asked the Minister for the Civil Service to what extent the hotel and other expenses of the delegates to the Commonwealth Conference will be met from public funds; and under what Vote.

The cost of hotel accommodation and transport for the head of each delegation attending the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, his wife if accompanying him, his Private Secretary, and the deputy leader of the delegation, together with the cost of official entertainment, will be met from the Government Hospitality Fund (Supply Estimates Class XIII 12).

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what are the numbers and ranks of civil servants whose service is available to the main Opposition party; and what is their cost in 1977 to public funds.

There are four civil servants employed in the Office of the Chief Whip of the main Opposition Party—three office assistants and one chief clerk/superintendent. The cost to public funds in 1977 is £27,017.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will estimate the percentage of each cash limit for pay and general administrative expenses that is pay alone; and whether he can give some breakdown of the general administrative expenses.

The percentages of the CSD controlled 1977–78 cash limits for pay and general administrative expenses that derive from the planned volume of expenditure on civil service pay alone are as follows:(PWLC1), the amounts of general administrative expenditure were too small to be separately identified.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the comparative energy efficiency per passenger kilometre of the private car, the bus, the aeroplane and the train at average load factors in 1969, 1974 and at the latest date for which figures are available.

General figures for comparative energy efficiencies are not available. Paper 2 of the Advisory Council on Energy Conservation, "Passenger Transport: short and medium-term considerations" (HMSO 1976), gives current estimates of energy efficiencies for particular examples of rail, bus and car operation in Table 7. Similar estimates for earlier years are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport why rates of vehicle excise duty for hackney carriages are not related to the unladen weight of the vehicle, as is the case for goods vehicles.

Because seating capacity has been considered the more appropriate basis of taxation on commercial passenger vehicles.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport why vehicle excise duty for taxis is less than that for private cars.

This has been customary since 1920.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the consumption of energy per tonne and passenger kilometre on British Railways in 1969, 1974 and at the latest date for which figures are available.

The figures requested are not available. Paper 2 of the Advisory Council on Energy Conservation, "Passenger transport, short and medium-term considerations" (HMSO 1976) gives current estimates for particular examples of passenger train operation, Similar estimates for earlier years are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will bring up to date the information provided in Tables I and J in Paper 4 of Volume 2 of the Transport Policy Consultation Document, adding the average weekly wage rates prevailing in the various countries at the dates cited.

The following information for 1976, except where stated, is the most up-to-date available for the countries concerned. The latest published comparisons of wage rates in these countries are given in the International Labour Office Year Book of Labour Statistics, 1976. I understand that a copy is available in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement giving the reasons for the decision to refund all fuel tax to stage service operations.

Fuel duty rebate is granted for stage service operations by virtue of Section 92(8) of the Finance Act 1965. These are essentially local services accounting for about 80 per cent. of all bus mileage. They are the most socially valuable services and those in the greatest need of support.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the table of taxation revenue and public road cost figures for 1977–78 for Great Britain, given in a Written Answer in the Official Report Vol. 930 No. 90, 22nd April 1977, columns 173 and 174, includes a deduction from revenue of 2·5p per gallon of fuel tax; and, if it is not included, if he will provide a revised estimate for 1977–78 of taxation revenue and public road costs to include the effect of such a deduction for the four main vehicle categories cited.

I see no grounds for such a deduction.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate for 1977–78 of taxation revenue and public road costs for vehicles in the 32-tons four axle vehicle articulated group; how many vehicles are now estimated to be in this group; and what is the average mileage for each vehicle in the group.

Figures for 1977–78 are being revised to take account of the latest available data. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, in view of the effect of inflation on public road costs, if he will consider at least an annual revision of taxation revenue and public road cost calculations.

I expect these figures to be recalculated annually.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will explain the need for the Road Research Laboratory to conduct a further study in Ethiopia on the characteristics of motor vehicles operating over unpaved roads and the estimated cost and time-scale of this proposed study.

