Written Answers To Questions
Tuesday 1st July 1975
Prime Minister (Visits)
Q6.
asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Caernarvon.
Q22.
asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Newtown, Montgomery.
Q27.
asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Northern Ireland.
Q29.
asked the Prime Minister when he next intends to visit Paris.
Q38.
asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to North Cotes.
Q41.
asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Chorley.
Q42.
asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Fair Isle.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Q16.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will seek to pay an official visit to Australia.
I much look forward to taking up Mr. Whitlam's invitation to visit Australia, which he extended while he was here in December. No date has yet been set.
European Community Institutions
Q7.
asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's representation in the institutions of the EEC.
I refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on 9th June and to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. Wigley) on 10th June.
Devolution
Q8.
asked the Prime Minister whether he remains satisfied with the co-ordination between the Lord President and the Scottish Office with regard to the consideration of devolution.
asked the Prime Minister whether he remains satisfied with the co-ordination between members of Her Majesty's Government on policy for devolution.
Yes. My right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council has overall responsibility, but he is in close and continuous consultation with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales, and with other ministerial colleagues as appropriate.
Tuc And Cbi (Meeting)
Q9.
asked the Prime Minister when next he intends to meet the TUC.
Q14.
asked the Prime Minister, when next he intends to meet the TUC and the CBI.
Q28.
asked the Prime Minister when he next plans to meet the TUC.
Q32.
asked the Prime Minister when he next plans to meet the TUC.
I refer my hon. Friends and the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan) on 25th June.
Q31.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a further statement about his discussions with the TUC and CBI about inflation.
Q34.
asked the Prime Minster if he will make a statement on his latest talks with the TUC and CBI.
I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ashley) on 24th June.
Government Ministers
Government Ministers
Q10.
asked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Minister with responsibility for restraining wage inflation.
Q15.
asked the Prime Minister if he will now dismiss the Lord President of the Council.
Q21.
asked the Prime Minister if he will dismiss the Secretary of State for Employment.
Q35.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will dismiss the Secretary of State for Employment.
Q36.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will now dismiss the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection.
Q37.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will dismiss the Secretary of State for Employment.
I refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Rost) on 26th June.
Inflation
Q11.
asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the Government's progress in protecting the poor from the effects of inflation.
Yes.
National Economic Development Council
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister when he next proposes to take the chair at a meeting of the NEDC.
Q19.
asked the Prime Minister when next he expects to take the chair at a meeting of NEDC.
I refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. McNair-Wilson) on 24th June.
Q23.
asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his meeting with the NEDC on 17th June.
The council had a wide-ranging and constructive discussion on investment by the nationalised industries and on the role of the NEDC.
Chancellor Of The Exchequer (Broadcast)
Q12.
asked the Prime Minister if the broadcast by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Radio Leeds on 14th June about guarantees on wage demands represents Government policy.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Chingford (Mr. Tebbit).
Open Government
Q17.
asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the progress being made towards a more open system of government.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Blaby (Mr. Lawson) on 11th February.
Concorde
Q18.
asked the Prime Minister if he will be making a flight in the Concorde aircraft.
I have no immediate plans, but I would hope to do so when an appropriate opportunity arises.
National Union Of Railwaymen (Talks)
Q24.
asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about his recent talks with the leaders of the National Union of Railwaymen at No. 10 Downing Street.
I met the full executive of the National Union of Railwaymen on 14th June. The purpose of the meeting was to make the Government's position plain; it was in no sense a negotiation with the NUR. My colleagues and I stressed the extreme gravity of the decision by the NUR to call an official strike in support of its wage claim and outlined the serious economic consequences if it went ahead.
Prime Minister (Speech)
Q20.
asked the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of his public speech on the EEC to the Nottingham miners on 7th June.
I did so on 13th June.
Employment (Young Persons)
Q25.
asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Departments of Employment, Education and Industry in respect of the problems of youth unemployment.
Yes.
Hare Coursing Bill (Division)
Q26.
asked the Prime Minister what was the cost to public funds of transporting Ministers to the House of Commons to vote for the Hare Coursing Bill at 4 p.m. on Friday 13th June.
A number of Ministers had been at Chequers for a ministerial meeting, and were brought back to their Departments. Some, having regard to their parliamentary duties, came to the House and registered their votes on a Government Bill. No net cost accrued to public funds over and above those arising from normal arrangements, which have been followed under successive Governments, for providing transport for Ministers.
Cabinet Proceedings
Q30.
asked the Prime Minister what recent representations he has had on the operation of the guide- lines for Ministers on the disclosure of the internal workings of Government; what replies he has made; and if he will make a statement.
No.
Pre-Budget Discussions
Q33.
asked the Prime Minister what representations he has received from organisations following his expressed willingness to have pre-Budget discussions on what the nation can afford.
Q40.
asked the Prime Minister what representations he has received on his proposals for Government consultations with various bodies prior to future Budgets.
I am constantly receiving representations on all aspects of the economy.
Wages Settlements (Deputations)
Q39.
asked the Prime Minister how many trade union deputations he has met at 10 Downing Street to discuss wages settlements in the current Session of Parliament.
I have regular contacts with trade union leaders on a wide range of subjects affecting Government policy.
Poverty (Inquiry)
61.
asked the Lord President of the Council if he will move to set up a Select Committee to examine the problems of poverty in Great Britain.
No. A great deal of work on this subject is being carried on by the Government, both departmentally and inter-departmentally, and the results are brought before Parliament as they come to fruition.
£ Sterling
62.
asked the Lord President of the Council, in view of the 32 per cent. fall in the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling since March 1974, he will propose a motion to set up a Select Committee of the House to study the currency and to make recommendations upon how the value of the currency can be maintained.
No.
Industry
Aircraft And Shipbuilding
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the implementation of his proposals for the aircraft and shipbuilding industries.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in view of the effects on the British shipbuilding industry's prospects of the uncertainty over the Government's nationalisation plans, he will now consider making a statement on the future of these plans.
The Government attach the highest importance to ending delay and uncertainty in these two industries. Because of pressure of other legislation, it is not now possible for the Bill to complete its passage in the present Session. The Government have therefore decided that they will proceed with the Bill at the very earliest opportunity in the next Session, with a view to Royal Assent and vesting of the companies to be nationalised as early as possible in 1976. The safeguarding provisions already announced and embodied in the Bill continue in effect. The Government reserve the right, should there be any deliberate attempt to frustrate the objectives of public ownership, to introduce further safeguarding provisions which may be retrospective in their effect.It is essential in the national interest that in the period until vesting the industries should operate on a vigorous and ongoing basis, that contracts should be efficiently fulfilled and that constructive planning for the future should go forward. The Government look to the industries to do this but are very ready to discuss with all parties in the industries what they can do to help. If directors should feel in any specific cases that the safeguarding provisions are impeding normal business transactions they should get in touch with my Department, which will do its best speedily to resolve any uncertainty. I would expect such cases to be exceptional.
Footwear Manufacturing Industry
59.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether his Department has had talks with the British footwear manufacturers about protecting jobs in the British footwear manufacturing industry.
Yes. My Department is in frequent contact with the British Footwear Manufacturers' Federation, other trade organisations and individual firms about issues which have a bearing on employment levels in the footwear industry. Both immediate problems and longer-term issues are being discussed in the joint study of the footwear industry which we have instituted with manufacturers and trade unions.
Overmanning
60.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what estimate his Department has made of the increase in national production which would result from the re-employment of labour in those industries where there is overmanning.
It is not possible to make a meaningful estimate.
Hs748 Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether any action has been taken to underwrite future batches of the HS748 following the publication of the Government's Bill to nationalise Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd.
Decisions about the production of this aircraft are a matter for the company.
Telephone Calls (Charges)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will give a general direction to the Post Office to cease its current practice of charging double for local calls from call boxes put through the operator in cases where a line is defective.
No. I do not regard this subject as appropriate for a general directive.
Alfred Herbert Limited
asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he now expects to announce the Government's proposals for Alfred Herbert Limited.
I hope to make an announcement shortly.
Lucas Company (Redundancies)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will now intervene to assist those about to be affected by the 2,800 redundancies announced by the Lucas company on Friday 6th June.
I have at present no powers to intervene, but the services of the Employment Service Agency are available to assist those affected to find alternative employment.
Prices And Consumer Protection
Retail Price Index
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will express the increase in the retail price index during the latest month as an annual rate.
The retail price index for May was 4.2 per cent. higher
| PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN CONSUMER PRICES IN EEC MEMBER COUNTRIES IN THE LAST YEAR | ||||||||
| Country | Period of movement | Percentage increase | ||||||
| West Germany | … | … | … | April 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 6·1 |
| France | … | … | … | April 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 12·7 |
| Italy | … | … | … | May 1974 to May 1975 | … | … | … | 19·7 |
| Netherlands | … | … | … | April 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 10·3 |
| Belgium | … | … | … | April 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 14·4 |
| Luxembourg | … | … | … | April 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 10·5 |
| Denmark | … | … | … | April 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 11·7 |
| Irish Republic* | … | … | … | May 1974 to May 1975 | … | … | … | 24·5 |
| United Kingdom | … | … | … | May 1974 to May 1975 | … | … | … | 25·0 |
| sources: | ||||||||
| OECD Main Economic Indicators. | ||||||||
| National Sources. | ||||||||
| Department of Employment. | ||||||||
| * Quarterly Index. | ||||||||
Prices (Oecd Countries)
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will publish in the Official Report a table
than the previous month's. Expressed at an annual rate the increase would be 70.4 per cent. However, since more than half the rise in the May figure resulted from increases in direct taxation introduced in the Budget, which will not recur in future months, the figure has no statistical relevance.
National Consumer Council
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether it remains her policy that the National Consumer Council should be accorded the same status in the Government's consultation process as the TUC and the CBI.
The Government's intention remains as expressed in paragraph 5 of the White Paper (Cmnd 5726).
Prices (European Community)
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will compare the rise in consumer prices in the past year in all EEC countries.
Percentage increases for the most recent 12-months' period for which statistics are available are as follows:showing for each member State of the OECD the percentage increase or decrease in food prices for each year since 1945.
