asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what areas in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland have been surveyed for uranium; and with what result.

An exploration programme carried out from 1967–1972 by the Institute of Geological Sciences under the sponsorship of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority identified uranium prospects in Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland and Aberdeenshire, but did not define the extent of the ore reserves. I have no information about programmes of exploration which may have been undertaken by private companies.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the annual expenditure in each of the last five years on social services training in Scotland.

This information is not available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much will be lost in the Western Isles due to the ending of regional employment premium.

I regret that figures for the amount of REP paid in individual regions of Scotland are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what screening arrangements exist for the appointment of staff to List D schools; and if he plans to review these following the conviction for indecency of a former housemaster at Wellington List D school, who was found to have 12 previous convictions.

Appointments of the most senior staff require the prior approval of the Secretary of State. Responsibility for the appointment of other staff rests with school managers, who are expected to make all necessary inquiries to ensure that unsuitable staff are not appointed. I shall consider in consultation with the bodies concerned whether any change is necessary in the present procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was paid to the Scottish Sports Council in each of the last five years.

The Council has received grant in aid from my Department as follows:

	£
1972–73	530,000
1973–74	870,000
1974–75	1,170,000
1975–76	1,493,000
1976–77	1,700,000

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is his policy on the proposals in the report entitled "Smoking as a Fire Risk in Scottish Hospitals" made by the Scottish Committee of Action on Smoking and Health;(2) what is his policy on the proposals in the report entitled "The Sale of Cigarettes in Scottish Hospitals" made by the Scottish Committee of Action on Smoking and Health;(3) what is his policy on the proposals in the report entitled "Smoking in Scottish Hospitals" made by the Scottish Committee of Action on Smoking and Health.

Guidance on the restriction of smoking in hospitals was issued by the Scottish Home and Health Department in 1971. Consideration is being given to whether further guidance is necessary on the evidence on current practice provided by the three reports of the Scottish Committee of Action on Smoking and Health.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fully trained social workers were in practice in each of the last five years in Scotland.

Information on social work staff employed by local authorities in December 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974 is contained in the volumes of "Scottish Social Work Statistics" published for these years. More recent information is not at present available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people are currently in Scottish hospitals or other residential institutions who are known or believed to be suffering from brain damage caused by whooping-cough vaccine.

No information on this subject is available centrally; and assessment of the individual oases is extremely difficult. It is hoped that clearer information will be obtained about this problem as the result of a special study sponsored by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in Scotland are believed by his Department to be suffering from brain damage caused by whooping-cough vaccine.

Whooping-cough vaccination has been offered in Scotland since 1957 and in recent years about 70 per cent. of children have been receiving the vaccine. The evidence available has not enabled my Department to evaluate the five cases reported by parents to it since the beginning of 1973 of brain damage said to be attributable to the vaccine.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement of his proposals for new legislation relating to criminal matters.

I am examining the possibility of legislation in this area, which might include measures in the field of criminal justice and also certain of the proposals requiring legislation in the Second Report of the Thomson Committee on Criminal Procedure in Scotland (Cmnd. 6218). I shall make an announcement in due course when I have made further progress with these issues.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what grounds he has instructed the Governors of Dunfermline College not to enter into any contractual undertaking with the lecturers on the matter of redundancy payments; and if he will make a statement.

Redundancy arrangements have considerable financial implications, and it would not be appropriate for boards of governors to enter into commitments without the agreement of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he or a Minister from his Department will be able to visit and inspect the facilities at Dundee College, after seeing Dunfermline College and Craiglockhart College, during the period of consultations, over the future of teacher training colleges in Scotland;(2) whether he or a Minister from his Department will be able to visit Craiglockhart College during the period of consultations over the future of teacher training colleges in Scotland;(3) whether he or a Minister from his Department will be able to visit Dunfermline College of Physical Education in Cramond, with its purpose-built facilities, during the period of consultations over the future of teacher training colleges in Scotland;(4) whether he or a Minister from his Department will be able to visit Callendar Park College, during the period of consultations over the future of teacher training colleges in Scotland;(5) whether he or a Minister from his Department will be able to visit Moray House College, after seeing Craiglockhart College, during the period of consultations over the future of teacher training colleges in Scotland;(6) whether he or a Minister from his Department will be able to visit Craigie College, during the period of consultations over the future of teacher training colleges in Scotland.

My right hon. Friend's decisions on the future of the 10 colleges of education will be taken after full consideration of all the comments made on the consultation paper. I do not consider that a ministerial visit to any of these colleges would be necessary or appropriate while consultations are proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any of the four specialists in physical education working for the Civil Service in Scotland will be able to visit and inspect the facilities at Dundee College, after seeing the purpose-built Dunfermline College of Physical Education in Cramond, during the period of consultations over the future of teacher training colleges in Scotland, with a view to reporting fully to him.

Both colleges are visited from time to time by Her Majesty's Inspectors, and my right hon. Friend is aware of the facilities available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he, or one of the Scottish Office Ministers, will meet representatives from the Educational Institute for Scotland, Association of Lecturers of Colleges in Scotland, and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, as well as other interested parties, on the subject of the future of teacher training colleges in Scotland during the period of consultation.

