asked the Secretary of State for Wales what grants or loans are made by his Department, or by any body responsible to his Department, for the construction or conversion of buildings; if he will make the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people a condition for such grants or loans; and if he will make a statement.

This information cannot be given without extensive inquiry; but all such loans and grants are made on the basis that the work complies with all relevant statutory requirements, including those in the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Acts 1970 and 1976 where applicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his latest estimate of the annual production in Wales of milk, beef, lamb and mutton, poultry meat, eggs and cheese; and what is his estimate of the consumption of these products during the same period.

The following statistics relate to total milk sales off farms in Wales, slaughterings in Wales and throughput of packing stations and broiler output in 1977:

Milk	1,443·3 million litres
Cattle	69,200 (number of beasts)
Calves	12,700 (number of beasts)
Sheep and lambs	623,200 (number of beasts)
Eggs	168·5 million
Broiler output	28·5 million birds

No figures are available for cheese. No information is available about the marketing of the produce of Wales through other outlets. Estimates of consumption in 1977, derived from the National Food Survey, are as follows:

Liquid milk	371·7 million litres
Beef and veal	27,000 tonnes
Lamb and mutton	17,800 tonnes
Poultry meat	20,100 tonnes*
Eggs	566·9 million
Cheese	14,000 tonnes
* Broiler chicken uncooked including frozen and, other poultry uncooked (including frozen).

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if handicapped children who are fitted with the prosthesis which was developed by Dr. Sörbye in Sweden will receive their treatment free of charge;(2) what arrangements are to be made for the training of children fitted with the myoelectric hand which was developed in Sweden; and whether maintenance will be under the National Health Service;(3) if prosthetic treatment will be given under the National Health Service to any child who has secured a myoelectric hand from Sweden;(4) what is the current level of spending on research into artificial limbs;(5) what will be the cost of supplying the prosthesis which was developed by Dr. Sörbye in Sweden;(6) what was the outcome of his Department's decision to supply gas-powered arms to thalidomide children;(7) if he will make a further statement about the supply of the prosthesis which was developed by Dr. Sörbye in Sweden for children without fully formed arms.

My hon. Friend will know that myoelectric hands are not new. They have been available throughout the world for many years. They were carefully examined by my Department in the late 1960s. It was then found in Britain, as in other countries, that the number of adults accepting them was very low. Most found them to be somewhat slow in operation, limited in function and incapable of the dexterity that can be achieved by the available range of body-operated mechanical devices.Experience with gas-powered arms for thalidomide children, among others, was also disappointing. Initially, 60 children used the arms but, over the years, all but two ceased to use them. Thus, ultimate rejection was almost total.Research efforts in this country, undertaken in conjunction with the manufacturers, have concentrated on the extension and improvement of manually operated prosthesis. We have a substantial programme of research into both artificial arms and legs. The cost in 1977–78 was about £500,000. In this field, as in other areas of research, no country has a monopoly of good ideas or successful developments. We can all learn from each other.Dr. Sörbye adopted the theory that, by fitting a myoelectric hand to very young children, some of the problems of rejection might be overcome. He took the view that, despite the problems of learning to use a complicated prosthesis, children might adapt to the use of the hand more readily than adults by accepting it as part of the body image, he believed that they would continue to use the myoelectric hand into adult life.Many clinical and other factors were taken into account by Dr. Sörbye before he came to the conclusion that it was early fitting to young children that offered the best chance of permanent acceptance. He then designed, in collaboration with a Swedish firm, a miniaturised version of the myoelectric hand for children under five years of age. As far as we are aware, this development has not been clinically evaluated outside Sweden.My hon. Friend may like to know that, in Sweden itself, about 30 children so far have been fitted. Although Dr. Sörbye has been working on his project for some years, only recently did he feel that he had achieved sufficient success to publish his research. And it is only within the last few months that a commercially produced version of the hand has become available.Notwithstanding the recency of this development we have studied its progress very carefully. After announcing to the House in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 21st March—[Vol. 946, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the report of the development team for the Mentally Handicapped will be published.

The report is published today. It records the activities of the development team since 1976 in response to over 70 invitations from health and local authorities for advice on the planning and development of their services for the mentally handicapped in line with Government policies. The report provides examples of the shortcomings and the good qualities of existing services and describes a number of ways in which the team suggest the principles of the 1971 White Paper "Better Services for Mentally Handicapped" can be put into practice.Copies of the team's report have been placed in the Library of the House and are being sent to field authorities and community health councils. Copies are also on sale at Her Majesty's Stationery Office, price £1·50.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons under 18 years of age are detained in institutions for the criminally insane in England and Wales; and how many of these persons are in units specially designed for the needs of young people.

There are no institutions exclusively for the criminally insane in England and Wales. I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the special hospitals for those detained patients who require treatment for their mental disorder under conditions of special security because of their dangerous, violent or criminal propensities. Patients in these hospitals include non-offenders as well as offenders.On 1st April 1978 there were 25 patients under the age of 18 in these hospitals. Of this number, 18 males, at Moss Side Hospital, near Liverpool, are in a unit reserved for young male patients. Educational, occupational and recreational facilities are available at all the hospitals.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in the light of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys estimate of 2,000 to 3,000 second generation New Commonwealth and Pakistan births per annum by the mid-1970s, what are the corresponding estimates for 1978, 1980 and 1985.

No reliable information is available on the numbers of births to the first generation of women of New Commonwealth and Pakistani (NCWP) ethnic origin to be born in this country. The estimate of 2,000 to 3,000 second generation births in 1976 was based on an estimate of the number of first generation women of child bearing age and a broad assumption about their fertility rates. Future fertility rates are conjectural; but because of the age structure of the British-born element of the NCWP population, the number of first generation women attaining age 20, and therefore entering the age span where most childbearing occurs, can be expected to more than double over the five years from 1976 to 1981 and to quadruple over the 10 years from 1976 to 1986. The Registrar General is preparing revised projections of the population of NCWP ethnic origin and will be publishing them in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received the note from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West drawing attention to the false and forged social security Department's letter ordering people compulsorily to billet immigrant Asians; what action he has taken or intends taking; and whether he will make a statement.

I am unable to trace such a communication from my hon. Friend. If he will let me have details, I will ensure that the matter is considered immediately.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he has taken to draw the attention of family doctors to the conseqeuences of the Social Security (Unemployment, Sickness and Invalidity Benefit) Amendment Regulations 1978.

