Written Answers Written Answers To Questions Friday 19 July 1985 Transport British Rail Engineering Ltd Mr. Corbyn asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the number of former British Rail Engineering Ltd. employees at Shildon who were placed in employment by the British Rail Engineering Ltd. holding company set up for this purpose. Mr. David Mitchell I understand that British Rail Engineering's three-year programme with the Shildon and Sedgefield development agency has already created 365 new jobs since it started at the end of last year. About 145 of these have been taken up by former BREL employees. The firms already assisted by BREL offer a potential for a total of 870 jobs over the next three years. I welcome this achievement by BREL and the local agencies involved. Freight Trains (Timekeeping) Mr. Corbyn asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the timekeeping of freight trains on the British Rail network, and as to the causes of delays in each of the last three years. Mr. David Mitchell This is a matter of management for British Rail. Mr. Corbyn asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he was consulted by the British Railways Board before the decision was taken to close the British Railways Engineering Ltd. workshops at Swindon; and if he will make a statement. Mr. David Mitchell The decision is a management matter for the British Railways Board and British Rail Engineering Limited, who informed me and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, in advance, before putting a proposal for closure to their trades unions for consultation. Education And Science University Lecturers Dr. Hampson asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what the maximum of the university lecturer grade represents as a proportion of average earnings in this country; if he will list the salaries of the equivalent level in universities in the United States of America, Japan, West Germany, Canada, France, the Netherlands and Australia; and what these represent as a proportion of average earnings in those countries. Sir Keith Joseph The maximum of the lecturer grade in universities in Great Britain stands at £14,925 with effect from 1 April 1984 which represents 1·8 times the average annual earnings at that date. Information on university lecturers salaries in the other countries mentioned is not available. Higher Education Mr. Hancock asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will lodge in the Library such submissions as have been made on the recent Green Paper on higher education; and if he will list all bodies and organisations which have made such submissions. Mr. Brooke No. Bodies and individuals submitting comments on the Green Paper on higher education must decide for themselves whether to publish them and if so how. Science Budget Mr. Hancock asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the planned figures, in 1985 terms, for the next three years for the science budget for universities, polytechnics and the National Advisory Board institutions in the public sector. Mr. Brooke The Government's expenditure plans for higher education from 1985–86 to 1987–88 are set out in Cmnd. 9428: figures for the local authority sector for 1986–87 are provisional only and for 1987–88 cannot yet be disaggregated from overall totals for local authority spending on education. In no sector of higher education is it possible to allocate planned expenditure between science and other subject areas. Universities and public sector institutions will also receive funding from the research councils for specific projects: total planned expenditure is given in Cmnd. 9428 but it is not possible to say in advance what sums will be allocated to universities and public sector institutions. "Geology And Wealth: The Future" Mr. Latham asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response he intends to make to the report entitled, "Geology and Wealth: the Future", prepared by a committee under the chairmanship of the president of the Institution of Geologists, a copy of which has been sent to him. Mr. Brooke My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to respond. If any substantive response is made my hon. Friend will be sent a copy of it in due course. British Geological Survey Mr. Latham asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for the City of London and Westminster, South (Mr. Brooke) has made to the letter to him dated 13 June from Professor D. M. Kürsten of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources in Hanover, criticising the inclusion within the scope of the Natural Environment Research Council of the British geological survey. Mr. Brooke I have replied as follows: Thank you for your letter of 13 June about the British Geological Survey (BGS).I understand that it is generally true that in other countries the equivalent of the geological survey is organised differently than in this country. The present chain from central Government to BGS may seem long but it has parallels in other parts of publicly funded research and allied activities. It is only recently that the arrangement has been questioned and many believe that it has worked well over the years.Much of the unease within BGS stems from the publication of NERC's corporate plan on 14 February 1985. All the researchcouncils have been encouraged to produce corporate plans by both this Department and the Advisory Board for the Research Councils. I have given my full support to these moves as the production of a corporate plan is a valuable tool in the Government's financial management initiative and the development of greater efficiency and value for money in the public sector. The plan is essentially a document prepared by management explaining how a council intends to pursue its objectives with the resources available.The NERC and the ABRC are well aware of the problems relating to the funding of the BGS and they are paying particular attention to them.Your offer to evaluate and review the work of the BGS has been noted.Thank you for your interest. Mr. Latham asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response he has made to the letter to him dated 24 June from Dr. V. S. Colter of Plascom Ltd. regarding the surveying work of the British geological survey. Mr. Brooke The Department's reply made the following points: 1. A few years ago some 80 per cent. of British Geological Survey (BGS) expenditure had been met by commissioned receipts. By the 1983–84 financial year this had fallen to 61 per cent. and is continuing to decline.2. Over a similar period, following advice from the advisory Board for the Research Councils, the NERC share of the science budget had gone down slightly apart from a specific increase for Antarctic research. This decrease, though slight, had compounded the effects of the reduction in commissioned research income.3. There was little potential for making good the shortfall in commissioned funds for geology by an increase in the science Vote contribution though this had been done by NERC in 1982–83 and 1983–84.4. The reduction in commissioned funds had particularly affected those programmes of a strategic nature such as the systematic regional geological survey of the United Kingdom landmass, which had been funded by a consortium of customer departments until that consortium had been disbanded in 1981. Since then, regional geological surveying had been supported primarily from the science budget.5. The letter repeated an assurance given by Mr. Hugh Fish, chairman of NERC, that a geological survey will remain an essential part of the council's programme. Mr. Latham asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will invite the chairmen of the Advisory Board for Research Councils and the Natural Environment Research Council to an early meeting with him to discuss the report by the Royal Society's working party on geophysics research, with a view to remedial action; and whether he will make a statement. Mr. Brooke No. I understand, however that the chairman of the Advisory Board for the Research Councils has agreed with the Chairman of the Natural Environment Research Council that the issues raised in the report of the Royal Society's working party on the support of geophysics in the United Kingdom should be discussed by the advisory board in October this year. Mr. Latham asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will invite the chairmen of the Advisory Board for Research Councils and the Natural Environment Research Council to an early meeting with him to discuss the independence of the proposed inquiry into geological surveying and its terms of reference; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Brooke While my right hon. Friend is aware that the Advisory Board for the Research Councils (ABRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) are proposing to set up a study into geological surveying work, the composition of the study team is a matter for the ABRC and the NERC. This also applies to the terms of reference, though my right hon. Friend is broadly aware that the group will consider the need for, the resources required to provide for the appropriate responsibilities for paying for geological surveying in the United Kingdom. Biology Students Mr. Nicholls asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received recently about alternatives to dissection in courses for biology students; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Dunn My right hon. Friend has not received any recent representations about alternatives to dissection for biology courses in schools. Decisions on the use of alternative material are for the schools themselves; the Government have no plans to seek to issue guidance on this matter. Trade And Industry Telecommunications (Network Services) Mr. Neil Hamilton asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if telex store and forward services will continue to be considered a value added network service under new licencing requirements. Mr. Pattie The Government's proposals for the future licensing of value added and data services are set out in their consultative document published on 6 June, copies of which are in the Library. Comments on these proposals have been invited by 31 July and the proposals will then be reviewed in the light of the comments received. Libya Mr. Ron Brown asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about trade relations with Libya. Mr. Channon In the first five months of 1985, United Kingdom exports to Libya (fob) were valued at £105,778,000 and United Kingdom imports from Libya (cif) at £107,972,000. Paper And Board Imports Mr. Proctor asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the quantity of imports of paper and board into the United Kingdom from the rest of the EEC in 1983 and 1984; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Channon The United Kingdom imported 770,000 tonnes of paper and paperboard from the rest of the European Community in 1983, and 852,000 tonnes in 1984. Prime Minister Ec (Expenditure) Mr. Austin Mitchell asked the Prime Minister what steps she is taking to persuade the European Economic Community to reduce expenditure; and if she will publish in the Official Report a table showing the percentage increase in European Economic Community spending since 1980, the percentage increase in the United Kingdom gross contribution, and the percentage increase in spending under the United Kingdom budget. The Prime Minister In accordance with the Council's conclusions on budget discipline, the 8 June ECOFIN Council reached an agreement by qualified majority to fix the reference framework for Community expenditure in 1986 at 29·7 billion ecu (about £17 billion). Within the framework, agricultural expenditure is constrained by the financial guideline, which requires that agricultural guarantee spending should increase by less than the rate of growth of the own resources base.The information requested is set out. The increase in the United Kingdom's gross contributions to the European Economic Community does not take account of the offsetting effect of the rebates it has received. These rebates effectively reduce the total gross payments during the period 1980 to 1984 by about 25 per cent. In addition, the United Kingdom will benefit from an abatement of its 1985 VAT payments of 1000 Mecu in respect of its excessive contribution to the 1984 Community budget. The calendar year is not an accounting period for the purposes of United Kingdom public expenditure. Information on the percentage increase in spending under the United Kingdom budget is available only for financial years. (i) Percentage increase in European Community spending between 1980 and 1984–68·4 per cent.