My right hon. Friend and I met the Association of Lecturers in Colleges of Education in Scotland on 15th February. He is meeting the General Teaching Council for Scotland today and the Joint Committee of Colleges of Education in Scotland on 7th March. I have had meetings with several groups representing colleges of education. Requests for meetings with other bodies are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now undertake a feasibility study into his proposals on reorganisation of colleges of education, and into the costs, particularly those associated with the proposed mergers.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 3rd February.—[Vol. 925, c. 289–90.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there is more specialist residential accommodation at Dunfermline College of Physical Education at Cramond than in Dundee College.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there are 500 places at Dunfermline College of Physical Education at Cramond, and 571 students.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the introduction of co-education at Dunfermline College of Physical Education for Women on its Cramond site; and if, in order to discuss the possibility, he or a Minister from his Department will visit the college and also the physical education wing of Jordan-hill College, Glasgow, where there are male students of physical education and which until 1931 was united with the Dunfermline College.

My right hon. Friend has made it clear that he is willing to consider any reasonable alternatives to the proposals in his consultative paper of 17th January. I do not consider that a ministerial visit to either of these colleges would be necessary or appropriate while consultations are proceeding.

asked the Lord President of the Council what is the most up-to-date figure for the total of public money which has been given in official aid to Opposition parties.

To date, a total of £392,456 has been paid from the House of Commons Vote to Opposition parties under the terms of the Resolution of the House of 20th March 1975.

asked the Lord President of the Council what progress is being made on the broadcasting of Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

The House is awaiting the report of the Joint Committee on Sound Broadcasting which is still considering the way in which a permanent system of sound broadcasting of our proceedings might operate.

asked the Lord President of the Council what recent representations he has received on dealing with the House of Lords.

asked the Lord President of the Council what recent representations he has had regarding the House of Lords in the legislative process.

I have received no formal representations recently on this matter, but a number of my hon. Friends have made their views clear to me.

asked the Lord President of the Council when the fountain in New Palace Yard will function; and what has been the cause of the delay.

The fountain in New Palace Yard is now functioning. The water supply authority's restriction on the use of water, together with a number of technical problems, put the fountain out of action for some time. Repairs have now been carried out, and the passing of the drought has made it possible to restart the fountain.

					Oldham	Stockport
Occupational background
Housewives (not otherwise placed)	…	…	…	…	26	29
Industrial, agricultural and service workers	…	…	…	…	17	4
Landowners and Farmers	…	…	…	…	1	0
Managing Directors and Professionals	…	…	…	…	12	17
Managers in Industry and Commerce and Services	…	…	…	…	6	1
Teachers, nurses and other medical, social and artistic workers	…	…	…	…	22	27
White collar workers	…	…	…	…	26	18
Wholesale and Retail Proprietors and Managers	…	…	…	…	24	31
Political views
Labour	…	…	…	…	48	31
Conservative	…	…	…	…	33	51
Liberal	…	…	…	…	14	12
Independent	…	…	…	…	39	33

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much is spent annually on clothing for

asked the Lord President of the Council how many representations he has received about the proposed referendum which the Government intend to hold following Royal Assent to the Scotland and Wales Bill.

Thirty-six.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether, in view of events since 22nd February 1977, he will appoint a Committee of Investigation or Royal Commission to look into all matters connected with devolution affecting England, Scotland and Wales.

I have nothing to add to the statement which my right hon. Friend made to the House on 24th February.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish a table giving the occupational backgrounds, and the political allegiances of the magistrates of (a) the Oldham and (b) the Stockport Benches.

The information requested is set out in the following table. It is based upon information given by the magistrates at the time of their appointment.women prisoners other than uniform clothing; how many prisoners were so provided; and how many of them were taken shopping.

No uniform clothing is provided for women prisoners; the sum spent annually on women whose own clothing is inadequate or unsuitable for wear in prison varies according to the number of prisoners and their needs. In 1976 the women's prisons and remand centres spent some £28,000 on clothing for 1,362 inmates, about half of whom, mostly from the open prisons, were taken shopping.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to implement Resolution (76) 2 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, on the treatment of long-term prisoners, with special reference to sections (1), (6), (7), (8), (13), (14) and (15).

As regards section I(1), maximum penalties are laid down by statute, but the courts have complete discretion to determine the length of individual sentences within the limits laid down. The Government support the view that long-term sentences of imprisonment should be imposed only if they are necessary for the protection of society. As regards the other sections quoted, the Government accept the principles for the treatment of long-term prisoners embodied in the Resolution, and our practice and objectives are in general accordance with the recommendations of the Committee of Ministers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to set up a system for electing by proportional representation 81 members to the European Parliament in May or June 1978 using as constituencies amalgamations of present counties and regions of the United Kingdom.

The Government will shortly be publishing a White Paper on direct elections to the European Assembly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give an assurance that the Government do not intend to seek to lower the age of consent.

We have no present intentions to do so, but this subject is under review by the Policy Advisory Commit- tee on Sexual Offences and we would wish to await its advice before reaching any final decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Mr. T. Dan Smith is being paroled 12 months before the normal time; and to what extent persons in politics and public affairs have requested this earlier release from custody.

Mr. T. Dan Smith became eligible for parole in April 1976 when he had completed the statutory minimum period of his sentence. I have agreed to his release in March 1977, following a recommendation to this effect from the Parole Board. A statement of the criteria used in parole cases is available in the Library. It would not be right to disclose in any individual case details of representations which may have been made. No representations of any sort have been made to me and the final decision is mine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to implement Resolution (76)10 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, on certain alternative penal measures to imprisonment, with special reference to sections (5), (6) and (7).