It is intended to revise the booklet "Guidance for General Medical Practitioners. Medical Evidence for Social Security Purposes" which is issued to all family doctors, to give specific advice on the provisions of the amendment regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has been able to consider helping the work of the Association to Combat Huntington's Chorea; and if he will make a statement.

I am very much aware of the valuable work carried out by the Association. My officials have met the Association's officers on a number of occasions to discuss matters of mutual concern.I am pleased to announce that I have authorised the payment of £7,000 to the Association in the current financial year. A grant of £5,000 is being paid as a contribution towards the general administrative costs of the Association. A further £2,000 is to be paid to enable it to prepare information leaflets on Huntington's Chorea to assist professional workers and families in which there is a sufferer.I am deeply conscious of the great difficulties faced by sufferers from Hunting-ton's Chorea and by their families. In the four years of its existence, the Association has done a great deal to provide help and support to families. I am extremely glad to have been able to help their important work.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what grants or loans are made by his Department, or by any body responsible to his Department, for the construction or conversion of buildings; if he will make the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people a condition for such grants or loans; and if he will make a statement.

While the information is not readily available in the form requested, my hon. Friend can be assured that all such loans and grants from this Department are made on the understanding that the relevant statutory requirements are complied with, including those relating to the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people. I take every opportunity to remind the statutory authorities of the relevant sections of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 and have said that I expect them to comply with these sections.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list all the health authorities who employ less than 2 per cent. registered disabled people; how many registered disabled people have been engaged by each of those authorities in the last 12 months; what action he is taking to increase employment of disabled people by health authorities; and if he will make a statement.

The figures for 1978 arc not yet available and it would not be possible to say, without disproportionate effort, how many registered disabled people have been engaged by health authorities in the last 12 months. On 1st June 1977 no regional or area health authority employed more than 2 per cent. of registered disabled people. As my hon. Friend is aware, I have on a number of occasions expressed my concern at the average rate of employment of disabled people in the National Health Service. I have written to the chairmen of all health authorities asking for their help in increasing that rate. Moreover, we are at present carrying out a pilot study in one area health authority and I hope that this will identify ways in which the National Health Services' record might be improved.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of his acceptance of the opinion of the Council for Postgraduate Medical Education that training in homoeopathy does not warrant financial support for courses for general practitioners, he will review the position, and in particular appoint a representative of the Faculty of Homoeopathy to the Council.

I see no reason to disagree with the Council's advice in this matter.As I said in my reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 15th May—[Vol. 950; c.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many consultant homoeopathic physicians, and how many consultant physicians, are actually in charge of homoeopathic hospitals or departments of homoeopathy in National Health Service hospitals.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave him on 15th May—[Vol. 950; c. 46.] Consultants are not in charge of hospitals in the National Health Service; these are the responsibility of area health authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the annual expenditure on the National Health Service in 1973–74; and what the annual expenditure has been for the years 1975–76 and 1976–77.

The gross expenditure on the National Health Service in England for the years 1973–74, 1975–76 and 1976–77 was as follows:

Year	£ million
1973–74	2,558
1975–76	4,533
1976–77	5,169

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest available infant mortality rates for each of the health districts within the southeast metropolitan health region; and what are the comparative figures for the region and the country as a whole.

The provisional rates for 1977 are as follows:

	Deaths under one year of age per 1,000 live births
England and Wales	13·7
England	13·7
Health Authority:
South East Thames Region	13·1
East Sussex Area	15·9
Brighton	17·6
Eastbourne	10·5
Hastings	19·8
Kent Area	11·4
South East Kent	8·8
Canterbury and Thanet	13·7
Dartford and Grave-sham	10·2
Maidstone	11·0
Medway	12·8
Tunbridge Wells	10·6
Greenwich and Bexley Area	12·8
Greenwich	14·3
Bexley	11·1
Bromley Area and District	13·7
Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Area	14·7
St. Thomas'	14·7
King's	13·0
Guy's	18·1
Lewisham	13·8

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of his Written Answer of Monday 15th May that there are no posts for consultant homoeopathic physicians in National Health Service hospitals, he is aware that advertisements have appeared recently in the medical Press for applicants to fill the post of consultant homoeopathic physician in such a hospital.

Yes—individual doctors or employing authorities are free to use whatever informal description they wish for particular jobs. However, the advertisements in question made it clear that applicants for the posts would be required to possess qualifications appropriate for a consultant physician and the successful candidate would be described as a consultant physician in all official statistics.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why his Department has refused to continue negotiations with the Prison Officers Association at Ramp-ton Hospital on their full entitlement to lead-in payments; and whether he will make a statement.

I assume that my hon. Friend's Question refers to suggestions that there might be increases in the proportions of the special hospitals lead pay paid to certain of the ancillary grades in the special hospitals. Under the current pay guidelines such improvements in pay and conditions have to count against the pay limit for the group concerned. Negotiations with the Prison Officers Association are taking place on an increase in lead pay itself and until these are completed it will not be possible to determine if there is scope for increases in the proportions payable to particular groups of staff. In view of this, discussions on such proportions have been temporarily suspended; but it should be possible to resume them fairly soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the Property Services Agency is refusing to continue negotiations with the Prison Officers Association at Rampton Hospital regarding the improvement of 163 staff houses there; and whether he will make a statement.

Negotiations with the Prison Officers Association on this, as with other issues affecting the interests of staff in the special hospitals, are conducted by officials of my Department through the appropriate Whitley Committees for the special hospitals. Officers of the Agency where items involving the work of the Property Services Agency are to be considered will, exceptionally, attend meetings of local Whitley Committees as advisers to the Official Side, when requested to do so.Plans for the improvement of these houses are under consideration but until they have been fully costed it is not possible to put firm proposals to the staff.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the Katherine female maximum observation ward at Rampton Hospital has been closed since 1977; and what is the reason for the delay in reopening it.

Catherine Ward was closed in December 1977 because it was felt that the conditions were unsuitable for patients and staff. It was then hoped that the major work needed to improve and modernise the building could begin in April 1978. Unfortunately owing to staffing and technical difficulties the Property Services Agency has had to delay the starting date. It is now hoped to begin the work in December 1978.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has completed his discussions with the local authority associations regarding the secondment of social workers to certificate of qualification for social work courses; and whether he will make a statement.

