asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will issue a general directive to the Post Office to show directly in its accounts the cost of official paid stationery.

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the outcome of the review of the declaration on international investment and multinational investment made by the Governments of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries in 1976.

The ministerial meeting of the OECD which took place in Paris on 13 and 14 June accepted a report setting out progress and recommending certain actions arising from a review of the 1976 OECD Declaration. The report surveys the impact of the guidelines for multi-national enterprises and points to their growing degree of acceptance by the business community. The report recognises, however, the need for further efforts to promote the guidelines. The report indicates the need for one change to the guidelines to cover circumstances not foreseen in 1976, and makes recommendations on OECD's administrative arrangements for implementing the Declaration. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how much money was advanced to industrial co-operatives from February 1974 to 3 May 1979.

Our records are based upon company names and do not distinguish between co-operatives and other organisations. The information is therefore not available in the form requested. Under the Industrial Common Ownership Act 1976, grants made to the organisation Industrial Common Ownership Finance Ltd. enabled it to make loans totalling £53,500 to eight co-operatives.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list those bodies which have received a certificate under section 2(2) of the Industrial Common Ownership Act 1976; and which bodies have received certificates since 3 May.

The following bodies have received certificates as co-operative enterprises under section 2(2) of the Industrial Common Ownership Act 1976.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what will be the effect of the progressive increase in the prices of light distillates on the prices of petrochemicals.

The very substantial rise in the price of naphtha, an essential feedstock for the United Kingdom chemical industry, has already led to an inevitable increase in the price of petrochemicals and down-stream products. However, the increase in product prices has not been proportionate to the rise in the price of naphtha.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he intends to take steps to ensure that the petrochemical industry has access to naphtha in appropriate quantities and at reasonable prices, bearing in mind that the greater quantity of the product is blended with petrol which is in increasing demand.

Naphtha is freely traded on an international market, and any governmental interference with market forces would be neither practicable nor desirable

asked the Secretary of State for Industry; taking 1973 as 100, what he estimates is the current index figure for naphtha; and if he will indicate the trend in prices.

This information is not available from Government statistics.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations have been made to him by senior figures in the art world to purge his entire staff of arts civil servants; what replacements he is making among top civil servants inherited from the previous administration; and if he will make a statement.

I have received no such representations, but with the setting-up of the new office of arts and libraries, existing structures are being reviewed.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the current position on salary negotiations for all grades of scientists in the Civil Service bearing in mind the representations of scientists employed at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, and conveyed to him on 13 June by the hon. Member for Twickenham.

The union representing Civil Service scientists—the Institution of Professional Civil Servants—has claimed pay increases for all scientist grades based on those awarded, as a result of pay research, to the administration group. For all but two grades, my Department have already agreed to the substance of the IPCS proposal and is authorising payment of the first two stages of the 1979 Civil Service pay settlement—9 per cent., plus, where appropriate, £1 a week from 1 April and 5 per cent. from 1 August—from the due dates. As soon as precise salary scales have been agreed, the payment of the balance from 1 January 1980 will be authorised.A genuine misunderstanding has, however, arisen over the remaining two grades—the principal scientific officer and senior scientific officer—about the implications for this year's pay settlement of correspondence exchanged last year between my Department and the union. I have, as a gesture of goodwill offered exactly what the IPCS has claimed—provided that certain misunderstandings can be reached to prevent repercussions. I regret that the IPCS has not accepted these conditions but my offer remains on the table for the time being.I met representatives of the IPCS today and explained that there is no justification for any strike action.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the present arrangements of his Department in dealing with matters of employment in Scotland.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many full and part-time workers have left the agriculture industry in Scotland during the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

I regret that information relating to the gross outflow of workers from agriculture is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the expenditure on roads in Scotland in 1977–78 and 1978–79 broken down in a form similar to that in table 2 of Cmnd. 7132 "Policy for Roads: England 1978".

The information for the financial year 1977–78 will be published in early July in the annual report of the Scottish Development Department for 1978 of which a copy will be placed in the library. The figures for 1978–79 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many yearling ewes there are in Scotland; and what were the corresponding figures for the past 10 years.

The provisional estimates for the December 1978 agricultural census were 710,000 shearling ewes and 72,000 ewe lambs put to the ram. The numbers for earlier years are:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been spent on the Royal high school building in Edinburgh since 3 May; and what further spending is contemplated.