I welcome the opportunity of drawing attention to Resolution (76)10 adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and to the accompanying report "Alternative Penal Measures to Imprisonment". The preparation of the report derived from an initiative taken by the United Kingdom at a Conference of European Ministers of Justice promoted by the Council of Europe at Basle in 1972, and we were glad to play a part in the production of the report itself. Much of the report reflects penal practice, and the objectives of penal policy, in this country. Inevitably, progress in some of the directions suggested in Resolution (76) 10 is limited by the current constraints on resources. The Government and various other agencies in this country are active in making known the case for dealing non-custodially with a wide range of convicted person. Our system affords various opportunities, some of which the report mentions, for associating judges and magistrates with the development and administration of penal policy; and further proposals in this respect may come from the working party on judicial training and information when it reports in due course. The Council of Europe itself gives a wide distribution to publications of this kind, and now that printed copies are available the Home Office is bringing the report and Resolution to the notice of a number of individuals or organisations which may be expected to have an interest in it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many of the 40 people convicted of murder in 1965 and sentenced to life imprisonment have been released; and if any have been subsequently convicted of murder a second time or of manslaughter;(2) how many of the 60 people convicted of murder in 1967 and sentenced to life imprisonment have been released; and if any have been subsequently convicted of murder a second time or of manslaughter;(3) how many of the 70 people convicted of murder in 1966 and sentenced to life imprisonment have been released; and if any have been subsequently con-

ACCEPTANCES FOR SETTLEMENT ON ARRIVAL AND ON REMOVAL OF TIME LIMIT
Citizens of the New Commonwealth and Pakistan
						Acceptances for Settlement on Arrival	Acceptances for Settlement on Removal of Time Limit	Totals
1973	…	…	…	…	…	25,530	6,717	32,247
1974	…	…	…	…	…	25,306	17,225	42,531
1975	…	…	…	…	…	34,510	18,755	53,265
1976*	…	…	…	…	…	36,800*	18,200*	55,000*
* Provisional.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what statutory powers he possesses which would enable him to deny admission to Great Britain to President Amin; and from what statutes they derive.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what factors he will take into account before victed of murder a second time or of manslaughter.

In the years specified the numbers were 27, 26 and 20 respectively. None of the persons concerned has again been convicted of murder or manslaughter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a table of the numbers of citizens of the New Commonwealth and Pakistan accepted for settlement in 1976 on precisely the same basis as the table for 1975 published on page 7 of the White Paper on a Register of Dependants, Command Paper No. 6698.

I am considering what information for 1976 can readily be made available, and I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a table showing the numbers of people from the New Commonwealth and Pakistan (a) admitted for settlement in the United Kingdom and (b) accepted for settlement in the United Kingdom by revocation of conditions, and also the total of these two categories, for each of the four years from 1973 to 1976 inclusive.

The information is as follows:coming to a decision on whether to admit President Amin to the United Kingdom;(2) when he will announce his decision on whether to admit President Amin to the United Kingdom.

As to President Amin's coming to the United Kingdom, I would refer the hon. Members to what was said by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22nd February and 24th February.—[Vol. 926, c. 1217–18, c. 1628–9.] In general, admission to the United Kingdom of people who neither have the right of abode, nor exemption from immigration control, is governed by the Immigration Act 1971 and the Immigration Rules made under it.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport why he informed the hon. Member for Richmond that no representation had been received from the Richmond on Thames Council relating to heavy traffic in Kew, Official Report, 21st February, column 490, since the London Highways Division of his Department received representations from the Richmond upon Thames Council in a letter dated 10th October 1976, Ref: T/KDS/SJM/1906, signed by the Chief Engineer, to which his Department has failed to reply in spite of a reminder dated 10th January 1977; and if he will make a statement.

I am sorry if the hon. Member thinks that I have misled him. His original Question and my answer referred to the routeing of heavy traffic from the north to Southampton through Kew. The letter from the Richmond on Thames council, which he now cites, concerned M3 traffic outward from central London, which I took to be a separate issue. I am writing to the hon. Member to explain the position more fully.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many holders of heavy goods vehicle licences failed the statutory medical examination in the latest 12-month period.

I regret that this information is not available. A holder of a heavy goods vehicle driver's licence is required to submit a medical certificate each time he seeks a new—three-yearly —licence after reaching the age of 60. Licensing authorities are not informed, however, when the holder of an expiring licence fails to obtain a satisfactory certificate and in consequence does not apply for renewal.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how long he estimates that one of the eastbound lanes on the Severn Bridge will be closed.

It is estimated that the slow lane of each carriageway of the Severn Bridge will be reopened to traffic in September 1977.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if repair work is being carried out on the eastbound lane of the Severn Bridge that is presently closed.

Proposals for the replacement of the rocker assemblies under the east-and west-bound carriageways of the bridge are being discussed urgently with a contractor.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the causes of the closing of one of the eastbound lanes on the Severn Bridge.

