asked the Lord President of the Council how many hours on the Floor of the House in each of the last two complete sessions were devoted exclusively to (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Wales, (c) the North-Eastern region of England and (d) the North-Western region of England, not counting Question Time.

The information requested concerning the North-Eastern and the North-Western regions of England is not readily available and could not be assembled without disproportionate cost. However, the information on Northern Ireland and Wales is as follows:

(a) Northern Ireland

• Session 1976–77–35 hours 6 minutes.
• Session 1977–78–54 hours 16 minutes.

(b) Wales

• Session 1976–77–2 hours 36 minutes.
• Session 1977–78–106 hours 45 minutes.

The totals exclude time spent on the daily Adjournment debate, statements, private notice questions, refused applications under Standing Order No. 9, or business as part of the Consolidated Fund or holiday Adjournment motion debates.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of job opportunities estimated to have been lost in (a) the Armed Forces, (b) civilians attached to the Armed Forces and (c) the defence industries since 1 April 1974.

Between 1 April 1974 and 1 January 1979, there was a net reduction in the Armed Forces, including locally-entered personnel, of approximately 33,300. Over the same period, there was a net reduction of approximately 39,000 in the number of civilians attached to the Armed Forces. This figure includes both industrial and non-industrial staff directly employed by the Ministry of Defence at home and overseas, as well as Property Services Agency staff engaged on defence work, but excludes staff employed by the Royal ordnance factories. It is estimated that, over the same period, the level of direct employment sustained by the defence equipment programme has remained at about 200,000.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service on what date in March the results of the study of overseas experience of open government will be published.

I have nothing further to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 23 February last.—[Vol. 963, c. 330.]

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will outline in the Official Report a detailed list of the various tax-free expense allowances paid to Members of the House of Lords on a daily or annual basis; and, on the assumption that the recipients are married with an income of £5,000, £10,000, £15,000 and £20,000 per annum, respectively, what these expenses would be worth if subject to income tax.

As my hon. Friend is aware, Members of the House of Lords receive only a reimbursement, within defined limits, of expenses they incur in conducting parliamentary business. They receive no personal remuneration for these duties, and therefore the question of imputing a taxable worth to these payments does not arise. The limit of Peers' expenses allowance stands at £16·50 per sitting day for Peers who have to stay overnight in London, and £13·50 for other Peers. Travelling expenses may also be claimed.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking in the light of the latest National Economic Development Council computer sector working party report detailing the inadequacy of the present system of training computer and microelectronics staff.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the details will be announced shortly of the new training arrangements to which I referred in my reply to my hon. Friend's question on 13 February 1979 [Official Report; Vol. 962, c. 473.] It is intended that these new arrangements will provide for the training of an extra 2,500–3,000 programmers, real time programmers and systems analysts in each of the next three years, commencing in September 1979. MSC grant support for these programmes, will be available through industry training boards and other similar bodies.The purpose of the proposals is to provide a short-term stimulus to encourage industry to meet its training needs in this important occupation, and for this reason the duration of MSC support will be limited. In addition, through its training opportunities scheme, the MSC is increasing its output of trained programmers, systems analysts and computer maintenance engineers from 1,080 in 1977 to 2,282 in 1979.For successful candidates on first level programming courses, the national certificate awarded by BEC/TEC will be available. This will ensure common standards within a unified training scheme, and is intended as a positive response to the apprenticship scheme suggested in the first interim report of the electronic computer sector working party.The Commission will shortly announce arrangements to step up training of computer programmers and systems analysts. Skill centre courses with an electronic content provided under the training opportunities scheme are being revised to cover microelectronics, and additional courses are being started. Industry training boards are analysing training needs and helping to spread awareness of the possibilities and challenge of the development of microelectronics. The Commission is working in close partnership with the Department of Industry and the Department of Education and Science.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the terms of the agreement on The Times dispute reached under his auspices last week; and when it will take effect.

The agreement has now been endorsed by the executives of the print unions concerned and by the board of Times Newspapers Limited. The NUJ executive will be considering the matter later this month. I have now written to the parties to confirm that the agreement should be regarded as effective, and urging them to proceed quickly with the detailed negotiations aimed at resumption of publication by 17 April.The agreement is in the following terms:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list for each

District		1 March 1979		1 March 1977
		Disablement Resettlement Officers	Full-time Support Staff	Disablement Resettlement Officers	Full-time Support Staff
Camden Town	…	4	2	4	2
Brent and Harrow	…	3*	1	3*	1
Ealing	…	4	3	4	3
Hounslow	…	2	—	2	—
Hammersmith	…	3	3	3	3
Westminster	…	3	4	3	4
Poplar	…	5	5	5	6
Becontree	…	3	4	3	4
Hackney	…	4	5	4	5
Kings Cross	…	3	3	3	3
Tottenham	…	3	4	3	3
Hotel and Catering	…	—	—	—	—
Tooting	…	4	5	4	5
Croydon	…	4	4	4	4
Borough	…	4*	4	4*	4
Brixton	…	2	3	2	3
Lewisham	…	4	3	4	3
Erith	…	4	4	4	4
Kingston	…	4	1	4	1
Totals	…	63	58	63	58
* Includes, in each case, one Hospital Disablement Resettlement Officer.

There are three employment service division areas which cover the Greater London area (London North West, London North East and London South). However, the following individual offices which fall within these Areas are outside the Greater London area. It is not possible to separate them in respect of the Disablement Resettlement Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many foreign actors have been granted work permits against the advice of Equity.