No new commitments have been incurred since 1 March. Contracts already let by that date were in their last stages by 3 May. It is not yet possible to give an accurate figure of money spent since 3 May or of the amounts outstanding on existing commitments.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will show in table form the level of take-up of domestic insulation improvement grants in each district council area, indicating in relation to both the public and private sectors the numbers of houses affected, the proportion they constitute of the relevant sectors of the housing stock, the percentage use of total grants available and the grants paid over to the local authorities concerned.

As the information is lengthy I am sending it to the hon. Member and placing a copy in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many elderly and disabled people have obtained grants for insulation under the provision of the Homes Insulation Act 1978.

Local authorities are not required to make returns of the number of grants that have been made to elderly and disabled persons

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people have benefited to date from the current electricity discount scheme in Scotland; what is his estimate of the total of those entitled to money under this scheme; what is the amount paid out under this scheme so far; and what this represents as a percentage of the amount provided for in the Estimates.

Because of the recent industrial action by civil servants it is not possible at this stage to assess the total number of people who have benefited from the current electricity discount scheme.Some 320,000 people in Scotland received the £5 cash payment under the scheme. In addition, it is estimated that over 500,000 people may have qualified for a discount on one winter electricity bill.Disbursements so far amount to approximately £4·72 million, which is slightly in excess of the provision made in the Estimates for the total cost of the scheme in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the capital cost of Shotts prison, the number of cells in the prison building, and the ratio of staff to inmates.

Only the first phase of the prison has been completed, at an estimated cost of £10 million. In the premises so far provided there is a block of 60 cells, and a hospital block which has 19 single cells, two strong cells and two wards each accommodating six inmates. The present ratio of staff to inmates is 1.5:1.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the capital cost of the industrial plant at Shotts prison, the nature of the work and the total productive capacity.

The industrial plan currently provided at Shotts prison comprises a laundry with a maximum weekly wash capacity of about 200,000 pieces, equipped at an estimated cost of £675,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with representatives of the fishing industry in Scotland regarding the cost of fuel and future shortages; and if he will make a statement.

My Department is monitoring the fuel supply situation and will seek to minimise any disruption of deliveries to the fishing industry. The fishing organisations have been advised that fishermen who are still experiencing serious difficulties after approaching their suppliers should contact my Department.Only two cases have been reported and both were resolved satisfactorily.The question of increased fuel costs has not been raised.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on Government policy in relation to the special educational needs of dyslexic children.

The term "dyslexia" is used to indicate a range of severe reading, spelling or writing difficulties not accounted for by intelligence levels. The special needs of children with difficulties of that kind are best met by remedial teaching in ordinary schools.

asked the Secretary or State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Development Agency over its annual budget; what reduction is proposed in that budget; and in which areas of activity he has directed the agency to make reductions.

My right hon. Friend has informed the agency that it is intended to achieve a reduction in its published Supply Estimate for 1979–80 of around £20 million. We are now in discussion with the agency about its activities, in accordance with the intentions expressed in our manifesto.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is his intention that Dundee should retain its status as a special development area; and what measures he will adopt to protect existing jobs and attract new jobs to Dundee.

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is currently studying the arrangements to promote investment and employment in areas with serious unemployment problems and a statement will be made in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to include Crown properties in any future legislation to extend home ownership to tenants of local authorities and new towns corporations; and if he will make a statement.

The Government are committed only to giving council and new town tenants the right to buy their homes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will take to lessen the time taken for planning inquiries.

The time taken at planning inquiries varies greatly according to the nature of the case and cannot easily be reduced without risking damage to the interests of the parties. On the other hand, we are seeing what can be done to reduce the time taken in arranging inquiries and in reaching decisions once the inquiry is over.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people have so far taken up the grant for loft insulation under the Homes Insulation Act; how many have actually insulated their lofts; what is the total cost to public funds; and whether he will make a statement on the administration of the scheme to date.

It is estimated that about 400,000 applications for grant were accepted by local authorities in the first six months of the scheme; about 200,000 grants were paid during this period at a total cost of £8·2 million. The initial demand for grants was very heavy. Difficulties in supplies of insulation materials earlier this year delayed progress, but the position has now eased.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he proposes to continue with the programme to renew public sewers in the United Kingdom; and what this programme will cost.