Recent analysis has shown that the rocker assemblies that partially support the ends of the bridge deck should be replaced to withstand certain unlikely but possible loading conditions. Until the necessary work has been completed the slow lanes are closed to eliminate the possibility of overloading the existing rockers.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the estimated cost of the roadworks at the Downlands Corner in Worthing before progress was interrupted, particularly in the light of the Government's official forecast of 15 per cent. inflation in the current year; and what he estimates the costs will be if the work is resumed immediately after the end of the Government moratorium.

When the moratorium was imposed the estimated cost of the main roadworks due to start in February 1977 was of the order of £70,000. Road construction costs do not generally move in line with the retail price index but on the basis of an annual rate of inflation of 15 per cent. the additional costs of a four-month delay from February to June would be about £3,500.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the seasonal variation in traffic across the A27—Downlands Corner Junction in Worthing between January and July and the likely effect of this on the cost of the delayed road works.

The volume of traffic using the A27 across the Downlands Corner junction is likely to be some 25 per cent. higher in July than in January. The effect of this on the roadworks cost is likely to be small.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has recently considered authorising the sale of any publicly-owned road transport interest to private enterprise.

No. But under the powers granted by Parliament the National Freight Corporation may sell any part of its undertaking which in its opinion is not required by it for the purposes of its business. Such disposals do not require my prior approval.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will conduct an investigation to establish what proportion of motorists have suffered a financial loss following accidents where the negligent driver was fully insured; and of those in that category what average proportion of the total damages claim has been refunded to the insurers.

Anyone injured by a negligent driver can receive due compensation whether or not that driver is insured. I am aware that difficulties can arise if negligent drivers causing property damage choose not to claim indemnity from their insurers, but an investigation such as the hon. Member proposes would be expensive in time and

Course					1974–75	1975–76	1976–77
Diploma in Education of Handicapped Children—one year full-time	…	…	…	…	27	25	8
Welsh—one year full-time	…	…	…	…	21	18	6
B. Ed. degree—one year full-time	…	…	…	…	11	5	—
					—	—	—
Total	…	…	…	…	59	48	14

Information about the number of teachers attending short courses is not collected centrally.The Government's proposals for the future of the teacher training system provide for 2,850 places in Wales, of which manpower, and I have no evidence to suggest that the degree of financial hardship arising in these cases is such as to justify a change in the law.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations she has received regarding proposals to cease teacher training at the Polytechnic of Wales at Barry; and what replies she has given.

My right hon. Friend has received eight representations and I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, in addition to receiving representations from some of the same sources, has also received four others. The replies have explained the need for the proposals announced to the House on 24th January and have confirmed that final decisions will not be taken until representations about them have been fully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teachers received in-service training at the Polytechnic of Wales for each of the last three years and in what subjects; and what alternative will be offered to teachers following the proposed closure of the polytechnic.

The number of teachers following long in-service courses at the Polytechnic of Wales in 1975–76 and 1976–77 are set out below, together with comparable figures for Glamorgan College of Education in 1974–75—the last year before its incorporation in the Polytechnic of Wales:some 600 should be available for in-service training.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will suspend the termination of the circularisation department at the Victoria and Albert Museum while efforts are made to raise funding from private industry to pay the necessary salaries for one year.

No. The associated staff savings are required as part of the announced reductions in Civil Service manpower. In her reply to my right hon. Friend the Member for Vauxhall (Mr. Strauss), my right hon. Friend explained the steps being taken to maintain facilities for the circulation of material to local museums and educational institutions, and to examine further possible progress in throwing open the national heritage over the country as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what would be the effect on the regional pattern if teacher training courses, at present available at the Shoreditch College of Education relating to craft, industry and design, were discontinued; and what plans she has for the contribution of this college to school courses relating to productive industry.

The future of this college and the courses it provides are now under consideration by the Inner London Education Authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied with the current provision being made nationally for courses leading to qualifications in education management for senior staff in the education service such as those from schools and colleges; and what sum of money, if any, she intends to allocate for the development of work in this area of in-service training.

The main limiting factor is the number of senior staff that local education authorities are able to release to attend long courses. To meet anticipated demand, my right hon. Friend has approved three additional courses in polytechnics and colleges for 1977–78. Four other proposals for new courses are currently under consideration. My right hon. Friend has no powers to allocate money for local authority education purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Report of the Royal Commission on Broadcasting is to be published; and what steps will be taken to consult interested bodies prior to its implementation.

I received the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Future of Broadcasting, under the Chairmanship of Lord Annan, today and will publish it as soon as possible. I should like to take this opportunity to thank Lord Annan and the members of the committee for the immense amount of work they have done. I recognise and pay tribute to their invaluable public service. I intend to arrange full consultations when the report is published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on progress in housing the proposed Welsh Assembly.

The Cardiff Exchange has been acquired to accommodate the Welsh Assembly and preliminary conversion work has started. This covers only strengthening of floors and formation of a plant room. Some engineering and other equipment has also been ordered. Tenders for the main contract have been received and are currently under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which international conferences relating to environmental matters he, or members of his staff, will be attending in 1977.

Frequent international meetings on environment matters take place under the auspices of the European Economic Community, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the Council of Europe, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the United Nations Environment Programme. There are also regular meetings of international commissions established under various international conventions on marine pollution. These are attended by Ministers or officials as appropriate.In addition, my Department will be represented at the following international environment conferences so far arranged for 1977:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimate available to him of the total cost to local authorities of paying car mileage allowances to employees; and what is the mean rate per mile paid by local authorities for such purposes.