Records are not kept by my Department of work permits issued

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the numbers of (a) disablement resettlement officers and (b) full-time supporting staff in each district of the employment service division in the Greater London area on 1 March 1979 and 1 March 1977 were as follows:against the advice of Equity or of any other similar body consulted by my Department. Such information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made in formulating a press charter; and whether he will make a statement.

The Government's consideration of the press charter is continuing in the light of a long and detailed series of consultations which I have had with organisations and individuals in the industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of registered unemployed in the Greater London travel-to-work area for the month of February in each of the years from 1972 to 1979.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 14 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 203], gave the following information:Following is the information for the Greater London Council area.

February 1972	94,773
February 1973	70,188
February 1974	60,096
February 1975	73,910
February 1976	144,871
February 1977	162,641
February 1978	160,807
February 1979	146,902

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the total numbers of disabled people employed in sheltered employment by (a) Remploy, (b) workshops for the blind, (c) local authorities and (d) voluntary organisations; and what was the number employed in enclaves, at the latest date for which figures are available.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 15 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 309], gave the following information:

Number of severely Disabled People employed at 31 March 1978
Remploy	7,894
Workshops for the blind*	1,875
Local authority workshops (excluding workshops for the blind)	2,260
Voluntary organisation workshops	1,123
Sheltered Industrial Group (previously called enclaves)	159

More up-to-date information is available for Remploy and as at the 2 February 1979, the Company employed 8,224 severely disabled people.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the discussions he has had over the last two years with the Trades Union Congress, the Confederation of British Industry individual unions and employers concerning the impact of high technology on employment.

, pursuant to the reply [Official Report, 12 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 7], gave the following information:My right hon. Friend has attended a number of meetings of NEDC when the impact of high technology was discussed. The issue has been raised with him during various regional visits by joint deputations of employers and unions, trades councils and individual unions: and during visits to firms. He has also addressed conferences run by the TUC on the work of sector working parties and by other organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he is currently engaged in with the EEC Commission on matters for which he is responsible; and, in particular, if he will give a detailed breakdown of each topic under discussion, with special reference to EEC proposals, actual or envisaged, and their status in the Community's legislative machinery.

My right hon. Friend is continuously involved in discussions on a wide range of EEC topics on which he reports fully to Parliament, both in statements on the proceedings in Foreign Affairs Councils and on other occasions, as appropriate. Subjects currently under discussion on which my right hon. Friend has particular responsibility include enlargement, relations with third countries and arrangements concerned with direct elections to the European Assembly. On 12 March, I reported fully to the House on the outcome of the last Foreign Affairs Council on 5 and 6 March, which discussed preparations for the European Council, including the common agricultural policy, convergence, energy, employment and social policy. On 14 March my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, reported the decisions at the European Council.As regards other subjects under discussion in the Foreign Affairs Council, I reported on the dialogue with the European Assembly over the Budget, the negotiations for a successor to the Lomé Convention, Greek accession, the association arrangement with Turkey, the GATT multilateral trade negotiations, the Community position at the Common Fund negotiating conference and at the fifth United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD V), aids to the steel industry, the negotiations with the Romanians, a safeguard agreement between EURATOM and Australia, and on the need for concessions on imports of new potatoes from Cyprus. My hon. Friend will be aware that Commission proposals to the Council for Community legislation are deposited with the Scrutiny Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library, or print in the Official Report, the text of any speech or public statement made by the Minister of State during his Gulf visit concerning the implementation of the foreign policy of the United Kingdom independent of, in consort with, or as part of the foreign policy of the European Economic Community.

I made no speeches or public statements during this visit.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the statement made by Mr. Justice Melford Stevenson at the Old Bailey trial of Terence Simpson and John McLonglin for rape, he will arrange for a public inquiry into all aspects of this case.

No. Neither of these men had been granted parole. Both were unlawfully at large when they committed the offence of rape in November 1978. McLoughlin had absconded in October whilst on a Pentonville prison pre-release employment scheme. Simpson was originally given an extended sentence and was released in the normal course, under section 60(3) of the Criminal Justice Act 1967 in March 1978, to serve the final one-third of his sentence on a licence expiring in January 1980 instead of being granted remission of that part of his sentence. He was taken into custody again in May 1978, pleaded guilty to burglary at the Inner London Crown Court in July, and was given a suspended sentence. On release from custody, Simpson failed to report to his supervising probation officer. His extended sentence licence was revoked on the recommendation of the Parole Board on 7 September 1978.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time between application and granting of a certificate of naturalisation as a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies.

Over the last three months, the average time was 22 months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the present level of the authorised establishment of the Northumbria police force; and if he will make a statement.

The police authority has sought approval for an increase of 653 on the present establishment of 3,325. Arrangements have been made to discuss the proposals with the force, and when this has been done I will consider them in conjunction with increases proposed by other forces.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many male persons under the age of 24 years otherwise of good character have been convicted in England and Wales of the offence of unlawful sexual intercourse with girls between the ages of 15 and 16 years during the past five years; in how many cases custodial sentences were passed on such persons; and whether he remains satisfied with the operation of the law.

I regret that the information requested is not available. The law relating to sexual offences, including the available penalties, is under review by the Criminal Law Revision Committee in consultation with the Policy Advisory Committee on Sexual Offences. It would be premature to contemplate changes in the law before the committee has reported.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will approve the three-year capital programme for improving the efficiency of the police force of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

No. I have not seen details of the programme in question, but the capital allocations announced in the White Paper on the Government's expenditure plans 1979–80 to 1982–83 (Cmnd. 7439) are sufficient only for a modest programme of new starts in 1981–82 and 1982–83, which have therefore had to be confined to those of the schemes currently accepted for planning which are regarded as carrying the highest operational priority. On this basis, it was not possible to include the one Hampshire scheme accepted fro planning amongst those on which starts have now been offered to the authorities concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action has been taken on the recommendation by the 1973 Royal Commission on the constitution that an inquiry should be held into the status of Jersey as a tax haven.