There is no national programme to renew public sewers. Water authorities are responsible individually

The development of appropriate tests for products which have recently become available in this country has taken longer than had been anticipated. Matters have been further complicated by changes by manufacturers in the formulation of their products after initial submission to the Agrement Board. In the circumstances, we have concluded that there is little value in publishing an interim list under the arrangements notified by the Department on 16 October 1978. It remains our intention later this year to prescribe acceptable products for the purposes of the homes insulation scheme in the light of tests now being carried out by the Agrement Board and the British Standards Institute.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the number of flats and houses under construction in each of the Greater Manchester metropolitan boroughs.

The numbers of dwellings under construction on 30 March 1979 were as follows:for the maintenance of their assets and manage their capital programmes, within national availability of resources, in accordance with regional priorities and needsAuthorities are aware of the problem and surveys are in hand to establish the extent and financial implications of any renewals which may be necessary, but it is too soon to arrive at the magnitude of the expenditure that might eventually have to be faced.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent the Government have conformed to the EEC directive on titanium dioxide pollution; and if it will be in a position to fulfil the directive's requirement to establish programmes for reducing pollution by July 1980.

The United Kingdom has so far met its obligations under this directive, and the Government intend to continue to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he accepts the need for organic change in local government in England and Wales.

I have no current proposals to change the virement limits for this financial year. Liverpool's block 2 allocation is bigger than the amount they used last year and can be augmented further within the existing virement arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to encourage and arrange for the collection of waste oil by local authorities.

Under the national anti-waste programme, local authorities are already encouraged to set up waste oil collections.Although there is no statutory duty for them to do so, many provide collection facilities at civic amenity centres; others arrange for and publicise collection facilities at selected garages throughout their area.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward legislation to give groups of private tenants a clear legal preference to buy their block of flats if it, or the company which owns it, is about to be sold.

I am considering this issue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many (a) privately-rented dwellings, (b) council-owned dwellings and (c) owner-occupied dwellings there are within the Westhoughton constituency.

Statistics are not separately available for the West-houghton constituency, which lies within the areas of Wigan and Bolton metropolitan districts. The figures provided by each district, in respect of housing stock as at 1 April 1978, in their 1978 housing strategies and investment programmes are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his plans for the inner city partnership programme for Birmingham; if he will be a member of the inner city partnership committee; and whether Government financial aid will continue.

I visited Birmingham last week to have informal discussions with the local authority leaders about the achievements of the partnership, and I intend to chair the next meeting of the partnership committee. We will make decisions about future plans in the light of these meetings, and similar meetings elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he proposes to enable local authorities outside the development areas to borrow funds to enable them to buy land and provide infrastructure services to attract industrial firms now that the Community Land Act permission is no longer available to them and funds for locally determined schemes have been reduced, in the light of the importance of this to the fight against unemployment in the rural areas.

It will be for local authorities to consider the resources which they wish to spend on this activity in the light of the requirements of their other locally determined sector services.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make a statement on the commencement of the rating revaluation exercise.

Shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what increase in local authority and new town corporation house building for rent he plans for each of the next five years.

The provision to be made for future years will be considered by the Government as part of their review of public expenditure and in the light of their assessment of housing requirements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to grant local authorities permission to build houses for sale.

In most cases, local authorities will not require specific permission to build for sale provided they dispose of the houses within the terms of the general ministerial consent given for the sale of council houses and flats on 18 May.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which local government services he expects to be reduced within the next 12 months and by what percentage reduction, taking 3 May as 100.

It is a matter for each individual local authority to determine where savings should be made in the light of the Government's overall objectives for reductions in expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide figures showing what variation there has been in the number of staff employed by the Peak District national park joint planning board since its inception.

The Peak Park joint planning board's approved establishment of staff has risen from 138 on 1 April 1974 to 139 at present. There are currently eight vacancies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, and how, the purposes of the Peak District national park joint planning board which were formally defined at its inception have been formally altered.

The board's formal purposes have not altered since its inception in December 1973.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide figures indicating what variation there has been in the size of the annual budget of the Peak District national park joint planning board, after discounting inflation, since its inception.

The board's published annual reports show an increase of expenditure from £745,069 to 1,428,542 between the years 1974–75 and 1977–78, an increase in real terms of 23 per cent. over the four years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what directly elected representation is enjoyed on the Committee of the Peak District national park joint planning board by those who live in or make their living within the confines of the national park.