This information is not available to my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has had concerning claims under Section 1(8) of Land Compensation Act 1973, Part I, which have been disallowed because the claim arose from damage caused before 17th October 1969; and if he will make a statement.

Some representations have been made in the past in relation to particular schemes completed before 17th October 1969. Information on the number of claims disallowed because of that date is not readily available. The reasons for its choice were fully discussed during the passage of the legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why parish boundaries are no longer shown on 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps of England and Wales; and whether, in view of the usefulness of this information to parish councillors and candidates, he will make arrangements for its inclusion to be resumed.

Parish boundaries are in fact shown on both the First and Second Series of the Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps of England and Wales. No change in this policy is envisaged.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the bodies with which he has consultations before making the announcement that the provisions of the Water Charges Equalisation Bill could not be implemented for the next financial year.

I made the announcement in the light of advice from the water authorities, who are of course in close contact with local authorities, that their financial and administrative procedures would not allow any equalisation levies or payments which might be directed after the earliest date at which the Bill can now be enacted to be reflected in charges for the coming financial year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether planning permission will be required by the Atomic Energy Authority for test borings made with a view to the possible disposal of high-level radioactive waste in geological formations.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the cost of removing the Property Services Agency headquarters from Croydon to Tees-side.

Although a site has been selected for PSA headquarters building on Tees-side it is too early to give an estimated cost since negotiations for acquisition of the site have not yet started and the detailed requirements for the building are still being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a further statement concerning the rarity of otters in Wales in general and in mid-Wales in particular.

A joint Working Group of the Nature Conservancy Council and the Society for the Promotion of Nature Conservation is assessing the status of the otter in Great Britain. The group is hoping to complete its draft report next month.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cases are outstanding in the Carlisle district, where application for new rating assessment has been made; and if he will speed matters up, because in some cases from information from the hon. Member for Carlisle, it is now taking several months to complete.

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind appeals against rating assessments. The Cumbria local valuation panel has 6,600 such appeals awaiting settlement, 400 of which relate to properties in the Carlisle District. That number of appeals is bound to take time to clear, but if the panel considers that the appointment of more staff would help I would approve it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total yield in 1975–76 of industrial and commercial rates; what is his estimate of the total yield in 1976–77; and what proportion in each case is accounted for by ratepayers in the private sector.

The total rate yield of industrial and commercial properties in England and Wales is estimated to be £1,923 million for 1975–76 and £2,041 million for 1976–77. There is no information available on the division of these totals between the public and the private sectors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if, in view of the fact that many houses bought by local authorities for letting purposes are being kept empty because of restrictions placed on repairs and improvements inside general improvement areas and housing action areas and on hostels for the homeless, by including such expenditure in the amount allowed to be spent on all repairs and improvements, what action he will take to help these areas;(2) how many houses have been bought for letting by each local authority and in total in the last 12 months; approximately how many require repair and improvement; and how many are still empty;(3) if he will list local authorities which are in difficulty in repairing and improving houses they have bought for letting because of restrictions of the amount they can spend on each repairs and improvements in general improvement areas and housing action areas and on hostels for the homeless, by including such expenditure in the amount allowed to be spent on all repairs and improvements under Section 105; and what representations he has received.

This is very much a matter of expenditure priorities for local authority decision, but I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will revise the nuclear figures contained in his Answer, Official Report, 6th August 1976, column 1091, on the basis of a more critical analysis of nuclear costings as outlined in his speech, Official Report, 8th February 1977, column 1262;(2) if he will revise the coal figures contained in his Answer,

The costs given on 6th August 1976 for electricity generation from coal, nuclear and oil in 1975–76 were CEGB figures for stations commissioned in the previous twelve years. The cost of fuel consumed at these stations during that year was included. Estimates of future costs are one of the factors we shall keep under close review as consideration of fuel policy develops. This was one of the issues that my right hon. Friend pointed to in the Second Reading debate on the Nuclear Industry (Finance) Bill on 8th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what estimate has been made of the probable costs to the CEGB, the SSEB and the NSHEB of meeting the EEC directive on the reduction of sulphur emissions from oil-fired power stations.

This is not an agreed Council directive but a draft proposal from the Commission that is still subject to discussion. At this stage some aspects are difficult to assess. But the implications for the United Kingdom of controls on sulphur emissions are very important. Initial estimates by the CEGB are that the targets proposed for oil-fired stations would involve a capital cost of some £20 million, with some further annual expenditure. Costs to the SSEB and NSHEB are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is asking the chairmen of the two Scottish boards to write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the planned percentage change in the level of coal production in the United Kingdom and other member countries of the OECD between now and 1985.

The estimated percentage change in the level of coal production between 1975 and 1985 in the United Kingdom and other coal producing countries of the OECD is as follows:

	per cent
United Kingdom	+6·5
United States America	+58·3
Canada	+86·2
Japan	0·8
Australia and New Zealand	+58·5
Western Europe (excluding United Kingdom)	1·2
Total OECD	+36·9

The above figures are based on forecasts prepared by the OECD for its member countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish in the Official Report a list of all the companies constituted under the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1971, together with a list of the board members of each.

