is conducted on a continuing basis.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the amounts provided for the forthcoming year in Northern Ireland for bridging funds for local care of patients discharged or excluded from mental hospitals; how much in each case is provided for long-term patients still to be discharged from hospital and how much for those already discharged from hospital; what the figure per new patient is in each case; and if he will make a statement.

    A total of £3.45 million in bridging finance is being allocated to health and social services boards in 1988–89. This consists of two amounts: £2.45 million continued funding for schemes identified by boards in 1987–88 and a further £1 million for new schemes.These resources are intended primarily to assist in reducing the number of long-stay patients in psychiatric and mental handicap hospitals. However, some of this money will be spent on community facilities such as day hospitals which will also serve those outside hospital.Bridging finance is only one source of funding for community care schemes, many of which will also involve the voluntary and private sectors. The initiative also involves a wide variety of schemes which are at different stages of development. As a result it is not yet possible to calculate overall costs for each patient involved.

    Mental Hospitals

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the mental hospitals which are scheduled to (a) open and (b) close in Northern Ireland in each of the next seven years.

    There are no plans either to open or close any mental hospitals in Northern Ireland over the next seven years.

    Rush Park Flats (Damage)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will inquire into the conditions of hallway floors and walls and the lift walls and floors since the contractors moved into the multi-storey blocks of flats at Rush Park, Newtownabbey, County Antrim; whether damage could have been diminished by the use of a small skip inside these buildings as recommended by the tenants to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and its consultants; and whether the use of a small skip would have assisted workmen in clearing up nightly and would have facilitated the caretaker in maintaining high standards of upkeep.

    This is a matter for the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive who has advised me that a skip could not be used inside the multistorey blocks of flats at Rush Park, Newtownabbey. Doors would have had to be removed and the lifting of the skips would have been impossible. Each floor being worked on is cleaned on a daily basis by the contractor who removes all debris to outside skips.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will inquire into the level of nuisance and disturbance, damage and general uncleanliness experienced at Rush Park, Newtownabbey, during installation of economy seven, rewiring and fitting new kitchens; what standards of work and cleanliness for work carried out by contractors for public bodies his Department lays down; and what procedures he advises the Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants to follow when they observe damage being caused by contractors to floors, walls, lifts and security doors in blocks of flats or other property.

    These are matters for the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive who has advised me that the level of disturbance experienced at Rush park, Newtownabbey, is commensurate with a major contract of this type. Standards of work and cleanliness are set by the Housing Executive within contract documentation. All materials must be to the Executive's approved specification and works must be executed by competent tradesmen in workmanlike manner and to the satisfaction of the supervising officer in all respects. The contractor is responsible for removal of rubbish, debris, sawdust and surplus material, and so on, from the site, both as it accumulates from time to time and at completion. Prior to work commencing tenants were advised at a series of meetings of the procedures to follow if they observed damage being caused by the contractor. They were informed that details should be reported to the Housing Executive district office or to the clerk of works who is regularly on site.

    Cairdhu Hospital

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the present position regarding the future of Cairndhu hospital, Lame; and whether this property will be transferred to Lame borough council.

    The Sir Thomas and Lady Edith Dixon hospital (Cairndhu) was closed on 1 June 1986 and action to dispose of the property was begun shortly thereafter. However, the conditions under which the hospital was orginally donated may affect its disposal and the matter has been referred to the Chancery court.I am aware of Lame borough council's interest in acquiring the property and will bear its interest in mind.

    Members' Correspondence

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will request, through his nominees on the Eastern health and social services board, an immediate and considerable improvement in the time taken to reply to letters from right hon. and hon. Members; and if he will make a statement.

    Guidance was issued to boards in June 1985 on the target time scale for replying to inquiries of this type, and in the light of the right hon. Gentleman's question I will remind boards of their obligations in this matter.If the right hon. Gentleman has any specific complaints he would like to raise with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for health matters, he would be glad to pursue them.

    Windscale (Radioactive Fallout)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what actions the Government of Northern Ireland took in 1957 and 1958 to warn the people of Northern Ireland regarding the radioactive fallout from Windscale in October 1957; and what provisions were made to safeguard the health and welfare of the populace in Northern Ireland at that time.