(ii) Percentage increase in the United Kingdom's gross contribution between 1980 and 1984–74·1 per cent.(iii) Percentage increase in United Kingdom General Government expenditure for the financial years 1980–81 to 1984–85–38 per cent. Figures derived from the following sources (i) and (ii) European Community Court of Auditors report (final budget figures and actual own resources) and the supplementary and amending budget No. 1 of 1984. (iii) Public expenditure White Paper—Cmnd. 9428, and FSBR—HC 265. Geological Survey Mr. Latham asked the Prime Minister what response she has made to the letter to her dated 24 April from Sir Peter Kent, F.R.S., about the inclusion within the scope of the Natural Environment Research Council of the British geological survey. The Prime Minister My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science replied to Sir Peter Kent's letter on my behalf. He said that there is general agreement about the need for geological surveying, both to underpin basic research in the earth sciences and because of its practical relevance. He referred to the recent reductions in the funds received by the Natural Environment Research Council for commissioned research. He explained that it was primarily this reduction, and future prospects on the level of support from Departments, that had led the Advisory Board for the Research Councils (ABRC) to conclude that a study of geological surveying should be carried out.I understand that the study will be jointly set up by the ABRC and the NERC and will look into the need for, the resources required to provide, and the appropriate responsibilities for paying for geological surveying in the United Kingdom. The group's report will be submitted to the chairmen of these bodies. National Finance North Sea Oil Mr. Austin Mitchell asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much revenue from North Sea oil will be reduced in the current financial year compared with the estimate if the current£sterling price is maintained for the rest of the financial year. Mr. Moore I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Wainwright) on 27 June 1985 at column 489. Married Women Mr. Austin Mitchell asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the estimated number of earning wives and (a) the number of taxpaying wives ranged by the couples' joint taxable income and of wives ranged by wife's income, on the same basis as in his predecessor's written answer dated 28 March 1983, Official Report, column 59;(2) whether he will publish in the Official Report a table on the lines of his predecessor's written answer dated 28 March 1983, Official Report, column 59, showing the number and cost of wife's earnings election at various levels of joint total income under the existing tax regime and under an alternative which provided for (a) an increase in married and single allowances to £4,500 and £2,250, respectively, (b) two reduced rate bands of £1,000 at 10 per cent. and 20 per cent., respectively, (c) a standard rate band of £5,000 at 30 per cent. followed by (d) three higher rate bands of £4,000 and four of £5,000 all in 5 percentage point steps, but making no provision for any other allowances. Mr. Moore I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible. Friendly Societies Mr. Burt asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will be consulting the representative bodies of the various groups of societies for which the registry of friendly societies is responsible about the proposed fees to recover its full costs. Mr. Ian Stewart The Government have already indicated in the Green Paper "Building Societies: A New Framework" that the registry's powers to charge fees should be extended so that it can recover its full costs from the groups of societies for which it is responsible. The necessary provision for charges to building societies will be included in the forthcoming building society legislation. The Government are considering whether to include provisions in respect of the other groups of societies in the same legislation or whether to provide for it when there is next legislation affecting other groups of societies. I can assure my lion. Friend that before the orders setting out the fee scales are drafted, there will be consultations on the structure of the scales required to achieve the objective of full recovery of costs in respect of each group. Ec (Own Resources) Mr. Michael Forsyth asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the payment in July of June non-value added tax own resources to the European Communities. Mr. Ian Stewart In accordance with article 10(2) of Council regulation 2891/77, the Commission has invited member states to pay on 22 July instead of 20 August non-VAT own resources collected in June. These own resources consist of agricultural, sugar and isoglucose levies and customs duties. The Government are complying with this request.An amount not exceeding £118·4 million will be paid on 22 July: the payment of levies and duties on 20 August 1985 which is made under section 2(3) of the European Communities Act 1972 will be reduced by an appropriate amount. There will therefore be no net addition to public expenditure. Banking Supervision Mr. Cash asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how consultation is to be conducted on the report of the committee set up to consider the system of banking supervision, Cmnd. 9550. Mr. Lawson The Bank of England is publishing today two consultative papers, one entitled "Banking Act 1979; Proposals for Legislative Change" and the other "Large Exposures Undertaken by Institutions Authorised Under the Banking Act 1979." Copies of these papers have been sent to all institutions authorised under the Banking Act 1979, and to the main banking associations. The Bank of England has also invited representations from any interested individuals, institutions or representative bodies.Copies of the two papers have been placed in the Library of the House. A third paper, on the proposed new arrangements between the Bank of England supervisors and the auditors of authorised institutions will be published by the bank shortly, and also placed in the Library. Northern Ireland Housing Repairs Mr. Clifford Forsythe asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many of the category C repairs, which have been reported in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's Antrim district area, are subject to a planned maintenance scheme; and how many such schemes have been initiated in this area in the list three years;(2) what criteria are used in assessing whether requests for repairs by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive should be categorised as (a) essential or (b) non-essential; and at what level of qualifications such decisions are taken within the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; (3) how many of the category C repairs, which have been reported in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's number 2 Newtownabbey district area are subject to a planned maintenance scheme; and how many such schemes have been initiated in this area, in the last three years. Mr. Chris Patten This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. but I understand from the chairman that the information is not readily available. I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible. Attorney-General Clifford V Eastern Health And Social Services Board Rev. Martin Smyth asked the Attorney-General when, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Belfast, South on 11 July about the cost to public funds of the case of Clifford v. Eastern Health and Social Services Board, he will be in a position to state what was the cost of legal aid in that case. The Attorney-General In about October of this year. Legal Aid Certificates Rev. Martin Smyth asked the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Belfast, South on 11 July about legal aid certificates, what was the cost to public funds of the certificates issued in the five-year period 1980 to 1985 in cases alleging medical negligence. The Attorney-General The information requested by the hon. Gentleman is not readily available because the cases involved may not be concluded for a number of years. However, the cost to the legal aid fund of cases alleging medical negligence which were concluded, reported and paid in the past five years is as follows: -- || -- Rev. Martin Smyth asked the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Belfast, South on 11 July about legal aid certificates, in how many cases in which the outcome was a withdrawal the judge asked for or directed that the case should be withdrawn. The Attorney-General The statistics requested by the hon. Gentleman are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Crown Prosecutor System Mr. Alex Carlile asked the Attorney-General how many Crown prosecutors the Director of Public Prosecutions proposes to appoint in Wales; where their offices will be situated; and if he will make a statement concerning the structure and establishment of the Crown prosecutor system in Wales. The Attorney-General Pursuant to section 1(4) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 the Director of Public Prosecutions proposes to divide Wales into two areas, one encompassing the South Wales and Gwent police districts and the other covering the North Wales and Dyfed-Powys police districts. The Director will shortly designate a person to be chief Crown prosecutor for each area as required by the subsection. Decisions on the location of offices have not yet been taken, since these will be primarily the responsibility of persons designated as chief Crown prosecutors. The exact numbers of Crown prosecutors required in the two areas are not yet known. Home Department Prisons (Suicides) Mr. Tom Cox asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the number of suicides of (a) men and (b) women in prisons in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years. Mr. Mellor The number of prisoners who died in Prison Department custody in England and Wales and upon whom a verdict of suicide was passed is as follows: -- || -- All were males.I regret that the figures given in a reply to a question from my hon. Friend, the Member for Leicester East (Mr. Bruinvels), on 18 June, at column 89, were incorrect. Prison Governors Mr. Tom Cox asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met prison governors; what subjects were discussed; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Mellor My right hon. and learned Friend last met prison governors as a group when he addressed their annual conference on 5 November 1984. But