Written Answers To Questions
Thursday 24th April 1975
Environment
Housing Improvement
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the bids made by each local authority in England and Wales for expenditure in 1975–76 under Section 105 of the Housing Act 1974, and the amount authorised in each case.
pursuant to his answer [Official Report, 15th April 1975; Vol. 890, c. 93], circulated the following information.The list of proposals under Section 105 of the Housing Act 1974 by English local authorities for expenditure in 1975–76 on the improvement of dwellings in their ownership, and of the amounts that have so far been allocated, is given below. Figures for the Welsh authorities are not at present available.
| NORTHERN REGION | ||
| Bid £ | Allocation £ | |
| Cleveland County | ||
| Hartlepool | 1,450,000 | 750,000 |
| Langbaurgh | 2,005,000 | 1,250,000 |
| Middlesbrough | 3,601,400 | 1,000,000 |
| Stockton | 2,503,000 | 1,500,000 |
| Cumbria County | ||
| Allerdale | 4,852,000 | 1,500,000 |
| Barrow | 379,000 | 200,000 |
| Carlisle | 1,540,000 | 600,000 |
| Copeland | 1,077,000 | 800,000 |
| Eden | 467,000 | 110,000 |
| South Lakeland | 1,106,855 | 100,000 |
| Durham County | ||
| Chester le Street | 2,773,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Darlington | 914,500 | 530,000 |
| Derwentside | 3,000,000 | 1,500,000 |
| Durham | 2,835,200 | 1,700,000 |
| Easington | 5,994,000 | 1,500,000 |
| Sedgefield | 1,599,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Teesdale | — | 50,000 |
| Wear Valley | 1,170,500 | 1,000,000 |
| Northumberland County | ||
| Alnwick | — | 50,000 |
| Berwick | 2,310,000 | 500,000 |
| Blyth Valley | 1,486,500 | 200,000 |
| Castle Morpeth | 298,272 | 100,000 |
| Tynedale | 1,215,000 | 150,000 |
| Wansbeck | 1,330,000 | 750,000 |
| Tyne and Wear County | ||
| Gateshead | 9,720,761 | 3,800,000 |
| Newcastle-upon-Tyne | 6,473,954 | 4,300,000 |
| North Tyneside | 3,079,700 | 1,600,000 |
| South Tyneside | 7,194,666 | 4,300,000 |
| Sunderland | 7,141,400 | 4,300.000 |
| NORTH-WEST REGION | ||
Bid £
| Allocation £
| |
Cheshire County
| ||
| Chester | 488,000 | 220,000 |
| Congleton | 1,029,000 | 740,000 |
| Crewe and Nantwich | 558,000 | 425,000 |
| Ellesmere Port | 651,000 | 300,000 |
| Halton | 456,000 | 350,000 |
| Macclesfield | 584,000 | 280,000 |
| Vale Royal | 640,000 | 30,000 |
| Warrington | 756,000 | 700,000 |
Greater Manchester County
| ||
| Bolton | 2,545,000 | 1,450,000 |
| Bury | 1,434,000 | 230,000 |
| Manchester | 16,269,000 | 12,000,000 |
| Oldham | 6,647,000 | 3,000,000 |
| Rochdale | 7,139,000 | 1,250,000 |
| Salford City | 3,902,000 | 2,500,000 |
| Stockport | 2,014,000 | 1,250,000 |
| Tameside | 3,398,000 | 1,750,000 |
| Trafford | 3,493,000 | 2,500,000 |
| Wigan | 5,350,000 | 4,500,000 |
Lancashire County
| ||
| Blackburn | 1,111,000 | 550,000 |
| Blackpool | 1,029,000 | 410,000 |
| Burnley | 570,500 | 250,000 |
| Chorley | 209,000 | 35,000 |
| Fylde | 229,000 | 25,000 |
| Hyndburn | 280,000 | 200,000 |
| Lancaster | 544,000 | 160,000 |
| Pendle | 1,855,000 | 1,150,000 |
| Preston | 1,816,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Ribble Valley | 248,000 | 150,000 |
| Rossendale | 1,139,000 | 700,000 |
| South Ribble | 84,000 | 75,000 |
| West Lancashire | 706,000 | 225,000 |
| Wyre | 50,000 | 20,000 |
Merseyside County
| ||
| Knowsley | 2,583,700 | 2,250,000 |
| Liverpool City | 19,288,000 | 12,000,000 |
| St. Helens | 2,390,200 | 2,500,000 |
| Sefton | 2,652,000 | 500,000 |
| Wirral | 2,345,000 | 2,000,000 |
| YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER-SIDE REGION | ||
Humberside County
| ||
| Beverley | 806,500 | 150,000 |
| Boothferry | 400,000 | 100,000 |
| Cleethorpes | 296,000 | 200,000 |
| Glanford | 460,000 | 100,000 |
| Grimsby | 516,600 | 400,000 |
| Holderness | 172,000 | 50,000 |
| Kingston-on-Hull | 1,122,211 | 900,000 |
| North Wolds | 438,400 | 150,000 |
| Scunthorpe | 1,316,000 | 300,00 |
North Yorkshire County
| ||
| Craven | 200,000 | 70,000 |
| Hambleton | 503,000 | 110,000 |
| Harrogate | 1,400,000 | 300,000 |
| Richmondshire | 228,000 | 200,000 |
| Ryedale | 447,000 | 200,000 |
| Scarborough | 455,511 | 200,000 |
| Selby | 699,000 | 100,000 |
| York | 3,398,000 | 1,270,000 |
Bid £
| Allocation £
| |
South Yorkshire County
| ||
| Barnsley | 7,129,381 | 3,270,000 |
| Doncaster | 5,100,000 | 500,000 |
| Rotherham | 8,747,520 | 2,710,000 |
| Sheffield | 4,100,000 | 3,200,000 |
West Yorkshire County
| ||
Bradford
| 1,819,000 | 900,000 |
| Calderdale | 1,342,195 | 700,000 |
| Kirklees | 4,281,200 | 1,810,000 |
| Leeds | 7,817,046 | 2,700,000 |
| Wakefield | 10,313,000 | 3,800,000 |
| WEST MIDLANDS REGION | ||
Hereford and Worcester County
| ||
| Bromsgrove | 1,182,600 | 202,600 |
| Hereford | 1,679,000 | 936,000 |
| Leominster | 44,778 | 5,000 |
| Malvern Hills | 923,000 | 100,000 |
| Redditch | 1,352,000 | 150,000 |
| South Herefordshire | 219,000 | 20,000 |
| Worcester | 443,000 | 410,000 |
| Wychaven | 1,753,900 | 646,900 |
| Wyre Forest | 744,000 | 400,000 |
Salop County
| ||
| Bridgnorth | 222,500 | 58,000 |
| North Shropshire | 465,500 | 319,500 |
| Shrewsbury | 475,960 | 133,850 |
| South Shropshire | 76,000 | 76,000 |
| Wrekin | 2,267,000 | 1,179,000 |
Staffordshire County
| ||
| Cannock Chase | 844,050 | 164,050 |
| East Staffordshire | 411,125 | 50,000 |
| Lichfield | 824,000 | 343,000 |
| Newcastle-under-Lyme | 1,207,500 | 532,500 |
| South Staffordshire | 480,000 | 216,000 |
| Stafford | 685,485 | 450,000 |
| Staffordshire Moorlands | 595,500 | 40,000 |
| Stoke-on-Trent | 2,015,000 | 800,000 |
| Tamworth | 835,000 | 355,000 |
Warwickshire County
| ||
| North Warwickshire | 1,293,000 | 200,000 |
| Nuneaton | 2,264,000 | 781,000 |
| Rugby | 727,000 | 685,000 |
| Stratford-on-Avon | 1,361,675 | 878,675 |
| Warwick | 2,294,768 | 250,000 |
West Midlands County
| ||
| Birmingham | 10,400,000 | 5,000,000 |
| Coventry | 3,879,000 | 2,200,000 |
| Dudley | 4,768,000 | 2,000,000 |
| Sandwell | 9,999,294 | 2,200,000 |
| Solihull | 440,000 | 150,000 |
| Walsall | 2,750,000 | 2,000,000 |
| Wolverhampton | 5,000,000 | 800,000 |
| EAST MIDLANDS REGION | ||
Derbyshire County
| ||
| Amber Valley | 2,197,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Bolsover | 1,639,503 | 1,000,000 |
| Chesterfield | 1,748,345 | 995,000 |
| Derby | 1,442,100 | 940,000 |
| Erewash | 1,017,750 | 295,000 |
| High Peak | 1,105,360 | 500,000 |
| North - East Derbyshire | 1,343,000 | 675,000 |
| South Derbyshire | 980,800 | 485,000 |
| West Derbyshire | 879,000 | 250,000 |
Bid £
| Allocation £
| |
Leicestershire County
| ||
| Blaby | 336,050 | 110,000 |
| Charnwood | 2,063,492 | 250,000 |
| Harborough | 334,000 | 160,000 |
| Hinckley & Bosworth | 267,568 | 140,000 |