Two members of the Royal Commission suggested, in a memorandum of dissent, that such an inquiry should be undertaken, but the majority made no recommendation for change in economic relationships. They recognised that the comparatively low rates of Island tax implicitly provided an opportunity for abuse, but drew attention to the ample statutory powers of the United Kingdom taxation authorities to deal with it. The operation of these powers is under continuous review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of police cadets under going training in each of the forces in England and Wales (a) men and (b) women, respectively.

At 31 January 1979, the numbers were as follows:

Police Force	Male Cadets	Female Cadets	Total
Avon and Somerset	47	10	57
Bedfordshire	22	—	22
Cambridgeshire	7	3	10
Cheshire	18	22	40
Cleveland	29	13	42
Cumbria	16	14	30
Derbyshire	54	30	84
Devon and Cornwall	24	11	35
Dorset	17	13	30
Durham	53	18	71
Dyfed Powys	8	4	12
Essex	—	—	—
Gloucestershire	18	13	31
Greater Manchester	132	100	232
Gwent	9	4	13
Hampshire	70	37	107
Hertfordshire	16	16	32
Humberside	45	24	69
Kent	59	39	98
Cadets as at 31 January 1979
	Boys	Girls	Total
Lancashire	99	27	126
Leicestershire	44	45	89
Lincolnshire	34	13	47
Merseyside	43	16	59
Norfolk	16	13	29
Northamptonshire	7	6	13
Northumbria	31	8	39
North Wales	21	20	41
North Yorkshire	22	14	36
Nottinghamshire	65	37	102
South Wales	68	—	68
South Yorkshire	57	49	106
Staffordshire	31	20	51
Suffolk	44	20	64
Surrey	20	7	27
Sussex	40	28	68
Thames Valley	53	48	101
Warwickshire	28	12	40
West Mercia	54	19	73
West Midlands	126	160	286
West Yorkshire	58	45	103
Wiltshire	23	15	38
City of London	9	7	16
Metropolitan	637	142	779
Totals	2,274	1,142	3,416

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration decisions made by him over the last four years have subsequently been overturned by (a) the appeals adjudicator, (b) the tribunal, (c) district courts, (d) the appeal court and (e) the House of Lords; and what percentage these were of the total appeals they judged.

In the four years ending 31 December 1978, adjudicators allowed 5,227 appeals (or 15·7 per cent. of all appeals heard). The tribunal allowed 221 appeals (or 22·2 per cent. of all appeals heard) in which the appellant was not the Secretary of State, an immigration officer or an entry clearance officer. Precise figures for determinations which related to decisions by the Secretary of State, as opposed to immigration officers or entry clearance officers, are not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. But adjudicators allowed 623 appeals (5·9 per cent. of the total in these categories) against decisions by the Secretary of State relating to deportation, the grant of leave to remain, and variation or extension of stay.There is no right of appeal to the courts in these cases. Figures are not readily available of the outcome of applications for prerogative writs, and they could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he is currently engaged in with the EEC Commission on matters for which he is responsible; and, in particular, if he will give a detailed breakdown of each topic under discussion, with special reference to EEC proposals, actual or envisaged, and their status in the Community's legislative machinery.

The topics which my Department is currently discussing with the EEC Commission are:

a draft directive on illegal migration and illegal employment; as a member of a Commission working group on data processing and the protection of privacy, the state of work of other international organisations on this subject, progress of research work into transborder data flows within the Community, the state of legislation in member countries, and the possibility of a Community directive; and preliminary consideration of a draft directive on hotel fire precautions in Community countries.

My hon. Friend will be aware that Commission proposals to the Council for Community legislation are deposited with the Scrutiny Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to arrange for a special corps of retired ex-police officers and Service men to form an anti-mugging patrol in the areas of London where this offence is becoming too prevalent to enable such a force to patrol in plain clothes: and what action he proposes to take to deal with this growing menace.

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has made clear that, while the police welcome the traditional assistance of members of the public, he is firmly against the formation of"vigilante"groups. Member of the public who want to help the police can best do so by joining the Special Constabulary.The prevention and detection of street crime in London is primarily the responsibility of the Commissioner. Where particular problems are identified and other commitments allow, special squads are established to deal with this type of crime.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many polling stations there are in a United Kingdom general election.

The designation of polling stations is a matter for returning officers. There were 48,384 at the last general election.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of persons convicted of possession of cannabis in the years 1973 to 1978 where the amount of cannabis concerned was less than 30 grams, less than 10 grams and less than 1 gram.

The information requested is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in the years 1973 to 1978, how many of those persons who received a sentence of immediate imprisonment, borstal training or detention centre for unlawful possession of cannabis received such a sentence from courts of summary jurisdiction; and how many from Crown court and other high courts;(2) how many persons were convicted under section 8(

The information is not readily available, and I shall reply as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many licences under regulation 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1973 in relation to cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabinol and cannabinol derivatives were in force on 1 January; and who were the holders of such licences;(2) how many licences under regulation 12 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1973 in relation to the cultivation of plants in the genus cannabis were in force on 1 January; and who were the holders of such licences;(3) how many and what premises were approved by him for the purposes of research under regulation 13 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1973, 1977 and 1978.