The information is as follows:
| ANNUAL PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN FOOD PRICE INDICES IN OECD COUNTRIES 1945–1974 | |||||||||||||||||
| 1945–46 | 1946–47 | 1947–48 | 1948–49 | 1949–50 | 1950–51 | 1951–52 | 1952–53 | 1953–54 | 1954–55 | 1955–56 | 1956–57 | 1957–58 | 1958–59 | 1959–60 | |||
| Canada | … | … | 5·1 | 14·5 | 22·5 | 2·3 | 2·2 | 14·3 | 0·0 | -3·8 | 0·0 | 0·0 | 1·0 | 4·1 | 3·1 | 0·1 | 0·7 |
| United States | … | … | 14·8 | 21·4 | 8·2 | -3·3 | 1·1 | 11·1 | 2·0 | -20 | 0·0 | 2·0 | 1·0 | 3·2 | 4·2 | -1·5 | 1·2 |
| Japan | … | … | n.a. | 100·0* | 66·7 | 25·7 | -10·2 | 15·2 | 3·3 | 6·4 | 8·0 | -2·8 | ·1·0 | 3·5 | -1·0 | 0·5 | 3·6 |
| Australia | … | … | 0·0 | 7·7 | 14·3 | 10·4 | 11·3 | 28·8 | 25·0 | 5·3 | 1·0 | 3·9 | 7·5 | -1·5 | 0·9 | 2·9 | 5·4 |
| Austria | … | … | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | 34·7* | 7·6 | 22·5 | 17·2 | -2·0 | 2·0 | 2·9 | 2·1 | 3·1 | 2·3 | 0·0 | 1·1 |
| Belgium | … | … | n.a. | 13·2* | 26·0 | -5·1 | -2·2 | 6·7 | 3·1 | 1·0 | 3·0 | -1·0 | 2·0 | 2·9 | 1·0 | 0·1 | 0·0 |
| Denmark | … | … | 0·0 | 4·4 | 1·4 | 1·4 | 16·4 | 10·6 | 6·4 | 0·0 | 4·0 | 6·7 | 4·5 | -5·2 | 1·8 | 4·0 | 1·0 |
| Finland | … | … | 58·3 | 44·7 | 32·7 | 2·7 | 14·7 | 7·0 | 7·6 | 1·0 | -2·0 | -4·1 | 14·5 | 12·7 | 7·5 | 0·0 | 4·7 |
| France | … | … | 73·3 | 65·4 | 51·2 | 12·3 | 9·6 | 16·2 | 9·7 | -2·0 | -2·0 | 1·0 | 1·8 | 1·6 | 17·9 | 3·3 | 2·1 |
| Germany | … | … | 6·5 | 6·1 | 17·1 | 17·1 | -7·3 | 9·0 | 5·2 | -2·0 | 2·0 | 2·0 | 2·5 | 1·5 | 1·7 | 1·3 | 0·4 |
| Greece | … | … | n.a. | 21·6 | 51·1 | 16·2 | 6·3 | 6·0 | 4·5 | 7·5 | 12·0 | 4·5 | 3·4 | 0·8 | 1·0 | 0·0 | 2·0 |
| Iceland | … | … | 4·4 | 4·3 | -4·1 | 2·1 | 41·7 | 33·8 | 11·0 | -1·0 | 0·0 | 4·0 | 12·5 | 2·6 | 6·4 | -5·0 | 3·2 |
| Ireland | … | … | 0·0 | 7·1 | 4·0 | 0·0 | 0·0 | 6·4 | 10·8 | 8·7 | 0·0 | 4·0 | 1·1 | 4·3 | 8·6 | -0·4 | -1·4 |
| Italy | … | … | 20·0 | 61·1 | 4·6 | 0·0 | -3·3 | 6·8 | 4·3 | 2·0 | 4·0 | 1·9 | 4·6 | -0·1 | 3·5 | -2·3 | 1·0 |
| Luxembourg | … | … | 21·0 | 7·2 | 5·4 | 11·5 | 6·9 | 3·2 | 3·1 | 1·0 | 2·0 | -1·0 | 1·0 | 3·9 | -1·0 | 0·0 | 1·0 |
| Netherlands | … | … | 14·8* | 9·7 | 8·8 | 8·1 | 11·2 | 7·9 | 3·1 | 1·0 | 4·0 | 1·9 | 2·6 | 6·4 | 0·2 | 1·6 | 1·5 |
| Norway | … | … | 0·0 | -1·4 | -2·9 | 0·0 | 8·8 | 17·6 | 13·8 | 1·0 | 8·0 | 0·0 | 5·1 | 0·0 | 8·5 | 1·1 | 0·0 |
| Portugal | … | … | 12·8 | 1·0 | -3·1 | 4·2 | 0·0 | -2·0 | 0·0 | 3·1 | -1·0 | 0·0 | 4·0 | 1·0 | 2·0 | 2·0 | 2·9 |
| Spain | … | … | 39·6 | 19·4 | 2·5 | 3·7 | 11·8 | 9·5 | -3·8 | 0·0 | 1·0 | 4·0 | 7·6 | 12·3 | 14·9 | 7·0 | 1·2 |
| Sweden | … | … | 1·6 | 4·7 | 7·5 | 1·4 | 1·4 | 17·6 | 12·6 | 2·0 | 0·0* | 5·0 | 5·9 | 4·2 | 5·8 | 1·2 | 5·7 |
| Switzerland | … | … | -2·2 | 5·7 | 3·3 | -1·1 | 1·1 | 3·2 | 2·0 | 0·0 | 2·0 | 1·0 | 1·9 | 1·0 | 1·0 | -2·0 | 1·0 |
| Turkey | … | … | 0·0 | -1·1 | 2·3 | 12·5 | -5·1 | -4·3 | 7·8 | 3·1 | 9·0 | 4·6 | 14·9 | 12·2 | 9·9 | 30·0 | 7·7 |
| United Kingdom | … | … | -0·3 | -2·7 | 5·6 | 5·5 | 7·5 | 11·1 | 15·8 | 5·6 | 2·6 | 7·5 | 4·4 | 2·6 | 2·1 | 1·0 | 0·7 |
| Yugoslavia | … | … | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | -37·2 | 7·5 | 0·0 | 19·0 | 9·1 | 2·4 | 2·0 | 1·0 | 6·9 |
| 1960–61 | 1961–62 | 1962–63 | 1963–64 | 1964–65 | 1965–66 | 1966–67 | 1967–68 | 1968–69 | 1969–70 | 1970–71 | 1971–72 | 1972–73 | 1973–74 | |||
| Canada | … | … | 0·9 | 1·7 | 2·7 | 1·6 | 2·6 | 5·5 | 1·2 | 3·3 | 4·3 | 2·2 | 1·1 | 7·6 | 14·5 | 16·2 |
| United States | … | … | 1·1 | 1·0 | 1·4 | 1·2 | 2·3 | 4·9 | 0·9 | 3·7 | 5·1 | 5·5 | 3·0 | 4·4 | 14·5 | 14·3 |
| Japan | … | … | 5·9 | 7·9 | 9·1 | 3·8 | 8·3 | 3·7 | 4·9 | 6·4 | 6·0 | 9·1 | 6·0 | 3·9 | 13·0 | 28·3 |
| Australia | … | … | 3·2 | -2·7 | 0·2 | 3·9 | 5·9 | 2·0 | 3·9 | 2·6 | 1·3 | 3·6 | 3·9 | 3·8 | 15·2 | 15·3 |
| Austria | … | … | 3·4 | 5·4 | 3·1 | 4·0 | 6·7 | 0·9 | 4·0 | 1·2 | 3·4 | 4·7 | 3·8 | 5·8 | 7·8 | 8·4 |
| Belgium | … | … | 1·0 | 1·9 | 1·9 | 4·9 | 4·8 | 4·9 | 2·5 | 1·8 | 4·5 | 3·5 | 1·9 | 6·6 | 8·0 | 9·4 |
| Denmark | … | … | 2·8 | 8·2 | 5·9 | 2·4 | 7·9 | 4·6 | 8·8 | 9·0 | 5·3 | 8·5 | 5·9 | 9·3 | 13·6 | 11·5 |
| Finland | … | … | 1·1 | 4·4 | 5·3 | 1·3 | 6·2 | 4·2 | 6·4 | 11·2 | 3·0 | 1·5 | 4·4 | 9·3 | 12·5 | 15·5 |
| France | … | … | 4·1 | 6·3 | 5·2 | 3·6 | 2·3 | 2·7 | 1·7 | 3·0 | 6·3 | 5·9 | 6·4 | 7·9 | 9·4 | 12·6 |
| Germany | … | … | 1·1 | 3·3 | 2·9 | 2·0 | 3·8 | 2·7 | 0·0 | -0·6 | 2·3 | 2·4 | 3·8 | 5·7 | 7·6 | 4·7 |
| Greece | … | … | 2·7 | -1·7 | 6·0 | 0·8 | 4·7 | 5·8 | 0·8 | 0·0 | 3·4 | 3·1 | 5·1 | 3·9 | 21·4 | 27·6 |
| Iceland | … | … | 10·6 | 16·4 | 17·6 | 25·9 | 6·4 | 15·0 | 1·5 | 17·4 | 25·6 | 15·9 | 1·9 | 16·6 | 30·1 | 47·0 |
| Ireland | … | … | 3·5 | 2·2 | 1·4 | 6·2 | 6·1 | 0·6 | 2·0 | 5·7 | 6·1 | 7·6 | 7·4 | 11·8 | 16·4 | 14·7 |
| Italy | … | … | 0·3 | 4·4 | 8·2 | 5·1 | 5·3 | 2·0 | 1·8 | 0·2 | 2·9 | 4·3 | 4·0 | 6·3 | 12·0 | 19·5 |
| Luxembourg | … | … | 0·3 | 0·2 | 2·9 | 1·9 | 4·3 | 3·9 | 1·4 | 3·7 | 3·8 | 5·0 | 3·5 | 6·8 | 7·1 | 9·0 |
| Netherlands | … | … | 2·0 | 2·7 | 3·6 | 6·8 | 6·1 | 6·0 | 2·1 | 2·4 | 6·6 | 1·4 | 4·2 | 6·6 | 7·9 | 7·1 |
| Norway | … | … | 2·2 | 7·6 | 1·0 | 9·0 | 2·8 | 2·7 | 4·4 | 3·3 | 4·0 | 12·9 | 6·0 | 7·2 | 9·7 | 8·2 |
| Portugal | … | … | -0·7 | 2·4 | 2·8 | 5·7 | 4·2 | 7·3 | 1·8 | 4·1 | 8·1 | 5·0 | 8·8 | 9·8 | 9·2 | 32·6 |
| Spain | … | … | 0·0 | 8·3 | 9·9 | 5·0 | 16·2 | 4·1 | 3·8 | 4·5 | 2·0 | 3·6 | 7·8 | 9·2 | 12·6 | 14·3 |
| Sweden | … | … | 2·3 | 7·1 | 5·4 | 3·5 | 6·1 | 6·9 | 3·4 | 1·0 | 3·5 | 8·5 | 9·2 | 9·1 | 5·8 | 6·3 |
| Switzerland | … | … | 1·4 | 5·7 | 3·6 | 1·7 | 2·2 | 4·7 | n.a | 0·0 | 1·8 | 2·5 | 6·5 | 6·5 | 6·0 | 10·8 |
| Turkey | … | … | 6·5 | 6·0 | 7·0 | -0·6 | 5·9 | 9·0 | 7·5 | 5·4 | 9·6 | 7·9 | 14·0 | 11·0 | 20·0 | n.a. |
| United Kingdom | … | … | 1·6 | -3·6 | 2·4 | 2·9 | 3·5 | 3·6 | 2·5 | 4·0 | 6·3 | 6·9 | 11·1 | 8·9 | 15·1 | 18·0 |
| Yugoslavia | … | … | 9·7 | 15·2 | 10·0 | 15·0 | 40·0 | 19·3 | 2·8 | 3·2 | 7·9 | 12·1 | 16·6 | 19·0 | 21·8 | 20·7 |
| * Based on fewer than 12 months. | ||||||||||||||||
| Note: The coverage of the underlying indices varies to some extent from country to country; in particular some include either alcoholic drink or tobacco or both Some of the percentage changes for each country span periods when the underlying indices were rebased to reflect changes in spending patterns. | ||||||||||||||||
| Source: OECD and United Nations Statistical publicationx. | ||||||||||||||||
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will compare the rise in consumer prices in the past six months in OECD countries.
| PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN CONSUMER PRICES IN OECD MEMBER COUNTRIES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS | ||||||||
| Country | Period of movement | Percentage increase | ||||||
| Canada | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 4·4 |
| United States | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 3·6 |
| Japan | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 5·2 |
| Australia* | … | … | … | August 1974 to February 1975 | … | … | … | 7·5 |
| New Zealand* | … | … | … | August 1974 to February 1975 | … | … | … | 8·0 |
| Austria | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 4·5 |
| Belgium | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 5·8 |
| Denmark | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 3·9 |
| Finland | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 9·7 |
| France | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 5·4 |
| West Germany | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 3·7 |
| Greece | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 8·9 |
| Iceland* | … | … | … | August 1974 to February 1975 | … | … | … | 25·4 |
| Irish Republic | … | … | … | November 1974 to May 1975 | … | … | … | 14·7 |
| Italy | … | … | … | November 1974 to May 1975 | … | … | … | 6·0 |
| Luxembourg | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 6·1 |
| Netherlands | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 5·1 |
| Norway | … | … | … | November 1974 to May 1975 | … | … | … | 5·7 |
| Portugal | … | … | … | September 1974 to March 1975 | … | … | … | 6·8 |
| Spain | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 8·9 |
| Sweden* | … | … | … | August 1974 to February 1975 | … | … | … | 4·5 |
| Switzerland | … | … | … | October 1974 to April 1975 | … | … | … | 3·1 |
| Turkey | … | … | … | June 1974 to December 1974 | … | … | … | 8·6 |
| United Kingdom | … | … | … | November 1974 to May 1975 | … | … | … | 16·8 |
| Sources: | ||||||||
| OECD Main Economic Indicators. | ||||||||
| Department of Employment. | ||||||||
| National Sources. | ||||||||
| * Quarterly Index. | ||||||||
Trade
Civil Airports (South-East)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects to publish proposals affecting the future of civil airports in the south-east of England.
My right hon. Friend hopes to announce shortly the arrangements for the next stage in the consultation process on London area airport development which he initiated following the abandonment of the Maplin airport project.
British Films Quota
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has decided the level of quota of British films to be shown by exhibition during the year beginning 1st January 1976.
The Cinematograph Films Council has recommended that there should be no change in the level
Percentage increases over the most recent six-months' period for which statistics are available are as follows:of exhibitors quota at 30 per cent. for first feature films and 25 per cent. for supporting programme for the year beginning 1st January 1976. This advice has been accepted.