The Department has been discussing with the local authority associations and the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work a contingency plan whereby the Local Government Training Board would administer a jointly funded scheme to enable local authorities to second additional staff on to courses leading to the Certificate of Qualification in Social Work. This scheme would operate if there was evidence that there would otherwise be a significant shortfall of students on courses starting this autumn.Although there is evidence of individual students failing to obtain financial support, the present indications are that, overall, sufficient students will obtain support to fill the available course places. The situation is being closely monitored and the contingency arrangements will be put into operation if this appears necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many consultant gynaecologists and how many National Health Service sessions there were in the Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton area health authorities, respectively, in 1975, 1976 and 1977.

I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in line with the request referred to in paragraph 45 of the White Paper on industrial democracy, Cmnd. Paper No. 7231, to the joint chairmen of the nationalised industries, the Government had asked for joint proposals by August 1978 for further improvement in consultation and participation in the health services; and, if this has not been done, what the Government's proposals for an extension of industrial democracy in the health services are.

The extension of industrial democracy in the National Health Service has been under consideration quite independently of the request to the nationalised industries to which my hon. Friend refers. Discussions are currently being held with representatives of the TUC Health Services Committee about staff membership of health authorities.Following Lord McCarthy's review of the operation of the NHS Whitley Council System published in December 1976, I understand that the General Whitley Council has it in mind to review its agreement on joint staff consultation.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what portion of their annual total revenue the producers of tobacco products have spent on the promotion of sporting events, the performing arts, the fine arts, and other cultural activities, during each of the past 10 years.

I do not have this information.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, further to the reply to the hon. Member for Holland with Boston on 14th June, if he will now list those countries in Europe that have repealed legislation that either permitted or required public water supplies for human consumption to be fluoridated.

The information requested could be produced only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated cost of the general household survey now being carried out by interviewers calling on householders for the social survey division of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys.

The general household survey is a continuous survey undertaken by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys on behalf of the Central Statistical Office and other Government Departments. The estimated cost in the financial year 1978–79 is £614,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the sums received from class 4 national insurance contributions for the years 1975–76, 1976–77 and 1977–78, with the estimates previously given and the estimate for the year 1978–79.

The estimates of class 4 national insurance contribution receipts given in the Government Actuary's reports on contribution re-rating orders are those expected to be received in the year and not the receipts in respect of that year which will of course continue to be received in later years. Receipts are shown in the accounts on a similar basis.

	Contributions estimated to be received in the year*	Receipts in the year*
	£ million	£ million
1975–76	—†	27·2
1976–77	93·0	86·7
1977–78	127·0	124·0‡
1978–79	120·0	—
* Including National Health Service element.
† No separate estimate made of Class 4 contribution.
‡ Provisional.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will agree to a longer and more detailed investigation by Amnesty International or a similar impartial body which will be allowed to see prisoners on remand or convicted, a facility which was not afforded to the recent Amnesty mission.

As was announced on 8th June—[Vol. 951, c. 229–34]—in the Government response to the Amnesty International report, the Government, following a suggestion by the Chief Constable of the RUC, are setting up an independent committee of inquiry to consider present police practice and procedures in Northern Ireland relating to the interrogation of persons suspected of scheduled offences, and to consider the operation of the procedure for dealing with complaints. The conduct of the inquiry is a matter for the committee itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will seek a judicial review of all cases which have used statements taken at Castlereagh Royal Ulster Constabulary centre or by the Castlereagh group of detectives elsewhere.

No. In their response to the Amnesty International report on 8th June—[Vol. 951, c. 229–34]—the Government made clear their view that the existing law fully protects persons who are accused on the basis of their own statements. The Government are not aware of any case where the courts have taken account of a statement which the courts accepted was improperly obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the interrogation methods used in the Castlereagh Royal Ulster Constabulary centre are in accordance with the pledges given by the Government to the European Commission on Human Rights.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the formal undertaking given to the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of Her Majesty's Government in February 1977. This undertaking was that the "five techniques" would not in any circumstances be reintroduced as an aid to interrogation. The Government have not departed and will not depart from this undertaking.Explanations were given to the court of the measures adopted by successive Governments in Northern Ireland with a view to preventing the ill-treatment of prisoners in any form. These measures remain in force.As was announced on 8th June—[Vol. 951, c. 229–34]—in the Government response to the Amnesty International report, the Government are setting up an independent committee of inquiry to consider present police practice and procedures in Northern Ireland relating to the interrogation of persons suspected of scheduled offences.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what recent representations he has received about the implementation of the code of conduct on employment practices for firms with South African subsidiaries.

The White Paper, published on 25th May, took into account views expressed to us by the TUC, CBI and concerned organisations. The reports which companies have been asked to publish by 30th September will show the extent of implementation and the Government will be assessing the reports in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he plans to meet the chairman of the British Airports Authority soon.

Although my right hon. Friend has no immediate plans for such a meeting, both he and I have met the chairman of the British Airports Authority in recent weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress he is making in his discussions on the film industry; and if he will make a statement.

I have had valuable discussions with many sectors of the film industry recently and am awaiting advice on a number of questions from the CFC and other bodies including the interim action committee's proposals for a British Film Authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade under what legislation he issues licences for the export of live animals; how many licences have been refused in the last year; what is the normal period for a licence; and what is the maximum number of animals for which a licence would normally be granted.

The control of exports from the United Kingdom—which for this purpose includes the Isle of Man —of live cattle, sheep and pigs is currently administered under the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1970, as amended. The order is made under Section 1 of the Import Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act 1939.Licences are valid for three months. There is no maximum number of animals for which a licence would normally be granted—it may cover more than one consignment. Licences are granted only in accordance with the recommendation of the appropriate Agriculture Department or the Isle of Man Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.The figure for licences refused in the last year could only be extracted at disproportionate cost as the Department's records do not readily admit of the extraction of accurate ad hoc statistics relating to the licensing of controlled exports.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his policy for encouraging the adoption of lower air fares to Australia and New Zealand.

It is my objective to ensure that air fares are established at the lowest possible level consistent with the provision of satisfactory services on an economic basis. Discussions about this are currently in progress with an Australian team.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take steps to encourage a suitable helicopter service between Sheffield and national airports, including Heathrow.

No. The provision of helicopter services is primarily a commercial matter for air transport operators subject to licensing by the Civil Aviation Authority and planning control by the local authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the record of public funds granted to the Children's Film Foundation during each of the last five years; and how much is proposed for the current financial year.

