Written Answers To Questions
Monday 5th April 1976
Home Department
Television Licences
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a further statement about the position of television licence holders affected by the Court of Appeal's judgment of 4th December last in the case of Congreve v. the Home Office.
The position of those television licence holders who like Mr. Congreve succeeded in taking out overlapping licences before 1st April 1975 and who did not respond to subsequent requests to pay an additional amount was clearly and directly determined by the Court of Appeal's judgment on 4th December 1975.There has, however, been misunderstanding about the consequences of the Court of Appeal's judgment for two groups of licence holders who were not directly affected by that judgment, but were financially disadvantaged by Home Office actions which were judged by the Court of Appeal to have been illegal. I propose to modify the arrangements which I have already announced to the House so that there can be no room for any suggestion that the financial disadvantage inflicted on these two groups of licence holders has not been fairly and fully rectified.First, as to those who took out overlapping licences and who subsequently responded to requests to pay an additional amount. When they did so, they received notices from the National Television Licence Records Office extending the expiry dates of their licences. Though the extension of date was intended to be conditional upon the payment of the additional amount, the notices did not so state, and the extension could have been thought to have been unconditional. When after the judgment of the Court of Appeal the additional amounts paid were refunded, licence holders were informed that the original expiry dates were being reinstated, though again not in terms which made the two actions expressly conditional upon one another. In view of this, I have decided to honour the extension of date in all cases.Second, as to those who sought to take out overlapping licences but were unsuccessful, and who have submitted claims for payment in accordance with the arrangements of which I informed the House in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Mr. Graham) on 13th January.—[Vol. 903, c.
91.] Again because some uncertainty has arisen, and in view of the concession now made to those in the first group, I propose to make an ex gratia payment of £6 to each licence holder whose claim is accepted, whatever the expiry date of his previous licence. This represents a modification of the arrangements described in my answer of 13th January, which envisaged a scale of payments varying according to the expiry date of the previous licence.
Those who wished to claim were asked to do so in writing by 31st January 1976. I have not refused to consider claims received since that date, but three months have now elapsed since claims were first invited, and I think that the matter must now be concluded. I have, therefore, instructed the National Television Licence Records Office that any claims received after Thursday, 15th April should be regarded as out of time and should not be considered.
Police Investigations
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received the communication from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West enclosing prima facie evidence that two named police officers did not carry out a proposed investigation when submitting reports to him; why one of these officers resigned; on what date and for what stated reasons; and in view of the information supplied, if he will cause further investigations to be made into all aspects of this case.
I have received a letter dated 26th March from my hon. Friend. I am looking into the matters raised in it and will reply as soon as I have been able to determine the facts and consider them.
Magistrates' Courts (Matrimonial Jurisdiction)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive and publish the Final Report of the Law Commission on the matrimonial jurisdiction of magistrates' courts.
The Commissioners have not been able to complete their report as quickly as they had hoped, but we now hope to receive it during the summer.
| Force | January | February | Total | Strength at 29th February 1976 | Total as per cent. of strength |
| Metropolitan | 11 | 12 | 23 | 910 | 2·52 |
| Merseyside | 3 | 2 | 5 | 321 | 1·55 |
| Greater Manchester | 6 | 3 | 9 | 409 | 2·20 |
| Other forces in England and Wales | 43 | 55 | 98 | 4,175 | 2·34 |
Oxford And Cambridge Colleges
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet made a decision on whether Oxford and Cambridge colleges should retain their charitable status in any reform of the law of charities.
We are considering all the implications of the Expenditure Committee's recommendation that the law relating to the definition of charitable status should be changed, but propose to defer our reply until the committee set up by the National Council of Social Services has reported.
| INDICTABLE OFFENCES RECORDED AS KNOWN TO THE POLICE—BY OFFENCE GROUP ENGLAND AND WALES | ||||||||
| Number of offences (000's) | ||||||||
| Offences known to the police | Offences cleared up | |||||||
| Percentage change | 1974 | 1975 | ||||||
| 1974 | 1975 | 1975–74 | Number | Per cent. | Number | Per cent. | ||
| Violence against the person | … | 63·8 | 71·0 | +11 | 51·1 | 80 | 57·6 | 81 |
| Sexual offences | … | 24·7 | 23·7 | -4 | 19·2 | 78 | 18·6 | 78 |
| Burglary | … | 483·8 | 521·9 | +8 | 164·3 | 34 | 175·6 | 34 |
| Robbery | … | 8·7 | 11·3 | +30 | 3·4 | 39 | 4·5 | 40 |
| Theft and handling stolen goods | … | 1,189·9 | 1,267·7 | +7 | 501·0 | 42 | 525·1 | 41 |
| Fraud and forgery | … | 117·2 | 123·1 | +5 | 96·7 | 83 | 103·7 | 84 |
| Criminal damage | … | 67·1 | 78·5 | +17 | 25·4 | 38 | 28·7 | 37 |
| Other offences | … | 8·2 | 8·4 | +2 | 7·5 | 91 | 7·8 | 93 |
| Total | … | 1,963·4 | 2,105·6 | +7 | 868·6 | 44 | 921·6 | 44 |
Police Women
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police women have left or given notice to leave (a) the Metropolitan, (b) the Manchester, (c) the Merseyside and (d) all other police forces in England and Wales since 29th December 1975; and what proportion they are of the total number of women in each force.
The numbers who left between 1st January and 29th February 1976 were:
Criminal Statistics
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many indictable offences were recorded as known to the police and how many were cleared up in England and Wales in 1975; and how these figures compare with 1974.
The number of offences recorded as known to the police in England and Wales in 1975 was 2,105,600, of which 921,600, or 44 per cent., were cleared up. These figures include offences of theft of value under £5, which were excluded from the annual tables in 1972 and 1973. The following table compares the figures for 1975 with those for 1974.
Firearms (Convictions)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been for unlawfully possessing firearms in the years 1970 to 1975, respectively.
The number of per sons convicted for these offences in 1970 was 4,467;in 1971, 5,426;in 1972, 5,990;and in 1973, 6,648. Figures for 1974 and 1975 are not at present available.
Industry
Nationalised Industries (Chairmen)
13.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the future of chairmen of nationalised industries within his competence.
As I have already announced, Sir Montague Finniston will be retiring from the Chairmanship of the British Steel Corporation on the expiry of his current appointment on 9th September 1976. The current appointment of the Chairman of the Post Office runs until 31st December 1977.
23.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he last met Sir William Ryland.
29.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he next proposes to meet Sir William Ryland.
I last met Sir William on 5th March. No further meeting has yet been arranged, but he has met me and my ministerial colleagues frequently and will, I am sure, continue to do so.
Vehicle Manufacturing (Employment)
18.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will publish the latest estimate of the total labour force in the car and truck industry likely to be required by 1980; how this figure compares with current labour force figures; and if he will make a statement.
No reliable estimate can be made. The number employed in 1980 will depend on the level of general economic activity and the demand for new cars and trucks associated with this. It will also depend on the success of British manufacturers in meeting competition both in the home market and overseas.
Computers
20.
asked the Secretary of State for industry how many computers were produced in the United Kingdom during each of the last four years; and what was the total value in £ sterling in each case.
I regret that the information is not available in the form requested. The total sales of British produced computer equipment were as follows: 1973, £353 million; 1974, £412 million; 1975 (estimated), £485 million.
Regional Policy
22.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he proposes to make any changes in his regional policies.
No.
Production
24.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he is satisfied with the current level of industrial production; and how it compares with the level two years ago.
Industrial production in the three months to January was 7 per cent. below the level in the same period two years ago. This is a matter of great concern, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, it reflects among other things the depth of the world recession through which we are passing.
Accelerated Investment Scheme
25.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what companies have received interest relief grants under the accelerated investment scheme.
Assistance under the accelerated investment scheme has been offered to 19 companies. As announced in July 1974, selective financial assistance to individual companies is published in the quarter immediately following the first payment. The offers to BP Chemicals International Ltd., Lucas Industries Ltd. and Reckitt & Colman Ltd. have already been announced.
West Midlands
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the meeting he held on 22nd March with leaders of local government, commerce and industry from the West Midlands.
At my meeting on 22nd March there was a valuable exchange of views about industrial development and employment in the West Midlands. I took the opportunity to make it cleat that industry in the West Midlands should not be deterred from applying for industrial development certificates for specific projects in the region, and I shall do everything practicable to assist the West Midlands to overcome its current problems.
National Economic Development Council (Studies)
27.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he expects to receive the conclusions of the sectoral studies being conducted by the NEDC.
The tripartite groups carrying out the sectoral studies have been asked to submit their first reports to the NEDC by early June.
Steel
28.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will make a further statement on the progress of the steel industry's modernisation programme.
As I indicated to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Rost) on 19th January, BSC estimates that it has spent over £500 million in the 1975–76 financial year on its capital investment programme, a record figure. Spending in 1976–77 is likely to be over £600 million. The Government intend the overall steel development programme to go forward, but flexibility will be needed to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
British Leyland
30.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the investment programme of British Leyland.
The company will be submitting to the National Enterprise Board its overall plans for capital investment to give effect to the broad programme in the Ryder Report. The National Enterprise Board will be reporting to me on the proposals.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he has taken to prevent British Leyland investing in tool-making capacity for the new Rover model in South Africa and Japan in pursuance of his policy of ensuring British orders for the firm whenever it is practicable.
It is British Leyland's policy to give full consideration to United Kingdom manufacturers and to buy British wherever this is feasible. I understand that Mr. Alex Park, Chief Executive of British Leyland, will be writing to my hon. Friend to correct several inaccuracies in recent Press reports on this subject.
Motor Cars
31.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the change in the British car industry's share of the world market since the United Kingdom joined the Common Market.
There is no reliable indication of the size of the total world car market. However, the British share of estimated world production of cars has declined from 7 per cent. in 1972 to 6 per cent. in 1974 which is the latest year for which world production figures are at present available.
Glass Manufacturing
34.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry to what extent his Department has restricted capital investment in any section of the glass manufacturing industry with special reference to the demolition of very old industrial buildings and the replacement of inefficient equipment.
We have not restricted capital investment in this industry. On the contrary, we have made assistance available through regional development grants and selective financial assistance under the Industry Act 1972.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry, in view of the high cost of warehousing, and its effects on industrial efficiency, if he will consider financial assistance to the flat glass industry in St. Helens to assist them with liquidity problems arising from this situation.
St. Helens is in a development area and, therefore, any projects in the flat glass industry can be considered for assistance under the Industry Act if they meet the criteria for assistance. As for additional finance for increased working capital, the banks are generally able and willing to provide it to creditworthy customers.
Shipbuilding
32.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his estimate of the employment prospects of the shipbuilding industry over the next five years; and whether he will make a statement.
The employment prospects of the shipbuilding industry over the next five years depend upon a number of factors some of which will be outside the Government's control; it would not, therefore, be appropriate to speculate.
London
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposals are envisaged to assist the retention of industry in the Greater London area; and if he will make a statement.
The scheme which I announced on 26th February for the issue of industrial development certificates on a speculative basis for the redevelopment of old industrial sites should help the inner areas of London.
Textiles (Modernisation Grants)
35.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in view of the forthcoming Government aid to the Lancashire textile industry for modernisation and re-equipment, he will confine the grants to mills buying British-made textile equipment.
The Government have received no formal application from the Lancashire textile industry for financial assistance for an industry-wide scheme of modernisation and re-equipment.
Hs146 Aircraft
36.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement about the future of the HS 146 project in view of the current redundancies at Hawker Siddeley Aviation (Hatfield).
The company has recently proposed an extension of the existing holding contract to increase the Government expenditure and the tempo of work on the HS 146. My officials are seeking further information from the company on a number of points. We will also wish to take account of the views of the Chairman of the Organising Committee for British Aerospace before reaching a decision. I have discussed with M. Cavaille, Secretary of State for Transport in the French Government, the possibility of collaboration between British and French manufacturers on the HS 146 project.
Sunderland Drydocks (Closure)
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the total annual loss of the closing of Sunderland Dry-docks which will be borne by Sunderland Shipbuilders, Austin and Pickersgill and the borough of Sunderland, respectively; and what steps he is taking to mitigate their losses.
My right hon. Friend already has a copy of the Touche Ross report which contains this information. Touche Ross concluded that some substantial savings might be made elsewhere and I am, therefore, not taking steps to mitigate these losses.
Wool
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is satisfied that increases in the charges for water and the treatment of trade effluent will not place the wool textile industry at a trading disadvantage with its European competitors.
I have received representations from the wool textile industry about the charges for water and trade efflulent treatment. These are at present being considered and I shall be writing to the hon. Member.
Departmental Forms
asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many forms are required by his Department, or organisations
| STATISTICAL FORMS ISSUED TO FIRMS IN INDUSTRY IN 1975 | |||||||
| Subject of Statistical Inquiry | Frequency | Number of forms | Total number issued in 1975 | ||||
| Industries' sales | … | Quarterly | … | … | … | 29,800 | 119,100 |
| Industries'purchases | … | Every 3–5 years | … | … | … | 24,000 | 24,000 |
| Census of production (manufacturing) | … | Annual | … | … | … | 34,000 | 34,000 |
| Census of production (construction) | … | Annual | … | … | … | 14,400 | 14,400 |
| Mines and quarries | … | Annual | … | … | … | 4,100 | 4,100 |
| Building materials | … | Quarterly | … | … | … | 1,100 | 4,000 |
| Monthly | … | … | … | 650 | 8,000 | ||
| Other production and order statistics | … | — | — | 94,800 | |||
| Purchases of fuel by large users | … | Quarterly | … | … | … | 800 | 3,300 |
| Fuel stocks/consumption of large users | Monthly in winter, quarterly in summer. | 900 | 7,000 | ||||
| Standby electricity generating plant | … | One-off | … | … | … | 42,000 | 42,000 |
| Expenditure on research and development: | |||||||
| 1st stage | … | Every 2–3 years | … | … | 5,000 | 5,000 | |
| 2nd stage | … | Every 2–3 years | … | … | 2,400 | — | |
| Manufacturers capital expenditure | … | Quarterly | … | … | … | 2,500 | 10,000 |
| Manufacturers regional extension | … | Quarterly | … | … | … | 1,250 | 5,000 |
| Manufacturers investment intentions | … | Four-monthly | … | … | 1,900 | 5,700 | |
| Manufacturers stocks | … | Quarterly | … | … | … | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| Monthly | … | … | … | 900 | 10,800 | ||
| Export prospects survey | … | Quarterly | … | … | … | 70 | 100 |
| Wholesale prices*† | … | Quarterly | … | … | … | 3,000 | 9,000 |
| Monthly | … | … | … | 8,000 | 105,000 | ||
| Overseas transactions † | … | Annual | … | … | … | 3,100 | 3,100 |
| Quarterly* | … | … | … | 750 | 3,000 | ||
| Census of overseas assets † | … | Triennial | … | … | … | 7,600 | 7,600 |
| Company liquidity | … | Quarterly | … | … | … | 215 | 900 |
| Register proving forms | … | — | — | 33,000 | |||
| 556,000 | |||||||
| * A shuttle form is used. | |||||||
| † Also covers firms in the distributive and service industries. | |||||||
Paper
asked the Secretary of State for Industry, if he has read the SOGAT publication "The Crisis in Papermaking—Save our Industry "; and if he will take action in the light of its recommendations.
I am well aware of the SOGAT publication to which my hon. Friend refers. My Department is in day to day contact with the paper and board industry and unions on the main problems considered in it. Following the decision to include the industry in the industrial strategy list, a tripartite working group is also considering the industry's problems and possible solutions.
for which he is responsible, to be completed by companies or firms; and if he will list such forms in the Official Report.