    No warning action was considered necessary because the radioactive material released was carried in a southerly direction across England and Wales before travelling into parts of northern Europe. It did not therefore pose any threat to Northern Ireland.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the locations in Northern Ireland where readings of radioactive fallout were taken following the fire at No. I pile at Windscale in October 1957; and if he will publish the results and dates of such readings.

    I am not aware of any readings of radioactivity having been taken specifically in relation to the Windscale fire in October 1957. The routine monitoring of milk at that time for Strontium 90 indicated levels which were of no radiological significance for the population of Northern Ireland. As I have indicated in reply to a previous question from the hon. Gentleman, there was no threat to Northern Ireland from this incident, and therefore no additional monitoring action was deemed necessary.

    Trade Refuse Collection

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those district councils which, in addition to the rates, impose an additional charge per week on ratepayers for the collection of trade refuse from their commercial and industrial premises.

    As there is no duty on district councils in Northern Ireland to notify the Government whether or not they charge for waste collection, the information requested is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

    Brucellosis

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on which dates since 24 January 1987 the dairy herd of Messrs. T and J. J. Rainey, 256–62 Ballygowan road, Crossnacreery, Belfast, has been tested for brucellosis; and on which dates the results were made available to the herd owners.

    Twelve animals in this herd were tested on 10 March 1987 and retested on 24 March 1987. The herd owner was verbally advised of the results by Department of Agriculture staff on 19 March 1987 and 3 April 1987 respectively. The annual brucellosis herd test was completed on 28 October 1987. Results of annual tests are notified to herd owners only when a positive or inconclusive reaction occurs. All of these tests were negative.

    Community Care

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate for expenditure on community care in Northern Ireland in each of the next three years.

    Current accounting procedures do not readily allow for separate identification of expenditure on community care, a term which itself is open to interpretation. It is estimated, however, that approximately 26 per cent. of health and social services boards' expenditure, £624 million, is currently allocated to community services. Under the regional strategy for the period 1987 to 1992 it is envisaged that this proportion will rise to 30 per cent. by 1992.

    Community Programme

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if subsidised work presently carried out by individuals on community programmes puts at risk in any way the viability of small businesses employing craftsmen and tradesmen.

    No. ACE sponsors must satisfy the Department of Economic Development that proposed projects do not threaten existing businesses or put at risk existing jobs.

    Homes (Insulation)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement detailing the number of homes insulation grants made in each of the past three years and the total amounts of money expended.

    The information requested is as follows:

    DateGrants madeExpenditure £
    April 1985 to March 19864,800333,647
    April 1986 to March 19875,400346,472
    April 1987 to January 19883,146220,284

    Orthotists

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table showing for each area board the number of orthotists in post for each of the last five years for which figures are available; what plans he has to increase the number of orthotists in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the orthotics service in Northern Ireland.

    In Northern Ireland the prosthetic orthotic and aids service is ad ministered by the Eastern health and social services board as a regional service supplying artificial limbs (prostheses) and appliances (orthoses). The figures requested are as follows:

    Prosthetist/Orthotist
    YearNumber
    19834
    19845
    19855
    19865
    19875
    Under powers conferred by statute the Department of Health and Social Security has delegated to health and social services boards its functions of providing or securing the provision of integrated health services designed to promote the health and social welfare of the people of Northern Ireland. It is for the Eastern board to decide how best to provide this particular service in the light of its assessment of need and other competing demands.

    Health Care (Report)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library a copy of the report entitled "A Survey of Expertise in the Northern Ireland Health Care Sector" written by United Medical Enterprises on behalf of the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland.

    Mairead Farrell

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what amount of student grant was awarded to Mairead Farrell, in respect of her course at Queen's university, Belfast.

    [holding answer 28 March 1988]: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given to a question by the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Rev. Martin Smyth) on 18 March 1988, at column 686.

    Castle Court Development, Belfast

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much public finance is being allocated for the building of the Castle Court development in Belfast, and what percentage this figure is of the total cost.

    [holding answer 28 March 1988]: The Government have offered support of up to £10 million to John Laing Developments Ltd. towards the cost of the Castle Court project. This represents 18·18 per cent. of the estimated total development cost of £55 million. The £10 million will support a profit level of up to 15 per cent. of development costs. After this point the Government will share the profits equally with Laings.