The Atomic Energy Authority Act 1971 did not itself constitute any companies but transferred to BNFL and TRC parts of the existing undertaking of the authority. Both the companies had previously been constituted in the normal way under the Companies Act.The current memberships of the boards of the two companies are as follows:(1) BRITISH NUCLEAR FUELS LIMITED

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish in the Official Report, a table showing how each company constituted under the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1971 is financed, indicating the sources of all grants and loans together with the terms of such loans, the rates of interest due, the amounts repaid and the amounts outstanding at the latest available date.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer that my hon. Friend gave him on 2nd December 1976 an dto BNFL's Fifth Annual Report and Accounts, copies of which were made available to the Library of the House on 30th July 1976.Since then BNFL has repaid £300,000 of a £10 million loan made available in 1976 by the Secretary of State which bears interest at 11⅜per cent. BNFL has also concluded a £100 million loan facility with a consortium of private sector banks, which to run its full course will be conditional on the provision of a Government guarantee. The Government intend to take powers to provide such guarantees under the Nuclear Industry (Finance) Bill, which is currently before the House. the terms of the loan are confidential. BNFL also has access to overdraft facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what answers he has received from the applicants to whom he made on 9th February offers of blocks in the fifth round of offshore licensing.

All the companies or groups of companies to whom my right hon. Friend made the offers he announced on 9th February have replied accepting in principle.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the current capital indebtedness of British Gas and its present proposal to increase prices to the consumer by 10 per cent.

As at 23rd February 1977, the statutory borrowing powers of the British Gas Corporation had been exercised to the extent of £2,169·7 million. Otherwise, I have nothing yet to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Rost), on 22nd December 1976.—[Vol. 923, c. 211.]

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the added value in the use of crude oil and derivatives in the manufacture of the commonest petrochemicals including polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and polystyrene.

I have been asked to reply.An inspection of market prices indicates that the manufacture of basic petrochemicals adds to the value of oil feedstock by the order of magnitude of at least 5 to 1, but an accurate figure is not readily available from official statistics.A figure for net output can be calculated from published statistics by deducting from gross output all purchases—adjusted for stock changes—payments for work given out and the net amount of duties, subsidies, allowances and levies payable. On this basis, the net output of organic chemicals, synthetic resins, plastics materials and synthetic rubber in 1976 was £1,200 million. The corresponding figure for 1975 was £830 million. It is not possible in these figures to distinguish between the commonest petrochemicals and other chemicals based on hydrocarbons such as high value specialised chemicals.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the total annual energy savings likely to be achieved by a programme of insulation of homes in the United Kingdom.

I have been asked to reply.We estimate that between 5 per cent. and 10 per cent. of domestic energy consumption can be saved nationally by the use of currently available techniques in those existing dwellings where these have not already been applied.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the estimated capital cost of installing adequate thermal insulation in (a) a new and (b) an existing three-bedroomed semi-detached house; and what are the estimated annual savings resulting from such insulation.

I have been asked to reply.The capital cost of insulating a new, three-bedroomed semi-detached house to current building regulation standards is approximately £50. The saving in energy consumption achieved in comparison with the previous standard is estimated at around 15 per cent. To install 50mm of loft insulation in a similar, existing dwelling would also cost about £50. This could result in savings of up to 15 per cent.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what plans he has for increasing the effectiveness of his Department.

Improvements in the effectiveness of the Department in the discharge of its responsibilities are considered and made as part of its day-to-day management. In addition, a particular review was recently undertaken to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its organisation and management.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will list the provisions contained in Acts of Parliament, regulations or rules which are the responsibility of his Department and which afford unequal treatment between an illegitimate and a legitimate child or between the parent of a legitimate child and the parent of an illegitimate child.

For certain appointments in the Home Civil Service and Diplomatic Service, one of the conditions that needs to be satisfied relates to the nationality of both parents. A special procedure is followed if a candidate is illegitimate, since such a candidate may be unable to demonstrate that he satisfies this requirement. I understand, however, that the special procedure does not in practice result in unfair treatment. A single civil Servant serving overseas who has care and control of a dependant child or children—whether illegitimate or otherwise—would be paid allowances at a lower rate than that paid to a widowed, divorced or separated civil servant in the same position. In practice, however, single parents are not usually posted overseas because of the domestic difficulties which might result from the posting.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many copies of the Scotland and Wales Bill 1976 have been sold in Scotland and in Wales.

The number of copies of the Scotland and Wales Bill 1976 sold by Her Majesty's Stationery Office's Scottish and Welsh bookshops is 3,000 and 150, respectively.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he can say yet what date the 1974–75 Sessional Index will be published.

It is hoped to publish the 1974–75 Sessional Index in September 1977.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what are the numbers and total annual salaries of special advisers to Ministers.

There are currently 25 special advisers to Ministers, whose total annual salaries amount to £175,000.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will identify the numbers of civil servants to be dispersed and the geographical locations to which they are to be sent under the Hardman proposals; if he will indicate the assisted areas in which new Government Departments, agencies and commissions have been established since 1974; and how many Departments, agencies and commissions remain to be established in such areas.

