Written Answers To Questions
Thursday 15th June 1978
Northern Ireland
Security
10.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about law and order in the Province.
22.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on security.
28.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement about the security situation.
Terrorist incidents have been at a relatively low level in recent weeks, although the bombing of commercial targets and murder attempts on members of the security forces by the Provisional IRA have continued. Fortunately, there were no security force fatalities, but three civilians, two of whom have been claimed by the PIRA as members, have lost their lives since I last addressed the House.Security force operations continue to counter all aspects of the terrorist threat. So far this year, 439 people have been charged with serious terrorist offences, including 41 with murder and 49 with attempted murder.
Political Situation
11.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his present assessment of the political situation in the Province.
15.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has for further consultations with the various political groups in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
There has been no significant change in the political situation in the Province since I last reported to the House. As I have said on previous occasions, progress depends on the willingness of the parties in Northern Ireland to make it. I have maintained informal contact with the leaders of the two largest parties. They are well aware that I am ready at any time to discuss with them ways in which responsibility for a wide range of functions and services in Northern Ireland can be given to elected representatives of a new devolved authority. But this must be on a basis acceptable to both sides of the community in Northern Ireland.
Prisoners (Dress And Hygiene)
12.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of convicted persons in prison in Northern Ireland who currently refuse to accept regulations concerning dress and hygiene.
Today 371 prisoners in Maze, and six in Belfast, are refusing to wear prison clothes or to work; 316 of the 371 are also refusing to wash, clean their cells, use the toilets or slop out.
Terrorist Activities
13.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many deaths, injuries, shootings and explosions because of terrorist activity occurred in the first five months of 1978 in comparison with the first five months of 1977.
In the first five months of 1978, 36 people died and 309 were injured as a result of terrorist violence. The comparable figures for the same period in 1977 were 70 deaths and 824 injuries. The number of shooting incidents was 356 as compared with 580, and bomb explosions numbered 166 as compared with 192.
Home Heating Costs (Government Aid)
14.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what help is given to the poorest people in Northern Ireland to meet the high cost of heating their homes.
The Supplementary Benefits Commission may award extra heating additions and lump-sum payments to supplementary beneficiaries whose fuel needs are greater than normal. At present, about 52,000 beneficiaries receive these additions, broadly ranging from 80p to £2·40p per week, and this range will be increased from November 1978. Some 17,000 lump-sum payments were also awarded in 1977. In addition, the Government's fuel discount scheme provided for the cash payment of £5 to the recipients of supplementary benefit or family income supplement in the week commencing 16th January 1978—about 124,000 in total. The scheme also provided a discount of 40 per cent. on electricity and gas bills for the last winter quarter.
Ruc And Gardai (Co-Operation)
16.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the recent meeting between the Royal Ulster Constabulary Chief Constable and the Gardai Commissioner.
Sir Kenneth Newman, the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, met the Garda Commissioner, Mr. McLoughlin, in Dublin on 22nd May. A most useful discussion took place on matters of common interest in the constantly developing co-operation between the two police forces, and it is hoped to hold similar meetings at regular intervals either in Belfast or Dublin.
Secondary Education
17.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement about the Government's policy for the future of secondary education in the Province.
There has been no change in the Government's policy on the future of secondary education in Northern Ireland as announced in the statement made by my noble Friend Lord Melchett on 15th June 1977, namely, that selection at 11-plus should be eliminated through a restructuring of the education system.
24.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the new selection procedure for secondary education in Northern Ireland.
The first year of operation of the interim procedure for transfer from primary to secondary education has just been completed and is now being reviewed by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland, in consultation with all those concerned.
Housing Executive
18.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied with the workings of the Housing Executive.
I have been discussing with the board of the Housing Executive what measures can be taken to restructure the organisation to increase its effectiveness in tackling Northern Ireland's housing problems.
Prisoners (Special Category Status)
19.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on progress in phasing out special category status in Her Majesty's prisons in Northern Ireland.
The rundown in the number of special category prisoners continues. At the end of February 1976, there were 1,535 such prisoners, including 60 women; now there are 708, including 13 women. The policy of phasing out special category is working. The Government will not be deflected from this policy, and I trust that the House will give its firm backing to Her Majesty's Government on this important and vital issue.
Brian Maguire
20.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the circumstances of the death of Mr. Brian Maguire while in custody at Castlereagh Police Station on 10th May 1978.
27.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement following the inquiries into the death of Mr. Brian Maguire while in custody in Castlereagh Police Station on 10th May 1978.
I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave earlier today to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Miss Maynard).
23.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations have been made to him regarding an inquiry into the death of Brian Maguire.
I have received a small number of representations. As indicated in the answer I gave earlier today to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Miss Maynard), the report of the police inquiry is being forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and a public inquest will be held shortly.
Gaelic Athletic Association
21.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received on his renewal of grants to the Gaelic Athletic Association which discriminates against members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Her Majesty's Forces.
Since I told the House on 20th April that grants to the Gaelic Athletic Association were to be resumed, representations have been received from two persons with addresses in Northern Ireland. In addition, three hon. Members have forwarded representations from constituents living in Great Britain.
Squatters
25.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the existing provisions for the prosecution of squatters in Northern Ireland.
Yes. Under Section 1 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 1946, it is an offence for any person wilfully to enter upon any premises with intent wrongfully to take possession of or use such premises. This provision enables an owner to bring proceedings against squatters and subsequently to obtain from the court a warrant for possession of the property.
Majority Rule
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if British policy for a future form of government in Northern Ireland is based on majority rule.
The Government's policy is to work towards the establishment in Northern Ireland of a system of devolved government in which the elected repre- sentatives of both parts of the community can participate on a fair basis in a way which will be acceptable to a majority in both parts. We are not committed to any particular form of government—this is a matter for discussion—but we do not believe that a simple majority rule system would meet the criteria I have set out.
Housing (Public Sector)
29.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to improve the quality of housing in the public sector in North Belfast.
A substantial programme of redevelopment, rehabilitation and repair has been planned for North Belfast by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Department of Environment for Northern Ireland which will improve the quality of public sector housing there.
Home Department
Animals (Experiments)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many laboratory animals were used to test pesticides during 1976 and 1977.
The information requested is not available for 1976. Some information for 1977 on experiments concerned with pesticides will become available later in the year, and I shall then write to my hon. Friend.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any cats or dogs were used in psychology experiments performed under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1976 during 1975, 1976 and 1977.
The information requested is not available for 1975 or 1976. Some information for 1977 on animals used in experiments involving the induction of psychological stress will become available later in the year, and I shall then write to my hon. Friend.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any laboratory animals were fed with weedkiller during 1975, 1976 and 1977 to the latest available date; and, if so, what species were used in these experiments.
Yes, but such experiments were not identified in the statistics for 1975 and 1976. Statistics for 1977 of experiments for the testing of herbicides or substances modifying plant growth will become available later in the year, and I shall then write to my hon. Friend.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many experiments on living animals were performed by commercial organisations for toxicity testing during 1975, 1976 and 1977, respectively.
This information is not available for 1975 and 1976. The information for 1977 will become available later in the year, and I shall then write to my hon. Friend.
Police (Vehicle Purchases)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his
| 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 (1st January 1978-31st May 1978) | ||||
| Foreign cars | … | … | … | 40 | 47 | 21 | 22 |
| Foreign motor cycles | … | … | … | 232 | 429 | 587 | 113 |
Television Licences
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total income from television licences for the latest 12-month period for which figures are available.
The estimated total revenue from television licence fees for 1977–78 is £287 million.
Public Bodies (Expenditure)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost of running the Equal Opportunities Commission including all main constituent costs of any sort whatsoever, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating, light-
Department last issued guidance to police authorities in England and Wales on the purchase of foreign-manufactured motor vehicles; and what form that guidance took.
On 25th June 1975, when Home Office Circular No. 107/1975, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, offered the advice described in my reply to a Question by the hon. Member on 21st February.—[Vol. 944, c. 581.]
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many purchases of foreign-manufactured motor vehicles have been notified to him by police authorities in England and Wales in the first five months of 1978; and how the figure compares with each of the last three years.
The figures are as follows:ing, and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.
The figures are as follows:
| 1977–78 | 1978–79 |
| £1,460,700 | £1,996,000 (estimated) |
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost of running the Horserace Betting Levy Board including all main constituent costs of any sort whatsoever, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating, lighting and maintenance in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.
The board is financed by contributions collected from bookmakers and the Horserace Totalisator Board. Its total outlay in 1976–77, including loans and advances, was £9,389,758. I understand that the corresponding figure for 1978–79 is estimated at £15·2 million.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost of running the Horse-race Totalisator Board including all main constituent costs of any sort whatsoever, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating, lighting and maintenance in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.
In 1976–77, the operating expenses of the Horserace Totalisator Board were £6,970,713–14·3 per cent. of turnover. I understand that the operating expenses in 1978–79 are estimated at £9·1 million—12·1 per cent. of turnover. These expenses are met from the proceeds of the board's betting business.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost of running the Gaming Board of Great Britain including all main constituent costs of any sort whatsoever, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating, lighting and maintenance in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.
The figures are as follows:
| 1977–78 | 1978–79 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Immigration Appeals Tribunal | … | 1,013,140* | 1,047,861† |
| United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service (Grant-in-aid) | … | 270,000 | 273,000† |
| * Provisional. | |||
| † Estimated. | |||
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost of running the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, including all main constituent costs of any sort whatsoever, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating, lighting and maintenance in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.
The figures are as follows:
| 1977–78 | … | £2,500,000 (estimated) |
| 1978–79 | … | £2,600,000 (estimated) |
| 1977–78 | … | £775,404 (provisional) |
| 1978–79 | … | £821,981 (estimated) |
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost of running the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board including all main constituent costs of any sort whatsoever, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating, lighting and maintenance in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.
The figures are as follows:
| 1977–78 | … | £ 11,700,000 |
| 1978–79 | … | £14,014,000 (estimated) |
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost of running the immigration appellate authorities including all main constituent costs of any sort whatsoever, such as expenditure on their own programmes, wages, rent, heating, lighting and maintenance in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.
The figures are as follows:
Vagrants
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people, being suspected of an arrestable offence under Section 4 of the Vagrants Act 1824, were arrested in the whole of the London Metropolitan Police area and in the "Y" Division of that area during the last 12 months as compared with the previous 12 months; how many of those so arrested were later charged and how many were convicted; and if these figures can be broken down by ethnic origin.
Information about arrests and the ethnic origin of persons proceeding against is not collected centrally. The Metropolitan Police record the ethnic appearance of arrested persons
| PERSONS ARRESTED FOR FREQUENTING WITH INTENT TO COMMIT AN ARRESTABLE OFFENCE IN 'Y' DIVISION AND IN THE WHOLE OF THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DISTRICT—BY ETHNIC APPEARANCE | ||||
| Number of persons | ||||
| 'Y' Division | Metropolitan Police District | |||
| Ethnic appearance | 1976 | 1977 | 1976 | 1977 |
| White-skinned European | 41 | 24 | 1,098 | 1,197 |
| Dark-skinned European | 1 | 2 | 60 | 48 |
| Black-skinned (including West Indian/African) | 18 | 23 | 887 | 1,042 |
| Indian/Pakistani | 1 | — | 37 | 45 |
| Chinese/Japanese | — | — | 4 | 5 |
| Arabian/Egyptian | — | — | 24 | 27 |
| Not known | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 61 | 49 | 2,112 | 2,366 |
Borstal Training
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people sentenced to borstal training over the last period of 12 months for which figures are available had (a) attended again whilst on licence or (b) had otherwise already served a borstal sentence.
The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The latest available information is given in Chapter 3 of "Report on the Work of the Prison Department 1976: Statistical Tables", Cmnd 6884. Paragraph 8 gives information on the number who were recalled or returned to borstal in 1976, and table 3.4 gives information on the previous history of those received into borstal in 1976.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were sentenced to borstal training over the last period of 12 months for which figures are available; and what was the average length of time served.
Information on those received into custody in 1976 sentenced to borstal training is given in Chapter 3 of "Report on the Work of the Prison Department, 1976: Statistical Tables", Cmnd 6884. The distribution of the length of time spent in custody after
and I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the available information is as follows:
sentence by those discharged from borstals during 1976 is given in Table 3( b) the average time was nine months.
Detention Centres And Borstal Institutions
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many committed persons are currently detained in (a) detention centres and (b) borstal institutions;(2) what is the average length of time currently being served by inmates of (
a) detention centres and ( b) borstal institutions.
On 30th April 1977, there were 2,021 people in detention centres and 5,603 in borstals. A sentence of borstal training is not of specific length, so the table below covers only the sentences being served by those in detention centres; because of the form of the variation in the lengths of sentence, the distribution is given instead of the average.
| Persons in detention centres on 30th April 1978 by sentence length | |
| Sentence length | Number |
| Up to and including 3 months | 1,507 |
| Over 3 up to and including 4 months | 17 |
| Over 4 up to and including 6 months | 493 |
| Over 6 months | 4 |
| Total | 2,021 |
European Parliament (Direct Elections)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he has had with the BBC and IBA concerning television and radio coverage of the direct elections to the European Parliament with special reference to the Representation of the People Act; and if he will make a statement.
Officials of my Department have had informal talks with representatives of the broadcasting organisations and of the European Broadcasting Union about arrangements for the coverage of the count and the declaration of results at next year's elections to the European Assembly. The arrangements for reporting the election campaign are for the broadcasting authorities themselves to determine, as is the case with domestic elections and all other events of current interest. The Government propose that the present restrictions under the Representation of the People Acts governing broadcasts involving parliamentary candidates should be applied, by regulation under the European Assembly Elections Act 1978, to European Assembly elections.
Hospital Premises (Offences)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of cases known to the police in each of the last five years, involving violence against the person, theft, burglary, and criminal damage, respectively, that have taken place in England and Wales on hospital premises.
The statistics requested are not collected centrally.