I have been asked to reply.Research, funded by my Ministry, was carried out in Ethiopia by the Overseas Unit of the Transport and Road Research Laboratory as part of a larger international study to improve the quality of decisions on investment in transport in the developing countries. Further work in this field in Ethiopia is unlikely.The main aim of the study was to assemble the necessary data in mathematical terms so that the findings can be used universally by planning engineers to design roads, both paved and unpaved, which will reduce the total costs of operating vehicles on them. The study provided a method which will benefit British consultants in bidding for work overseas, and has been quite inadequately reported in the Press.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied with the way in which the resources of the National Land Fund are used to acquire works of art of outstanding national interest.

The National Land Fund is not strictly used to acquire works of art but to pay the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for the amount of estate duty or capital transfer tax satisfied by the acceptance of works of art and other property as well as to reimburse the Secretaries of State responsible for expenses incurred in the acquisition of historic buildings. I am satisfied with the present arrangements, but keep them under regular review.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of tax relief on ordinary mortgages in Scotland for each year from 1971–72 to 1976–77 expressed at 1976 survey prices.

The information is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the forecast of public sector costs is made which is finally incorporated in the cash limits for "pay and general administrative expenses".

Work was mainly completed during January and February of 1977.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate, on the basis of a 10 per cent. pay increase allowable under phase III, of the net percentage increase after tax for a single person and for a married man with two children of school age, earning (a) the current average industrial wage in the United Kingdom (b) £40 per week and (c) £100 per week.

Assuming full implementation of the Budget proposals and subsequent increases of 10 per cent. in gross earnings, the figures are as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of raising the exemption limit for VAT to £10,000, £15,000, and £20,000, respectively; and how many firms and persons could choose to be exempt at each level.

Estimates of the loss of revenue in a full year and the number of registered persons who would be relieved of the legal obligation to be registered are:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list in the Official Report the gross earnings of foreign currency by the United Kingdom in 1974, 1975 and 1976 in the following broad categories (a) export of manufactures, (b) export of food and agricultural products, (c) tourism, (d) banking and insurance and financial services, (e) shipping and (f) other sources not otherwise included;(2) if he will list in the

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in the Official Report the amount of tax relief made available to owner-occupiers in each year from 1966–67 to 1976–77; and what was the average annual amount per mortgagee.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 12th May 1977], gave the following answer:The information is as follows:

The information requested will be published in September in United Kingdom Balance of Payments 1966–76. Relevant information available at present is given in the table below:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing the number of those who, after receiving allowances, earn insufficient money to be taxable, on the nearest convenient date before the increase in allowances, in each of the last 10 years, and to include the present year.

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost in a full year of allowing retired single women the benefit of the age allowance between the ages of 60 to 64 years at the following rates: (a) £1,080, (b) £1,105 and (c) £1,210.

I will let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated cost in a full year of raising the age allowance for (a) a single person to £1,105 and £1,210 and (b) a married man to £1,760 and £1,905.

I will let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public funds have been made available to the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland for operational research, development and advisory work in the latest year for which figures are available.

Many of the staff employed on research and advisory work in Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland also have other departmental duties; hence public expenditure on this work can only be estimated. In 1975–76 the expenditure of public funds on experimental work at colleges and farms, applied research and general advisory work in agriculture, fisheries and forestry was approximately £4·7 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in order to ensure that reasonable standards are adhered to by builders of subsidy houses, if he will consider strengthening the rules applicable to a builder or architect responsible for the erection of owner-occupier houses and for the protection of purchasers.

The Housing (Owner Occupation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1973, the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 and the 10-year certificate issued by the National House Building Council (Northern Ireland) make provision for ensuring that subsidy houses are constructed to a proper standard. The Northern Ireland Department of the Environment is discussing with the Northern Ireland Committee of the National House Building Council what further measures may be necessary to give purchasers adequate protection against defects and builders who fail to deal adequately with purchasers' complaints.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the gross tonnage of the British merchant fleet in each year since 1960.

Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that sufficient effort is being made to publicise to visitors from overseas the attractions of areas outside London; and if he will summarise the various efforts that are being made in that direction.