| Leicester City | 1,475,000 | 1,400,000 |
| North - West Leicestershire | 600,000 | 270,000 |
| Oadby & Wigston | 309,450 | 265,000 |
| Rutland | 100,800 | 45,000 |
Lincolnshire County
| ||
| Boston | 246,000 | 93,000 |
| East Lindsey | 619,832 | 300,000 |
| Lincoln | 420,000 | 255,000 |
| North Kesteven | 143,000 | 25,000 |
| South Holland | 480,000 | 300,000 |
| South Kesteven | 1,164,600 | 650,000 |
| West Lindsey | 396,350 | 215,000 |
Northamptonshire County
| ||
| Corby | 520,000 | 155,000 |
| Daventry | 752,000 | 300,000 |
| East Northants | 498,613 | 400,000 |
| Kettering | 770,593 | 580,000 |
| Northampton | 3,780,495 | 1,000,000 |
| South Northants | 350,000 | 145,000 |
| Wellingborough | 692,000 | 450,000 |
Nottinghamshire County
| ||
| Ashfield | 4,400,000 | 2,700,000 |
| Bassetlaw | 4,660,717 | 2,990,000 |
| Broxtowe | 2,302,000 | 1,695,000 |
| Gedling | 410,800 | 225,000 |
| Mansfield | 1,222,000 | 480,000 |
| Newark | 790,500 | 695,000 |
| Nottingham City | 7,437,000 | 5,750,000 |
| Rushcliffe | 257,250 | 115,000 |
| LONDON | ||
| Greater London Council | 18,600,000 | 11,000,000 |
| City of London | 114,000 | 50,000 |
| Barking | 830,000 | 350,000 |
| Barnet | 2,369,936 | 1,300,000 |
| Brent | 6,670,000 | 2,200,000 |
| Bromley | 1,861,000 | 700,000 |
| Camden | 13,690,000 | 6,000,000 |
| Croydon | 274,000 | 150,000 |
| Ealing | 1,055,000 | 520,000 |
| Enfield | 3,628,500 | 1,100,000 |
| Greenwich | 4,645,300 | 1,700,000 |
| Hackney | 3,705,000 | 2,300,000 |
| Hammersmith | 3,629,550 | 1,300,000 |
| Haringey | 2,350,000 | 1,700,000 |
| Harrow | 1,025,000 | 450,000 |
| Hillingdon | 4,705,369 | 2,700,000 |
| Hounslow | 1,482,167 | 300,000 |
| Islington | 18,887,000 | 8,000,000 |
| Kensington & Chelsea | 1,912,000 | 460,000 |
| Kingston upon Thames | 910,000 | 540,000 |
| Lambeth | 6,675,000 | 5,500,000 |
| Lewisham | 10,413,000 | 2,800,000 |
| Merton | 1,269,300 | 250,000 |
| Newham | 2,824,500 | 1,600,000 |
| Redbridge | 46,000 | 40,000 |
| Richmond on Thames | 858,000 | 650,000 |
| Southwark | 12,351,000 | 7,000,000 |
| Sutton | 81,120 | 30,000 |
| Tower Hamlets | 1,366,200 | 400,000 |
| Waltham Forest | 878,000 | 450,000 |
| Wandsworth | 6,538,130 | 2,400,000 |
| Westminster | 2,706,000 | 1,800,000 |
| SOUTH-EAST REGION | ||
Bid £
| Allocation £
| |
Bedfordshire County
| ||
| Bedford | 1,107,000 | 502,200 |
| Luton | 190,047 | 103,400 |
| Mid-Beds | 393,000 | 136,300 |
| South Beds | 992,000 | 275,300 |
Berkshire County
| ||
| Bracknell | 442,000 | 94,500 |
| Newbury | 600,000 | 150,000 |
| Reading | 857,872 | 774,500 |
| Slough | 946,190 | 934,500 |
| Windsor and Maiden-head | 247,950 | 51,000 |
| Wokingham | 144,160 | 52,500 |
Buckinghamshire County
| ||
| Aylesbury Vale | 979,217 | 229,200 |
| Beaconsfield | 68,000 | 11,300 |
| Chiltern | 223,431 | 162,600 |
| Milton Keynes | 659,170 | 223,700 |
| Wycombe | 935,084 | 472,600 |
Cambridgeshire County
| ||
| Cambridge City | 1,313,500 | 726,000 |
| East Cambridgeshire | 95,700 | 17,200 |
| Fenland | 244,000 | 102,300 |
| Huntingdon | 471,000 | 114,300 |
| Peterborough | 3,224,660 | 1,558,000 |
| South Cambridgeshire | 541,000 | 166,000 |
East Sussex County
| ||
| Brighton | 1,306,000 | 1,067,000 |
| Eastbourne | 120,000 | 20,000 |
| Hastings | 178,000 | 112,700 |
| Hove | 36,000 | 6,000 |
| Lewes | 275,000 | 45,800 |
| Rother | 291,190 | 48,500 |
| Wealden | 610,745 | 235,100 |
Essex County
| ||
| Basildon | 700,000 | 800,000 |
| Braintree | 944,000 | 458,200 |
| Brentwood | 59,000 | 14,800 |
| Castle Point | 30,000 | 5,000 |
| Chelmsford | 870,000 | 870,000 |
| Colchester | 725,000 | 241,700 |
| Epping Forest | 272,000 | 133,700 |
| Harlow | 116,800 | 23,600 |
| Malden | 418,000 | 77,200 |
| Rochford | 205,000 | 34,200 |
| Southend-on-Sea | 715,000 | 423,300 |
| Tendering | 162,650 | 79,300 |
| Thurrock | 1,668,000 | 495,500 |
| Uttelsford | 24,000 | 16,800 |
Hampshire County
| ||
| Basingstoke | 303,650 | 55,300 |
| East Hampshire | 444,000 | 114,000 |
| Eastleigh | 872,000 | 368,700 |
| Fareham | 27,900 | 27,900 |
| Gosport | 635,000 | 280,800 |
| Hart | 49,200 | 34,000 |
| Havant | 377,000 | 332,800 |
| New Forest | 666,922 | 258,900 |
| Portsmouth | 840,000 | 390,000 |
| Rushmoor | 630,000 | 105,000 |
| Southampton | 825,000 | 325,000 |
| Test Valley | 1,137,500 | 505,800 |
| Winchester | 482,500 | 149,200 |
Bid £
| Allocation £
| |
Herfordshire County
| ||
| Broxbourne | 400,000 | 66,700 |
| Dacorum | 814,000 | 202,300 |
| East Herts | 402,000 | 68,700 |
| Hertsmere | 1,053,180 | 883,900 |
| North Herts | 1,390,000 | 244,800 |
| St. Albans | 2,194,775 | 1,035,600 |
| Stevenage | 46,000 | 124,900 |
| Three Rivers | 49,000 | 8,200 |
| Watford | 375,500 | 71,300 |
| Welwyn Hatfield | 1,824,000 | 754,300 |
Isle of Wight
| ||
| Medina | 612,000 | 161,200 |
| South Wight | 250,000 | 125,000 |
Kent County
| ||
| Ashford | 767,400 | 163,200 |
| Canterbury City | 217,460 | 85,900 |
| Dartford | 4,000 | 2,300 |
| Dover | 952,600 | 430,300 |
| Gillingham | 1,382,249 | 1,382,200 |
| Gravesham | 1,933,396 | 599,400 |
| Maidstone | 402,000 | 72,800 |
| Medway | 158,000 | 158,000 |
| Sevenoaks | 260,000 | 93,300 |
| Shepway | 100,000 | 16,700 |
| Swale | 890,866 | 332,500 |
| Thanet | 291,000 | 63,500 |
| Tonbridge and Malling | 150,000 | 25,000 |
| Tunbridge Wells | 240,100 | 173,400 |
Norfolk County
| ||
| Breckland | 207,700 | 132,700 |
| Broadland | 332,000 | 123,700 |
| Great Yarmouth | 631,795 | 102,600 |
| North Norfolk | 375,855 | 89,100 |
| Norwich City | 1,243,000 | 465,500 |
| South Norfolk | 168,800 | 34,600 |
| West Norfolk | 932,110 | 324,600 |
Oxfordshire County
| ||
| Cherwell | 1,450,000 | 241,700 |
| Oxford City | 417,000 | 117,900 |
| South Oxfordshire | 308,500 | 51,400 |
| Vale of White Horse | 380,500 | 70,000 |
Suffolk Couty
| ||
| Babergh | 619,000 | 248,600 |
| Forest Heath | 91,400 | 19,700 |
| Ipswich | 750,000 | 133,300 |
| Mid Suffolk | 474,000 | 240,700 |
| St. Edmundsbury | 630,890 | 148,500 |
| Suffolk Coastal | 375,000 | 223,200 |
| Waveney | 62,000 | 53,700 |
Surrey County
| ||
| Elmbridge | 546,000 | 214,300 |
| Epson/Ewell | 300,000 | 50,00 |
| Guildford | 558,000 | 276,500 |
| Mole Valley | 504,700 | 294,700 |
| Reigate/Banstead | 120,000 | 43,300 |
| Runnymede | 11,000 | 11,000 |
| Surrey Heath | 159,700 | 33,000 |
| Tanbridge | 60,000 | 10,000 |
| Waverley | 567,000 | 233,700 |
| Woking | 25,000 | 4,200 |
Bid£
| Allocation£
| |
West Sussex County
| ||
| Arun | 200,000 | 33,300 |
| Chichester | 353,300 | 95,100 |
| Crawley | 167,300 | 74,900 |
| Horsham | 103,947 | 18,200 |
| Mid Sussex | 161,000 | 26,800 |
| Worthing | 80,000 | 13,300 |
| SOUTH-WEST REGION | ||
Avon County
| ||
| Bath City | 2,801,000 | 714,000 |
| Bristol City | 2,700,000 | 726,500 |