Detention Centres
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were sentenced to detention centres over the last period of 12 months for which the figures are available; how many were sentenced to three months and how many to six months; how many received remission in each of these categories; and for how long.
Information on the length of sentence of those received into detention centres during 1976 is given in Table 3.3 of the "Report on the Work of the Prison Department, 1976: Statistical Tables", Cmnd. 6884. Of the 1,526 sentenced to over three months, 1,470 were sentenced to six months. Estimates of the amount of remission received by those sentenced to three months or six months who completed their sentence are shown in the following table.
| Percentage | ||
| Sentence length | ||
| Time remitted | 3 months | 6 months |
| None | — | — |
| Up to and including 2 weeks | — | — |
| Over 2 up to and including 4 weeks | 7 | 2 |
| Over 4 up to and including 6 weeks | 41 | 5 |
| Over 6 up to and including 8 weeks | 51 | 14 |
| Over 8 up to and including 10 weeks | — | 71 |
| Over 10 weeks | — | 8 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Cornwall (St Piran's Flag)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many communications he has received about the flying of St. Piran's flag on Cornish public buildings on 5th March; and if he will make a statement.
I have received 10 such communications, four of these being against the proposal. I do not feel able to recommend that this flag should be included among those to be flown on public buildings.
Devolution (Referenda)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take in the event of district councils in Scotland or Wales refusing to undertake the proposed referenda on devolution because of their objection to the 40 per cent. regulation.
I have been asked to reply.I cannot conceive that there will be any failure to observe what would be a statutory duty.
Overseas Visits (Records)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether individual records are kept from out-of-date passports of visits overseas; if so, what is the purpose of such records; and who has access to them.
Details of periods spent outside the United Kingdom by those subject to immigration control may sometimes be noted on individual case files where relevant to a person's immigration status. Such records are available for official purposes only, although information from them would normally be given on request to the person to whom the record relates.
Prime Minister (Engagements)
Q5.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q6.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 15th June.
Q7.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his engagements for 15th June.
Q9.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q16.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his public engagements for 15th June.
Q18.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q19.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q20.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q21.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q22.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q24.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 15th June.
Q26.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q27.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 15th June.
Q28.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 15th June.
Q31.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q33.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 15th June.
Q34.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will state his official engagements for 15th June.
Q37.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q38.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 15th June.
Q39.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 15th June.
Q40.
asked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 15th June.
I refer the hon. Members and my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan).
Newham
Q8.
asked the Prime Minister if he intends to pay an official visit to Newham.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Waltham Abbey
Q10.
asked the Prime Minister if he will make an official visit to Waltham Abbey.
I have at present no plans to do so.
President Ceausescu
Q11.
asked the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the President of Romania.
I had two sessions of talks with President Ceausescu yesterday. The discussion covered a wide range of international questions and also bilateral matters including in particular economic and commercial relations between Britain and Romania. A Joint Statement on the talks will be issued later today and I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Library.
Tuc
Q12.
asked the Prime Minister when he last met the Trades Union Congress.
Q14.
asked the Prime Minister when he last met the Trades Union Congress.
Q15.
asked the Prime Minister when he last met the Trades Union Congress.
Q23
asked the Prime Minister when he last met the Trades Union Congress.
Q25.
asked the Prime Minister when he last met the Trades Union Congress.
Q30.
asked the Prime Minister when he last met the Trades Union Congress.
I refer my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East (Mr. Thomas).
Farington
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister if he has any plans to visit Farington.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Economic Growth
Q17.
asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the record of international conferences so far in 1978 in implementing his five-point programme for accelerating the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development economic growth.
There is, I believe, now a greater understanding of the issues and an increasing willingness to consider further measures on growth, currency stability and the other areas where I have suggested that there is a need for concerted international action. I am confident that this will provide the foundation for further progress in the approach to the Bonn Summit in July, and beyond.
European Community Heads Of Government
Q29.
asked the Prime Minister when he last met EEC Heads of Government.
At the meeting of the European Council on 6th and 7th April. I also met the Heads of some of the Community Governments at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Washington on 30th and 31st May.
Cbi
Q32.
asked the Prime Minister when he next expects to meet the Confederation of British Industry.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Thornaby (Mr. Wrigglesworth) on 13th June.
West Gloucestershire
Q35.
asked the Prime Minister if he will visit West Gloucestershire.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Nationalisation
Q36.
asked the Prime Minister, pursuant to his statement that nationalisation is never off the agenda, Official Report, 9th February, column 1663, which nationalisation proposals on his agenda are held back by his lack of a parliamentary majority.
I refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave to the right hon. Lady the Leader of the Opposition on Tuesday 6th June.
Archaeological Finds
asked the Prime Minister if he has received any representations from the public and from interested bodies on the need for greater co-ordination and liaison between the Department of the Environment and the Department of Education and Science in order to aid conservation in museums of archaeological findings.
My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Education and Science are aware of the concern of members of the public and interested bodies about the problems involved in the conservation of archaeological findings in museums and keep in close contact on the matter.
Moneys Lodged In Court (Interest)
asked the Attorney-General what rate of interest is currently available on clients' money deposited by the Supreme Court and the Law Society, respectively.
In general, cash lodged into court is placed on deposit at 5 per cent. per annum. An exception is money lodged "in satisfaction", which does not attract interest for the first 21 days but may, after the 21 days for acceptance have elapsed, be invested on application in a short-term investment account at 10 per cent. per annum. Clients' money deposited by the Law Society is generally placed in a deposit account in the client's name, currently attracting 6½ per cent. per annum for sums up to £25,000 and 7½ per cent. per annum for sums in excess of that.
Employment (Breach Of Contract Claims)
asked the Attorney-General how long the Lord Chancellor has had under consideration the question of exercising his power under Section 109 of the Employment Protection Act 1975 to make an order giving industrial tribunals jurisdiction to hear claims for breach of contract related to employment; and when he expects that consideration thereof will be completed.
My noble and learned Friend has had the question of making an order under Section 109 of the Employment Protection Act 1975 under consideration for some months. Discussions on this matter are continuing, and it is not yet possible for him to say when consideration of this question will be completed.
Scotland And Wales Bills (Referendums)
asked the Lord President of the Council (1) what steps he is taking in relation to the proposed referenda in Scotland and Wales to identify voters who have been incorrectly registered more than once at the same address, in order to ensure that the 40 per cent. rule does not take such multiple entries into consideration;(2) what proportion of the total register of electors he will regard as being equivalent to 40 per cent. of those entitled to vote in the referenda in Wales and Scotland.
All aspects of this matter continue to receive careful attention.
Trade
Tourism (Foreign Currency Receipts)
30.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what proportion of the increase in foreign currency receipts from tourism in 1977 he estimates to be attributable to the Royal Silver Jubilee year.
It is not possible to estimate the effect of the Royal Silver Jubilee on foreign currency receipts from tourism, though the table below shows a very big increase throughout the period
| Earnings £m. | Percentage increase on previous year | Numbers (000) | Percentage increase on previous year | |||
| 1976— | ||||||
| First quarter | … | … | 211 | 22 | 1,472 | — |
| Second quarter | … | … | 351 | 44 | 2,399 | 14 |
| Third quarter | … | … | 656 | 45 | 3,974 | 13 |
| Fourth quarter | … | … | 415 | 63 | 2,227 | 28 |
| Year 45 | Year 14 | |||||
| 1977— | ||||||
| First quarter | … | … | 332 | 57 | 1,867 | 27 |
| Second quarter | … | … | 496 | 41 | 2,909 | 21 |
| Third quarter | … | … | 850 | 30 | 4,477 | 13 |
| Fourth quarter | … | … | 501 | 21 | 2,237 | |
| Year 34 | Year 14 |
Heathrow Airport (Security)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that lapses in security at Heathrow Airport, such as those which arose recently from pressure of numbers of travellers, will not recur.
I am not aware of any lapses in security at Heathrow aris
| SITC(R) sub-group/item | Description | Value (£'000 f.o.b.) | ||
| 712.50 | … | … | Tractors, other than road tractors for tractor-trailer combinations | 2,080 |
| 718.42 | … | … | Excavating, levelling, boring, etc., machinery | 1,600 |
| 718.39 | … | … | Food processing machines (excluding domestic) other than for milling grain or for the working of cereals or dried leguminous vegetables | 1,587 |
| 112.40 | … | … | Distilled alcoholic beverages | 1,557 |
| 122.20 | … | … | Cigarettes | 1,547 |
| 581.20 | … | … | Polymerisation and copolymerisation products (e.g., polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride) | 1,073 |
| 531.01 | … | … | Synthetic organic dyestuffs and natural indigo | 882 |
| 719.64 | … | … | Spraying machinery | 839 |
| 719.23 | … | … | Centrifuges (other than cream separators) and filtering and purifying machinery for liquids and gases | 601 |
| 695.10 | … | … | Hand tools of a kind mainly used in agriculture or forestry | 515 |
| Other goods | 12,892 | |||
| Total Exports | 25,173 |
Oil Tankers (Pollution)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade, in view of the potential
from the second quarter of 1976 to the third quarter of 1977.
ing from pressure of numbers of travellers. I have, however, given firm instructions that my Department's advice on searching of passengers and their hand baggage admits of no execptions.
Ivory Coast
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list the principal exports from the United Kingdom to the Ivory Coast.
The following table gives details of those categories of goods where United Kingdom exports to the Ivory Coast in 1977 amounted to over £500,000. These accounted for about one half of our total exports to the Ivory Coast.dangers to the South-West of England and its coastline from oil pollution what positive steps he will now take to reduce the risk of coastal pollution from oil tankers passing through the South-Western Approaches.
In consultation with the French Government and our own shipping interests, we are urgently reviewing measures to promote the safety of navigation in the South-Western Approaches with a view to submitting proposals to the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation at the end of July. The contingency plans for dealing with pollution threatening our coasts are also under review.
Cheddar Cheese
asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many tons of English Cheddar cheese have been exported from the United Kingdom since 1st January 1978; and to which countries.
Separate figures in respect of English Cheddar cheese are not available. Following are the details of Cheddar cheese exported from the United Kingdom in the period January—April 1978:
| Tonnes | |
| Total | 1,800 |
| of which exported to: | |
| Netherlands | 574 |
| Irish Republic | 309 |
| Belgium-Luxembourg | 167 |
| Federal Republic of Germany | 161 |
| France | 133 |
| Denmark | 113 |
| Saudi Arabia | 64 |
| Portugal | 59 |
| Gibraltar | 29 |
| Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent | 22 |
| United States of America | 18 |
| Bahamas | 13 |
| Australia | 13 |
| Nigeria | 13 |
| Iran | 11 |
| St. Helena | 10 |
| Other countries (33 in all) | 89 |
Japanese Electrical Goods
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of his measures to abate the inflow of Japanese electrical goods into the United Kingdom; and if he has any plans for securing the further reduction of such imports.
The British industry, with my support, has held discussions with the Japanese industry about electrical pro- ducts such as televisions and music-centres and is meeting the Japanese industry again later this month. I have at present no plans for further action.
Energy
Oil Exploitation (Dorset And Hampshire)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what opportunities he will make available to the general public to be consulted and informed about the implications for South-East Dorset and South-West Hampshire, of the exploitation of oil resources in the region; and if he will ensure that no decisions to exploit these resources are taken prior to full public discussion.
The award of all landward petroleum licences, including those for areas in South-East Dorset and South-West Hampshire, is publicised in the official Gazettes. Any facilities necessary for the purpose of exploiting reserves of oil which may be found are subject to normal planning permission; the procedure for dealing with planning applications provides the opportunity for local interests to be informed about the proposed works and to make their views known to the planning authority.
Coal Mining (Subsidence)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will consider seeking to amend the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1957 to ensure that an independent surveyor, agreed to by the National Coal Board and householder, shall be appointed to assess damage in cases of claims of subsidence.
Any claimant who wishes to employ an independent surveyor to pursue his claim against the National Coal Board may do so. If an independent surveyor is employed the Board will contribute towards his professional fees under the terms of a recent agreement between the Board and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which was published on 1st May. I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend and arranging for copies to be placed in the Library of the House. For minor damage not exceeding £250, no fee contribution will as a general rule be paid as agreement can usually be reached between the Board's representatives and the claimant.
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will consider seeking to amend the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1957 to provide that the National Coal Board shall pay any difference between the price paid for a house damaged by subsidence and the price that would have obtained in the absence of subsidence.
The National Coal Board's voluntary code of practice makes provision for situations of this kind. Where personal hardships would otherwise be caused the Board will consider buying at its full undamaged value a damaged house which the owner is obliged to sell because, for example, he is moving to a new job in another district and cannot find a buyer because the house is damaged or is likely to be damaged in the near future by mining subsidence. Alternatively, if a buyer can be found, but only at a reduced price by reason of the damage, the Board will consider making up the difference between the undamaged value and the reduced selling price. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Board publication "Compensation for Mining Subsidence Damage" which sets out the code of practice and arranging for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.
Gas Prices
asked the Secretary of State for Energy how the price of gas has varied over the last 10 years in relation to retirement pensions.
The relationship depends to some extent on the gas region involved, and on the volume of consumption. However, at the dates specified in the table below, the price of 500 therms a year—approximately the present average domestic consumption—on the most favourable tariff then available represented the following percentages of the annual rate of retirement pension in force at the time.
| RANGE OF REGIONAL PRICES | |||
| As percentage of single person's retirement pension | As percentage of married couple's retirement pension | ||
| At 1st July 1968 | … | 18–25 | 11–16 |
| At 1st July 1971 | … | 17–23 | 10–14 |
| At 1st July 1974 | … | 12–16 | 8–10 |
| At 1st July 1977 | … | 11–13 | 7–8 |
| At 1st July 1978 | … | 10–11 | 6–7 |
Industry
Overseas Investment
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what studies his Department is carrying out of investment by British companies overseas.
The Department has completed a pilot study which has indicated that a full research project aimed at obtaining more information on the reasons for investing overseas will need particularly careful design and management. On the basis of this preliminary work, the Department hopes to proceed with the full project as soon as possible.