At the request of the Government, the statutory tourist boards have increased the publicity and information services provided for tour operators overseas and for foreign visitors in order to promote tourist attractions outside London. BTA will spend about two-thirds of its 1977–78 advertising budget for the benefit of the regions, and in co-operation with national boards a substantial amount of foreign language literature with this aim is provided in BTA's overseas offices and at the main ports of entry. Some local authorities, including the right hon. Member's own council, co-operate with BTA in joint ventures to promote the attractions of their region, and I know that the BTA would welcome extension of this form of co-operative publicity. In considering allocation of their resources I hope that other local authorities will bear it in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the number of vessels and the overall tonnage of the British merchant marine in the years 1950, 1960, 1970 and 1976; and what

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what percentage of British export tonnage was carried in non-United Kingdom flag merchant ships in each year since 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish in the Official Report an international league table of the top 20 merchant fleets, by tonnage, for the years 1956, 1966 and 1976, respectively.

Following is the information:information he has on comparable figures for the Russian merchant marine.

Following is the information:

Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the penalty imposed on each of the 16 employers convicted of a total of 25 offences relating to the employment of children and young persons in 1976.

I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the penalties imposed were:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment which parts of the public sector are influenced in pay bargaining by the findings of the Pay Research Unit.

The findings of the Pay Research Unit are available only to the negotiators for the non-industrial Civil Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what powers industrial tribunals have to award costs in cases involving unfair dismissal; and in how many cases costs have been awarded to employees who have successfully defended unfair dismissal cases.

A tribunal can award costs against any party who, in the opinion of the tribunal, has acted frivolously or vexatiously. It can also award costs incurred as a result of an adjournment or postponement of a hearing. Information is not available about the number of cases in which costs have been awarded.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Advisory Committee on Asbestos has decided to hold any meetings in public.

The Advisory Committee on Asbestos has decided to invite some of those who have submitted written evidence to the committee to expand on it orally and to answer questions put to them by committee members. These meetings will be open to the public and will be held in the conference centre of the Institute of Marine Engineers, Mark Lane, London, E.C.3, on 27th, 28th and 29th June 1977 at 10.30 a.m. The written evidence on which the questioning will be based will be published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office on 25th May 1977.The following organisations have accepted the committee's invitation to attend:

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many prosecutions have been put in hand by his Department relating to breaches of the regulations governing prices during the last three years.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what, according to the latest monthly figures available, is the retail price index

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the CIA report on oil around the Falkland Islands.

The CIA report referred to recently in the Press, which has subsequently been made public, made no mention of oil around the Falkland Islands.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest estimate for the cost to public funds of the Commonwealth Conference, arranged under appropriate headings.

The latest estimate for the cost to public funds of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting is:

The retail price index for vegetables, which includes potatoes, was as follows for the dates requested.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish in the Official Report the policy of the EEC towards exports of sugar to third nations; and what statements have been made to this effect at the International Sugar Organisation in Geneva.

The EEC sugare régime provides for exports of Community-produced sugar to third countries to be controlled by a system of licensing supported by export restitutions or levies. When world market prices are lower than Community prices export refunds are paid. The refunds are intended to maintain the competitive position of EEC exporters on the world market. When world prices are significantly higher than those ruling in the Community or when available sugar supplies are insufficient to meet the needs of the Community, export levies may be imposed.At the UNCTAD conference in Geneva to negotiate a new International Sugar Agreement the Community has confirmed its support for a new agreement. The Community's position is that such an agreement should be based on the international co-ordination of nationally held stocks to stabilise world market prices within an agreed price range.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out in the Official Report a table showing (a) the difference between the United Kingdom market price and the support price, and (b) the difference between the United Kingdom price and the average world price of the following commodities: butter, cheese, skimmed milk powder, whole milk, beef, pork, pig-meat, poultry, eggs, wheat, barley rye, oats, maize, bilseed rape and sugar.

There is no satisfactory basis for identifying average world market prices for many commodities and there is no United Kingdom market price for pigmeat as such, but the most relevant

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the total sales from farms and total disposals, respectively, of potatoes in

Figures on the production and disposal of United Kingdom potatoes are:

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what where the estimated quantities harvested of each of the following vegetables in 1976 and in each of the preceding four years: (a) brussels sprouts, (b) cabbage, savoys, kale and winter cauliflower, (c)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisherie and Food what proposals he has to secure a further derogation from the proposed EEC swine fever regulations in the light of the current outbreak of that disease in Holland; and if he will make a statement.