For details of the numbers of civil service posts and the locations to which they are to be dis-

ASSISTED AREAS
SCOTTISH SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT AREA
Offices established since July 1974 (including those started before July 1974)	Remaining to be established (including those in the process of being established)
Department of Industry, Regional Development Grants Office, Glasgow.	Department of Health and Social Security, Benefit Computer Centre, Livingston.
Department of Energy, Offshore Supplies Office, Glasgow.	Inland Revenue, Accounts Office 'A', Cumbernauld.
SCOTTISH DEVELOPMENT AREA
Inland Revenue, Collection Training Centre, Edinburgh.	Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre, London Post Office, Dundee.
	Inland Revenue, Regional Office, Edinburgh.
NORTHERN SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT AREA
Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Printing Works, Gateshead.	Department of Health and Social Security, Child Benefit Centre, Washington.
	Land Registry, District Office, Durham.
NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT AREA
Department of Industry, Regional Development/Grants Office, Billingham.	Inland Revenue, Development Land Tax Office Middlesbrough.
	Inland Revenue, Regional Office, Middlesbrough.
YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE INTERMEDIATE AREA
—	Inland Revenue, Accounts Office 'B', Shipley.
	Inland Revenue, Regional Office, Sheffield.
NORTH WEST INTERMEDIATE AREA
Land Registry, District Office, Lytham St. Annes.	Inland Revenue, Regional Office, Manchester.
Equal Opportunities Commission, Manchester.
MERSEYSIDE SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT AREA
Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, VAT Office, Liverpool.	Inland Revenue, Accounts Office 'C', Bootle.
Department of Industry, Regional Development/Grants Office, Bottle.	Inland Revenue, Regional Office, Bootle.
Inland Revenue, Certification Centre, Merseyside.	Land Registry, District Office, North Wirral.
WELSH DEVELOPMENT AREA
Department of Industry, Regional Development/Grants Office, Cardiff.	Department of the Environment, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre, Swansea.
	Inland Revenue, Regional Office, Cardiff.
	Land Registry, District Office, Swansea.
SOUTH WEST INTERMEDIATE AREA
—	Land Registry, District Office, Plymouth.
NORTHERN IRELAND
—	Inland Revenue, Regional Office, Belfast.

Offices for the proposed wealth tax legislation will not been included, since the Government have announced that the relevant

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what examination he has made of the extent to which the United Kingdom is affected by the agreement on the rights of migrant workers contained in the Helsinki Final Act; and whether a review of the way in which other signatory countries have carried out their pledge to accord these workers equal rights with their own nationals will be submitted to the Belgrade conference.

As part of its preparations for the review meetings of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe to be held later this year in Belgrade, Her Majesty's Government are thoroughly examining all parts of the Final Act in relation to United Kingdom policies and practices. In this context, we are also looking at the question of migrant labour.At the Review Conference we shall, of course, also be looking at the way in which other countries have carried out their obligations under the Final Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total staff at the embassies of the following countries in London, and of that total how many are British subjects in each case: Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Yugoslavia.

The totals of staff notified to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as at 24th February are as follows:

Bulgaria	46
Czechoslovakia	58
GDR	32
Hungary	35
Poland	59
Romania	48
Yugoslavia	38

British subjects are not included in the above figures, as they come in the category of locally engaged staff. Such staff are not notified to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office but it is known from information supplied separately to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for revenue purposes that the following locally engaged staff were employed as at 5th April 1976:

	British	Total
Bulgaria	3	3
Czechoslovakia	Nil	Nil
GDR	5	5
Hungary	4	5
Poland	2	6
Romania	Nil	Nil
Yugoslavia	Nil	1

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total staff at the British embassy in each of the following capitals; and of that number how many are British subjects and how many are citizens of the host country in each case: Sofia, Prague, East Berlin, Budapest, Warsaw, Bucharest, and Belgrade.

The information is as follows:

Post	Total staff	British subjects	Citizens of host country
Sofia	47	25	22
Prague	85	39	45
			(Plus 1 Hungarian)
East Berlin	45	35	l0
Budapest	84	42	42
Warsaw	109	65	44
Bucharest	47	24	23
Belgrade	65	29	36

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the achievements and completion of projects in 1976 in Hong Kong's 10-year medical development plan.

The major medical projects completed in 1976 were as follows:

(a) the general wing of the Princess Margaret Hospital (1,340 beds) and the centenary building of the Tung Wah Hospital (424 beds) (a Government-subvented hospital) were commissioned and the casualty department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital was enlarged;

(b) three specialist clinics/polyclinics were completed;

(c) 15 additional dental chairs were provided;

(d) a midwifery training school was opened; and

(e) two full-time and 14 evening methadone detoxification centres for the treatment of drug addicts were established in various parts of Hong Kong.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will now make a statement about his discussions in regard to the proposed expansion of the Russian Embassy premises and the accommodation for Russian officials and their households in Kensington;(2) if he is satisfied with the arrangements now proposed to provide premises and facilities for British officials and business men in Moscow; and in what way any new facilities now agreed to be provided will improve upon the present situation.

I have nothing further to add at present to what my hon. Friend said in the Adjournment debate on 20th/21st July 1976. Since that date no further discussions of substance have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the Soviet authorities on the Soviet wish to concentrate accommodation in the Kensington Palace Gardens area. Proposals for new British Embassy premises in Moscow are being pursued in the context of the mutual provision of accommodation in London and Moscow.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what criteria, with respect to the observance of human rights, democratic forms of government and the rule of law, he judges the eligibility of countries for exports of riot control equipment from the United Kingdom.