| Kingswood | 267,000 | 170,000 |
| Northavon | 198,250 | 152,000 |
| Wansdyke | 277,500 | 55,500 |
| Woodspring | 92,000 | 25,000 |
Cornwall County
| ||
| Caradon | 212,194 | 50,394 |
| Carrick | 585,000 | 45,000 |
| Kerrier | 350,000 | 88,000 |
| North Cornwall | 80,000 | 10,500 |
| Penwith | 236,000 | 16,000 |
| Restormel | 138,800 | 10,800 |
Devon County
| ||
| East Devon | 243,500 | 61,500 |
| Exeter City | 803,000 | 310,000 |
| North Devon | 644,500 | 150,000 |
| Plymouth City | 1,958,000 | 650,000 |
| South Hams | 139,910 | 75,500 |
| Teignbridge | 722,500 | 54,000 |
| Tiverton | 645,135 | 302,535 |
| Torbay | 550,000 | 400,000 |
| Torridge | 187,500 | 58,000 |
| West Devon | 250,000 | 100,000 |
Dorset County
| ||
| Bournemouth | 355,000 | 80,000 |
| Christchurch | 252,500 | 4,000 |
| North Dorset | 226,194 | 22,194 |
| Poole | 194,750 | 35,750 |
| Purbeck | 50,000 | 15,000 |
| West Dorset | 757,291 | 150,000 |
| Weymouth & Portland | 305,562 | 142,562 |
| Wimborne | 59,800 | 20,000 |
Gloucestershire County
| ||
| Cheltenham | 167,050 | 90,000 |
| Cotswold | 750,000 | 50,000 |
| Forest of Dean | 424,550 | 255,000 |
| Gloucester | 441,618 | 80,846 |
| Stroud | 68,550 | 68,000 |
| Tewkesbury | 108,000 | 18,000 |
Somerset County
| ||
| Mendip | 492,000 | 102,000 |
| Sedgemoor | 41,000 | 15,000 |
| Taunton Deane | 1,090,666 | 366,166 |
| West Somerset | 241,910 | 4,000 |
| Yeovil | 250,000 | 125,000 |
Wiltshire County
| ||
| Kennet | 305,000 | 35,000 |
| North Wiltshire | 470,000 | 314,000 |
| Salisbury | 66,000 | 20,000 |
| Thamesdown | 1,010,000 | 540,000 |
| West Wiltshire | 515,000 | 180,000 |
National Union Of Railwaymen
36.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to meet the leaders of the National Union of Railwaymen.
My right hon. Friend and I met leaders of the NUR on Thursday 13th March. I plan to do so again on Monday 5th May.
Council Houses (Improvement Grant)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the Government grant to North-West Norfolk for council house improvement has been cut by two-thirds.
Under Section 105 of the Housing Act 1974 expenditure by the North Norfolk and West Norfolk District Councils on the improvement and conversion of council-owned dwellings in 1975–76 will be limited to £89,100 and £324,600 respectively. In view of the financial limitations there are on the total volume of improvements, social priorities compel us to redirect resources to where they are needed most. The general principle behind the Section 105 allocations is progressively to redirect available resources away from the improvement of those purpose-built council dwellings already up to sound amenity standards, on which a disproportionate amount has been spent in recent years, towards tackling dwellings without standard amenities or in serious disrepair, especially those purchased from private owners as part of the programme of social ownership.
Civil Service
Pay
asked the Minister for the Civil Service what has been the increase in pay of civil servants since 1st January 1972, and the increase in the cost of living from the same date to the latest convenient date.
The estimated increase in the average pay in the Civil Service, based on national basic pay rates and including threshold payments, where appropriate, between 1st January 1972 and 1st April 1975 is 71·3 per cent. During the same period the index of retail prices increased by 50·8 per cent.
King Of Sweden (Visit To Scotland)
asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will give a detailed breakdown of the estimated cost to public funds of the proposed visit of the King of Sweden to Scotland.
It is estimated that the cost to the Government Hospitality Fund, for which I am responsible, of the forthcoming visit of the King of Sweden to the United Kingdom will be approximately £21,000. No detailed breakdown can be furnished at this stage.
Defence
Animal Experiments
asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many experiments were conducted on living animals without the use of anaesthetics in research establishments under the control of the Ministry of Defence in 1974 and in each of the past five years;(2) how many experiments on living animals have been conducted in the course of research into the effects of incendiary and explosive devices in establishments under the control of the Ministry of Defence in 1974 and in each of the past five years;(3) how many experiments on living animals have been conducted in the course of research into toxicity in establishments under the control of the Ministry of Defence in 1974 and in each of the past five years; and in how many of the experiments animals have been subject to forced feeding leading to death;(4) how many experiments on living animals involving the use of radiation were carried out in research establishments under the control of the Ministry of Defence in 1974 and in each of the past five years.
I regret that this information is not available.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent in 1974 and in each of the past five years on developing alternatives to the use of living animals in research conducted in establishments under the control of the Ministry of Defence.
This information is not readily available but appreciable effort is devoted to developing alternatives to the use of live animals Extensive use of such alternatives is made.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what weapons or defensive systems developed or manufactured in the United Kingdom are tested on living animals in other countries, particularly Australia and Canada, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
None.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any experiments on living animals in the course of research into radiation are carried out by the Atomic Energy Authority sponsored or controlled by the Ministry of Defence.
No.
Chieftain Tanks
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether NATO was consulted before the removal of laser sights and 120mm guns from Chieftain tanks in service in BAOR, for overseas sales purposes; and how many Chieftains are at present in Germany without guns.
No laser sights or 120mm guns have been removed from Chieftain tanks in service with the British Army for any such purpose.
Aircraft (Fuel Consumption)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost per hour of fuel consumed by the Jaguar and Buccaneer aircraft which have recently been flying very low over parts of the Carmarthen constituency.
I regret that the cost of fuel consumed by specific aircraft cannot be disclosed, since the data can be related to contract prices which are confidential to the Ministry of Defence and its suppliers of aviation fuel.