Footwear Industry
asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many firms in Norwich have asked for Government assistance under the footwear assistance scheme.
Five formal applications and a further four firm inquiries have been received to date from footwear and footwear component manufacturers in the Norwich area.
Woollen Industry
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has made to the Council of Ministers of the EEC about the unfair competition faced by the British woollen industry from woollen industries in other EEC countries which have lower water and effluent disposal charges than Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.
No representations have yet been made to the EEC Council of Ministers about the disparities between member States in charges for water and trade effluent disposal which are faced by the wool industry. The Departments of the Environment and Industry are currently examining the recently submitted report of the joint Yorkshire Water Authority/Wool Textile Delegation Working Party, which was set up to examine this problem and the effects of these charges on the competitiveness of the United Kingdom wool industry. It is our intention to come to decisions on the various recommendations of the report as quickly as possible.
Todmorden
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has approved provision by the Development Commission of small industrial units at Todmorden, supplementing his Department's advance factory programme in the area.
I have informed the chairman of the Development Commission that I would have no objection to financial assistance being given from the development fund for seven 900 sq. ft. factories to be built by the Calderdale District Council at Todmorden.
Product And Process Development Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the regional breakdown of the product and process development scheme in members and financial assistance.
The following schedule gives a breakdown of the total number of offers made and the potential financial assistance which they represent at 31st May 1978:
| Region | Offer made | Potential financial contribution £(000s) |
| London and South East | 10 | 961·6 |
| West Midlands | 2 | 34·3 |
| Northern | 4 | 177·8 |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | 3 | 188·5 |
| East Midlands | 2 | 64·8 |
| South West | 2 | 70·4 |
| North West | 1 | 40·4 |
| Eastern | 2 | 76·7 |
| Scotland | 1 | 20·0 |
| London and South East/North West Collaborative | 1 | 36·0 |
| Total | 28 | 1,670·5 |
asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many grants have been made under the product and process development scheme instituted by his Department in July 1977.
At 31st May 1978 a total of 43 projects had been approved and 28 offers of grant already made to companies under the product and process development scheme which represented potential financial assistance to industry of £2·5 million and £1·7 million respectively.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is satisfied that the product and process development scheme instituted by his Department is working satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement.
The product and process development scheme was announced less than a year ago. As with all projects of this nature, there was an initial familiarisation period during which some delays inevitably occurred. The position is now much improved, but nevertheless my Department is continuing to keep a close watch on its progress.
Cadbury Schweppes Ltd
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, pursuant to his reply of 22nd March 1978, to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr, he will seek the approval of Cadbury Schweppes Limited to publish the information in his answer on a plant-by-plant basis.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 15th May 1978; Vol. 950, c. 2], gave the following information:I have consulted Cadbury Schweppes Limited, which is not prepared to release figures on a plant-by-plant basis since such information could be provided only after a great deal of effort, and would not be useful.
Prices And Consumer Protection
Architects' Services
asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he is now in a position to make a statement on the Government's response to the recommendations of the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on architects' services; and if he envisages any consequent amendment to the Architects Registration Act 1938.
My right hon. Friend announced when the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the supply of architects' services with reference to scale fees was published in November 1977 that he agreed with the Commission's conclusions that the architects' monopoly in relation to scale fees operated against the public interest in a number of specified respects. Since then the Director General of Fair Trading has been holding discussions with the professional bodies about the action that should be taken and the amendments that might be necessary to their rules. As I told the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Hicks) on 6th June [Vol. 951, c. 42–3], I will be making a statement in due course. It is unlikely that amendments to the architects registration Acts will be necessary.
Environment
Planning Inquiries (Disruption)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to prevent irresponsible minorities from disrupting public inquiries on planning matters.
The problems encountered at some highway inquiries were amongst the matters dealt with in the recent White Paper "The Review of Highway Inquiry Procedures" (Cmnd. 7133), about which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport made a statement to the House on 4th April.—[Vol. 947; c. 239.]I have no evidence that there is a significant problem with planning inquiries.
Fire Research Station
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what cuts have been made and are intended at the Fire Research Station.
The staff ceiling at this station in April 1976 was 159, of whom 20 were engaged on routine fire testing. The latter is now done by the fire insurance industry, and the present staff ceiling is 140, of whom 138 are in post. No further staff cuts are planned. Fire research has very high priority, so no projects have been cut out and no such cuts are intended.
Building Industry
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the building industry regarding increased public investment in that industry; and whether he will make a statement.
My right hon. Friends and I meet representatives of the construction industry regularly to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the level of public sector demand. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be meeting leaders of eight of the industry's representative organisations next month.
Cheshire (Sector Schemes)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what effect he estimates the reduction in loan allocations for locally-determined non-key sector schemes in Cheshire will have on the financing of industrial estates by district councils;(2) what effect he estimates the reduction in loan allocations for locally-determined non-key sector schemes in Cheshire will have on employment prospects in the county.
The Department cannot estimate the effect of the reduction in the 1978–79 borrowing allocation for the locally determined sector on either employment or the financing of industrial estates by district councils in Cheshire. The borrowing allocation is only one means of financing activity in this sector, and local authorities are free to determine both the level of activity and the means by which it is financed.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the reduction in loan allocations for locally determined non-key sector schemes in Cheshire; and if he will make a statement.
The chief executive of Cheshire County Council has represented to me that the reduction in the locally determined sector borrowing allocation for Cheshire for 1978–79 will make it more difficult for local authorities to assist industry. However, the borrowing allocation is only one of the means by which local authorities finance capital expenditure in the locally determined sector, and the reduction in the borrowing allocation for 1978–79 reflected the fact that local authorities have been financing an increasing amount of this expenditure from sources other than borrowing.
Commercial Fast Breeder Reactor
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details of the procedures to be adopted at the proposed inquiry into the commercial fast reactor, stating how members of the public will be able to take part in the inquiry, how evidence will be accepted and whether he envisages some financial help will be available for the main objectors.
Any proposals to build a commercial scale demonstration fast breeder reactor will be subject to a public inquiry. The inquiry would not be limited to local planning issues but would allow wider relevant issues to be examined. The Government are considering what might be the most appropriate arrangements for such an inquiry.
Derelict Land (Westminster)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans exist for the derelict land situated between Westminster Abbey and Central Hall, Westminster.
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on Monday 12th June to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, Southall (Mr. Bidwell).—[Vol. 951, c. 301–2.]
Community Land Act
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many acres of land acquired under the powers of the Community Land Act were released for (a) housing development, (b) industrial development, and (c) commercial development in 1977–78.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State yesterday to the hon. Member for Hazel Grove (Mr. Arnold).
Archaeology
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the funds for rescue archaeology to be granted over 1978–79.
£2,171,000.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the annual figures of grants to rescue archaeology since 1968.
The allocations since 1968 were as follows:
| £ | ||||
| 1968–69 | … | … | … | 145,000 |
| 1969–70 | … | … | … | 183,176 |
| 1970–71 | … | … | … | 200,537 |
| 1971–72 | … | … | … | 297,492 |
| 1972–73 | … | … | … | 399,373 |
| 1973–74 | … | … | … | 715,644 |
| 1973–74 | … | … | … | 990,921 |
| 1975–76 | … | … | … | 1,512,500 |
| 1976–77 | … | … | … | 1,822,045 |
| 1977–78 | … | … | … | 1,890,000 |
| 1978–79 | … | … | … | 2,171,000 |
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the percentage proportions allocated to excavation, writing up and conservation within the total grant for archaeology.
Grants for 1978–79 have been allocated in these proportions:
- Current excavations and writing up—84 per cent.
- Backlog work on excavations carried out before 1972 and publications—10 per cent.
- Scientific investigations mainly of an environmental nature—4 per cent.
- Miscellaneous—2 per cent.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the relations between the area archaeological committees and the archaeological committees in the regions.
The functions of the 13 area archaeological advisory committees are to advise of (a) policies and academic priorities for surveys and rescue excavations in the area and (b) needs for backup facilities in the area to ensure early completion and publication of reports. The committees' advice guides my Department in the distribution of grants for rescue archaeology.
Other, unofficial, archaeological committees also exist with various constitutions and functions. They are not responsible to me and there is no formal relationship with my area advisory committees.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he agrees that meetings of the area archaeological committees should be open and membership partly elected by interested bodies.
I do not think that the quality of the committees' advice would be improved by their deliberations being conducted in public. The members are appointed by me after taking account of recommendations received from local authorities and other interested parties. They include local authority representatives—both members and officers—as well as local people having relevant professional archaeological knowledge and experience.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he agrees that the Ancient Monuments Board should be partly elected by interested bodies, and consequently the National Committee for Rescue Archaeology as well.
Five members of the Ancient Monuments Board are nominated by learned bodies, as provided by statute. The Board's committee for rescue archaeology is comprised partly of members of the Board and partly of other archaeologists selected for their particular knowledge and experience. These arrangements have worked well and I do not propose to change them.
Mortgages (Tax Relief)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average tax relief on mortgage repayments including option mortgage subsidy per owner-occupier in 1977.
Average tax relief on mortgage repayments and option mortgage subsidy in England in 1977 was £209 per mortgagor.
Oil Discovery (Hampshire And Dorset)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with the Hampshire and Dorset County Councils concerning the implications for strategic planning, and the environment, of the discovery of oil, both onshore and offshore in the region.
The Department has had continuing contacts with the Dorset County Council on these matters, and the council is represented on a working party under the aegis of the South-West Economic Planning Board. Contact has also been established with Hampshire County Council.
Water Charges
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average charge per household for services in 1978–79 in each of the water authority areas in England, compared with the previous year.
Combined average domestic bills for water supply, sewerage and environmental services for the years 1977–78 and 1978–79 in each of the water authority areas in England are as follows:
| 1977–78 | 1978–79 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| North-West | … | 32·02 | 34·62 |
| Northumbrian | … | 29·89 | 32·06 |
| Severn Trent | … | 35·67 | 35·95 |
| Yorkshire | … | 33·02 | 35·60 |
| Anglian | … | 46·12 | 45·02 |
| Thames | … | 29·31 | 34·66 |
| Southern | … | 40·40 | 42·20 |
| Wessex | … | 40·95 | 47·27 |
| South-West | … | 47·33 | 49·68 |
Liverpool Street Station
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any discussions have taken place with British Railways about the possible development land tax requirement, if the proposed redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station were to go ahead; and if he will make a statement.
This is a matter for the British Railways Board and the Development Land Tax Office, and I understand that they are discussing the possible development land tax consequences in the event that the proposed redevelopment of Liverpool Street and Broad Street Stations were to go ahead.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to come to a conclusion on British Railways' proposals for the redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station.
As I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Hackney, South and Shoreditch (Mr. Brown) on 19th May 1978—[Vol. 950, c. 322.]—these are major and complex proposals which need time to be considered fully, but a decision will be announced as soon as possible.
Aluminium Smelting (Electricity Supplies)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the provision of cheap electricity for the extension of aluminium smelting in the United Kingdom is affected by the fair trading provisions of the Rome treaties; and to what extent it is Government policy to discriminate in favour of specific industries through the supply of low-priced electric power.
I have been asked to reply.No decisions have been taken on the extension of aluminium smelters in the United Kingdom or on power supplies for such extensions. Where the published tariffs are not appropriate owing to special circumstances, the price charged for the supply of electricity is a matter for negotiation between the electricity supply authorities and individual consumers, subject to the authorities' statutory obligation not to show undue discrimination to any person or class of persons.
Retained Firefighters Union (Recognition)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the acceptance of the Retained Firefighters Union as a recognised union by the TUC, what general guidance he will give to various local authorities for them to give recognition to this union.
I have been asked to reply.The National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades is responsible for advising the fire authorties concerned about the requests for recognition which have been made by the Retained Firefighters Union.
National Finance
Taxation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the marginal rate of income tax and the marginal rate of employee's social security contribution for a married woman, earning £1,500 and £2,500 a year, whose husband is earning £4,000, £8,000, £12,000, £16,000 and £20,000 a year, assuming no dependent children or other allowances claimed.
Since the general rule is that the income of a married woman is aggregated with her husband's but there are also reliefs specifically available against wife's earnings, the marginal rate of tax payable on the couple's joint income may differ according to whether it is assumed that the marginal pound is earned by the husband or the wife. The figures are as follows:
| Marginal rate assuming marginal pound is attributable to | |||
| Husband's earnings £ | Wife's earnings £ | (a) husband's earnings per cent. | (b) Husband's earnings Per cent. |
| 4,000 | 1,500 | 34 | 25(1) |
| 8,000 | 1,500 | 34 | 25(1) |
| 12,000 | 1,500 | 55 | 46(1) |
| 16,000 | 1,500 | 65 | 56(1) |
| 20,000 | 1,500 | 75 | 66(1) |
| 4,000 | 2,500 | 34 | 34 |
| 8,000 | 2,500 | 40 | 40 |
| 12,000 | 2,500 | 55(2) | 34(2) |
| 16,000 | 2,500 | 70(2) | 34(2) |
| 20,000 | 2,500 | 75(2) | 34(2) |
Notes
(1) A separate wife's lower rate band of 25 per cent. is available against her first £750 earnings in excess of the wife's earned income allowance of £985. But this does not affect the couple's threshold for higher rate tax. The effect is that, where the wife's earnings are liable at 25 per cent. only, the marginal rate on the joint income is reduced by nine percentage points on an extra £1 earned by the wife, as compared with the marginal rate applicable to an extra £1 earned by the husband.
(2) At these earnings levels for husband and wife respectively, it is advantageous for a couple to make an election for separate taxation of wife's earnings. The husband and wife each get a single allowance—instead of the married allowance and wife's earned income allowance—and both are taxed separately on their own earnings as if they were two single people. The marginal rates given assume that such an election has been made.
Personal Taxation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the total and per capita amounts of taxes on personal income received by the central Government for the period 1970 to 1977 expressed at 1970 constant prices.