After consultation with the Cinematograph Films Council, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 1(1)(b) of the Cinematograph Films Act 1957, the following payments to the Children's Film Foundation from the proceeds of the British Film Fund, which is raised from a levy on cinema-goers, have been approved:

	£
1973–74	351,550
1974–75	351,550
1975–76	454,250
1976–77	499,675
1977–78	499,675

I am awaiting advice from the Cinematograph Films Council on the grant to be made to the Children's Film Foundation in 1978–79.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps he proposes to take in order to combat, and to encourage the other members of the EEC to combat, the growing threat to the shipping industry of Western Europe arising from the price war engaged in by the controllers of the merchant fleets of Communist countries.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave today to the hon. Member for the Wirral (Mr. Hunt) and my hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mr. Blenkinsop). The decision adopted at the Council of Ministers (Transport) on 12th June represents a small, but welcome, first step towards Community action to deal with the threat from the State-trading countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the total number of retailers in the United Kingdom who rely on the sale of tobacco products and products used in the consumption of tobacco for more than 5 per cent. of their total revenue; and what percentage this is of the total number of retailers in the United Kingdom.

The information sought cannot be provided without excessive cost. The available information from the 1971 Census of Distribution is that there were 43,207 confectioners, tobacconists and newsagents out of a total of 352,356 retailing organisations which were likely to rely on the sales of tobacco and smokers' requisites for more than 5 per cent. of their total turnover.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what has been the total cost of running the Airport Accident Public Inquiry including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79;(2) what has been the total cost of running the Aircraft Accident Review Board, including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79;(3) what has been the total cost of running the Wreck Inquiry, including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.

Inquiries into accidents involving ships or aircraft are instituted ad hoc and do not involve any continuing overhead costs. The cost of such inquiries in any given year depends primarily on the number of accidents that occur, and cannot of its nature be predicted. No inquiries were conducted in 1977–78.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the total cost of running the British Film Fund Agency, including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.

In the year ended 25th September 1976, the latest for which full figures are available, the cost of running the British Film Fund Agency amounted to £48,000. Most of this represented the fees of the firm of accountants which administers the fund. I cannot readily provide an estimate of the costs in 197879, since the level of the fees depends on the work done and they are not in any case a charge on my Department's Vote.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the total cost of running the Cinematograph Films Council, including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.

In the year ended 31st March 1978 the cost of running the Cinematograph Films Council was £2,022, accounted for almost entirely by the travel and subsistence costs of the 21 unpaid council members and the remuneration of the part-time chairman. It is estimated that expenditure in 1978–79 will be approximately £2,500.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the total cost of running the Copyright Royalty Inquiry, including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.

£3,982: £2,807 for members' daily fees and expenses, £1,028 for law reporting and £147 for advertisement. The Copyright Royalty Inquiry was a single event held in November 1976. No expenditure has been incurred on it since then and none is projected.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the total cost of running the Deputy Receiver of Wrecks and Wreck Agent, including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on his own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.

The cost, consisting entirely of retainers, amounted to £627·50 in 1977–78 and is expected to be much the same in 1978–79.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the total cost of running the Licensed Dealers Tribunal, including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.

The last Licensed Dealers Tribunal was held in 1974 and cost £2,370, most of which related to professional and other fees. It is not expected that a tribunal will be convened in 1978–79.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps he has taken and will take to secure the ratification by the European Economic Community of agreements requiring adherence to stringent rules to prevent oil spills within the waters of member nations.

The Council of Ministers of the European Communities has agreed to recommend that member States should sign, ratify or accede to certain conventions by particular dates in 1979 and 1980. The Conventions concerned are:

• 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by Ships (MARPOL).
• 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
• 1978 Protocols to MARPOL and SOLAS.

International Labour Organisation Convention No. 147 on Minimum Standards for Merchant Ships.

All these conventions will contribute directly or indirectly to reducing oil pollution in the waters of the member States.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the total cost of running the Performing Right Tribunal, including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on its own programmes, wages, rent, treating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.

In 1977–78 the cost of the tribunal amounted to £1,570. The estimate for 1978–79 is £3,300, the increase being due to more hearings. The main constituent is members' expenses.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether trials on low power/low drag landing and take-off techniques at Heathrow Airport are now fully completed; what recommendations have been proposed as a result of these trials; whether the experiment is likely to be extended to other airports, including Abbots-inch, Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.

The trials of continuous descent and low power/low drag approach procedures at Heathrow have been completed and a full report on them will be available shortly. These procedures, which promise appreciable environmental benefits, have already been adopted as the standard method of approach at Heathrow. Similar trials are now in progress at Gatwick and it will be for the Civil Aviation Authority to consider their extension to other airports.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what grants or loans are made by his Department, or by any body responsible to his Department, for the construction or conversion of buildings; if he will make the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people a condition for such grants or loans; and if he will make a statement.

My Department can make loans and grants for airport development. It does so only in exceptional circumstances, and there is little opportunity for me to influence the design of airport buildings. However, the needs of disabled people at airports are widely recognised and the excellence of the facilities provided by the British Airports Authority at Gatwick has been publicly acknowledged.The English Tourist Board makes loans and grants for tourist projects which may involve the construction or conversion of buildings. The Board has assisted two projects specifically for disabled people. Many other projects benefit the disabled incidentally, and the Board tries to ensure that all applicants comply with Section 4(1) of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act. I do not therefore consider it necessary to alter the existing arrangements for approving these grants and loans.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received about the likely effect of the proposed EEC sheepmeat regime upon British shipping; and what conclusions he has come to as a result of those representations.

I am aware of the concern of British shipowners in the New Zealand trade about the possible shipping implications of the proposed EEC sheep-meat regime. We will take full account of the substantial United Kingdom shipping interest in our consideration of the Commission proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he anticipates any substantial deterioration in noise pollution caused by aircraft in the Farnham parliamentary constituency, resulting from the planned expansion of the passenger capacity of Heathrow Airport.

It is not expected that the proposed expansion of passenger capacity at Heathrow would result in increased aircraft noise at Farnham, but the environmental impact of this proposal is being fully examined at the current public inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he proposes to amend the pre-1990 strategy contained in the White Paper on airports policy (Command Paper No. 7084) in the light of the decision by the British Airports Authority not to proceed with the 4 million passenger expansion at Stansted.