Environment
Council Houses (Starts)
63.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give his latest estimate of the number of council houses to be started in 1975 and in 1976, respectively.
The progress we achieved last year in reversing the downward trend in public sector house building is being maintained. In 1974 in Great Britain public sector starts, at 147,000 were 30 per cent. up on 1973, while the number of dwellings in new contracts let, 153,000, gave us an increase of 34 per cent. on 1973. The figures for the first five months of 1975 show starts up by 9 per cent. and tender approvals by 15 per cent. on the same period of 1974. I expect this rate of progress to be maintained.
Planning Statistics
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will withdraw, or defer for a period, recent requests to local authorities for information, particularly for planning statistics; and if he will review all requests to local authorities for information supplied on a regular basis.
Timely and appropriate information is needed from local authorities on many matters of public concern and therefore it would be impractical to withdraw or defer all recent requests to local authorities for information. I fully accept that requests should be kept to a minimum and have instructed my Department accordingly but I do not consider that new instructions or special investigations are required to do this.So far as planning statistics are concerned, very few of these data are available centrally. Following consultations with local authorities two new returns have been issued in this field recently. They are expected to cause no undue difficulties for most authorities and discussions are in progress with others to see whether arrangements can be made to meet their particular problems.
Alkali Inspectorate
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider ways in which the co-operation of the Alkali Inspectorate with local authorities can be improved.
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution is engaged upon a special study of air pollution control. This includes consideration of the relationship between the Alkali Inspectorate and local authorities. I shall study carefully any recommendations which the commission makes upon this subject.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to increase the number of inspectors employed by the Alkali Inspectorate.
Any increase in the number of inspectors employed by the Alkali Inspectorate is primarily a matter for the Health and Safety Executive and the Health and Safety Commission. I am advised by the Health and Safety Commission that three additional alkali inspectors are being recruited and that consideration is being given to further increases in the strength of the Inspectorate.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many inspectors are employed by the Alkali Inspectorate to cover each of the home counties at the latest convenient date for which figures are available.
There are eight inspectors, in four separate districts, whose responsibilities include the Home Counties.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the present establishment of the Alkali Inspectorate is able to deal adequately with the calls made upon its services.
Plans are already in hand for increases in the establishment of the Alkali Inspectorate. The complement will be kept under review in the light of demands made upon the Inspectorate.
Water Rates
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report (a) details of the water rates for meaured and non-measured supplies for the year 1975–76 for each district in England and Wales, and (b) whether any standard surcharges for water services apply in any water authority area for 1975–76; and, if so, if he will give details.
I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member's Question of 6th March 1975.—[Vol. 887, c. 509.]
Waste Disposal Sites
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which of the waste disposal sites listed in the answer given to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. Watkins) on 27th April as representing a potentially serious risk are situated in areas for which geological survey maps are not publicly obtainable.
None. Five of the 53 sites are shown on New Series Geological maps which can be bought through Ordnance Survey Agents; dye-line or photographic copies of maps showing the others—42 on 6 in. and six on Old Series 1 in.—can be obtained from the London and Leeds offices of the Institute of Geological Sciences. All the maps can be inspected at these two offices, and at many public and university libraries.
Bus Design (Disabled Passengers)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now make a statement on the outcome of research into bus design features aimed at helping the disabled.
The TRRL has a programme of research into the development of facilities to assist disabled passengers to make fuller use of buses. The first phase of this project has demonstrated the necessary layout, and the needs of elderly and partially disabled passengers through static tests using a mock-up bus. The tests have examined the reach capabilities, size of handles and forces which elderly and disabled persons can apply and these in turn will determine the accelerations suitable for such passengers. Research has also brought out the desirability of a retractable step, and designs for this are being prepared. Further tests using a moving bus are now planned for the second phase of the project. This phase is currently concerned with the design of loading and anchorage equipment for wheelchairs. Completion of the project is still some way off. Full results will be published in due course, and I am meanwhile sending the hon. Member a copy of an interim report which was published last year.
Derelict Land
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation requiring industries whose operations cause land to become derelict to undertake its reclamation.
Planning authorities already have powers to impose conditions requiring appropriate after-treatment of a site when granting planning permission for development. The operation of those powers in relation to mineral workings has been one of the matters reviewed by the Stevens Committee on Minerals Planning Control and we shall be considering whether further action is necessary when its report is published later this year. Local authorities also have power to deal with the reclamation of derelict land and Govenment grants are payable to them for that purpose where, because the development took place before planning control or for some other reason, the owner or occupier is not under a statutory obligation to reclaim it.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will establish a statutory register of derelict land, as suggested in "Dereliction of Land", published by the Professional Institutions' Council for Conservancy.
During 1974 local authorities in England carried out a new survey of derelict and despoiled land, the results of which were recently issued by my Department. The authorities are therefore informed about the location, nature and extent of this land and my right hon. Friend can see no present justification for the additional administrative costs which the establishment of a statutory register would entail.
North West Region (European Community Aid)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what financial assistance under all headings is available to local authorities in the North West of England from EEC sources.
Local authorities may be eligible for financial assistance from the following EEC sources: the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund and the European Investment Bank.Assistance would be subject to eligibility under the appropriate scheme.
Toxic Wastes (Disposal)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now satisfied with the system for monitoring the dumping of toxic waste substances in Warwickshire; and if he will make a statement.
Yes. Notifications under the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act 1972 allow the waste disposal authority to keep itself fully informed of all disposals of hazardous waste; in addition, the site at Villa Farm, Wolvey, is specially monitored under the landfill research programme.
Mortgages
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make new provision authorising specially increased levels of mortgage advances for those local authorities where there is a higher proportion of nineteenth century housing.
Within the current restrictions placed on public expenditure and on the financial commitments of local authorities, there are at present no additional funds available for home loans.As I said on 30th June in reply to the question raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Bury and Radcliffe (Mr. White), my Department's regional offices are, as a matter of urgency, inquiring into local authority lending policies in order to ensure that the help which may be available from building societies is directed where it is most needed. In subsequent discussions with local authorities to determine the priorities, I shall ensure that the incidence of high proportions of nineteenth century houses is taken fully into account.
Waste Paper
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his Department is undertaking research into the collection and recycling of waste paper: and if he will make a statement.
I have been asked to reply.Yes. The Advisory Group on Waste Paper Recycling has been examining local authority waste paper collection systems and it is hoped to publish information and guidance for local authorities later this summer. The Department of the Environment is also supporting investigations into the reactions of house- holders to various waste paper collection schemes. The advisory group has already approved a detailed programme of research and development aimed at enabling the wider use of waste paper for recycling. This programme is being implemented by my Department and a number of research projects have already been put in hand.
Education And Science
Science Research Council (Observatory)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to be able to announce a decision about the establishment and the site of the new observatory planned by the Science Research Council.
The Science Research Council is considering how a new observatory in the northern hemisphere might best be provided for the use of the United Kingdom astronomers. The council has not yet submitted any specific proposals to me, but I understand that it hopes to do so later this year.
Research Institutions (Rate Relief)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the Agricultural Research Council has informed his Department which nine research institutes, grant aided by the council, have made application for rate relief under Section 40 of the General Rate Act 1967.
Yes; but it would not be appropriate to publish details of applications of this kind made by independent institutes.
Public Appointments
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the percentage change in the number of offices of profit outside the appointments system of the Civil Service Commission within his gift between 1st January 1963 and 1st January 1975, and in their total value.
The information is not readily available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Guatemala
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent discussions with the Government of Guatemala.
We have had two meetings this year with Guatemalan representatives at which various proposals for a settlement of the dispute over Belize were examined. So far, no conclusions have been reached. Further meetings are proposed.
Belize
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the discussions with the delegation from the Government of Belize which visited the United Kingdom last week.
The delegation from the Belizean Government had useful discussions with me and with officials on aspects of the dispute with Guatemala over Belize, on development aid and administration matters.
Public Appointments
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the percentage change in the number of offices of profit outside the appointments system of the Civil Service Commission within his gift between 1st January 1963 and 1st January 1975, and in their total value.
As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State said in reply to my hon. Friend on 20th March 1975—[Vol. 888, c. 513–4]—there are only four such appointments in the FCO and overseas, with a total gross value of £46,700. Comparable information for 1963 is not readily available.
Hong Kong (Vietnamese Refugees)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial or other help Her Majesty's Government have given to the Hong Kong Government to deal with the problem of refugees from Vietnam.
We have directly approached about 14 countries about resettlement. On possible admission to the United Kingdom I would refer to my right hon. Friend's statement on 21st May. We are offering the Hong Kong Government £50,000, in addition to the £20,000 already given, to help care for the refugees while in transit.
Rhine Navigation
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals concerning the prosperity of River Rhine navigation are currently being deliberated upon by the Central Rhine Commission t and to what extent British interests are affected by such proposals.
Proposals for promoting the prosperity of Rhine navigation under consideration at the present time include:
Passports
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many passports have been issued by his Department in each of the last three, years to immigrants who have claimed to have lost their original British passports.
Such statistics are not maintained.
Judges And Recorders
asked the Attorney-General (1) how many new judges were appointed in 1974, 1973 and 1972; and how many judges have been appointed in 1975;(2) how many recorders there are presently in England and Wales;(3) how many new judges were appointed to the High Court (Queen's Bench Division) in 1974 1973 and 1972; and how many judges have been appointed in 1975;(4) how many recorders were appointed in 1974, 1973 and 1972; and how many have been appointed in 1975.
The number of new judges appointed in each of the years specified was:
| High Court | Circuit Bench | ||
| 1972 | … | 5 | 64 |
| 1973 | … | 5 | 16 |
| 1974 | … | 5 | 22 |
| To 26th June 1975 | … | Nil | 7 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | 3 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | 2 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | 1 |
| To 26.6.75 | … | … | … | Nil |
| APPLICATIONS FOR LEGAL AID AND REFUSALS IN MAGISTRATES' COURTS IN MANCHESTER AND SALFORD IN 1973 AND 1974 | ||||||
| Year/Court | Number of applications | Applications refused | ||||
| 1973: | ||||||
| Manchester County Borough | … | … | … | … | 8,073 | 549 |
| Manchester Division | … | … | … | … | 557 | 164 |
| Salford County Borough | … | … | … | … | 848 | 103 |
| 1974 (1st January to 31st March): | ||||||
| Manchester County Borough | … | … | … | … | 2,119 | 248 |
| Manchester Division | … | … | … | … | 177 | 24 |
| Salford County Borough | … | … | … | … | 248 | 20 |
| 1974 (1st April to 31st December): | ||||||
| Manchester Metropolitan District | … | … | … | … | 7,244 | 454 |
| Salford Metropolitan District—Eccles Division | … | … | … | … | 333 | 26 |
| Salford Division | … | … | … | … | 695 | 77 |
Home Department
Northumbria Police Officers (Burglary Charge)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable concerned on the circumstances which led to the conviction of officers of the Northumbria Police Force for burglary.
Yes, once all related criminal and disciplinary proceedings have been completed, and the time allowed for appeals arising from those proceedings has expired.
Legal Aid (Manchester)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications there were for legal aid and how many refusals in each of the metropolitan magistrates' courts of Manchester City and Salford magistrates' courts in 1973 and 1974.
Following is the information:tence during 1972, 1973 and 1974 respectively.
The information requested is not recorded centrally and could, I regret to say, be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, of those defendants remanded in custody prior to trial or sentence, how many received immediate and how many suspended custodial sentences in 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively.
The number of defendants in England and Wales remanded in custody in 1972, 1973 and 1974, prior to trial or sentence, who are known to have received immediate custodial sentences were 27,140, 25,449 and 26,361, respectively. I shall write to my hon. Friend about the numbers who received suspended custodial sentences.
Ethnic Minorities (Equal Opportunities)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make it the practice of his administration not to grant contracts worth more than £100,000 to firms which do not practise equal opportunities for ethnic minorities.
The standard conditions of Government contracts already require contractors in the United Kingdom to conform to the provisions of the Race Relations Act 1968 relating to discrimination in employment but the adequacy of this provision, with many other matters, is being reviewed in connection with the forthcoming White Paper on Race Relations.
Immigrants
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider setting up a United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service unit in Huddersfield.
The United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service is an independent organisation which receives a grant-in-aid from public funds to enable it to advise and assist people with rights of appeal under the Immigration Act 1971. The locations of its offices, which are a matter for the service to determine, are at the centres where appeals are heard, and I understand that it has no plans to set up an office at Huddersfield. There is an office at Leeds.
