Written Answers Written Answers To Questions Friday 16th January 1976 Education And Science Mathematics Mr. Hooley asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will invite the Schools Council to examine the criticism of the teaching of mathematics in schools made by the Engineering Industry Training Board, regarding the lack of competence of craft apprentices in basic arithmetic and algebraic skills. Miss Joan Lestor My right hon. Friend has recently made clear his concern about the effective teaching of mathematics in schools. The Schools Council shares this concern and is currently sponsoring six development projects in this field at a cost of over £450,000. More generally the problems of developing mathematical skills and relating schools courses to later requirements including those of apprenticeship have been discussed by professional bodies and are receiving continuing attention. Other relevant work is being undertaken under the auspices of the Department's Assessment of, Performance Unit, and the national survey of secondary schools on which Her Majesty's Inspectors are engaged will devote attention to mathematics in the wider context of the secondary curriculum. General Certificate Of Education Mr. Clemitson asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps are being taken to monitor GCE results in relation to the marks expected of the examinees by their teachers in the light of the Schools Council report, "The Reliability of Examinations" at 16-plus. Miss Joan Lestor The whole question of monitoring GCE O-level examinations is at present being considered by the Schools Council in consultation with the GCE examining bodies and the National Foundation for Educational Research. Examination And Assessment Procedures Mr. Clemitson asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of examinations at GCE and CSE level are currently based on continuous assessment rather than terminal examinations. Miss Joan Lestor CSE examinations often include forms of assessment other than terminal examinations, but normally in addition to terminal examinations. GCE examinations sometimes make similar provision, but to a smaller extent. I have, however, no exact information as to the use made of particular forms of assessment and it could not be obtained without disproportionate cost. Mr. Clemitson asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools in the United Kingdom have replaced conventional, terminal examinations with systems of continuous assessment. Miss Joan Lestor The great majority of secondary schools hold terminal examinations, but it is not unusual for the teacher's assessment of coursework —the work done by pupils during the year—to be combined with the examination results to produce final assessments. The extent to which coursework assessment has replaced terminal examinations is believed to be small. Schools are not required to provide my Department with this information and exact details could not be obtained without disproportionate cost. Mr. Clemitson asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps are being taken more closely to involve persons engaged in industry and commerce in the devising of examination and assessment procedures in schools and colleges. Miss Joan Lestor There is already a considerable degree of involvement. Industry and commerce are represented on the Schools Council and its committees which keep national school examination procedures under review on behalf of my right hon. Friend. They are also represented on all the CSE examining bodies. They are represented on a minority of the GCE examining bodies, but this is a matter for determination by those bodies.Further education examining bodies normally enlist the aid of industrial and commercial interests in formulating examination procedures.Other assessment procedures are determined locally. Overseas Staff Mr. Madden asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether his Department employs any representatives or staff outside the United Kingdom and at what total cost on an annual basis. Mr. Mulley My Department does not employ representatives or staff outside the United Kingdom. Employment Textiles Industry Mr. James Lamond asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many employees were in short-time working in the textile industry at the latest available date. Mr. John Fraser In November 1975 there were 29,400 operatives in Great Britain working short-time in the textiles industries. Mr. James Lamond asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the level of unemployment in the textile industry at the latest available date. Mr. John Fraser In December 1975 there were 26,300 unemployed people in Great Britain who last worked in the textile industries. Overseas Staff Mr. Madden asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether his Department employs any representatives-------------------------------- | | -------------------------------- | | -------------------------------- |Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard||||| -------------------------------- |Employment Office Areas | -------------------------------- |Great Britain | -------------------------------- Skelmersdale New Town Mr. Michael McGuire asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current rate of unemployment in the Skelmersdale New Town, as distinct from or staff outside the United Kingdom and at what total cost on an annual basis. Mr. Booth My Department employs two staff outside the United Kingdom at a cost of approximately £20,000 per annum. Bedfordshire Mr. Madel asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of vacancies for males and females currently notified to his Department in the Bedfordshire, South parliamentary constituency; and what were the figures 12 months ago. Mr. John Fraser In December 1975 there were 76 vacancies for males and 50 vacancies for females held at the Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard employment offices, and 12 vacancies for males and 27 vacancies for females held at careers offices in the area. The comparable figures for December 1974 are not available owing to industrial action at local offices of the Employment Services Agency, but in November 1974 the figures were 434, 135, 45 and 55, respectively. The figures relate only to vacancies notified to employment offices and careers offices and are not a measure of total vacancies. Mr. Madel asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of people, divided into males and females, currently registered as unemployed in the Bedfordshire, South parliamentary constituency; how this compares with the national average; and what were the figures 12 months ago. Mr. John Fraser Following is the information available:the rate in the Ormskirk travel-to-work area. Mr. John Fraser Rates of unemployment cannot be calculated separately for the Skelmersdale New Town for the reason explained to my hon. Friend in answer to a Question on 12th December 1975—[Vol. 902, c. 427–8]. The numbers unemployed at 11th December 1975 in the Skelmersdale employment office area were 2,100. Employment Transfer Scheme Mr. Steen asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will publish in the Official Report the number of people who have taken advantage of the resettlement transfer scheme in each of the regions since September 1975;(2) how many people, since September 1975, have taken advantage of the resettlement transfer scheme in the light of the Government's special measures to reduce unemployment on Merseyside. Mr. John Fraser I am advised by the Manpower Services Commission that the information requested is not yet available. I will circulate it in the Official Report when it becomes available. Mr. Steen asked the Secretary of State for Employment how much money he estimates has been spent in pursuance of the resettlement transfer scheme during the current year. Mr. John Fraser I am advised by the Manpower Services Commission that the amount spent on grants and allowances under the Employment Transfer