On 1 January 1979, the following numbers of persons were licensed under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1973:

(a) Under regulation 5 in relation to:
cannabis	29
cannabis resin	16
cannabinol and cannabinol derivatives	17
(b) Under regulation 12 in relation to the cultivation of plants of the genus cannabis	7

In 1977 and 1978 one establishment was approved for the purposes of research under regulation 13 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1973.To safeguard the security of the controlled drugs at these premises, it is our practice not to publish details of those who are licensed under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. Licenses are normally issued only to those engaged in scientific education or research or who require the drugs as reference samples for chemical analysis. They are located in university departments of chemistry, pharmacology and botany, schools of pharmacy and public analytical laboratories.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what representations have been made concerning the marketing and use of medical drugs in overseas countries to which the United Kingdom gives aid.

I have been asked to reply.One. The Guyana Ministry of Health sought our assistance in ensuring that drugs it imported would be of proper quality. We provided lists of United Kingdom manufacturers licensed under the Medicines Act, which made it possible for the Government concerned to identify products which met the high standards on which we insist.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what proportion of current United Kingdom firm forward aid commitments involves firm orders placed with British suppliers of goods or services.

Commitments involving firm orders placed with British suppliers through the Crown Agents totalled just over £60 million at the end of 1978. I regret that the more detailed information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what proportion of current United Kingdom firm forward aid commitments involves nationalised industries in which there is an element of public ownership.

No records are kept in this form. I regret that the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what discussions she is currently engaged in with the EEC Commission on matters for which she is responsible; and, in particular, if she will give a detailed breakdown of each topic under discussion, with special reference to EEC proposals, actual or envisaged, and their status in the Community's legislative machinery.

I am engaged, together with my officials, in discussing a range of aid matters with the Commission and our Community partners. The principal ones are:

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what discussions he is currently engaged in with the EEC Commission on matters for which he is responsible, excluding the technical directives listed in Trade and Industry of 16 February; and, in particular, if he will give a detailed breakdown of each topic under discussion with special reference to EEC proposals, actual or envisaged, and their status within the Community's legislative machinery.

My Department is currently engaged in discussion with the EEC Commission on the following matters for which I have responsibility, other than draft and adopted directives under article 100 of the Treaty of Rome:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what the special islands grant would now be if it was to maintain its value when first introduced; and whether he plans to increase this grant.

Based on retail price index data, the grant would have to be raised to about £117,000 to provide the equivalent purchasing power of a grant of £25,000 in 1955. That is not a meaningful figure; account must be taken of the totality of support for agriculture in the islands of which this is only a small part. For example, the proposed increase of 50p in the hill sheep compensatory allowances will increase the support to island producers in 1979 by about £225,000. On the second point, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) on 7 March 1979.—[Vol. 963, No. 66, c. 708.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report what figures he has to show the current level of hill cow numbers in Scotland and the changes which have taken place during the past year; and what steps he is taking to improve this situation.

Information about the number of hill cows in Scotland is obtained from applications for hill livestock compensatory allowances payments and is published in my Department's annual report. The figures for 1979 will not be available until this year's payments have been completed. There are indications that the decline which has occurred during the past three years is now levelling off; hill cow numbers in Scotland are still well above those of the early 1970s.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report the figures he has available to him comparing the rise in hill farming costs with hill farming incomes; and what representations he has had on these problems.

The specimen net incomes for different types of farm published in the 1979 annual review White Paper (Cmnd. 7436) show that, between 1976–77 and 1977–78, average net income (excluding breeding livestock stock appreciation) per farm fell from £6,336 to £5,997 on Hill Sheep farms and from £5,730 to £5,556 on upland farms. On hill sheep farms costs rose by £2,239 and output by £1,900, while upland farms costs rose by £2,463 and output by £2,289. I have received representations on these matters from the National Farmers' Union of Scotland and the Scottish Landowners Federation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what evidence he has on the effects current high interest rates are having on the Scottish hill farming industry; and if he has figures to show the proportion of hill farming incomes necessary to service such loans during each of the past six years.

The effect of interest rates cannot readily be isolated from that of other factors affecting the hill farming industry. The table below shows interest payments expressed as a percentage of net farm income, excluding breeding livestock stock appreciation.

INTEREST PAYMENTS AS A PERCENTAGE OF NET FARM INCOMES
	Hill Sheep farms	Upland farms
1973–74	2·6	8·8
1974–75	4·5	11·8
1975–76	3·0	11·6
1976–77	3·2	15·8
1977–78	3·7	13·1

In 1978–79, the percentages are likely to have risen, but to remain below the earlier peak levels. These interest payments relate to borrowings for both capital and trading purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report any figures he has to show the cost of financing hill livestock compensatory amounts; and when he expects to announce the promised increase in the present level of hill livestock compensatory amounts.

The figures are published in the Appropriation Account (Volume 1: Classes I–III) 1977–78 (House of Commons paper No. 137) and in"Agriculture in Scotland. Report for 1977"(Cmnd. 7185).On the second point, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to my hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington (Mr. Sandelson) on 13 March.—[Vol. 964, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the withdrawal of travel concessions to the staff of Kingseat hospital in the Grampian area; what savings he expects as a result; and if he has taken into account the effect this may have on staff recruitment.

Guidance on this was issued by my Department in September 1977. Health boards were asked to review their existing schemes for assisted travel for NHS staff because of the increasing amounts of subsidy involved, and to ensure that those enjoying this benefit should pay a minimum of 25p per day. It was subsequently conceded that staff who enjoyed free travel as an implied condition of service could continue to receive this, but that the new procedures would apply to all new staff. This is the arrangement which is being applied at Kingseat hospital, and the staff there are thus being treated in the same way as all other NHS staff. It is not possible to quantify the savings likely to be made. I do not think that a charge as small as the minimum suggested is likely to be a hindrance to recruitment.

asked the Lord Advocate how many prosecutions have taken place of adult male persons for indulging in homosexual practices in private in the period since the law of England and Wales was altered to permit such acts.