Exports of riot control equipment are subject to restrictions similar to those on exports of arms and other military equipment. Each application is treated on its merits, and an export licence is only issued after consultation among the responsible Government Departments, which take into account all relevant political, military, economic and strategic factors, paying particular attention to the end use of the equipment.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans there are for the adoption of a small-calibre small arms weapon system by the Army.

NATO trials are to be held over the next two years to decide on a suitable calibre for future small arms on which it is hoped NATO forces will standardise. The British contender is a 4·85mm weapon system, comprising an automatic rifle and a light support weapon.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many balloons suitable for parachute training are in stock with the RAF.

Twenty-two parachute training balloons are held by the RAF to meet the needs of the three Services.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the most recent estimate of the cost of (a) building and (b) equipping the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital, Woolwich.

The latest estimated cost of building and equipping the hospital, including the associated staff accommodation and training school is approximately £16 million. It is not practicable to separate building and equipment costs, but equipment costs will be minimised by transferring both medical and general equipment from military hospitals that are to be closed.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate (a) the total annual running costs of the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital, Woolwich, including debt charges and (b) the annual cost per bed.

At current prices it is estimated that the annual running costs of the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital, if used for military patients only, will be of the order of £5·5 million when the hospital is fully operational. There are no debt charges associated with the hospital.The hospital is planned to have an establishment of 464 beds, and on the basis that about 20 per cent. of the running costs will be attributable to outpatient facilities, it is estimated that the annual cost per established bed will be of the order of £9,500.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many people, both military and civilian, are employed in defence establishments in the Sowerby constituency.

There are no defence establishments located in the Sowerby parliamentary constituency.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any predictions of likely death and injury rates were made before plastic bullets were introduced; and what these predictions were for this weapon.

I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 21st January 1977—[Vol. 934. c. 331.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any efforts are made to collect information on injuries caused by plastic and rubber bullets.

My hon. Friend will be aware of the efforts made by surgeons in Northern Ireland which led to the report published in the British Journal of Surgery in 1975. The Ministry of Defence holds information on injuries for which damages have been claimed and, up to the present time, some 66 claims have been received alleging injuries by rubber or plastic baton rounds.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what injuries were caused to the sheep used at Porton to test rubber bullets by the impact of the bullets;(2) what injuries were caused to the sheep used at Porton to test plastic bullets by the impact of the bullets.

Inanimate targets have been used to the maximum degree in assessing the effects of plastic baton rounds, but to assist in the treatment of any injury that might be caused experiments involving live sheep have taken place. Injuries ranging from superficial bruising to more serious effects have resulted.All the sheep have been anaesthetised before use and not allowed to regain consciousness. The experiments have been carried out in full conformity with the requirements of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will set out in the Official Report a table showing the instances of disabling injury sustained by serving members of Her Majesty's Forces whilst serving in Northern Ireland, the degree of disability sustained, the amount of compensation received and the source of their compensation for each year since and including 1969;(2) if he will set out in the

The assessment of the level of disability sustained in such circumstances is a matter for the Department of Health and Social Security, and awards for compensation for criminal injuries in Northern Ireand are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Office.I shall arrange for such information as the Ministry of Defence may hold on these cases to be printed in the

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what studies are being undertaken to find an airborne, maritime surveillance and fishery protection capability more cost effective than that provided by Nimrod aircraft.

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. McNair-Wilson) on 22nd February—[Vol. 926, c. 542].

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received regarding the expansion of community industry; and how many of the places presently available under this scheme have been taken up.

On 17th February 3,700 young people were employed in community industry. The 4,000 available places have all been allocated to particular areas. Representations have been received from a number of local authorities for the provision of additional places or for the extension of the scheme to new areas. We are giving urgent consideration to the possibility of increasing community industry's overall capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress is being made on research into reducing the toxicity of solvents, including adhesives, to ensure the safety and health of personnel and others in contact with these substances.

I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the Health and Safety Executive is not aware of any Government-sponsored research on the reduction of toxicity of solvents including adhesives in relation to occupational exposure.Under Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, there is a continuing general obligation on manufacturers, importers and suppliers of substances—which would include solvents and adhesives—to carry out, or to arrange for the carrying out of, any research necessary to ensure the health and safety of people at work. Since there is no obligation to register such research, it is not possible for the Health and Safety Executive to be aware of the current state of research in every single instance. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall ask the Health and Safety Executive to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will instruct the Health and Safety Commissioners to prosecute Birmingham University authorities for breaches of regulations relating to working conditions and the storage and use of dangerous chemicals, gases and radioactive material.

I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate, which is responsible for the enforcement of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 covering the work activities of the Birmingham University authorities, have no evidence that there are breaches of statute relating to working conditions and the storage and use of dangerous chemicals, gases and radioactive materials.If my hon. Friend has any such evidence it would be helpful if he would pass it on to the Senior Area Director for the West Midlands, who can then initiate appropriate action, including if necessary, prosecution.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many prosecutions have been brought under Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and the various subsections thereof, respectively, of the Health and Safety at Work Act; how many prosecutions have led to convictions; and what penalties have been imposed during each six month period during which the Act has been in force.

The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission has provided the information shown in the following table, which relates to prosecutions brought by the Health and Safety Executive only. Comparable information is not available on cases brought by local authorities or by bodies acting on an agency basis for the executive. No cases were brought in the periods in question under Sections 5 or 9.