The information in respect of statistical forms issued to industrial firms by my Department is given in the table:
North-East Coast Shiprepairers Ltd
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the details of £25,000 provided for compensation and £50,000 in lieu of notice in the cost to North-East Coast Shiprepairers Ltd. of the closure of Greenwell Drydocks.
These sums were contingency estimates provided to cater for any ex gratia compensation payments which might have to be made, or any need there might be for payment of wages in lieu of notice for men who became prematurely redundant.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what percentage reduction there has been in the labour force of North-East Coast Shiprepairers as a result of the closure of Greenwell's yard at Sunderland.
There will be about a 14 per cent. reduction in the labour force of North-East Coast Shiprepairers as a result of the closure of Greenwell's yard at Sunderland.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many administrative staff are employed at the headquarters of North-East Coast Shiprepairers; and what reduction in their number is being made as a result of the closure of Greenwell's Drydock and dismissal of the labour force at that yard.
Ten administrative staff are employed at the headquarters of North-East Coast Shiprepairers Ltd. whose work relates to the group as a whole rather than the individual group subsidiaries. At the present time North-East Coast Shiprepairers have no plans to reduce the numbers employed.
Greenwell Drydocks Ltd
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the specific requirements upon which the local management stated, as recorded in the report of the closure of Greenwell Drydocks Ltd. prepared by Touche Ross and Co., that, in order to ensure the long-term viability of the company, expenditure of £750,000 is required in the next few years.
The estimate of £750,000 capital expenditure provided by Greenwell Drydocks to Touche Ross was not prepared on the instructions of the Department. I regret that no further information about this estimate is available.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will give the details of the assets of Greenwell Dry-docks Ltd. which cost Sunderland Shipbuilders £1,255,000, and which are owned by Sunderland Shipbuilders.
The assets of Greenwell Drydocks which cost £1,255,000 and which are owned by Sunderland Shipbuilders were given by Touche Ross & Co. in their report to the Department as: land and buildings, £891,000; plant and machinery, £364,000.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what use Sunderland Shipbuilders propose to make of the assets of Greenwell Drydocks at present owned by Sunderland Shipbuilders.
Sunderland Shipbuilders have no immediate plans to use the assets of Greenwell Drydocks. They will maintain the assets on a care and maintenance basis.
Govan Shipbuilders
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has been advised that Govan Shipbuilders are quoting a price to Kuwait for ships which may result in a loss being incurred.
The company has been in touch with my Department about these and other possible orders, but the hon. Member will understand that, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, I cannot discuss the details of negotiations with individual customers.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his present estimate of the losses likely to be incurred by Govan Shipbuilders in the current year.
The current accounting year for Govan Shipbuilders Ltd. ends on 31st December 1976. When the audited accounts become available a copy will as usual be placed in the Library of the House.
Chrysler United Kingdom Ltd
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will name the directors he has nominated to the Board of Chrysler (UK) Ltd.
I have nominated Mr. Claude Birch as one of the two Government nominated directors to serve on the Board of Chrysler United Kingdom until 31st December 1979. I am pleased to say that the Board has approved this appointment. I hope to nominate the other director fairly shortly.
Manufactures (Cyclical Demand)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he is taking to reduce cyclical variations in demand for the products of British manufacturing industry.
I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend will, of course, be concerned with demand management in his Budget speech tomorrow. The present Government are conscious of the need to reduce the amplitude of cyclical variations in the economy and to promote a steady sustainable growth of the economy. My hon. Friend will be aware that the Government have allocated funds to help bring forward demand for capital goods through the accelerated capital projects scheme, and this is proving to be an effective counter-cyclical measure. We have also made arrangements to promote counter-cyclical Stockbuilding of steel and machine tools.
Graving Docks
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the length and breadth of each of the graving docks in the United Kingdom.
The lengths and breadths of each of the graving or dry docks in the United Kingdom are contained in Section 2 of the Appendix to Lloyd's Register of Shipping, a copy of which is in the Library.
Ship Repairing
asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many men are engaged in ship repairing in each port in the United Kingdom.
The information cannot be obtained at a reasonable cost except from returns under the Statistics of Trade Act 1947, whose results cannot be disclosed in the form requested by the hon. Member. However, the number of employees engaged in ship repairing at locations around estuaries and at certain ports in the United Kingdom was given in the Report " The United Kingdom Shiprepair Industry " published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office in June 1974, a copy of which is in the Library.
Employment
Health And Safety (Booklets)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many booklets in the Health and Safety at Work series have been published; how many of these are now out of print, and in each case for what reason; and when it is anticipated that each booklet now out of print will become available.
I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that a total of 56 titles have been published since the series was begun. Eight titles have been withdrawn as a natural result of obsolescence, i.e. the information now appears in a different form.Five titles are currently " out of print " for major revision. This is not an unusual situation, especially in view of the range of subjects covered and the changed circumstances of the Inspectorate. The texts of all five titles currently out of print are expected to be ready for print production within the next three to four months.
Power Station (Isle Of Grain)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will arrange for the publication of the report by Inspectors Payne and Dollin on the conditions of work experienced by insulation workers employed by CDN Ltd. at the Isle of Grain Power Station.
No. The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that, as required by Section 28(8) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, inspectors have kept persons employed at the site and their representatives adequately informed about matters affecting their health, safety and welfare by giving them, both verbally and in writing, factual information relating to the site and information about action to be taken.
Asbestos
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report the names of firms and employers who have been prosecuted since the 1969 Asbestos Regulations came into effect, and what the penalty was in each case.
The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that the names of firms and employers who have been prosecuted since the 1969 Asbestos Regulations came into effect, and the outcome of those prosecutions, are as follows:
| PROSECUTIONS UNDER ASBESTOS REGULATIONS 1969 (1971 AND 1972) | |||||||||||||
Date of Hearing
| Name of Defendant
| Number of Regulations
| Number of Informations
| Result
| Penalty
| ||||||||
| 10th November 1971 | … | TAC Construction Materials Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7(1) | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 |
| 13th January 1972 | … | Stein Atkinson Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 30·00 |
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 15·00 | |||||||
| 9th February 1972 | … | Fabcol Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7(1) | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 60·00 |
| 1st March 1972 | … | Dudley Coles Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 6(2) | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 |
| Reg. 8(1) | … | 4 | Convictions | … | … | 240·00 | |||||||
| Reg. 10 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 60·00 | |||||||
| 14th March 1972 | … | Thomas W. Ward | … | … | … | … | Reg. 6(2) | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 30·00 |
| Reg. 8(1) | … | 4 | Convictions | … | … | 600·00 | |||||||
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 150·00 | |||||||
| 27th March 1972 | … | Wondertex Ltd | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 100·00 |
| 4th May 1972 | … | Wild Barfield Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7(1) | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 |
| 6th June 1972 | … | Laminated Plastic Products Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7(1) | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 |
| 21st July 1972 | … | Armstrong Cork Co. Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7 | … | 4 | Convictions | … | … | 200·00 |
| Reg. 9 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 100·00 | |||||||
| Reg. 10 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | |||||||
| 21st April 1972 | … | J. S. Webb (Smithwick) Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7 | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | … | — |
| Reg. 10 | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | … | — | |||||||
| 24th July 1972 | … | Thomas Charles Doleman | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 75·00 |
| 10th August 1972 | … | S.B.D. Consto Products Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 |
| 24th October 1972 | … | A.P.V. Kestner Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 100·00 |
| 12th July 1972 | … | Maritime Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 60·00 |
| 30th September 1972 | … | British Rail Engineering Ltd | … | … | … | … | Reg. 7 | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | … | — |
| Reg. 8 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | |||||||
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 | |||||||
| 23rd November 1972 | … | Air Containers (Research Department) Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 |
| 14th December 1972 | … | Lanarkshire Steeplejacks Co. Ltd. | … | … | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 3 | 2 Convictions, 1 Withdrawn | … | 90·00 | |
| Reg. 18 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 | |||||||
| PROSECURIONS UNDER ASBESTOS REGULATIONS 1969 (1973) | ||||||||||
Date of Hearing
| Name of Defendant
| Number of Regulations
| Number of Informations
| Result
| Penalty
| |||||
| 14th February 1973 | … | Peter Heatley and Co. Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 100·00 |
| 22nd February 1973 | … | British Leyland (U.K.) Ltd. (Austin-Morris Group) | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 225·00 |
| 22nd February 1973 | … | Carrier Engineering Co. Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 10 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 225·00 |
| Reg. 11 | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | — | |||||
| Reg. 20 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 225·00 | |||||
| 7th March 1973 | … | Bearward Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 225·00 |
| 2nd April 1973 | … | Darlington Insulation Co. Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 100·00 |
| Reg. 8 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 100·00 | |||||
| Reg. 9 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | 100·00 | |||||
| Reg. 17 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 100·00 | |||||
| 6th June 1973 | … | Sir A. McAlpine & Sons Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Absolute Discharge | … | — |
| Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Absolute Discharge | … | — | |||||
| 18th June 1973 | … | Burmah Oil TRD Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 7 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 200·00 |
| 3rd July 1973 | … | British Rail Engineering Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | 25·00 |
| 26th September 1973 | … | T. Bailey Roofing Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 8 | … | 3 | Convictions | … | 225·00 |
| PROSECUTIONS UNDER ASBESTOS REGULATIONS 1969 (1974) | |||||||||||
Date of Hearing
| Name of Defendant
| Number of Regulations
| Number of Informations
| Result
| Penalty
| ||||||
| 31st January 1974 | … | South East Engineering (Romford) Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 10·00 |
| Reg.8 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | |||||
| Reg. 17 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 10·00 | |||||
| 4th March 1974 | … | Dennis Timothy Lowther | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | … | — |
| Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 100·00 | |||||
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | |||||
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | |||||
| Reg. 16 | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | … | — | |||||
| 4th March 1974 | … | Demolition Co. Partnership Ltd | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 100·00 |
| Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 200·00 | |||||
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | … | — | |||||
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | … | — | |||||
| Reg. 16 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 100·00 | |||||
| 19th February 1974 | … | K. W. McGill Co. Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 200·00 |
| 5th April 1974 | … | Dismantling Contracts Co. Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Absolute Discharge | … | — | |
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | |||||
| 9th April 1974 | … | Delta Fabrications Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 7(3) | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | … | — |
| Reg. 7(4) | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 | |||||
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 | |||||
| 27th April 1974 | … | B.D.P. Group | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 20·00 |
| Reg15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 20·00 | |||||
| 29th April 1974 | … | St. Mary's (Contractor) Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 |
| Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 300·00 | |||||
| 10th September 1974 | … | W. H. Arnott Young & Co. Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 30·00 |
| Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 200·00 | |||||
| 23rd October 1974 | … | Goodman Price Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 |
| Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 10·00 | |||||
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·0 | |||||
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·0 | |||||
| Reg. 16 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·0 | |||||
| 6th November 1974 | … | Smiths Industries Ltd | … | … | Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 100·00 |
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | |||||
| Reg. 20 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | |||||
| 13th November 1974 | … | Fabcol Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 7(3) | … | 1 | Withdrawn | … | … | — |
| Reg. 7(4) | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 10·00 | |||||
| 2nd December 1974 | … | John Barber Shopfitters and Building Contractor | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 40·00 |
| Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 100·00 | |||||
| 20th November 1974 | … | Birds (Commercial Motors) Ltd. | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 30·00 |
| PROSECUTIONS UNDER ASBESTOS REGULATIONS 1969 (1975) | ||||||||||||
Date of Hearing
| Name of Defendant
| Number of Regulations
| Number of Informations
| Result
| Penalty
| |||||||
| 29th January 1975 | … | Samuel Mcllwraith | … | … | … | Reg. 6 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 20·00 |
| Reg. 8 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 40·00 | ||||||
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 30·00 | ||||||
| 13th May 1975 | … | Commando Cleaning Co. Ltd. | … | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 3 | Convictions | … | … | 750·00 |
| Reg. 10 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 250·00 | ||||||
| 16th June 1976 | … | Durasteel Ltd. | … | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 |
| Reg. 13 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 100·00 | ||||||
| 7th October 1975 | … | W. G. Spittle Ltd. | … | … | … | Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Convictions | … | … | 100·00 |
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | ||||||
| Reg. 20 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 50·00 | ||||||
| 31st October 1975 | … | Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd. | … | … | … | Reg. 8 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 60·00 |
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 20·00 | ||||||
| 2nd December 1975 | … | Frost Asbestos Removal Ltd. | … | … | … | Reg. 8 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 |
| Reg. 18 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 25·00 | ||||||
| 5th December 1975 | … | Perfect Air Ltd. | … | … | … | Reg. 8 | … | 2 | Cases withdrawn following a plea of guilty by another contractor. | |||
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | ||||||||||
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | ||||||||||
| Reg. 20 | … | 1 | ||||||||||
| 5th December 1975 | … | Perfect Heat Engineering Co. Ltd. | … | … | … | Reg. 8 | … | 2 | ||||
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | ||||||||||
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | ||||||||||
| Reg. 20 | … | 1 | ||||||||||
| 5th December 1975 | … | Peter Golding, Wedingos MW. Installations. | … | … | … | Reg. 8 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 30·00 |
| Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 30·00 | ||||||
| Reg. 15 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 30·00 | ||||||
| Reg. 20 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 30·00 | ||||||
| 18th December 1975 | … | Granville Tin Plate & Co. Ltd. | … | … | … | Reg. 9 | … | 1 | Conviction | … | … | 100·00 |
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to ensure that workers handling asbestos, and related insulation materials are provided with protective clothing which is cleaned on the site to ensure that no dust is taken to employees' homes.
I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Asbestos Regulations 1969 require employers to provide protective clothing for all workpeople exposed to asbestos dust, to ensure that it is kept in the accommodation which must be provided for its storage when not in use, and to ensure that such clothing is cleaned either at the factory or packed in suitably marked containers before dispatch from the factory for cleaning. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 imposes on employees the obligation to co-operate with their employers in carrying out these requirements, so that there should now be no question of workers taking home overalls or other clothing contaminated with asbestos dust.A leaflet " Asbestos and You ", of which 150,000 copies have been distributed by the Employment Medical Advisory Service to asbestos workers, contains a warning that protective clothing should not be taken home.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to entitle employees to refuse to handle materials which are not clearly marked as being asbestos free either under a code of practice such as the CEGB Regional Engineering Memorandum No. F9 of February 1971 or under a procedure to be agreed between employees and trades unions.
I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that a labelling scheme will soon be introduced by industry for asbestos products. The question of additional precautions for materials containing asbestos is one which the new committee, the setting up of which was announced in the House on 30th March, will be considering.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ensure that the current survey on the effects of asbestos includes examination of the incidence of asbestosis amongst dependants of those working with asbestos so that the result of taking home dust laden overalls and clothing is taken into account.
I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Asbestos Regulations 1969 require employers to provide protective clothing for all workers exposed to asbestos dust, suitable accommodation for its storage when not in use, and to ensure that such clothing is cleaned either at the factory or packed in suitably marked containers before despatch from the factory for cleaning. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 imposes on employees the obligation to co-operate with their employers in carrying out these requirements, so that there should now be no question of workers taking home overalls or other clothing contaminated with asbestos dust. It is, however, open to the new committee on health risks from asbestos to consider whether there should be any special surveillance of the health of asbestos workers' families.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ensure that the activities of Cape Asbestos are fully investigated by the Committee of Inquiry into the asbestosis arising at Acre Mill, Hebden Bridge, and, in particular, into the company CDN Ltd. and its wide-ranging insulation activities and its deliberate policy of refusing to supply protective clothing to insulation workers.
The circumstances at Acre Mill, Hebden Bridge, were investigated by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and the new committee will not be duplicating his enquiries. It will not be the function of this committee to investigate the behaviour of individual firms.Enforcement of the relevant legislation is a matter for the Health and Safety Executive.I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Asbestos Regulations, 1969, require employers to provide protective clothing for all workpeople exposed to asbestos dust.