No. The chairman of the British Airports Authority has said that the Authority is deferring its proposals to expand capacity at Stansted to handle 4 million passengers a year and will review the position early next year. The White Paper on airports policy does not stipulate when such proposals should be brought forward.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps are being taken in co-operation with other maritime states to raise international standards of oil tanker construction and improve the training of their crews.

In February of this year agreement was reached at the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organisation—IMCO—on protocols to two international conventions which raise tanker construction standards by requiring new crude carriers of 20,000 deadweight tons and above to be fitted with protectively located segregated ballast tanks, and making dual steering gear control systems and dual radars mandatory for tankers of 10,000 tons gross tonnage and above.IMCO is currently holding a conference on the training and certification of seafarers which is expected to agree a convention laying down minimum standards of training for certificates of competence. We shall be proposing mandatory, rather than recommended, special training for the crews of tankers carrying oil or other noxious cargoes in bulk.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his ministerial involvement with the question of the return to Chile of their Rolls-Royce jet engines: and if he will make a statement.

My Department issues export licences where appropriate and after consultation with the other Departments concerned, for goods, such as these engines, which fall within the scope of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1970 as amended. This case is currently under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has discussed with Vicomte Davignon the latter's suggestion that the Multi-Fibre Arrangement should not be extended beyond the present five-year period.

Not yet. But I expect that arrangements for stabilising world trade in textiles will continue to be required in some form beyond the lifetime of the present Multi-Fibre Arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade when he intends next to discuss the future creation of the European Trade Marks Office within the context of meetings of the Council of Ministers.

All discussions on the Community Trade Mark have so far taken place in a working group established

	Quantity		Value
	Kilogrammes	Number	£
January-June 1976	3,342	11,407	160,971
January-June 1977	13,199	38,372	280,605
January-December 1976	7,311	28,008	352,472
January-December 1977	14,282	42,805	369,434
Note: 17,655 skins in 1976 and 9,698 skins in 1977 were imported under licences issued by we Department of Environment under the Endangered Species Act. The remainder were not subject to import licensing.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he foresees the return of pig marketing to the position it was before the swine vesicular disease restrictions were imposed; and whether he will make a statement.

Consultations with interested organisations on possible changes in the marketing arrangements embodied in the Movement and Sale of Pigs Order 1975 have revealed important differences of view. The Ministry is currently seeking to resolve these in futher discussions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what grants or loans are made by his Department, or by any body responsible to his Depart

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether the corrected figures for imports of wild feline skins under Tariff Headings 4301–3587 during 1976 and 1977 referred to in the answer he gave to the hon. Member for Rother Valley, Official Report, 6th February, c. 369, are yet available from Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

Yes. The revised figures for imports of complete raw furskins of wild felines—other than leopards, ocelots, cheetahs and jaguars—are:ment, for the construction or conversion of buildings; if he will make the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people a condition for such grants or loans; and if he will make a statement.

The information is not available in the form requested, but all such loans or grants from my Department are made on the understanding that the relevant statutory requirements, including those requiring the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people, are complied with.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what increase or decline has taken place in the number of goats in the United Kingdom during the last 10 years.

Goat numbers are not collected regularly at each agricultural census, but between 1966 and 1975, the latest year for which figures are available, the number of goats in Great Britain declined by 15 per cent., to 11,214 head. No figures are available for Northern Ireland in 1966, but between 1970 and 1975 goat numbers in the United Kingdom fell by 7·5 per cent. to 13,426 head. These figures do not include goats kept on statistically insignificant holdings or as domestic pets.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many sorts of business for which his Department is responsible are required to have a licence or registration with his Department; and if he has any plans to extend this requirement.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report 26th May 1978; Vol. 950, c. 758], gave the following information:Businesses which would be unable to set up or continue in operation without a licence from or registration with my Department include: dairy farming and the sale of untreated milk by producer-retailers; seed merchants, packers and processors; cattle dealing in brucellosis attested and eradication areas and in accredited cattle outside those areas, cattle markets and slaughterhouses in brucellosis attested and eradication areas; artificial insemination centres; exporting lairages; breeding establishments supplying eggs to hatcheries; egg packing stations; fur farming—mink and coypu.There are, of course, instances where some of these businesses form part of a larger diversified organisation.In addition, my Department is responsible for a number of licensing and registration requirements which relate to a particular activity, which would normally be regarded as forming part of a business rather than constituting the business itself. For example, zoos require licences for their premises to keep certain species such as mink and coypu; pest control companies and farmers require permits to purchase certain poisons such as strychnine for use against pests.It is my Department's usual practice to consult, at the appropriate time, with representatives of the interests affected by any plans to extend existing requirements or introduce new ones.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement to clarify what assistance is available to fish fanning enterprises in the United Kingdom, as a result of the EEC Commission's decision to make grants available towards the cost of projects falling within the scope of regulation 17/64/EEC.

Fish farming enterprises may be considered for capital grant from the Guidance Section of the EAGGF of up to 25 per cent. towards the cost of providing physical assets—that is, buildings and equipment—for production projects, under Regulation 17/64/EEC. The main provisions are that (a) projects do not come within the scope of any other Community-wide measure such as the farm modernisation directive—72/159/EEC; (b) that the member State makes a financial contribution towards the cost of the project; and (c) that work above ground has not started, nor machinery or plant been installed, before receipt of the application by the EEC Commission. Marketing and processing projects are no longer eligible under Regulation 17/64/ EEC but may be considered under Regulation 355/77/EEC.A Ministry Press notice about the additional funds being made available for 1978 under Regulation 17/64/EEC was issued on 8th June to give those in agriculture and fisheries the opportunity to submit applications to the Agriculture Departments by 31st August 1978. Copies of this Press notice are available in the Library of the House.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service, in the light of the report entitled "The Longer Term Review of Administrative Computing in Central Government", what steps are being taken to ensure the minimisation of risks due to industrial action or the withdrawal of labour.

It would not be in the public interest to disclose the plans the Government have for maintaining, as far as possible, essential services including computing in the event of such contingencies as mechanical breakdown, or staff absence caused by sickness, industrial action or other reasons. These plans are kept continually under review.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether, in view of the recent increases in the salaries of the top civil servants, where some have received increases of almost 20 per cent., he will now end the facility granted to these persons of having Government cars to take them en-route to and from their homes and offices on an untaxed basis.