There is no specific price index for converting figures of taxes on personal incomes to a constant price basis; but in order to give a broad indication of movements in these taxes in real terms the following series have been calculated using the implied deflator for gross domestic product at market prices to convert from current to 1970 constant prices.
| Total £ million | Per capital £ | ||||
| 1970 | … | … | … | 5,850 | 105 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | 5,888 | 106 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | 5,586 | 100 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | 5,865 | 105 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | 6,705 | 120 |
| 1975 | … | … | … | 7,675 | 137 |
| 1976 | … | … | … | 7,788 | 139 |
| 1977 | … | … | … | 7,025 | 125 |
Source: National accounts estimates consistent with those published in April 1978 edition of "Economic Trends".
The figures for the years after 1972 are affected by the introduction of the imputation system of corporation tax in April 1973. Prior to April 1973, tax paid on dividends received by the personal sector was included in taxes on personal income. From April 1973 the advance corporation tax paid by companies in respect of dividend payments forms part of taxes on corporate income.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many taxpayers were on marginal rates of tax on earned income of at least 75 per cent. in the 1977–78 tax year.
I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many taxpayers paid marginal rates above the standard rate in the respective tax years 1973–74 and 1977–78.
I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Inland Revenue (Investigations)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the tax returns of self-employed persons and traders are being investigated in depth to ensure that they have no undisclosed earnings; and what percentage of PAYE taxpayers are similarly being investigated to see whether they have any undeclared earnings from other employment.
The number of returns currently under investigation to ensure there are no undisclosed earnings from self employment is approximately 68,000 which amounts to 2·6 per cent of the 1·8 million who are self-employed. The returns of employees who have additional income from self employment are subject to the same checks as the returns of other self-employed persons, and are included in the figures above, but separate records are not kept. Taxpayers with two or more employments should be subject to PAYE on their earnings from each source.
Building Societies
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the likely building society composite rate of tax for the current financial year.
No estimate of the building society composite rate of tax for the current financial year can be made until the Finance Act is passed fixing the tax rates and allowances for the year. The rate will then be determined following discussions with the Building Societies Association.
Home Heating Oil
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current rate of tax paid on home heating oil; and if he will list the changes over the past four years.
The excise duty on kerosene, the oil most widely used for demostic heating, is 0·22p per litre: until 1st January 1978 it was 1p per gallon. The rate on other oil used for heating is 0·55p per litre; before 1st January 1978 it was 2·5p per gallon, and before 29th March 1977 it was 1p per gallon. Home heating oil is zero-rated for VAT.
Luncheon Vouchers
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to increase the tax free limit on luncheon vouchers to 50p.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 14th June 1978], gave the following information:I do not think an increase would be justified.
Employment (Scotland)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has
| TOTAL INCOME TAX AND NATIONAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS LESS CHILD BENEFITS WHERE APPROPRIATE | |||||
| Single person | Married couple | Two-wage married couple | Married couple with 2 children aged under 11 | Married couple with 4 children aged 16, 14, 12 and 9 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 1. 1977–78 | |||||
| 50 %x Average manual earnings | 449·70 | 276·30 | 75·20 | 21·90 | -174·50* |
| 75 %x Average manual earnings | 835·20 | 661·80 | 285·90 | 407·40 | 89·90 |
| 100 %x Average manual earnings | 1,220·70 | 1,047·30 | 653·30 | 792·80 | 475·30 |
| 150 %x Average manual earnings | 1,971·00 | 1,797·60 | 1,387·90 | 1,543·20 | 1,225·70 |
| 200 %x Average manual earnings | 2,679·30 | 2,475·30 | 2,122·50 | 2,202·70 | 1,885·20 |
| 2. 1978–79 | |||||
| 50 %x Average manual earnings | 461·70 | 288·30 | 90·70 | -30·30* | -382·60* |
| 75 %x Average manual earnings | 893·70 | 706·70 | 306·10 | 370·10 | -12·40* |
| 100 %x Average manual earnings | 1,325·80 | 1,138·80 | 707·90 | 802·20 | 419·70 |
| 150 %x Average manual earnings | 2,179·40 | 1,992·40 | 1,524·00 | 1,655·80 | 1,273·30 |
| 200 %x Average manual earnings | 2,937·80 | 2,717·80 | 2,340·00 | 2,381·20 | 1,998·70 |
| *The amount of child benefits received is greater than the total of income tax and national insurance contributions payable. | |||||
made of the effect on employment in Scotland of the increase in national insurance contributions, the increase in interest charges and the other measures announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer last week.
I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Personal Incomes
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing total income tax and national insurance contribution, less child benefit where appropriate, for each of a single person, a married couple, a two-wage married couple, a married couple with two children under 11 years and a married couple with four children aged 16, 14, 12 and 9 years, assuming earnings equal to 50 per cent., 75 per cent., 100 per cent., 150 per cent. and 200 per cent. of average male manual earnings, and that the taxpayer is not contracted out of the State pension scheme, in 1977–78 and 1978–79.
The figures are as follows:current pay round, it may be assumed that his earnings will rise by a further 10 per cent. to October 1978 in accordance with the Government's guideline.In the case of the two-wage married couple it has been assumed that the husband and wife each earn one half of the joint income. It has also been assumed that the wife has elected to pay national insurance contributions at the reduced rate of 2 per cent.
The figures for 1978–79 are based on the proposals in the Budget and take account of the increased level of child benefits from November 1978.
Employment
Members Of Parliament (Salaries)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment, in view of the fact that hon. Members' salaries would have to rise to £10,627 in March 1978 to maintain their same purchasing value as in May 1965 when they were £3,250 p.a., after allowing for the movement in the index of retail prices, whether he will list the number of trades and industries and the number of workers in industry who are relatively in the same situation.
The Department's earnings surveys enable movements in average earnings since May 1965 to be measured only for very general groups of workers in broad groups of industries, mainly in the production sector. These general averages have all increased relattively more than the general Index of Retail Prices. Although some narrower groups of workers may possibly have fared less favourably, the available survey results do not enable them to be identified.
International Comparisons
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish a table showing, for the latest available date, the percentage male unemployment in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, West Germany, Italy and Japan (a) on national definitions and (b) ort United States definitions.
The information is as follows:(
a) The latest available percentage rates of unemployed males in the United Kingdom and the United States, using national definitions, are:
| United Kingdom (May 1978) | … | 7·0 |
| United States (March 1978) | … | 6·3 |
Recent unemployment rates for males on national definitions are not readily available for the remaining countries. However, rates for registered unemployed males, based on partially standardised national figures, are available from the
Statistical Office of the EEC. The latest rates, for April 1978, are:
| United Kingdom | … | … | … | 6·6 |
| France | … | … | … | 3·8 |
| West Germany | … | … | … | 3·1 |
| Italy (provisional) | … | … | … | 6·5 |
National unemployment statistics are not comparable owing to differences in coverage, concept of unemployment and method of compilation. The degree of standardisation by the EEC is insufficient to eliminate these factors completely. No recent rate for unemployed males in Japan is available.
( b) The United States does not publish male unemployment rates adjusted to United States concepts.
Genetic Manipulation
asked the Secretary of State for Employment why regulations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act requiring notification of intent to carry on work involving genetic manipulation have been delayed; why the intended regulations are confined to notification and exclude control of the use of the products of genetic manipulation; and when, the regulations will come into effect.
The regulations have necessitated extensive consultation. The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 provides the means of protecting workers and the public from hazards arising from the use of the products of genetic manipulation. The Health and Safety Executive will keep the need for additional regulations under constant review. The regulations come into effect on 1st August 1978.
Redundancy
asked the Secretary of State for Employment to what extent it is now the practice for companies to meet the 90 days' notice before redundancy provisions of the Employment Protection Act by way of giving payment in lieu of notice; and if he will review the working of the Act in this regard, with a view to preventing this practice.
The Employment Protection Act does not enable an employer to meet his obligations to consult trade unions about prospective redundancies and to notify the Secretary of State of them by giving a substitute payment to the employees concerned. If an employer who has failed to comply with the consultation provisions offers to pay the employees concerned a sum equal to the maximum protective award which an industrial tribunal could make, it is for the appropriate union to decide whether, in the circumstances, it wishes to complain to a tribunal. I do not think that it would be either practicable or desirable to deny unions this freedom of choice.
Disabled Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations are proposed by the Manpower Services Commission before making its recommendations to him on the review of the quota scheme.
As announced in the Manpower Services Commission's programme "Developing Employment and Training Services for Disabled People", issued last February, the Commission's employment service division (ESD) will collect information during the next 18 months about the operation of the quota scheme and the related question of registration. This will include research into the attitudes of employers and disabled people to the quota scheme and to registration, and an evaluation of the impact of its long-term strategy embodied in the guide to employers, "Positive Policies", which was issued in May 1977.I understand that, when this preparatory work is completed, a discussion paper will be issued on which comments will be invited from a wide range of organisations interested in the employment of disabled people, including disablement advisory committees, the all-party disablement group, major voluntary organisations in this field, the CBI, the TUC and local authority associations. The comments of these organisations and those of the National Advisory Council on Employment of Disabled People will be taken into account by the Commission when drawing up its recommendations to the Secretary of State on the future of the quota scheme.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what explanation he can give for the substantial fall in employers satisfying the disablement employment quota of 3 per cent., from 61 per cent. in 1961 to 37 per cent. in 1977.
I am advised by the Manpower Services Commission that the main reason is the decline in the number of disabled people on the disabled persons register from 666,000 in 1961 to 532,000 in 1977. Only disabled people who have registered under the 1944 Act count towards an employer's quota. However, registration is voluntary, and it is known that there is an increasing disinclination among disabled people to apply for registration and an increasing tendency for them not to renew their registration. The Department of Employment's consultative document on the quota scheme estimated that in 1971 only about half of the disabled people in employment had registered, and circumstantial evidence suggests that the proportion may be even lower now.There have been two other contributory factors. The first is the change in the nature of disablement. The proportion of disabled people who have suffered mental illness has increased in recent years, but the tendency has been for few of them to apply for registration. Secondly, a large number of war disabled people who registered during the years immediately after the Second World War will have retired from the employment field in recent years.One consequence of the decline in the number of registered disabled people is that, if all those now employed were recruited by firms with a quota obligation, the average level of compliance would still only be about 2·2 per cent. An overall 3 per cent. compliance rate is therefore impossible.As announced in its recent publication "Developing Employment and Training Services for Disabled People", the Manpower Services Commission will be reviewing the quota scheme and the related question of registration, probably late in 1979. I understand that the Commission proposes to seek the views of interested parties on this complex question before making any recommendations to the Secretary of State.
Chester
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are his most recent estimates for the parliamentary constituency of the city of Chester, of the number of people employed on Government-assisted schemes and of the annual costs involved.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Amberley Wildbrooks
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the public inquiry held in Arundel in March 1978 into the proposal by the Southern Water Authority to undertake a drainage scheme which would affect the wetlands at Amberley Wildbrooks, West Sussex, by drastically altering both the water table and the landscape and would thus endanger the scientific value of the River Arlin's flood plain with its flocks of Bewick's swans, widgeon, teal, shovellers and other wild life; and what was decided about the Nature Conservancy Council's proposal to designate 600 acres of the area as an official site of scientific interest.
My right hon. Friend the Minister is considering some points made in the inspector's report and will announce his decision on the grant application by the Southern Water Authority as soon as possible. Decisions by the Nature Conservancy Council are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.
Flood And Storm Damage (Compensation)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in establishing a comprehensive fund jointly between the Government and the National Farmers' Union to assist farmers who lost livestock in the floods and storms earlier in 1978; and if he will make a statement describing the expected size of the fund, the criteria to be used for paying compensation, and the date when he expects to be in a position to commence payments.
I understand that the farmers' unions' initiative in setting up a fund for contributions towards especially heavy losses of livestock due to abnormal weather last winter has met with an encouraging response, but it is too soon to anticipate the final outcome. The criteria for making these contributions are being finalised with the unions and it should soon be possible to invite the farmers affected to make their claims. The sum available from the EEC Disaster Fund also contributes towards other losses and when these have been assessed the allocation to the unions' livestock fund can be determined and payment made.
Animals (Export)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps have been taken, when, by whom, and with what results, on the recommendation of the report of the Committee on the Export of Live Animals for Slaughter, Command Paper No. 5566, published in March 1974, that the attention of veterinary staff and customs authorities at ports be drawn to allegations of unweaned and underweight calves having been exported.
The O'Brien Committee made no specific recommendation but drew the attention of the veterinary staff and the Customs authorities to the evidence it had received on these points. Government veterinary staff, as part of their inspection of animals for fitness to travel, reject those which are below 50 kg. in weight and any whose condition indicates that they have not adapted to artificial feeding.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps have been taken, when, by whom, and with what results, on the recommendation of the report of the Committee on the Export of Live Animals for Slaughter, Command Paper No. 5566 published in March 1974 that the veterinary officer who carries out an inspection at approved lairage premises, or his deputy, should also be present at the time of loading.
The Committee was concerned that, where lairages were some distance from the ports, veterinary supervision did not extend to the point of loading. Since 1974, the major part of live animal exports by sea takes place in vehicles carried on roll-on/roll-off vessels. Thus the important loading operation now takes place at the lairage itself. The recent report on the export of live food animals recommends that, if this trade is to continue, there should be more checks on loading at the lairage.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps have been taken, when, and with what results, on the recommendation of the report of the Committee on the Export of Live Animals for Slaughter, Command Paper No. 5566, published in March 1974 that the technical problems involved in the transport of animals by air should be given further attention by the state veterinary services as a matter of urgency.
I refer my hon. Fried to the reply given to him on 12th June which explained the work done in this area by Government veterinary staff.—[Vol. 951, col. 359.]
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps have been taken, when, and with whom, when, and with what results, on the recommendation of the report of the Committee on the Export of Live Animals for Slaughter, Command Paper No. 5566, published March 1974, that urgent consideration should be given to the technical problems in roll-on/roll-off transport to ensure that any deficiencies are corrected; whether he will list any deficiencies found and the steps taken to overcome them; and if he will detail the research carried out into this matter, when it was done, and by whom.