There is no record of any prosecution in Scotland since 27 July 1967 for homosexual activities between consenting adults in private.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will state, for each of the Coal Board's areas, what the total expenditure was during 1977–78 on social

National Coal Board Areas			Mineworkers Pension Scheme(Deficiency Payments)	Costs of Premature Pensions	Social Costs
			£m.	£m.	£m.
Scottish	…	…	3·3	0·4	2·3
North East	…	…	5·1	0·4	2·6
North Yorkshire	…	…	2·1	0·2	0·6
Doncaster	…	…	2·2	0·2	0·4
Barnsley	…	…	2·2	0·2	0·5
South Yorkshire	…	…	2·3	0·2	0·4
North Derbyshire	…	…	1·9	0·1	0·8
North Nottinghamshire	…	…	2·6	0·2	0·2
South Nottinghamshire	…	…	2·5	0·2	0·5
South Midlands	…	…	2·4	0·2	0·5
Western	…	…	3·6	0·5	2·6
South Wales	…	…	3·8	0·4	1·7
Total	…	…	34·00	3·20	13·10

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much coal has been imported from Australia during the last 12 months; what was the price paid per ton; how much of it was subsequently sold abroad; and what was the price obtained.

1,025,000 tonnes of Australian coal were imported to the United Kingdom during 1978 at an average cif value of £25·71 per tonne. None of this coal was subsequently re-exported. Some Australian coal purchased under contract by the Central Electricity Generating Board was put into stock in continental Europe and some resold to a continental buyer. The prices paid and obtained for this coal are commercially confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest available figures for the rate of atmospheric emission of radioactive material by each of the coal-fired, oil-fired and nuclear-powered electricity generating stations in the United Kingdom.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that Government contributions to pensions and social costs in 1977–78 were allocated to its areas as follows:—

For nuclear power stations operated by the CEGB the latest figures are as follows:

GASEOUS RADIOACTIVE DISCHARGES (ARGON-41)
Station and Discharge (Curies) 7in 1977
Berkeley	15000
Bradwell	18000
Hinkley Point"A "	80000
Trawsfynydd	150000
Dungeness	30000
Sizewell	60000

Discharges from the later magnox stations (Oldbury and Wylfa) and the AGR stations where concrete pressure vessels are used are very much lower and not included in the above table.[Source: Annual Survey of Radioactive Discharges in Great Britain]

PARTICULATE RADIOACTIVE DISCHARGES
Station and Discharge (Millicuries) in 1977
Berkeley	3
Bradwell	3
Hinkley Point"A "	10
Hinkley Point"B "	18
Trawsfynydd	18
Dungeness	11
Sizewell	15
Oldbury	3
Wylfa	10

I am advised by the CEBG that, for coal and oil-fired plant, there are no comparable figures for individual stations. However, on the basis of measurements on ash and coal, the maximum amount of radioactivity emitted to the atmosphere annually from a 2000 MW tcoal-fired station in England and Wales is estimated to be about 2 curies as radon gas and several hundred millicuries as particulate: amounts from oil-fired power stations are less than from coal-fired plan.Emissions from fossil-fuelled and nuclear stations differ as regards material released, type of radiation, persistence and whether the material is gaseous or particulate. Radiation doses to the population depend upon a combination of these factors. Estimates have been made of doses to the most exposed people living in the vicinity of all types of power stations. In all cases the estimated dose is around 1 per cent. of natural background radiation and is negligible in its effect on health.Power stations in Scotland and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what he proposes will constitute the special monitoring procedures for identifying the improper diversion of oil supplies away from the United Kingdom; and how he interprets"improper diversion ", Official Report, 5 March, column 594.

The monitoring procedure involves the scrutiny and analysis of weekly and monthly returns of crude oil production, imports and exports of crude and products and stock changes. There are always considerable and complex movements of products and crude in the international market, but the procedure should detect any unfavourable changes in the pattern. I would regard it as improper for companies to divert supplies from the United Kingdom market, outside the established patterns of trade, with the objective of short-term profiteering at the expense of the United Kingdom consumer.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list in the Official Report (a) the location and maximum generating capacity of nuclear power stations in production in the United Kingdom, (b) the location and expected generating capacity of nuclear power stations in the United Kingdom under construction and the estimated date of coming on stream and (c) the location of sites for nuclear power stations that have received consent, but not under construction, giving the estimated generating capacity and when they are expected to come on stream.

Following is the information in respect of CEGB power stations:

(a) LOCATION AND DECLARED GROSS CAPABILITY OF NUCLEAR STATIONS IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Station	Declared gross capability MW Gen
Bradwell, Southminster, Essex	263·350
Dungeness A, Romney Marsh, Kent	430·600
Sizewell A, Suffolk	502·988
Berkeley, Gloucester	334·400
Bridgwater, Somerset:
Hinkley Point A	543·900
Hinkley Point B	932·000*
Oldbury-on-Severn, Bristol	439·500
Trawsfynydd, Merionethshire	474·800
Wylfa, Cemaes Bay, Anglesey	1,001·600
* Interim rating

(b) NUCLEAR STATIONS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Station	Specified rating of turbo generators MW	Estimated year of commissioning
Dungeness B, Romney Marsh, Kent	1,320	1980
Hartlepool, Co. Durham	1,320	1981
Heysham, Lancashire	1,320	1981

My statement on 25 January 1978 authorised the CEGB to begin work as soon as possible with a view to ordering an AGR station. This will be the second stage of Heysham. The specified rating of the turbine-generators for this station is 1320 MW and it is planned that the first unit will be commissioned in 1986.In addition, the CEGB has been granted consent, under section 2 of the Electric Lighting Act 1909, for the construction of a 1300 MW nuclear station at Port-skewett in Gwent and for the construction of a 2500 MW nuclear station at Sizewell in Suffolk. Other consents for these stations may be required: there is no firm construction programme for them.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in the light of the fact that her Department's advisory memorandum of June 1974 advised schools to ensure that a general familiarity with the imperial system be maintained, whether schools have since been advised to the contrary; if not, why most of the junior schools in Great Britain are teaching in metric terms only; and if she will take steps to ensure that all schools throughout Great Britain include a full and proper grounding of the imperial system for all students.