The swine fever situation in Holland has improved. The last reported outbreak occurred on 18th April. Under our derogation, now extended until the end of 1977, we do not permit imports of live pigs and fresh pigmeat from Holland. We are playing a full part in preparing the Commission's proposals for the control and eradication of swine fever throughout the Community which are to include special safeguards for those member States like the United Kingdom which have achieved freedom from the disease.

Estimated quantities of vegetables are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the percentage increase in local overseas allowances for members of Her Majesty's Forces overseas in each year since 1974–75 to date; and how this compares with the allowances paid to diplomats and civil servants working overseas.

Even in one country, or region within a country, no realistic comparison is possible between the movement in the rates of local overseas allowance (LOA) and of foreign service allowance (FSA). Both supplement pay, with the object of enabling the recipient to maintain his United Kingdom living standard in the case of LOA, and a local standard in the case of FSA. Both are adjusted to allow for currency fluctuations; and, between the normal triennial reviews, FSA can also be adjusted to take account of such matters as significant movements in local living costs and the level of basic pay. There are more than 30 countries in which both allowances are payable, and the number of individual rates runs into thousands. It is not practicable to quote on overall percentage increase, but I have already undertaken to write to the hon. Member giving some examples of changes in individual rates.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list in the Official Report, in respect of each of the Services, the numbers of officers who have applied for premature voluntary retirement in each year since the inception of the scheme; and of those applications how many have been granted, refused or remain outstanding, respectively.

I am arranging for figures to be compiled, and will publish them in the Official Report as soon as they are available.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what progress he has made with the Post Office in introducing a scheme for an energy stamp which would be sold over the counter to assist payment of energy bills.

Discussions are continuing between the Post Office and the gas and electricity industries, and the Department of Energy is keeping in close touch with developments.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to explain more clearly the new rules to delay disconnection of electricity supplies to poor families.

The circumstances in which disconnection for debt will not occur are set out in the code of practice on the payment of gas and electricity bills published by the industries and available at their showrooms. Special steps are taken to inform those who may be at risk of disconnection. Staff in the industries' showrooms will willingly explain any point of difficulty which may be encountered by individual consumers.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what studies his Department has undertaken with aircraft manufacturers into the petrol and oil consumption of aircraft with a view to decreasing their rate of consumption.

None. However, the Department of Industry supports research in the aircraft industry aimed at improving the commercial attractiveness of civil aircraft and engines and having as one of its main objectives the reduced consumption of aviation fuel. Similarly a large proportion of the Ministry of Defence funding of research and exploratory development in the gas turbine field is pointed towards the reduction of fuel consumption of both civil and military aircraft.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what encouragement his Department gives to motor and truck manufacturers in the United Kingdom to reduce the petrol consumptions of their vehicles by increasing miles per gallon performance.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry has specific responsibility for the motor industry and his Department funds research and development into all aspects of engine design, including fuel economy. The Energy Act 1976, however, gave the power to my right hon. Friend to make orders requiring manufacturers to determine by standard tests the fuel consumption of new motor cars. Discussions are currently in progress with the car industry on the content of the order introducing the tests. The results of these tests will then be published for the benefit of the general public. In addition, a special Road Vehicle and Engine Design Working Group which was set up by the Advisory Council on Energy Conservation has recently published a paper to stimulate discussion on the subject. The Advisory Council itself will in due course form a view on the paper in the light of the comments and criticism received and the Government will naturally consider carefully any recommendations that the Council may make.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the cost of the "Save It" campaign; and what estimate he has made of the savings in energy resulting from it.

From its commencement in January 1975 up to the end of March 1977, £5·9 million was spent on the "Save It" campaign. On the basis of studies by the Department summarised in the report of the Working Party on Energy Elasticities (Energy Paper No. 17, published by HMSO), I estimate that conservation measures, including the effects of energy price increases and the "Save It" campaign, produced savings in 1975 of very approximately 6 per cent. of total primary energy consumption, although this estimate is subject to wide margins of possible error on both sides. It is not possible to isolate the proportion of savings achieved by the "Save It" campaign alone, although I have no doubt that the campaign has played a vital part.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he has taken to encourage the adequate insulation of domestic and commercial premises.