The very few senior civil servants who use official cars regularly for journeys between home and office, are not among those civil servants referred to by my hon. Friend who received a pay settlement within the Government's guidelines from 1st April 1978. The last pay increase that these senior staff received was a phase 2 supplement of £4 per week from 1st January 1977.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will list the percentage of registered disabled people employed by each Government Department at the latest available date; how many registered disabled people have been engaged by each Government Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a further statement.

The numbers of registered disabled persons employed by Government Departments are collected once a year. The latest available figures, which show that the Civil Service employs over 14,000 registered disabled persons, relate to the year ending 1st June 1977 and were published in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Goole (Dr. Marshall) on 26th October 1977—[Vol. 986, c. 687–8]. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the published figures relate only to those disabled people who are known to be registered. Many disabled people choose not to register and there is no obligation to disclose registration to the employer.I regret that information about the numbers of registered disabled people engaged by each Government Department in the past 12 months is not yet available. The numbers of registered disabled people employed by Government Departments as at 1st June 1978 are expected to be available by about the middle of September and I will then be able to provide details of the numbers of registered disabled people engaged by each Government Department during the 12 months ending 1st June 1978.I will write to my hon. Friend when this information is available.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what delay he anticipates between enactment and the availability thereafter of printed copies of the Domestic Proceedings and Magistrates' Courts Bill [Lords].

Published copies of the Domestic Proceedings and Magistrates' Courts Bill [Lords] are expected to be available in late July if the Bill receives Royal Assent by the end of June. If the Royal Assent is not given until July it is expected that published copies will be available during August.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the special features of the United Kingdom economy which led to the decision not to introduce one of the systems of Government guarantee for small business loans which operate successfully in a number of other advanced industrial countries.

No such decision has been taken. Close studies continue on all aspects of this matter, including that of the NEDC Committee on Finance for Industry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines his Department issues on food budgets, number of meals and menus in Her Majesty's prisons.

A dietary scale which includes a small cash element for local purchases, is laid down centrally for all penal establishments in England and Wales. Meal arrangements and menus are a matter for local discretion, but catering officers are encouraged to provide as varied a diet as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average per capita expenditure on food each day in prisons.

54p for penal establishments in England and Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases have come to trial since 1968 of those who have found gold and silver hoards which they have not reported for coroner's inquest.

The information requested is not available from central records.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when, subject to early enactment, he intends to bring the Domestic Proceedings and Magistrates Courts Bill [Lords] into force, in accordance with Clause 85(3) of the Bill.

As soon as the necessary rules of court, which will require consultation, can be made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what grants or loans are made by his Department, or by any body responsible to his Department, for the construction or conversion of buildings; if he will make the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people a condition for such grants or loans; and if he will make a statement.

Exchequer grant is payable on the cost of police buildings, magistrates' courts, probation offices, probation hostels and bail hostels. It is the responsibility of the authorities concerned to incorporate suitable facilities in buildings which might be used by disabled persons but, if necessary, they are reminded of the need to make such provision when plans for building schemes are under examination by my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on the availability for commercial sale in public bookshops and by mail order of United States army manuals TM 31–210 and FM 5–31 on the home assembly of terrorist weapons, bombs and booby-traps.

The distribution of material which incites crimes is a criminal offence. I should be reluctant to take broad powers to censor publications unless I were advised that it would make an effective practical contribution to the prevention of terrorism. I am, however, consulting the police about the documents to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times during the period from 1st January 1978 to 1st June 1978 magistrates and judges in England and Wales have imposed a period of imprisonment not exceeding seven days upon any convicted person in punishment of any offence.

The annual publication "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales" gives information on sentences of 14 days and under at magistrates' courts and six months and under at the Crown Court but these figures are not yet available for 1977 and 1978. Provision of information on shorter sentences would involve disproportionate cost.

asked the Lord President of the Council what would be the cost to the Parliamentary Contributory Pensions Fund of paying pensions to the widowers of Members on the same basis as pensions are at present paid to their widows; and what increase would be necessary in Members' contributions to meet this cost.

Since the Parliamentary Contribution Pensions Scheme has relatively few lady Members, no significant additional cost would arise if benefits were to be available equally to widows and widowers. Such a change would, however, set a precedent for comparable public service pension schemes where the cost would be very substantial.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will give details of the sales, depreciation payments, profit after interest and payments to the Consolidated Fund for the Royal ordnance factories in the year to the end of March 1978; and whether he will give details of the total number of employees of the Royal ordnance factories and their total remuneration.

The provisional figures are as follows:

• Sales—£273 million.
• Provision for depreciation—£9·6 million.
• Surplus after interest—£46 million.
• Dividend payment to the Consolidated Fund—Not yet determined.
• Average total number of ROF employees—23,169.
• Their total remuneration—£.82 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if Chile has ever been added to the COCOM list of countries to which member States would not sell arms.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the policy of his Department on the commercial reproduction of Army manuals; and if he will make a statement on the availability for sale in public bookshops and by mail order on the Infantry Weapon Training Manual on Sniping.

The policy of my Department on the commercial reproduction of Army manuals is regulated by the classification of the manual concerned. Although an infantry training manual on sniping, first issued 27 years ago, is no longer classified, its unauthorised repro- duction and sale in public bookshops and by mail order is an infringement of Crown copyright.The current, up-to-date training pamphlet is classified "Restricted" and is not on sale.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the sale of Rolls-Royce Avon jet engines to Chile was made with the agreement of his Department, when the sale took place, if the agreement to service these engines was made with the agreement of his Department, if so, when; and if he will ensure that they are now returned to their owners.

All sales of defence equipment require the agreement of appropriate Government Departments, including the Ministry of Defence. The contracts in question were signed in 1966, 1969 and 1972.The arrangements made in 1969 for servicing the Avon engines were a commercial matter between Rolls-Royce and the Chilean authorities. On the last part of the Question, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Industry on 12th June 1978.—[Vol. 951, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the rate of construction of warships in British shipyards; how their rate compares with the rate in other EEC countries; and what steps he is taking to improve the rate.

Construction of warships accepted from British shipyards over the last few years has been subject to delays for a number of reasons. Given different requirements and circumstances there is no ready basis for comparison with other EEC countries. There has been some improvement more recently in the rate of construction of ships now building. The Royal Navy naturally wishes to receive warships in the shortest possible time scale and, since the establishment of British Shipbuilders, machinery has been set up in which the Ministry of Defence and British Shipbuilders are pursuing ideas for further improvement.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to trade with China in matters of defence and conclude deals to that effect.