The advice given in my Department's administrative memorandum 9/74 still stands. The consultations to be held on the forthcoming report on local authority arrangements for the curriculum will afford an opportunity to consider further the adequacy of existing policy guidance.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why she no longer considers the Victoria and Albert Museum to be the appropriate body to mount circulatory exhibitions.

My right hon. Friend has come to no such conclusion. The Victoria and Albert museum continues to make its own exhibitions available to other museums which have the facilities to take them. Any expansion of this service is a matter of manpower and other resources.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received about proposals for reorganisation of secondary education in Cumbria; and what replies she has given.

I understand that the hon. Member is interested in proposals for Whitehaven and Penrith. My right hon. Friend has received and is still considering a number of objections to section 13 proposals for Whitehaven, which were published on 21 December 1978.As for Penrith, my right hon. Friend discussed with the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Whitelaw) representations he had received from governors and teachers of the three secondary schools about the local education authority's proposals. I have also met representatives of the teachers. Meanwhile, the governors of Queen Elizabeth grammar school, Penrith, have been required to submit further proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied with the system of guided parental choice used for secondary selection in parts of Cumbria; and what difficulties have arisen from its use.

My right hon. Friend is not satisfied with any system which is not in accordance with the comprehensive principle. She required the Cumbria local education authority to submit proposals for the completion of reorganisation throughout the county, and has now approved proposals for Kendal, Keswick, Brampton and Cockermouth.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what steps she is taking to encourage community service schemes involving young people;(2) whether one of Her Majesty's inspectors of education has a specific responsibility for community service.

Much community service is organised under the leadership of bodies and organisations within the framework of the education service, including the schools, the voluntary and statutory youth service, and institutions of further and higher education. I am glad to encourage all such endeavours and to acknowledge parallel efforts under such other auspices.Members of Her Majesty's inspectorate take an interest in the education aspects of community service as part of their normal duties. They also frequently give advice, when asked, to organisations involved in the provision of community service schemes.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what additional resources the Government have provided to the Lancashire county council to ensure that children below the age of five years in the Penworthan area of South Fylde are given the same educational opportunities as in other parts of Lancashire.

The Government make resources for nursery provision available nationally through my Department's nursery education building programme and the urban aid programme. In addition, provision is made for the admission of rising fives to primary school in the calculation of the rate support grant settlement.All LEAs are encouraged to take advantage of these resources and to expand education for the under fives wherever possible, but the final decision as to where and how provision should be made within a particular area rests with the LEA concerned. I understand from Lancashire LEA that, until recently, 3 of the 6 primary schools in the Penworthan area admitted children below statutory school age, but that 4 now do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she is taking in the light of the latest National Economic Development Council computer sector working party report detailing the inadequacy of the present system of training computer and microelectronics staff.

My Department will be discussing with the Manpower Services Commission and the local authorities how the new training arrangements for computer personnel which the MSC are to announce shortly can best be implemented. My Department is also studying the implications of developments in microelectronic technology for institutions of higher and further education; in particular how best they can meet the needs of industry for the necessary trained manpower.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions she is currently engaged in with the EEC Commission on matters for which she is responsible; and, in particular, if she will give a detailed breakdown of each topic under discussion, with special reference to EEC proposals, actual or envisaged, and their status in the Community's legislative machinery.

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of two resolutions for the promotion of co-operation in education adopted by the Education Ministers of the Nine in 1976. The EEC Education Committee, which comprises representatives of the member States and the Commission, meets regularly to deal with the implementation of the resolutions. The Commission has put forward a proposal for a directive establishing safety measures against the conjectural risks associated with recombinant DNA work. This is under consideration by the committee of permanent representatives in Brussels and has not yet been officially referred to member States.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the average turnover in length of service of (a) head teachers and (b) assistant teachers in county primary and secondary schools in England and Wales in 1972 and 1978.

I regret that this information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much of the £900,000 budget of the Medical Research Council toxicology unit at Carshalton was spent on toxicity research involving experiments on living animals in 1977–78.

, pursuant to her reply [Official Report, 6 March 1979; Vol. 963, c. 664], gave the following information:

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if the report commissioned by his Department from the science policy research unit of Sussex university due to be published by the end of 1978 is yet available; and what are the reasons for the continuing delay in its production.