Encouragement of insulation in all sectors has been a main feature of the Department's "Save It" publicity campaign. In addition we have encouraged local authorities to make use of the job creation programme to insulate the roofs of their buildings. Insulation is also encouraged by other Departments; for instance a 100 per cent. first year tax allowance is given for insulation expenditure on existing industrial buildings. The requirements in the Building Regulations for thermal insulation of new dwellings were doubled in 1975. Consultations are now taking place on the best way of improving and extending insulation standards for new buildings in the non-domestic sector.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he will take to pursue a policy of incentive for home insulation.

A number of possible further initiatives for extending and reinforcing the Government's energy conservation campaign are being evaluated. Some help with home insulation costs is already available in the special circumstances described in paragraph 19 of the White Paper Energy Conservation (Cmnd. 6575). Energy costs remain a strong incentive for home insulation.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy, assuming that oil and natural gas should be available for use until the end of the century at least, what are the percentage-expected contributions of coal, nuclear energy and alternative sources to total energy consumption in the United Kingdom by 2000 AD, and for the breakdown of contributions likely to be made by alternative sources.

Estimates of the contributions of the various primary energy sources to the total energy consumption in 2000 AD are given in the Department of Energy's Energy Policy Review, a copy of which is available in the Library. This paper also indicates the possible future rôle of renewable energy sources.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what oil stocking obligations he is now imposing on the United Kingdom oil companies, following the coming into effect of the Energy Act 1976.

My right hon. Friend has reviewed the current United Kingdom oil stocking policy in the light of his new powers under the Energy Act, our international commitments and our increasing production of North Sea crude oil. My right hon. Friend proposes to issue new oil stocking directions which will reduce the stocking requirement for the United Kingdom oil refining companies from the equivalent of 85 days' consumption to 75 days. Following previously established guidelines, the stocking requirement for those non-refiners which are subject to a direction will be increased from 55 days' to 60 days' consumption. These directions are within the current IEA and EEC limits on the extent to which stocking obligations can be reduced as indigenous supplies increase, but they should give support to the balance of payments and increase operational flexibilities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to amend Section 157 of the Local Government Act 1972 so as to make district auditors accountable through him to Parliament.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if spotted cat skins imported from Switzerland under licences issued under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 are required to have certificates of origin issued by the Swiss Government.

In accordance with the requirements of the Washington Convention, licences to import spotted cat skins from Switzerland are only valid provided that they are accompanied by an export permit or re-export certificate issued by the Swiss Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many housing action areas have been declared in England and Wales, and the West Midlands; and which authorities in the West Midlands have not yet declared housing action areas.

Up to 31st April 1977, 213 housing action areas had been declared in England and Wales. Of these, 33 are in the West Midlands county area. Three metropolitan districts in this area have not yet declared theirs. These are Dudley, Solihull and Walsall.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is proposing to give advice to Association foot-ball clubs to prevent the selling of admission tickets to banned individuals who are buying tickets from those who acquire tickets from, or on whose behalf they were acquired, from the home club.

The football authorities have recommended, with my full support, that, until further notice, terrace tickets for Chelsea and Manchester United Football Clubs' away matches should be sold only to supporters of the home teams. I am very much aware of the problems of enforcement, and my Working Party on Crowd Behaviour will be considering these problems further at its next meeting.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many office buildings are at present being constructed by the Property Services Agency: and if he will list them and indicate their estimated cost.

29. The list is as follows

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will arrange for a plaque to be set in the floor of Westminster Hall recording the visit of Her Majesty on the occasion of receiving Loyal Addresses from Parliament

I am arranging to do so in consultation with the Lord Great Chamberlain and the Speakers of both Houses.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the General Secretary of the Union of Construction and Allied Trades Technicians remains a member of the Construction Industry Liaison Group; and, if not, what was the reason for his resignation.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received a copy of the report of the Society of County Treasurers entitled "Smallholdings Statistics 1974–75"

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made at the latest available date of the number of citizens of the Irish Republic residing in the United Kingdom.

According to the most recent figures, from the censuses conducted in 1971, about 755,600 people born in the Irish Republic were then residing in the United Kingdom. Most were citizens of the Republic; some will also have been citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies by descent or registration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many attacks have been made by prisoners on prison officers in the last two years; how many prosecutions have resulted therefrom; and what additional sentences have been passed.