I refer my hon. Friend to the replies I gave on 12th June which explained when and with whom consultations took place and which reported the number of consignments of animals accompanied by Government veterinary officers or the Ministry's marine superintendents.—[Vol. 951, col. 359–61.]In 1976, Ministry veterinary staff concentrated on the carriage of animals on roll-on/roll-off vessels. The main factors studied were the positioning of livestock vehicles in relation to other vehicles and to the inlet fans on the vehicle deck; the airflow and temperature inside and outside the livestock vehicles; the arrangements for shackling of the vehicles and containers, and for access to the animals; the condition of the vehicles themselves; and the condition and behaviour of the animals. No major deficiencies were discovered in the operation of this method of transport, but some points were identified where improvement could be made and hauliers and exporters were given advice on aspects of vehicle construction. Paragraphs 68, 69 and 71 of the recent report on the export trade in live food animals indicate a number of items which could be covered in a code of practice for two-tier vehicles carried on roll-on/roll-off vessels.
Scotland
Local Government Employees (Pay)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representation he has received regarding differences in rates of pay of local government employees following the reorganisation of local government; and if he will make a statement.
My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations about a wide variety of anomalies in the pay and conditions of local government employees since local government reorganisation. My noble Friend the Minister of State will be meeting both the employers' and employees' sides of the national joint councils to discuss these problems in the light of the pay policy.
Economic Measures (Representations)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from Scottish industry and commerce about the economic measures announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer last week.
None.
Legal Aid (Industrial Tribunals)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can estimate the cost of extending the civil legal aid scheme to industrial tribunals in Scotland held under the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974 as amended by the Employment Protection Act 1975; and what plans he has to do so.
It is not possible to estimate the cost of extending legal aid to industrial tribunals. My right hon. Friend has no plans at present for such an extension.
Blind And Disabled Persons (Unemployment)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons in the Strathclyde Region are registered as blind or disabled and were unemployed at the latest count.
On 11th May 1978, 2,949 registered disabled people were registered as unemployed in the Strathclyde Region. This figure includes the blind. It is not possible to distinguish between them and other registered disabled people on the basis of the statistics available.
Regional Employment Premium
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect on employment in Scotland of the abolition of the regional employment premium.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State to the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Mr. Henderson) on 15th February 1978.—[Vol. 944, c. 250.]
Defence
Serving Officers (Science Degrees)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are necessary in order to collect information about the number of serving officers who hold university degrees in science subjects.
Information of this kind could be provided for the Navy and Army only following a systematic search of personnel records and a special computer exercise, respectively. In the case of the Navy, information on the academic qualification of serving officers is contained only on the officer's personal file held by the appropriate appointing authority in MOD. To obtain the information would require a systematic search of all such files involving several hundred man-hours. The Army holds information of this nature on computers, and although regular returns show the number of serving officers with degrees they do not identify them by subject. It is estimated that it would involve about nine weeks' activity by the statistical and programming staff concerned to extract the information requested. The computer on which Army personnel records are held is currently being modified, and any additional programming tasks would delay the completion of the task at considerable cost. On the basis of information provided for inclusion in the Air Force List, 2,071 serving RAF officers are known to hold degrees in science subjects awarded by universities and the Council for National Academic Awards, but no officer is compelled to disclose his academic qualifications over and above those required for his appointment, and it is possible that some are not recorded.
Civilian Employment
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state his latest estimate of the number of Ministry of Defence civilian jobs which have been lost as a result of defence cuts by the present Government.
From 1st April 1974 to 1st May 1978, reductions of about 31,000 have been made in Ministry of Defence civilian employees, not counting staff in the Royal ordnance factories.In addition, there have been reductions of about 5,000 in staff of the Property Services Agency working on defence account.
Hms "Sultan" And Hms "Daedalus"
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to improve the pay and conditions of industrial civil servants employed at HMS "Sultan" and HMS "Daedalus".
Negotiations between the Management and Trades Union Sides of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Government Industrial Establishments on an increase in the pay of industrial civil servants to take effect from 1st July 1978, are about to start. The industrial employees of HMS "Sultan" and HMS "Daedalus" will benefit from any agreement that may be reached. We are also in the early stages of an examination of the possibility of introducing a productivity scheme at HMS "Daedalus".
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what response has been received to advertisement for jobs at HMS "Daedalus" as a mess hand at £32·50 per week, a skilled labourer in the victualling store at £33·65 per week, a messenger at £33·65 per week and a chief steward I in the wardroom at £39·40 per week.
All four vacancies have been filled. Originally all were advertised, in accordance with custom, within the establishment, and the posts of skilled labourer and chief steward I filled from existing employees. The posts of mess hand and messenger were also advertised in local jobcentres, and there was one applicant for the former post and three applicants for the latter.The rates of pay quoted appear to omit the 1976 and 1977 weekly pay supplements of £6 and £2·50 respectively, which are additional in each case. Overtime and allowances may also be payable.The pay of the industrial Civil Service is reviewed annually on 1st July and is currently under negotiation.
Chinese Language
asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which are the posts under the Ministry of Defence for which a proficiency in Chinese is a necessary prerequisite before appointment; and how many such posts there were 10 years ago;(2) how many Chinese language students the Ministry of Defence has trained in each of the past 10 years; to what degree of proficiency; how many have maintained that proficiency; and how many are employed at any one time in posts requiring regular reading and speaking of Chinese for professional purposes:(3) how many students have been trained at the Lyemun Chinese Language School in each of the past 10 years; and what was the average length of stay.
The number of students at the Lyemun Chinese Language School in each of the 10 years to 1977 were as follows:
| Year | Total | ||||
| 1967 | … | … | … | … | 14 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | … | 29 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 40 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 30 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 24 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | … | 27 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | … | 21 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | … | 21 |
| 1975 | … | … | … | … | 20 |
| 1976 | … | … | … | … | 28 |
| 1977 | … | … | … | … | 25 |
The majority of students are trained to interpreter standard. Once a Service man has completed a tour of duty in the language post for which he was trained any further use of his language skill will depend on his career, and it is not possible to say how many students of the school have maintained their proficiency in Chinese. Most students spend two years at the school; other students spend up to one year.
About 40 posts under the Ministry of Defence currently require proficiency in Chinese. It is not the practice to give more details. Information relating to the position 10 years ago is not available.
Lyemun Chinese Language School
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost of running the Lyemun Chinese Language School in each of the past 10 years.
Annual operating costings of the Lyemun Chinese Language School in Hong Kong, excluding students salaries and allowances, etc., have been carried out on a regular basis only since 1974. Details since that date are as follows:
| 1973–74 | … | … | … | £69,697 |
| 1974–75 | … | … | … | £79,688 |
| 1975–76 | … | … | … | £95,821 |
| 1976–77 | … | … | … | £132,148 |
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many locally engaged non-teaching staff are employed at the Lyemun Chinese Language School; and what is their average salary.
Four local staff are employed on various salary scales. The lowest salary scale ranges from £1,236 to £1,334 per annum, the highest from £2,926 to £4,296. There is also one locally engaged United Kingdom national on a salary scale ranging from £2,059 to £3,295 per annum.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many locally engaged teachers are employed at the Lyemun Chinese Language School; and what is their average salary.
Ten such staff are employed: two on a salary scale ranging from £4,700 to £7,299 per annum and eight on a salary scale ranging from £3,544 to £5,419 per annum.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many expatriate non-teaching staff are employed at the Lyemun Chinese Language School: and what is the average cost of keeping each of them in Hong Kong in terms of salaries, cost of living allowances, removal expenses and children's schooling at home.
One soldier is employed on clerical duties. The 197778 estimate of the cost of keeping a soldier of his rank in Hong Kong is about £10,500 per annum, including salary, insurance, allowances and support costs.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many expatriate teachers are employed at the Lyemun Chinese Language School; and what is the average cost of keeping each of them in Hong Kong in terms of salaries, cost of living allowances, removal expenses and children's schooling at home.
Two military officers are employed on teaching duties. The 1977–78 estimate of the cost of keeping officers of their rank in Hong Kong is about £17,700, including salary, insurance, allowances and support costs.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of maintaining a student at the Lyemun Chinese Language School.
The latest costings available are for 1976–77. The cost was £199 per student week, excluding students salaries and local overseas allowance.
Dartmoor Training (Inquiry)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in setting up the consultative machinery recommended by Lady Sharpe in her report on her inquiry into Service training on Dartmoor.
The composition and terms of reference of two committees, a steering group and a working party, have been agreed. They are as follows:
Steering Group
Independent Chairman—To be appointed jointly by the Secretaries of State for Defence and the Environment.
Members:
- GOC South-West District.
- Dartmoor National Park Committee (two members).
- Major General, Royal Marines.
- Duchy of Cornwall.
- Countryside Commission.
- Nature Conservancy Council.
- DOE (South-West Regional Office, Senior Estate Surveyor, PSA, and representatives of Ancient Monuments and Historical Buildings Branch).
- Defence Lands.
Secretariat to be provided jointly by HQ South-West District and the National Park Committee.
Terms of Reference
1. To keep under review:
2. To consider any matters referred to the steering group by the working party and to receive reports from the working party.
3. To report annually to the Secretaries of State for Defence and the Environment.
The steering group will meet as often as required and may co-opt additional members. The group may also invite representatives of other bodies to contribute on occasion to discussion of particular items.
Working Party
Members:
- Representative of GOC South-West District.
- Officers of the Dartmoor National Park Authority.
- Representatives of HQ Commando Forces.
- Commandant, Devon and Cornwall Training Areas.
- Inspectorate of Ancient Monuments, DOE South-West Region.
- Senior Estate Surveyor, PSA.
The chairmanship will alternate on a two-yearly basis between the representative of the GOC South-West District and the National Park Officer, the former being the chairman for the first two years.
Terms of Reference
The working party will formally meet at least once a quarter and will provide the steering group with copies of minutes and will report as necessary to the steering group in addition to the annual report. Additional members may be co-opted from time to time as required.
My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Defence and for the Environment are considering the appointment of a chairman of the steering group and I hope to make a further announcement very soon.
NOTES
(1 ) Dartmoor: A Report by Lady Sharp CBE.
(2 ) Statement on the non-statutory inquiry by the Baroness Sharp into the continued use of Dartmoor for military training.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Ussr (Trials)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give instructions to the British Embassy in Moscow that if the Soviet authorities put on trial Alexander Ginsburg, Anatoli Sharansky, Vladimir Slepak, Marsha Slepak or Ida Nudel, the Ambassador should apply for permission for an observer from the Embassy or from Great Britain to attend such proceedings.
In view of the public interest in these cases, and their relation to the CSCE Final Act, my right hon. Friend will certainly consider asking for the admission of a British observer to the courtroom if the Soviet authorities decide to bring them to trial.
Dominica
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the report by the senior official who recently visited Dominica.
The report will be published shortly.
Chile
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, following the recent decision of the Chilean Government to permit entry to the United Nations working group on human rights, what is Her Majesty's Government's attitude to that Government; and if he will make a statement.
The Government have for some time urged the Chilean authorities to admit the United Nations Human Rights Commission's ad hoc working group on human rights in Chile. We hope that the visit will contribute effectively to an improvement in the human rights situation. Our attitude towards the Chilean Government will, however, depend upon real progress being made.
European Assembly (Members' Expenses)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, from information available within the EEC, what was the average amount of expenses, including secretarial allowances, drawn by Members of the European Assembly.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 26th May 1978; Vol. 950, c. 733], gave the following information:For 1976, the last year for which final figures are available, the expenses for Members of the European Assembly were published as follows, without further sub-division:
| Travel and subsistence allowances, notice of meetings and connected expenditure | 2,845,790.60 ua |
| Members' secretarial expenses | 1,188,000.00 ua |
| TOTAL | 4,033,790.60 ua |
China (Western European Union Report)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Soviet Government on the Western European Union report "China and European Security" Document 770, by the hon. Member for Torbay, adopted by the General Affairs Committee of Western European Union on 16th May 1978; and if he will make a statement.
On instructions from his Government, the Soviet chargé d'affaires made an oral statement to my right hon. and noble Friend on 12th May. He did not refer specifically to the report written by the hon. Member but said that the Soviet Government intercepted the draft recommendation to the Council of Ministers of the WEU on relations with China as a demonstration of collective hostility to the Soviet Union which could cause irreparable damage to international security.The Government have made no formal reply to the Soviet demarche because we do not consider that recommendations by members of the WEU Assembly are an appropriate subject for inter-governmental discussion. These recommendations represent the views of the parliamentarians concerned and not necessarily those of their Governments.
Education And Science
Pupils (16 To 19)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she intends to set up an inquiry into the education and training of 16- to 19-yearolds.
Not at present.
Student Grants
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which European countries currently provide grants to pupils at school between the ages of 16 to 18 years.
On the basis of information available to my Department, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have arrangements for providing financial support either directly to the pupil or indirectly by way of family support measures.
Teachers Of The Deaf And Blind
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether it is possible to qualify as a teacher of the deaf and blind in the United Kingdom; how many courses for training teachers in this area are available; if she will list these in the Official Report; and if she will give details of any plans to establish additional courses;(2) what are the qualifications of the teachers who teach deaf and blind children.