my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State had a wide ranging discussion about current issues, including overcrowding and resource matters, when he met representatives of the governor's branch of the Society of Civil and Public Servants on 25 June 1985, and my right hon. and learned Friend will be meeting representatives of the branch shortly, quite apart from the numerous meetings he has had with individual Governors on a wide variety of occasions. Pornography Dame Jill Knight asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department keeps a record of cases in which a judge or court found that indulgence by the accused in pornographic material was a contributory factor in the commission by him or her of a sexual offence; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Mellor My right hon. and learned Friend would naturally take careful account of any suggestion made to him by a judge or magistrate that pornographic material had contributed to the commission of an offence. Courts are not, however, required to reach findings concerning the factors which have led to an offence, or to announce any conclusion that they may reach. There is therefore no basis for the maintenance of a complete or accurate record. Prisoners' Letters (Censoring) Mr. Tom Cox asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards the censoring of letters to and from prisoners in prisons in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Mellor The policy concerning prisoners' correspondence is set out in standing order 5, which has been published and a copy of which is in the Library. Crime Statistics Mr. Jessel asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out figures for Twickenham to show in respect of the first quarter of 1984 and the first quarter of 1985 the total number of notifiable crimes recorded and the numbers of crimes cleared up and not cleared up in each of the following categories: (a) violence against the person, (b) sexual offences, (c) robbery, (d) burglary, (e) theft and handling of stolen goods, (f) fraud and forgery, (g) criminal damage and (h) other notifiable offences. Mr. Mellor I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Mr. Wheeler) on 8 May 1985 at columns 410–411 about the statistics of notifiable offences recorded and cleared up in each borough or outer London district in the metropolitan police district which are being placed in the Library with effect from the first quarter of 1985. I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the corresponding information for the first quarter of 1984 for the London borough of Richmond (which includes Twickenham) is as given in the following table. Quarterly statistics by offence group for areas smaller than boroughs are usually too small and variable to provide worthwhile comparison.--------------------------------- | | --------------------------------- |Violence against the person | --------------------------------- |Sexual offences | --------------------------------- |Robbery | --------------------------------- |Burglary | --------------------------------- |Theft and handling stolen goods| --------------------------------- |Fraud and forgery | --------------------------------- |Criminal damage | --------------------------------- |Other notifiable offences | --------------------------------- |Total | --------------------------------- Crowd Safety And Control Report Mr. Lawler asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Mr. Justice Popplewell will be presenting his interim report. Mr. Giles Shaw The interim report of the Committee of Inquiry into Crowd Safety and Control at Sportsgrounds has been received and will be published before the House rises. Emergency Centres Mr. Tony Banks asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will publish in the Official Report a list of those local authorities which have since 1 December 1983 received approvals for grant aid for the purpose of establishing, equipping or maintaining an emergency centre pursuant to regulation 5(1)(c) of the Civil Defence (General Local Authority Functions) Regulations 1983;(2) if he will publish in the Official Report a list of those local authorities which have since 1 December 1983 received approvals for grant aid for the purpose of establishing, equipping or maintaining an emergency centre pursuant to regulation 4(1)(b) of the Civil Defence (General Local Authority Functions) Regulations 1983. Mr. Giles Shaw I shall reply as soon as possible. Addicts And Alcoholics Mr. Dixon asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the annual increase in the number of registered drug addicts and registered alcoholics since 1975. Mr. Mellor Information on the number of narcotic drug addicts notified to the Home Office in the years 1975 to 1983 is given in table 9 of "Statistics of the Misuse of Drugs in the United Kingdom, 1983". (Home Office Statistical Bulletin 18/84). The only information currently available for 1984 was given in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Mr. Wheeler) on 11 June 1985 at columns 394–95. There is no requirement to register alcoholics. Greater Manchester (Community Relations) Mr. Kaufman asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Greater Manchester on the use of special branch officers of the Greater Manchester police to take part in community relations activities, and if he will make a statement on the substance of the report. Mr. Giles Shaw [pursuant to his reply, 16 July 1985, c. 72]: I am informed by the chief constable that the task of maintaining and developing good community relations is integrated into the work of all parts of his force, under the co-ordination of the force community relations branch. The position of special branch officers in this respect is no different from that of other members of the force. The chief constable further informs me that the work of his special branch is carried out within the terms of the Home Office guidelines on the work of a special branch, issued on 19 December 1984 and reproduced on pages (x) to (xiii) of the fourth report from the Home Affairs Select Committee (Session 1984–85). Prisoners (Early Release) Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prisoners who had received sentences ranging from 20 to 25 years, 15 to 20 years, 10 to 15 years, five to 10 years and two and a half to five years were granted early releases in each single year since 1979; and what effect this has had on the total of the prison population. Mr. Mellor [pursuant to his reply, 21 June 1985, c. 227]: The readily available information is given in the following table. Information on the number of persons on parole supervised by the probation service for each year since 1979 is published in "Probation Statistics, England and Wales" (table 1·2 of the latest issue, for 1983).------------------------------------------ | | ------------------------------------------ |Length of sentence | ------------------------------------------ | | ------------------------------------------ |2 years or more, but less than 5 | ------------------------------------------ |†5 years or more | ------------------------------------------ |†All sentence lengths of 2 years or more| ------------------------------------------ Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs Albania Mr. Ron Brown asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about relations with Albania. Mr. Rifkind We have no diplomatic relations with Albania. We formally notified the Albanian Government in 1980 that we were ready to re-establish diplomatic relations without preconditions. As we have made clear, this offer remains open, but regrettably the Albanian Government have not taken it up. Afghanistan Mr. Ron Brown asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about relations with Afghanistan. Mr. Renton We do not have normal Government to Government dealings with the regime in Kabul which depends on an occupying army of over 115,000 Soviet troops. Non-Proliferation Treaty Mr. D. E. Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 20 May, Official Report, column 336, if he will (a) explain the outcome of his meeting with nongovernmental organisations on the non-proliferation treaty (b) state whether he plans any further meetings with nongovernmental organisations on the non-proliferation treaty before the review conference and (c) state whether his Department intends to provide financial support to nongovernmental organisations to attend the non-proliferation treaty review conference. Mr. Luce We have had several useful exchanges of view with non-governmental organisations. At all of them there has been general agreement that the non-proliferation treaty must be sustained and strengthened. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will continue to keep in touch with non-governmental organisations during the approach to the review conference. There are unfortunately no official funds available to assist non-governmental organisations to attend the review conference. Solicitor-General For Scotland Skoal Bandits Mr. Foulkes asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he will prosecute those involved in selling Skoal Bandits to children under 16 years of age under the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1983. The Solicitor-General for Scotland The sale of this product to a person under 16 years of age may constitute an offence under section 18 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937. Whether or not criminal proceedings are appropriate will depend upon the facts and circumstances of individual cases. Scotland Broadleaf Woodlands Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is his intention to make a statement on broadleaf woodlands policy before the management guidelines are agreed by all the parties concerned. Mr. John MacKay My right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement on broadleaves policy to the House before the summer recess. Discussions on the details of the management guidelines for broadleaved woodlands may not be completed by the time that statement is made. Scottish Office Centenary Mr. Ron Brown asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much it will cost to celebrate the Scottish Office's centenary; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Younger To mark its centenary the Scottish Office is holding a public exhibition in Inverleith House, Edinburgh from 4 July to 31 August and has arranged for the publication of a history of the Office entitled "The Thistle and the Crown". In addition I have arranged receptions for previous Ministers in the Scottish Office, past and serving members of staff and others connected with the Office. The costs directly related to the exhibition will be about £30,000: and the total expenditure is likely to be rather less than £45,000, which I believe will be money well spent. Education Schemes (Unemployed) Mr. Maxton asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the schemes for educational provision for unemployed adults in Scotland; and what funds are made available for such schemes. Mr. Allan Stewart Such information is not held centrally. Education for the unemployed is a matter for local authorities and provision for this purpose is made as part of the normal arrangements under which resources are made available to the local authorities. Skoal Bandits Mr. Foulkes asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what funding has been provided out of public sources for the establishment of a factory to manufacture Skoal Bandits in East Kilbride; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Allan Stewart Having taken a decision on commercial grounds to manufacture Skoal