I understand mat the university has made arrangements for the report to be published at the beginning of May.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what decision has been reached by the European Council of Ministers on the European Commission's

ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR 12 MONTHS ENDING 31 MARCH 1979
	Total	Total on Administration, Accommodation and General Services
	£	£
Advisory Committee on Production Statistics	240(b)	240(b)
Advisory Council on Calibration and Measurement	10,000(b)	10,000(b)
Advisory Committee for the Paper and Board Industry Scheme	130(a)	130
China Clay Council	Information not available: no costs fall on public funds
Clothing Industry Scheme Advisory Board	130(a)	130
Co-operative Development Agency	70,000	70,000
Cotton Industry War Memorial Trust	45,600	15,600
	No costs fall on public funds
Design Council	4,200,000	2,800,000
Design Council Scottish Committee	About half the costs fall on public funds
English Industrial Estates Corporation	28,600,000*	1,000,000†
* Includes £3·3m. on behalf of the Development Commission.
† This and other revenue expenditure is deducted from EIEC's Revenue Receipts, estimated at
£7·7m., the balance of about £5·8m. being remitted to D/Industry.
Electronic Components Instrumentation and Automation Industry Support Schemes Advisory Board	70(a)	70
Furniture Development Council	472,000	12,000
	No costs fall on public funds
Industrial Development Advisory Board	100(a)	100
Industrial Technologies Education and Training Committee	2,000	2,000
Manufacturing Machinery Advisory Committee	9,000	9,000(b)
Manufacturing Advisory Services Steering Committee	3,000	3,000(b)
National Electronics Council	36,500	27,500(b)
National Maritime Institute Board	2,100(b)	2,100(b)
National Research Development Corporation	19,600,000	3,200,000
	This body is almost completely self financing

No decision has been reached. The Government's attitude to further Commission proposals will depend upon the extent to which these are in full accord with the European Coal and Steel Community Treaty.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he Will estimate, in the case of each quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organisation for which he is responsible (a) its total expenditure in the current year and (b) its total expenditure on administration, accommodation and general services, defined to include items such as salaries, telephones and postage, rent, rates, heating, travelling, transport, office equipment and so on.

The term"quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation"is not officially defined. The information in the following table relates to relevant public bodies other than nationalised industries to which my right hon. Friend makes appointments.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many sector working parties were active and produced reports in 1978; how many indicated in their reports that an improved market share had been achieved by British industry in their sector in the year; how many claimed that investment in their sector in the year had been consistent with their previous strategy objectives and recommendations; and how many claimed that the industrial strategy had had any significant effect on the performance of individual companies and the level of employment in their sector.

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what assessment the Government have made of the likely effect of recent events in Iran on sales of British manufactured goods in that country and levels of output and employment in the sectors of British industry most affected; and whether he will make a statement.

Iran took 2 per cent. of United Kingdom exports in 1978. The prospects for future exports will depend on the policies of the new Iranian Government and the level of activity in the country. It is, however, likely that there will be a marked reduction in exports of military equipment to Iran. The effect on employment will depend on the success achieved in securing alternative markets. The Government are keeping in contact with firms about the implications for their activities.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he intends to provide special assistance to textile companies experiencing cash flow difficulties caused by delays resulting from the present industrial action being taken by certain civil servants.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 15 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 274], gave the following information:I am aware that some companies in the textile industry have experienced cash flow difficulties as a result of industrial action by civil servants, but steps are being taken wherever possible to mitigate these difficulties.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he proposes to give his consent to the sale by British Leyland of Prestcold Holdings Ltd.

My right hon. Friend has received no proposals from the National Enterprise Board to sell off Prestcold Holdings Ltd.

asked the Paymaster General if she will make a statement about the effect of strike action in her office in Crawley; what services have been interrupted; how many people have been deprived of funds which they would otherwise have received; and what were the total sums involved.

The strike of computer operators at my Crawley office from 5 March interrupted the issue of pension payments to 875,000 public service pensioners, the detailed accounting for payments issued by Government departments which maintain accounts at the Paymaster-General's office and the provision to the Treasury of certain statistics about those payments.The two unions involved following talks with me and the assistant Paymaster General subsequently allowed sufficient staff to return to work for the resumption of pension issues in time to avoid any inconvenience to pensioners.The transfer of funds between my office and the banks has not been affected.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that the circumstances under which the tap stocks were sold on 22 February were satisfactory; and if he will make a statement.

The most notable circumstance surrounding the sale of the two gilt edged stocks on 22 February was a remarkable improvement in market sentiment between the time of the announcement on 16 February and the date for application. This resulted in the very large over-subscription and the associated disturbances. The Government are constantly looking for ways of improving the conduct of monetary policy that could help to reduce market volatility and the Government's own borrowing costs. As far as the administrative procedures used by the Bank on 22 February are concerned, these followed the Bank's normal pattern, although I understand that it is reviewing its administrative arrangements to see whether improvements can be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the rate of profits made by dealers in Government securities on 22 February were in breach of Government incomes policy; and if he will publish in the Library the list of successful stock applicants and estimates of profits made before tax in each case.

The Government's incomes policy does not extend to profits and losses made on dealings in securities. For reasons of personal and commercial confidentiality, the Bank of England does not make available lists of successful stock applicants.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received any representations from the Standing Commission on museums and galleries in respect of the 10 per cent. buyers' premium charged by Messrs. Christies and Sotheby's at their fine art auctions; and whether he will make a statement.

I have received no representations from the Standing Commission on museums and galleries about the buyers' premium.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to instruct the Inland Revenue Board to offer the same amnesty in regard to taxes due from small businessmen as it is offering to casual workers in Fleet Street who are members of trade unions.