Temporary Employment Subsidy
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of jobs that have been saved to date in Lancashire as a consequence of the temporary employment subsidy.
As at 31st March 6,689 jobs have been saved.
Sheltered Workshops
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many sheltered workshops there are in Essex; where they are located; and how many places they provide for mentally handicapped persons.
One, at Southend-on-Sea. Places are not reserved for specific disabilities but a number of the employees are mentally handicapped.
Trade Unionists
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of the total working population in the United Kingdom are (a) members of trade unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress, (b) members of other trades unions and (c) not members of trades union.
The latest available information about the total membership of trade unions was published in the November 1975 issue of the Department of Employment Gazette. It is estimated that the total membership of trade unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress at the end of 1974 represented 40| per cent. of the total working population of the United Kingdom; that membership of other trade unions represented 5 per cent. and that 54£ per cent. of the working population were not members of trade unions.
Industrial Health And Safety Centre
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the cost of running the Industrial Health and Safety Centre, including the cost of special exhibitions.
In my reply of 30th March to my hon. Friend's similar Question I said that the annual overall cost of running the Industrial Health Centre was £121,000 at current price levels. In addition to this figure, the cost of special exhibitions in the financial year 1975–76 was approximately £11,000.
Health And Safety Representatives
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to permit safety representatives appointed under Section 2(4) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to issue prohibition and improvement notices; and if he will make a statement.
There is no provision under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, neither do I intend introducing further legislation, to extend the power to issue prohibition and improvement notices to persons other than inspectors of enforcing authorities appointed under Section 19 and given these specific powers under Sections 21 and 22 of that Act.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to lay the regulations establishing safety representatives under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Commission is now urgently considering the many comments received from interested organisations and individuals on its consultative document on safety representatives and safety committees. This is a most important issue and the Commission cannot yet say when its consultative process will be completed. Once it is completed I will expect it to submit its proposals for my consideration prior to my laying Regulations before Parliament.
Northern Ireland
Ben Sherman (1975) Limited
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) between March and 31st December 1975, how much was spent by Ben Sherman (1975) Limited on advertising; and what was the net cost of renting stands at various trade fairs for sales promotion;
(2) how many members of staff of Ben Sherman (1975) Limited between March and 31st December 1975 took part in sales promotion; and what was the total cost of entertainment and hotel expenses etc. in such promotions.
These matters are the responsibility of the board of the company.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what part of the total of £994,000 paid by the Department of Commerce between March and 31st December 1975 to Ben Sherman (1975) Limited was for (a) assets, (b) stock, (c) goodwill and (d) working capital, respectively.
The disclosure of this information could be detrimental to the commercial interests of the company.
Parliamentary Constituencies
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland to complete its review of constituencies; whether it will take into account the relevant recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Constitution; and what the Boundary Commission's basis of comparison will be with constituencies in Great Britain.
The Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland aims to submit its report in 1979. The number of constituencies in Northern Ireland is fixed by the House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1949. The Report of the Commission on the Constitution does not affect the statutory position.
Harland And Wolff
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his present estimate of the losses likely to be incurred by Harland and Wolff in the current year.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Prison Accommodation
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any statement to make about the facilities provided to representatives of para-military organisations to inspect new cell accommodation at a prison in Northern Ireland.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Civil Service
Paper And Board Recycling
asked the Minister for the Civil Service when he expects to receive the results of the consideration by Her Majesty's Stationery Office of the Waste Management Advisory Group's recommendation on the greater use of paper and board with a high content of indigenous raw materials; and whether he will make a statement.
Her Majesty's Stationery Office was associated with the discussions which led to the recommendations put forward to the Waste Management Advisory Council by the Advisory Group on Waste Paper recycling, and I am pleased to announce that the following steps to implement their recommendations have already been taken.The specifications for board supplied to HMSO now stipulate that 100 per cent. recycled fibre must be used.Specifications for manilla now stipulate 50 per cent. recycled fibre. Although suppliers are looking at ways of increasing this amount, recent experience suggests that the limit of recycled fibre may have been reached, if the manilla is to meet the demands made upon it.Further trials will take place shortly of a telephone directory paper containing a higher proportion of recycled de-inked fibres.A research programme for the increased use of waste sponsored by HMSO is being undertaken by PIRA, the Paper and Board, Printing and Packaging Industries Research Association. This project was started in September 1975 and should be completed by June 1976. The results so far achieved are encouraging.As well as encouraging the greater reuse of waste paper HMSO's paper specifications are designed to permit the maximum use of pulp produced in the United Kingdom.
Training
asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the total capital investment spent on the training of civil servants; and if he will break down the expenditure into headings of expenditure in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively.
The information is not available in the form requested as training is carried out in every Department of State, in most cases in buildings and with equipment acquired for general purposes.
Equal Opportunities (Monitoring)
asked the Minister for the Civil Service in view of the Government's statement in Command Paper No. 6234 that a vital ingredient of an equal opportunities policy is a regular system of monitoring, what steps are being taken to monitor the recruitment and promotion of persons from ethnic minority groups in the industrial and non-industrial Civil Service.
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to her on 1st April—[Vol. 908, c. 542]—The study being undertaken by the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations will include practices and procedures for recruitment and promotion in the industrial and non-industrial Civil Service.
Devolution
asked the Lord President of the Council how many representations he has received to date following the publication of the White Paper " Our Changing Democracy "; of these, how many were specifically concerned with Wales and with Scotland, respectively; how many were in support of the White Paper; how many wanted less or no devolution; and how many favoured greater powers for the proposed Assemblies.
The information requested is as follows:Representations received, including representations to the Constitution Unit—136 from the general public and 26 from organisations;
Representations exclusively concerned with Wales—51 from the general public and six from organisations;
Representations exclusively concerned with Scotland—32 from the general public and five from organisations;
Representations in support of the White Paper—16 from the general public and five from organisations;
Representations in favour of less or no devolution—39 from the general public and three from organisations;
Representations in favour of greater powers for either of the proposed Assemblies—47 from the general public and eight from organisations.
asked the Lord President of the Council what representations he has received following the publication of the White Paper " Our Changing Democracy " from those advocating a similar type of devolution to the regions of England.
13 representations have been received which contain specific proposals about devolution and England. Of these seven favour devolution to regional authorities within England on a non-federal basis.
North Sea Oil (Participation Agreements)
asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what further progress he hasmade in negotiations with the North Sea oil companies in respect of participating rights.
Participation agreements have already been concluded with Gulf, Conoco and Tricentrol and negotiations with other companies are continuing. The House was also informed on 10th March—Vol. 907, c. 216, 217 and 218—that agreement in principle had been reached with Burmah concerning the purchase of its North Sea assets. The purchase of Burmah's interest in the Ninian field by BNOC was formally closed on Monday 29th March.
European Council Meeting
asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the European Council meeting held in Luxembourg on 1st and 2nd April.
The Heads of Government of EEC countries held a meeting of the European Council in Luxembourg on 1st and 2nd April. As usual, there was no formal agenda or communiqué. We discussed the economic and monetary situation, noting growing signs of recovery in industrial production.We agreed on the need for each member State to maintain a proper discipline over budgetary expenditure, incomes policy and money supply in order to continue successfully the fight against inflation and to reduce unemployment. Finance Ministers were invited to study further some of the papers which were placed before the meeting. My right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and I stressed the importance of the Community analysing the future trend of unemployment and taking action to complement that of member Governments in tackling this problem. The institutions of the Community, notably the Finance Council, were invited to take the study of the problem and its possible solutions further, with the help of the trades unions and the employers.We also discussed plans for direct elections to the European Assembly, particularly the size of the Assembly and the distribution of seats. Some progress was made on minor issues, but no agreement was reached on the main question. Foreign Ministers were, therefore, asked to do further work on the subject and to report back in July.They were also asked to study the Tindemans Report on European Union and to report back in November.Heads of Government also discussed a number of international questions. The European Council issued an important declaration on Rhodesia, calling for a rapid and peaceful transition to majority rule and expressing vigorous support for the objectives laid down by Her Majesty's Government in my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary's statement of 22nd March. The Council also issued a statement welcoming the entry into force of the Lomé Convention on 1st April.
Finally, the European Council issued a statement honouring M. Jean Monnet on his retirement, and reflecting his outstanding contribution to the creation of the European Community.
Environment
Public Service Employees (Housing)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to ensure that all public service accommodation is returned to the general housing pool, and that no public service employee has to live in such accommodation as a precondition of employment in the future.
Where service housing is owned by Government Departments no legislation would be necessary to dispose of it to local housing authorities. However, although immediate large-scale transfer could raise serious practical problems, I am anxious to see that unwanted public service accommodation is returned to the general housing pool.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to assist those housing authorities with public service housing within their area of responsibility, to build additional accommodation in order to facilitate the rehousing of any public service employee on retirement due to age or incapacity or on leaving the public service, especially where the employee is required to live in special accommodation as a condition of service.
Local authorities do not need special additional help to provide housing for employees who leave public service. Such provision can be made under their general housing powers and the Government already gives all the financial help needed for this purpose.
Direct Labour Departments
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which local authorities have direct labour departments; and if he has issued any guidance to local authorities on direct labour departments.
According to statistical returns collected by the Department in October 1975, 537 out of 548 local authorities and new town development corporations in Great Britain employed some direct labour either for repair and maintenance or for new construction work. Advice is contained in Circular 52/74 to local authorities about building houses for sale and in Circular 49/75 about highway works. Circular 57/69 issued by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government relates to direct labour organisations and is still extant.
Rating Valuations (Hampshire)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total valuation of rateable value in each of the Hampshire rating authorities; and what is the breakdown between domestic property and non-domestic property on the latest convenient date.
The aggregate rateable values of districts in Hampshire on 1st April 1975 were estimated as follows:
| Domestic | domestic | Total | |
| £m | £m | £m | |
| Basingstoke | 7·9 | 6·7 | 14·6 |
| East Hampshire | 6·4 | 3·1 | 9·5 |
| Eastleigh | 60 | 4·8 | 10·8 |
| Fareham | 6·3 | 3·1 | 9·4 |
| Gosport | 5·1 | 3·4 | 8·5 |
| Hant | 5·4 | 2·4 | 7·8 |
| Havant | 8·4 | 4·9 | 13·3 |
| New Forest | 10·0 | 9·8 | 19·8 |
| Portsmouth | 11·6 | 13·3 | 24·9 |
| Rushmoor | 5·0 | 5·1 | 10·1 |
| Southampton | 12·8 | 16·1 | 28·9 |
| Domestic | Non-domestic | Total | |
| £m | £m | £m | |
| Test Valley | 6·1 | 4·3 | 10·4 |
| Winchester | 6·5 | 4·6 | 11·1 |
Kensington Gardens (Elm Trees)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is now the condition of the elms in Kensington Gardens; and if he will make a statement as to his policy in regard to the trees therein.
136 elm trees have been felled in Kensington Gardens in the last three years as a result of Dutch elm disease and about 50 more have some degree of infection. There are still well over 300 elms which as yet show no signs of the disease, about 80 of these being young trees planted in the last 10 years. It is not the policy to plant new elms at present but 428 trees of different species have been planted in Kensington Gardens in the past three years.
Council Houses
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of all dwellings in England are public sector houses, according to the latest figures available.
At December 1975, local housing authorities and new towns are estimated to have owned 29 per cent. of the dwellings in England. There is no reliable estimate for the remainder of the public sector.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the percentage of the local authority housing revenue accounts, which is borne by rate fund contributions in England for each year from 1970 to 1976, giving the exact percentage for each year.
The following is the information required:
| Financial year (ending 31st March) | per cent. |
| 1969–70 | 8·4 |
| 1970–71 | 7·2 |
| 1971–72 | 4·7 |
| 1972–73 | 3·3 |
| 1973–74 | 7·2 |
| 1974–75 | 10·8 |
| 1975–76 (estimated) | 10·2 |
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many public sector houses in England have been sold to sitting tenants for each of the years from 1970 to 1976.
English local authorities and new towns reported selling the following numbers of dwellings not built specifically for sale:
| 1970 | 6,358 |
| 1971 | 19,022 |
| 1972 | 57,971 |
| 1973 | 37,755 |
| 1974 | 3,972 |
| 1975 | 2,146 |
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average net weekly rent, after rent rebates have been deducted, of a three apartment house in the public sector of housing in England for each year from 1970 to 1976; and what this figure represents as a percentage of average household income for the years 1970 to 1976.
The information for two-bedroom local authority dwellings in England is as follows:
| Average weekly unrebated rent (£) | (1) as a average house-hold income of LA tenants | |
| (1) | (2) | |
| March 1970 | 2·25 | 7 |
| April 1971 | 2·52 | 8 |
| April 1972 | 2·77 | 8 |
| May 1973 | 3·46 | 8 |
| April 1974 | 3·86 | 8 |
| April 1975 | 4·16 | 7 |
| Year | Average weekly unrebated rent | Average weekly rebated rent | (1) as percentage of average household income of local authority tenants | (2) as percentage of average household income of local authority tenants |
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | |
| (£) | (£) | |||
| 1970–71 | 2·31 | 2·23 | 7 | 7 |
| 1971–72 | 2·50 | 2·37 | 7 | 7 |
| 1972–73 | 3·15 | 2·62 | 8 | 7 |
| 1973–74 | 3·62 | 2·75 | 8 | 6 |
| 1974–75 | 3·81 | 2·90 | 8 | 6 |
| 1975–76* | 4·33 | 3·46 | 7 | 6 |
| *Estimated. | ||||
Housing Subsidies
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total subsidy, in all forms, paid for public housing in 1975 in England and Wales.
The estimated total cost of all subsidies, excluding rent rebates and allowances to public housing in England and Wales in 1975–76 is as follows:
| £ million at 1975 Survey Prices | |
| Central Government Subsidies | 696·1 |
| Rate Fund Contributions | 130·6 |
Water Supplies
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many area water authorities in England are at present restricting the use of water; and what reports he has received from the area water authorities of the probable shortfall in water supplies and by how much and in which areas in the next six months.
I understand that five water authorities are currently restricting
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the average net weekly rent, after rent rebates have been deducted, in the public sector of housing in England; and what this figure represents as a percentage of average household income, for the years 1970 to 1976;(2) what is the average weekly rent, before rent rebates were claimed, in the public sector of housing in England; and what this figure represents as a percentage of average household income, for the years 1970 to 1976.
The information for local authority housing in England and Wales is as follows:the use of water in all or parts of their area.All water authorities expect to experience shortages during the next six months in varying degrees, but the severity will depend on the rainfall during that period and the effectiveness of measures now being taken to augment supplies. I cannot at this stage make any more detailed predictions, but my Department and the National Water Council are monitoring the situation closely.
Rents
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in the light of the judgment in the case of Avenue Properties (St. John's Wood) Limited v. Aisinzon, in the Court of Appeal, he will now introduce an amendment to Section 22 of the Rent Act 1968.
There has not been opportunity to study a full report of this case, but the effect of the judgment would seem to be that a notice of increase served on a statutory regulated tenant under Section 22(2)(b) of the Rent Act 1968 can be valid where it is served during a rental period and where the date from which it is to take effect is in the middle of that period. This clarifies an area of law on which there have been conflicting opinions. It is too early to say whether the judgment will give rise to problems which might require amendment of Section 22. Any difficulties will be considered as part of the review of the Rent Acts.