European Community Membership (Referendum)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the 2,000 words prepared by the pro and anti sides in the referendum will be delivered to all Service men at home and overseas.
Yes, so far as is practicable given the timetable and the wide dispersal and operational commit- ments of the Armed Services. There should be few exceptions.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether any referendum campaigning is being undertaken with official consent amongst Her Majesty's Forces overseas: and if he will give details:(2) what facilities are available to the two sides to campaign over the referendum amongst Her Majesty's Forces overseas.
We have in mind that broadcasting time on the British Forces Broadcasting Service should be allocated to both sides. Arrangements will also be made through Service channels to distribute to all Service men a copy of the popular version of the White Paper on Membership of the European Community (Cmnd 6003) and of the statement by the two sides which the Government have agreed to deliver to every household. Otherwise, official facilities and premises will not be made available for campaigning purposes.
Widows' Pensions
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the general increases in pensions and other benefits, he will increase the entitlement of all widows of retired Service officers to one half of their deceased husband's pensions.
The half-rate pension for Service widows, an improvement to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, was introduced with effect from 31st March 1973 and applies only to the widows of those who were still serving on that date. Furthermore, only service given after that date is reckonable for the half-rate pension unless the husband took advantage of the "buying-in" facility for previous service; otherwise the previous service earns pension only at the rate of one-third. It is not the practice in occupational pension schemes in the public sector to apply improved terms to those who have already retired or their widows.Pensions for the Armed Forces are however, reviewed annually and in creased to keep them abreast of the cos of living.
Sailors (Television)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to provide television receivers for the entertainment of crew members of Her Majesty's ships.
Approval has recently been given for public funds to bear the cost of installing colour receivers in communal areas such as ratings' dining halls and wardrooms in all Her Majesty's ships expected to be in service in 1980.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to permit the use of television receivers for the entertainment of crew members in cases where it is not their policy to provide television receivers.
Yes, so long as space and administrative requirements permit.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the subject of the use of television receivers for the entertainment of crew members is consistent as regards (a) Her Majesty's surface ships, and (b) Her Majesty's submarines.
Yes, but for practical reasons television viewing in submarines is normally only possible in harbour.
Education And Science
Truancy
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware of any cases in which the absence of children from school may be related to the increased costs in public transport.
No.
Church Schools (Liverpool)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the final report on the reorganisation of Roman Catholic schools in Liverpool will be available; and if he will make a statement.
I understand that the working party appointed by His Grace the Archbishop of Liverpool is reconsidering its original recommendations in the light of comments received from parents, teachers and others concerned. I do not know when the final report will be made available to my Department.
Home Department
Prisoners (Parole)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prisoners serving sentences of four years or more are released on parole at (a) the first application, (b) the second application and (c) subsequent applications.
In England and Wales during 1974, of prisoners who were serving determinate sentences of four years or more, 19 per cent. were released on parole as the result of a first review, and 34 per cent. as the result of a second or subsequent review. The figures available do not distinguish between a second and subsequent review.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what proportion of prisoners serving sentences of four years or more who are released on their third or subsequent applications for parole are readmitted to prison within two years:(2) what proportion of prisoners serving sentences of four years or more who are released on their first application for parole are readmitted to prison within two years:(3) what proportion of prisoners serving sentences of four years or more who are released on their second application for parole are readmitted to prison within two years.
I regret that the precise information is not available. Research has shown that, of a sample of prisoners serving sentences of four years or more in England and Wales and released on parole from October 1969 to March 1970, 12 per cent. were reimprisoned within two years of release.
Fines (Non-Payment)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total amount of fines imposed by courts in England which are still outstanding at the most recent convenient date; what is the value of those regarded as arrears; and what is the total amount regarded as irrecoverable.
The total amount of fines outstanding in England and Wales, excluding inner London, on 31st December 1974 was £11,883,276. A separate figure is not available for payments in arrear. Past experience indicates that only about 3 per cent. of fines ultimately have to be written off as irrecoverable.
European Community Membership
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies are being made by his Department of the implications of United Kingdom membership of the EEC and of comparative conditions in relevant respects in this country and in other member States: and whether such studies will be completed, published and made available to the umbrella organisations during the referendum campaign.
No formal studies of that kind are at present being made by my Department. The Government's assessment of the implications of continued membership of the EEC is given in the White Papers on membership of the European Community (Cmnd. 5925 and 6003); further information on particular aspects of membership is available to the general public and to the umbrella organisations through the Referendum Information Unit.
Prisoners
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the 22 prisoners given a total of £46,276 in ex gratia payments were juveniles.
One.
Women Prisoners
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on mothers and babies being held in prison; and whether he has any proposals designed to avoid such a situation.
It is for the court to decide whether a custodial sentence should be passed in any particular case. Our intention is that there should be sufficient suitable accommodation in women's establishments to ensure that if a sentence is passed on the mother of a young child she will not have to be refused permission to keep her child solely on the grounds that appropriate accommodation is not available.
Southend Airport (Incident)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report on the circumstances in which the police were called to Southend Airport on 16th April when Mrs. Hennequin, of Billericay, was seeking to place her daughter on a BMA flight to Jersey.
I understand that two policewomen attended Southend Airport by arrangement with an officer of the Social Services Department of Essex County Council. My noble Friend will write to my hon. Friend explaining the circumstances more fully.
National Finance
Value Added Tax
33.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated income to the Treasury from VAT on petrol.
I would refer the hon. Member to my answer on Monday, 21st April to the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Smith).
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report as detailed a statement as possible giving the rates of VAT on the same types of goods as increased in his recent Budget in each of the countries of the Eight; and to what extent discussions have ensued or are to take place to secure the harmonisation of VAT on these or any other stated goods.
The table below indicates the rate of VAT applied by other member States of the EEC to the items on which the United Kingdom rate of VAT is to be increased to 25 per cent. There are at present no proposals for the harmonisa-
| Group | Belgium per cent. | Denmark per cent. | France per cent. | Germany per cent. | ||
| 1. Domestic electrical appliances | … | … | 18 | 15* | 20 | 11 |
| 2. Television sets | … | … | 25 | 15* | 20 | 11 |
| Radios, gramophones, tape recorders. | 25 | 15* | 33⅓ | 11 | ||
| 3. Boats | … | … | 25 | 15 | 20 | 11 |
| Aircraft | … | … | 25 | 15 | 20 | 11 |
| 4. Caravans | … | … | 25 | 15 | 20 | 11 |
| 5. Photographic equipment | … | … | 25 | 15 | 33⅓ | 11 |
| Binoculars etc. | … | … | 18 | 15 | 20 | 11 |
| 6. Furs | … | … | 25 | 15 | 33⅓ | 11 |
| 7. Jewellery‡ | … | … | 25 | 15 | 33⅓ | 11 |
| Group | Ireland per cent. | Italy per cent. | Luxembourg per cent. | Netherlands per cent. | ||
| 1. Domestic electrical appliances. | … | … | 19·5 | 12 | 10 | 16 |
| 2. Television sets | … | … | 36·75† | 30 | 10 | 16 |
| Radios, gramophones, tape recorders. | … | … | 36·75† | 30 | 10 | 16 |
| 3. Boats | … | … | 19·5 | 30 | 10 | 16 |
| (large power boats, other at 12 per cent.) | ||||||
| Aircraft | … | … | 19·5 | 30 | 10 | 16 |
| 4 Caravans | … | … | 19·5 | 12 | 10 | 16 |
| 5 Photographic equipment | … | … | 19·5 | 30 | 10 | 16 |
| Binoculars etc. | … | … | 19·5 | 12 | 10 | 16 |
| 6 Furs | … | … | 19·5 | 30 | 10 | 16 |
| 7. Jewellery‡ | … | … | 19·5 | 30 | 10 | 16 |
| * Denmark imposes an additional tax on these items outside VAT. | ||||||
| †The top Irish rate is imposed at the manufacturing level only. | ||||||
| ‡In France, Italy and Belgium a distinction is made between different classes of jewellery. | ||||||
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rate of VAT is chargeable on a U11 battery if supplied for use with a photographic viewer or, alternatively, for use with a torch.