No. The Board of Inland Revenue has the responsibility, under the Taxes Management Act 1970, for the care and management of the income tax. In discharge of that responsibility, it has been concerned to put a stop to tax evasion by some casual workers in Fleet Street. On condition that the individuals in question make themselves known to the Revenue before 6 April 1979 and co-operate fully, the Board has offered not to pursue any liability on their casual earnings in Fleet Street for years earlier than 1977–78.It is not the Board's practice to divert its limited resources to lengthy investigations of the past where it is likely that there would be serious problems in establishing and collecting any underpayments of tax. The same principle governs the Board's attitude to all cases, including small business men, where income may have been understated for previous years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Inland Revenue notice regarding a tax amnesty to members of trade unions working in Fleet Street on a casual basis did not mention all the proposed concessions set out in the letter sent from the Inland Revenue to the unions concerned; and, in particular, why it did not state that in addition to other concessions it was not proposed to charge tax on savings income which had not been properly declared.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will estimate, in terms similar to those used on pages 24–5 of"The Government's Expenditure Plans 1978–80 to 1982–83"the annual revenue lost by reason of the fact that capital gains tax is not liable on disposal of Government securities where they have been held over for more than 12 months.

I regret that it is not possible to estimate the cost of this relief. I refer the hon. Member to page 27 of the White Paper on public expenditure (Cmnd. 7439).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that successful winners of prizes in premium bonds are not being notified or paid their winnings, if he will take action to deal with this matter.

The premium savings bond prize draws continue to take place, but subsequent processes for identifying winning bondholders depend in part on the bonds and stock office computer which has been halted by industrial action. Once the strike has been resolved prizes will be issued as quickly as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he is currently engaged in with the EEC Commission on matters for which he is responsible; and, in particular, if he will give a detailed breakdown of each topic under discussion, with special reference to EEC proposals, actual or envisaged, and their status in the Community's legislative machinery.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions in the last 10 years the Inland Revenue has excused from tax due groups of more than 10 individual taxpayers.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total income of charities during each of the five years ended 5 April 1978; and what was the total capital value of assets held by charities on 5 April 1978 and on the same date in each of the four previous years.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a summary of the principal differences in the tax reliefs available for charities in each of the nine member States of the EEC.

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will set out in the Official Report a summary of the exemptions from value added tax for charities as the law now stands; what is his latest estimate of the total annual cost to the Exchequer of those exemptions; and what would be the annual cost of total exemptions for charities from value added tax.

Value added tax has to be accounted for only on the taxable activities carried on by charities registered for the tax; the purely charitable work of charities is outside the scope of the tax and in most other cases their taxable turnover is below the registrable limit. There are the following specific reliefs from the tax by way of zero-rating:

(a) donated goods sold by charities established primarily for the relief of distress.

(b) exports of any goods by charities;

(c) medical or scientific equipment donated by charities to hospitals or research institutions;

(d) supply of"talking books"to charities catering for the blind and other severely handicapped persons and of wireless sets for free loan to the blind; and

(e) lifeboats and repairs and maintenance of lifeboats for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

No reliable estimates can be made of either the annual cost of these reliefs or of relieving charities of all VAT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount given to charities in the United Kingdom by individuals and corporations in each of the five years ended 5 April 1978 (a) under deed of covenant, (b) in other ways by gifts inter vivos from individuals and corporations and (c) by will.(2) what was the gross amount of moneys contributed to charities in the United Kingdom under deed of covenant during each of the past five years by (

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to restore the normal operation of the value added tax office at Southend which has failed to pay value added tax rebates for the months of December and January owing to exporters.

Value added tax repayment claims for periods ending 31 December were due to be rendered by 31 January. All repayment claims which were received at the VAT central unit by 13 February and which passed the normal prescribed checks have been paid.The VAT computer at Southend is shut down by industrial action. Customs and Excise regrets that it is unable for the time being to make repayments of VAT. It is trying to ensure that on the termination of industrial action repayments are resumed as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether domestic appliances are at present imported from Eastern Europe, or whether it is expected that such appliances will be imported in the future, and, if so, from which countries; what kind of appliances they are; and in what quantities they are imported.

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 12 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 38], gave the following information:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress is being made in the Government's representations to the EEC on behalf of the British industrial fastener industry about disregard of Davignon steel prices in sales of raw materials to their European competitors.

As I explained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Litterick)—[Vol. 964, c. 11]—we still await from the industry the detailed prima facie evidence of price breaches required by the Commission.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he is currently engaged in with the EEC Commission on matters for which he is responsible; and, in particular, if he will give a detailed breakdown of each topic under discussion with special reference to EEC proposals, actual or envisaged, and their status within the Community's legislative machinery.

My Department's discussions with the EEC Commission cover a great number of legislative proposals. The major matters on which my right hon. Friend is currently engaged include the Commission's agricultural price proposals for 1979–80. He is also seeking to reach agreement on a common fisheries policy which safeguards United Kingdom interests. It is the practice of my right hon. Friend to report the outcome of Agriculture and Fishery Councils to the House at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the degree of risk of disease by infection from other pig units upon minimal disease pig units forming part of major breeding pyramids distributing stock nationally; what consultations are carried out with planning authorities before a planning application relating to such pig units is considered; and if the animal health division of his Department is fully conversant with the planning decisions and the need to protect these vital breeding stations.

Prevention of spread of infection from one pig unit to another is a major consideration in applying animal health controls, particularly in relation to such important establishments as minimal disease pig units. No specific procedure applies through which planning authorities consult animal health interests in relation to such pig units. On the other hand, they would no doubt seek advice where they thought that to be necessary in relation to this or the many other considerations upon which they have to take a view. Planning matters in general are of course a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will undertake a study of cost effective systems in the National Health Service, including a study of the annual saving to the National Health Service of transferring the hospital cleaning services to private enterprise instead of employing direct labour.

We emphasised in"The Way Forward"the need for a more effective use of resources. My Department expects to commission some studies of hospital cleaning services later this year. These should enable a comparison to be made between services employing direct labour and private contractors.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services for what purposes and under what authority the Department of Health and Social Security inspector of Hilden House, Warrington, keeps a register of small businesses in his area separately from personal national insurance records.