Compulsory Purchase Orders (Birmingham)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to confirm the compulsory purchase order relating to the James Street development area, Birmingham.
| WATER AUTHORITIES | |||||||||
| Unmeasured water supply | Measured water supply | ||||||||
| Authority | Average Bill 1975–76 | Average Bill 1976–77 | Percentage increase | Average charge per 1,000 gallons 1975–76 | Average charge per 1,000 gallons 1976–77 | Percentage increase | |||
| £ | £ | p | p | ||||||
| North West | … | … | … | 13·66 | 15·10 | 10·5 | 42·5 | 48·0 | 13·0 |
| Northumbrian | … | … | … | 12·90 | 15·74 | 22·0 | 38·0 | 46·0 | 21·0 |
| Severn-Trent | … | … | … | 13·71 | 16·60 | 21·0 | 43·9 | 54·9 | 25·0 |
| Yorkshire | … | … | … | 14·18 | 16·60 | 17·0 | 41·0 | 50·8 | 24·0 |
| Anglian | … | … | … | 13·18 | 16·48 | 25·0 | 37·6 | 47·0 | 25·0 |
| Thames | … | … | … | 15·40 | 19·60 | 27·3 | 35·0 | 41·8 | 19·4 |
| Southern | … | … | … | 14·48 | 15·75 | 8·7 | 43·2 | 47·0 | 8·8 |
| Wcssex | … | … | … | 13·50 | 16·92 | 25·3 | 39·6 | 50·1 | 26·5 |
| SouthWest | … | … | … | 17·80 | 21·90 | 23·0 | 48·7 | 59·9 | 23·0 |
| Welsh National Water Devilopment Authority | … | … | … | 17·78 | 20·00 | 12·5 | 52·1 | 58·4 | 12·0 |
| WATER COMPANIES | |||||||
| Unmeasured water supply | Measured water supply | ||||||
| Company | Average rate poundage 1975–76 | Average rate poundage 1976–77 | Percentage increase | Average charge per 1,000 gallons 1975–76 | Average charge per 1,000 gallons 1976–77 | Percentage increase | |
| p | p | p | p | ||||
| Sunderland and South Shields | … | 10·0 | 11·8 | 18·0 | 38·0 | 46·0 | 21·1 |
| East Worcestershire | … | 6·35 | 8·0 | 26·0 | 48·0 | 62·0 | 29·2 |
| East Anglian | … | 5·8 | 7·0 | 20·6 | 39·0 | 50·9 | 30·5 |
| Colne Valley | … | 5·0 | 5·6 | 12·0 | 46·0 | 48·5 | 5·4 |
| East Surrey | … | 7·3 | 7·7 | 5·5 | 56·2 | 59·3 | 5·5 |
| Sutton District | … | 3·7 | 5·7 | 54·0 | 34·0 | 52·0 | 53·0 |
| Eastbourne | … | 9·4 | 10·4 | 10·0 | 63·0 | 68·4 | 8·6 |
| Bournemouth and District | … | 5·2 | 5·7 | 8·8 | 32·0 | 37·0 | 15·6 |
| Bristol | … | 9·4 | 10·4 | 10·6 | 45·0 | 50·5 | 12·2 |
| West Hampshire | … | 3·0 | 5·0 | 66·7 | 26·7 | 44·5 | 66·7 |
| Wrexham and East Denbighshire | … | 10·5 | 13·0 | 23·6 | 44·2 | 50·0 | 13·2 |
| York | … | 8·2 | 11·2 | 36·6 | 36·5 | 42·0 | 15·1 |
The Order was confirmed with modifications on 30th March. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the decision letter.
Water Charges
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list the charges made by each water authority and water company supplying water to the public in the United Kingdom for metered water and for unmetered water during the current financial year; what were the equivalent charges last year; and what is the percentage increase or decrease in each case.
The tables below set out the most recent information available.
Local Government (Management Systems)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will carry out a review of corporate management systems instituted in local government following reorganisation, with particular reference to the position of elected representatives.
The Institute of Local Government Studies of Birmingham University is carrying out a group of interrelated studies of the management of the new local authorities, with funds provided by the Local Government Training Board and my Department. One of these—funded by the Training Board—is a study concentrating particularly on the role of the elected member. As that nears completion I expect to be considering, in association with the Training Board and the Institute, whether any further research in this field should be undertaken.
Local Authorities (Debts)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will list the amount of loan capital outstanding to each local authority in England on 31st March 1976; what were the equivalent figures on 31st March 1975 and 31st March 1974; and what were the totals of such borrowings by local authorities on each of the three dates.
Figures for 31st March 1976 are not yet available. The estimated total outstanding debt administered by local authorities in England at
| 1974–75 over 1973–74 Per cent. | 1975–76 over 1974–75 Per cent. | 1976–77 over 1975–76 Per cent. | |||||
| Wealdon District | |||||||
| Domestic | … | … | … | … | 11·4 | 37·8 | 20·7 |
| Non-Domestic | … | … | … | … | 44·6 | 26·8 | 14·0 |
| Eastbourne District | |||||||
| Domestic | … | … | … | … | 29·0 | 6·0 | 23·9 |
| Non-Domestic | … | … | … | … | 42·2 | 13·9 | 17·2 |
Navigation Authority
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received leading to his suggestions for a national navigation
31st March 1975 was £21,000 million and at 31st March 1974 was £17,900 million.
Figures for individual authorities in England at 31st March 1974 and 31st March 1975 are listed in the publication, " Return of Outstanding Debt (England and Wales) ", published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, copies of which are available in the Library.
Rates
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what has been the percentage increase in rates for domestic and commercial ratepayers in what is now the Wealden district in each of the three years 1974–75, 1975–76 and 1976–77; and whether he will list those districts where the total percentage increase for these three years has been (a) higher and (b) lower than in Wealden;(2) what has been the percentage increase in rates for domestic and commercial ratepayers in the Borough of Eastbourne in each of the three years 1974–75, 1975–76 and 1976–77; and whether he will list the boroughs and districts where the total percentage increase for these three years has been (
a) higher and ( b) lower than in Eastbourne.
The percentage increases in rate poundages levied in Wealden and Eastbourne over the past three years have been as follows:authority in paragraphs 26–29 of his Review of the Water Industry; and whose opinions and advice he sought prior to making these proposals for discussions.
I have discussed the idea of a national navigation authority informally with a wide range of people over the years, but I neither sought nor received formal representations on this subject prior to the issue of the consultation paper.
Rent Tribunals
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will arrange for annual reports to be submitted to his Department by the chairmen of rent tribunals and rent assessment committees and for a resumé of the reports to be made available to the public or make some other arrangements in order to publicise and co-ordinate findings; and if he will make a statement.
No. Statistical returns of rents assessed by rent assessment committees are received by my Department in respect of each case determined. Statistical monthly returns of the average rent determined by rent tribunals are also received. Information showing the average of all rents determined by both rent officers and rent assessment committees are shown in " Housing and Construction Statistics " published by HMSO.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the last meeting of chairmen of rent tribunals was held; and why these meetings have been discontinued.
It rests with the presidents of rent assessment panels—who appoint the chairmen and members of rent tribunals from among their panel members—to call meetings of their members when they consider it necessary to do so. I understand meetings take place on average about once a year when particular matters of interest arise. As far as I am aware no meetings have been discontinued as a matter of policy.
High Alumina Cement
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made towards a decision on assisting local authorities in meeting the cost of rectifying the effects of the use of high alumina cement in the construction of buildings within their area.
The total expenditure to be incurred by over 230 local authorities in England and Wales in remedial work on their buildings affected by high alumina cement is estimated to be about £31 million over the six years from 1974–5 to 1979–80. The greater part of the expenditure can be met from loans and on this basis the total annual charge will be about £2·9 million in 1976–77 and £3·4 million in 1977–78 and subsequent years.It has been represented that because this expenditure is so unevenly spread among local authorities, the normal rate support grant distribution of Exchequer assistance does not adequately reflect the burden falling on particular authorities, and that there should be a specific grant.My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have considered these representations very carefully and in particular we have examined the burden of expenditure falling on individual authorities.We have concluded that while the incidence of the expenditure is very uneven, the sums involved are not large enough to justify distributing part of Exchequer assistance to local government as a specific grant in respect of that expenditure.
Mortgages
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what study he has made of the relative effectiveness of local authority and building society lending in assisting first-time house purchasers; and if he will make a statement.
The position of first-time house purchasers is being considered in the housing finance review.
Defence
Wind Tunnels
asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the 3 ft. by 4 ft. wind tunnel at Thursleigh, Bedfordshire, for testing at high supersonic speeds, is being closed—(paragraph 87, Command Paper No. 6432)—and what is the number of personnel likely to be affected.
The wind tunnel is to be closed as a contribution towards the economies required in Defence expenditure. The number of staff affected at Bedford will be about 25 and they will be redeployed within the establishment.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the sizes of the three other major wind tunnels at the RAE, Thurleigh, Bedfordshire, currently in use, and the comparatively recently established facilities at Farnborough.
The three other major wind tunnels at RAE Bedford are: 8 ft. × 8 ft. subsonic and supersonic; 3 ft. × 3 ft. transonic and supersonic; 13 ft. × 9 ft. low speed. The only recently established facility at RAE Farnborough is the new 5m × 4·2m low speed pressurised wind tunnel.
Raf Personnel (Housing)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is proposed to locate personnel being transferred from Pershore to Thurleigh in (a) RAE housing accommodation, (b) local authority housing or (c) private accommodation.
Personnel transferred from Pershore to Thurleigh as part of the plan for the rationalisation of research and development establishments will be offered the option of renting either Ministry of Defence or local authority accommodation, as available, or moving to private accommodation of their own choice.
Commandos Transport (British Rail Ferry)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the Royal Navy's plan to charter a British Rail Sealink car ferry to transport Royal Marines Commandos to Northern Norway for a NATO exercise later this year.
There are plans to transport some Royal Marines personnel and vehicles to Norway by merchant ships—not, however, by British Rail ferry as suggested—to take part in a NATO exercise this year.
Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the total amount spent by his Department for each of the last 30 years expressed: (i) in money terms and (ii) as a percentage of GNP.
I refer the hon. Member to the Treasury analysis of public expenditure in successive editions of the Central Statistical Office publication " National Income and Expenditure " for the historical run of Defence Budget outturn from 1959–60. Table 14 in the same publication shows defence expenditure on goods and services on a constant price basis, and Table 1 sets out the Gross National Product by calendar years. A breakdown of the Gross National Product by quarters for the years from 1955–56 is given in the Central Statistical Office publication " Economic Trends—Annual Supplement 1975 ".
Army Cadet Force (Advertising)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the importance of the Army Cadet Force for recruiting to the Regular Army, he will increase the amount of money allocated to the Army Cadet Force for Press advertising.
I am aware of and grateful for my hon. Friend's keen interest in the Army Cadet Force. Whilst I regret that funds for the current year have already been allocated I will most certainly bear his suggestion in mind for the future.
Widows' Pensions
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received concerning variations in the treatment of pre-and post-31st March 1975 war widows' pensions.
The term " war widows pension " properly refers to benefits payable under the scheme operated by the Department of Health and Social Security, but I take it that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the disparity in treatment between the widows of officers and servicemen killed on duty before and after 31st March 1973 with regard to payment of occupational pensions by the Ministry of Defence.Many representations have been received. In general they urge " parity ". that is the principle that every war widow—regardless of the date of her husband's death or of whether he was a Regular, a volunteer or a National Service man—should receive all the benefits, according to rank, payable under the current Armed Forces Pension Scheme, for instance to the widow of a soldier killed in Northern Ireland.Such parity is precluded for reasons both of principle and cost. The present Forces Pension Scheme is scaled to the other conditions of service for currently serving personnel and, like all improved pension arrangements in the public sector, unfortunately cannot be retrospectively applied.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations have been made to his Department since 1952 about the need to amend the regulations governing forces family widows' pensions; and if he will make a statement.
The hon. Member is no doubt referring to the situation of those widows of regular servicemen below the rank of Warrant Officer Class I—or equivalent—who retired or died before 1st September 1950. This group did not benefit from the revision of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme which was announced in 1952, with an effective date of 1st September 1950, and which introduced a pension entitlement for all the widows of Regular Service men, regardless of rank, subject to certain conditions. Many representations have been received since 1952. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Gosport (Mr. Viggers) on 27th October last for a full statement of the reasons why no change has been made to amend the disparity in treatment.—[Vol. 898, c. 337.]
Soviet Anchorages (Greek Waters)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what information is available to him about anchorages for use by the Soviet Navy in Greek waters around Crete; and when they were installed.
My information is that the Soviet Navy does not regularly use anchorages within the six miles' limit claimed by Greece as territorial waters around Crete.
Ulster Defence Regiment (Regular Officers)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Regular Army officers at present serving with the Ulster Defence Regiment come from Northern Ireland regiments; and what percentage this figure represents.
The Commander UDR, and two of the 41 Regular Army officers currently serving with the UDR are from Northern Ireland Regiments.
Contract Work
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report a list of those persons and organisations that have pressed upon him the need to provide more defence contract work, together with the areas from which such requests have originated; and if he will indicate how many defence contracts have been switched to London-based contractors.
I have received a great many such requests—in fact, more than a hundred over the past year—from MPs, trade unions officials, firms and local/ regional authorities. In addition, the contracts and technical divisions of my Department receive over 200 letters a month from firms seeking work or drawing attention to their capabilities and capacity.In view of normal commercial and contractual confidentiality it would not be proper to disclose more details. To the best of my knowledge no contracts have been switched to London based firms.
Army Stores (Transport Contracts)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent Government contracts for transporting Army stores are given to private' enterprise companies.
It is estimated that, of the money spent in the financial year 1975–76 on transporting Army stores, within and to and from the United Kingdom, about 55 per cent. was spent with private enterprise companies. Central records of the division of expenditure abroad between private and public concerns are not maintained.
Buccaneer Squadron Station
asked the Secretary of State for Defence where the second United Kingdom based Buccaneer squadron will be stationed.
The second RAF United Kingdom based Buccaneer squadron has already been formed and is stationed at RAF Honington.
American Purchases (European Projects)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the 50 projects identified by the United States of America as being potential defence purchases from Europe are British projects; and if he will arrange for British industry to be given the list of all 50 projects.
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Beckenham (Mr. Goodhart) on 9th March 1976 in which I advised that the United Kingdom had submitted to the USA for consideration a list of 50 equipments. All these equipments submitted are British although two of them are the results of collaboration with other European countries. As regards publication of the list, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 25th November 1975. The various trade associations are aware of its contents and should have by now informed firms.—[Vol. 907, c. 227; Vol. 901, c. 113.]
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
East Timor
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has yet been notified of the contents of the report of the United Nations Committee of Inquiry into the present political situation in East Timor; and if, in the light of this report, he can now make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's relations with Indonesia.
The report under cover of a Note by the United Nations Secretary General was published on 12th March. The Security Council is likely to discuss these documents in the near future. Our prime concern, of which the Indonesian Government are fully aware, is that the people of East Timor should be enabled freely to decide their future.
Rhodesia
Winterton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken to defend Rhodesia against external attack in the light of the presence of Cuban or Russian troops near the colony's border.
The Government have no reason to believe that Cuban or Russian troops are near Rhodesia's borders.
Angola (Cuban Forces)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now make representations to the United Nations to obtain the withdrawal of Cubans from Angola.
The British Permanent Representative's statement in the Security Council debate on 31st March covered this point. A copy has been placed in the Library.
Katyn Massacre (Memorial)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date and by what method his Department made it clear to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Polish Governments that the decision to erect a memorial to the victims of the Katyn massacre in 1940 was and is a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
The question of the proposed Katyn Memorial has been discussed on a number of occasions this year between the Soviet and Polish Ambassadors or members of their staffs, and myself and senior officials in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Cyprus
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to safeguard the interests of British nationals whose property has suffered damage as a result of events in Cyprus or whose money is frozen in Cyprus bank accounts.
As a result of persistent representations to the Governments and authorities concerned there have recently been some useful responses on the question of compensation for damage to British property. Mr. Denktash's statement that a Claims Commission is to be established is particularly encouraging and we shall keep a close watch on developments to ensure proper redress for our nationals.Bank accounts of United Kingdom nationals in Cyprus have not been frozen. Those who have accounts in the Turkish area should consult the appropriate bank's head office in Cyprus which may be able to assist with the release of funds, subject to Cyprus exchange control regulations.