8 per cent. in either case. I regret that in reply to the right hon. and learned Member for Surrey, East (Sir G. Howe) on 16th April—[Vol. 890, c. 580]–1 inadvertently stated that batteries were included among the parts to be chargeable at the higher rate of VAT. In fact batteries are specifically excluded from the higher rate by Item 5, paragraph (c) of Group 1 of the Table in Resolution No. 16 and by corresponding items in Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5. They will, therefore, remain chargeable at the standard rate of 8 per cent. when the higher rate comes into effect on 1st May.
tion within the EEC of rates of VAT on these or other items. Proposals for the harmonisation of the structure and overall coverage of the tax are at present under discussion.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of VAT revenue was spent on administering the tax in the tax year 1973–74 and the tax year 1974–75; and how the administrative costs compare with the administrative costs of collecting other taxes.
It is estimated that the proportions were 2·4 per cent. in 1973–74 and 2 per cent. in 1974–75. Similar proportions for other taxes in 1973–74 were: all Customs and Excise taxes and duties, 1·35 per cent.; all Inland Revenue duties, 1·71 per cent.; vehicle excise duties, 3·88 per cent. The figure for VAT in 1973–74 is unduly high mainly because, the tax being payable in arrear, less than a full year's revenue was collected in the first year of the tax.
Social Wage
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table setting out in full the ingredients in the social wage, and the extent to which they apply to different levels of income.
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Dorking (Sir G. Sinclair) on this subject on 22nd April. The total figure of £1,000 mentioned in that answer was an average over all the members of the working population, and an analysis by income level is not available.
Social Services
Children (Sterilisation)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any discussions have been held with the medical profession concerning the sterilisation of children under the age of 12 years; and what was the outcome of such discussions.
There have been no discussions centrally and there is no general policy, the belief being that these difficult and delicate issues are best decided after discussion with all those most closely concerned with any individual case.
National Insurance Contributions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps she is taking to ensure that all insurance contributors are fully aware of the new regulations relating to the payment of insurance contributions and particularly the self-employed who may have to pay both Class 2 and Class 4 contributions.
A publicity campaign was launched in August 1973, directed first at employers. Preliminary guides to the new arrangements were sent to 1 million employers in May 1974, followed in November by the full operational guides and in March 1975 by the new contribution tables and working documents. This was supplemented by a planned programme of advisory visits to employers throughout the country by officers of my Department, an advertising campaign in the national Press and talks to representative groups. Leaflets explain- ing the new provisions to employees are available at local social security offices.Leaflets explaining the changes for Class 2 and Class 3 contributors, including the introduction of Class 4 contributions, were provided for self-employed and non-employed persons when they exchanged their national insurance cards last year. From August 1974 leaflets explaining the Class 4 arrangements have been available at tax offices and local social security offices. The Inland Revenue have provided printed guidance on the treatment of income for Class 4 contribution purposes and all self-employed persons who are assessed for these contributions will be given an explanatory leaflet. Over the past 18 months many self-employed people have been given detailed advice at local offices and in the course of the advisory visits to employers.
Hospital Building
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she will he able to announce the hospital building programme for 1975–76.
It was announced by my right hon. Friend on 15th April.—[Vol. 890, c. 85–88.]
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Animal Exports
7.
asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what inquiries he has made concerning the maltreatment of live animals exported from the United Kingdom for slaughter on the Continent; and whether he will make a statement.
I would refer the hon. Member to the statement my right hon. Friend made on 11th April.—[Vol. 889, c. 1597.]
Egg Imports
10.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on the importation of eggs from the Continent.
Imports in March are estimated to have been about 85,000 boxes or between 2 and 3 per cent. of total supplies. The market has firmed considerably in recent weeks. Feed prices are falling, so that the overall position of egg producers has greatly improved. We are in close touch with the industry and will continue to watch the position carefully.
Food Imports (Prices)
3.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he
| AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OF UNITED KINGDOM IMPORTS OF CERTAIN COMMODITIES FEBRUARY 1974 AND FEBRUARY 1975 | |||||||||
| £ per ton | |||||||||
| February 1974 | February 1975 | ||||||||
| Wheat | … | … | … | France | … | … | … | 65·90 | 69·97 |
| … | … | … | Denmark | … | … | … | 51·70 | 69·48 | |
| Barley | … | … | … | France | … | … | … | 62·09 | 71·05 |
| Maize | … | … | … | France | … | … | … | 66·86 | 69·28 |
| Beef (sides, fresh/chilled) | … | … | … | Irish Republic | … | … | … | 632·46 | 644·43 |
| Bacon Sides | … | … | … | Denmark | … | … | … | 682·79 | 691·62 |
| Irish Republic | … | … | … | — | 638·22 | ||||
| Lard | … | … | … | Netherlands | … | … | … | 252·75 | 306·21 |
| Belgium/Luxembourg | … | … | … | 216·03 | 297·10 | ||||
| Sugar: | |||||||||
| Raw | … | … | … | France | … | … | … | — | 205·97 |
| Belgium/Luxembourg | … | … | … | — | 161·97 | ||||
| Refined | … | … | … | France | … | … | … | 133·76 | 224·91 |
| West Germany | … | … | … | 169·12 | 249·57 | ||||
| Netherlands | … | … | … | 151·82 | 237·28 | ||||
| Butter | … | … | … | France | … | … | … | 480·24 | 738·97 |
| Netherlands | … | … | … | 468·03 | 745·72 | ||||
| Denmark | … | … | … | 557·89 | 745·15 | ||||
| West Germany | … | … | … | 498·01 | 731·42 | ||||
| Cheese (Cheddar type) | … | … | … | France | … | … | … | 566·35 | 844·91 |
| Netherlands | … | … | … | 623·88 | 881·93 | ||||
| Irish Republic | … | … | … | 499·57 | 868·81 | ||||
| Apples | … | … | … | France | … | … | … | 129·38 | 199·34 |
| Italy | … | … | … | 76·48 | 179·51 | ||||
| Tomatoes | … | … | … | Netherlands | … | … | … | 378·21 | 326·92 |
| Sources: | |||||||||
| Custom and Excise Tab Sheets. | |||||||||
| Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom 1974 and 1975. | |||||||||
Water And Sewerage Charges
11.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in future price reviews, he will take into account the effect on agriculture of the increased water, sewage and sewerage disposal charges that came into effect on 1st April 1974.
Yes.
Inshore Fishing
18.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be able to define what constitutes an inshore fishing vessel.
An all-purpose definition would serve no useful end.
24.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has
will list the items of food products and their comparable prices exported by EEC countries to the United Kingdom during the last 12 months for which he was details.
The table below shows a comparison of the import prices of the main items of food imported from the EEC in February 1974 and February 1975:new proposals to help the inshore fishermen, particularly those with boats of under 40 ft. in length: and if he will make a statement.
I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. Johnson) on 27th February.—[Vol. 887. c. 206.]
Poultry Exports (France)
19.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about his negotiations with the French Government designed to facilitate the export of British poultry and poultry products to France.
As I told the House on 16th and 17th April—[Vol. 890, c. 585; c. 652]—I have now received the agreement of the manufacturers of arsenical feed additives to ban the use of arsenical compounds in the feeding and rearing of poultry used for commercial egg production. The feeding stuffs trade has been consulted and accepts the ban. The licences issued by my Department have been altered so that this use is no longer lawful. I have informed the French Government of this and the necessary formalities in French law have been put in hand.
Common Fisheries Policy
20.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on renegotiation of the common fisheries policy.
21.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on his discussions with EEC agriculture and fisheries Ministers about the future of the common fisheries policy.
As I said earlier in reply to the hon. Member for Mid-Oxon (Mr. Hurd) and others, on 15th April the Council of Agricultural Ministers approved my request for an urgent reappraisal of the common fisheries policy to be undertaken in preparation for possible changes in the Law of the Sea following the current United Nations Conference.
Skimmed Milk Powder
23.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make proposals to the European Commission for the disposal of 450,000 tons of skimmed milk powder now held in intervention stocks.
My officials are in regular contact with the European Commission about the disposal of intervention stocks of skimmed milk powder. Measures already agreed by the Community provide for part of these stocks to be made available to developing countries.
Beef Conversion
28.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farms in England and Wales have switched to beef under the conversion schemes so far; and how many dairy cows have been lost as a result.
The latest return for England and Wales shows that 3,960 producers have taken advantage of the Dairy Herd Conversion Scheme in respect of 136,764 dairy cows. It is not possible to estimate precisely the effect of the scheme on the national dairy herd as many of the better milk animals are now to be found in other herds.