Her Majesty's Government are ready to respond to Chinese interest in British defence equipment, taking into account the usual political, strategic, and economic criteria, and our international obligations.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of postgratudate trainees who successfully completed initial one-year courses of teacher training in 1975, 1976 and 1977 obtained first appointments in primary education in each of these years.

Information is not yet available for those who successfully completed training in 1977. The percentage of postgraduate trainees who successfully completed initial one-year courses of teacher training in 1975 and 1976 who were in full-time appointments in maintained primary—including nursery—schools in England and Wales on 31st March in the year following completion of their initial teacher training was 10·6 per cent. and 6·4 per cent., respectively. These percentages do not include any teachers who had taken up appointments in primary schools but had left by the 31st March following the completion of their training.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many graduates successfully completed one-year courses of teacher training in each of the years 1975, 1976 and 1977.

The number of graduates successfully completing one-year postgraduate courses of initial teacher training in colleges, polytechnics and university departments of education in England and Wales in 1975, 1976 and 1977 were 8,686, 9,304 and 8,916, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what grants or loans are made by her Department, or by any body responsible to her Department, for the construction or conversion of buildings; if she will make the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people a condition for such grants or loans; and if she will make a statement.

Grants for capital purposes are made by the University Grants Committee and by research councils, and grants and loans by the Department of Education and Science to a variety of bodies under different powers. It is a condition of such grants and loans that the relevant statutory requirements should be satisfied in each case, including where appropriate the provisions of Section 8 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many of the local education authorities listed in the Official Report on 19th May as providing nursery education are doing so with trained nursery teachers; and if she will publish the same list showing the number of trained nursery teachers employed by each authority.

Information on the extent to which nursery education is provided by trained nursery teachers is not held centrally; information on the number of trained nursery teachers is being extracted and I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if in approving comprehensive education plans for Bolton, she will ensure that the time-table allows for the appointment of key staff such as headmasters and heads of department;

Proposals under Section 13 of the Education Act, 1944—as amended—for the reorganisation of secondary schools in Bolton in September 1979 are now before my right hon. Friend. If accepted, it will be for the Bolton Education Authority and the governing bodies of the schools concerned to make the necessary arrangements for implementation, but my right hon. Friend is aware that their timetable requires the early appointment of key staff. She hopes

TAX THRESHOLD AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE EARNINGS
Year			Single persons	Married couple	Married couple with 1 child under 11	Married couple with 2 children under 11	Married couple with 3 children (2 under 11, 1 between 11, and 16)	Married couple with 4 children (2 under 11, 2 between 11 and 16)
			Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.
1977–78	…	…	24·9	38·4	44·3	49·8	55·9	61·8
1978–79	…	…	23·6	36·8	41·1	45·1	49·7	54·0

The figures have been calculated on the same basis as those for the earlier years given to the hon. Member on 20th July 1977.—[Vol. 935, c. 579–81.]The figure for 1977–78 is now based on earnings in October 1977 and takes into account the increased personal allowances contained in the Finance (Income Tax Reliefs) Act 1977. For 1978–79, average earnings have been notionally estimated as follows: on the basis that in October 1977 a man on average manual earnings had not yet received an increase in the 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. The proposed increase in child benefit in November 1978 has been taken into account.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total cost of running the economic development councils, including all main constituent costs of any sort, such as expenditure on their own programmes, wages, rent, heating and lighting and maintenance, in the latest 12 months for which figures are available; and what are the projected costs for 1978–79.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will up-date his reply given to the hon. Member for Norfolk, North, Official Report, 20th July, columns 579–80, showing tax thresholds as a percentage of average male manual earnings yearly since 1949–50.

The figures are as follows:—

The estimated costs of staff, administration and research for the National Economic Development Council are £2,110,000 for 1977–78 and £2,368,000 for 1978–79. The Office services the Council, the 18 economic development committees and 39 industrial strategy sector working parties and a few other committees. Chairmen of EDCs may receive £1,000 fee, but most do not take it. All other chairmen and members are unpaid. To calculate the total cost of running the economic development councils would require disproportionate work and expense since it would involve numerous judgments about splitting the salaries of staff and estimating the costs of accommodation, etc., provided by the PSA.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what grants or loans are made by his Department, or by any body responsible to his Department, for the construction or conversion of buildings; if he will make the provision of adequate facilities for disabled people a condition for such grants or loans; and if he will make a statement.

None.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in percentage terms in the take-home pay of a married man with two children under 16 years, who earns £70, £80, £90 and £100 per week, respectively, as a result of Budget changes trom April 1977 to the present.

I shall let my hon. Friend have a replay as soon as possible.

£ million
Cash Block		Reasons for change	Change	New Cash Limit
DES 2	…	Extension of free school milk	+7·4	74·4
DEM 2	…	Additional funds for teacher retraining	+1·2	595·2
DEN 2	…	Transfer from DEN to DOE of certain responsibilities in the civil nuclear waste management field following the Government's reply (Cmnd. 6820) to the Sixth Report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (Cmnd. 6618) (matched by a corresponding increase in DOE 2)	-3·6	139·8
DOE2	…	Additional expenditure on factory building by the Development Commission announced in the Budget; transfer of responsibility for research into civil nuclear waste from DEN (matched by a corresponding reduction in DEN 2): and transfer from DOE/LA6	+ 14·5	133·5
DHSS2	…	Extra provision for the Health Services	+46·9	4,923·9
HO1	…	Provision for higher expenditure on law, order and protective services	+ 2·7	256·0
HO2	…	Provision for higher expenditure on law, order and protective services	+0·3	140·3*
IR1	…	Administrative costs of Budget tax changes	+2·9	400·2
SEPD1	…	Environmental services; Scottish Tourist Board	+0·2	86·3
SED1	…	Environmental services; Scottish Sports Council, and school milk	+ 1·0	65·2
SHHD1	…	Extra provision for the Health Services	+5·0	702·4
SHHD2	…	Provision for higher expenditure on law, order and protective services	+0·2	13·6
WO2	…	Extra provision for the Health Services; miscellaneous environmental services; and school milk	+ 3·6	386·9
WO6	…	Assistance for certain areas affected by early steel closures, and environmental services; rural infrastructure projects	+ 15·0	54·0*
NIO2	…	Provision for higher expenditure on law, order and protective services	+0·1	109·0
NID1	…	Health Service, environmental services, energy conservation, school milk, school meals and teacher retraining	+5·3	1,147·3
DOE/LA2	…	Measures to promote energy conservation	+ 14·9	2,659·6
DOE/LA4	…	Assistance for certain areas affected by early steel closures, and coastal protection	+7·5	33·1
DOE/LA6	…	Increased provision for environmental services and the inner cities announced in the Budget, offset by transfer to DOE2 and DOE/NT1	-7·7	90·0
DOE/NT1	…	Transfer from DOE/LA6	+8·9	59·8
SO/LAI	…	Extra provision for the Health Services, environmental services, and law, order and protective services	+ 3·0	267·6
SO/LA2	…	Measures to promote energy conservation, offset by a transfer of funds from this cash limit to meet (non-cash limited) increases in the subsidy paid on the new towns accumulated General Revenue Account deficit	+ 1·1	345·8
SO/LA4	…	Local authority capital expenditure on education	+3·5	55·6
WO/LA 1	…	Measures to promote energy conservation	+0·9	104·6
* The sum of the original cash limit and the addition differs from this figure because of a rounding correction.
The cash limits—DOE6 and SO2—on the rate support grant increase orders for 1978–79 will be adjusted in due course to compensate local authorities for England and Wales and Scotland for the loss in expected income as a result of the decision not to increase school meal charges this autumn.