Energy
Energy Bill
asked the Secretary of State for Energy why he is seeking powers in the Energy Bill in substitution for or in excess of those available to the Government under the Emergency Powers Act 1920.
The Energy Bill—as the Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 does at present—would permit the introduction of longer-term controls in contrast with the duration of one month to which the proclamation of a state of emergency is limited. The activation of the reserve powers in the Bill does not depend on the existence on an extensive scale of a situation in which the essentials of life of the community are threatened. In many respects the powers in the Emergency Powers Act 1920 are wider than those in the Energy Bill.
Electricity Charges
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the percentage increase in the last two years in the costs of oil, nuclear power and coal, respectively, for the purposes of the production of electricity.
I understand from the CEGB that the latest figures are as follows:
Heavy Fuel Oil (delivered cost, including duty) 30 per cent. (oil prices rose by 171 per cent in the financial years 1973–74)
Nuclear Fuel (delivered cost) 15 per cent.
United Kingdom Coal (delivered cost) 8 per cent.
Coal Industry
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what proportion wages and salaries form against total production costs in the British coal mining industry at the latest available date; and what are the figures for other EEC countries.
The first part of the Question is a matter for the National Coal Board and I have asked the Chairman to write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. I regret that comparable information is not available for other EEC countries.
Electricity Generation
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish latest available figures of the thermal efficiency of electricity generation in the public sector, in the EEC countries.
The following provisional figures of average specific consumption of fuel per net KWh generated in conventional public supply power stations of EEC countries in 1974 have been provided by the Statistical Office of the European Communities.
| Specific consumption*Kilocalories/KWh net | Equivalent average thermal efficiency Per cent. | |
| Germany | 2,490 | 34·5 |
| France | 2,280 | 37·7 |
| Italy | 2,370 | 36·3 |
| Netherlands | 2,350 | 36·6 |
| Belgium | 2,370 | 36·3 |
| Luxembourg | — | — |
| United Kingdom | 2,690 | 32·0 |
| Ireland | 2,810 | 30·6 |
| Denmark | 2,250 | 38·2 |
| Europe 9 | 2,490 | 34·5 |
| * Net calorific value. | ||
asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what studies he has undertaken to explain why the thermal efficiency of electricity generation by the CEGB compares less favourably than other EEC countries;(2) what estimates he has made of the savings in extra fuel consumption, annually, that would be achieved if the thermal efficiency of electricity generation by the CEGB came up to average standards in the EEC countries; and what would be the savings if the United Kingdom thermal efficiency were raised to equal that of the best country in the EEC.
It is extremely difficult to make meaningful international comparisons of thermal efficiency. In discussing the CEGB's efficiency the Plowden Report acknowledges (4.15–4.19) the difficulty of putting comparisons on to a fair basis. One must, for instance, take into account the proportion of hydroelectric plant on a given system. Nevertheless, the subject is kept under review by my officials.Hypothetically, the annual fuel savings which would accrue if the CEGB's thermal efficiency were increased from its 1974–75 value of 32·3 per cent
* to:
would be 5·8 million tons of coal equivalent and 14·1 million tons of coal equivalent respectively.
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what studies he has undertaken to explain why the percentage of electricity produced in the United Kingdom by combined electricity and heat processes compares less favourably with that produced in other EEC countries.
A small team from the Chief Scientist's Heat and Power Group has recently visited Denmark, Sweden, France and West Germany to study schemes involving district heating linked to power stations. The large amount of information so readily given by those countries is already being taken into account in the work of the Group.
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish latest available figures of the percentage of electricity generated in each of the EEC countries, in the public and private sectors, respectively, by combined electricity and heat production.
The extent of information available for publication is being examined and I will reply as soon as possible.
* Net calorific values.
Fuel Tariffs (Disabled Persons)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will advise all fuel supplying agencies to inform all registered disabled persons of the cheaper fuel tariffs which are available.
I do not consider this necessary. The gas and electricity industries already provide adequate publicity to consumers on the choice of the cheapest tariff for their needs. Consumers still in doubt should seek advice from their local gas or electricity showrooms.
Social Services
Departmental Advertising
Clarke asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the amount spent by her Department on television advertising in each of the last five years; and what amount is to be spent in the present year.
The amount spent by my Department on television advertising in each of the last five years is as follows:
| £000s | |
| 1971–72 | 289 |
| 1972–73 | 156 |
| 1973–74 | 148 |
| 1974–75 | 80 |
| 1975–76 | 73 |
Cohabitation Role
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many men during the preceding two years have lost their entitlement to social security payments on the grounds that they have been co-habiting with employed women.
No continuing records are kept, but a sample inquiry in 1974 showed that in a period of three months, three men lost their entitlement because they were living with women whose earnings were sufficient for their joint requirements.
Diabetics
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what financial help local offices of her Department are allowed to give to assist diabetics with the cost of their diet; and when the financial scale of this provision was last reviewed and adjusted.
A special addition of £1·35 a week is added to the requirements of a diabetic in calculating his entitlement to supplementary benefit. This addition, which is intended to cover the extra cost over and above normal expenditure on food, was increased to its present level in November 1975 and is currently under review.
Talampicillin
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with the clinical data given in the promotional material issued by the manufacturers of talampicillin, in view of the danger to patients where the renal and hepatic functions are impaired; why the new drug is being licensed; and if she will make a statement.
I consider that the clinical data given in the promotional material for this product, which includes a precaution that it is not recommended for patients with severe renal or hepatic
| NHS £ million | Social Security £ million | Total £ million | Percentage of GNP | |||||
| 1949 | … | … | … | … | 434 | 625 | 1,059 | 9·5 |
| 1950 | … | … | … | … | 478 | 660 | 1,138 | 9·7 |
| 1951 | … | … | … | … | 499 | 689 | 1,188 | 9·1 |
| 1952 | … | … | … | … | 511 | 805 | 1,316 | 9·4 |
| 1953 | … | … | … | … | 527 | 893 | 1,420 | 9·4 |
| 1954 | … | … | … | … | 537 | 900 | 1,437 | 9·0 |
| 1955 | … | … | … | … | 579 | 993 | 1,572 | 9·2 |
| 1956 | … | … | … | … | 633 | 1,062 | 1,695 | 9·2 |
| 1957 | … | … | … | … | 686 | 1,117 | 1,803 | 9·2 |
| 1958 | … | … | … | … | 727 | 1,345 | 2,072 | 10·1 |
| 1959 | … | … | … | … | 789 | 1,450 | 2,239 | 10·4 |
| 1960 | … | … | … | … | 861 | 1,488 | 2,349 | 10·3 |
| 1961 | … | … | … | … | 930 | 1,628 | 2,558 | 10·4 |
| 1962 | … | … | … | … | 971 | 1,744 | 2,715 | 10·6 |
| 1963 | … | … | … | … | 1,035 | 1,988 | 3,023 | 11·1 |
| 1964 | … | … | … | … | 1,130 | 2,099 | 3,229 | 10·9 |
| 1965 | … | … | … | … | 1,275 | 2,408 | 3,683 | 11·6 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | … | 1,401 | 2,577 | 3,978 | 11·9 |
| 1967 | … | … | … | … | 1,552 | 2,900 | 4,452 | 12·6 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | … | 1,688 | 3,340 | 5,028 | 13·3 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 1,767 | 3,571 | 5,338 | 13·4 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 2,018 | 3,923 | 5,941 | 13·6 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 2,290 | 4,309 | 6,599 | 13·4 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | … | 2,643 | 5,119 | 7,762 | 14·0 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | … | 2,990 | 5,532 | 8,522 | 13·2 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | … | 3,819 | 6,845 | 10,664 | 14·4 |
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what increased
impairment, is satisfactory. There is no known evidence of danger to these patients but because the proper metabolism and excretion of talampicillin depends on adequate liver and renal function it was considered appropriate by the manufacturer to include the above precaution. Product licences have been granted on the advice of the Committee on Safety of Medicines which carefully considered all the available evidence relating to the safety and efficacy of the product.
Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will list the total amount spent by her Department for each of the last 30 years expressed: (i) in money terms and (ii) as a percentage of GNP.
The responsibilities of my Department and its predecessors have changed considerably in the last 30 years and the information requested could not be obtained without disproportionate effort. However, expenditure on the National Health Service and social security in the United Kingdom since their inception is shown below:expenditure on the National Health Service in 1976–77 is expected to arise
from the cutbacks in services provided by the personal social services over the same period.
The rate support grant settlement for 1976–77 allowed for current expenditure on personal social services in England to be some four per cent. higher in real terms than in 1975–76. Although the capital programme for 1976–77 has been curtailed compared with 1975–76 it will nevertheless allow for a modest programme of new building that will add to existing facilities. There is therefore no reason to expect cutbacks in these services affecting the need for expenditure on the National Health Service.
Pensions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what age the pensionable age for women would have to be increased in order to provide men with pensions at the same age, without increasing the combined overall cost of pensions.
About 64¼ years.
Health And Social Workers
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many people were employed in each of the following sections of the health and personal social services, as defined in the consultative document " Priorities for Health and Personal Social Services in England ", (a) in the financial year 1970–71 and (b) currently: general and acute hospital and maternity services, primary care, services mainly for the elderly and physically handicapped, services for the mentally ill, services mainly for children, services for the mentally handicapped and other services;(2) how many people she estimates will be employed in each of the following sections of the health and personal social services, as defined in the consultative document " Priorities for Health and Personal Social Services in England " in 1979–80: general and acute hospital and maternity services, primary care, services mainly for the elderly and physically handicapped, services for the mentally ill, services mainly for children, services for the mentally handicapped and other services.
As is stated in paragraph 11, page 81 of the consultative document to which my hon. Friend refers, the programme budget can be used to explore the manpower implications of the priorities proposed in the document. I regret however that it is not possible at present to give reliable estimates of the numbers of staff employed or likely to be employed in each programme.
Official Forms
Grant asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many forms are required by her Department, or organisations for which she is responsible, to be completed by companies or firms; and if she will list such forms in the Official Report.
I am afraid that this information is not readily available and could not be obtained without a disproportionate amount of staff effort.
Public Bodies (Members' Salaries)
Wainwright asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether members of the Yorkshire Regional Health Authority, national insurance local tribunals and supplementary benefit appeal tribunals respectively, receive salaries in respect of their services, how much they receive in each case; and whether it is in respect of full- or part-time service.
No salaries are paid to the members of these bodies.
Medical Laboratory Technicians
the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the concern amongst medical laboratory technicians working in the National Health Service at suggestions made by officials in her Department that the opportunities for medical laboratory technicians to pursue their studies to enable them to gain the Fellowship of the institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences should be severely limited, whether she will give an assurance that no such limitation will be imposed.
Medical laboratory technicians in common with other NHS staff will continue to be given reasonable facilities for advanced training. It has been suggested to the Institute that the amount of training financed by the NHS should be related to foreseeable staffing needs; the implications will need to be discussed further with the Institute and other interested bodies.
Supplementary Benefit (One-Parent Families)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the date by which it is her intention to introduce an amendment to the Supplementary Benefit Act to bring about a £6 disregard of earnings for one-parent families in receipt of supplementary benefit.
I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn and Hatfield (Mrs. Hayman) on 30th January—[Vol. 904, c. 375.]
Mentally Handicapped Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action she has taken hitherto to deal with the 1,300 mentally ill or mentally handicapped who have been discharged from hospitals and are placed in boarding houses on the south coast without adequate supervision and care; and if she will now set up a working party to examine this practice and other examples of patient dumping.
I am looking into the situation in the Thanet and Birmingham areas, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as my investigations are complete. I am considering with others concerned whether fresh guidance is needed about hospital discharge procedure.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps she is taking to improve the education and training of mentally handicapped persons aged 16 years and over (a) nationally and (b) in Essex.
In answer to (a) I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Ormskirk (Mr. Kilroy-Silk) on 30th March.I understand that steady progress is being made in Essex towards a target of over 2,000 places in adult training centres by 1983. Two new centres each for 100 persons were opened in 1975 at Clacton and Harlow and work should start soon
on a further 100 place centre at Eastwood. A small unit providing for the handicapped needing special care should be opened shortly.—[Vol. 908, c.
458.]
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of places available for mentally handicapped persons in adult training centres in Essex; what is the number of such persons currently waiting for admission; and what is the average waiting time.
There are 10 centres providing 985 designed places. By effective utilisation 1,022 trainees are accommodated. No adults are currently waiting for admission, but 22 places will soon be required for school leavers. Waiting time is usually only a few weeks.
Health Service Employees
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the Government's statement in Command Paper No. 6234 that a vital ingredient of an equal opportunities policy is a regular system of monitoring, what steps are being taken to monitor the promotion of persons from ethnic minority groups employed in the National Health Service.
Research is currently being carried out by the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations into equal opportunity procedures and practices in the Civil Service, with special reference to racial discriminaton. I intend to consider any recommendations arising from this study with regard to monitoring before consulting health authorities and National Health Service staff interests on the need to issue guidance on this topic.
Disabled Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many registered disabled persons there are in the United Kingdom.
The latest available figures under the arrangements applying in each country are 811,024 at 31st March 1975, in England and Wales, 40,773 at 31st December 1974, in Scotland and 13,422 at 31st December 1973, in Northern Ireland.
Social Services
Play Groups
asked the Secretan' of State for Social Services how much money has been allocated to Cumbria since reorganisation of local government for the establishing and running of pre-school play groups; and if there are any plans for expansion of this service in Cumbria.
No allocations are made to local authorities specifically for preschool playgroups; the levels of expenditure are decided by local authorities themselves. Expenditure by Cumbria County Council on pre-school playgroups in 1974–75 totalled £5,662, accounted for entirely by grants to voluntary organisations. The playgroup movement's steady expansion in Cumbria over recent years is expected to continue and will, I hope, be assisted by the increase in grant aid for the Pre-School Playgroups Association that my right hon. Friend announced in February, part of which is to help the Association's regional centre in Newcastle.
Earnings Disregards
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the permitted earnings of (a) war pensioners, (b) all others except war pensioners and (c) those working in sheltered employment before deductions are made from benefits; how often these permitted earnings levels are increased; and what criteria are used in the revised assessment.
I will circulate the information in the Official Report as soon as possible.
Abortion
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps she has taken to ensure more adequate counselling facilities for women who are considering whether or not to terminate their pregnancies.
Women who are considering whether or not to continue with their pregnancies normally approach their general practitioner, health visitor or social worker for advice, although some do consult fee-charging organisations or voluntary bodies. A draft paper of the arrangements for the counselling of women seeking abortion has been circulated to statutory authorities, professional organisttions andw voluntary bodies concerned with counselling. In the light of their comments my right hon. Friend will consider what further steps to take.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she intends to provide or expand financial assistance to voluntary organisations such as Lifeline which provide pregnancy counselling.
Payments are made to some voluntary organisations—such as the Family Planning Association and the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council—which provide advice on family planning and they may in the course of their work be consulted by women who are pregnant.There are some organisations which provide counselling of a limited nature to pregnant women but they tend to concentrate on certain aspects only and the Government have not considered that financial assistance for them would be appropriate.
Invalid Vehicles
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of life of an invalid three-wheeler.
In normal circumstances an invalid three-wheeler remains in service for seven or eight years.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average annual cost, including depreciation, to public funds of the average three-wheeler.
I am writing to the hon. Member.
Attendance Allowance
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the estimated cost of lowering to two months and three months, respectively, the period governing eligibilty for the attendance allowance.
No reliable estimate is possible.
Pensioners Abroad
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost to the National Insurance Fund of paying to United Kingdom citizens living abroad the pension to which they would be entitled if they were living in the United Kingdom, excluding Canada and Australia and those countries with which there are reciprocal arrangements.