Scheme in the financial year 1975–76, to December 1975, is estimated at £4,550,000. Mr. Steen asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will monitor the number of families moving from areas of high unemployment as a result of the--------------------------- | | | --------------------------- |End October 1974 |…| --------------------------- |End October 1975 |…| --------------------------- |Year ended October 1975|…| --------------------------- |Year ended October 1975|…| --------------------------- Equal Opportunities Commission Mrs. Colquhoun asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will upgraded resettlement transfer scheme announced in his September statement. Mr. John Fraser I am advised by the Manpower Services Commission that arrangements are being made to monitor the new rehousing grant provided as an emergency measure for certain house buyers with families whose moves originate in an assisted area and who start a job during 1976. Energy Electricity Generating Mr. David Steel asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the comparative cost per unit of electricity of coal-fired, nuclear, and hydro-electric power sources at the latest date for which figures are available. Mr. Eadie I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan) on 30th June 1975.—[Vol. 894, c. 1009–10.] Coal Stocks Mr. John H. Osborn asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are now the stocks of all the main grades, including smokeless fuels and solid fuels, respectively, and in total; how this figure compares with a year ago; what is the rate of production of each grade and in total; and how this compares with use and consumption. Mr. Eadie, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 12th January 1976; Vol. 903, c. 1], gave the following information:publish in the Official Report the names of those members of the Equal Opportunities Commission who have been appointed full-time Commissioners and the names of those who have been appointed on a part-time basis, including the amount of their individual remuneration for the office. Dr. Summerskill The Chairman, Miss Betty Lockwood, and Deputy Chairman, Lady Howe, are full-time members of the Equal Opportunities Commission; they receive salaries of £10,600 and £7,000 respectively. The remaining 13 members are part-time; they are entitled to a fee of £16 for each day's attendance at meetings of the Commission. The names of 12 of these part-time members were given in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, Southall (Mr. Bidwell) on Friday 19th December—[Vol. 902, c. 860]; the name of the other member was given in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. Urwin) on Tuesday 13th January.—[Vol. 903, c. 92]. Mrs. Colquhoun asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the extent of work for women, or within individual women's movements, undertaken by each individual Commissioner appointed by him to the Equal Opportunities Commission, prior to such appointment. Dr. Summerskill The members of the Equal Opportunities Commission were chosen for their general experience and knowledge of the fields covered by the Sex Discrimination Act. The majority of them have also had special experience in organisations concerned with various aspects of equality of opportunity for women. Offshore Installations (Accidents) Mr. Small asked the Secretary of State for Energy what arrangements he has made for dealing with accidents to offshore installations; and whether these arrangements have been tested. Mr. Benn Following the loss of the drilling barge "Transocean III" in January 1974 officials of my Department set up an inter-departmental working party to assess the risks of accidents to offshore installations, and to define the procedures to be followed to deal with such incidents.An exercise to test the lines of communication in these procedures was drawn up by my Department with the full cooperation of British Petroleum, the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association, the General Council of British Shipping, British Airways and Bristows Helicopters, the Chief Constable of Grampian Region, the Ministry of Defence, Her Majesty's Coastguard and the Department of Trade. This exercise, which took place on 27th November last, was the first to be held since the procedures were defined. It showed that the lines of communication are adequate and that they work in practice. Some lessons have been learnt from the exercise which will enable the procedures to be streamlined without loss of efficiency.It is intended that a further exercise, designed to test the procedures in greater depth, be held later this year. Drivers (Convictions For Using Defective Vehicles) Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drivers of vehicles have been convicted under the Construction and Use Regulations, during each of the past five years for which records are available, as a result of driving vehicles which have been found by testing centres to be defective. Dr. Summerskill I regret that this information is not available. Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many car owners have been convicted. during each of the last five years for which records are available, for not having one or other or both stop lights in proper working order; and what were the amounts of such fines. Dr. Summerskill I regret that these figures are not available since information about stop light offences is not separately collated. Prisons (Damage) Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of repairs to (a) prison roofs, and (b) prison property in general caused by prisoners during the year ended 31st December 1974 and for the latest convenient date in 1975. Dr. Summerskill The cost of repairing damage caused by prisoners to prison roofs in England and Wales in the years 1974 and 1975 was £13,000 and £25,000 respectively. The cost of repairing other damage to prison buildings caused by prisoners during these years was £103,000 and £114,000 respectively. Departmental Staff Mr. MacFarquhar asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost and number of people employed in his Department in 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74 and 1974–75. Mr. Roy Jenkins The information is as follows:--------- | | --------- |1970–71| --------- |1971–72| --------- |1972–73| --------- |1973–74| --------- |1974–75| --------- Mr. MacFarquhar asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of the numbers and salaries of the extra public relations and information officers recruited by his Department, and agencies for which it is responsible, between 1970–71, 1973–74 and 1974–75. Mr. Roy Jenkins Between 1st April 1970 and 1st April 1974 there was a net increase of four in the number of officers in the Information Officer Group in the Home Office and in agencies for which the Department is responsible. There was a further net increase of four between 1st April 1974 and 1st April 1975 in addition to two officers transferred to the Home Office from the former Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. The eight extra staff are paid on various national salary scales, ranging from £2,395 —£3,670 to £7,750—£9,350. Environment Trees Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take during the forthcoming year to encourage the planting of trees. Mr. Denis Howell My Department will continue within existing financial constraints to encourage the planting of trees directly by example, by publicity and in certain circumstances by financial assistance, and indirectly through the Countryside Commission and by support for the Tree Council. The latter are organising their second National Tree Week 6th-14th March, the main objects of which include promoting the replacement of trees dying of Dutch elm disease, and I shall personally be participating in this, as I hope will other hon. Members. Immigration Mr. Ronald Bell asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the amount of any charge upon the Consolidated Fund expected during