Au Pair Girls
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made by his Department in drawing up a charter to protect the rights of au pair girls who are thrown out of employment, in terms of financial compensation from their employers.
We are not aware of any proposal for compensation for au pair girls who are dismissed.
Public Appointments (North- West England)
asked the Attorney-General if he will list in the Official Report the boards, committees and organisations to which he or the Lord Chancellor have the power to appoint, in the North-West region of England.
My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor appoints the following committees in the North-West region of England:
- The Lord Chancellor's advisory committees on justices of the peace;
- The Lord Chancellor's advisory committees on general commissioners of income tax;
- Circuit advisory committees.
Defence
Nimrod Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated annual saving expected to be realised from the withdrawal of the Nimrod squadron from Malta.
The saving in annual costs will be in the region of £4.5 million at 1975 price levels. Substantial capital savings will also be made because the aircraft concerned have been withdrawn from the planned Nimrod refit programme.
Pensions
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Armed Service pensioners receive pensions which are not compensated for the effects of inflation on their purchasing power; and what is the total sum to be paid in 1975 for such pensions; (2) how many of the Service men to be made redundant under the defence cuts already announced will receive pensions which are not compensated for inflation; (3) how much extra money would be needed in 1975 to compensate Armed Service pensioners who are not compensated for the effects of inflation, under the rules applicable to those Armed Service pensioners who do receive compensating increases.
The purchasing power of Service pensioners is maintained by increases paid under the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971. When a Service pensioner reaches age 55 the original value of his pension is restored and is thereafter maintained by annual review; this will apply equally to United Kingdom personnel made redundant as a result of the defence review. Pensions increases are, however, payable immediately to those who are invalided or become incapacitated after retirement.At present about 70,000 United Kingdom Armed Forces pensioners do not qualify for pensions increases because of their age. The total cost of their pensions in the current financial year is of the order of £38 million. The cost of paying them pensions increases would be of the order of a further £20 million to £25 million in the current financial year.
Cadet Forces (Tavr Enrolment)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether consideration is being given to measures to enable members of cadet forces to enrol in the TAVR at the age of 16 years.
This has been considered, but such measures would deprive the cadet forces of the valuable services of their more senior cadets, and would be counter-productive. There is already very close co-operation between the TAVR and the cadet forces with regard to training.
Raf Reserve
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration was given in his defence review to a possible expansion of the RAF Reserve forces; and if he will now review the matter further.
The defence review, which took into account major studies of the RAF Reserves that have taken place in the preceding three years, concluded that the general balance between Reserve and Regular forces was about right. The policy will be kept under review.
Nato Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has taken steps to ensure that consideration is given within NATO to a Nimrod-based solution to the AWACS requirement.
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Hastings (Mr. Warren) on 20th June—[Vol. 893, c. 545.]
Baor (Costs)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the effect of the fall in the value of the £ sterling on the costs of British forces in Germany; and whether he is considering proposals to deal with the situation.
The fall in the value of sterling against the deutschemark has contributed to the increased sterling costs of maintaining our forces in the Federal Republic of Germany. The current offset agreement with the FRG does not expire until March 1976 and the increased sterling cost is one of the many factors to be taken into account in considering any successor agreement.
Hercules Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Hercules aircraft are to become surplus to requirement as a result of the defence review; and what plans he has to dispose of these.
The defence review proposals for the transport force assumed retention of all our Hercules aircraft to sustain a reduced front line over a longer period of time.It is still possible that when plans are more closely defined and when the programme of engineering work required for the Hercules fleet has been evaluated, a small number of aircraft may prove to be surplus.
Torpedoes
asked the Secretary of State for Defence when, under the defence review, he expects the final Mark 8 torpedoes to be withdrawn from the submarine service.
Replacement of the Mark 8 torpedo will take a little while to complete and will begin by about the end of this decade.
Social Services
Mapperley Hospital, Nottingham (Drug Addiction Unit)
58.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the drug addiction unit at the Mapperley Hospital, Nottingham, is to be re-opened.
The health authority is considering alterations to the layout of the addiction unit proposed by the consultant psychiatrist appointed last month. Addicts from Nottingham requiring hospital treatment are currently admitted to general psychiatric beds of the Mapperley and Saxondale hospitals.
Incomes And Benefits
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many wage and salary earners are currently estimated to be made poorer by any increase in their earnings because of the effect of that increase in pay on their entitlement to family income supplement rent and rate rebates, free school meals and free welfare milk and on their income tax liability.
It is estimated that at August 1974, the latest date for which figures are available, about 50,000 families with children where the head of the family was in full-time work could theoretically have been worse off after a pay rise of £1. More up-to-date figures are expected to become available later in the year.NOTES
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much a person may earn and still receive social security at the same time.
The weekly amount that can be earned without affecting entitlement to supplementary benefit—to which I assume the Question refers—is at present £1 in the case of a person required to register for employment, or for a child, and £2 for any other person. As from week beginning 17th November 1975 it will be £2 for those required to register and £4 for others, apart from children, whose earnings will then be wholly disregarded. Earnings in excess of those amounts would be offset in full against the person's requirements and the amount of earnings which would extinguish entitlement to benefit would depend on the level of requirements and any other resources, which vary from case to case.
Occupational Deafness Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she has received from the trade union movement, the medical profession and any other bodies regarding the operation of the occupational deafness scheme.
A number of representations have been received, mainly from the trade union movement. Primarily these have been concerned with the possibility of extending the scheme to cover other industries.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people are in receipt of a hearing aid under the occupational deafness scheme; and if she will give the figures on a regional basis.
None. Hearing aids are provided free of charge by the National Health Service to all who need them.
Fuel Debts And Disconnections
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information is available to her as to the number of queries, problems and claims currently presented to social security offices and social services departments, respectively, which in whole or in part relate to fuel debts and disconnections as compared with 12, 24 and 36 months ago.
Information on the number and types of inquiries received is not among the statistics which my Department asks local social service authorities to provide. At local social security offices the number of personal callers exceeds 10 million a year, in addition to which there is a very heavy volume of postal and telephone inquiries, and it is not feasible to have these inquiries recorded and analysed by such categories.
| Year ended 30th September | ||||||||
| 1965 | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | |
| Number of vehicles on issue: | ||||||||
| (a) 3-wheeler with automatic transmission | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| (b) 3-wheeler with manual gearchange | 15,855 | 16,505 | 17,515 | 18,143 | 18,442 | 18,805 | 18,936 | 18,437 |
| (c)Electrically propelled 3-wheeler | ||||||||
| (d)Cars | 4,962 | 5,706 | 6,271 | 6,878 | 7,287 | 6,961 | 7,896 | 7,126 |
| Number of reported accidents: | ||||||||
| (a) 3-wheeler with automatic transmission | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 438 |
| (b) 3-wheeler with manual gearchange | 4,599 | 4,904 | 5,366 | 5,086 | 5,133 | 5,094 | 4,542 | 4,207 |
| (c) Electrically propelled 3-wheeler | 145 | 238 | ||||||
| (d)Cars | 1,145 | 1,292 | 1,545 | 1,712 | 1,895 | 2,067 | 1,946 | 1,700 |
Sterilisation
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is aware of any operations to sterilise persons under 18 years which have been carried out in the last five years; and how many were on girls and on boys, respectively, and of what ages.
I explained in the Adjournment debate on 25th June on sterilisation of children under 16 years of age—[Vol.
Invalid Vehicles (Accidents)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will list the total number of motor invalid tricycles with manual gearbox, automatic transmission, electrically-propelled tricycles and four-wheeled vehicles, respectively which were on issue and involved in accidents, respectively, in England as at 30th September of each respective year, for the last 10 years commencing in 1965.
The information relating to 1973 and 1974 was given in my replies to my hon. Friend on 4th November 1974—[Vol. 880, c. 87–8.]The remaining information is as follows. As my hon. Friend will be aware, incidents involving minor damage sustained whilst parking or manoeuvring out of a garage comprise a substantial proportion of reported "accidents" involving three-wheelers and these are included in the figures.894, c. 635–6]—that we are aware of a few cases but that statistics on this subject are not comprehensive. This applies also to persons under 18.Authorities have already been asked for information on the number of sterilisations in the two age groups of under 16 and 16–18 for the years 1973 and 1974. Information for earlier years would be too incomplete to be of use. I shall write to the hon. Member when we have collected the information that is available.
Disregards
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of average weekly earnings of male industrial workers the £2 earnings disregard represented when introduced in November 1966; what equivalent percentage the new £4 disregard represented when first announced in November 1974; and what equivalent percentage it is estimated the £4 disregard will represent when brought into effect in November 1975.
In November 1966 the £2 disregard represented 9·9 per cent. of average weekly earnings of male industrial workers, based on October 1966 earnings. In November 1974 the proposed £4 disregard represented 7·9 per cent. of average weekly earnings, based on estimates of November 1974 earnings. No estimate has been made of the average weekly earnings in November 1975.
Departmental Staff
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many extra staff have been recruited by her Department in order to cope with the administrative difficulties of a seven-monthly uprating of pensions and benefits.
Extra staff have not been recruited solely for the uprating of benefits this year but it is estimated that the work will require the equivalent of about 1,000 staff for the period 2nd June to 17th November. Some of the work will be dealt with by the use of overtime and the engagement of casual staff.
Christmas Bonus
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the abolition of the Christmas bonus for pensioners and beneficiaries represents a saving in public expenditure; and whether the saving in public money has been transferred as an addition to pensions and benefits over and above the index-linked increases required by statute.
The statute would have required benefits to be increased by early April 1976. They are instead being uprated on 17th November 1975. In the Government's view this is better for pensioners than the payment of a Christmas bonus, for which no provision was made in the last White Paper on Public Expenditure (Cmnd. 5679, Table 2.12).
Rents
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the fixed rent addition for supplementary pension and supplementary benefit for non-householders has been uprated by a smaller percentage than other equivalent benefits.
During the relevant period, housing costs increased by less than earnings or the general level of prices, the criteria for uprating pensions and benefits.
Family Income Supplement
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish in the Official Report her latest estimate of the total number of persons eligible for family income supplement in Wales not claiming benefit and the total annual amount of benefit unclaimed.
Because of the size of the sample on which FIS estimates are based, I regret that the information is not available.
Family Incomes
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is her latest estimate of the number of low-income families in Wales who have a marginal tax rate of over 50p in the £ and if she will give a breakdown of these families by gross weekly earnings.
Estimates of the number of low-income families in Great Britain who have a marginal tax rate of over 50p in the £ are based on Family Expenditure Survey data. The number of sample cases is too small to permit any reliable estimate to be made for Wales.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is her latest estimate of the number of low-income families in the United Kingdom who have a marginal tax rate of over 50p in the £ and if she will give a breakdown of these families by gross weekly earnings.
It is estimated that at August 1974, the latest date for which figures are available, about 450,000 families were theoretically subject to a potential marginal tax rate of more than 50p in the £.The number of sample cases is too small to permit a breakdown of these families by gross weekly earnings.The assumptions on which this answer is based are those given in my reply to the hon. Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke) today.
Handicapped Children (Voluntary Council)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if her Department will publicise the work of the Voluntary Council for Handicapped Children and, in particular, its aim of helping the parents of handicapped children to deal qiuckly and effectively with the organisations, statutory and voluntary alike, available to assist them;(2) what representations her Department has received from the Voluntary Council for Handicapped Children; if she will take steps to help the council; and if she will make a statement.
| England | ||||||||
| 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | |||||
| Administrative Staff | … | … | … | … | 8,811 | 9,624 | 10,410 | 11,339 |
| Hospital Consultants | … | … | … | … | 7,592 | 8,205 | 8,501 | 8,988 |
| Hospital Doctors | … | … | … | … | 13,796 | 14,343 | 15,174 | 15,841 |
| Nurses and Midwives | … | … | … | … | 237,350 | 247,008 | 263,308 | 266,991 |
| Ancillary | … | … | … | … | 188,450 | 193,348 | 193,527 | 188,387 |
| I regret that the information requested is not yet available for 1974. | ||||||||
| Notes: |
| 1. Administrative staff figures exclude secretarial, clerical and other specialised grades within the Administrative and Clerical Group; numbers relate to those employed in the former Hospital Boards, Hospital Management Committees, Boards of Governors and Executive Councils only. |
| 2. All figures used relate to whole time equivalents. |
School Leavers (Scotland)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many school leavers her Department expects to employ in Scotland in the current year; and if she will give an indication of intake by job classification.