Excluding Canada, Australia, and countries with which we have reciprocal arrangements for payment of unfrozen pensions, about £12 million at current benefit rates.
Old People
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what proportion and amount of personal social service expenditure in 1974–75 was in respect of those persons aged 65 years and over;(2) what proportion and amount of personal social service expenditure in 1974–75 was in respect of those persons aged 75 years and over.
The latest figures available are those for the financial year 1973–74. in that year, local authority social services departments in England incurred capital and current expenditure of some £280 million, at November 1974 prices, or services used mainly by the elderly. This represented some 46 per cent. of all expenditure incurred by those authorities in that year. I regret that it is not possible to give separate figures for expenditure on those over 65 or over 75.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion and amount of national insurance outgoings in 1974–75 was in respect of persons aged 65 years and over; and what proportion and amount was in respect of persons aged 75 years and over.
National insurance benefit expenditure in 1974–75 to persons aged 65 years and over amounted to 65 per cent. of total benefit expenditure at a cost of £3,320 million. The corresponding figures for those aged 75 years and over are 24 per cent. and £1,230 million respectively.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what number of National Health Service beds are occupied daily by persons aged 75 years and over; and what cost this represents (a) in total per annum (b) per person per annum and (c) as a percentage of total National Health Service bed costs;(2) what number of National Health Service beds are occupied daily by persons aged 65 years and over; and what cost this represents (
a) annually in total ( b) per person annually and ( c) as a percentage of total National Health Service bed costs.
In 1973—the latest year for which figures are available—the average daily number of NHS beds in England and Wales occupied by persons aged 65 years and over, and 75 years and over, was estimated to be 147,500 and 84,100 respectively. Information on costs relating to these beds is not available in the form requested.
Handicapped Children
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will give a progress report on the research on handicapped children being carried out at the Family Fund Research Unit at York University.
My hon. Friend will be pleased to learn that my Department will be supporting this important research project over the next five years as part of our commitment to carry out research on handicapped children, given in the report " Social Security Provision for Chronically Sick and Disabled People " (House of Commons paper 276, September 1974). The cost of our support is estimated at £100,000. Final details of the research programme are still under consideration; but priority is being given to an income and expenditure survey, on which preliminary work has already begun.
Baby Milk Powder
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements she intends to make to supply baby milk powder which is suitable for very young children instead of National Dried Milk.
For babies who are not breast fed I intend that proprietary brands of modified baby milk food should be made available from 30th April at clinics and welfare food distribution centres. They will be provided for infants under age one year who are entitled to free dried milk in exchange for tokens under the Welfare Food Order 1975. Two packs of modified milk will be available against each token and the milks available will be chosen by area health authorities, in the light of local clinical advice, from the following:Cow and Gate Baby Milk PlusCow and Gate Premium Baby FoodC & G V FormulaOstermilk Complete FormulaNew Improved Formula Ostermilk 2 (from mid-May)SMA Gold CapSMA Regular Powder.Health authorities are also being asked to sell proprietary brands of modified baby milks at all maternity and child health clinics and welfare food distribution centres.The necessary Statutory Instruments to give effect to these arrangements will shortly be laid before the House.My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales are making similar arrangements in Scotland and Wales. Appropriate arrangements to the same effect are also being made in Northern Ireland.
Battered Wives
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance her Department has given on the local interpretation of the Hamilton Committee recommendations about the treatment of battered wives.
Copies of the Interim Report of the Select Committee on Violence in Marriage were distributed last December and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I will be considering the terms of an early statement on further action, following consultations with local authorities we are now initiating.
Overseas Development
Industrial Production
asked the Minister of Overseas Development what action is being taken by Her Majesty's Government to assist developing countries in the promotion of industrial production.
Under the aid programme we are helping not only to build factories, but to support industrial management, research and technical education, to create industrial estates, and to supply a wide range of components and spares to many industries in the developing countries. We are ready particularly to favour satisfactory industrial schemes which create new employment, or will themselves help to develop the rural sector.
Debt Problems (Conference)
asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to support at UNCTAD IV the proposal for a general conference on the debt problems of developing countries.
The British Government, in common with the majority of other creditors, believe that debt problems are best handled on a case-by-case basis, and that the convening of a general conference on debt problems would not be in the best interests of either debtor or creditor countries.
Bilharzia
asked the Minister for Overseas Development what aid his Department has given to research on the elimination of bilharzia in Africa; and what experiments have been conducted with such aid.
During the past five years my Ministry has awarded eight grants totalling £864,369 to finance research into the elimination and treatment of bilharzia—schistosomiasis—in Africa. Details of the projects are provided below.Other grants totalling £267,698 have been given in the same period in support of research into the disease in this country and elsewhere, the results of which are likely to be of general application in controlling bilharzia.We have pledged support for the international programme of co-ordinated national and international research into the problems of tropical disease which is being planned under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, World Health Organisation
| AID TO RESEARCH ON BILHARZIA IN AFRICA 1971–76 | |||||
| Project | Country of Primary Research | Project Leader or Institution | Total Cost £ | Duration | |
| Physiological studies of tropical productivity including investigation into physiological work capacity of patients with bilharzia. | Sudan | … | Professor J. S. Weiner, Medical Research, Council, Environmental Physiology Unit. | 9,301 | 1 year |
| Pilot study for further work on bilharzia. | Sudan | … | As above | 1,600 | 3 months |
| Epidemiology and pathogenicity of Schistosoma Haematobium in Kenya. | Kenya | … | Dr. G. K. Kinoti, University of Nairobi. | 7,200 | 3 years |
| A long-term study of the effect of irrigation schemes on infective diseases including bilharzia, in the Kano Plains. | Kenya | … | Dr. D. H. Smith, Medical Research Council, Project Kisumu. | 345,004 | 5 years |
| Studies on the immunological effects of repeated parasitic infection. | Nigeria | … | Dr. B. M. Greenwood, Ahmadu Bello University. | 15,605 | 3 years |
| Pilot survey for a long-term study of the effects of local parasitic diseases including bilharzia of Northern Nigeria Communities. | Nigeria | … | Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. | 5,000 | 3 months |
| Contribution towards the costs of the Medical Research Council Laboratories at Fajara in The Gambia which undertake research into local health problems including bilharzia. | The Gambia | … | Medical Research Council. | 369,315 | Long-term support (3 year budget 1973–76) |
| Contribution to the cost of the Helminthiasis Research Unit at Kumba, United Republic of Cameroon where studies included investigations into the extermination of bilharzia. | Cameroon | … | Dr. B. O. L. Duke | 111,344 | 5 years |
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
High Fructose Sugar
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the likely impact of high fructose sugar on the sugar beet industries of the United Kingdom and the EEC; how many high fructose sugar plants are currently under construction in the EEC; what are the expected raw materials for such output in Europe; what work on this topic is being undertaken by the Agricultural Research Council; and if he will make a statement.
and other bodies. This is to be a concerted attack on six specific diseases including bilharzia on which existing drugs and vaccines and associated research activities have so far made an inadequate impact. I have stated my readiness to make a British contribution to this initiative.
Following is the information:
My right hon. Friend and I are taking account of the likely future production of high fructose corn syrup in the consideration now being given to the reorganisation of the United Kingdom sugar refining industry. One plant for the production of high fructose corn syrup from maize is under construction in the United Kingdom. I understand that two are planned in other parts of the Community, also using maize inputs.The Agricultural Research Council is not undertaking any work on this process.
Wheat
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what methods will be employed to determine the difference between wheat for bread making and other wheats; what is the estimated cost of each method; and how long each method will take.
I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Perth and East Perthshire (Mr. Crawford) on 30th March.—[Vol. 908, c. 461–3.]
Skimmed Milk Powder
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he calculated the figure of 40,000 tons of imported skimmed milk powder for incorporation under the proposed EEC scheme.
The quantity of skim milk powder likely to be taken up in each member State under the scheme established by Regulation (EEC) No. 563/76 is related to its usage of vegetable protein. The United Kingdom uses about 10 per cent. of total Community requirements of vegetable protein and is therefore likely to take up approximately 10 per cent. of the 400,000 tonnes of skim milk powder to be sold under Regulation (EEC) No. 563/76 in the Community as a whole.The figure of 40,000 tonnes does not relate to imports. There are about 32,000 tonnes of skimmed milk powder in intervention stores in the United Kingdom; this quantity, together with any further
| Change on previous year | Under 40' | 40'–79·9' | 80' and over | |||
| End 1973 | ||||||
| Number of vessels | … | … | … | + 111 | + 118 | -3 |
| Tonnage | … | … | … | N.A. | + 4,744 | + 1,310 |
| End 1974 | ||||||
| Number of vessels | … | … | … | + 261 | + 104 | -40 |
| Tonnage | … | … | … | N.A. | +4,694 | -10,336 |
| End 1975 | ||||||
| Number of vessels | … | … | … | N.A. | -44 | -54 |
| Tonnage | … | … | … | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
Beef
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what study he has made of the withholding of 1,000 tons of British beef from butchers
powder sold into intervention during the period of operation of the scheme, will be available for purchase under the terms of the scheme.
Production
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what factors, other than weather, in the consideration of his Department substantially alter levels of production.
Apart from the weather and other unpredictable natural circumstances, changes in production levels result from decisions taken by individual farmers in the light of a large number of related factors. These include the present and expected returns for their products and costs of their inputs, the availability of funds for investment, technological developments, the effects of Government policies, individual farmers' finance and personal circumstances, their preferences and abilities and the location and physical circumstances of their farms.
Fishing Fleet
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the number and total tonnage of fishing vessels permanently alienated from fishing in 1973 and 1975.
As alienation may or may not form part of a replacement programme the most useful data are those showing net changes in fleet composition. Available figures showing movements in the Great Britain fleet during the years 1973–1975 are as follows:due to EEC intervention policies; and what is his estimate of the effect on beef prices in the shops.
The majority of beef recently taken into intervention in the United Kingdom has been offered in Northern Ireland. My right hon. Friend announced on 1st April in reply to the hon. Member for Belfast, West (Mr. Fitt)—[Vol. 908, c. 566–7]—measures designed, amongst other things to reduce the impact of intervention there and release more meat for fresh consumption. My right hon. Friend and I will keep the situation under review throughout the United Kingdom in the light of these measures and of the planned rise in the target prices for beef premium over the next two months. It is not possible to give a precise estimate of the impact of intervention on retail prices but it is likely to be relatively small over the United Kingdom as a whole. Premiums are continuing to allow cosumers to benefit from lower prices than would have resulted from a support system relying on intervention only.
European Community (Censuses)
asked the Minister of Agricuulture, Fisheries and Food how it is estimated that the time of field officers is divided between checking grants, subsidies, farm safety, pest control and ad hoc work on such matters as EEC intervention and agricultural censuses.
On the basis of the last complete year for which figures are available, field officers in my Department spend 46 per cent. of their time on grants and subsidies work, 30 per cent. on safety work, 9 per cent. on pests work and 15 per cent. on ad hoc duties. There can, however, be substantial variations according to the type of farming in particular areas, the season and the incidence of ad hoc duties such as EEC intervention work.
Food Stocks
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the amount of reserve stocks of the main items of food which the EEC believes should be held by it to ensure security of supplies for the consumer in the next 12 months.
One of the basic objectives of the common agricultural policy laid down in the EEC Treaty is to assure the availability of supplies. The Community has not specified, however, levels of stocks needed to achieve that objective, although a scheme, to be implemented next year, would require certain minimum stocks of sugar to be held.
Eec Regulation 563/76
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he proposes to implement in United Kingdom law the provisions of EEC Regulation No. 563/76; if so, by what means; and whether before doing so he will give an opportunity for representation to be made to him.
Regulation 563/76 is directly applicable in the United Kingdom by virtue of Article 189 of the Treaty of Rome and Section 2(1) of the European Communities Act 1972 and requires no further United Kingdom legislation to implement it.
Education And Science
Overseas Students
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions he has had with the Inner London Education Authority regarding its plans to reduce the number of places available to overseas students; and if he will make a statement.
I have had no discussions with the ILEA, though my Department has been informed of its proposals at official level and invited to comment. Admissions policy is a matter at the discretion of individual authorities and colleges.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether it remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government to encourage overseas students to attend British universities; and whether he will give an assurance that they will not be penalised by the imposition of differential fees.
Overseas students will always be welcome at our universities and other educational institutions. Higher tuition fees for overseas students have been charged since 1967 and, following the announcement of 16th December last, will continue to be charged in 1976–77. Her Majesty's Government will continue to provide assistance under aid programmes.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has as to those countries in Western Europe that charge discriminatory fees for all their overseas students in higher education, and those who do not.
I understand that Belgium is about to introduce new rules which will involve differential rates for certain categories of overseas student. No differential arrangements exist in France, Italy, the Netherlands or West Germany.
Students
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what provision is being made to safeguard United Kingdom students on courses and further education teacher employment in view of the fact that increased fees for foreign students will lead to a fall of 25 per cent. or more in overseas student applications for these courses.
No special provision is expected to be required; the effect of increased fees on demand cannot be reliably quantified, and the figure of 25 per cent. or more seems to have no validity whatsoever.
Teachers' Pensions (Polish Service Men)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to amend the teachers' superannuation regulations to allow all of war service, for ex-Service men of Polish origin, to be credited for pension entitlements.
These regulations allow the war service of post-war entrants into teaching to reckon as to one-half for pension in accordance with Civil Service practice. They accordingly define the war service which is to reckon as that prescribed for post-war entrants to the Civil Service by Section 1 of the Superannuation Act 1946; i.e., for men, service in the Armed Forces of the Crown, the Merchant Navy or the Mercantile Marine.Service in the Polish armed forces does not reckon for this purpose because those forces came under a provisional Polish Government in this country and did not, therefore, constitute " Armed Forces of the Crown ". Service in the Polish Resettlement Corps does reckon, since the Corps was created as part of the British Army.
Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the total amount spent by his Department for each of the last 30 years expressed (i) in money terms and (ii) as a percentage of GNP.
The figures relating to total public expenditure on education in the United Kingdom for the last 20 years are set out below. Comparable information for earlier years is not readily available.
| Financial years | Expenditure* £ million | As a percentage of GNP |
| 1954–55 | 560 | 3·5 |
| 1955–56 | 613 | 3·6 |
| 1956–57 | 724 | 3·9 |
| 1957–58 | 809 | 4·2 |
| 1958–59 | 865 | 4·2 |
| 1959–60 | 943 | 4·3 |
| 1960–61 | 1,018 | 4·4 |
| 1961–62 | 1,159 | 4·7 |
| 1962–63 | 1,305 | 5·1 |
| 1963–64 | 1,439 | 5·2 |
| 1964–65 | 1,579 | 5·4 |
| 1965–66 | 1,718 | 5·3 |
| 1966–67 | 1,927 | 5·7 |
| 1967–68 | 2,166 | 6·0 |
| 1968–69 | 2,301 | 6·0 |
| 1969–70 | 2,481 | 6·1 |
| 1970–71 | 2,824 | 6·3 |
| 1971–72 | 3,245 | 6·4 |
| 1972–73 | 3,827 | 6·6 |
| 1973–74 | 4,295 | 6·6 |
| 1974–75 | 5,604 | 7·1 |
| * Excluding expenditure on libraries, arts and Research Councils. | ||
Sub-Normal Children
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many mentally handicapped persons leave special schools each year (a) nationally and (b) in Essex.
This information is not collected by my Department. In January 1975 there were approximately 30,000 children aged 2–19 attending schools for the educationally subnormal (severe) in England and Wales, including 750 in Essex.
Departmental Correspondence
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why he has not yet replied to a letter in connection with teacher training to him from Mr. J. S. Fairhurst, dated 13th March 1976.