Two-thirds of the board's 33 members are appointed by the constituent county councils and all but two of these are locally-elected council or district councillors. Counties have been urged to ensure that the interests of people who live and work in the park are properly borne in mind in the appointments they make.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the policy of giving council tenants the right to buy their own home will be extended to national parks and areas of outstanding national beauty.

We are still considering the detailed provisions of the "right to buy" legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation providing stronger powers to remove unauthorised caravans to those local authorities which have fulfilled their obligations under the Caravans Sites Act 1968.

We are considering the need for legislation about the provision of accommodation for gipsies, including changes in the enforcement powers against illegal camping in designated areas.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what areas he intends to introduce changes in Government policy towards the future control and administration of the new towns.

We have no intention at the present time of making any changes to the arrangements under which responsibility for the development of individual new towns rests with the development corporations appointed by the Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the total number of places available on all the authorised sites provided for gipsies and other travellers; and what is his estimate of the number still required to provide at least one place for each family;(2) what is the estimated number of gipsies and other travellers;(3) if he will list those authorities which have now provided sites for gipsies in accordance with the objectives of the legislation on this issue.

It is estimated that there are about 8,000 to 9,000 families—50,000 travellers in total—in England and Wales. The half-yearly count of caravans in England on 17 January 1979, indicated that 4,182 caravans were accommodated on authorised private and local authority sites and that about the same number were still on unauthorised encampments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the method of central heating in the Palace of Westminster; what has been the cost per month over the last three years and what action is to be taken to reduce that cost; and what temperature the heating is set to maintain.

The method of central heating of the major part of the Palace of Westminster is an archaic steam radiator system. A six-year modernisation programme was begun last year and, when completed, this should effect savings of 20 per cent. in fuel consumption. Records for heating costs on a monthly basis are not kept. Over the past three years, costs amounted to £209,133 for 1975–76, £229,752 for 1976–77 and £200,000 for 1977–78. Under the present system it is not possible to maintain a set temperature, but the aim is to keep offices at 68°F.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government on public holidays.

The Government have no plans for any immediate change in public holidays. I have no evidence of any general desire for a change, but I shall gladly consider any suggestions that my hon. Friend may care to make.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans for further job creation schemes in Wales.

The Government intend to create a climate in which there will be more secure and wealth-creating jobs by removing the barriers to enterprise, reforming taxation and providing employers and others with incentives to succeed.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals he has to reduce the numbers of unemployed in the United Kingdom and Scotland, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Unemployment in both Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole will be reduced satisfactorily only by the creation of new real jobs. This is the objective of the strategy set out in the Gracious Speech and the Budget Statement of my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. We are also continuing to operate a programme of special employment measures some of which will be concentrated in future on the areas with special employment needs.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the future of the youth opportunities programme.

I refer the hon. Member to my earlier reply to the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. Wigley).

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether any decisions have been taken in respect of the future of the special temporary employment programmes or the youth opportunities project.

I refer the hon. Member to my earlier reply about the youth opportunities programme to the hon. Member for Caernarvon (Mr. Wigley). We have decided that the special temporary employment programme will continue to operate but will be concentrated on special development areas, development areas and designated inner city areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list all those temporary job saving measures currently employed in Kirkby and Ormskirk; and if all these are to continue in existence.

The job saving measures currently being operated in Kirkby and Ormskirk are the temporary employment subsidy and the temporary short time working compensation scheme.Both of these will be continued in those areas though no new applications for the temporary employment subsidy have been accepted since 31 March this year. There will be a maximum period of six months compensation under the temporary short time working compensation scheme for applications received after 30 June instead of the maximum period of 12 months' compensation as at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many places in the youth opportunities programme will be lost as a result of the reduction of £18 million in its budget; and how many places will disappear as a result of the reduction of £30 million in the special temporary employment programme

The reduction in expenditure on the youth opportunities programme and the special temporary employment programme in 1979–80 will be £25·2 million and £42·2 million respectively. For the youth opportunities programme, the Manpower Services Commission's aim is to remain within the 100,000–120,000 target of filled places although there will be a small reduction in the number of young people participating in the programme at its peak. The revised special temporary employment programme will have a target of 12,000–14,000 places compared with the original target for 1979–80 of 30,000–35,000 filled places and will in future be concentrated in special development areas, development areas and designated inner city areas where the need is greatest

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what policy matters he is currently exploring with a view to providing new jobs in the Preston travel-to-work area.