My Department hopes to recruit about 460 school leavers to its offices in Scotland during the next 12 months. This figure includes 15 executive officers, 240 clerical officers, 200 clerical assistants and five typing grades.
I met representatives of this important new council in March of this year. My hon. Friend will be pleased to learn that I also gave the inaugural address at the council's first plenary meeting on 19th June, when I stressed the importance of the council's function in providing a full information and advice service about all the agencies available for helping the handicapped child.The Department has agreed to provide both financial help and advice, and will maintain close contact with the council.
National Health Service Staff
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the numbers of persons employed by the National Health Service (a) in an administrative capacity and (b) as consultants, hospital doctors, nurses, ancillary staff and similar, for each of the past five years.
Figures for the years 1970–1973 are as below:
Regional Health Authorities (Chairmen)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many chairmen of regional health authorities are also currently serving as elected councillors under a party political label; and if she will list them, with their party representation, and date of appointment.
One. Mr. J. B. Kingsley Williams, Chairman of Wessex Regional Health Authority from 13th May last, is a Labour councillor on the Hampshire County Council.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will issue a general direction to chairmen of regional health authorities, personally to answer letters from Members of Parliament on constituency matters.
Some Area and Regional Health Authority Chairmen already do. I think this is desirable and will consider what general advice might be given.
National Finance
Public Appointments
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage change in the number of offices of profit outside the appointments system of the Civil Service Commission within his gift between 1st January 1963 and 1st January 1975, and in their total value.
I regret that the information sought could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
£1 Note And 50P Piece
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current cost of making a £1 note and a 50p piece; and by how much the costs have risen in recent years.
It would be undesirable, for commercial reasons, to publish this information.
Income Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of revenue that would be raised by taking 100 per cent. of all incomes above £6,000, £7,000, £8,000, £9,000 £10,000, £15,000, £20,000, £30,000, £40,000, £50,000, £75,000 and £100,000 per annum, respectively.
Assuming that the allowances and rates of tax proposed for 1975–76 apply and that gross incomes were not reduced in consequence of the change proposed, the additional yield from taking the whole of the income after tax in excess of the specified limit would be as follows:
| Limit of net income after tax and yield | |||||
| £ | £ million | ||||
| 6,000 | … | … | … | … | 450 |
| 7,000 | … | … | … | … | 235 |
| 8,000 | … | … | … | … | 100 |
| 9,000 | … | … | … | … | 65 |
| 10,000 | … | … | … | … | 35 |
| 15,000 | … | … | … | … | 9 |
| 20,000 | … | … | … | … | 5 |
| 30,000 | … | … | … | … | 2 |
| 40,000 | … | … | … | … | 1 |
| 50,000 | … | … | … | … | 0·5 |
| 75,000 | … | … | … | … | 0·2 |
| 100,000 | … | … | 0·1 | ||
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide estimates of the tax yield from an increase in the standard rate of income tax to 40 per cent. and 50 per cent., respectively, if the existing personal allowances remained unchanged and if the allowances were increased by 25 per cent.; and in the latter case how many low-paid workers would pay less tax and how many would be taken out of taxation.
I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the sum which would be yielded by a 100 per cent. tax on all incomes earned and unearned in excess of £10,000 a year; how many taxpayers would be affected by such a proposal; and if he will make a statement.
Assuming that the allowances and rates of tax proposed for 1975–76 apply and that gross incomes were not reduced in consequence of the change proposed, the additional yield from taking the whole of the income after tax in excess of £10,000 would be about £35 million. About 20,000 taxpayers would be affected.
Inflation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report comparative figures for the rate of inflation for each member State of the EEC to those which he published in the Official Report of 13th June 1975 [Written Answers, column 262–3], in response to the Question from the hon. Member for Leek.
Following is the information:
| THREE MONTH INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICE INDICES AT AN ANNUAL RATE | |||||||||
| Belgium | France | Germany | Italy | Luxembourg | Netherlands, | Denmark | Ireland* | ||
| 1972— | |||||||||
| January | … | 5·1 | 4·6 | 7·7 | 4·8 | 5·3 | 5·2 | 5·0 | — |
| February | … | 5·7 | 5·5 | 7·7 | 5·4 | 5·0 | 8·7 | 2·5 | 9·1 |
| March | … | 4·7 | 5·2 | 8·6 | 5·1 | 4·0 | 9·8 | 7·5 | — |
| April | … | 4·1 | 5·4 | 5·0 | 4·1 | 2·7 | 12·7 | 7·5 | — |
| May | … | 2·6 | 5·4 | 4·3 | 4·6 | 3·0 | 10·4 | 10·1 | 6·4 |
| June | … | 6·2 | 6·0 | 4·6 | 3·0 | 7·1 | 7·9 | 9·9 | — |
| July | … | 7·7 | 7·9 | 6·3 | 7·6 | 9·6 | 0·7 | 7·3 | — |
| August | … | 8·0 | 7·8 | 5·2 | 6·4 | 9·6 | 2·4 | 4·8 | 11·6 |
| September | … | 6·4 | 8·2 | 6·7 | 8·2 | 6·6 | 5·3 | 7·2 | — |
| October | … | 6·0 | 8·5 | 6·2 | 11·3 | 5·4 | 12·3 | 7·2 | — |
| November | … | 8·2 | 8·8 | 8·5 | 12·0 | 6·3 | 11·1 | 11·1 | 6·1 |
| December | … | 8·5 | 8·4 | 6·2 | 9·6 | 5·9 | 8·1 | 10·9 | — |
| 1973— | |||||||||
| January | … | 9·6 | 4·6 | 8·8 | 9·5 | 5·1 | 5·2 | 7·1 | — |
| February | … | 9·2 | 3·2 | 9·5 | 10·9 | 5·1 | 5·1 | 7·1 | 16·7 |
| March | … | 6·9 | 3·2 | 10·2 | 13·9 | 5·0 | 8·3 | 7·0 | — |
| April | … | 5·7 | 6·0 | 8·6 | 13·7 | 7·0 | 14·3 | 10·7 | — |
| May | … | 4·6 | 8·9 | 8·1 | 15·5 | 10·6 | 13·5 | 14·3 | 12·6 |
| June | … | 6·0 | 10·0 | 8·5 | 14·5 | 9·4 | 10·2 | 14·1 | — |
| July | … | 5·3 | 10·6 | 5·2 | 12·6 | 4·9 | 1·9 | 14·0 | — |
| August | … | 6·0 | 9·4 | 2·4 | 8·8 | 0·7 | 2·3 | 6·7 | 9·9 |
| September | … | 5·6 | 10·1 | 1·4 | 7·4 | 1·0 | 5·5 | 10·1 | — |
| October | … | 6·6 | 11·1 | 3·4 | 8·3 | 4·2 | 10·6 | 10·0 | — |
| November | … | 7·9 | 12·1 | 8·6 | 10·7 | 6·3 | 10·2 | 17·1 | 11·5 |
| December | … | 10·9 | 10·9 | 12·3 | 14·5 | 9·5 | 8·1 | 16·8 | — |
| Belgium | France | Germany | Italy | Luxembourg | Netherlands | Denmark | Ireland* | ||
| 1974— | |||||||||
| January | … | 13·0 | 13·6 | 11·8 | 18·3 | 10·5 | 6·1 | 23·9 | — |
| February | … | 15·8 | 15·6 | 10·2 | 20·3 | 16·0 | 8·0 | 16·4 | 20·0 |
| March | … | 15·6 | 18·0 | 7·7 | 26·4 | 14·7 | 13·6 | 19·8 | — |
| April | … | 16·9 | 17·7 | 7·3 | 26·4 | 16·4 | 15·9 | 6·1 | — |
| May | … | 17·7 | 17·1 | 6·2 | 24·9 | 12·2 | 13·4 | 20·8 | 24·2 |
| June | … | 18·9 | 16·9 | 6·5 | 20·0 | 10·3 | 8·7 | 17·9 | — |
| July | … | 18·7 | 15·3 | 5·2 | 25·8 | 9·5 | 4·8 | 12·7 | — |
| August | … | 18·0 | 13·4 | 3·2 | 28·9 | 6·4 | 6·0 | 7·6 | 16·2 |
| September | … | 17·4 | 13·3 | 2·9 | 35·8 | 7·7 | 11·3 | 11·5 | — |
| October | … | 15·1 | 13·1 | 4·1 | 33·9 | 7·3 | 15·4 | 14·2 | — |
| November | … | 13·6 | 13·6 | 6·4 | 31·1 | 11·3 | 15·6 | 19·1 | 19·6 |
| December | … | 9·0 | 12·5 | 6·4 | 19·4 | 12·2 | 10·1 | 15·1 | — |
| 1975— | |||||||||
| January | … | 11·7 | 12·1 | 8·0 | 15·2 | 10·8 | 7·2 | 11·0 | — |
| February | … | 12·2 | 11·4 | 7·3 | 13·6 | 12·3 | 5·1 | 5·2 | 36·2 |
| March | … | 12·2 | 11·3 | 7·9 | 12·2 | 12·3 | 11·3 | 4·9 | — |
| April | … | 12·2 | 10·5 | 7·4 | 12·2 | 14·4 | 12·7 | 5·7 | — |
| * Only quarterly figures are available. | |||||||||
Source: OECD.
National Insurance
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated increase in the tax yield for income tax for the year 1975–76 if the employer's national insurance contribution for each employed person were to be regarded as a taxable emolument of the employee.
pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 26th June; Vol. 894, c.213], gave the following information:The increased yield would be of the order of £1,200 million.
Personal Incomes
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage increase in take-home pay for a married man with
| Single Man | Married Man no children | Married Man one child—11 | Married Man two ehildren—11 | |||||||
| Weekly Gross Pay(£) | Net | % change | Net | % change | Net | % change | Net | % change | ||
| 20 | … | 16·44 | — | 18·32 | — | 18·90 | — | 18·90 | — | |
| i + 10% = 22 | … | 17·63 | 7·24 | 19·52 | 6·55 | 20·79 | 10·00 | 20·79 | 10·00 | |
| ii + 20% = 24 | … | 18·82 | 14·48 | 20·71 | 13·05 | 22·32 | 18·10 | 22·68 | 20·00 | |
| iii + 30% = 26 | … | 20·01 | 21·72 | 21·90 | 19·54 | 23·51 | 24·39 | 24·25 | 28·31 | |
| 30 | … | 22·39 | — | 24·28 | — | 25·89 | — | 26·63 | — | |
| i + 10% = 33 | … | 24·17 | 7·95 | 26·06 | 7·33 | 27·67 | 6·88 | 28·41 | 6·68 | |
| ii + 20% = 36 | … | 25·96 | 15·94 | 27·85 | 14·70 | 29·46 | 13·79 | 30·20 | 13·41 | |
| iii + 30% = 39 | … | 27·74 | 23·89 | 29·63 | 22·03 | 31·24 | 20·66 | 31·98 | 20·09 | |
| 40 | … | 28·34 | — | 30·23 | — | 31·84 | — | 32·58 | — | |
| i + 10% =44 | … | 30·72 | 8·40 | 32·61 | 7·87 | 34·22 | 7·47 | 34·96 | 7·31 | |
| ii + 20% = 48 | … | 33·10 | 16·80 | 34·99 | 15·75 | 36·60 | 14·95 | 37·34 | 14·61 | |
| iii + 30% = 52 | … | 35·48 | 25·19 | 37·37 | 23·62 | 38·98 | 22·42 | 39·72 | 21·92 | |
| 50 | … | 34·29 | — | 36·18 | — | 37·79 | — | 38·53 | — | |
| i + 10% = 55 | … | 37·26 | 8·66 | 39·15 | 8·21 | 40·76 | 7·86 | 41·50 | 7·71 | |
| ii + 20% = 60 | … | 40·24 | 17·35 | 42·13 | 16·45 | 43·74 | 15·74 | 44·48 | 15·44 | |
| iii + 30% = 65 | … | 43·21 | 26·01 | 45·10 | 24·65 | 46·71 | 23·60 | 47·45 | 23·15 | |
| 100 | … | 65·73 | — | 67·64 | — | 69·25 | — | 69·99 | — | |
| i + 10% = 110 | … | 71·69 | 9·07 | 73·88 | 9·23 | 75·73 | 9·36 | 76·49 | 9·29 | |
| ii + 20% = 120 | … | 77·19 | 17·43 | 79·61 | 17·70 | 81·69 | 17·96 | 82·58 | 17·99 | |
| iii + 30% = 130 | … | 82·60 | 25·67 | 85·11 | 25·83 | 87·19 | 25·91 | 88·14 | 25·93 | |
| 200 | … | 113·32 | — | 116·56 | — | 119·33 | — | 120·59 | — | |
| i +10% =220 | … | 120·59 | 6·42 | 124·09 | 6·46 | 127·09 | 6·50 | 130·09* | 7·89 | |
| ii + 20% = 240 | … | 127·59 | 12·59 | 131·09 | 12·47 | 137·88 | 15·55 | 137·09* | 13·68 | |
| iii + 30% = 260 | … | 133·78 | 18·06 | 137·55 | 18·01 | 140·78 | 17·98 | 144·01* | 19·42 | |
| * FAM assumed not to be claimed | ||||||||||
Scotland
Schools (Dental Health)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent in the last year for which figures are available on education programmes for dental health in Scottish schools; and whether, in the light of the findings on dental health published in the recent Scottish Home and Health Department report,
two children earning £20, £30, £40, £50, £100 and £200 per week produced by increases of 10 per cent., 20 per cent. and 30 per cent, in gross pay, on reasonable assumptions about tax allowances; and what are the comparable figures for a single man, a married man with no children, and a married man with one child.