The letter was received on 17th March and acknowledged. It requested that a long-standing decision not to recognise a particular course as leading to qualified teacher status be reviewed and changed. A full reply will be sent shortly.
High Alumina Cement
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made towards a decision en assistance to local education authorities in meeting the costs of rectifying the effects of the use of high alumina cement in schools.
I have nothing to add to the reply given today to my hon. Friend by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Planning and Local Government.
Correspondence Students
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what is the Government policy with regard to students who study by correspondence;(2) if the Government have any proposals for bringing the financial assistance for correspondence students more into line with that to other students;(3) if any guidance has been given to local authorities about the distribution of discretionary grants to correspondence students.
Local education authorities may make grants at their discretion to correspondence students in the same way as to any other students not entitled to a mandatory award. I have no separate policy with regard to correspondence students and I do not consider it would be appropriate to develop one.
Trade
Electric Lamp Imports
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, in the light of his policy of import saving, he will make a statement on the likely import of lamps from abroad which were previously made in the United Kingdom, consequent on the closure of the British Sealed Beams factory in Corby, Northants.
My right hon. Friend is aware of the meeting which took place at British Sealed Beams on 24th February when, under the chairmanship of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, management, workers and a DoI official discussed the reasons for the closure of the factory. Unfortunately no means was found of averting the closure and this is a matter for regret.Although imports of sealed beam units may have contributed to the company's situation, I understand that the closure has been made necessary by the decline in demand for such units for motor vehicles and the expectation that this trend will continue.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the present state of negotiations for a trade agreement between Brazil and the EEC; and whether such negotiations have been adversely affected by EEC quotas on garment imports from that country.
The main trade agreement between Brazil and the EEC was concluded in August 1974 but negotiations between EEC and Brazil have recently been concluded for a textiles agreement under the GATT Multi-Fibre Arrangement and an agreement is expected to be initialled shortly. This does not cover garments; and I am not aware of any adverse effects on the negotiations of existing EEC quotas on garment imports from Brazil.
Export Credits
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what Government facilities and assistance on exports are available to large companies but not to small companies.
The export services provided by the British Overseas Trade Board are available to all British firms, irrespective of size. ECGD traditional facilities are, in principle, similarly available. However, some of ECGD's most recent facilities have been designed to meet the special problems of large exporters involved in high-value projects with long manufacturing periods, but smaller firms may also gain some indirect benefits from these facilities when acting as subcontractors.
Departmental Forms
asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many forms are required by his Department, or organisations for which he is responsible, to
| STATISTICAL FORMS SENT TO FIRM IN THE DISTRIBUTIVE AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES | |||||||
| Subject of statistical inquiry | Frequency | Number of forms | Total number issued in 1975 | ||||
| Wholesaling and dealing. | … | … | Annual | … | … | 26,000 | 26,000 |
| Motor trades | … | … | Annual | … | … | 7,500 | 7,500 |
| Retail distribution | … | … | Annual | … | … | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Property owning | … | … | Annual | … | … | 60,000 | 60,000 |
| Catering | … | … | Annual | … | … | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Transport/entertainment | … | … | Annual | … | … | 11,500 | 11,500 |
| Film exhibition | … | … | Annual | … | … | 1,600 | 1,600 |
| Retail sales, stocks, HP, TV rental and relay | Monthly | … | … | 5,800 | 70,000 | ||
| Finance houses and check trading | … | … | Monthly and quarterly | 1,100 | 4,300 | ||
| Catering | … | … | Monthly | … | … | 2,500 | 30,000 |
| Motor trades | … | … | Quarterly | … | … | 1,500 | 6,000 |
| Capital expenditure | … | … | Quarterly | … | … | 1,700 | 6,800 |
| Investment intentions | … | … | 4 monthly | … | … | 950 | 2,900 |
| Wholesalers stocks | … | … | Quarterly | … | … | 750 | 3,000 |
| United Kingdom coasting inquiry | Monthly | … | … | 70 | 800 | ||
| United Kingdom passenger movements inquiry | When each ship docks | — | 68,000 | ||||
| Register proving forms | … | … | — | — | 16,000 | ||
| 344,000 | |||||||
Statutory Instruments
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list the Statutory Instruments implementing the policies of his Department which have been laid by the Customs and Excise Department in the past three months; how many of these have had to be corrected by subsequent Statutory Instruments and after what period; how long elapsed between the date when each of the orders
| 1976 S.I.No | Title | Number of days between laying and operation | |
| 90 | The Import Duties (Temporary Reductions and Exemptions) Order 1976 | … | 0 |
| 112 | The Anti-Dumping Duty (Temporary Suspension) Order 1976 | … | 24 |
| 118 | The Import Duties (Quota Relief) Order 1976 | … | 1 |
| 125 | The Import Duties (General) (No. 1) Order 1976 | … | 3 |
| 126 | The Import Duties (Temporary Reductions and Exemptions) (No. 2) Order 1976 | … | 4 |
| 173 | The Import Duties (Temporary Reductions and Exemptions) (No. 3) Order 1976 | … | 21 |
| 194 | The Import Duties (Temporary Reductions and Exemptions) (No. 4) Order 1976 | … | 1 |
| 251 | The Import Duties (Temporary Reductions and Exemptions) (No. 5) Order 1976 | … | 3 |
| (Articles 5 and 6) | |||
| 10 | |||
| (other purposes) | |||
| 370 | The Import Duties (General) (No. 2) Order 1976 | … | 6 |
| 477 | The Import Duties (Temporary Reductions and Exemptions) (No. 6) Order 1976 | … | 3 |
| 510 | The Import Duties (Spain) (Reductions) (Amendment) Order 1976 | … | 2 |
be completed by companies or firms, and if he will list such forms in the Official Report.
The information in respect of statistical forms issued to firms in the distributive and service trades by my Department is given in the following table:—became public knowledge and the date when they came into operation; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent further errors and give longer notice to traders.
The following Statutory Instruments affecting the Customs and Excise Department which my right hon. Friend has made or has recommended the Treasury to make have been laid before the House during the past three months.
One of these Instruments has been corrected by a subsequent Statutory Instrument: certain errors in SI 194 were corrected in SI 251: the latter was laid seven days after the former. Every effort is made by my Department and the Customs and Excise Department to ensure that the substance of Statutory Instruments is made known to the public, and particularly to those most directly affected, as soon as possible after each Instrument is laid.
To give longer notice to traders, it would be necessary to defer the operative dates of Orders so as to provide a longer gap between the decision to make the Order and its coming into operation. In many cases, Community obligations would debar such deferment; in others it would be contrary to the interests of the traders affected if, for example, suspensions or reductions of duty from which they may benefit had to start from a later date.
Every effort is being made to keep errors to a minimum.
Anti-Dumping Applications
asked the Secretary of State for Trade which industries are concerned in the applications for antidumping action which are currently at the stage of being considered, prior to the decision being made to investigate them fully.
We treat anti-dumping applications as commercially confidential until they are publicly announced for full investigation. Currently we have 20 such cases which cover a wide range of industries.
Ussr
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the total of imports quoted in millions of £s sterling from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics into the United Kingdom in 1974 and 1975, respectively.
This information is available from Table II of the respective December issues of the monthly Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his estimate of the cost to the taxpayer of the subsidy on the rate of interest charged on credits for contracts for sales to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics under the line of credit of £950 million as arranged by the then Prime Minister in February 1975, assuming that the whole line of credit is taken up.
The cost of providing fixed rate export finance depends on a number of variables. These include the level of the fixed rate applicable to each contract, the level of the agreed rate of return to the banks, the size of contract, the length of credit involved and when the business is placed. It is, therefore, impossible to make a realistic estimate of the cost of such credit in respect of individual blocks of export business with the USSR or elsewhere.
Trade
Common Shipping Policy
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will now take the initiative to convene a European Conference of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in regard to establishing a common shipping policy in accord with a recent recommendation by the Assembly of the Council of Europe; and if he will make a statement.
pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 2nd April 1976; Vol. 908, col. 620], gave the following information:—I appreciate the contribution made to the current debate on international shipping issues by the Council of Europe Assembly's Report on European Shipping Policy, but I doubt whether a conference o. the kind envisaged by the hon. Member would be necessary in view of the extensive considerations given to these issues in other international organisations such as the OECD.
National Finance
Wines And Spirits (Confiscation)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what happens to wines and spirits confiscated at airports; when and where are they sold; if these sales are advertised; and if so, where.
If they are in saleable condition, such wines and spirits are sold periodically in lots by public tender. Sales take place at Queen's Warehouses sited at larger airports and seaports. Advertising in the Press is left to the discretion of the local collector of Customs and Excise.
Medical Treatment (Insurance)
asked the Chancelor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated revenue likely to be raised in 1976–77 by taxing the benefit received by employees in respect of insurance against the cost of medical treatment by way of corporation tax and not by way of income tax.
Information on which to base a precise figure is not available, but it is estimated that the additional yield from subjecting the benefit to corporation tax, by disallowing it against the employer's profits, rather than to income tax on the employee, would be less than £5 million.
Overseas Borrowing
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a schedule showing the borrowings by United Kingdom institutions including nationalised industries, local authorities and statutory bodies from foreign lenders, and borrowings denominated in foreign currency, where Her Majesty's Government have guaranteed the value of the pound sterling against devaluation.
Her Majesty's Government do not formally guarantee the value of the pound sterling against devaluation in respect of borrowings in foreign currency by public sector bodies. Payments of interest and repayments of principal on such loans are invariably made in the currency or currencies in which the original borrowings were made. Public sector borrowers may, however, if they wish, seek Treasury approval for exchange cover of foreign currency borrowings for domestic purposes.For a schedule of these foreign currency borrowings, including those which
were granted exchange cover, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19th March to the hon. Member for New Forest (Mr. McNair-Wilson)—[Vol. 907, c.
664– 5].
National Finance
£ Sterling
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a list showing the value of the £ sterling on 1st January for each of
| End— | U S dollar | French franc | Deutsche- mark | Lira | Swiss franc | Danish kroner | ||
| 1956 | … | … | 2·7856 | 975·0* | 11·697 | 1,740·9 | 11·936 | 19·260 |
| 1957 | … | … | 2·8094 | 1,179·7* | 11·805 | 1,755·6 | 12·038 | 19·424 |
| 1958 | … | … | 2·8025 | 1,374·9* | 11·709 | 1,748·8 | 12·073 | 19·354 |
| 1959 | … | … | 2·8000 | 1,374·5* | 11·676 | 1,737·7 | 12·104 | 19·342 |
| 1960 | … | … | 2·8039 | 13·746 | 11·694 | 1,740·0 | 12·066 | 19·340 |
| 1961 | … | … | 2·8082 | 13·760 | 11·221 | 1,742·3 | 12·115 | 19·323 |
| 1962 | … | … | 2·8025 | 13·733 | 111·95 | 1,738·9 | 12·104 | 19·329 |
| 1963 | … | … | 2·7966 | 13·707 | 11·116 | 1,740·6 | 12·066 | 19·308 |
| 1964 | … | … | 2·7901 | 13·672 | 11·094 | 1,743·1 | 12·038 | 19·294 |
| 1965 | … | … | 2·8028 | 13·736 | 11·228 | 1,750·9 | 12·104 | 19·291 |
| 1966 | … | … | 2·7902 | 13·814 | 11·094 | 1,742·7 | 12·071 | 19·265 |
| 1967 | … | … | 2·4063 | 11·814 | 9·614 | 1,500·5 | 10·401 | 17·930 |
| 1968 | … | … | 2·3844 | 11·792 | 9·538 | 1,486·8 | 10·258 | 17·878 |
| 1969 | … | … | 2·4007 | 13·333 | 8·856 | 1,504·0 | 10·365 | 17·974 |
| 1970 | … | … | 2·3937 | 13·209 | 8·727 | 1,490·9 | 10·3000 | 17·912 |
| 1971 | … | … | 2·5522 | 13·313 | 8·340 | 1,515·0 | 9·9880 | 18·023 |
| 1972 | … | … | 3·3481 | 12·015 | 7·515 | 1,367·3 | 8·8490 | 16·065 |
| 1973 | … | … | 2·3235 | 10·914 | 6·279 | 1,411·5 | 7·5490 | 14·594 |
| 1974 | … | … | 2·3495 | 10·414 | 5·654 | 1,525·5 | 5·9350 | 13·240 |
| 1975 | … | … | 2·0233 | 9·038 | 5·299 | 1,382·9 | 5·3025 | 12·484 |
| End— | Swedish kroner | Belgian franc | Dutch guilder | Yen | S A rand (pound to 1961) | ||||
| 1956 | … | … | … | … | 14·429 | 139·89 | 10·669 | 1,005·04 | 1·005 |
| 1957 | … | … | … | … | 14·553 | 140·53 | 10·650 | 1,010·54 | 1·005 |
| 1958 | … | … | … | … | 14·517 | 139·68 | 10·579 | 1,008·06 | 1·005 |
| 1959 | … | … | … | … | 14·518 | 139·83 | 10·556 | 1,005·76 | 1·005 |
| 1960 | … | … | … | … | 14·506 | 139·33 | 10·571 | 1,004·64 | 1·005 |
| 1961 | … | … | … | … | 14·536 | 139·77 | 10·110 | 1,016·01 | 2·009 |
| 1962 | … | … | … | … | 14·518 | 139·46 | 10·088 | 1,003·86 | 2·009 |
| 1963 | … | … | … | … | 14·515 | 139·35 | 10·068 | 1,012·37 | 20·09 |
| 1964 | … | … | … | … | 14·329 | 138·46 | 10·020 | 999·69 | 20·09 |
| 1965 | … | … | … | … | 14·504 | 139·14 | 10·120 | 1,011·53 | 2·009 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | … | 14·439 | 139·64 | 10·080 | 1,011·45 | 2·009 |
| 1967 | … | … | … | … | 12·408 | 119·37 | 8·649 | 870·84 | 1·721 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | … | 12·338 | 119·52 | 8·587 | 852·90 | 1·720 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 12·394 | 119·22 | 8·697 | 858·97 | 1·722 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 12·356 | 118·89 | 8·606 | 855·90 | 1·717 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 12·390 | 114·18 | 8·299 | 803·65 | 1·953 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | … | 11·133 | 103·45 | 7·576 | 707·50 | 1·838 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | … | 10·638 | 95·95 | 6·551 | 650·38 | 1·559 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | … | 9·581 | 84·70 | 5·885 | 706·75 | 1·620 |
| 1975 | … | … | … | … | 8·900 | 79·95 | 5·429 | 617·37 | 1·759 |
| * Old french franc | |||||||||
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in the Official Report the change in exchange rate from January 1970 to the most recent convenient date between the £ sterling and the currencies of all other countries which are members of the United Nations Organisation, indicating the percentage
the last 20 years for each of the following currencies: (1) US dollar, (2) French franc, (3) German mark, (4) Italian lira, (5) Swiss franc, (6) Danish kroner, (7) Swedish kroner, (8) Belgian franc, (9) Dutch guilder, (10) Japanese yen, and (11) South African rand.
Information about the various exchange rates is not available for 1st January for the years in question but the rates at end-December for the past 20 years were as follows:devaluation or revaluation as appropriate in each case.