Subject to very limited exceptions, teachers in special schools in England and Wales are required, as are those in maintained primary and secondary schools, to have qualified teacher status. Teachers of blind, deaf or partially hearing pupils, except those engaged exclusively in teaching craft, domestic or trade subjects, in special schools are further required to have a recognised qualification in teaching such pupils and should obtain such a qualification within three years of taking up a post. Teachers of classes or units for the partially hearing in ordinary schools are required to have obtained a recognised qualification in teaching the deaf before taking up a post. Teachers of classes or units for children who are blind in addition to being deaf or partially hearing, whether in a school for the blind or in one for the deaf or partially hearing, must have, or obtain within three years, either a recognised qualification in teaching the blind or one in teaching the deaf.Courses currently available in the United Kingdom leading to a recognised special qualification are listed below. The Diploma of the British Association of Teachers of the Deaf and the School Teacher's Diploma of the College of Teachers of the Blind, which are obtainable through part-time study, are also recognised qualifications. One further course for teaching deaf children and another for teaching blind children are under consideration.In January 1977 about 57 per cent. of teachers in special schools for the blind, 67 per cent. in special schools for the deaf
| Course | Duration |
| For teaching deaf children | |
| i. The B.A. honours degree in Combined Studies at the Department of Audiology and Education of the Deaf, Manchester University. | 4 years |
| ii. The Certificate for Teachers of the Deaf at the Department of Audiology and Education of the Deaf, Manchester University. | 1 year |
| iii. The Diploma in Special Education (Hearing Impaired Children) at Birmingham University School of Education. | 1 year |
| iv. The Advanced Certificate in Education of Deaf and Partially Hearing Children at Bristol Polytechnic Faculty of Education. | 1 year |
| v. The Certificate of Training for Teachers of Deaf and Partially Hearing Children at Hertfordshire College of Higher Education, Wall Hall, Watford. | 1 year |
| vi. The University of London Certificate in the Teaching of Deaf and Partially Hearing Children at West London Institute of Higher Education (formerly Maria Grey College). | 1 year |
| vii. The Diploma in Advanced Educational Studies (Education of the Deaf) at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. | 1 year, or 2 years part-time |
| viii. The Advanced Diploma in the Education of Deaf and Partially Hearing Children at Oxford Polytechnic, Lady Spencer-Churchill College. | 1 year |
| ix. The Diploma in the Education of Deaf and Partially Hearing Children at Moray House College of Education, Edinburgh. | 1 year |
| For teaching blind children | |
| x. The Diploma in Special Education (Visually Handicapped Children) at Birmingham University School of Education. | 1 year |
| xi. The Bachelor of Philosophy degree (Education: Visually Handicapped Children) at Birmingham University School of Education. | 1 year |
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if teachers who teach the deaf and blind and hold the relevant qualifications to teach both the deaf and the blind receive an extra allowance; and what is the amount of this allowance.
The special qualifications recognised by the Secretary of State for teaching blind or deaf children are among a number of qualifications of various kinds listed in Annex D to Appendix III of the Burnham Primary and Secondary Document for which qualified teachers in maintained schools are entitled to receive an additional increment, within their salary scale, ranging from £102 to £231 per annum on current scales: not more than one increment is, however, payable under this provision regardless of the number of qualifications held. The maximum of a teacher's scale is extended by one increment for so long as a teacher is teaching blind or deaf children or children who suffer from both handicaps, if he holds a
and 74 per cent. in special schools for the partially hearing held a recognised special qualification. It is not possible from the Department's returns to state the qualifications held by those teaching children who are both deaf and blind and figures are no: readily available relating to the qualifications of teachers in special classes or units in ordinary schools.
special qualification accepted for such teaching. These provisions are in practice also applied in non-maintained special schools.
Genetic Engineering And Manipulation
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many laboratories conducting genetic engineering experiments lack the appointment of the supervisory medical officer recommended in the report of the Working Party on the Practice of Genetic Manipulation.
None.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many institutions conducting genetic manipulation experiments lack the establishment of the representative safety committees recommended in the report of the Working Party on the Practice of Genetic Manipulation.
Negotiations are continuing with the only institution that does not at present have a separate representative safety committee for each of its establishments.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is aware that the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group has expressed concern that a small minority of molecular biologists has made clear their disregard for recommended safeguards and training in conducting experiments in genetic engineering; and what action she intends taking to protect the public from the activities of such molecular biologists.
Regulations under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 require from 1st August 1978 the notification of such experiments to the Health and Safety Executive and to the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group. In giving advice the group takes account of the experience and training of the staff proposing to carry out the experiments. It will be the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that the advice of the group has been sought and followed.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science with which British companies the Genetic Advisory Group has held discussions relating to the reluctance of industry to submit voluntarily notifications of intended experiments in genetic manipulation.
Discussions have been held with Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Glaxo Research Ltd., ICI Ltd., Pfizer Ltd., G. D. Searle & Co. Ltd., and Wellcome Research Laboratories and with the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many members sit upon the confidentiality subcommittee of the Genetic Advisory Group considering protection of the secrets of commercial companies engaged in genetic engineering; how many members of that sub-committee are employees of pharmaceutical and chemical firms; and whether she is satisfied that the public interest is served by the creation of faci- lities to prevent knowledge of genetic manipulation experiments to be publicly known.
All proposals submitted under the special confidentiality scheme of the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group are considered by the whole group, less those members who have not signed a declaration of confidentiality and any for whom a conflict of interest may arise. Its sub-committee on Confidentiality of Proposals, which considers only the procedure for examining such proposals, has a chairman and 13 members, 10 of whom are employees of pharmaceutical and chemical firms. Work on genetic manipulation has the potential to provide knowledge of great value to this country and its industry and I am satisfied that, at the discretion of the chairman of the group, special treatment is justified to avoid the risk of disclosure of information of particular commercial or academic significance.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many of the members of the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group are employed by the privately owned sectors of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry; and how many have commercial interests by acting as consultants to private firms.
Two and two respectively.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will direct the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group to give consideration to the need for a licensing system to govern all laboratories conducting experiments in genetic engineering.
It would be premature to do so until experience has been gained of the working of the Health and Safety (Genetic Manipulation) Regulations 1978. The group will make recommendations for the establishment of a licensing system if and when it considers it appropriate.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, pursuant to the system of voluntary notification of genetic engineering experiments, she is satisfied that all genetic manipulation experiments conducted at the bacterial warfare centre at Porton Down are notified to the Genetic Advisory Group.
Yes. All such work at the Microbiological Research Establishment is notified to the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many times the sub-committee of the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group dealing with genetic manipulation of plants has met representatives of the Agriculture Departments in England, Wales and Scotland; and what steps are being taken to expedite the recommendation of the subcommittee to ensure protection against the hazards of gentic manipulation in plants and animals.
The Sub-Committee on Genetic Manipulation in Plants has met once and sub-groups of it have met twice. Represenatives of the agriculture Departments have attended all three meetings. The agriculture Departments are now reviewing the position and, in particular, considering what containment facilities would be appropriate for plants and what precautions are necessary to protect animals.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in view of the possibility of genetic manipulation experiments being undertaken in well-equipped laboratories of schools and further education institutions, if she will (a) inquire whether such experiments have been conducted and (b) issue a circular with a warning aimed at preventing such experiments from taking place.
I know of no such experiments in schools. My Department, together with that of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, will be issueing guidance on the subject to local education authorities, schools and establishments of further education, and drawing their attention to the regulations recently made.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied that all experiments in genetic manipulation now taking place in laboratories owned by private industry are being notified to the Genetic Advisory Group; and if she will seek to ensure that the advice of the group has been sought and followed in all cases where genetic manipulation experiments are taking place.
I have no reason to suppose that any laboratory proposing to carry out an experiment in genetic manipulation is failing to notify the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group. The Health and Safety Executvie, which is responsible for ensuring that employers carry out their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, are aware of the advice given by the group. From 1st August 1978, regulations made under the Act require the notification of such experiments to the Health and Safety Executive and to the advisory group. It will be the responsibility of the executive to ensure that the advice of the group has been sought and followed.
Oakes Report
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will extend the deadline for the receipt of observations and representations on the Oakes Report beyond 30th June 1978.
No. The three months which have been allowed should be sufficient for the preparation and submission of comments, but any that come in shortly after the deadline will not be disregarded.
Welded Metal Sculpture
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will arrange for an exhibition of welded metal sculpture to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.
I understand that arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from 19th June to 23rd June.
Wales
Bilingual Teaching
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many training courses are provided for (a) nursery-infant teachers and (b) bilingual teachers for all age groups, nursery-infant, primary and secondary, at colleges of education, and what expansion has taken place in these facilities in line with the recommendation made by the Council for the Welsh Language in paragraph 19 of its report on nursery education; and how many student places there were on these courses in the latest year for which information is available.
Information is not readily available on the number of professional teacher training courses by age range at institutions of higher education in Wales. Courses at Bangor Normal and Trinity Colleges may be taken through the medium of Welsh, and other colleges in Wales offer courses leading to the certificate of proficiency in bilingual education.Bilingual provision within the initial training programme is not being reduced in proportion to the overall reduction in initial teacher training. There are currently more places available than suitably qualified bilingual applicants. At present, there are 304 students following bilingual courses of initial teacher training in Bangor Normal and Trinity College, of whom, 81 are following nursery-infant courses. In addition, there are a number of bilingual students on DipHE courses who may decide to proceed to teacher training. Information is not immediately available on the number of students currently enrolled at other institutions in Wales on courses leading to the certificate of proficiency in bilingual education.
School Transport
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what action he has taken to draw the attention of local education authorities to the recommendation in paragraph 22 of the report on nursery education by the Council for the Welsh Language that where children have to travel to attend Welsh-medium schools or classes, local education authorities should provide free transport or pay allowances as appropriate; and which local education authorities are operating such arrangements.
My Department sent copies of the report to all local education authorities in Wales soon after publica- tion. The extent to which local education authorities use their discretionary powers to assist the transport of children to bilingual schools varies, but I understand that to a greater or lesser degree most do so.
Welsh Language
asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what initiative has been taken by his Department to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations in paragraph 17 and 26 of the Council for the Welsh Language report on nursery education to co-ordinate the work of language organisers and improve the relationship between them and the inspectorate and voluntary playgroups;(2) How many additional Welsh language organisers have been appointed by each local education authority since 1974; and what action he has taken to draw the attention of local education authorities to the recommendations in paragraph 16 of the report of the Council for the Welsh Language on nursery education;(3) whether he has considered the recommendation in paragraph 26 of the report on nursery education proposed by the Council of the Welsh Language that responsibility for the registration and supervision of playgroups should be transferred from the social services departments of local authorities to the local education authorities.
Local education authorities and social service departments are encouraged to co-operate with each other and with voluntary organisations concerned with all aspects of the care and education of the under-fives. I hope to issue a circular on this subject shortly. My Department has responibility for both social service and education functions, and there is very close contact between my officials and the local authorities. I have no reason to believe that the situation would be significantly improved by a change in the registration requirements relating to playgroups.Details of appointments of Welsh language advisers are not readily available, and I shall write to the hon. Member on this subject.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what action has been taken by his Department to implement the recommendation in paragraph 6 of the report of the Council for the Welsh Language on nursery education on the keeping of statistics of the numbers receiving education through the medium of Welsh at all levels.
My Department has taken a number of steps in the past two years to rationalise and improve the quantity of statistical information on school education, particularly with regard to the use of the Welsh language. The collection of reliable data on the language medium in the nursery sector presents particular difficulties which have not yet been resolved.
| 1973–74 (part of year) | 1974–75 | 1975–76 | 1976–77 | 1977–78 (part o year) | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Administration costs (including chairman's honorarium, members' travelling and subsistence expenses) | 799 | 4,231 | 3,626 | 3,487 | 6,226 |
| Staff, office accommodation and supporting services (estimated) | 3,000 | 9,500 | 13,000 | 17,233 | 21,025 |
| Cost of reports | — | 450 | * | 1,717 | 3,495 |
| Research | — | — | — | — | 5,150 |
| Totals | 3,799 | 14,181 | 16,626 | 22,437 | 35,896 |
| Number of meetings held | 10 | 30 | 29 | 26 | 28 |
| Total—123. | |||||
| * Not separately identifiable. | |||||
asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether his Department has studied the fifth survey report of the inspectorate on Welsh in the primary schools of Gwynedd, Powys and Dyfed; and if he will make a statement on any policy decision that he has taken following this report.
This report was, in fact, published by my Department because I felt it to be of general interest to all Welsh education authorities and those engaged in Welsh language teaching. I shall be consulting local education authorities on the place of the Welsh language in the schools of Wales in the light of their responses to the curriculum review qestionnaire sent out last November.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what initiative he has taken to implement the recommendation of paragraph 23 of the Council for the
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many times he met formally the chairman and members of the Council for the Welsh Language.
Twice, on 31st May 1974 and 22nd October 1976. I also had many informal meetings with the chairman.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total cost to his Department of the work of the Council for the Welsh Language for each year since its inception; and if he will identify this expenditure by the cost of reports, the number of meetings held and the expenses of members.
The information is as follows:Welsh Language report, "
Dysgu Cymraeg i Oedolion—Welsh for Adults, to increase the availability of publishing, broadcasting and recording material for use by adult learners; and what resources he has allocated for this purpose.
The Government have supported the publication of Welsh language books for adults by increasing the annual Welsh books grant, which was £1,000 in 1956, to over £60,000 in 1978–79. A grant of £42,000 payable over the three years 1977–80, has been made to Urdd Gobaith Cymru to enable it to continue publication of four magazines.
Under-Fives
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total number of under-fives in maintained schools and classes in Wales in each year since 1964 in each local education authority, both full-time and part-time, in nursery schools, nursery classes and other classes in primary schools; and if he will indicate how many of the classes are (a) Welsh-medium, (b) bilingual, (c) English-medium; and what percentage they represent of the total un
| January 1974 | January 1975 | January 1976 | January 1977 | January 1978 | ||
| Clwyd | … | 4,820 | 4,979 | 5,849 | 5,746 | 5,551 |
| Dyfed | … | 4,190 | 4,450 | 4,809 | 4,206 | 4,641 |
| Gwent | … | 6,906 | 6,935 | 7,454 | 7,307 | 6,828 |
| Gwynedd | … | 3,285 | 3,578 | 3,925 | 3,736 | 3,695 |
| Mid Glamorgan | … | 10,109 | 10,623 | 11,306 | 10,745 | 10,527 |
| Powys | … | 1,560 | 1,738 | 1,979 | 1,352 | 1,369 |
| South Glamorgan | … | 4,507 | 4,929 | 5,105 | 5,100 | 5,226 |
| West Glamorgan | … | 5,513 | 6,276 | 7,284 | 7,623 | 7,715 |
| Wales Total | … | 40,890 | 43,508 | 47,711 | 45,815 | 45,552 |
Note:
Ages are as at 31st December of the preceding year in each case.