the current financial year deriving from (a) any expense met directly by his Department and (b) central Government payments to local authorities occasioned in each case by New Commonwealth immigration and the problems resulting from it. Mr. John Silkin None. Any expenditure incurred by local authorities because of New Commonwealth immigration would be relevant expenditure for rate support grant purposes, but the total of any such expenditure cannot be separately identified. Manchester Airport Mr. Normanton asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will fix a date for a public hearing to take place about the proposed second runway for Manchester Airport. Mr. Oakes Arrangements for the public hearing of objections to planning applications for a second runway will be made as soon as possible after the applications have been called in for my right hon. Friend's decision. No planning applications have yet been made, however. Trunk Roads Dr. Edmund Marshall asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which trunk roads in England and Wales he proposes should cease to be trunk roads; and when he expects this change to take place. Dr. Gilbert We are asking local authorities to take over a number of roads whose trunk function has been lost to other roads. The total mileage which will be deleted from the network and the timing of such detrunking will depend on the outcome of current discussions.Trunk roads in Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. Housing Associations Sir George Young asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the current procedure for giving loan sanction to applications to purchase property by housing associations; and, if not, what proposals he has to improve the situation. Mr. Freeson I am broadly content with the project approval procedures worked out by the Department, in consultation with the Housing Corporation and the National Federation of Housing Associations. But, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 7th January, there has been a steep rise in the number of applications for grant and loan approvals for housing association schemes financed by local authorities, and it is necessary to control the number of approvals in order to contain public expenditure within the provision and to ensure that resources are directed in to the areas of greatest housing stress. Departmental Staff Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total cost of, and number of people employed in, his Department in 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74 and 1974–75. Mr. Crosland The information is as follows:------------- | | | | ------------- |1971–72|…|…| ------------- |1972–73|…|…| ------------- |1973–74|…|…| ------------- |1974–75|…|…| ------------- Caravans (Rating) Mr. Cordle asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will arrange the provision of some central Government financial aid to those local authorities compelled to increase their staff in order to deal with the additional administrative work involved in separate unit rating for caravans and in order that the authorities may be enabled properly to control their expenditure and limit rate increases;(2) if he will list each of the local authorities in England and Wales that will need to increase their staff, indicating in each case the number of additional staff required, in order to deal with the additional administrative work required to render a separate rating demand in respect of each holiday caravan instead of one demand in respect of each holiday caravan site;(3) whether, in order to assist local authorities to control their administrative expenditure and to limit the number of staff that they need to employ, he will introduce legislation to obviate the separate rating of individual holiday caravans, and to return to the previously recognised system whereby one rate demand was made in respect of each holiday caravan site. Mr. Oakes The Rating (Caravan Sites) Bill, which was introduced in another place on 19th December, makes provision for the valuation and rating as a single unit of leisure caravans, their pitches and sites. If enacted the Bill will avoid the increases in the staff of rating authorities which would be necessary if the present system continued. Hammersmith (St Paul's School Site) Mr. Stephen Ross asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he anticipates he will be in a position to give a decision on the development of the St. Paul's Field site at Hammersmith; and whether he is satisfied he has all the correct information before him relating to this matter and that no suitable alternative sites exist. Mr. John Silkin My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a wealth of information on this subject, including the matter of alternative sites. He hopes to take a decision soon. Elderly Persons (Numbers) Mr. Andrew F. Bennett asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the number of persons over the age of 65 years in each metropolitan district and non-metropolitan county. Mr. Crosland I would refer my hon. Friend to Table 3(b) of the Registrar General's "Annual Estimates of the Population of England and Wales and of Local Authority Areas 1973 and 1974" (HMSO). Estimates for 1975 are expected to be published in February. Mortgagors' Arrears Mr. R. C. Mitchell asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has received from local authorities concerning the increase in mortgage repayment arrears among those holding local authority mortgages. Mr. Armstrong Local authorities are not required to notify the Department of levels of mortgage repayment arrears, and such information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Details of arrears in some areas which have come to my notice incidentally as a result of inquiries into other matters suggest that, whilst arrears have risen in recent months, they do not at present give cause for serious concern. Bus Lanes Mr. Grylls asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to introduce legislation to prohibit the use of bus lanes by traffic other than buses during specified hours. Dr. Gilbert There are no such plans. Legislation already exists under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967 for this purpose. Tenants (Sub-Letting) Mr. O'Halloran asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with local authorities in London who are considering whether or not to allow council tenants to sublet; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Freeson The conditions of tenancy which housing authorities adopt, such as those relating to sub-letting, are matters for the authorities to decide. There have been no special consultations between my Department and local authorities in London on this subject, but advice given by my Department to local authorities generally has stressed the advantages which may be gained from sub-letting in areas of under-occupation. In particular we have pointed out the value to single people and small families of encouraging lodgers in under-used council properties. Disabled Persons (Home Insulation) Mr. Mike Thomas asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report the conditions that have to be met before local authorities may seek his Department's consent to make grants towards roof insulation for elderly and disabled persons who could not meet the cost without hardship. Mr. Freeson There are no formal conditions apart from the normal requirements applicable to all grant applications under the Housing Act 1974; but my right hon. Friend would expect local authorities to include a statement of their grounds for considering that the applicant could not reasonably meet the cost without grant aid. Windscreens Mr. Bradford asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for what reasons Her Majesty's Government oppose the EEC measure relating to the compulsory fitting of laminated windscreens to all new cars manufactured within the EEC. Dr. Gilbert The United Kingdom has concurred with the view of the majority of member States that there is insufficient evidence to justify such a step. Laminated and toughened glass windscreens alike can cause severe injury in accidents; but most of the injuries from windscreens would be avoided if people wore their seat belts. Housing Improvement Expenditure Mr. W. E. Garrett asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the allocations to local authorities in England for council house improvement in 1976–77 under Section 105 of the Housing Act 1974. Mr. Freeson The allocations are listed below. Priority was given to existing commitments; to conversions for housing gain; to the improvement of substandard acquired dwellings and of purpose-built council dwellings lacking standard amenities; to measures aimed at combating homelessness and to bring uninhabited dwellings back into use; and to remedy conditions likely to be injurious to health or safety.