Agricultural Prospects
29.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make an estimate of the damage to agricultural prospects in the forthcoming season as a result of the unfavourable weather.
No precise estimate is possible at this stage. The wet and cold weather in recent weeks adversely affected grass growth and pasture conditions and impeded spring cultivation and sowings. But some good drying days now will make a great deal of difference. I am keeping a close watch on the situation, and my advisory officers are available to help farmers wherever they can.
Sugar Beet
31.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement explaining the effect upon home sugar beet production and prices of the recently renegotiated EEC agreement with regard to the admission of cane sugar from Commonwealth countries.
The EEC agreement with cane sugar exporters has no effect on the price for sugar beet, and United Kingdom growers have considerable scope for expansion of production under the revised United Kingdom basic quota for 1975–76.
Smallholdings
32.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many smallholdings owned by the county councils or his Department exist in England and Wales, respectively; how many of them are full-time holdings; how many of them are part-time holdings; and what is the average acreage in each category.
The reply gives details of full-time and part-time statutory smallholdings in England and Wales respectively at 31st March 1973, the latest information available. I regret that the average acreages of each category are not known.
| STATUTORY SMALLHOLDINGS IN ENGLAND AND WALE'S AT 31ST MARCH 1973 | ||
| England | Wales | |
| 1. Held by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food: | ||
| Full-time | 720 | Nil |
| Part-time | 73 | Nil |
| 2. Held by local authorities*: | ||
| Full-time | 5,476 | 688 |
| Part-time | 3,962 | 444 |
| * Figures do not include 139 holdings in England for which classification is not available. | ||
Intervention Buying
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the products and quantities for which intervention buying has been necessary within the EEC since 1st January 1973.
Following are the quantities for which intervention buying has from time to time been necessary within the EEC as a whole from 1st January 1973 to the dates shown (latest available):
| Commodity | Date | Amount (tonnes) |
| Beef | 31st March 1975 | 638,719 |
| Butter | 28th February 1975 | 511,000 |
| Skimmed milk powder | 28th February 1975 | 519,800 |
| Common wheat | 15th April 1975 | 2,230,000 |
| Barley | 15th April 1975 | 520,000 |
| Rye | 15th April 1975 | 360,000 |
| Duram wheat | 15th April 1975 | 10,000 |
| Oilseeds | 15th April 1975 | 2,147 |
| Sugar | 15th April 1975 | 87,720 |
| Tobacco | 31st December 1973 | 3,090 |
Brucellosis Incentive Payment
30.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now increase the brucellosis incentive payment.
I do not consider that an increase in these payments is appropriate at this stage in the brucellosis eradication campaign.
Brucellosis
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is now the target date for the eradication of bruncellosis in Great Britain.
It is not yet possible to set a firm target date, but it remains our view that it will be possible to complete the eradication of brucellosis in Great Britain by the mid–1980s.
Food Production (White Paper)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now invite the National Economic Development Council to draw up a blueprint of how the extra production detailed in the White Paper "Food From our Own Resources" may be achieved by 1980.
The Economic Development Committee for Agriculture has decided, in the light of the prospects and objectives identified by the Government and the Industry, to review the resources of land, labour and finance likely to be available to the agricultural industry between now and the early 1980s.
Farm Lands
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in the White Paper "Food from Our Own Resources", what assumption is made of average annual loss of productive agricultural land to (a) reservoirs, (b) roads and (c) other building, respectively.
The White Paper makes no forecasts about future losses of agricultural land but the projections in it are consistent with the policy stated in paragraph 16 that agricultural land of a higher quality should not be taken for development where land of lower quality is available.
Industry
Fertiliser Production
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will seek to improve the home production of fertiliser by taking steps to encourage the development and expansion of British blood and bone fertiliser production; and if he will make a statement.
By reasons of their cost and difficulty with large scale application, fertilisers made from bone and blood constitute only a very minor proportion of total fertiliser use in this country and their use is confined entirely to gardening and specialist horticulture. Even a massive expansion of production would therefore make only a very marginal contribution to total fertiliser supplies but in any case, I believe that the quantities of raw material available are insufficient to support such expansion.
Energy
European Community Energy Research
asked the Secretary of State for Energy how the EEC Commission or Energy Research Management Committee will allocate the £24·5 million fund for energy research between various public and private organisations; on what basis it will decide to place contracts with one organisation rather Man another; and if its decisions will be published.
The draft decision in Commission document COM(74) 2150 on Energy R & D projects has yet to be considered by the Council of Ministers. I cannot anticipate its decision. I can, however, refer the hon. Member to the information which I gave him on these matters during the debate on 17th April.
Coal Mines (European Community Guidelines)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy under which article of the Treaty of Rome the EEC Commission has acted in setting out guidelines for the manpower, financing and development policies for coal mines of member States, as contained in Command Paper No. (74) 1860 (final) of 21st November 1974.
Article 46 of the Treaty of Paris gives the EEC Commission, as successors to the High Authority of the Treaty of Paris, the authority to issue guidance on the matters covered in this document.
Refineries
asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the control of refineries and refinery expansion is limited to primary distillation capacity; or whether it is intended to encompass further downstream processing.
Under the powers contained in Part IV of the Petroleum and Submarine Pipe-lines Bill, an authorisation from the Secretary of State would be required only for the provision of, or an increase in, crude oil distillation capacity. My right hon. Friend would. however, be able to include in such an authorisation conditions requiring the execution of further works, for instance associated downstream plant.
Employment
Holiday Industry (Cornwall)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many jobs in Cornwall are dependent upon the holiday industry; what proportion of all lobs in Cornwall these represent; and how these figures have changed in recent years.
I regret that the information is not available. My Department's employment statistics are analysed according to the Standard Industrial Classification, which does not separately identify the holiday industry, as distinct from the variety of activities such as transport, entertainment, hotels and catering which contribute to it.
European Community Membership
asked the Secretary of State for Employment which types of jobs he considers would be adversely affected in the event of Great Britain's withdrawal from the Community.
in the White Paper on "Membership of the European Community" (Cmnd 6003) the Government expressed the view that there would be a risk of deterioration in the level of employment for a time at least in the event of Britain's withdrawal from the Community. Particular considerations indicated in the White Paper were the consequences for confidence and investment at home, and whether we were able to obtain trading arrangements with the Community which would be favourable for our exporting industries. It is not possible to list the types of jobs which would be affected or mainly affected.
Engineering Industry Training Board
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what grounds were given by Mr. H. Scanlon when he resigned from membership of the Engineering Industry Training Board on 8th March 1974.
That is a matter for Mr. Scanlon.
Social Contract
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish the number and details of wage settlements made in the nationalised sector that fall outside the social contract.
No. As my right hon. Friend and I have told the House, it is not necessary or appropriate for us to classify each individual settlement in relation to the TUC guidelines.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment when the hon. Member for Torbay can expect a reply to a letter addressed to his Department, dated 19th March 1975. on the subject of statistical information on the observation of the social contract in the public sector.
I replied to the hon. Member's letter on 27th March. A further copy was sent to him on 23rd April, as I understand that he did not receive my original reply.
Earnings
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the respective average earnings of male and female office, skilled, semiskilled and unskilled manual workers in the cities of Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol in the years to April 1974 and April 1975.
I regret that the information is not available.
Work Force
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the size of the male and female force in the United Kingdom including those at present unemployed; and approximately how many of the work force are members of independent trade unions as defined in the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974.
At March 1974 the estimated numbers of employees, employed and unemployed, in the United Kingdom were 14,080,000 males and 9,163,000 females. The figures are provisional.It is not possible to give figures of members of independent trade unions as defined in the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974 until these have been certified as independent trade unions by the certification officer whose appointment is proposed in Clause 7 of the Employment Protection Bill now before Parliament.The latest available information about the total membership of organisations of workers was published in the November 1974 issue of the Department of Employment
Gazette. At the end of 1973 the total membership was about 11,429,000. These figures relate to all organisations of workers which are known to include in their objects that of negotiating with employers with a view to regulating the wages and working conditions of their members and cover all such organisations known to the Department to have their head offices situated in the United Kingdom.
Scotland
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the six employment categories in Scotland which represent a net gain of male and female jobs, respectively, in the past two years: and the six categories representing a job loss.