In the Government's view the provision of more real jobs is dependent upon the creation of a climate in which industry is encouraged to expand and flourish. We aim to create such a climate by restoring incentives, encouraging efficiency and by revitalising the economy

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what measures he proposes to reduce unemployment.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier to the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner).

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals he intends introducing in order to achieve greater flexibility in the application of training and retraining schemes with specific reference to the requirements of rural areas; and if he will make a statement.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it has tried to be as flexible as possible in its approach to local needs, including those of rural areas. I have no improvements to suggest to it at present in that respect. I shall gladly consider any suggestions of my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he plans next to meet the general secretary of the Trades Union Congress.

My right hon. Friend hopes to meet the general secretary and other members of the Trades Union Congress again shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will invite Mr. Len Murray to submit, on behalf of unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress, a list of what they consider to be politically-sensitive areas of decision in which they would invite their members to take industrial action, such as that pro- posed by the Confederation of Health Service Employees and the National Union of Public Employees over pay beds.

No Sir. I do not believe that the great majority of trade unionists in this country wish to undermine our democratic processes by acting in the manner to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will specify ways in which he intends to reinforce the rules about the unemployed accepting available jobs; and when such changes are likely to become operative.

Responsibility for the legislation covering the conditions for receipt of social security benefits rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, although my Department is responsible for the administration of unemployment benefit. The two Departments work closely together to control abuse, and the issues covered in the question are currently being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present number of people unemployed in the Greater London Council area.

At 10 May, 134,050 people were registered as unemployed in the Greater London area.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest percentage rate of unemployment in the North-West.

At 10 May, the unemployment rate in the North-West region was 6·7 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his medium-term forecast of unemployment in the light of the Government's policies as outlined in the Queen's Speech.

Unemployment in the medium-term will be largely determined by developments in the world economy, in Britain's trade performance, in productivity and in inflation. It is not possible to predict with any accuracy the outcome on all these fronts and therefore any forecast of unemployment is subject to very large errors. However the Government's policies will lay a secure basis for investment, productivity and increased employment in all parts of the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures for unemployment; and if he will make a statement.

At 10 May, 1,238,468 people were registered as unemployed in Great Britain.The Government believe that the way to tackle unemployment is to restore incentives, encourage efficiency and create a climate in which commerce and industry can flourish. This will help to bring into existence more genuine jobs. We are also continuing to operate a programme of special employment measures, some of which will be concentrated in future on the areas with special employment needs.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the total numbers and the percentages unemployed in (a) Merseyside, (b) the North—West,(c) the Northern region,(d) Scotland and (e) Wales.

Following is the information at 10 May:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he intends taking to improve industrial relations.

The Government, on the completion of their consultations with the TUC, the CBI and other interested bodies, will be introducing a Bill in the autumn to amend the laws on picketing and the closed shop and to provide support from public funds for union ballots. My right hon. Friend believes these changes will make an important contribution to the improvement of industrial relations. My right hon. Friend also intends to consult similarly regarding other ways in which industrial relations can be improved.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the future of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

We intend to review ACAS's statutory duties in some specific respects, particularly as they relate to the issue of trade union recognition. I believe, however, that the service has a most important job to do in helping resolve industrial disputes and improving industrial relations and it is vital that this work should be continued.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will consult trade union leaders about problems associated with contracting out of the political levy.

The Government are aware that the proportion of members contracting out is generally rather small. The independent certification officer, who has responsibility for the administration of the Trade Union Act 1913 has not in his annual reports pointed to any problems that necessitate my immediate involvement.The Government have no present plans to amend the Act but will, of course, consider any representations on the subject that may come from any quarter.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he proposes to issue a White Paper on appropriate changes in trade union laws.

We intend to consult widely about the Government's proposals to amend the law on picketing and the closed shop and to provide financial support for trade union ballots. It is not, however, proposed to issue a White Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the short-time working scheme.