Information on the language medium in the nursery sector is not available.
Pre-School Playgroups
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many playgroups were registered with each local authority social services department in each year
| PREMISES REGISTERED WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES UNDER SECTION 1 OF THE NURSERIES AND CHILD-MINDERS REGULATION ACT 1948 | ||||||||
| Local Authority | 1970–71 | 1971–72 | 1972–73 | 1973–74 | 1974–75 | 1975–76 | 1976–77 | |
| Anglesey | … | 24 | 24 | — | — | — | ||
| Brecon | … | 8 | 10 | — | — | — | ||
| Caernarvon | … | 42 | 43 | — | — | — | ||
| Cardigan | … | 22 | 27 | — | — | — | ||
| Carmarthen | … | 11 | 20 | — | — | — | ||
| Denbigh | … | 56 | 68 | — | — | — | ||
| Flint | … | 54 | 63 | — | — | — | ||
| Glamorgan | … | 138 | 162 | — | — | — | ||
| Merioneth | … | Individual breakdowns not available | 10 | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Monmouth | … | 59 | 70 | — | — | — | ||
| Montgomery | … | 13 | 20 | — | — | — | ||
| Pembrokeshire | … | 30 | 32 | — | — | — | ||
| Radnorshire | … | 3 | 3 | — | — | — | ||
| Cardiff | … | 60 | 72 | — | — | — | ||
| Merthyr | … | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | ||
| Newport | … | 14 | 20 | — | — | — | ||
| Swansea | … | 17 | 17 | — | — | — | ||
| Clwyd | … | — | — | — | — | 129 | 148 | 159 |
| Dyfed | … | — | — | — | — | 88 | 106 | 110 |
| Gwent | … | — | — | — | — | 85 | 86 | 99 |
| Gwynedd | … | — | — | — | — | 87 | 94 | 102 |
| Mid-Glamorgan | … | — | — | — | — | 100 | 89 | 100 |
| Powys | … | — | — | — | — | 32 | 37 | 38 |
| South Glamorgan | … | — | — | — | — | 118 | 133 | 140 |
| West Glamorgan | … | — | — | — | — | 48 | 44 | 44 |
| Wales Total | … | 347 | 433 | 563 | 664 | 687 | 737 | 792 |
asked the Secretary of state for Wales what was the total
Statistics on the basis of the present local education authorities are available only for the years since 1974. The number of pupils under five attending nursery schools, classes or units or other classes is as follows:since 1970; and if he will indicate how many of these playgroups are (
a) Welsh-medium, ( b) bilingual and ( c) English-medium.
The number of playgroups registered with each local authority in Wales during the year ending 31st March 1973 and the years following is shown in the table below.allocation made by his Department in each year since 1976 to Mudiad Ysgolion
Meithrin and the Pre-school Playgroups Association for (
a) equipment, ( b) part-time field staff and ( c) central organisation; and if he will specify any condition attached to this funding.
1975–76
| 1976–77
| 1977–78
| 1978–79
| ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin | … | 24,400 | 36,200 | 46,375 | 60,000 |
| Pre-school Play-groups Association | … | 11,364 | 17,450 | 28,000 | 36,000 |
The amount for 1978–79 in each case the maximum payable.
The grants are intended to provide financial support centrally to these two national organisations and are to cover running expenses but not capital expenditure. In deciding on the total amount of grant for each organisation, account is taken of estimates of expenditure on various items but it is for the organisation to determine how the money is spent, subject to the following conditions:
All recorded road accidents involving personal injury or death in Wales
| Drivers involved in accidents with positive (or failed to provide) breath tests
| Colume (2) as a percentage of colume (1) | |||||
| (1) | (2) | (3) | |||||
| 1969 | … | … | … | … | 11,538 | 380 | 3·3 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | … | 12,308 | 567 | 4·6 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | … | 11,864 | 713 | 6·0 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | … | 12,314 | 792 | 6·4 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | … | 12,079 | 919 | 7·6 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | … | 11,393 | 881 | 7·7 |
| 1975 | … | … | … | … | 11,075 | 868 | 7·8 |
| 1976 | … | … | … | … | 11,498 | 729 | 6·3 |
| 1977 | … | … | … | … | 11,460* | 697 | 6·1* |
*Provisional figures. | |||||||
Urdd Gobaith Cymru
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total assistance given by his Department to
Grants paid by my Department to Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin and the Pre-school Playgroups Association in the year ended 31st March 1976 and the years following amounted to:
Water Services Charges
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average charge per household in Wales for services by the Welsh Water Authority in 1978–79, compared with the previous year.
The average domestic bill for water supply is £22·76, as compared with £25·40 in 1977–78. The average domestic bill for miscellaneous services—sewerage and environmental services—is £21·96 for sewered hereditaments, against £22·30, and 74p for unsewered hereditaments, against 60p.
Drinking And Driving
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many road accidents in which alcohol was involved occurred in Wales in each of the years 1967 to 1977; and what percentage these were of the total.
The following information is available for the years 1969 to 1977:Urdd Gobaith Cymru in each year since 1964.
My Department assumed responsibility to Urdd Gobaith Cymru for the youth service on 1st April 1978. Prior to that date, grants were made by the Department of Education and Science, other than a grant of £12,500 towards the cost of publishing magazines which I authorised in 1977–78. In 1978–79, the grants to be paid to Urdd Gobaith Cymru will be £80,043.
Nursery Education
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many (a) Welsh-medium nursery units, (b) bilingual and (c) English-medium nursery units have been established by local education authorities in Wales in each year since 1976; and if he will publish a breakdown by county.
Statistics on nursery units in primary schools were first collected in 1977 and there are no data yet on newly established units. Information on the language medium in the nursery sector is not available.
Social Services
Unemployed Foreign Citizens
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what restrictions there are on the issue of B1 forms to foreigners, legally staying in the United Kingdom, between the ages of 16 years and 65 years for men and 16 years and 60 years for women; and if he will make a statement.
There is no restriction on the issue of form B1 to unemployed persons resident in this country who think they may be entitled to supplementary benefit.
Benefits (Abuse)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will set up a special inquiry into the extent of abuse of social security benefits by 16- to 19 year-olds; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he will set up a special inquiry to look into the extent of improper receipt of social security benefits by pupils still at school; and if he will make a statement.
My Department and the Department of Employment have been considering for some time, with the other interests involved, the present procedures for dealing with claims to social security benefit by young unemployed persons. This is part of our continuing effort to deal with the problems of fraud and abuse, about which I gave the House general details in my statement in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sowerby (Mr. Madden) on 7th December 1977—[Vol. 940, c. 745–8]—and I see no reason for any special inquiry. I have no evidence that improper receipt of benefit by pupils still at school is widespread. If evidence of particular cases is brought to my notice, it will be investigated.
Brookwood Hospital
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to allow the management of the Brookwood Hospital to pass into the hands of people not answerable to the area health authority; and if he will make a statement.
No. Pending the completion of the independent inquiry which is to be set up by the Surrey Area Health Authority into working relationships at Brookwood Hospital, a joint management-trade union committee has been established at the hospital to see that both unions and management have a full understanding of each other's position and to promote better working relationships and the best interests of patient care. On this understanding, normal working arrangements have been resumed.
Prescriptions (Cost)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total cost to the National Health Service of prescriptions for goods which could be purchased without a prescription in the last three financial years.
I regret that this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Prescriptions (Profit Margins)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will increase the profit margins for prescriptions in the case of small pharmacies serving residential areas which would otherwise be without pharmacy facilities, in the light of the increasing number of closures of such pharmacies providing a necessary service and amenity.
Small pharmacies generally are already receiving additional remuneration as a consequence of the differential system of payment introduced on 1st January last. In addition, any small pharmacy sited 2½ kilometres or more from the next pharmacy is eligible, if its non-National Health Service turnover does not exceed a specified limit, for financial assistance under the essential small pharmacies scheme.
Elderly Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in the United Kingdom are currently over 75 years of age; and what proportion is in hospital or residential care.
The number of people in the United Kingdom aged 75 or over is currently estimated as 2,978,000. The proportion of this age group in residential homes for the elderly in 1976—the latest available date—was 4·8 per cent. This includes residents in local authority homes and those in voluntary or private homes, whether or not supported by a local authority. The proportion in hospitals in Great Britain in 1975, the latest available date, was 3·6 per cent. A comparable figure is not available for the United Kingdom as a whole.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the increase in the numbers of people over 75 years of age by 1991; and how many more hospital and residential care places will be needed to meet their needs assuming no change in the level of demand.
It is estimated that by 1991 there will be about 3,232,000 people aged 75 and over, an increase of just over 20 per cent. I would not regard it as realistic to estimate the need for additional hospital and residential care places by assuming no change in the level of demand, in view of the increasing emphasis on rehabilitation and domiciliary care. However, in our planning guidelines to authorities we stressed the importance of reflecting the growing size of the elderly population in their plans, includ- ing the especially heavy demands to be expected from those over the age of 75.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many extra hospital and residential care places for the elderly are planned for 1991.
Plans so far drawn up by health and local authorities do not look beyond the next 10 years, and assumptions are too tentative to permit an informed estimate of the level of hospital and residential provision in 1991.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to reduce the proportion of elderly people who require residential or hospital care; and if he will make a statement.
High priority is being given to the development of domiciliary provision for elderly people and the encouragement of other means designed to prevent or postpone the need for long-term care in hospital or residential homes. A research strategy has been developed to help further these aims. In order that ideas may be canvassed from many quarters, a discussion document will be publised shortly. This will be followed by a White Paper on the elderly in 1979 which will set out our general strategy.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of hospital beds is occupied by persons over 75 years of age; and what is his estimate of the proportion in 1991.
The proportion of hospital beds occupied by patients aged 75 and over in England and Wales in 1975, the most recent year for which figures are available, is about 25 per cent. It is not possible to give an estimate for 1991. The emphasis we are placing on the development of acute geriatric units in general hospitals, with an active approach to the treatment and rehabilitation of the elderly, should progressively reduce hospital bed needs per unit of elderly population.
Regional Secure Units
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how much money was spent by regional health authorities in 1977–78 on the construction of regional secure units;(2) how much money was granted by his Department in 1977–78 to regional health authorities for the construction of regional secure units.
Funds are made available to regional health authorities to meet the approved capital cost of providing regional secure units. In 1977–78, five regional health authorities requested and were given £226,000 to meet their estimates of preliminary expenditure, of which it is now estimated that £107,000 was spent in the year.
Disabled Persons (Vehicles)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will change his Department's policy to enable disabled drivers to purchase their vehicles before the vehicle is taken to the central auction sale.
It is my Department's long-standing practice to reallocate to other eligible disabled people those of our cars which, having been given up for any reason, are suitable for reissue. Only cars not suitable for that purpose are sold as surplus to requirements. For the reasons I gave in my recent letter to the hon. Member, it is customary to sell surplus Government vehicles by public auction and not by private treaty.Surplus cars sold by my Department are mainly those which are showing signs of extensive wear and tear or have been damaged in accidents. They are sent to the Government disposal centre at Ruddington near Nottingham. The regular sales are widely advertised and well known to organisations of disabled people as a source of cars formerly used by disabled drivers. My Department is currently considering the desirability of selling surplus vehicles at local auctions rather than through the Ruddington centre. We shall, in fact, be doing this on a trial basis in the case which the hon. Member recently brought to my attention, and the Department will be contacting the hon. Member's constituent to advise him accordingly.
Diabetes
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is his estimate of the percentage extra weekly cost of a diabetic diet;(2) what plans he has to introduce a disablement costs allowance to cater, among other things, for the extra expenses incurred by diabetics; and if he will make a statement.
The circumstances of individual patients vary so widely as to preclude any meaningful estimate. In general, however, diabetics with a good understanding of their diet should be able to use ordinary foodstuffs and thus incur little additional expenditure.I recognise the desire of many disabled people for the introduction of a disablement costs allowance. Such an allowance has, of course, to be considered not only on its own merits but also with other competing claims on public expenditure.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what surveys have been conducted to ascertain whether diabetics have been able to afford diets prescribed for them.
I am not aware of any such surveys.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what weekly addition is payable to diabetics who are in receipt of supplementary benefit.
I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. Hoyle) on 13th March.—[Vol. 946, c. 62.]
National Health Service (Private Contractors)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue a circular advising National Health Service authorities to show in their accounts submitted to his Department the proportion of money spent on domestic cleaning, catering and portering services which is paid to private contractors; and if he will make a statement.
No, but health authorities have already been asked to include information on contracts, including cleaning and catering, in the analyses which accompany accounts to be submitted for 1977–78 and future years.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the criteria by which health authorities decide whether or not to employ private contractors to carry out cleaning and allied services in National Health Service hospitals.
Relevant criteria include the availability or otherwise of the authority's own labour, cost, the standard of service proposed to be provided and an assessment of the contractor's ability to provide the required service. There may also be other specific local circumstances which have to be taken into account.
Deaf And Blind Children
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children both deaf and blind there are in the United Kingdom.
45 children under age 16 were registered blind and deaf in England and Wales at 31st March 1977, the latest date for which information is available. In addition, some 355 children were notified as suffering a combination of blindness and physical, sensory or speech handicap. Figures are not available in respect of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Smoking
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence his Department has of the health hazard suffered by a non-smoker from a smoky atmosphere; and what conclusions for Government policy he has drawn from this.
The inhalation of other people's smoke usually has no more than a transitory effect on a normally healthy non-smoker, but it may well aggravate the condition of someone already suffering from a respiratory complaint and cause physical distress to people who suffer from certain allergies. A study has shown that babies of parents who smoke are more prone to pneumonia and bronchitis in the first year of life than are those of non-smoking parents, and some health authorities are designing their health education campaigns to make parents aware of the dangers their smoking may hold for young children.