Bandits in Europe, US Tobacco International is eligible for the normal range of regional support for its new facility at East Kilbride. In accordance with normal practice, details of any grant payment exceeding £25,000 will be published in "British Business" in the quarter following the payment of grant. Mr. Foulkes asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure that Skoal Bandits are treated in the same way as other tobacco products in relation to their advertisement and promotion. Mr. Allan Stewart US Tobacco International Inc, the manufacturer of Skoal Bandits, has entered into a voluntary agreement with the Government covering the marketing and promotion of the product. In terms of this agreement, which runs until 31 December 1987, the company has undertaken to restrict the scope and content of the advertising, the media on which it is placed and the audience at which it is directed. In addition, the chief medical officer has written to all medical practitioners to advise of the dangers of snuff dipping in this country. Lochaline Area Mr. Strang asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will outline the nature, extent and timescale of drilling operations near Lochaline on the sound of Mull; by whom they are being undertaken; whether planning permission had been granted prior to the commencement of operations; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Ancram Neither I nor Highland regional council, to whom applications for planning permission would be made, have any knowledge of drilling operations in the Lochaline area. If the hon. Member has any information about such operations, perhaps he would send it to me and I shall have further enquiries made. Labour Statistics Mr. Dewar asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total numbers of employees in employment at the most recent date for which figures are available and in 1974, 1978, 1981 and 1984, respectively, for (a) full-time and (b) part-time employment in (i) Scotland, (ii) each Scottish region and (iii) each district council area in Strathclyde region; and if he will give the figures in terms of the standard industrial classification used in censuses of employment in 1968 and 1980. Mr. Younger The available estimates of the total numbers of full and part time employees in employment, in thousands, are set out in the following tables. The estimates for areas within Scotland are based on figures for employment office areas; estimates for 1984 and 1985 are provisional. ----------- | | ----------- |Full time| ----------- |Part time| ----------- |Full time||| ----------- |Part time||| ----------- |Full time||| ----------- |Part time||| ----------- |Full time||| ----------- |Part time||| ----------- |Full time||| ----------- |Part time||| ----------- |Full time||| ----------- |Part time||| ----------- |Full time||| ----------- |Part time||| ----------- |Full time||| ----------- |Part time||| ----------- |Full time||| ----------- |Part time||| ----------- |Full time||| ----------- |Part time||| ----------- ------------------------- | | ------------------------- |Argyll and Bute | ------------------------- |Bearsden and Milngavie | ------------------------- |Clydebank | ------------------------- |Clydesdale | ------------------------- |Cumbernauld and Kilsyth| ------------------------- |Cumnock and Doon Valley| ------------------------- |Cunninghame | ------------------------- |Dumbarton | ------------------------- |East Kilbride | ------------------------- |Eastwood | ------------------------- |Glasgow City | ------------------------- |Hamilton | ------------------------- |Inverclyde | ------------------------- |Kilmarnock and Loudon | ------------------------- |Kyle and Carrick | ------------------------- |Monklands | ------------------------- |Motherwell | ------------------------- |Renfrew | ------------------------- |Strathkelvin | ------------------------- Unemployment Schemes Mr. Maxton asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will specify schemes for the long-term unemployed in the west of Scotland which will replace the courses at present run at the re-establishment centre at Bishopbriggs. Mr. Allan Stewart A number of schemes run by the Manpower Services Commission (MSC) will provide such opportunities. The community programme offers temporary employment for long-term unemployed adults on projects of benefit to the community. The voluntary projects programme provides unemployed people with constructive, voluntary activities. The enterprise allowance scheme helps unemployed people to start up their own businesses. Through its adult training programmes, MSC also provides work preparation training to improve employability. In addition MSC's employment rehabilitation centres at Bellshill and Hillington offer courses of assessment and rehabilitation, primarily for disabled people but with places available for the able-bodied also. Employment Community Programme Dr. Glyn asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will extend the exemptions from the eligibility rules for the community programme so as to permit persons who have been in work during the preceding six months to take up unfilled vacancies in the community programme. Mr. Peter Morrison No, the eligibility conditions are intended to direct help to those most in need and we believe the present unemployment criteria for entry to the programme strikes broadly the right balance in achieving that intention. We believe the programme to be on target for its growth to 230,000 filled places by June 1986. Youth Training Scheme Mr. Hancock asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his most recent estimate of the proportion of B1 places on youth training schemes taken up in 1984–85; and what target figure the Government propose for similar courses in 1985–86. Mr. Peter Morrison I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible. British Rail Engineering Ltd (Swindon) Mr. Corbyn asked the Secretary of State for Employment if Her Majesty's Government have prepared any estimate of the effects on local spending power of redundancies arising from the closure of the British Rail Engineering Ltd. workshops at Swindon; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Peter Bottomley It would not be possible to produce reliable estimates as there are too many uncertain factors involved. Much will depend on the success of efforts to attract new business and employment to the area. British Rail Engineering Ltd. has already made £1¼ available for this purpose in the form of grants and loan guarantees. Labour Statistics Mrs. Peacock asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were out of work in the Batley and Spen parliamentary constituency at the most recent count; and what was the comparable figure for the same area in the same month in 1975. Mr. Alan Clark The following information is available in the Library. On 13 June 1985 the number of unemployed claimants in the Batley and Spen constituency was 5,213. Statistics of unemployment for parliamentary constituencies are derived from the new ward-based system and are available from June 1983. Mr. Lyell asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report in relation to counties in England and Wales (a) wholly or substantially to the north-west of a line drawn between the Wash and the Bristol channel and (b) wholly or substantially to the south-east a line the figures for current unemployment showing (i) county by county and in aggregate the total numbers unemployed (ii) such numbers expressed as a percentage of the potential work force, (iii) the numbers and proportion of such unemployed people classified as long-term unemployed, (iv) the numbers and proportion of such unemployed people as are under 25 years and (v) the numbers and proportion of such unemployed under the age of 25 years as have been out of work for six months and 12 months, respectively. Mr. Peter Bottomley I am sending a copy of a computer printout giving the requested information for April 1985, the latest date for which an analysis by age and duration is available. This information is also available from the Library. Information Technology Centres Mr. Hancock asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps are being taken to provide additional equipment grants and help with staff salaries to enable information technology centres to continue to work. Mr. Peter Morrison I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible. Environment Charitable Housing Mr. John Fraser asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the cost to public funds of discounts to tenants of charitable housing associations in 1984–85; and what is the likely cost in 1985–86. Sir George Young The cost to public funds of the home-ownership scheme in 1984–85 was £3·45 million out of an allocation of £10 million. It is too early to give a precise estimate of the costs of the scheme in 1985–86. Provision for the year is £17 million, to which will be added the underspend on the scheme last year. Gannets Mr. Hardy asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which article or annex of directive 79/409 on the conservation of wild birds authorises either the taking of gannets for human consumption or the sale of this species for human consumption; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Waldegrave Member states may make a derogation under article 9 from the provisions of articles 5, 6, 7 and 8. Such a derogation was made in 1984 and a licence issued permitting up to 2,000 gannets to be killed for home consumption. Nature Conservancy Council Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state the size of the Nature Conservancy Council budgets to cover (a) land purchase by voluntary bodies, (b) land management, education and promotion by voluntary bodies and (c) the small grants programme; and what limits upon maximum or minimum levels of grant or support have been set by him or his Department for each of the above categories. Mr. Waldegrave I shall answer this question shortly. Radioactive Waste Mr. Carter-Jones asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the representations he has received at his London office, his regional office and in Parliament regarding the dumping of radioactive waste at Lumns Lane tip at Agecroft; if he will arrange for an inquiry to be held into the problems at the site; if he will meet again with objectors and local authorities; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Waldegrave Since my previous answer to the hon. Member for Eccles on 15 January 1985 (vol. 71, c. 98) the Department has received 10 representations, five to Parliament and five to its London office, expressing concern about the disposal at Lumns Lane of low-level radioactive waste arising in Greater Manchester. These representations have been considered, but my right hon. Friend remains satisfied that the authorised disposals can be safely and appropriately made. No occasion is seen to hold a public inquiry at this stage, or to reopen consideration of the matter. Conservation Mr. Hardy asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has made available to local planning authorities in regard to their responsibilities towards sites of special scientific interest; and whether such advice provides details of directive 79/409 on the conservation of wild birds and the Berne convention. Mr. Waldegrave DOE circulars 108/77 and 32/81 contain advice to local planning authorities in regard to their responsibilities towards sites of special scientific interest. They do not contain details of Directive 79/409 on the conservation of wild birds or the Berne convention. We are currently reviewing the contents of these