asked the Chancellor ot the Exchequer what changes have been made to the cash limits announced in Cmnd. Paper No. 7161 as a result of the measures announced in his Budget on 11th April 1978.

The following changes arise from measures announced in the Budget and certain self-cancelling transfers between programmes:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, since he gave his answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr, 28th June 1977, column 91, he has been able to ascertain the information about the total amount of income tax payable by persons whose weekly incomes are consistently below their entitlement levels of supplementary benefit or family income supplement.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update the answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr, 28th June 1977, column 89, regarding the number of persons taken out of income tax by Budget changes.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he remains satisfied with the level of interest rates.

I have no desire for the present level of interest rates to continue any longer than necessary. The measures announced on 8th June should enable us to look forward to a period of declining interest rates, provided the rate of inflation continues to be kept down.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer who were the members of the Lord Committee which reported to the Government on industrial democracy in the nationalised industries; and why the committee's findings were not made available for public consideration and debate in the same way as the Bullock Report.

The nationalised industries policy committee, formerly chaired by Mr. Lord, is a standing interdepartmental committee of officials under Treasury chairmanship which advises Ministers on policy questions related to the nationalised industries. It would not be appropriate to name the members of the committee. The committee prepared a number of papers for Ministers on industrial democracy and the Government's views, which were reached after consultation with various bodies including the TUC and the nationalised industries themselves, are contained in the recent White Paper on industrial democracy (Cmnd. 7321).

asked the Minister of Overseas Development (1) to what extent her Department is at present engaged in helping Third world countries to obtain agricultural machinery from the United Kingdom;(2) whether she has been consulted by Massey Ferguson or any other companies in the United Kingdom about help which may be needed by underdeveloped countries to enable them to obtain British-made tractors;(3) what information she has regarding the requirements of underdeveloped countries for tractors and combine harvesters; and if she will make a further study of this matter;(4) what kinds of agricultural machinery are most needed by underdeveloped countries.

In 1977, the latest year for which figures are available, agricultural machinery to the value of approximately £3 million was purchased in the United Kingdom from funds provided under the British aid programme.My professional advisers, including the Overseas Department of the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering, assess the needs of developing countries for agricultural machinery in the context of specific development proposals and of the Government's policy of providing more help to the poorest countries. Requirements vary between countries and projects, but the priority we attach to food production by small farmers in rural areas means that the machinery needed is commonly light, for example, equipment for draft oxen work and hand-powered machines for cultivation. However, heavier machinery is also provided and includes earth-moving equipment for land levelling and soil conservation schemes.No general study of agricultural machinery requirements in the developing world has been undertaken by my Ministry, as this data is available through the Food and Agricultural Organisation.I have not received any specific approach by Massey Ferguson or other companies recently, but my advisers maintain regular contact with United Kingdom manufacturers of agricultural machinery Association, to whom they convey releand with the Agricultural Engineers' vant information about performance and commercial demand.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will make a statement giving details of the finance provided out of the bilateral aid programme for the supply of merchant ships to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; and when she expects this to be finalised.

No finance has so far been provided from the aid programme

OFFICIAL DEBT REPAYMENTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1977 BY EACH OF THE 30 LEAST DEVELOPED DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (LDDCs)
Country			Principal	Interest to ODM	Interest to CDC	Total
Afghanistan	…	…	100·8	20·7	—	121·5
Bangladesh	…	…	—	—	—	—
Benin	…	…	—	—	—	—
Bhutan	…	…	—	—	—	—
Botswana	…	…	379·6	72·8	324·9	777·3
Burundi	…	…	—	—	—	—
Cape Verde Islands	…	…	—	—	—	—
Central African Empire	…	…	—	—	—	—
Chad	…	…	—	—	—	—
Comoro Island	…	…	—	—	—	—
Ethiopia	…	…	72·2	—	—	72·2
Gambia	…	…	161·0	—	36·7	197·7
Guinea	…	…	—	—	—	—
Haiti	…	…	—	—	—	—
Laos	…	…	—	—	—	—
Lesotho	…	…	22·7	17·9	9·0	49·7
Malawi	…	…	1,339·3	98·9	1,123·0	2,561·2
Maldives	…	…	—	—	—	—
Mali	…	…	—	—	—	—
Nepal	…	…	122·5	—	—	122·5
Niger	…	…	—	—	—	—
Rwanda	…	…	—	—	—	—
Somalia	…	…	—	—	—	—
Sudan	…	…	72·1	—	—	72·1
Tanzania	…	…	740·4	202·7	391·1	1,334·1
Uganda	…	…	86·0	—	88·2	174·2
Upper Volta	…	…	—	—	—	—
Western Samoa	…	…	—	—	—	—
Yemen North (YAR)	…	…	—	—	—	—
Yemen South (PDRY)	…	…	—	—	—	—

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what official debt repayments to the United Kingdom have been made in each year since 1970 by each of the 29 least developed developing countries which have made official borrowings from this country.

, pursuant to the reply [Official Report, 27th April 1978; Vol. 948, c. 688–94], gave the following information:A table including details of interest payments to the Commonwealth Development Corporation in 1977 is attached. It will be noted that the figure for principal for Botswana has been revised to take account of more recent information.