To guide public opinion to the view that smoking in confined public places is anti-social and in order to produce a situation where to smoke is not regarded as the normal behaviour, Government policy is aimed at increasing the provision for non-smokers in public places as I indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, South (Mr. Pavitt) on 23rd May.—[Vol. 950, c. 536.]
Means Tests
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many different means tests are currently in use; and if he will list them together with a summary of the criteria in each case.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 24th May 1978; Vol. 950. c. 607], gave the following information:I refer the hon. Member to my reply on 6th June—[Vol. 951, c.
81–3.]—which included a list of 18 means-tested benefits and schemes administered centrally or by local authorities on a statutory basis. The hon. Member will have appreciated from that reply that the criteria match the extremely wide diversity of personal circumstances which these benefits and schemes were designed to cover. The criteria are summarised in a set of leaflets and notes that I am sending to him. If he would like any further details, I shall be glad to provide them.
As I mentioned in my earlier reply, there are also a number of means-tested benefits which are administered by local authorities on a discretionary basis. Details of the means test involved are for the local authority to determine in each case.
Ambulance Service
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the total number of patients carried, mileage travelled and the total expenditure on ambulance services, excluding agency and voluntary services, for each ambulance authority in England for each financial year since April 1974.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 15th May 1978; Vol. 950, c. 40], gave the following information:
| AMBULANCE SERVICES (EXCLUDING AGENCY AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES) | ||||||||||
1974
| 1975
| 1976
| ||||||||
Region and ambulance service
| Patients carried
| Mileage*
| Total expenditure†
| Patients carried
| Mileage*
| Total expenditure†
| Patients carried
| Mileage*
| Total expenditure
| |
(thousands)
| (thousands)
| £
| (thousands)
| (thousands)
| £
| (thousands)
| (thousands)
| £
| ||
| Northern: | ||||||||||
| Northumbria Ambulance Service | … | 640·4 | 3,242·5 | 2,671,295 | 739·7 | 3,994·3 | 3,558,144 | 826·7 | 4,470·0 | 4,552,635 |
| Cleveland | … | 246·9 | 1,284·7 | 871,333 | 288·2 | 1,493·1 | 1,206,248 | 292·1 | 1,606·8 | 1,401,041 |
| Cumbria | … | 215·2 | 1,557·3 | 773,509 | 219·1 | 1,733·1 | 1,118,488 | 227·9 | 1,746·8 | 1,265,552 |
| Durham | … | 224·1 | 1,449·9 | 1,106,352 | 268·3 | 1,824·1 | 1,439,329 | 315·8 | 2,070·7 | 1,605,301 |
| Yorkshire: | ||||||||||
| Metropolitan Ambulance Service | … | 815·1 | 4,292·5 | 3,522,260 | 1,044·4 | 5,355·0 | 4,565,157 | 1,104·0 | 5,527·2 | 5,487,049 |
| Humberside | … | 377·3 | 1,984·0 | 1,246,563 | 491·1 | 2,694·2 | 1,694,666 | 521·7 | 2,899·3 | 1,983,460 |
| North Yorkshire | … | 175·6 | 1,334·9 | 732,826 | 274·5 | 1,980·5 | 1,078,885 | 305·4 | 2,172·3 | 1,308,392 |
| Trent: | ||||||||||
| Metropolitan Ambulance Service | … | 370·1 | 1,602·7 | 1,925,904 | 473·6 | 2,503·0 | 3,035,261 | 470·3 | 2,442·0 | 3,200,167 |
| Derbyshire | … | 318·5 | 1,877·2 | 1,323,962 | 426·8 | 2,550·8 | 1,739,331 | 425·0 | 2,586·5 | 2,128,677 |
| Leicestershire | … | 221·0 | 1,545·5 | 1,069,192 | 264·4 | 1,935·4 | 1,415,112 | 286·8 | 2,234·3 | 1,605,925 |
| Lincolnshire | … | 213·5 | 1,273·1 | 815,660 | 256·2 | 1,794·5 | 1,173,777 | 266·6 | 1,875·6 | 1,242,086 |
| Nottinghamshire | … | 360·3 | 1,798·6 | 1,260,150 | 488·4 | 2,490·3 | 2,225,750 | 482·6 | 2,494·0 | 2,402,602 |
| East Anglia: | ||||||||||
| Cambridgeshire | … | 89·5 | 747·9 | 604,503 | 110·2 | 908·1 | 823,310 | 115·6 | 965·1 | 938,323 |
| Norfolk | … | 89·4 | 950·6 | 986,305 | 127·3 | 1,410·6 | 1,275,943 | 132·1 | 1,455·0 | 1,375,657 |
| Suffolk | … | 89·7 | 636·3 | 509,384 | 110·1 | 815·4 | 728,430 | 110·6 | 833·2 | 871,671 |
| North West Thames: | … | |||||||||
| Bedfordshire | … | 86·4 | 619·9 | 513,385 | 123·6 | 854·7 | 682,807 | 130·9 | 891·5 | 726,360 |
| Hertfordshire | … | 228·5 | 1,552·8 | 1,219,675 | 321·2 | 2,147·0 | 1,564,563 | 323·8 | 2,165·8 | 1,699,096 |
| North East Thames: | ||||||||||
| Essex | … | 318·1 | 2,304·3 | 1,947,561 | 422·7 | 3,274·7 | 2,643·475 | 380·1 | 3,350·3 | 2,660,240 |
| South East Thames: | ||||||||||
| East Sussex | … | 263·9 | 1,053·2 | 1,106,056 | 328·9 | 1,591·6 | 1,456,642 | 323·4 | 1,589·7 | 1,671,041 |
| Kent | … | 495·1 | 2,849·4 | 2,510,125 | 604·9 | 3,778·0 | 3,412,791 | 660·6 | 3,970·5 | 3,650,505 |
| South West Thames: | ||||||||||
| London Ambulance Service | … | 2,031·5 | 8,671·1 | 12,576,961 | 2,752·5 | 12,285·6 | 16,361,945 | 2,893·9 | 13,298·7 | 18,008,636 |
| Surrey | … | 226·5 | 1,706·6 | 1,766,047 | 308·1 | 2,244·0 | 2,246,867 | 314·6 | 2,387·0 | 2,316,981 |
| West Sussex | … | 111·9 | 789·4 | 761,530 | 161·7 | 1,112·1 | 970,525 | 151·1 | 1,333·9 | 1,158,378 |
| AMBULANCE SERVICES (EXCLUDING AGENCY AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES) | ||||||||||
1974
| 1975
| 1976
| ||||||||
Region and ambulance service
| Patients carried
| Mileage*
| Total expenditure†
| Patients carried
| Mileage*
| Total expenditure†
| Patients carried
| Mileage*
| Total expenditure
| |
(thousands)
| (thousands)
| £
| (thousands)
| (thousands)
| £
| (thousands)
| (thousands)
| £
| ||
| Wessex: | ||||||||||
| Dorset | … | 24·3 | 712·9 | 605,852 | 98·9 | 994·0 | 1,034,870 | 127·9 | 1,121·9 | 1,205,936 |
| Hampshire | … | 196·1 | 1,839·0 | 1,643,151 | 299·7 | 2,302·1 | 2,329,638 | 328·7 | 2,410·9 | 2,763,688 |
| Wiltshire | … | 96·1 | 728·5 | 677,480 | 128·5 | 989·4 | 1,020,631 | 134·2 | 1,035·0 | 1,145,243 |
| Isle of Wight | … | 11·0 | 117·4 | 148,160 | 12·9 | 170·6 | 203,581 | 21·0 | 170·8 | 256,201 |
| Oxford: | ||||||||||
| Berkshire | … | 149·4 | 993·3 | 944,341 | 205·6 | 1,341·4 | 1,221,452 | 216·9 | 1,420·6 | 1,285,234 |
| Buckinghamshire | … | 176·9 | 1,203·5 | 916,496 | 205·3 | 1,531·1 | 1,202,433 | 221·0 | 1,606·2 | 1,252,782 |
| Northamptonshire | … | 181·0 | 983·1 | 721,754 | 237·2 | 1,379·4 | 1,003,038 | 277·4 | 1,467·8 | 1,074,785 |
| Oxfordshire | … | 69·9 | 238·2 | 718,907 | 203·0 | 1,225·3 | 1,010,000 | 200·5 | 1,206·8 | 1,166,999 |
| SouthWestern: | ||||||||||
| Avon | … | 300·0 | 1,557·8 | 1,373,156 | 395·9 | 2,101·9 | 1,968,480 | 407·8 | 2,154·0 | 2,053,993 |
| Cornwall and Isles of Scilly | … | 98·7 | 950·3 | 636,729 | 98·5 | 1,252·5 | 884,934 | 103·4 | 1,355·3 | 1,041,018 |
| Devon | … | 174·3 | 1,317·3 | 1,248,260 | 216·6 | 1,758·3 | 1,842,162 | 164·2 | 1,552·0 | 2,180,118 |
| Gloucestershire | … | 145·6 | 1,028·1 | 864,798 | 207·0 | 1,483·4 | 1,168,298 | 221·1 | 1,477·0 | 1,292,244 |
| Somerset | … | 108·5 | 854·9 | 598,541 | 139·6 | 1,112·7 | 1,326,112 | 127·9 | 1,065·3 | 955,753 |
| West Midlands: | ||||||||||
| Metropolitan Ambulance Service | … | 749·8 | 3,231·4 | 3,763,715 | 921·0 | 4,184·8 | 5,138,469 | 887·0 | 4,184·8 | 5,684,905 |
| Hereford and Worcester | … | 154·9 | 950·4 | 754,214 | 223·9 | 1,336·6 | 1,046,479 | 224·2 | 1,343·5 | 1,231,570 |
| Salop | … | 107·7 | 1,058·4 | 520,419 | 144·2 | 1,362·7 | 702,913 | 149·2 | 1,417·3 | 851,990 |
| Staffordshire | … | 300·9 | 1,916·8 | 1,394,462 | 387·3 | 2,474·0 | 1,806,166 | 396·4 | 2,504·5 | 2,016,345 |
| Warwickshire | … | 89·2 | 659·9 | 552,786 | 120·5 | 902·2 | 745,143 | 123·7 | 883·5 | 818,434 |
| Mersey: | ||||||||||
| Metropolitan Ambulance Service | … | 412·6 | 1,979·9 | 2,169,975 | 535·0 | 2,628·3 | 3,115,047 | 626·2 | 2,796·0 | 3,398,302 |
| Cheshire | … | 248·3 | 1,337·2 | 1,158,894 | 336·9 | 1,955·7 | 1,453,435 | 360·2 | 2,162·2 | 1,639,932 |
| North Western: | ||||||||||
| Metropolitan Ambulance Service | … | 1,013·6 | 4,724·8 | 4,199,511 | 1,253·0 | 5,168·6 | 5,782,331 | 1,268·2 | 5,606·0 | 6,842,289 |
| Lancashire | … | 466·2 | 2,540·0 | 2,136,835 | 582·6 | 3,435·0 | 2,786,931 | 617·9 | 3,563·2 | 3,125,320 |
Notes:
| ||||||||||
* Figures include rail and air services with the exception of "mileage" in 1974. | ||||||||||
| † Financial years 1974–75, 1975–76 and 1976–77 (the latest year for which figures are available). | ||||||||||
Motability
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the progress made by Motability.
I understand that Motability is today issuing details of a scheme which will enable recipients of mobility allowance to lease a car at favourable rates. Details of the car leasing scheme are being placed in the Library. Priority will be given to people aged 16–19 and to those who need a vehicle to get to work or to approved training, but other groups will be phased in as soon as possible. Motability has thus taken a big step towards its objective of enabling disabled people who want to use their mobility allowance to obtain a vehicle to get maximum value for their money in doing so. I should like to pay a warm tribute to the work of Lord Goodman and his colleagues and welcome the co-operation they have received from all the interests with whom they are in touch.I have, at Motability's request, referred to the National Insurance Advisory Committee amending regulations which will allow the Department of Health and
| Earnings | Employer | Employer | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| February 1974 | … | … | … | 47·32 | 3·20 | 2·76 |
| Current tax year | … | … | … | 87·23 | 8·72* | 5·67 |
| *Excludes the national insurance surcharge payable by employers from April 1977. This forms part of general tax revenue and is not for national insurance purposes. The figure of £8·72 is increased to £10·47 by the current 2 per cent. surcharge and would be further increased to £12·65 from October next under the changes announced on 8th June. | ||||||
Northern Ireland
Mentally Handicapped Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list in the Official Report the total number of mentally handicapped persons in Northern Ireland; how many are resident at home and how many are in institutions; in each case how many are under 18 years of age; how many females are over 60 years of age; and how many males are over 65 years of age.
, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 12th June 1978; Vol.
Social Security to pay over mobility allowance, where a beneficiary enters into a leasing agreement, in settlement of liability for payments due for the relevant period under the agreement. This will both simplify matters for the disabled person and, by providing regular and secure payments, enable the costs of the leasing scheme to be kept to a minimum.
National Insurance Contributions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the respective contributions for national insurance purposes of employers and employees where the employee is on average earnings in February 1974 and after the changes he announced on 8th June.
The average weekly earnings for males—over 21 in full-time employment were £47·32 in February 1974 and £87·23 (provisional) in March 1978, the latest available figure. On this basis, and applying the March 1978 earnings to the current tax year, the figures for the weekly national insurance contribution liability in respect of a male employee in not contracted-out employment with average earnings are as follows:951, c.
369], gave the following information:
At 31st December 1977, there were 6,692 mentally handicapped people in Northern Ireland. Of that number, 4,616 were living at home and 2,076 were living in hospitals or other residential accommodation. Of the 4,616 people living at home, 975 were under 16 years, 83 were men over 60 years and 84 were women over 60 years. Of the 2,076 living in hospitals or other residential accommodation, 161 were under 16 years, 190 were men over 60 years and 186 were women over 60 years. Statistics for people under 18 years old and men over 65 years old are not available.