circulars. Victim Support Schemes Mr. Soley asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will grant disregard from targets and rate-capping for local authority-funded victim support schemes. Mr. Waldegrave My right hon. Friend will consider any representations to that effect which he receives. Capital Allocations Mr. Dixon asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities underspent on their capital allocations for the financial year 1984–85. Mr. Waldegrave Out of 396 local authorities who have so far submitted capital payments returns for 1984–85, 39 have reported prescribed capital expenditure lower than their capital allocations. Greater Manchester Council (Urban Programme) Mr. Tony Lloyd asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will explain each decision in refusing the 10 applications submitted by Greater Manchester council for the urban programme 1985–86. Mr. Kenneth Baker Decisions were taken on the merits of the projects compared with those of others submitted by district councils. Local Government Expenditure Mr. Austin Mitchell asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will bring up to date the answer of 1 March 1984, Official Report, columns 330–31, concerning the Exchequer contribution to local government expenditure at settlement and outturn; and if he will estimate the cost in the current financial year if the outturn reaches 65 per cent. Mr. Waldegrave I shall answer this question shortly. Homeless Persons Mr. Dixon asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if Her Majesty's Government will make additional financial support available to local authorities to assist them in housing those single homeless young people who are currently affected by the social security board and lodgings regulations. Sir George Young My right hon. Friend is looking at a range of measures—including some with financial implications—which might help to relieve homelessness generally and from which young people among others would stand to benefit. Our conclusions will be announced shortly. Ec (Water Quality) Dr. David Clark asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce before 26 July his decision on applications to the European Community for derogations or time limits in respect of the European Economic Community directive on water quality; and if he will publish the derogations and time limits. Mr. Macfarlane [pursuant to his reply, 18 July 19851: I shall write to the hon. Member before 26 July and I shall make the information public. Defence Submarine Repairs (Faslane-Coulport) Mr. Wigley asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many submarines have docked in the current year at the Faslane Coulport complex on the Clyde for repairs to be undertaken following possible collisions with other vessels. Mr. Stanley None. Mfv Mhari L Mr. Wigley asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations he has received expressing concern about the cause of the sinking of the vessel MFV Mhari L; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Stanley Ministry of Defence Ministers have received two telephone calls from hon. Members and seven letters (five of them from hon. Members) in connection with the MFV Mhari L. As well as expressing concern about the loss of the vessel, these representations have also included thanks for the assistance which the Royal Navy provided to the Department of Transport investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Raf Upper Heyford (Noise Tests) Mr. Baldry asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he anticipates the results of the noise tests at Royal Air Force Upper Heyford being published. Mr. Butler My noble Friend, the Under Secretary of State for the Armed Forces, will be writing to the hon. Member shortly about this matter. Nuclear Arsenal Mr. McTaggart asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report the steps taken towards dismantling the British nuclear arsenal. Mr. Stanley No such steps have been taken. We remain firmly committed to the maintenance of effective deterrence forces, including nuclear forces, as the basis of British defence policy. However, Her Majesty's Government have played a constructive part in the discussions which led to the NATO decision to withdraw 1,400 warheads over the next few years taken at Montebello in 1983, and in trying to achieve progress towards balanced, effective and verifiable arms control agreements. Josef Mengele And Klaus Barbie Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Defence why Government files on Josef Mengele and Klaus Barbie have not yet been released. Mr. Stanley I shall write to the hon. Member. Defence Establishments Mr. O'Neill asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Fleet Air Arm establishments and state the number of civilian and service personnel at each on 1 April. Mr. Stanley I shall write to the hon. Member. Home Service Force Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current total strength of the home service force.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Location of home service force unit|Sponsor unit |Location of sponsor unit| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Oxford |5th (Volunteer) Battalion The Royal Green Jackets |Oxford | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Lincoln's Inn |71 Signal Regiments (Volunteers) |Lincoln's Inn | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Mayfair |4th (Volunteer) Battalion The Royal Green Jackets |Mayfair | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Plymouth |3rd Battalion The Devon and Cornwall Rifle Volunteers|Plymouth | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |Runcorn |3rd (Volunteer) Battalion The Cheshire Regiment |Northwich | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many men of the home service force will be available for exercise Brave Defender in September. Mr. Stanley Our current estimate is that between 2,000 and 3,000 home service force personnel will be eligible to take part, but detailed figures will not be available significantly in advance of the exercise. Territorial Army Ranges Mr. Freud asked the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions have been given by his Department in respect of pistol and rifle clubs' use of Territorial Army ranges. Mr. Butler My Department has issued instructions to TAVR associations concerning the licence arrangements and the safety procedures under which approved civilian rifle and pistol clubs use Territorial Army ranges. Instructions have also been issued to TAVR associations about the charges to be recovered from the clubs for such use. Exercise Brave Defender Mr. D. E. Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether exercise Brave Defender integrates United States and British plans for the ground defence of vital installations in Britain. Mr. Stanley The total strength of the home service force as at 31 May was 1,696. Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many and which units of the home service force are so far at full strength; how many and which are not at full strength, and by how much in percentage and absolute terms;(2) if he will list the location of current units of the home service force and their parent units;(3) if he will list the units of the home service force which have been formed to date. Mr. Stanley I shall write to the hon. Member. Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the planned locations of units of the home service force and their parent units which are yet to be formed. Mr. Stanley The planned locations of units of the home service force which are yet to be formed, and which are part of the plans to expand the home service force to a strength of almost 5,000 announced to Parliament in July last year, together with the names and locations of their respective sponsor units are as set out in the table. The companies to be formed in 1990 are being formed then because they are connected with units being formed as part of the TA phase 2 expansion. Mr. Stanley I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 17 July. 55. Mr. D. E. Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether United Stales of America and British plans for the ground defence of vital installations in the United Kingdom have been integrated; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Stanley Plans for the ground defence of United States vital installations in the United Kingdom are integrated into our overall home defence plans. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced on 21 March at columns 585–6 exercise Brave Defender will test our revised home defence plans and procedures and some United States forces will participate in the exercise. Royal Ulster Constabulary (Portadown) Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for defence whether any units of the Ulster Defence Regiment were deployed for use in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Portadown and the surrounding area on the weekend of 12 to 14 July. Mr. Butler No Ulster Defence Regiment units were deployed in the vicinity of the marchers in Portadown over the weekend of 12 to 14 July. Elements of the regiment were, however, engaged on normal operational tasks in the surrounding area in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many full and part-time members of the Ulster Defence Regiment were arrested by the Royal Ulster Constabulary following incidents at Portadown over the weekend of 12 to 14 July. Mr. Butler Three Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers (two full time and one part time) were arrested by the Royal Ulster Constabulary following incidents at Portadown over the weekend of 12 to 14 July. They were arrested in connection with acts committed whilst off duty. All three have tendered their resignations. Royal Army Medical Corps Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that in future Royal Army Medical Corps display teams do not put artificial wounds made of wax and dye on members of the general public and that such activities are confined in future to service men. Mr. Butler No. The application of simulated wounds to volunteer members of the general public is a major attraction of Royal Army Medical Corps displays and provides realistic practice for members of the corps. Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is normal practice for Royal Army Medical Corps display teams visiting fairgrounds and open days to put realistic artificial bullet wounds on the arms of children under the age of 10 years. Mr. Butler Simulated wounds are only applied to children under the age of 10 years with the express and personal approval of an accompanying parent or adult. Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether men of the Royal Army Medical Corps display team sought to obtain the permission of parents before placing realistic artificial bullet wounds on the arms of children at St. George's park, Wandsworth, on 13 and 14 July. Mr. Butler Royal Army Medical Corps recruiting and display teams are instructed to obtain the permission of an accompanying parent or adult before applying simulated wounds to children, and I am advised that these instructions were observed on the occasion referred to by the hon. Member. Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has received any complaints about the Royal Army Medical Corps display teams. Mr. Butler No. Royal Auxiliary Air Force Lord James Douglas-Hamilton asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make it his policy to restore a flying role to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Stanley The reintroduction of a flying role for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force is still under consideration, subject to the availability of resources. However, I am pleased to announce a trial scheme to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of recruiting RAF volunteer reservists to serve as aircrew in regular RAF squadrons. The trial, which will start next April and last for two years, will offer voluntary reservists the opportunity to fill certain rear-crew positions in the Nimrod maritime reconnaissance force and to provide a complete VC10 transport crew. Eleven volunteer reservists will be recruited for the trial, including two pilots. The cost will amount to some £350,000 over the two year period. W-82 Shell Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence what recommendations have been made to NATO Ministers by General Rogers concerning the W-82 shell. Mr. Stanley As I said to the hon. Member in my reply to him of 20 May, vol. 79, column 370, the details of SACEUR's report are classified. Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received to date concerning the W-82 shell. Mr. Stanley My right hon. Friend has received no letters from members of the public relating exclusively to the issue of the W-82 shell, although several letters from Members of Parliament and members of the public have referred to the question of the modernisation of NATO's nuclear forces in Europe. E-3A Awacs Aircraft Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether any consideration has yet been given to the possible leasing or buying of E-3A AWACS aircraft;(2) what consideration he is giving to fitting the airborne early warning Nimrod mission system avionics into an alternative airframe. Mr. Butler I am not at present considering these options. Nimrod (Airborne Early Warning) Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will estimate the total cost required to get the mission system avionics for AEW Nimrod to an acceptable level of operation;(2) if he will estimate the total cost of airborne early warning Nimrod by the time of its planned deployment;(3) if he will make a statement on the future of the Nimrod early warning system. Mr. Butler I have little to add to the replies I gave the hon. Member on 24 May (Vol. 79, c. 601–602). A technical study of various options has been completed and is now being evaluated. Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the cost to date of the airborne early warning Nimrod programme. Mr. Butler By the end of June this year some £831 million (at current prices) had been spent or committed on the Nimrod AEW project. Fraser Gunnery Range, Eastney Mr. Hancock asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards the release of land at the Fraser gun ranges at Eastney, Portsmouth. Mr. Butler The use of land at Fraser gunnery range is under review in the light of changing service requirements. European Fighter Aircraft Mr. McNamara asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the next meeting of European Ministers is to be held to discuss the future of the European fighter aircraft. Mr. Butler No decision has yet been taken. Social Services Housing Benefit Mrs. Currie asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the amounts claimed and number of municipal tenant claimants for housing benefit for each local authority in England and Wales in each year since 1982. Mr. Whitney We do not collect information in precisely the form requested but separately for rent rebates, rent allowances and rate rebates. As the tables containing this information are rather lengthy I have sent them direct to my hon. Friend and placed a copy in the Library. Distinction Awards Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider extending distinction awards to include nurses who have made an outstanding contribution to health care. Mr. Kenneth Clarke Distinction awards are made only to consultants and community physicians in the National Health Service. We have no plans to extend this to other groups in the National Health Service. Whooping Cough Vaccine Mr. Stephen Ross asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects the new whooping cough vaccine produced at Porton Down to go on to the market; and what tests, and on whom, will be performed beforehand. Mr. John Patten The vaccine is currently undergoing laboratory tests at the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. Clinical trials will then be carried out initially on adults and, if satisfactory, on children. It is not possible to say at this stage when the new vaccine will be marketed. National Insurance Sir Brandon Rhys Williams asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing the proposed new national insurance contributions in each of the following circumstances: (a) a single person earning £35 and £36, (b) a single person earning £54 and £56 and (c) a single person earning £89 and £91. Mr. Whitney Under the arrangements proposed to come into effect on 6 October 1985 the information requested is as follows: ---------- |Earnings| ---------- |£ | ---------- |35 | ---------- |36 | ---------- |54 | ---------- |56 | ---------- |89 | ---------- |91 | ---------- Sir Brandon Rhys Williams asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing the proposed new national insurance contributions in each of the following circumstances: (a) single wage married couple, husband earns £170, (b) a two wage married couple, when husband earns E85 and wife earns £85, (c) a two wage married couple, husband earns £100 and wife earns £70 and (d) a two wage married couple, husband earns £130 and wife earns £50. Mr. Whitney Under the arrangements proposed to come into effect on 6 October 1985 the infonnation requested is as follows: -------------------- | | -------------------- | | -------------------- |husband earns £170| -------------------- |husband earns £85 | -------------------- |wife earns £85 | -------------------- | | -------------------- |husband earns £100| -------------------- |wife earns £70 | -------------------- | | -------------------- |husband earns £130| -------------------- |wife earns £50 | -------------------- | | -------------------- Note: Not contracted-out employment is assumed in each case. Liability for National Insurance contributions is not affected by sex or marital status except where a married woman has exercised the option to forgo certain benefits in return for reduced contributions. This option is no longer available to new applicants and has not been assumed in any of these examples. Ec (Social Insurance Contributions) Sir Brandon Rhys Williams asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to which other member states of the European Community operate the equivalent of the lower earnings limit for social insurance contributions; and which charge contributions on the first £ equivalent of earnings. Mr. Whitney I refer my hon. Friend to the Department's publication, "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the Member States of the European Communities, Portugal and Spain, (Position at 1 January 1984)", a copy of which is in the Library. That publication contains such information as is available on the financing of social insurance schemes in the member states of the Community, including the basis of employers' and employees' liability for contributions. Repatriation Scheme Mr. Proctor asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of individuals aided by his Department's repatriation scheme in 1982, 1983 and 1984 and the expenditure incurred in each of those years; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Kenneth Clarke We have no departmental repatriation scheme as such, but I assume my hon. Friend is asking about patients repatriated to their country of origin at public expense. This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Mentally Handicapped People (Treatment And Therapy) Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average number of hours a year that residents of mental handicap hospitals receive treatment or therapy from (a) doctors, (b) physiotherapists, (c) occupational therapists and (d) psychologists; and how this compares with Government guidelines. Mr. John Patten These figures are not collected centrally. Residents of mental handicap hospitals should receive treatment or therapy according to their individual ranges of need, so generally applicable guidelines are not appropriate. Student Nurses Mr. Alfred Morris asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the drop-out rate for student nurses during each of the last five years; and what is being done to encourage and enable more student nurses to complete their courses. Mr. Kenneth Clarke The number of trainee nurses discontinuing training in each of the past five years and their proportion to the average number in training during the year is given in the table: ---------------------- |Year ending 31 March| ---------------------- |1980 | ---------------------- |1981 | ---------------------- |1982 | ---------------------- |1983 | ---------------------- |1984 | ---------------------- The overall reduction in the drop-out rate between 1980 and 1984 is thought to be due to a number of factors including the greater selectivity for entry to nurse training schools and our national publicity campaign whose prime object is to educate the public about the true nature of the nurse's role.The statutory bodies responsible for nurse training are currently considering the future pattern of training. The English National Board has already published proposals for consultation. Improved training arrangements should help to reduce wastage rates.We recently accepted the recommendation of the Review Body that the pay of recently qualified staff nurses should be specially enhanced. This should further encourage student nurses to complete their training and continue in National Health Service employment. Home Responsibilities Protection Mr. Meacher asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to extend the home responsibilities protection to those who have worked less than 20 years on a pro-rata basis. Mr. Whitney Home responsibilities protection (HRP) reduces the number of qualifying years (years in which national insurance contributions are paid or credited) needed for a basic retirement pension at the full rate. HRP cannot reduce the number of qualifying years required to less than 20. With the maximum number of years of HRP a full basic pension could be earned from 20 qualifying years. With maximum HRP and contributions paid or credited for less than 20 years a reduced rate basic pension will be payable. For example, a woman requiring 39 qualifying years for a full rate pension who had 19 or more years of HRP would also need another 20 qualifying years for a full pension. Ten qualifying years (i.e. half the number required) plus 19 years HRP would give pension at 50 per cent. of the standard basic rate. Five qualifying years would give pension at 25 per cent. of the standard rate. No pension is payable where the qualifying years amount to less than 25 per cent. of the required number of years. We have no present plans to change these arrangements. Kidney Patients Mr. Carter-Jones asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will ensure that no treatment to kidney patients on dialysis or for kidney transplants are denied medication on the grounds of cost; if he will indicate the steps he has taken to reduce the cost of proprietary drugs; if he will give the names of the drugs concerned; and if he will make a statement;(2) whether he is considering additional action, apart from the current campaign, to increase the number of kidney donors; if he will indicate the current supply of kidney organs and the possible expansion of the supply