Information on the number of jobs gained or lost is not available, but an indication of net changes can be obtained by comparing the levels of employment shown by the mid-year censuses of employment. The results of the 1974 census are not yet available, but the following table shows the changes in the numbers of employees in employment in Scotland between June 1971 and June
| EMPLOYEES IN EMPLOYMENT IN SCOTLAND | |||||||||
| CHANGES BETWEEN JUNE 1971 AND JUNE 1973 | |||||||||
| Thousands | |||||||||
| Males | Females | ||||||||
| 1971 | 1973 | Change | 1971 | 1973 | Change | ||||
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing | … | … | … | 47 | 45 | -2 | 8 | 7 | * |
| Mining and quarrying | … | … | … | 38 | 34 | -4 | 1 | 1 | * |
| Food, drink and tobacco | … | … | … | 54 | 53 | -1 | 43 | 43 | * |
| Coal and petroleum products | … | … | … | 2 | 2 | * | * | * | * |
| Chemicals and allied industries | … | … | … | 22 | 20 | -1 | 7 | 6 | * |
| Metal manufacture | … | … | … | 41 | 40 | -2 | 5 | 4 | * |
| Mechanical engineering | … | … | … | 84 | 76 | -8 | 13 | 11 | -2 |
| Instrument engineering | … | … | … | 9 | 8 | * | 9 | 9 | * |
| Electrical engineering | … | … | … | 29 | 29 | * | 21 | 24 | +3 |
| Shipbuilding and marine engineering | … | … | … | 42 | 41 | -1 | 3 | 3 | * |
| Vehicles | … | … | … | 33 | 34 | +1 | 4 | 3 | * |
| Metal goods not elsewhere specified | … | … | … | 23 | 23 | * | 7 | 7 | * |
| Textiles | … | … | … | 32 | 32 | * | 40 | 40 | * |
| Leather, leather goods and fur | … | … | … | 2 | 2 | * | 1 | 1 | * |
| Clothing and footwear | … | … | … | 5 | 5 | * | 27 | 30 | +3 |
| Bricks, pottery, glass, cement, etc. | … | … | … | 20 | 19 | * | 3 | 2 | * |
| Timber, furniture, etc. | … | … | … | 20 | 20 | * | 4 | 4 | * |
| Paper, printing and publishing | … | … | … | 33 | 31 | -1 | 19 | 18 | -1 |
| Other manufacturing industries | … | … | … | 11 | 12 | +1 | 5 | 5 | * |
| Construction | … | … | … | 149 | 163 | +13 | 9 | 10 | +1 |
| Gas, electricity and water | … | … | … | 26 | 24 | -2 | 5 | 5 | * |
| Transport and communication | … | … | … | 118 | 114 | -4 | 26 | 25 | * |
| Distributive trades | … | … | … | 92 | 94 | +1 | 146 | 149 | +4 |
| Insurance, banking, finance and business services | … | … | … | 32 | 32 | * | 33 | 36 | +3 |
| Professional and scientific services | … | … | … | 89 | 95 | +7 | 199 | 216 | +16 |
| Miscellaneous services§ | … | … | … | 77 | 83 | +6 | 108 | 119 | +11 |
| Public administration and defence† | … | … | … | 88 | 91 | +4 | 43 | 49 | +7 |
| Totals‡—all industries and services§† | … | … | … | 1,216 | 1,221 | +5 | 787 | 828 | +42 |
| * Under 1,000. | |||||||||
| †Excluding members of H.M. Forces. | |||||||||
| ‡Because the figures have been rounded independently rounded totals differ from the sum of the rounded components. | |||||||||
| §Excludes private domestic service. | |||||||||
European Community Membership (Referendum)
asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will arrange for the 2,000-word address of each side in the referendum to be translated into languages suitable for major immigrant populations.
1973. Separate figures are given for each order of the Standard Industrial Classification.
No. The arrangements made with the two organisations were that there should be one version of each document for the United Kingdom and a bilingual version for Wales. It is open to the organisations themselves to arrange for translation and suitable distribution of any other version.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
European Community
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek to ensure, in the event of the United Kingdom remaining within the EEC, that a representative of the Scottish Assembly attends as a member of the British delegation at both ministerial and permanent representative level; and whether, in such circumstances, he will make a statement on the nature and status of such representation.
Her Majesty's Ministers attending meetings of the EEC Council of Ministers and officials attending meetings of the Community's official committees are concerned to pursue the interests of all parts of the United Kingdom. The best way of taking account of Scottish views on EEC matters following the setting up of the Scottish Assembly is one of the matters being considered in our current examinations of the proposed devolution arrangements.
Passports
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many passports for citizens of the United Kingdom and colonies were issued from passport offices in the United Kingdom or from British High Commissions and Embassies abroad in replacement of passports alleged to have been lost during the year 1974.
I refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply of 4th February to the hon. Member for Tyne-mouth (Mr. Trotter).—[Vol. 885, c. 478.]
Overseas Development
Fertilisers
asked the Minister of Overseas Development what proposals have recently been made by the United Kingdom for bilateral increases in fertilisers to the Third World nations; and what arrangements have been made for multilateral contributions through the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
I am currently considering with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Industry and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what more we can do to help developing countries, particularly those most seriously affected by rising prices, to obtain supplies of fertiliser.
World Food Council
asked the Minister of Overseas Development who is representing the United Kingdom at the forthcoming World Food Council; and what proposals are being made by Her Majesty's Government.
The Council will meet for the first time in Rome from 23rd to 27th June. Her Majesty's Government will be represented jointly by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and myself.My right hon. Friend and I are giving careful consideration to the matters likely to arise at the meeting but I am not at present in a position to make a statement.
World Agriculture Development Fund
asked the Minister of Overseas Development what proposals have been made by Her Majesty's Government for the funding of the World Agriculture Development Fund.
As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley) on 22nd April—[Vol. 890, c. 255]—we shall be very ready to make a British contribution if the fund seems likely to add usefully to international efforts for agricultural development.
Scotland
Fishing Vessels (Safety)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the proposals now embodied in the Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975, and from whom; and which of such representations he received (a) before and (b) after the publication of these proposals.
These rules, which were laid before Parliament on 3rd April by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade, and are due to come into operation on 1st May, have been under discussion with the fishing industry for the past three years. I have, however, recently received representations from the Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission about the stationing of a Department of Trade surveyor at Stornoway and from the Clyde and Firth of Forth Fishermen's Associations about the costs to fishermen arising from the rules. My right hon. Friend is at present consulting the industry about the fees to be charged for surveys. These fees will be set out in separate regulations to be laid before Parliament.
Soil Survey
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to conduct a complete soil survey of Scotland; and whether any action has yet been taken by his Department in connection with such a survey.
The Soil Survey of Scotland, which is located at the Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Aberdeen and is financed by my Department, has already surveyed the major part of the low ground in Scotland, together with some hill areas. This work is continuing. The institute publishes maps recording the results of survey work.
Venison (Exports)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make representations to the Dutch and German Governments regarding their regulations for the import of venison; what proposals he has to assist exporters of Scottish venison; and if he will make a statement.
In the absence of any EEC directive on intra-Community trade in game the Dutch and West German Governments are within their rights in imposing their own requirements on the standard of hygiene for venison intended for consumption in their respec- tive countries. Her Majesty's Government made representations to the West German Government about the effect of their action on our export trade and have protested formally about the short notice given of the introduction of the new Regulations on 1st January 1975. We also made representations to the Dutch Government in October 1973 when we were advised of their requirements in respect of imports of venison.The agriculture departments have had several meetings with the game industry at which the German requirements have been explained in detail. While the veterinary requirements are in themselves not unreasonable they create difficulties in their application to the circumstances in which deer are normally shot in Scotland. The industry has set up a working party to study the feasibility of complying with the German regulations and I await the outcome of its deliberations.
Pine Forests
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken, and is proposing to take, to preserve natural pine forests in Scotland.
The Forestry Commission, the Nature Conservancy Council, the Forestry Department of Aberdeen University and private woodland owners maintain close co-operation to preserve natural pine forests. I understand that a symposium on the ecological aspects of pine forests, including their conservation, is to be held by the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology at Colyumbridge, Inverness-shire from 19th–23rd May this year.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the area of naturel pine forest in Scotland as a whole, and in each Scottish constituency; and what acreage has been felled in each of the last 10 years.