The figures are in the table below. For each level of weekly gross pay, the net pay is shown, and, in the lines i., ii., and iii., the gross pay increase by 10 per cent., 20 per cent, and 30 per cent., respectively. The net pay for the various family circumstances specified have been calculated on the basis that tax allowances and rate bands and national insurance contributions remained as nowhe will initiate a special educational campaign in schools.
It is not possible to cost any single item of the schools curriculum.As regards the second part of the Question, in April last year I commended to authorities the report of a working party which examined the scope and content of health education in schools. This report, which was issued as Curriculum Paper No. 14, contained recommendations about a comprehensive and balanced programme of health education for both primary and secondary schools and about the treatment in schools of individual health issues, including the promotion of dental health.The report has served to stimulate interest in the teaching of health education and the preparation of health education programmes. Next session Her Majesty's Inspectorate proposes to conduct a review of health education and I shall consider further the position of dental health in the light of the findings.
Western Isles
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on basing a helicopter in the Western Isles for rescue and ambulance duties; and what reply he has sent.
None.
Clackmannan And Bowhouse
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current population (1) of Clackmannan district, and (2) of the Bowhouse, Alloa.
The mid-1974 population estimate for Clackmannan district was 47,124. Because estimates are made only for complete local authority areas no corresponding figure is available for Bowhouse, but 1,791 persons were enumerated there in the 1971 Census.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the percentage of children from the Bowhouse, Alloa, who gained 0-level Higher, and A-level qualifications on leaving school over the years 1973–74 and 1972–73.
This information is not available centrally.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has of the percentage of social work department clients within Clackmannan District which originate from Bowhouse, Alloa.
Detained information about the home addresses of social work department clients is not held centrally.
School Leavers
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many school leavers his Department expects to employ in Scotland in the current year; and if he will give an indication of intake by job classification.
The following figures represent, for each recruitment grade, the likely intake of school leavers to the Scottish Office during the remainder of this year:
| Executive Officer | … | 20 |
| Clerical Officer | … | 130 |
| Clerical Assistant | … | 125 |
| Typing Grades | … | 20 |
| Machine Trainees | … | 3 |
| Assistant Scientific Officers | … | 7 |
| Cartographic Staff | … | 2 |
Employment
Trade Unionists
9.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will propose measures to safeguard the rights of trade unionists belonging to minority unions whose jobs or membership of the union of their choice may be jeopardised by the establishment of a closed shop in their place of work.
My right hon. Friend has proposed various provisions in the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, the Amendment Bill and the Employment Protection Bill which will enable closed shop agreements to be operated flexibly with regard to the position of minorities and has no further measure to propose.
Motor Industry
10.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were employed in the motor car manufacturing industry at the latest date for which figures are available; and what were the comparable figures for the same time in the previous year.
At April 1975, the estimated number of employees in employment in motor vehicle manufacturing in Great Britain was 473,700, compared with 495,500 at April 1974. The figures are provisional. Separate estimates for motor car manufacturing are not available.
South Wales
20.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the level of unemployment in South Wales; and what steps he is taking to find jobs for those unemployed.
On 9th June the rate of unemployment for industrial South Wales was 4·4 per cent. The facilities of the Manpower Services Commission are always available to help workers to train for and find new jobs.
Trade Union Elections
21.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are his plans for assisting postal ballots in trade union elections.
We are still considering the matter.
Factory Inspections (Scotland)
22.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many inspections per annum, per factory, are carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories in Scotland.
I have been informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that in 1974 Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories carried out 11,551 inspections—including 2,645 general inspections—of the 18,362 factories in Scotland.Following are the figures for the previous five years:
| Year | Number of Factories | Total Inspections | General Inspections | |
| 1973 | … | 18,304 | 12,613 | 2,871 |
| 1972 | … | 18,091 | 13,732 | 3,347 |
| 1971 | … | 18,282 | 16,494 | 5,154 |
| 1970 | … | 18,263 | 16,985 | 5,547 |
| 1969 | … | 18,413 | 16,979 | 5,273 |
Laporte Industries, Ilford (Explosion)
23.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment when the report on the explosion at Laporte Industries, Ilford, on 5th April will be ready for publication.
The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission has informed me that the technical investigation of the explosion at Laporte Industries has been completed.
The views of the experts who took part in the investigation are now being consolidated into a special report for submission to the Health and Safety Commission. which will decide on its publication.
Disabled Persons
25.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the latest figures for the employment of registered disabled.
Of the 557,217 people currently registered as disabled. 67,215, or 12·1 per cent., were unemployed in June this year.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish the numbers of registered disabled people employed by each nationalised industry and indicate what proportion of each industry's work force this represents.
I do not think it would be appropriate to do so.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of the budget of his Department, in both money and percentage terms, was devoted to the training of the registered disabled in 1973–74 or in the last convenient period for which figures are available.
I am advised by the Manpower Services Comission that most disabled persons are trained alongside the able-bodied under the auspices of the Training Services Agency and separate records of expenditure are not maintained. It is estimated, however, that approximately £6 million or 8 per cent. of the agency total expenditure of £73 million in the 1974–75 financial year was devoted to the training of registered disabled people. This represents approximately 3·5 per cent. of the net figure voted to my Department for 1974–75.
Unemployed Persons (European Community Assistance Schemes)
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has yet had the opportunity of discussing the formulation of EEC assistance schemes to the unemployed with Employment Ministers in the other member States.
At the Council of Social Affairs Ministers on 17th June. agreement in principle was reached on a new scheme under Article 4 of the Social Fund to assist the training and transfer of young people under 25 years of age who are unemployed or seeking employment. Priority will be given to those seeking their first employment.
Statistics
27.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will review the types of statistics collected by his Department on employment and unemployment and their value in analysing employment problems.
The statistics collected by my Department have been the subject of thorough examination and improvement in recent years and this process of review and development is continuing.
Pay Settlements
28.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will announce guidelines for future wage settlements in the public sector.
No. I think any statement about the Government's attitude to future wage settlements will best be made in the light of the outcome of the urgent discussions we are having with the TUC.
School Leavers
29.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many school leavers will be seeking jobs after the end of the school year in July; and what estimate he has made of the proportion of these who will still be unemployed by Christmas.
In Great Britain about 511,000 young people are likely to seek employment after the end of the school year. I cannot estimate what proportion of them will still be unemployed at Christmas.
45.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will increase numbers of places available at training centres or through industry for school leavers who cannot get jobs at the end of this summer.
I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the Training Services Agency is taking steps to increase substantially the number of young people it maintains in training at skillcentres, colleges and employers' premises. The Training Services Agency is also discussing with the industrial training boards special measures to maintain the level of training opportunities in industry for young persons.
50.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to deal with the problem of unemployment amongst school leavers and other young people.
Officers of the Careers Service, which is provided by local education authorities under my right hon. Friend's guidance, are currently contacting employers to identify vacancies for school leavers, and will give them all possible help in finding employment. Assistance is available to other young people who become unemployed both from the Careers Service and from the employment offices of the Employment Service Agency.The Manpower Services Commission is giving urgent consideration to possible measures to improve employment and training opportunities for young people. and the Government have allocated £50 million to the Manpower Services Commission for the purpose of developing employment and training programmes, including those for young people, over the next two years.
51.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is (a) the latest figure for the number of school leavers who have not yet found employment and (b) the total figure of juveniles unemployed.
On 9th June 1975 there were 19,425 unemployed school leavers in Great Britain. On the same date the total number of young people registered for employment at careers offices was 45,156.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the number of summer school leavers now seeking work in Ayrshire; and what are the prospects for their quick entry into employment.
Just over 3,000 school leavers in Ayrshire are expected to seek employment after the end of the summer term. It is still too early to make a reliable estimate of their prospects; but a substantial proportion have already secured jobs or are under submission to prospective employers.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many school leavers his Department expects to employ in Scotland in the current year; and if he will give an indication of intake by job classification.
I regret that an estimate cannot be obtained in the time available. I will circulate such information as can be produced in the Official Report as soon as possible.
Fife (Young Persons)
30.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in view of the situation in respect of youth unemployment in Fife and elsewhere, he will consider implementing the recommendations submitted to him by the Education Committee of Fife Regional Council.
57.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what reply he has given to the Education Committee of Fife Regional Council to its proposal that a financial inducement should be given to employers who recruit young staff in excess of their normal recruiting needs.
The Government are well aware of the possible solutions to the problem of youth unemployment put forward by the Fife Regional Council in the letter which my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton) has kindly forwarded to me. They are already receiving consideration, together with other measures to counter unemployment.
Technical Training
31.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, following the extra finance made available to the Manpower Services Commission, following the Budget Statement, he will ask the Commission to increase the amount of technical training available designed to assist the mobility of labour.
Following the Budget Statement, I understand that the Commission is developing and putting into effect its plans to increase the numbers of people receiving vocational training under the Training Opportunities Scheme to 80,000 in 1976–12,000 more than previously envisaged. Improved training opportunities will facilitate occupational mobility and will allow greater geographical mobility by increasing employment choices for individuals.
Redundancies (Cannock)
32.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what study he has made of the impact of redundancies and proposed redundancies including those at Lucas on the employment situation in the Cannock Chase area; and if he will make a statement.
No formal studies have been made of the likely impact of redundancies in the Cannock Chase area but my Department is aware of the local employment situation. The facilities of the Manpower Services Commission are. of course, available to assist workers affected, or likely to be affected, by any redundancies.
Social Contract
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what new proposals he has for curtailing inflationary wage settlements in the public and private sectors of the economy.
34.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will seek to strengthen the wage-bargaining guidelines of the social contract.
The development of the social contract, including the TUC pay guidelines, is under active consideration and the Government's decisions on future policy will be based on the results of the current urgent review.
46.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the working of the social contract.
The social contract covers a whole range of policies several of which have been carried into effect by the Government and the TUC. However, a reaffirmation of the objectives of the contract and a fresh consideration of how best they may be secured are two aspects of the discussions which have been taking place between us.
Low-Paid Workers
35.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what recent discussions he has had with the TUC to ensure that low-paid people are fairly considered in the autumn wage negotiations.
As a result of negotiations in the last year, there has been a significant improvement in the relative position of many lower-paid workers. The recent discussions which I and my colleagues have had with the TUC have been concerned with the interests of low-paid and other workers.
Scotland
36.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current trend of employment opportunities in Scotland.
An analysis of the unemployment and vacancy statistics maintained by my Department suggests that there has been some reduction of employment opportunities in Scotland in recent months, though this has not been so marked as in other parts of Great Britain. In addition, there are many areas in Scotland where demand for labour, particularly skilled labour, is strong.
Training Facilities (Rural Areas)
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied that opportunities for retraining of persons resident in rural areas are sufficiently flexible to take account of the geographical problems and particular job requirements in country districts.
The Manpower Services Commission informs me that the Training Services Agency is aware of the problems facing persons living in rural areas who require retraining. In its expansion of the Training Opportunities Scheme the agency is seeking to improve the flexibility of training facilities, and this should particularly benefit those living in rural areas.
European Community Membership Effects
38.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of the present level of unemployment is attributable to United Kingdom membership of the EEC.
No analysis of this kind has been made by my Department.
Press (Trade Union Membership)
39.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement on his policy on the application to the Press of the law relating to trade union membership.