of such organs; and if he will make a statement;(3) what is the number of kidney patients awaiting transplants; and if he will make a statement. Mr. John Patten I shall let the hon. Member have replies as soon as possible. Mr. Carter-Jones asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent developments have taken place concerning the treatment of kidney patients by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis; if he will indicate the numbers now receiving such treatment; and if he will make a statement. Mr. John Patten Improvements are being made all the time in the provision of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) which make the procedure easier for patients to administer and which reduce the risk of complications. According to information supplied by the European Dialysis and Transplantation Association, 1,844 renal patients were receiving CAPD treatment in the United Kingdom on 31 December 1984 compared to 1,136 on 31 December 1982. CAPD represents a valuable addition to the range of treatment options available for patients suffering end stage renal failure. Mr. Carter-Jones asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in the light of the campaign to increase the number of kidney donors, he has any plans to establish more renal units or to expand current units; and if he will make a statement. Mr. John Patten It is for health authorities to decide whether additional renal units should be established or existing ones expanded. St George's Hospital (Sale) Mr. Meacher asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the former St. George's hospital, Hyde Park Corner, was put on the open market before sale to Grosvenor Estate and L.I.B; and how many offers were considered before sale. Mr. Kenneth Clarke When the hospital closed in 1980 the Grosvenor Estate exercised its right of preemption to acquire the southern part of the site. There is no right of pre-emption on the northern part of the site but when we came to consider its disposal it seemed sensible, because the listed Wilkins building straddles both parts of the site, to negotiate a sale with the Grosvenor Estate. The site has therefore never been put on the open market. Second European Poverty Programme Mr. Hicks asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the organisations, their projects and the financial amounts involved whose applications his Department have submitted to the European Economic Community Commission under the provisions of the second European poverty programme; and if he will make a statement. Mr. John Patten The United Kingdom Government submitted 245 applications for financial assistance to the European Commission under the Second European Community Programme to Combat Poverty. The organisations are listed. The projects relate to the themes for the programme as follows: ------------------------------------------------- | | ------------------------------------------------- |Long term unemployed people | ------------------------------------------------- |Young unemployed people | ------------------------------------------------- |Elderly | ------------------------------------------------- |Single parent families | ------------------------------------------------- |Refugees | ------------------------------------------------- |Second generation immigrants | ------------------------------------------------- |Multiple client groups including rural projects| ------------------------------------------------- The funds sought from the Commission by each project vary between £25,000 and £200,000 in most cases. It would be disproportionately costly to extract and set out the title and exact amount sought for each project individually. LIST OF ORGANISATIONS SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE England: Age Concern CumbriaAge Concern LancashireAge Concern ManchesterAge Concern NewcastleAge Concern PrestonAge Concern St. HelensAnchor Housing TrustAnkur Brent Asian Youth ServiceAsha Neighbourhood ProjectAsian Neighbourhood ProjectAsian Womens Resource CentreATD Fourth WorldAubrey Lloyd CentreBangladesh Welfare AssociationBangladesh Youth ApproachBarnardo'sBarton Hill and Easton Youth Mothers GroupBattersea Citizens' Advice Bureau Money Advice ProjectBattersea Neighbourhood Aid CentreBelle Isle Unemployed GroupBirkenhead Resource UnitBlackfriars SettlementBolton Carnival of FriendshipBolton Metropolitan BoroughBolton Metropolitan Borough Department of Education and Arts ProjectBolton Womens AidBorough Council of Calderdale Craigie Lea Family CentreBorough Council of Calderdale Lifelines for the ElderlyBorough Council of Calderdale Neighbourhood Provision for the UnemployedBoston Centre for the UnemployedBrent Community TransportBrent Irish Advisory ServiceBristol Association Neighbourhood DaycareBristol One-Parent ProjectBritish Refugee CouncilBritish Refugee Council (Vietnamese Programme)Brixton Neighbourhood Community AssociationCamborne SchoolChare Centre LtdChildrens Scrap ProjectChinese Information and Advice CentreChinese Welfare Project—Tower HamletsChurch of England Childrens Society Central London Teenage ProjectChurch of England Childrens Society Leeds Community ProjectChurch of England Childrens Society Prospect House MalbyChurch of England Childrens Society Southbank Family CentreChurch of England Childrens Society Toxteth Family CentreCity & Hackney—Association for Mental HealthCity of Bradford—Young Mens Christian AssociationCity of ManchesterClapham Community ProjectCleveland County Council—Social Services DepartmentCommunity Action for the Young UnemployedCommon Stock Youth Theatre LtdCommunity Education Development Centre In co-operation with 3 LEASCommunity Information ProjectCommunity Service Volunteers, CSV—Homeless Project, CSV—Sound Advice LeicesterCoventry Citizens Advice BureauCoventry Community Relations CouncilCoventry Legal and Income RightsCoventry Resource and Information ServiceCoventry Trades Council—Unemployed Workers ProjectCoventry Women and Homelessness Steering GroupCumbria Social Services DepartmentDerwentside Unemployed GroupDr. Barnardo'sEast London Black Womens OrganisationEddie Brindley ProjectEmployment Action Group (Berinsfield) LtdEnergy Conservation and Solar CentreFamily Service UnitsFamily Welfare AssociationFederation of Bangladeshi-Youth OrganisationsFirst Base Centre for Unemployed Young People Ltd Fowlers Yard Youth ProjectGateshead Metropolitan Borough Council Community Action ProgrammeGateshead Metropolitan Borough Council PathwaysGingerbreadGreater London Council—Ethnic Minorities UnitGreenwich Action Group on UnemploymentGreenwich Development Company Ground Floor ProjectHackney Asian AssociationHackney Cypriot AssociationHammersmith and Fulham Community Law CentreHammersmith Womens AidHandicapped Children in HackneyHaringey Chinese Group and Islington Chinese GroupHarlesden Advice CentreHopscotch Under FivesHousing Aid TrustHat—Mobile Homes UnitHuddersfield Youth AssociationHumberside County Council—Social Service DepartmentHull Council for Voluntary ServiceInternational Voluntary ServicesIranian Community CentreIslington Voluntary Action CouncilJoint Council for the Welfare of ImmigrantsKIITOSLambeth and Wandsworth Vietnamese SupportLatin American Community ProjectLaw Centres Federation and National Association of CabLeathermarket Gardens Community CentreLeeds Road ProjectLeeds Vietnamese Support GroupLiverpool Personal Service SocietyLondon Borough of HackneyLondon Borough of LambethLondon Borough of Southwark—Homeworkers Training WorkshopsLondon Employment Project for Migrants, Immigrants and RefugeesLondon Hazards CentreMansfield Gingerbread Day Care Fund TrustMetropolitan Borough of South TynesideMST—for The DisabledMBST—Welfare Rights ServiceMigrant Services Unit—London Voluntary Services CouncilMontague Community Action Campus—Voluntary Management CommitteeMoonshine Community Arts Educational WorkshopsMuslim Youth OrganisationNational Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux Merseyside AreaNational Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders Neighbourhood Development UnitNational Association for the Care and Resettlement of OffendersNational Childrens HomeNational Council for One Parent FamiliesNational Council for Voluntary OrganisationsNational Council for YMCAsNational Right to Fuel CampaignNecheus Community Development ProjectNew GrapevineNewham Parents CentreNorth Lambeth Day Centre LtdNorth Manchester Health AuthorityNorth Tyneside Metropolitan Borough CouncilNTMBC—an Integrated Programme to Counter Poverty in KillingworthNorth Yorkshire County Council—Welfare Benefits SchemeNottinghamshire County CouncilNuneaton Centre for Recreational ActivitiesOcean Estate Tenants AssociationOldham Resource and Information CentreOpen Door ProjectPark Hill ProjectPartington Youth and Community ProjectPensioners Link LtdPilkington Charitable and Trust FundsPitt Street SettlementProgressive Youth OrganisationProject FullemployProvidence Row Night RefugePsychiatric Rehabilitation AssociationRochdale, Youth and Community ServiceRochdale—ChanceSalford Urban MissionSalford Council for Voluntary ServiceSalford Womens Education and Resource CentreSeaham Action Research ProjectSedgemoor Manor Junior Mixed SchoolsSefton Social Services DepartmentServices Workers Action and Advisory Project ShelterSoho Family CentreSomali Womens Association GroupSouthall Community Law CentreSouthall Rights LtdSouth Sheffield Inner City Community Project Ltd.South Tyneside Council for the DisabledSouthwark Mediation SchemeSouthwark Womens Action GroupSpitalfields Housing and Planning Rights ServiceStaffordshire County Council Social Services DepartmentSt. Giles Day CentreSt. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council—Action Research ProjectSt. HMBC—Community Jobs and Training InitiativeStockport Council for Voluntary ServiceSUBAHTaunton Deane Single Parent AssociationThameside Social Services DepartmentThe Beth Johnson FoundationThe Birmingham SettlementThe Bolton Neighbourhood Economic Development AgencyThe British Refugee Council Refugee Education and TrainingTh Circle Trust—New Cross BranchThe Disablement Income GroupThe Factory Community Project and Youth CentreThe Handsworth Play and Community Bus AssociationThe National Group on HomeworkingThe Ten Twenty Project Advice CentreThorne Rural Development Area Strategy CommitteeTooting and Balham Law CentreTottenham Community ProjectTower Hamlets Afro Caribbean AssociationTower Hamlets Womens AidToynbee Hall—Universities Settlement in East London University Settlement Bristol Community AssociationWest Indian Concern Ltd.WIC LITD—Action Research ProjectWest Indian Womens AssociationWillowbrook Urban Studies CentreWolverhampton Borough Council (Graisley Action Project)Wolverhampton Citizens Advice BureauxWolverhampton Trades CouncilYesodey Hatorah NurseryYouth Outreach Service Wales Mid Glamorgan County CouncilHeads of the Valleys Anti-Poverty Action Committee/St. Johns PCCRhymney Valley District CouncilDelyn Borough CouncilNewport Borough CouncilGwent County CouncilSwansea City CouncilAfan Community Aid CouncilDyfed Association of Voluntary ServicesWest Glamorgan Community Services CouncilWales Council for Voluntary ActionSouth Glamorgan Care for the ElderlyWrexham Maelor Community AgencyChurch of England Childrens SocietyMid Glamorgan Health AuthorityRhondda Community DevelopmentAge Concern—ClwydWales Cooperative Development AgencyRhyl Community AgencyWorkers Educational AssociationNewport Resource CentreGingerbreadSouth Riverside Community Development CentreNational Childrens HomeWelsh Housing AidFamily Planning AssociationSwansea Council for Voluntary Service Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action/Voluntary Trust/ Rural AssociationStrabane and District Citizens' Advice BureauBelfast Unemployed CentreDeny Unemployed Workers GroupNorthern Ireland Association of Youth ClubsNorth West Centre for Learning and Development Ltd. Gingerbread—NIFalls Community CouncilPraxis Mental HealthCommunity Concern Programme of the Flax TrustAge Concern (NI)/Child Poverty Action Group (NI)/Coleraine Women's Information CentreFarset Youth and Community Development Ltd.The Extern Organisation Private Homes For The Elderly Mr. Dixon asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many private homes for the elderly have (a) been refused registration and (b) had their registration cancelled; and how many of these homes have appealed to the registered homes appeal tribunal in the first six months of 1985. Mr. John Patten Information generally about registrations refused is not held centrally. Available information about cancellations and appeals to tribunals against cancellation is listed. The age of the residents in all these homes is not necessarily known.