The required information for all countries that are members of the United Nations would involve disproportionate time and effort; the average of the daily exchange rates of the major currencies in January 1970 and February 1976 were as follows:
| January 1970 | February 1976 | Percentage depreciation (-) or appreciation (+) | ||||
| United States dollar | … | … | … | 2·4005 | 2·0262 | -15·6 |
| Canadian dollar | … | … | … | 2·5755 | 2·0142 | -21·8 |
| Belgian franc | … | … | … | 119·25 | 79·23 | -33·6 |
| Swiss franc | … | … | … | 10·356 | 5·2042 | -49·7 |
| French franc | … | … | … | 13·329 | 9·0614 | -32·0 |
| Italian lira | … | … | … | 1,510·0 | 1,554·42 | + 2·9 |
| Netherlands guilder | … | … | … | 8·720 | 5·395 | -38·1 |
| Deutschemark | … | … | … | 8·849 | 5·188 | -41·4 |
| Swedish kronor | … | … | … | 12·399 | 8·861 | -28·5 |
| Norwegian kroner | … | … | … | 17·162 | 11·188 | -34·8 |
| Danish kronor | … | … | … | 17·990 | 12·440 | -30·9 |
| Austrian schilling | … | … | … | 62·08 | 37·03 | -40·4 |
| Portuguese escudos | … | … | … | 68·32 | 55·60 | -18·6 |
| Japanese yen | … | … | … | 858·61 | 610·97 | -28·8 |
Value Added Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rate of VAT is chargeable on a length of rope useable as a washing line; and what is the rate applicable to a similar length of rope useable on a safety harness of a boat.
8 per cent. in both cases.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the rate of VAT on wood shavings used in hen houses; and what is the rate on wood shavings purchased as fuel.
Wood shavings are normally subject to VAT at the standard rate of 8 per cent.; but if they were packaged and held out for sale solely as fuel they would benefit from the zero-rating applicable to fuel.
Child Allowances
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what losses of revenue would result from raising all income tax child allowances by £100 each, £150 each and £200 each; (2) what loss of revenue would result from raising the income tax child allowance for children aged under 11 years to the same level as for children aged 11 to 16 years; (3) what loss of revenue would result from raising from £115 to £215 the limit on a child's earnings before the child income tax allowance is reduced.
I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Self-Employed Persons (Annuities)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what loss of revenue would result from raising from £1,500 to £2,000 the present limit for tax purposes on self-employed persons retirement annuity contributions, assuming that all those who last year used their whole allowance took full advantage of the increase.
I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Income Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the basic rate of income tax would have to be increased in order to raise £12,000 million of additional revenue.
I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Government Fees And Charges
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rules are followed in arriving at the level of Government fees and charges.
Government fees and charges are generally set at a level which is designed to recover full costs and no more. The procedures followed, and the costs included, are described in " Government Accounting " published by HMSO in 1974, and available from Government bookshops. The aim is to recover full costs of this basis, from 1st April 1974. Any trading deficits which existed before that date were written off. It is considered right that me cost of a service should be paid in full by those using the service, and that no part of this cost should be allowed to add to the general level of public expenditure and thus fall as a burden on the general taxpayer.It is the aim that fees and charges should be reviewed and increased as necessary at relatively frequent intervals, thus limiting the size of the increases, rather than deferring them to a stage where they have to be undesirably high in order to recover accumulated deficits. If, however, fees and charges have fallen behind costs, as some of them have in recent years, substantial increases may be necessary in order to bring the charges up to the required level.Within these procedures the Government impose on themselves rules analogous to those imposed on outers in relation to counter-inflation policy. In addition, consideration is given to the effect which increases in charges may have on the lower paid and the elderly.The general rules do not apply where it is decided to fix charges to deter possible abuse of services or where it is decided as a deliberate act of policy to charge less than cost, as, for example, in the case of prescription charges.
Personal Allowances
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what loss of revenue would result from raising the wife's earned income allowance from £675 to £775.
I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Rural Depopulation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further work on the costs and benefits of action to stem rural depopulation has been done since the consultative paper "Forestry Policy " was published in June 1972.
Following " Forestry Policy ", a study of rural depopulation was made by an inter-departmental group of officials. This has just been published and is being distributed to interested persons and organisations. A copy has been placed in the Library.
Inflation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the rate of inflation in the United Kingdom during the three years 1st April 1973 to 31st March 1976; and what are the comparable figures for each of the other eight countries of the EEC.
For the United Kingdom, the General Index of Retail Prices increased at an average annual rate of 18 per cent. between February 1973 and February 1976, the latest date available. Corresponding figures for other member countries of the EEC between January 1973 and January 1976, the latest date available, are:
| per cent. | |
| Belgium | 11 |
| Luxembourg | 10 |
| Denmark | 11 |
| France | 11 |
| West Germany | 6 |
| Irish Republic (1) | 16 |
| Italy | 16 |
| Netherlands | 9 |
| (1) November 1972 to November 1975. | |
Corporation Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer in 1975–76 and 1976–77 of provision for depreciation allowances against corporation tax at replacement rather than historic cost.
I regret that this information cannot be provided without a disproportionate expenditure of time and effort.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what would be the loss of revenue to the Exchequer in 1975–76, 1976–77, 1977–78 resulting from a cut in corporation tax of 4 per cent., 5 per cent., 6 per cent., 7 per cent., 8 per cent. 9 per cent. and 10 per cent.;(2) what would be the gain in revenue to the Exchequer of an increase in corporation tax of 5 per cent. in 1975–76, 1976–77, 1977–78.
pursuant to his replies [Official Report, 30th March 1976; Vol. 908, c. 448–9], gave the following information:If corporation tax had been charged for the financial year 1974 at the rates shown below and remained so for the financial year 1975 the effects on Exchequer receipts as compared with a rate of 52 per cent. are estimated as follows:
| Corporation Tax Rate Per cent. | 1975–76 £m | 1976–77£m |
| 57 | +95 | + 200 |
| 48 | -70 | -150 |
| 47 | -90 | -190 |
| 46 | -105 | -220 |
| 45 | -120 | -260 |
| 44 | -140 | -290 |
| 43 | -150 | -330 |
| 42 | -170 | -370 |
Wales
Caernarvon Inner Relief Road
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the likely starting date of work on the Caernarvon Inner Relief Road, and if that work proceeds according to schedule; and in which financial year his Department will provide funds for the replacement of Twthill Primary School in Caernarvon, which is affected by the construction of the road.
All the statutory procedures for the scheme have been completed but the precise date for the start of work remains dependent on the availability of funds. Our aim, however, is to invite tenders before the end of next year.The position with regard to the replacement of Twthill School remains as stated in my hon. Friend's reply of 1st December 1975—[Vol 901, c.
376].
Prices And Consumer Protection
Cosmetic Products (Safety Regulations)
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when she now expects to introduce Regulations relating to the safety of cosmetic products; to what extent such Regulations will include informative labelling requirements; and if she will make a statement.
Regulations relating to the safety of cosmetic products will be prepared as soon as the proposed EEC directive on cosmetics is adopted. Work on the directive is now in its final stages and I hope it will be possible to circulate draft domestic regulations for comment later this year. In a number of important cases the regulations will require the presence of ingredients to be indicated on the label as well as precautions to be observed during use. These labelling requirements will apply particularly to sensitisers.
Motor Vehicles (Servicing And Repairs)
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether, in the light of the liquidation of the Council for Vehicle Servicing and Repair, she is satisfied that adequate advice and sources of redress are available to consumers of vehicles servicing and repair facilities.
pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 2nd April 1976, Vol. 908, c. 601–2], gave the following information:The code of practice recently adopted by the motor industry following consultation with the Office of Fair Trading should result in consumers receiving adequate advice and redress. The code's provisions on complaints and arbitration have replaced this responsibility of the Council, whose other functions have been taken over by the committee set up by the industry to ensure that code's effective operation.
Scotland
Local Government Councillors (Convictions For Corruption)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of local authority councillors convicted of corrupt practices in each year since 1945, broken down by year of conviction and by year or years in which the offences were committed, and by the type of authority on which the councillors served, whether county or district.
I regret that it is possible to provide this information only for the years 1964 to 1974. During this period criminal proceedings were taken against three town councillors in Scotland under the Prevention of Corruption Acts. One of these cases was prosecuted in 1968 and the other two in 1969. All three cases resulted in convictions, but one, in 1969, was subsequently quashed on appeal.
Mental Patients (Glasgow)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of patients discharged in 1974 and 1975 from mental illness and mental handicap hospitals and units in Glasgow.
In 1974 there were 6,028 and 112 discharges respectively from mental illness and mental deficiency hospitals and units in the Greater Glasgow Health Board area. The figures for 1975 are not yet available.
Pinkston Power Station (District Heating)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now consider providing finance to enable development of district heating from Pinkston power station.
As the hon. Member will be aware, the South of Scotland Electricity Board recently carried out a detailed study of the feasibility of district heating based on Pinkston Power Station. The Board has now published the results of the study and intends to issue a report within the next few weeks. This report will be carefully considered by the Government.
Concessionary Fares
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report the current position in each region regarding the provision of concessionary bus fares to retirement pensioners.
Concessionary bus fare schemes are operated at the discretion of regional and island councils and do not require my approval. Comprehensive and up to date information about the details of individual schemes is not, therefore, held centrally, and can best be obtained from the councils themselves.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what alternative relief is available to retirement pensioners in lieu of concessionary bus fares in areas where no bus services are provided.
All local authorities have powers under Section 83 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to incur expenditure up to a product of 2p in the pound rate in any one year which in their opinion is in the interests of their area or any part of it or all or some of its inhabitants. The use of this power is at the discretion of each local authority under the conditions that the authority must be satisfied that the expenditure will be of benefit locally, and that it has no powers to contribute under any other enactment.
Electricity Disconnections
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, during the current financial year, what has been the percentage increase or decrease compared with 1974–75 in the number of consumers disconnected by the Scottish electricity boards.
The information requested relates to matters within the statutory responsibilities of the Scottish Electricity Boards. I am, therefore, asking the Chairmen of the Boards to write to the hon. Member.
Housing Subsidies
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total subsidy, in all forms, paid for public housing in Scotland in 1975.
The estimated total cost of all subsidies, excluding rent rebates and allowances, to public sector housing in Scotland for the financial year 1975–76—at 1975 Public Expenditure Survey prices—was as follows:
| £ million | |
| Central Government subsidies | 148·3 |
| Rate fund contributions | 39·3 |
the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total subsidy, in the form of income tax allowance, paid to the owners of private houses in Scotland in 1975.
About £35 million for 1975–76.
Loganair Limited
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial support he is providing for Loganair Limited in the Scottish islands in the current financial year, specified by areas.
The grants to Loganair for 1976–77 have not yet been settled. For the services from Glasgow to Tiree and Barra, and from Glasgow to Skye, the grants for 1975–76 were £64,100 and £31,724 respectively.
Council Houses
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of all dwellings in Scotland are public sector housing, according to the latest figures available.
At December 1975, 54 per cent. of dwellings in Scotland were in the public sector.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of total houses built and completed in Scotland in the public sector of housing in each year from 1970 to 1976; and what these numbers represent as percentages of the Great Britain total number of houses built and completed in the public sector of housing.
The information is as follows:
| Houses completed in Scotland | As percentage of Great Britain total | |
| 1970 | 34,906 | 19·4 |
| 1971 | 29,169 | 18·4 |
| 1972 | 20,157 | 16·4 |
| 1973 | 17,818 | 16·6 |
| 1974 | 17,097 | 13·3 |
| 1975 | 24,000* | 14·8 |
| * Approximate | ||
Housing Revenue Accounts
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the percentage of the local authority housing revenue accounts which is borne by rate fund contributions in Scotland for each year from 1970 to 1976, giving the exact percentage for each year.
I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Bute and North Ayrshire (Mr. Corrie) on 31st March.—[Vol. 908, c. 496.]
House Improvement Grants
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of house improvement grants in Great Britain were allocated to Scotland (a) by number and (b) by value from 1970 to 1976, giving the percentages for each year.
The numbers of house improvement grants made in Scotland in each of these years as a percentage of those in Great Britain were:
| Year | % |
| 1970 | 13·0 |
| 1971 | 15·1 |
| 1972 | 13·3 |
| 1973 | 20·4 |
| 1974 | 22·8 |
| 1975 | 20·3 |
| 1976 | not available |
Population
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of Great Britain's population is resident in Scotland, according to the latest figures available.
The estimated population of Scotland at 30th June 1975 was 9·6 per cent. of Great Britain's population.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many public sector houses in Scotland have been sold to sitting tenants for each of the years from 1970 to 1976.
The following is the information:
| Year | No. of Sales |
| 1970 | 2 |
| 1971 | 99 |
| 1972 | 645 |
| 1973 | 708 |
| 1974 | 170 |
| 1975 | 24 |
| 1976 | not available |
Rents
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average net weekly rent, after rent rebates have been deducted, of a three-apartment house in the public sector of housing in Scotland for each year from 1970 to 1976; and what this figure represents as a percentage of average household income for the years 1970 to 1976.
Information is available only for unrebated rents of local authority housing up to 1974.
| Average rent of a 3-apartment local authority house £ | As a percentage of average household income | |
| 1970 | 72 | 4·0 |
| 1971 | 77 | 4·5 |
| 1972 | 93 | 5·0 |
| 1973 | 125 | 6·0 |
| 1974 | 135 | 5·0 |
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the average net weekly rent, after rent rebates have been deducted, in the public sector of housing in Scotland; and what this figure represents as a percentage of average household income for the years 1970 to 1976;(2) what is the average weekly rent, before rent rebates were claimed, in the public sector of housing in Scotland; and what this figure represents as a percentage of average household income, for the years 1970 to 1976.
The latest available information is as follows:
| Average Weekly Rent (Public Sector) | Rent as percentage of average household income | |||
| Before Rebate | After Rebate | Before Rebate | After Rebate | |
| £ | £ | |||
| 1970 | 1·51 | 1·45 | 4½ | 4½ |
| 1971 | 1·62 | 1·54 | 5 | 5 |
| 1972 | 1·93 | 1·79 | 5 | 5 |
| 1973 | 2·54 | 2·13 | 6 | 5 |
| 1974 | 2·71 | 2·19 | 5½ | 4½ |
Young Persons (Residential Establishments)
Steel asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, following his reply to the honourable Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Friday, 26th March c. 312) he will now list the residential establishments for young persons in need of care available and projected in the Border Region.
The information is as follows:
| 1970–71 Per cent. | 1971–72 Per cent. | 1972–73 Per cent. | 1973–74 Per cent. | 1974–75 Per cent. | 1975–76 Per cent. | 1976–77 Per cent. | ||
| Capital expenditure | … | 2·5 | 12·0 | 10·7 | 9·0 | 7·3 | 8·2 | 8·2 |
| Current expenditure | … | 5·1 | 5·5 | 6·3 | 6·0 | 4·8 | 5·5 | 5·6 |
| Total expenditure | … | 17·6 | 17·5 | 17·0 | 15·0 | 12·1 | 13·7 | 13·8 |
Borders Regional Council Children's Homes, Elspeth Scott House, Newton St. Boswells, The Priory, Selkirk.
The Regional Council have at an advanced stage of planning a young persons' unit of 10 places at Tweedbank.
House Demolitions
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many dwellings were demolished in Scotland in each year from 1970 to 1976, and what these numbers represent as percentages of the total number of dwellings demolished in Great Britain.
The latest information is as follows:
| Year | Houses demolished or closed (Scotland) | Great Britain (estimated) |
| 1970 | 17,345 | 19·6 |
| 1971 | 20,554 | 21·6 |
| 1972 | 18,518 | 20·9 |
| 1973 | 16,479 | 19·8 |
| 1974 | 11,615 | 21·1 |
| 1975 | 10,646 | 16·9 |
Unfit Houses
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were and are the number of unfit houses in Scotland for each year from 1970 to 1976; and what these numbers represent as a percentage of the Great Britain total.
The information is not available.
Housing Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of total Great Britain expenditure on housing was allocated to Scotland for each year from 1970 to 1976, breaking down the answer into (a) total expenditure, (b) capital expenditure, and (c) current expenditure.
In the financial years 1970–71 to 1976–77 public expenditure on housing in Scotland accounted for the following percentages of the total Great Britain expenditure shown in Table 2.7 of the Public Expenditure White Paper (Cmnd. 6393).