The temporary short-time working compensation scheme, introduced on 1 April 1979, will remain open for applications up to 31 March 1980; but employers whose applications are received between 1 July and 31 March 1980 will qualify for compensation for a maximum of six months instead of the present maximum of 12 months.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will initiate a study into the unemployment problems of the over—fifties, with the aim of making use of their talents for the United Kingdom's general benefit.

A study commissioned by my Department is currently under way into aspects of labour markets affecting men aged 45–65. It is seeking to examine in depth for three local areas the experiences of the employed and the unemployed in this group and the practices of employers and employment agencies with regard to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will review the Manpower Services Commission policies on jobcentres.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it is currently reviewing the aims and objectives of the public employment service, and that this review will include policy on jobcentres. My right hon. Friend will consider the results of the review in the light of the Government's policy on public expenditure.As part of the reduction in spending by the MSC in 1979–80 announced on 12 June there will be a reduction in expenditure on the jobcentre programme of £1,000,000 in the current financial year. Expenditure in subsequent years is under review.

asked the discussions he has had with the TUC discussions he has had with the TUC about increasing productivity in industry.

My right hon. Friend's recent meetings with the general secretary and other members of the TUC have touched on ways of improving productivity. My right hon. Friend hopes to pursue this further through the National Economic Development Council and other appropriate channels.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will reconsider proposals for the dispersal of the headquarters of the Health and Safety Executive, with a view to its retention in London.

I refer my right hon. and learned Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Civil Service Department, to a question on 11 June—[Vol. 968 c. 68].

asked the Secretary of State for Employment to what extent the cutback in employment of public and civil servants will affect activities for which he is responsible, including the Manpower Services Commission; and if he will make a statement about the proposals to transfer its activities to Sheffield bearing in mind that the new offices on the Moor at Sheffield are now in the process of being completed.

It is not yet possible to say to what extent the Government's plans to reduce the size of the Civil Service will affect the services for which I am responsible. As to the question of the dispersal of the Manpower Services Commission to Sheffield, as my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Civil Service Department, said on 11 June, the Government are re-appraising the dispersal programme and hope to announce their conclusions before the Summer Recess.—[Vol. 968, c. 68].

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the working of the british approval service for electrical equipment in flammable atmospheres (BASEEFA); and if he will make a statement.

I am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the problems, including manning levels, which have given rise to lengthy delays in the working of BASEEFA, are under thorough and urgent review by the Health and Safety Executive. This is a serious matter and both the chairman of the HSC and the director of the HSE share my concern that the review be completed as soon as possible.Meanwhile specialist staff for BASEEFA have been exempted from the current ban on civil service recruitment.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are his plans for reducing unemployment in the development area; and if he will make a statement.

With regard to the special employment measures administered by my Department and by the Manpower Services Commission, changes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to publish the findings of the Simpson committee on the asbestos industry.

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) on 15 June 1979.—[Vol. 968, c. 336–8.]

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to make it possible for such bodies as trades unions to enter into contracts binding at law.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are currently being assisted by the various schemes and arrangements for job saving and employment creation for which his Department is responsible; and how many of these persons are under 21 years of age.

At the end of April the estimated number of people in Great Britain assisted by the special employment measures for which my Department and the Manpower Services Commission are responsible is as given below. It is not possible to give the breakdown by age group as requested.

Under current legislation it is possible for trade unions to make contracts and to sue or be sued in respect of such contracts. Collective agreements between unions and employers can be made legally enforceable if they are in writing and contain specific provision that the parties intend the agreements to have this effect.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement as to the purpose of the visit to Merseyside on 15 June, specifying whom he met, what was discussed, and what steps are now planned in the light of the discussions which took places.

I visited Merseyside on 15 June to gain a first-hand impression of the problems there.During my visit, I met members of the staff of a jobcentre in Liverpool and representatives of local authorities, with whom I discussed ways in which the Government could help to retain existing jobs and create new ones in the area.In the light of my visit and the one made on 25 May by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, we are now considering how best we can help Merseyside. As part of this study I shall be paying an extended visit to Merseyside in mid-July and I hope to meet my hon. Friend and other hon. Members from the area there.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of firms in the Keighley employment office area receiving small firms employment subsidy and the number of applications outstanding.

As at 30 May 1979, 64 applications for small firms employment subsidy from firms in the Keighley employment office area had been approved. A further two applications were awaiting approval.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many firms in the Keighley employment office area receive support from the temporary short time working scheme; how many persons are affected; and what is the number of outstanding applications.