48.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement on his policy towards trade union membership as it applies to the Press.
I have made clear on a number of occasions that I do not consider that there should be special provisions for the Press in the law relating to trade union membership.
Vacancies (Notification)
44.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will now make it mandatory for all employers to notify full-time and part-time vacancies to their nearest employment exchange; and whether he will make a statement.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 16th June.—[Vol. 893, c. 354.]
Fishing Industry Employees
42.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many of those registered as unemployed normally work in the fishing industry.
On 9th June, 1975, of 831,316 people unemployed in Great Britain 2,481 last worked in fishing. The unemployed are classified according to the industry in which they were last employed.
Advisory, Conciliation And Arbitration Service
40.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the use of the Conciliation and Arbitration Service to date to resolve industrial disputes.
I am glad to report that there seems to be an increasing willingness on the part of both unions and employers to accept the help of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service in the avoidance and resolution of disputes on a voluntary basis. I understand that requests for assistance are more than double the number dealt with by my Department's conciliation service before the establishment of the ACAS.
Employment Subsidy Scheme
43.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a further statement about the implementation of the temporary employment subsidy scheme.
No decision has yet been taken to implement the temporary employment subsidy scheme.
Construction Industry
47.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the level of unemployment in the building industry; and what is his estimate of prospects during the next six months.
In May 1975 the total number of unemployed who had last worked in the construction industry was 150,000. The Government has taken several steps to aid construction, particularly house building, but unemployment in construction may well rise in the context of the general increase in unemployment expected during the remainder of 1975.
Automation (Employment Effects)
49.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if his Department will undertake a study of the prospective loss of jobs in manufacturing industries as a consequence of automation and advanced technology.
The study by a group of researchers to forecast industrial employment in 1981, reported in the May 1975 Department of Employment Gazette, takes into account the continuing trend to increased automation and advanced technology.
National Economic Development Council And Manpower Services Commission
52.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the degree of liaison between the National Economic Development Council and the Manpower Services Commission.
I am satisfied with the present arrangements for liaison between the NEDC and the MSC.
General Electric Company (Dispute)
54.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether his attention has been drawn to the dispute between the General Electric Company and ASTMS which has been taking place since 4th April and has resulted in the suspension without pay of 5,800 people; and whether he will seek now to intervene to bring about a settlement.
The independent Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has been actively involved in seeking to bring about a settlement and has met the two sides several times, both separately and together. The ASTMS has now claimed that the company is in breach of the fair wages resolution and it will rest with the Industrial Arbitration Board to reach a decision. I understand that the union has recommended that normal working be resumed from next Monday, pending the arbitration hearing.
London
53.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are registered as unemployed in the Greater London Council area; and which employment exchanges have the highest numbers.
On 9th June 1975, 87,126 people were unemployed in Greater London. The numbers registered at particular offices will vary according to the size of their catchment areas as well as the amount of unemployment in the district. At the same date, 4,885 people were unemployed and registered for employment at the Brixton office, between 3,000 and 4,000 at Hammersmith and Westminster—the latter including considerable numbers on the professional and executive register—and between 2,000 and 3,000 at St. Marylebone, Hackney, Holloway, Lewisham, Leyton and Waltham-stow, Croydon Tooting, Camberwell, Clapham Junction, Fulham, Camden Town and Woolwich.
Weymouth And Portland
55.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young persons under the age of 27 years were registered as unemployed in the Weymouth and Portland area in May and December in 1973, 1974 and 1975, respectively.
The following table shows the available information. Analyses a the unemployed by age identify those aged under 25 and those aged 25 and under 30, but not those aged under 27. The statistics are normally compiled for January and July each year. Owing to industrial action at local offices of the Employment Service Agency the figures for January 1975 are not available.
| NUMBERS UNEMPLOYED IN THE AREA COVERED BY THE WEYMOUTH EMPLOYMENT OFFICE | |||
| Aged under 25 | Aged 25 and under 30 | ||
| January 1973 | … | 243 | 65 |
| July 1973 | … | 62 | 33 |
| January 1974 | … | Not available—see footnote | |
| July 1974 | … | 92 | 43 |
| * In January 1974 the normal detailed figures were not collected, due to the emergency situation. | |||
Gainsborough
56.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is in a position to assess the effect on employment in Gainsborough of the phasing out of Marshall Fowler factory; and if he is satisfied that the Employment Services Agency in the town has all the necessary resources to deal with the situation.
I understand that the phased closure of the Marshall Fowler factory at Gainsborough may well lead directly to the loss of about 880 jobs. This will obviously have an adverse effect on employment in the area but it is as yet too early to make any precise assessment.I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that provisional arrangements have already been made to augment local Employment Service Agency staff to help the workers affected by the proposed closure of the factory and I am assured by the commission that these will be adequate to deal with the situation.
Casualties At Work
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons were killed or seriously injured, respectively, at work in the following industries in the most recent year for which figures are available: oil exploration and development, building and construction, coal mining, road transport and railways.
I am advised by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the provisional figures of fatal accidents to employees at work in 1974 are as follows:
| Offshore installations | … | … | 12 |
| Construction processes | … | … | 161 |
| Coal mining | … | … | 48 |
| Road transport | … | … | Not |
| Available | |||
| Railway operation | … | … | 30 |
Training (Equipment Purchasing)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the policy of the Training Service Agency with regard to ordering British equipment for use in Government training centres; and whether there are any places to order diving equipment from sources other than the United Kingdom.
I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the policy of the Training Services Agency in ordering equipment for use in Government training centres is to order British equipment as it is available. Equipment is only ordered from non-British sources when British equipment is not available to meet an urgent training need, or when equipment in use in the trade for which training is being given is not itself of British manufacture and can be obtained only from non-British sources. The quantity of non-British equipment in use in Government centres is less than 5 per cent. of the total. So far as diving equipment is concerned, I understand that in the placing of orders for equipment for the Underwater Training Centre regard will be paid to suitability, efficiency and safety requirements and also to the genera] desirability that British companies should have a full and fair opportunity to compete in this field.
North-West England
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what present facilities are available for retraining in the North-West of England; and where they are located.
I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that under the Training Opportunities Scheme (TOPS) in the North-West region there are eight skillcentres—at Blackburn, Hindley, Liverpool, Manchester, Maryport, Runcorn, St. Helens and Trafford Park, and annexes at Manchester and Kirkby. These provide approximately 1,700 places in skilled construction, engineering, automotive and electrical/electronic trades and 46 places in short industrial courses.There are also educational establishments in most towns in the region and 14 employers' establishments, offering training in a much wider variety of occupations. For these establishments a precise number of places available cannot be given as, in addition to exclusive TOPS courses, TOPS trainees can be accommodated on an "in-fill" basis on existing college courses.About 5,350 TOPS trainees will have been trained in educational establish- ments in the region in the current year and over 1,600 in employers' establishments. The Training Services Agency is constantly seeking to expand this figure by arranging new courses with other employers.
Public Appointments
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the percentage change in the number of offices of profit outside the appointment system of the Civil Service Commission within his gift between 1st January 1963 and 1st January 1975, and in their total value.
The approximate cost at 1st January 1975 and number of appointments was given in my Written Answer to my hon. Friend of 18th February last —[Vol. 886, c. 325–6]——but the remainder of the information could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost to public funds.
Cost Of Living And Prices
asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is now the latest cost of living index; and how this compares with the position at 1st April 1975, 1974 and 1970;(2) what is now the latest retail price index; and how this compares with the position at 1st April 1975; 1974 and 1970.
No official "cost of living" index is produced. The Retail Prices Index for May 1975, the latest date available, and comparative indices for April 1975, 1974 and 1970 are as follows.
| RETAIL PRICES INDEX | |||
| 21st April 1970 | … | … | 72·5 |
| 23rd April 1974 | … | … | 106·1 |
| 15th April 1975 | … | … | 129·1 |
| 13th May 1975 | … | … | 134·5 |
| 1974 = 100 | |||
Collective Bargaining
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he plans to introduce new measures to protect the right of free collective bargaining.
The Employment Protection Bill now before Parliament contains measures designed to encourage and extend free collective bargaining.
Unemployed Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of persons registered as unemployed with the Professional and Executive Register; how many of these are registered disabled persons; and what is the average length of unemployment for each category.
I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that on 4th June 1975, 45,978 unemployed people were enrolled with the Professional and Executive Recruitment Service. The number of registered disabled persons included in this total is not known but on the basis of a special survey carried out in March 1975 it is estimated that no more than 0·3 per cent.—approximately 150—are in this category.The average length of unemployment by category cannot be estimated but the
| Occupation group | Males | Females |
| Managerial occupations (general management) | 3 | 3 |
| Professional and related occupations supporting management and administration | 1 | 1 |
| Professional and related occupations in education, welfare and health | — | 3 |
| Literary, artistic and sports occupations | — | — |
| Professional and related occupations in science, engineering, technology and similar fields | 3 | 5 |
| Managerial occupations (excluding general management) | 1 | 1 |
| Clerical and related occupations | 30 | 59 |
| Selling occupations | 5 | 42 |
| Security and protective service occupations | 10 | — |
| Catering, cleaning, hairdressing and other personal service occupations | 1 | 20 |
| Farming, fishing and related occupations | 7 | — |
| Materials processing occupations (excluding metal) | 4 | 7 |
| Making and repairing occupations (excluding metal and electrical) | 8 | 4 |
| Processing, making, repairing and related occupations (metal and electrical) | 26 | — |
| Painting, repetitive assembling, product inspecting, packaging and related occupations | 4 | 1 |
| Construction, mining and related occupations NEC | 16 | — |
| Transport operating, materials moving and storing and related occupations | 41 | 4 |
| Miscellaneous occupations, including general labourers | 500 | 62 |
| Total: all occupations | 660 | 212 |
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of the unemployed in Clackmannan district live in the Bowhouse area of Alloa.
most recent information relating to duration of unemployment—compiled on 30th April 1975—indicates that:
- 15 per cent. had been unemployed for less than one month.
- 12 per cent. had been unemployed for more than one month but less than two.
- 14 per cent. had been unemployed for more than two months but less than three.
- 25 per cent. had been unemployed for more than three months but less than six.
- 14 per cent. had been unemployed for more than six months but less than nine.
- 6 per cent. had been unemployed for more than nine months but less than 12.
- 14 per cent. had been unemployed for more than 12 months.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the percentage of unskilled manual workers resident in the Bowhouse, Alloa, who are currently unemployed.
The following table shows an occupational analysis of unemployed people registered at the Alloa employment office. Statistics are compiled by my Department for the Alloa area as a whole but not separately for the Bow-house.
I regret that the information is not available. The statistics of the unemployed compiled by my Department relate to the Alloa area as a whole and there are no separate figures for the Bowhouse.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what estimate he has made of the percentage of young people aged 16 to 18 years resident in the Bow-house, Alloa, who are currently unemployed;(2) what estimate he has made of the percentage of males aged between 16 and 65 years resident in the Bowhouse, Alloa, who are currently unemployed.
Separate statistics are not available for the Bowhouse; also, unemployment rates are not compiled for particular age groups. However, an age analysis of unemployed people in the Alloa employment office area is due to become available in three to four weeks' time. I will circulate a statement in the Official Report when the figures are ready.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the percentage of the unemployed resident in the Bowhouse, Alloa, who have been unemployed for more than one year.
Statistics are compiled by my Department for the Alloa area as a whole but not separately for the Bowhouse. At 14th April 1975, the latest date for which the information is available, of 989 people unemployed in the area covered by the Alloa employment office, 253, or about 26 per cent., had been unemployed for more than one year.
Somerset House (Industrial Dispute)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action is being taken to resolve the official dispute arising from the employment of labour-only subcontractors on a Government contract at Somerset House.
Neither side has so far approached the independent Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service which was set up by the Government to help resolve disputes.
Working Population
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of the population of England were at work in each of the years 1965 to 1974.
The proportion of the population of England in employment, excluding Her Majesty's Forces, in each of the years 1965 to 1974 is shown below. These estimates are on a consistent basis and refer to June of each year:
| Year | Percentage in employment | ||||
| 1965 | … | … | … | … | 46·5 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | … | 46·6 |
| 1967 | … | … | … | … | 45·7 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | … | 45·2 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 45·1 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 44·7 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 44·0 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | … | 43·9 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | … | 44·8 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | … | 450 |
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of Wales were at work in each of the years 1964 to 1974.