------------------------- | | | ------------------------- |SOUTH-WEST REGION | || ------------------------- |Avon County | || ------------------------- |Bath City |…| ------------------------- |Bristol City |…| ------------------------- |Kingswood |…| ------------------------- |Northavon |…| ------------------------- |Wansdyke |…| ------------------------- |Woodspring |…| ------------------------- |Cornwall County | || ------------------------- |Caradon |…| ------------------------- |Carrick |…| ------------------------- |Kerrier |…| ------------------------- |North Cornwall |…| ------------------------- |Penwith |…| ------------------------- |Restormel |…| ------------------------- |Devon County | || ------------------------- |East Devon |…| ------------------------- |Exeter City |…| ------------------------- |North Devon |…| ------------------------- |Plymouth City |…| ------------------------- |South Hams |…| ------------------------- |Teignbridge |…| ------------------------- |Tiverton |…| ------------------------- |Torbay |…| ------------------------- |Torridge |…| ------------------------- |West Devon |…| ------------------------- |Dorset County | || ------------------------- |Bournemouth |…| ------------------------- |Christchurch |…| ------------------------- |North Dorset |…| ------------------------- |Poole |…| ------------------------- |Purbeck |…| ------------------------- |West Dorset |…| ------------------------- |Weymouth and Portland|…| ------------------------- |Wimbourne |…| ------------------------- |Gloucester County | || ------------------------- |Cheltenham |…| ------------------------- |Cotswold |…| ------------------------- |Forest of Dean |…| ------------------------- |Gloucester |…| ------------------------- |Stroud |…| ------------------------- |Tewkesbury |…| ------------------------- |Somerset County | || ------------------------- |Mendip |…| ------------------------- |Sedgemoor |…| ------------------------- |Taunton Deane |…| ------------------------- |West Somerset |…| ------------------------- |Yeovil |…| ------------------------- |Wiltshire County | || ------------------------- |Kennet |…| ------------------------- |North Wiltshire |…| ------------------------- |Salisbury |…| ------------------------- |Thamesdown |…| ------------------------- |West Wiltshire |…| ------------------------- ------------------------ | | | ------------------------ |EASTERN REGION | || ------------------------ | | | ------------------------ |Bedfordshire |…| ------------------------ |Luton |…| ------------------------ |Mid Bedfordshire |…| ------------------------ |South Bedfordshire |…| ------------------------ | | | ------------------------ |Aylesbury Vale |…| ------------------------ |Beaconsfield |…| ------------------------ |Chiltern |…| ------------------------ |Milton Keynes |…| ------------------------ |Wycombe |…| ------------------------ | | | ------------------------ |Cambridge City |…| ------------------------ |East Cambridgeshire |…| ------------------------ |Fenland |…| ------------------------ |Huntingdon |…| ------------------------ |Peterborough |…| ------------------------ |South Cambridgeshire|…| ------------------------ | | | ------------------------ |Basildon |…| ------------------------ |Braintree |…| ------------------------ |Brentwood |…| ------------------------ |Castle Point |…| ------------------------ |Chelmsford |…| ------------------------ |Colchester |…| ------------------------ |Epping Forest |…| ------------------------ |Harlow |…| ------------------------ |Maldon |…| ------------------------ |Rochford |…| ------------------------ |Southend |…| ------------------------ |Tendring |…| ------------------------ |Thurrock |…| ------------------------ |Uttlesford |…| ------------------------ | | | ------------------------ |Broxbourne |…| ------------------------ |Dacorum |…| ------------------------ |East Hertfordshire |…| ------------------------ |Hertsmere |…| ------------------------ |North Hertfordshire |…| ------------------------ |St. Albans |…| ------------------------ |Stevenage |…| ------------------------ |Three Rivers |…| ------------------------ |Watford |…| ------------------------ |Welwyn Hatfield |…| ------------------------ | | | ------------------------ |Breckland |…| ------------------------ |Broadland |…| ------------------------ |Great Yarmouth |…| ------------------------ |North Norfolk |…| ------------------------ |Norwich |…| ------------------------ |South Norfolk |…| ------------------------ |West Norfolk |…| ------------------------ | | | ------------------------ |Babergh |…| ------------------------ |Forest Heath |…| ------------------------ |Ipswich |…| ------------------------ |Mid Suffolk |…| ------------------------ |St. Edmundsbury |…| ------------------------ |Suffolk Coastal |…| ------------------------ |Waveney |…| ------------------------ -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |SOUTH-EAST REGION | || -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Bracknell |…| -------------------------- |Newbury |…| -------------------------- |Reading |…| -------------------------- |Slough |…| -------------------------- |Windsor and Maidenhead|…| -------------------------- |Wokingham |…| -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Brighton |…| -------------------------- |Eastbourne |…| -------------------------- |Hastings |…| -------------------------- |Hove |…| -------------------------- |Lewes |…| -------------------------- |Rother |…| -------------------------- |Wealden |…| -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Basingstoke |…| -------------------------- |East Hants |…| -------------------------- |Eastleigh |…| -------------------------- |Fareham |…| -------------------------- |Gosport |…| -------------------------- |Hart |…| -------------------------- |Havant |…| -------------------------- |New Forest |…| -------------------------- |Portsmouth |…| -------------------------- |Rushmoor |…| -------------------------- |Southampton |…| -------------------------- |Test Valley |…| -------------------------- |Winchester |…| -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Medina |…| -------------------------- |South Wight |…| -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Ashford |…| -------------------------- |Canterbury City |…| -------------------------- |Dartford |…| -------------------------- |Dover |…| -------------------------- |Gillingham |…| -------------------------- |Gravesham |…| -------------------------- |Maidstone |…| -------------------------- |Medway |…| -------------------------- |Sevenoaks |…| -------------------------- |Shepway |…| -------------------------- |Swale |…| -------------------------- |Thanet |…| -------------------------- |Tonbridge and Malling |…| -------------------------- |Tunbridge Wells |…| -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Cherwell |…| -------------------------- |Oxford City |…| -------------------------- |South Oxfordshire |…| -------------------------- |Vale of White Horse |…| -------------------------- |West Oxfordshire |…| -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Elmbridge |…| -------------------------- |Epsom