    Higher Education Grants

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to monitor grants of public funds to those in higher education who have active sponsorship of terrorist organisations; and if he will make a statement.

    Teachers (Leave Of Absence)

    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will discuss with education and library boards the case for provision for leave of absence without pay for teachers accompanying a husband or wife who has been selected to represent Northern Ireland at a business promotion or marketing conference overseas, where requests for such leave occur not more than once in five years and the school principal can make satisfactory arrangements to cover the absent teacher; and if he will make a statement.

    [holding answer 28 March 1988]: I have no plans to do so. This is, in the first instance, a matter for the employing authority, and where leave of absence without pay is recommended by the authority it is usual practice for the Department of Education for Northern Ireland to approve.

    Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

    Free Food Scheme

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the amount of food which to date has been issued to the needy under the free food scheme for each country and each product; and if he will make a statement.

    I will provide the hon. Member with the information once the final authorisation for release of food has been given by the Commission.

    Consultancy Contracts

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by his Department in 1987, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

    My Department has placed the following contracts with management and computer consultants in 1987:

    Management consultancy contracts
    FirmSubject of Assignment
    PA Consulting Services Ltd.1. Support of the ADAS Data Flow project
    2. IT Strategic Architecture Study
    Hoskyns Group plcIT Organisation/Resources Study

    Firm

    Subject of Assignment

    Peat, Marwick, McLintockDevelopment & Support of ADAS Work Recording System
    Vauntberry Computer ServicesSupport of ADAS Invoicing System
    Mr. P. W. CunlifieReview of Animal Medicines Licensing

    Mink Farms

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under what circumstances mink farms may operate without a licence.

    To keep mink without a licence is an offence under the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932. However, where discussions are continuing with an applicant in order to ensure satisfactory standards, a prosecution may not be the most appropriate form of enforcement.

    Milk Quotas

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the level of milk quotas in England and Wales in 1987–88 and 1988–89.

    We announced on 31 March 1987 the arrangements for transferring quota from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. We implemented an outgoers' scheme to obtain sufficient quota to meet this requirement but none was offered. The provisional cut of about 0·3 per cent. that was imposed in 1987–88 will therefore be made definitive because the outgoers' scheme was unsuccessful. Compensation will be paid at the rate already announced that is, 27·49p per litre spread over seven years.Turning now to the arrangements for 1988–89, the House will already be aware of the agreement in the Community to reduce quotas permanently by 1 per cent. This is in addition to the 2 per cent. cut imposed in 1987–88. A Community outgoers' scheme to obtain as much as possible of this quantity voluntarily achieved only a very small percentage of the 1 per cent. target quantity required in England and Wales. The balance will now be achieved by making uniform cuts in each producer's quota, compensated at 27·49p per litre spread over seven years. This means that, compared with 1987–88 quotas, the reduction required in England and Wales will be very close to 1 per cent. in both wholesale and direct sales quotas.Also as a result of Community decisions, the temporary suspension of wholesale quotas in 1987–88 was 4 per cent. of 1986–87 allocations. This will be replaced by a suspension of 51/2 per cent. of 1986–87 allocations in 1988–89. Producers will be compensated for this at the rate of 6·8p per litre.The Government's policy has been to maximise the amount of quota which producers can use by allocating the whole national quantity; this means that if new requirements arise there is no pool of quota from which they can be drawn. Some small additional adjustments are now needed within England and Wales to allow for various needs. These include the award of quota to the beneficiaries of expropriated land awards and those producers who have successfully pursued judicial reviews of allocations made to them by the Dairy Produce Quota Tribunal. It would be prudent to reduce all quotas by about one thousandth (0·1 per cent.) to meet these requirements. This will be done on a provisional basis pending a final assessment of the amount of quota actually required to meet the needs which I have mentioned.Finally, an amendment is also being made to the prescribed quota per hectare under the end of tenancy compensation provisions. This will reflect the compulsory 1 per cent. reduction in quotas required as from 1 April 1988 and the provisional cut mentioned above. This is in accordance with the assurances regarding adjustments to standard quota given in the House of Lords on 2 July 1986.

    Council Of Agriculture Ministers

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting on 28 and 29 March in Brussels; and if he will make a statement.

