Written Answers
Ms Harriet Harman
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether counsel for the Home Office offered to drop the action for contempt against Ms. Harriet Harman; at what time on what date this offer was conveyed to Ms. Harman's counsel; what condition was attached to this offer regarding the payment of costs by Ms. Harman, and what have been the additional costs incurred by the Home Office since their conditional offer was made.
Counsel for the Home Office approached Ms. Harriet Harman's counsel about an out of court settlement but it would be inappropriate to discuss exploratory exchanges passing between counsel in connection with litigation.
Uruguay: Arrest Of Mr Patrick Knight
asked Her Majesty's Government:What protest has been made to the military régime in Montevideo regarding the interrogation of the correspondent of
The Times over a period of almost 80 hours by officers of the secret police; the theft of his documents by those officers; the threats made against him; and his explulsion from Uruguay.
None. Following the arrest of Mr. Patrick Knight in Uruguay on Friday, 7th November, immediate representations were made to the Uruguayan authorities by Her Majesty's Ambassador in Montevideo which helped to secure his release on Monday, 10th November.
Aid To States In Southern Africa
asked Her Majesty's Government:What response they have made to the request of Dr. Queth Masire, President of Botswana, for aid to the states bordering on the Republic of South Africa to enable them to become increasingly independent of the republic economically.
My honourable friend the Minister for Overseas Development attended the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference held on 27th and 28th November in Maputo, and which was chaired by Botswana. We supported the conference's aim of identifying practical means of increasing regional co-operation for the economic benefit of the region as a whole. Our aid to the region is already substantial (£110 million in 1979), and we indicated that we could consider requests for further assistance, particularly in the transport and agricultural sectors, where this was possible within the resources available for bilateral programmes.
Canada: Projected Constitution
asked Her Majesty's Government:What actions they are taking to ensure that the treaties in the 18th century between the British Government and Indian Chiefs, guaranteeing the human, economic growth and political rights of their peoples, are observed in the projected new constitution for Canada.
As a result of the British North America Act 1867 and the Statute of Westminster 1931, any residual United Kingdom responsibilities towards the Indian peoples of Canada passed to the Canadian Government. It is to the Canadian Government that the Indians should turn if they wish to ensure that their rights are protected.
Libertad Prison: International Red Cross Investigation
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will place in the Library of the House of Lords a copy of the report prepared by an International Red Cross committee which visited Uruguay, in which it was stated that persons in the Libertad prison are continually bullied and beaten.
It is my understanding that it is not the custom of the International Committee of the Red Cross to publish reports on their investigations. I regret, therefore, that I am not able to comply with the noble Lord's request.
House Repairs: Vat
asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the position concerning VAT on house repairs in the other European countries and which countries levy tax on this item and at what rates.
VAT is charged on house repairs throughout the European Community. The rates charged are as follows:
| Belgium | 16 per cent. |
| Denmark | 22 per cent. |
| France | 17·6 per cent. |
| Germany | 13 per cent. |
| Ireland | 10 per cent, (on 30 per cent, of the taxable amount) |
| Italy | 14 per cent. |
| Luxembourg | 10 per cent. |
| Netherlands | 18 per cent. |
| UK | 15 per cent. |