No comprehensive numerical survey of natural pine forest in Scotland has been carried out; estimates of the total area vary between 4,000 and 30,000 acres, depending upon different definitions of natural pine forest. Figures for acreages of natural pine felled are not available.
Oil Platform Sites
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for alternative uses for oil platform construction sites in Argyll.
Under the Offshore Petroleum Development (Scotland) Act 1975, I am required to consult with the appropriate local authority and others on the future use of any publicly-owned oil platform construction site which is no longer needed for this purpose. The nature of the reinstatement or alternative use will depend on the outcome of the consultations I have mentioned and on the situation prevailing at the time. The future use of platform sites not publicly owned is primarily a question for the planning authority.
Isle Of Bute—Colintraive (Bridge)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the building of a bridge at Colintraive to link the Isle of Bute with the mainland.
This proposal has been urged by Bute County Council several times in recent years, and was reaffirmed in a resolution passed by Argyll and Bute District Council on 30th January. After 15th May responsibility for considering this project will rest with Strathclyde Regional Council as highway authority.
Driving Offences (Penalties)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what proportion of drivers convicted of a simple charge of careless driving have been banned from driving in Scotland over the last three years.(2) how many cases there have been in Scotland over the past three years of drivers being banned as a result of a simple case of careless driving and in which sheriffs have been responsible for these penalties.
I regret that this information is not available.
Trade
Hosiery And Knitwear Industry
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has now received the letter dated 16th April 1975 sent to him by Mr. F. A. Robson, President of the Leicester and District Hosiery Manufacturers Association Limited, regarding the current state of trade in the hosiery and knitwear industry; and what reply he has sent.
My right hon. Friend has received this letter, which raises a number of major policy issues concerning the hosiery and knitwear industry. He will be replying as soon as possible.
European Community (Investment)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what was the total amount invested by British firms by way of direct investment in the countries of the eight other members of the European Economic Community since 1972 to the latest date for which figures are available;(2) what was the total amount invested by way of direct investment in the United Kingdom by European countries of the EEC since 1972 to the latest date for which figures are available.
The information available relates to net direct investment in 1972 and 1973. United Kingdom net direct investment, other than oil, in the eight other members of the EEC in 1972 and 1973 totalled £764 million. Net direct investment, other than oil and insurance, by the eight other members of the EEC in the United Kingdom in 1972 and 1973 totalled £147 million.
Wales
Mentally Handicapped Children
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report a list off hostels in Wales which can provide short-stay—periods of one or two weeks—accommodation at frequent intervals for mentally handicapped children who live at home.
Local authority hostels at the following locations provide short-term stay for mentally handicapped children who normally live at home:
| Aberkenfig. | Mid Glamorgan. |
| Barry. | South Glamorgan. |
| Cardiff. | South Glamorgan. |
| Swansea. | West Glamorgan. |
| Bettws. | Gwent. |
| Wrexham. | Clwyd. |
Health Services (Planning)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the Swansea and Lliw Valley Community Health Council, and with other Welsh councils, on the documents "Service Planning 3: Health Care Planning Teams" and "A short guide on health service planning".
Community health councils were not consulted on these documents, since the first contains guidance to health authorities on their internal organisational arrangements and the second describes in non-technical terms a planning system for area health authorities which was necessarily determined last autumn, before community health councils were fully operational.
Northern Ireland
Agriculture
34.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now make a statement on his long-term plans and policies for agriculture in Northern Ireland, with special reference to the effect of the "Green Pound" on the relative positions of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The Government's policy for the future of agricultural production in the United Kingdom as a whole, including Northern Ireland, is set out in the recently published White Paper 'Food From Our Own Resources". I will continue to give special consideration to particular problems arising in Northern Ireland. One effect of the differential between the value of the United Kingdom's and the Irish Republic's "Green Pound" is to encourage the movement of pigs and cattle from Northern Ireland to the Republic. I have nothing to add to the answer given to a Question by the hon. Member on that subject on 17th April.
Police (Life Insurance)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make representations to the Police Authority that it should undertake financial responsibility for the additional premium which is required by insurance companies in connection with life insurance policies taken out by members of the police and police reserve.
I understand that a number of insurance companies offer cover at normal rates to individual members of the RUC and its Reserve.
Schoolchildren's Travel Costs
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many qualifying children from the catchment area of Lurgan College have been granted assistance to travel to grammar schools in Banbridge or Lisburn during the years 1970 to 1975; and how much this assistance has cost each year.
The numbers of qualified pupils from the Lurgan area who have been granted financial assistance for travel to grammar schools in Banbridge and Lisburn and the total approximate cost of such assistance in the years 1970 to 1975 are as follows:
| Number | Approximate Cost £ | |
| 1970–71 | 43 | 829 |
| 1971–72 | 56 | 1,170 |
| 1972–73 | 71 | 1,503 |
| 1973–74 | 81 | 2,062 |
| 1974–75 | 103 | 2,671 |
European Community Membership
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what studies are being carried out by his Department into the implications for Northern Ireland of British membership of the EEC and of comparative conditions in Northern Ireland and other areas of the EEC; and whether such studies will be completed and published during the referendum campaign.
No specific studies are being carried out, but I receive day to day advice on these matters from all the Departments under my control. The Government's assessment of the implications of the United Kingdom's continued membership of the EEC is set out in the recent White Papers. (Cmnd. 5925 and 6003.)
Secretary Of State (Assassination Attempt)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) where, and on what date, the attempt on his life took place; which organisation was responsible; how many people were involved; whether the assassination squad consisted of both men and women; and in what circumstances the squad operated;(2) what type of gun was used in the attempt on his life; how many shots were fired; and whether any spent bullets or cases were recovered;(3) whether the loyalist detained in connection with the attempt on his life knew the charges which led to his detention; whether he appeared before the Commissioners; and with what result.
In the House on 14th April I referred to an incident to illustrate a point in reply to a Question. Because of the nature of the information I have nothing to add.
Harland And Wolff Ltd
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will publish in the Official Report the proposed terms and conditions of employment for the proposed new managing director of Harland and Wolff Limited, Belfast, indicating in all cases where this new contract differs from the terms arranged with Shipbuilding Services, SA, of Switzerland.
No. My hon. Friend will have seen that an indication of the salary to be paid was given in the advertisement in the newspapers. The other terms and conditions of employment will be a matter of commercial confidence, although it has been made clear to the company that they must be acceptable to the Government.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what was the sum of money paid by Harland and Wolff Limited to Shipbuilding Services, SA, for the services of Mr. Hoppe at the time of his dismissal from his post of managing director of the yard:(2) how many persons, apart from Mr. Hoppe, are and were employed by Harland and Wolff Limited through the offices of Shipbuilding Services, SA; and at what cost to the yard;(3) apart from the matter at present in dispute following his dismissal of Mr. Hoppe as managing director of Harland and Wolff Limited, if he will state in the
Official Report the amount paid to Shipbuilding Services, SA, and the amount still owing to Shipbuilding Services, SA., ( a) for the services of men under contract to Shipbuilding Services and ( b) for other services carried out by Shipbuilding Services for Harland and Wolff Limited, indicating which services in each case:
(4) whether he will publish in the Official Report the estate agents, particulars of the house, and adjoining 42-acre farm, built by Harland and Wolff at Annaclay, County Down, for Mr. Hoppe as managing director of Harland and Wolff; what was the original cost of this tied cottage in current values; and what were the costs of any improvements made to the property whilst Mr. Hoppe was in residence.
The matters to which these Questions relate are within the responsibility of Harland and Wolff Limited. which is a joint stock limited liability company in which the Northern Ireland Department of Commerce holds 47 per cent. of the ordinary stock and 36 per cent. of the total stock.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether there were any Government-appointed directors on the board of Harland and Wolff at the time of the appointment of Mr. Hoppe as managing director of the yard; and if his appointment was approved by Her Majesty's Government or the terms of his employment sanctioned by the Shipbuilding Industries Board.
There was one nominee of the Government of Northern Ireland on the board at the time of the appointment of Mr. Iver Hoppe in July 1971. The Northern Ireland Government concurred in the appointment. Neither the Shipbuilding Industry Board nor the Northern Ireland Government was required to give formal approval to the terms and conditions of the appointment. although both were aware of the basis on which the company proposed to make the appointment.