    The Council of Agriculture Ministers met in Brussels on 28–30 March 1988. I represented the United Kingdom.The major business at this meeting was to conclude discussion on a stabiliser for the wine sector necessary to complete the European Council summit package on agriculture. The negotiation was long and difficult. I had to resist strong pressure from wine-producing countries to weaken the proposals, but I am pleased to report to the House that the Council finally agreed that a much more rigorous price should be set for the quantity of surplus wine which producers are required to send for distillation. Under the arrangements agreed, the price paid to producers for this obligatory distillation will be reduced by more than half. This severe drop in price support will encourage producers to reduce production by grubbing up part or all of their vineyards. Those who opt to do so will be eligible for single payments and may be exempted from the obligation to distil a proportion of their wine production. This is a tough arrangement to tackle costs and surpluses in this sector and is fully consistent with the outcome of the European Council.The Commissioner for Agriculture formally presented his price proposals for 1988 and Ministers had a first exchange of views on them. I made clear the importance the Government attach to the Community pursuing a strict price policy and containing the cost of the price settlement within the guideline agreed by the European Council. I stressed the current level of negative monetary compensatory amounts in the United Kingdom, reminded the Council of my strong support for the Commission objective of the removal of MCAs by 1992 and argued for measured steps towards their objective this year. Specifically on pigmeat, I pressed for complete devaluation of the United Kingdom green rate in the pig sector where monetary compensatory amounts are clearly causing market distortion.The Council reached agreement on new terms for pigmeat production aids. I continue to believe that it is wrong to have Community financing of grant-aided schemes which encourage pig production at a time when the pig sector is under pressure and the Community is more than self-sufficient. I would have liked to see these grants phased out immediately but a majority of member states were in favour of retaining them. However, by continuing to press our case I succeeded in considerably reducing their impact on pig production from the end of March, by reducing the number of pig places per holding eligible for grant. The grants will also now cease on 31 December 1990 unless the Council decides otherwise.The Council adopted two proposals for revision of production aid for olive oil. Under this system, on current estimates of the last harvest aid will be cut this season by 11 per cent.In the absence of agreement on price levels for milk and beef for the coming marketing years, which were due to begin on 1 and 4 April respectively, the Council agreed to extend the current marketing years for those commodities to 30 April.

    Potatoes

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has determined the market support prices for potatoes to apply in Great Britain for the 1988–89 crop year beginning on 1 July.

    Agriculture Ministers have consulted the farmers' unions about the market support arrangements to apply for the 1988–89 crop year. Ministers have decided to authorise the F'otato Marketing Board to enter into pre-season contracts with producers to purchase not more than 300,000 tonnes of potatoes over the period November 1988 to May 1989 at a scale of prices not exceeding a weighted average of £53 per tonne. Within the 300,000 tonnes limit the board is free to decide what tonnage to place under contract. We have also authorised the board to intervene directly on the market throughout the season where this will ensure that support can be carried out more cheaply than by purchasing tinder contract, provided that the total intervention during 1989–90 does not exceed 500,000 tonnes. The target area for potato plantings in Great Britain, another important factor in market stability, was fixed last July at 156,000 hectares.

    Radioactivity

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review his current methods of monitoring for radioactivity post-Chernobyl, in view of the recent discoveries of high levels of radioactivity in soil.

    [holding answer 28 March 1988]: The principal objective of my Department's monitoring programme is to ensure the safety of foodstuffs. Whilst my Department is constantly reviewing its methods in the light of scientific and other developments, radioactivity levels in soils are only indirectly related to the level of radioactivity in food.

    Adas Advice

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food how many farmers received respectively, commercial advice and advice on conservation and pollution, animal welfare and diversification, at their own request, from Agricultural Development and Advisory Service officials in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

    [holding answer 29 March 1988]: Information is not available in the form requested. ADAS advisers have provided farmers with advice on animal welfare, environmental affairs and other relevant subjects in the course of advising on other matters and during special visits.

    Free Food Scheme

    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the local authorities and voluntary organisations that have indicated a willingness to participate in the European Community free food scheme in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

    [holding answer 18 March 1988]: I am currently considering applications for designation under the scheme received from a number of charitable and other organisations and from certain local authorities. I shall announce the list of designated organisations as soon as possible.