and Ewell |…| -------------------------- |Guildford |…| -------------------------- |Mole Valley |…| -------------------------- |Reigate/Banstead |…| -------------------------- |Runnymede |…| -------------------------- |Spelthorne |…| -------------------------- ----------------------------- | | | ----------------------------- |Surrey Heath |…| ----------------------------- |Tandridge |…| ----------------------------- |Waverley |…| ----------------------------- |Woking |…| ----------------------------- | | | ----------------------------- |Adur |…| ----------------------------- |Arun |…| ----------------------------- |Chichester |…| ----------------------------- |Crawley |…| ----------------------------- |Horsham |…| ----------------------------- |Mid Sussex |…| ----------------------------- |Worthing |…| ----------------------------- |EAST MIDLANDS REGION | || ----------------------------- | | | ----------------------------- |Amber Valley |…| ----------------------------- |Bolsover |…| ----------------------------- |Chesterfield |…| ----------------------------- |Derby |…| ----------------------------- |Erewash |…| ----------------------------- |High Peak |…| ----------------------------- |North East Derbyshire |…| ----------------------------- |South Derbyshire |…| ----------------------------- |West Derbyshire |…| ----------------------------- | | | ----------------------------- |Blaby |…| ----------------------------- |Charnwood |…| ----------------------------- |Harborough |…| ----------------------------- |Hinckley & Bosworth |…| ----------------------------- |Leicester City |…| ----------------------------- |North West Leicestershire|…| ----------------------------- |Oadby & Wigston |…| ----------------------------- |Rutland |…| ----------------------------- | | | ----------------------------- |Boston |…| ----------------------------- |East Lindsey |…| ----------------------------- |Lincoln |…| ----------------------------- |North Kesteven |…| ----------------------------- |South Holland |…| ----------------------------- |South Kesteven |…| ----------------------------- |West Lindsey |…| ----------------------------- | | | ----------------------------- |Corby |…| ----------------------------- |Daventry |…| ----------------------------- |East Northampton |…| ----------------------------- |Kettering |…| ----------------------------- |Northampton |…| ----------------------------- |South Northampton |…| ----------------------------- |Wellingborough |…| ----------------------------- | | | ----------------------------- |Ashfield |…| ----------------------------- |Bassetlaw |…| ----------------------------- |Broxtowe |…| ----------------------------- |Gedling |…| ----------------------------- |Mansfield |…| ----------------------------- |Newark |…| ----------------------------- |Nottingham City |…| ----------------------------- |Rushcliffe |…| ----------------------------- |WEST MIDLAND REGION | || ----------------------------- | | | ----------------------------- |Bromsgrove |…| ----------------------------- |Hereford |…| ----------------------------- |Leominster |…| ----------------------------- ------------------------------- | | ------------------------------- |WEST MIDLAND REGION || ------------------------------- | | ------------------------------- |Malvern Hills | ------------------------------- |Redditch | ------------------------------- |South Hereford | ------------------------------- |Worcester | ------------------------------- |Wychavon | ------------------------------- |Wyre Forest | ------------------------------- | | ------------------------------- |Bridgnorth | ------------------------------- |North Shropshire | ------------------------------- |Oswestry | ------------------------------- |Shrewsbury | ------------------------------- |South Shropshire | ------------------------------- |Wrekin | ------------------------------- | | ------------------------------- |Cannock Chase | ------------------------------- |East Staffordshire | ------------------------------- |Lichfield | ------------------------------- |Newcastle-under-Lyme | ------------------------------- |South Staffordshire | ------------------------------- |Stafford | ------------------------------- |Staff Moorlands | ------------------------------- |Stoke-on-Trent | ------------------------------- |Tamworth | ------------------------------- | | ------------------------------- |North Warwickshire | ------------------------------- |Nuneaton | ------------------------------- |Rugby | ------------------------------- |Stratford-on-Avon | ------------------------------- |Warwick | ------------------------------- | | ------------------------------- |Birmingham | ------------------------------- |Coventry | ------------------------------- |Dudley | ------------------------------- |Sandwell | ------------------------------- |Solihull | ------------------------------- |Walsall | ------------------------------- |Wolverhampton | ------------------------------- |YORKS & HUMBERSIDE REGION|| ------------------------------- | | ------------------------------- |Beverley | ------------------------------- |Boothferry | ------------------------------- |Cleethorpes | ------------------------------- |Glanford | ------------------------------- |Grimsby | ------------------------------- |Holderness | ------------------------------- |Kingston-on-Hull | ------------------------------- |North Wolds | ------------------------------- |Scunthorpe | ------------------------------- | | ------------------------------- |Craven | ------------------------------- |Hambleton | ------------------------------- |Harrogate | ------------------------------- |Richmondshire | ------------------------------- |Ryedale | ------------------------------- |Scarborough | ------------------------------- |Selby | ------------------------------- |York | ------------------------------- | | ------------------------------- |Barnsley | ------------------------------- |Doncaster | ------------------------------- ---------------------- | | | ---------------------- |Rotherham |…| ---------------------- |Sheffield |…| ---------------------- | | | ---------------------- |Bradford |…| ---------------------- |Calderdale |…| ---------------------- |Kirklees |…| ---------------------- |Leeds |…| ---------------------- |Wakefield |…| ---------------------- |NORTH-WEST REGION | || ---------------------- | | | ---------------------- |Chester |…| ---------------------- |Congleton |…| ---------------------- |Crewe and Nantwich|…| ---------------------- |Ellesmere Port |…| ---------------------- |Halton |…| ---------------------- |Macclesfield |…| ---------------------- |Vale Royal |…| ---------------------- |Warrington |…| ---------------------- | | | ---------------------- |Bolton |…| ---------------------- |Bury |…| ---------------------- |Manchester |…| ---------------------- |Oldham |…| ---------------------- |Rochdale |…| ---------------------- |Salford City |…| ---------------------- |Stockport |…| ---------------------- |Tameside |…| ---------------------- |Trafford |…| ---------------------- |Wigan |…| ---------------------- | | | ---------------------- |Blackburn |…| ---------------------- |Blackpool |…| ---------------------- |Burnley |…| ---------------------- |Chorley |…| ---------------------- |Fylde |…| ---------------------- |Hyndburn |…| ---------------------- |Lancaster |…| ---------------------- |Pendle |…| ---------------------- |Preston |…| ---------------------- |Ribble Valley |…| ---------------------- |Rossendale |…| ---------------------- |South Ribble |…| ---------------------- |West Lancashire |…| ---------------------- |Wyre |…| ---------------------- | | | ---------------------- |Knowsley |…| ---------------------- |Liverpool City |…| ---------------------- |St. Helens |…| ---------------------- |Sefton |…| ---------------------- |Wirral |…| ---------------------- |NORTHERN REGION | || ---------------------- | | | ---------------------- |Hartlepool |…| ---------------------- |Langbaurgh |…| ---------------------- |Middlesbrough |…| ---------------------- |Stockton on Tees |…| ---------------------- | | | ---------------------- |Allerdale |…| ---------------------- |Barrow |…| ---------------------- |Carlisle |…| ---------------------- |Copeland |…| ---------------------- |Eden |…| ---------------------- |South Lakeland |…| ---------------------- -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |NORTHERN REGION | || -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Chcster-le-Street |…| -------------------------- |Darlington |…| -------------------------- |Derwentside |…| -------------------------- |Durham |…| -------------------------- |Easington |…| -------------------------- |Sedgefield |…| -------------------------- |Teesdale |…| -------------------------- |Wear Valley |…| -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Alnwick |…| -------------------------- |Berwick |…| -------------------------- |Blyth Valley |…| -------------------------- |Castle Morpeth |…| -------------------------- |Tynedale |…| -------------------------- |Wansbeck |…| -------------------------- | | | -------------------------- |Gateshead |…| -------------------------- |Newcastle-upon-Tyne |…| -------------------------- |North Tyneside |…| -------------------------- |South Tyneside |…| -------------------------- |Sunderland |…| -------------------------- |LONDON | || -------------------------- |GLC |…| -------------------------- |City of London |…| -------------------------- |Barking |…| -------------------------- |Barnet |…| -------------------------- |Bexley | | -------------------------- |Brent |…| -------------------------- |Bromley |…| -------------------------- |Camden |…| -------------------------- |Croydon |…| -------------------------- |Ealing |…| -------------------------- |Enfield |…| -------------------------- |Greenwich |…| -------------------------- |Hackney |…| -------------------------- |Hammersmith |…| -------------------------- |Haringey |…| -------------------------- |Harrow |…| -------------------------- |Havering |…| -------------------------- |Hillingdon |…| -------------------------- |Hounslow |…| -------------------------- |Islington |…| -------------------------- |Kensington and Chelsea|…| -------------------------- |Kingston upon Thames |…| -------------------------- |Lambeth |…| -------------------------- |Lewisham |…| -------------------------- |Merton |…| -------------------------- |Newham |…| -------------------------- |Redbridge |…| -------------------------- |Richmond upon Thames |…| -------------------------- |South wark |…| -------------------------- |Sutton |…| -------------------------- |Tower Hamlets |…| -------------------------- |Waltham Forest |…| -------------------------- |Wandsworth |…| -------------------------- |Westminster |…| -------------------------- National Finance Chilean Debts Mr. Newens asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to renegotiate the Chilean debt to Great Britain at the forthcoming meeting of the Club of Paris; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Dell We are informed that the Chilean Government have no present intention of asking their creditors to reschedule debts falling due for payment in 1976. I should make it clear, however, that Her Majesty's Government remain unwilling to consider requests for debt rescheduling while Chile maintains her present attitude to human rights. Mr. Newens asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a list of repayments due on Chilean debts to Great Britain on which Chile has defaulted and the total amount outstanding. Mr. Dell Except for debts which matured in 1975 Chile's debts already due for payment to the United Kingdom are the subject of rescheduling agreements, under which her payments are up to date. The total amount outstanding on debts falling due for payment in 1975 is approximately £11 million. At 1st January 1976 Chile's total outstanding debt to us was estimated at £100–105 million. Northern Ireland Director Of Public Prosecutions (Summonses) Mr. Wm. Ross asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many summonses have been served on behalf of the DPP in each of the areas covered by the Rosemount, Victoria and Waterside police stations in 1973, 1974 and 1975 to the latest available date; and what is the approximate population in each of these areas. Mr. Merlyn Rees I understand that the number of summonses served by the police following direction for prosecution issued by the Director of Public Prosections are as follows:------------- | | | ------------- |Rosemount|…| ------------- |Victoria |…| ------------- |Waterside|…| ------------- The RUC exercise their powers fully throughout the city, and the figures reflect an encouraging reduction in petty criminal activity. The approximate population figures are as follows: Rosemount, 40,000; Victoria, 15,000; Waterside, 30,000. Rolls-Royce Factory (Dundonald) Mr. Kilfedder asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he is having with Rolls-Royce about the use that is to be made of the Dundonald factory. Mr. Orme As was announced on 29th December, following the decision of Rolls-Royce (1971) Limited to close its factory at Dundonald my right hon. Friend invited Short Brothers & Harland Limited to examine the possibility of absorbing the Dundonald plant into its opreations. Rolls-Royce has undertaken to co-operate fully with Shorts in this study, and I am keeping in close touch with both companies as the exercise proceeds. Security Operations (South Armagh) Mr. Brittan asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current strength of the security forces in South Armagh. Mr. Merlyn Rees It would not be in the interests of security to give this information. Border Roads Mr. Brittan asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether any IRA road blocks have been discovered in South Armagh since 1969; and, if so, how many, when and where. Mr. Merlyn Rees I shall reply to the hon. Member's Question as soon as possible. Mr. Brittan asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now permit the security forces to place antipersonnel devices in the craters on the roads in Northern Ireland that are cratered in order to limit cross-border traffic. Mr. Merlyn Rees A number of measures to improve security in border areas were announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in the House on 12th January 1976.—[Vol. 903, c. 28–29.] The position of border roads is kept under continuous review, but the use of mines and similar devices is not at present contemplated. Vehicles And Drivers Mr. Brittan asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will take steps to ensure that all motorists in Northern Ireland are required to carry documentation to prove that they are the authorised driver of a legally owned car;(2) if he will introduce and implement a policy of impounding all vehicles that are found in Northern Ireland in circumstances giving reasonable grounds for the belief that they are either not taxed or insured. Mr. Merlyn Rees Vehicles and motorists in Northern Ireland are already subject to special legislation and extensive checks by the security forces which are designed to frustrate and detect terrorists. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 12th January 1976—[Vol. 903, c. 29]—the Government are studying urgently a number of measures for the greater control of vehicle movement in the context of security on the border. Mr. Brittan asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to enable members of the security forces in Northern Ireland who stop vehicles to check immediately by means of a computer system whether the registration number of the vehicle is the correct one, what the name and address of the owner of the vehicle is and whether it is suspected to have been stolen. Mr. Merlyn Rees I shall reply to the hon. Member's Question as soon as possible. Explosives Mr. Brittan asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidents involving the case of mines or booby traps occurred in 1975 (a) in Northern Ireland and (b) in South Armagh. Mr. Merlyn Rees I shall reply to the hon. Member's Question as soon as possible. Suspected Terrorists (Casualties) Mr. Brittan asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many terrorists have been killed or injured in combat by the security forces in 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975. Mr. Merlyn Rees I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Londonderry (Mr. Ross) on 12th January.