-------------------------------------- | | -------------------------------------- |Cancellations that have taken effect| -------------------------------------- |Appeals | -------------------------------------- Titralac Sir Geoffrey Finsberg asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the hon. Member for Hampstead and Highgate will receive a detailed answer to his letter of 6 June to his noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on the question of a tablet called Titralac. Mr. Kenneth Clarke My noble Friend replied to my hon. Friend yesterday. Small Grants Scheme Mr. Tony Lloyd asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the percentage of applications to his Department's small grants scheme which are successful; what are, by broad categories, the reasons for refusal of these applications refused; and if he will give the percentage of the total budget which was taken up for 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85. Mr. John Patten The Department's small grants committee considered 383 applications during 1980–84, of these 50 (13 per cent.) were judged by the committee to be of adequate scientific merit and were funded. Details are published in the Department's annual handbook of research and development. Applications which do not meet appropriate scientific standards are rejected. Finance for the small grants scheme is subsumed within the health and personal social services research and development budget managed by the chief scientist. There is no separate cash limit for the scheme and all proposals, deemed by the committee to be acceptable on scientific grounds in the period referred to, have been funded. Soho Road Office, Birmingham Mr. Rooker asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why his local office in Soho road, Birmingham, has placed restrictions on the suppliers of cookers to recipients of single payments. Mr. Whitney In order to ensure that second-hand cookers sold to claimants are properly reconditioned, the Birmingham local offices now ask suppliers to confirm that this is the case when they give claimants estimates for these appliances. No other restrictions apply. Property And Works Functions Mr. Knox asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will announce the results of his examination of the operation of the property and works functions within his Department and within the National Health Service. Mr. Kenneth Clarke We have today issued a health circular to all health authorities on the future management of property and works in the National Health Service. I have placed copies in the Library. We have decided that there have been too many tiers of management with overlapping responsibilities for these matters within the service. The NHS capital programme will be better managed and delays in hospital building reduced by the introduction of clear definitions of responsibility between our Department, regional health authorities and district health authorities. We will be giving district health authorities greater discretion and a wider choice of sources of advice and expertise in their management of their own capital projects. We also need to continue to strengthen the ability of authorities to improve their management of property and the NHS estate. Our Department's role will in future be restricted to that of determining strategic policies and setting key objectives for the National Health Service, monitoring compliance with these and supporting the National Health Service by the production of cost effective guidance in selected key areas. We will retain a number of high quality staff to carry out this role but the total number of staff employed on works and property within our Department will be sharply reduced.Design and other consultancy services maintained by regional health authorities will be the subject of rigorous review and will be made more streamlined and efficient. Districts will be able to test the efficiency and responsiveness of any RHA services against those available from outside consultants. We will continue to insist that all Authorities should regard the rationalisation of the NHS estate and further improvement of the National Health Service's recent good record on building value for money major capital projects to cost and to time as high priorities. Infant Life Preservation Act 1929 Mr. Knox asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received the views of the medical profession about the case for amending the Infant Life Preservation Act 1929; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Kenneth Clarke The chief medical officer has recently received a document on fetal viability and clinical practice which has been prepared by a working party set up by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and including representatives of other medical bodies and the Royal College of Midwives. We understand that the report represents the unanimous views of the professional bodies. I am grateful to them for letting us have their considered opinion that the reference to 28 weeks gestational age in the 1929 Act is now out of date in view of advances in medical techniques.We will be financing the publication of the report and we will arrange for its distribution to nursing homes approved under the Abortion Act and within the National Health Service as soon as possible. I am now considering the report urgently with my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary. I have also asked our officers to convene a meeting with the proprietors of approved nursing homes which at the moment undertake late abortions to discuss the report. I will make a further statement as soon as possible.-------------------------------------------------- |Country |Project | -------------------------------------------------- |Pakistan |Railway development | -------------------------------------------------- |Bangladesh|Railways rehabilitation: wagons | -------------------------------------------------- |Bangladesh|Railway wagons and workshop equipment| -------------------------------------------------- |Malawi |Wagon weighbridges/goods hand | -------------------------------------------------- |Sri Lanka |Materials for railway | -------------------------------------------------- |Malawi |Malawi railways | -------------------------------------------------- |Kenya |Hopper wagons | -------------------------------------------------- |Tanzania |Tanzania railway development | -------------------------------------------------- |Sri Lanka |Locomotives | -------------------------------------------------- |Zimbabwe |Railway electrification Nos. 1–7 | -------------------------------------------------- |Kenya |Railway coaches | -------------------------------------------------- |Kenya |Railways development | -------------------------------------------------- |India |Railway projects grant | -------------------------------------------------- |Malawi |Replacement of railway tracks | -------------------------------------------------- |Sudan |Gezira railways | -------------------------------------------------- |Swaziland |Swaziland railways | -------------------------------------------------- The Overseas Development Administration does not maintain statistics relating to the volume, price and source of individual contracts let under aid financed projects. Forestry Mr. Freeson asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the projects to encourage sustainable forestry in over 20 countries which are aided by the Commonwealth Development Corporation and Overseas Development Administration. Mr. Rifkind The list is as follows: Current projects to encourage sustainable forestry aided by Commonwealth Development Corporation and Overseas Development Administration CDC 1. Fiji-Pine Commission—planting and assistance to utilisation of indigenous timber.2. Ivory coast—Hardwood Forest plantations.3. Jamaica—forest industries plantations.4. Swaziland—Assistance to plantations.5. Tanzania—Assistance to Tanganyikan Wattle Company. Members' Correspondence Mr. Tom Clarke asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will indicate the average time taken by his Department to provide a substantive answer to letters from right hon. and hon. Members during the 12 months period to the latest available date. Mr. Fowler [pursuant to his reply, 15 July 1985, c. 56]: A figure is not available in the form requested. On the information that is available the average time taken was a little over a month. However, during the last 12 months there has been an exceptionally large volume of correspondence which means that Ministers are now replying to about 30,000 letters a year from right hon. and hon. Members. Overseas Development Rail Wagons Mr. Corbyn asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list by volume, price and source the number of overseas contracts carried out in Britain for rail wagons for which his Department has given financial assistance. Mr. Rifkind The following railway projects have been supported by aid since 1980:6. Zambia—Zambia Forest and Forest Industries Corporation.CDA 7. Bangladesh—Sundarbans Inventory Project.8. Belize—Forest utilisation advice.9. Costa Rica—Forest management and tree breeding.10. Grenada—Forest inventory.11. Ghana—Forest inventory.12. Honduras—Forest management.13. India—Karnataka Social Forestry Project and Mysore Papermill Forestry Project.14. Jamaica—Research and training in forestry.15. Kenya—Embu-Meru-Isiolo Reafforestation Project.16. Lesotho—Forest Woodlots Project.17. Liberia—Forestry training18. Nepal—Forestry research projects.19. Solomon Islands—Reafforestation research.20. Sudan—Northern Region irrigation rehabilitation project and community and village tree planting project.22. Uganda—forest inventory for for better forest management.23. Vanuatu—Reafforestation research. Agriculture, Fisheries And Food Factory Farming Mr. Tom Cox asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to bring British factory farming legislation into line with the European convention. Mrs. Fenner I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Holland with Boston (Mr. Body) on 27 June at column 464. Milk Quota Mr. Alex Carlile asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to enable tenants to acquire an interest in milk quota; and whether he has any plans to permit tenants to lease to others unused quota belonging to their holdings. Mr. Jopling I am conscious of the interests of both tenants and landlords in milk quotas. I am considering how these interests can best be recognised in the context of possible arrangements for allowing quota to be transferred separately from land.