As at 14 June 1979, two applications for temporary short time working compensation were in payment in the Keighley area; 32 jobs were at risk of redundancy, and 48 workers were sharing the short-time working. There were no applications awaiting a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to receive the report from the inspector undertaking an investigation into the explosion at the Witton factory of IMI (Kynoch) Ltd. on 20 May; and if he will then make it public.

I am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Com- mission that the detailed technical and laboratory examination of certain pieces of equipment, to which I referred in my previous answer of 11 June, has not yet been finished and that a considerable amount of work has yet to be done. The investigation into the explosion cannot be completed until the final results of this work are available. It is expected that this will take some time.The commission has informed me that arrangements have already been made to make any information affecting the safety of workers at the factory concerned available to it, in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 28(8). As I have not yet seen a report of the HSE investigation, I cannot yet judge whether its publication would serve a useful purpose but I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as it becomes available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he intends to proceed with the case for the defence in the trial of Webster and Young before the European Court.

The case referred to in the question is currently before the European Commission of Human Rights, not the European Court. When the Government took office, the Commission was about to hold a further oral hearing, before deciding on the merits of the case. It had already declared the case to be admissible in respect of two separate applications. The Government, while wishing to ensure that the Commission is made aware of the distinctive views and intentions of the present Administration regarding the closed shop, have no wish to delay the decision of the Commission, and they will determine their course of action very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in view of the report of the Equal Opportunities Commission on aspects of health and safety legislation which make distinctions between men and women, he will introduce legislation to remove the restrictions on shift work, night work and overtime for women.

The report of the Equal Opportunities Commission on those aspects of health and safety legislation which make distinctions between men and women will be generally available in mid-July. The report invites comment and I expect that there will be considerable public reaction to its recommendations.I have written to the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission, which has the duty to propose changes in the statutory requirements which protect women at work, asking him to give consideration to any need for changes in the light of reactions to the report of the Equal Opportunities Commission and to submit proposals to me. In my letter I have stated that I attach considerable importance to following up the recommendations in that report.Changes in the statutory requirements affecting shift work, night work or overtime for women which are "relevant statutory provisions" under section 53 of the 1974 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act can be made by means of regulations made under section 15 of that Act. No new Act of Parliament is, therefore, required.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment to what extent at 1 June 1979 a salary of £8,000 per annum paid in June 1975 would have to be raised to maintain its same relative purchasing power.

A married man with two children aged under 11 years, with a salary of £8,000 per annum in June 1975 would have required a salary of £11,985 in May 1979 in order to meet increases in retail prices as measured by the RPI, and in income tax and national insurance contributions and allowing for child benefit, using the income tax rates set out in the Finance Act 1979.Allowing for the changes in income tax rates proposed in the Budget, the corresponding salary for May 1979 would be £11,168.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those categories of British politicians entitled to full police protection at all times.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek further powers to regulate the conduct of Sunday markets.

I have no plans for legislation on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many ballot papers were counted in each of the 635 parliamentary constituencies at the European Assembly election held on 7 June.

Information on the number of ballot papers counted in each European Assembly constituency will be published in due course, but not in terms of parliamentary constituencies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has considered the representations made by district councils that rewarding orders and boundary changes should be followed by fresh elections in 1980; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Spence) on 11 June.—[Vol. 968, c. 10.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will exercise his powers under section 6(1) of the Badgers Act 1973 to declare West Yorkshire an area of special protection for badgers as a matter of urgency.

This matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been spent on modernising Bedford prison since its establishment in 1848; and what are his present plans for the prison.

Records of expenditure on individual establishments going back to 1848 are not available. Although some minor improvements are being made, it is not yet possible to undertake a major programme of modernisation at Bedford prison because of the shortage of space inside the perimeter wall and the lack of other prisons in the area capable of rehousing its present inmate population of about 300. The redevelopment of this and the other prisons will be considered again in the light of the recommendations of the May inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report the annual turnover of Territorial Army Volunteeer Reserve personnel for the last five years for which figures are available.

For the past five financial years the manpower turnover of the TAVR, denned as the ratio of losses to strength, is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the Official Report the establishment and recruited strength for the last five years for which figures are available of the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve in toto, of independent units, of sponsored units and of those units with transport and movement roles.