—[Vol. 903, c. 86]. Security Forces (Arms) Mr. Brittan asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the security forces in Northern Ireland are equipped with and permitted to use (a) automatic weapons from helicopters, (b) grenades,------------------------------------------ | | ------------------------------------------ |Number of staff employed | ------------------------------------------ |Administrative expenses and salary costs| ------------------------------------------ Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Lord President of the Council by how many the number of civil servants in his Department and other categories of public sector officials, including any industrial civil servants, increased between 1970–71 and 1974–75. Mr. Edward Short The increase in Privy Council Office staff between 1970–71 and 1974–75 was seven. Overseas Development Sierra Leone (Health Services) Mr. Peter Mills asked the Minister for Overseas Development what further steps he proposes to take to help the rural health services in Sierra Leone; and whether he has yet had a report from the Sierra Leone Government. Mr. Prentice United Kingdom officials have had some informal discussions on rural health services both in Sierra Leone and this country, but no request for help has yet been received from the Sierra Leone Government. Until it is, I cannot consider what help might be given. Brikama College, Gambia Mr. Peter Mills asked the Minister for Overseas Development, now that the Gambia Government have considered the problem of Brikama College and the increased costs, what further financial aid he proposes to give to finish building this project. (c) mortars, (d) Claymore mines, and (e) phosphorous smoke grenades. Mr. Merlyn Rees I shall reply to the hon. Member's Question as soon as possible. Privy Council Office Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Lord President of the Council what was the total cost of, and number of people employed in, his Department in 1970–71. 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74 and 1974–75. Mr. Edward Short The information is as follows: Mr. Prentice Until I receive proposals from the Gambian Government I cannot consider the question of further aid. Social Services National Health Service (Staff And Beds) Mr. John Evans asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the approximate number of clerical staff employed in the National Health service in 1959 and in the latest year for which figures are available; and what was the number of hospital beds occupied per day in each of those years. Mr. Meacher 1974 is the latest year for which figures are available. The information requested is as below:-------------------------------------------------------- | | -------------------------------------------------------- |Clerical staff employed in the National Health Service| -------------------------------------------------------- |Hospital beds occupied per day | -------------------------------------------------------- |Discharges from NHS hospitals | -------------------------------------------------------- NOTES:1. Clerical staff include higher clerical officers and clerical officers but exclude secretaries and typists. Staff figures are in whole-time equivalents.2. Figures exclude clerical staff employed on family practitioner services, Prescription Pricing Authority, Dental Estimates Board, primary health care and their counterparts prior to the reorganisation of the National Health Service on 1st April 1974. Kidney Machines Mr. Kilroy-Silk asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will give an assurance that she will not adopt the policy of reducing the number of kidney machines. Dr. Owen It is for health authorities to determine their priorities within available resources, having regard to their responsibility for providing a balanced system of health care. We have no plans to advise authorities to reduce numbers of kidney machines or other services for chronic renal failure. Cornish Babies Mr. Pardoe asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to ensure that Cornish babies born in Plymouth, Devon, against the will of their parents, are registered as having been born in Cornwall. Dr. Owen No. The Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 requires every birth to be recorded in the register kept by the registrar for the sub-district in which the child was born, and the prescribed form of entry in the register includes the place of the child's birth. It would be a falsification of the register to record a place of birth other than that where the child was actually born.Where a birth occurs elsewhere than at the mother's home her usual address is also shown in the entry. Pensioners (Fuel Costs) Mr. Stott asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will introduce legislation to provide for a lump sum payment to assist pensioners to meet the increased cost of fuel this winter. Mr. O'Malley We have considered this, but the cost of such a payment would be substantial and, in the Government's view, cannot be met in current economic circumstances. For instance, a payment of £10 a person would cost £90 million to £100 million tax free. In coming to this decision after full consideration the Government have had in mind that the purchasing power of the pension has been safeguarded by two increases in the course of 1975; that the discretionary heating additions payable with supplementary benefit to some 800,000 people were also substantially improved in November; and that lump-sum payments are in any event an arbitarary and unselective method of giving extra cash help. Scotland Dundee Airport Mr. Gordon Wilson asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance will be given to upgrade Dundee Airport. Mr. Clinton Davis I have been asked to reply.The upgrading of Dundee Airport is a matter for the Tayside Regional Council which owns it. I have received no application for assistance from the Council. Music Teaching Mr. Dalyell asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive the report of the working party of the Consultative Committee on the Curriculum considering the question of music in schools; and if he will make a statement. Mr. William Ross I expect to receive the report of the working party before the end of this year. I will consider what guidance I should issue on the subject of music education in schools in the light of the recommendations made in the report and of advice which I shall seek from the Consultative Committee on the Curriculum. Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs Convention On The Recognition And Enforcement Of Foreign Arbitral Awards Mr. Dudley Smith asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries, which were party to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, have so far ratified the Convention. Mr. Ennals The following are parties to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards by ratification: BelgiumBulgariaByelorussiaCzechoslovakiaEcuadorFinlandFranceFederal Republic of GermanyIndiaIsraelNetherlandsPhilippinesPolandSoviet UnionSri LankaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineThe United Kingdom is a party by accession, as are also the following: AustraliaAustriaBenin (formerly Dahomey)BotswanaCambodiaCentral African RepublicDenmarkEgyptGerman Democratic RepublicGhanaGreeceHoly SeeHungaryItalyJapanRepublic of KoreaMalagasy RepublicMexicoMoroccoNigerNigeriaNorwayRomaniaSyriaTanzaniaThailandTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaUnited States of America Departmental Staff Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total cost of, and number of people employed in his Department in 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74 and 1974–75, excluding those employed on overseas aid matters. Mr. Ennals The total cost of, and number of people employed in, my Department during the following years were: ----------- |1970–71|…| ----------- |1971–72|…| ----------- |1972–73|…| ----------- |1973–74|…| ----------- |1974–75|…| ----------- ----------- |1970–71|…| ----------- |1971–72|…| ----------- |1972–73|…| ----------- |1973–74|…| ----------- |1974–75|…| ----------- ----------- |1970–71|…| ----------- |1971–72|…| ----------- |1972–73|…| ----------- |1973–74|…| ----------- |1974–75|…| ----------- Industry Television Tubes Mr. Michael McGuire asked the Secretion of the television tube manufacturing tary of State for Industry what criteria he used in the course of his recent investigaindustry, to judge whether or not the Thorn TV tube factory in Skelmersdale could survive in a restricted British TV tube manufacturing industry, assuming the absence of any controls on television tube imports into this country. Mr. Kaufman We related expected future demand for colour television tubes to the total production capacity in the United Kingdom to establish whether there was a rôle on a viable basis for Thorn Colour Tubes Limited's factory. Mr. Michael McGuire asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will define the terms of reference of his Department's recent inquiry into the restructuring of the British television colour tube manufacturing industry. Mr. Kaufman The inquiry had no formal terms of reference. Its object was to consider whether the colour television tube industry could be restructured in a way which would strengthen its competitiveness and provide if possible a continued rôle for the facilities at Skelmersdale. Chrysler (Uk) Ltd Mr. Michael Marshall asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the estimated cost of moving the Chrysler Ryton assembly plant in Coventry which produces the Avenger to the Linwood assembly plant in Scotland. Mr. Kaufman I cannot divulge commercially confidential information about the operating plans and costs of Chrysler (United Kingdom). Departmental Staff Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Secretary of State for Industry what was the total cost of, and number of people employed in, his Department in 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74 and 1974–75. Mr. Kaufman The Department was created on 5th March 1974. The average number of people employed during the financial year 1974–75 was 10,160 and their gross cost, exclusive of receipts arising from departmental fees and charges, was £38,480,000. Skelmersdale New Town Mr. Michael McGuire asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, because of increasing unemployment in the Skelmersdale New Town, he will consider giving extra financial inducements to industrialists over and above the existing level of grant aid, to encourage them to come to the new town; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Gregor Mackenzie Skelmersdale New Town as part of the Merseyside special development area already qualifies for the highest rate of regional development grant. In addition there are wide powers under Part II of the Industry Act to provide selective assistance, and these will be used to the full to help the creation of new jobs at Skelmersdale. Wales House Building Mr. Wigley asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many houses were built in Wales in the first quarter of 1975 in the public and private sector; and how those figures compare with the previous year. Mr. Alec Jones I refer the hon. Member to Table 2.27 of the Digest of Welsh Statistics No. 21, a copy of which is in the Library. Trade Washing Machines (Imports) Mr. Wigley asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received concerning the increased volume of imports of washing machines; and what steps he proposes to take to overcome the problems created by this trend. Mr. Deakins My right hon. Friend has received several representations drawing attention to the effects of imports of washing machines and suggesting the possibility of introducing some form of import controls. On the question of import controls I have nothing to add to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Merioneth (Mr. Thomas) on 19th December.—[Vol. 901 c. 896] Ussr Mr. Wyn Roberts asked the Secretary of State for Trade what British industrial projects are under consideration for participation in their construction by Russian industrial organisations, following recent discussions with the Russian Minister for Trade in London. Mr. Deakins The Anglo-Soviet Long Term Economic and Industrial Co-operation Programme lists certain sectors where the USSR is interested in participating in the construction, expansion and modernisation of industrial enterprises in this country. Any participation would be a matter for commercial negotiation between the British industries and the Russian organisations concerned. There has been some general exploratory discussion, but I am not aware of any specific projects which are currently under negotiation. Duchy Of Lancaster Mr. Wrigglesworth asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster by how many the number of civil servants in his Department and other categories of public sector officials, including any industrial civil servants, increased between 1970–71 and 1974–75. Mr. Lever As regards my stall within the Cabinet Office, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 14th January 1976. The number of staff in the Duchy of Lancaster Office, which is not a Government Department, has not increased since 1970–71 Agriculture, Fisheries And Food Potatoes Mr. Mitchell asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will have urgent talks with Great Britain's EEC partners with a view to suspending the tariff on the imports of potatoes from non-EEC countries. Mr. Bishop The EEC Commission has been asked by the United Kingdom to consider urgently with the member States a temporary suspension of duties on new and maincrop potatoes from outside the Community. Peacehaven Estate, Sussex Mr. Rooker asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action his Department is taking to locate the remaining 2,608 owners of unclaimed plots at Peacehaven Estate, Sussex, following compulsory purchase in 1960. Mr. Strang Notices were posted on the land and published in local papers before the land was compulsorily purchased in 1960. I have no reason to believe that further publicity would provoke a response commensurate with its cost. Glasshouses (Storm Damage) Mr. Pym asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list his Department's estimate of the damage inflicted on the glasshouse sector of horticulture by the recent storm (a) by counties, (b) for each land settlement association and (c) in total. Mr. Strang It is difficult to put a precise value on the damage sustained by glasshouses, including plastic structures, during the recent storm. About 25 acres of glass—about ½ per cent. of the total—were demolished, mainly in the West Midlands, East Anglia and the Lea Valley. There was, in addition, less severe damage to glass in these and other areas. Most of the glass demolished was old, but the current cost of replacing 25 acres with modern glass would be up to £1 million.Some 100 acres of plastic structures, about one-third of the national acreage, were damaged. The estimated insured value of the damage sustained on Land Settlement Association Estates is as follows:--------------- | | | --------------- |Foxash |…| --------------- |Fen Drayton|…| --------------- |Abington |…| --------------- |Chawston |…| --------------- |Potton |…| --------------- |Fulney |…| --------------- |Newbourn |…| --------------- |Snaith |…| --------------- |Newent |…| --------------- |Sidlesham |…| --------------- |Total LSA |…| ---------------