The proportion of the population in Wales in employment, excluding Her Majesty's Forces, in each of the years 1965 to 1974 is shown below. These estimates are on a comparable basis and refer to June of each year.
| Year | Percentage in employment | ||||
| 1965 | … | … | … | … | 42·1 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | … | 42·0 |
| 1967 | … | … | … | … | 40·8 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | … | 40·5 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 39·8 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 39·6 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 39·4 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | … | 39·5 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | … | 40·5 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | … | 40·0 |
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
French Egg Imports
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest assessment that has been made of the recent and prospective levels of imports of French eggs, the likely and desired volume of culling of French hens to bring about equilibrium in EEC supply and demand for eggs; and what has been the overall impact of French egg imports on the profitability of the United Kingdom poultry industry.
Imports from France during the first six months of this year are estimated to have amounted to 500,000 boxes or about 3 per cent. of our total supplies; I have no information on prospective imports.A scheme is under way to encourage the slaughter of up to 2 million French hens. This should reduce supply in the short term. But there are many other factors which affect both supply and demand for eggs in the Community.It is not possible to calculate what prices would have obtained in our market had there been no imports or, therefore, to measure the impact of imports on the profitability of production here.
Foodstuffs (Additives)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any plans to change the regulations regarding colouring additives which have no food value in order to bring British practices into line with the Common Market regulations.
The use of colouring matter in food is being considered both by our Food Additives and Contaminants Committee and by the European Economic Community. Regulations will be amended in the light of the results of these considerations and subject to the normal consultation procedures.
Butter And Milk (Imports)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the monetary value of the butter and milk, respectively, imported into the United Kingdom between May 1974 and May 1975.
The values of United Kingdom imports of butter and milk in the year 1st May 1974 to 30th April 1975 are shown below:
| £ | |
| Butter not exceeding 85 per cent. fat | 265,994,442 |
| Fresh milk (milk and cream not exceeding 6 per cent. fat) | 99,370 |
Horticulture
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is yet able to give details of the effect which EEC regulations and policies are likely to have on the British horticultural industry.
The effect which EEC membership is likely to have on our horticulture industry will become more apparent after the end of the transitional period and as EEC policies evolve.
Foodstuffs (Import Duties)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes in import duties on foodstuffs will be introduced on 1st July; and with what Parliamentary authority.
A number of changes in duty on foodstuffs will take place on 1st July. Details may be found in the following orders which implement arrangements made between the European Communities and the countries concerned:
- The Import Duties (Greece) Order—SI 1975/975.
- The Customs Duties & Drawbacks (Revenue Duties) (Greece) Order—SI 1975/976.
- The Import Duties (Israel) Order—SI 1975/1003.
- The Customs Duties & Drawbacks (Revenue Duties) (Israel) Order—SI 1975/1004.
Implementing Lomé Convention
- The Import Duties (General) (Number 1) Order-1975/1064.
- The Customs Duties & Drawbacks (Revenue Duties) (African, Caribbean & Pacific States) Order 1975/1062.
- The Customs Duties (Quota Relief) (No. 2) Order 1975/1063.
- The Import Duties (Developing Countries) (No. 3) Order 1975/1067.
In addition a number of orders implementing temporary suspensions or reductions of duty on 1st July are in the process of being made. The following order in respect of imports from Spain comes into force on 10th July:
The Import Duties (Spain) Order 1975/1005.
Northern Ireland
House Building
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will relax the present restriction, operated through the planning regulations, on house building in rural areas, in order to offset the decline in rural populations and help avoid the moral and social problems associated with concentrated urban housing.
The policy relating to the control of residential development in rural areas has been the subject of wide consultation and discussion with district councils and other bodies, following the publication of a discussion paper in July 1974. The Association of Local Authorities of Northern Ireland will shortly have a further opportunity for comment before a restatement of the policy is issued.In framing and implementing policy the Government will continue to recognise the position of those whose work requires them to live in the country.My right hon. Friend does not consider that relaxation in this matter would greatly affect population trends in the countryside or help materially in solving the social and other problems of urban areas.
Divorced Families (Child Maintenance)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation which would require financial provision to be made for the children of a marriage before a decree absolute is granted by the Northern Ireland courts in order to bring the law into line with that existing in England and Wales.
This matter is being considered.
Welrex Ltd, Bangor
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he can now make a further statement about keeping the factory of Welrex Ltd., Clanddoye Road, Bangor, in being and protecting the jobs of the workers.
This company manufactures hosiery at factories in Bangor and Newry. The factories are interdependent; the process is begun at Bangor and completed at Newry. The Northern Ireland Department of Commerce has been providing financial support to keep both factories going for a limited period since the company went into receivership on 1st May 1975.There has been regular consultation between the Department of Commerce, the receiver appointed by the bank, and the company management to review the company's performance and its prospects. The considerable efforts to find a buyer for the operating assets have not had any success. With regret, it has been concluded that there is no chance of viability in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the receiver has decided to begin an orderly run-down of production and employment from the end of June, which will lead to complete closure in a matter of weeks.
Donaghadee (Health Centre)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will be able to announce the date of the construction of the proposed health centre in Donaghadee; and when the building is likely to be erected.
I am unable at present to make any such announcement.
Wales
Rented Housing
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many additional rented dwellings have been provided in Wales to date by housing associations registered under the Housing Act 1974.
Registration of housing associations under the Housing Act 1974 did not start until 1st April 1975. So far, no dwellings have been constructed in Wales by registered associations.
Housing Associations
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many housing associations in Wales have been registered under the provisions of the Housing Act 1974; and if he will list them in the Official Report.
Two associations based in Wales have been registered: the Adamsdown Housing Association Ltd. and the Family Housing Association (Swansea) Ltd. In addition three housing associations which operate extensively in Wales have been registered. They are the Royal British Legion Housing Association Ltd., the Hanover Housing Association and the Help the Aged Housing Association.
Public Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing identifiable public expenditure per capita at outturn prices in Wales analysed into each of the major sectors for each year since 1965–66.
The information is give up to the latest year available in the following table. Per capita estimates are derived from that part of total expenditure which can be identified as relating to establishments, projects or assets physically located in Wales. All elements
| IDENTIFIABLE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN WALES—PER CAPITA | |||||||||
| 1965–66 | 1966–67 | 1967–68 | 1968–69 | 1969–70 | 1970–71 | 1971–72 | 1972–73 | 1973–74 | |
| Agriculture, fisheries, forestry | 7·3 | 7·7 | 8·9 | 8·9 | 9·3 | 11·0 | 12·3 | 11·8 | 11·6 |
| Trade, industry and employment | 33·0 | 43·7 | 59·6 | 66·2 | 59·7 | 53·2 | 56·2 | 56·3 | 53·6 |
| of which nationalised industries capital expenditure* | 32·9 | 42·5 | 43·4 | 35·8 | 32·8 | 23·4 | 27·1 | 31·3 | 21·2 |
| Roads and transport | 10·9 | 12·4 | 13·7 | 14·1 | 16·4 | 18·1 | 23·3 | 26·4 | 27·8 |
| Housing | 15·3 | 17·4 | 15·0 | 16·0 | 14·8 | 16·7 | 19·5 | 19·2 | 31·0 |
| Other environmental services | 10·5 | 12·5 | 12·2 | 15·3 | 17·3 | 18·9 | 20·8 | 25·6 | 29·9 |
| Education, libraries, science and arts | 33·8 | 35·5 | 38·4 | 42·8 | 47·4 | 53·7 | 62·2 | 72·3 | 80·3 |
| Health and personal social services | 27·4 | 29·4 | 32·4 | 34·8 | 38·1 | 43·9 | 48·8 | 56·2 | 64·2 |
| Social security | ..† | ..† | ..† | 71·7 | 76·2 | 81·6 | 93·5 | 102·9 | 113·0 |
| Law, order and protective services | 5·8 | 6·4 | 7·1 | 7·7 | 8·6 | 8·9 | 10·6 | 12·6 | 14·5 |
| Other public and common services | 3·7 | 4·3 | 4·7 | 6·2 | 6·7 | 9·9 | 11·S | 17·6 | 15·6 |
| TOTAL | 147·7 | 169·3 | 192·0 | 283·7 | 294·5 | 315·9 | 359·0 | 400·9 | 441·5 |
| * This category does not include expenditure by the steel industry. | |||||||||
| † Not available. | |||||||||
Farms (Electricity Supplies)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many farms in Wales are connected to mains electricity; and what percentage this is of the total.
I regret that the information is not available.
Mortgage Lending
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total sum advanced by local authorities in Wales for the purpose of mortgage lending; and how many advances were made, during each of the last 10 years.
The total sum of money advanced and the number of advances made by local authorities for the purchase of dwellings under: (i) Section
cannot necessarily be identified, nor does the table take into account some expenditure indirectly benefiting Wales. Year-to-year changes may reflect improvements in the coverage of information and changes in fiscal arrangements, for example, in the agriculture, trade, industry and employment sectors. For these reasons these figures are only broadly comparable with per capita expenditure estimates made for the United Kingdom as a whole.
43 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act 1958 or (ii) the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts or (iii) the housing associations under Section 119 of the Housing Act 1957, during the years 1970 to 1974 is set out in the table below:
Year
| Number of advances
| Amount advanced (£m.) | |
| 1970 | … | 3,889 | 6·3 |
| 1971 | … | 4,988 | 9·2 |
| 1972 | … | 4,704 | 9·3 |
| 1973 | … | 4,416 | 12·9 |
| 1974 | … | 5,381 | 22·5 |
Corresponding data for earlier years are not available.
Port Dinorwic Bypass
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what are the revised starting date and anticipated completion date of the Port Dinorwic bypass.
It is too early to forecast dates. They depend on the satisfactory completion of statutory procedures and the availability of finance.
Lending
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what were the average advance, average recorded income of borrower, average dwelling price and proportion of option mortgages in the case of housing loans by local authorities in Wales during each of the last 10 years.
I regret that this information is not available.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the ceiling on the allocation of money made available by central Government to local authorities in Wales for the purpose of mortgage lending during each of the last 10 years; and whether he has any plans to alter the present ceiling.
Allocations of money to local authorities in Wales for house purchase in the last 10 financial years are set out below:
| Financial Years | Allocation £m. | ||||
| 1965–66 | … | … | … | … | 9·1 |
| 1966–67 | … | … | … | … | 9·1 |
| 1967–68 | … | … | … | … | 9·1 |
| 1968–69 | … | … | … | … | 6·8 |
| 1969–70 | … | … | … | … | 4–0 |
| 1970–71 | … | … | … | … | 10·5 |
| No ceiling |
| 1971–72 |
| 1972–73 |
| 1973–74 |
| 1974–75 |
Council House Building
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average cost of construction of local authority dwellings in Wales during each of the last 10 years.
For the years 1964 to 1973 the average cost of construction of local authority two-storey, three-bedroom houses in Wales was as follows:
| Year | £ | ||||
| 1964 | … | … | … | … | 2,342 |
| 1965 | … | … | … | … | 2,545 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | … | 2,840 |
| 1967 | … | … | … | … | 3,047 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | … | 3,163 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 3,268 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 3,491 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 3,999 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | … | 4,454 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | … | 6,512 |
Council House Rents
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average unrebated rent for local authority houses in Wales during each of the last five years.
The data requested are set out in the table below:
| £ | ||||
| April 1971 | … | … | … | 2·39 |
| April 1972 | … | … | … | 2·64 |
| May 1973 | … | … | … | 3·25 |
| April 1974 | … | … | … | 3·44 |
Advance Factories
asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many Government factories are vacant in Ceredigion;(2) how many Government factories are vacant in Dyfed.
There are one vacant Government factory and eight vacant nursery units in Dyfed. The eight nursery units are in Ceredigion.
Aberystwyth Traffic Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what will be the cost of implementing the Aberystwyth experimental traffic scheme.
About £22,500.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales, in the event of the Aberystwyth Experimental Traffic Order being implemented soon, whether he will ensure that a public inquiry be held at the end of the experimental period to consider objections to the scheme.
If following the experiment it is decided to proceed with a more permanent scheme, details will be published and there will be an opportunity for members of the public to object. The need for any public inquiry would be considered at that stage.
Milk Producers
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many milk producers there were in Wales in 1945, 1955, 1965, 1973, 1974 and 1975, respectively.
The number of registered milk producers in Wales as at 31st December for each of the years 1955. 1965, 1973 and 1974 were 27,503, 19,808, 13,287 and 11,877 respectively. The number for 1945 is not available but that for 1946 was 27,510. The number at 31st March 1975 was 11,379.