asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis upon the arrangements made with the broadcasting authorities relating to the vetting of programmes prior to broadcasting.

This is a matter for the Commissioner. He has informed me that an understanding was recently reached between the Metropolitan Police and the BBC which is designed to ensure that the fullest consultation takes place in the preparation of programmes on potentially sensitive subjects.

Is there any intention to publish the terms of the so-called agree- ment or code? Is it correct that the Metropolitan Police have vetoed the export of the series "Law and Order"? Will the Home Secretary unequivocally condemn any attempt by any police force to veto, control or censor any programme on the BBC?

It should be made perfectly clear that the final editorial responsibility for any programme on this or any other matter rests with the BBC, and must continue to do so.

I have every sympathy with the police in this matter, but is my right hon. Friend aware that many of us will view with considerable apprehension any development or extension of such arrangements?

Of course, I appreciate that. Needless to say, it would not apply to straightforward current affairs features on police work. It could apply only, as I understand it, to a particular programme to which the police had been invited to make a contribution.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that, in effect, is exactly what the BBC has said that it would not allow? It does not allow political censorship, quite rightly, and it is extremely dangerous that the Metropolitan Police should even imagine that they have a role to play in this matter. Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree?

As regards current affairs and news programmes, I entirely agree with the hon. Lady. Where any organisation is asked to make a specific contribution to a programme, surely it has a right to take part in consultation and discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if police departments will be subject to cash limits.

The specific grant to police authorities of 50 per cent. of approved police expenditure is not cash limited.

Is the Home Secretary aware that it will not be much use spending more money on the police if there are cuts in those services which help to prevent crime, particularly among young people? Will he urge his colleagues at the Departments of the Environment, Education and Science, and Health and Social Security not to force cuts on such services as school welfare and those dealing with one-parent families?

I shall have consultations with my colleagues on these matters. The Government's law and order programme has a high priority. I am determined to ensure that that continues.

In the light of that answer, will the Home Secretary also assure us that no cash limits will be imposed on other aspects of the law and order programme, such as the probation and after-care service and the operation of the magistrates' courts?

There are different arrangements for those matters. I shall certainly regard the law and order programme as a whole and consider those other services on the basis that they are an integral part of it.

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that adequate resources are available for the recruitment of special constables, particularly in the Metropolitan area, where police are drafted in from the outer districts, such as Hillingdon, to stop demonstrations and so on in the centre of the city?

I do not know of any occasions when the resources for the recruitment of special constables are not available. I shall be pleased to hear from hon. Members about such occasions if they can tell me of any. Special constables have a particularly important role to play, and the House should encourage that voluntary effort by them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that during the election campaign repeated assurances were given that there would be no cuts in spending on the police? Will he give a categorical assurance that there will be no cuts, either in the Home Office's direct contribution or in the rate support grant to the local authorities as it affects the police?

I cannot guarantee what the local police authorities will decide to do. But I shall urge them to maintain their expenditure on the main- tenance of law and order, and I shall give them every encouragement to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to end the remand of schoolchildren to prisons and remand centres.

The Government endorse the principle that juveniles on remand should not be detained in prison department establishments. We are considering what the next step should be towards further reducing the number of such remands.

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that, instead of his concentrating on increasing the number of detention centres or introducing the so-called short, sharp shock treatment, it would be wiser for him and his Department to concentrate on ending this blight of sending innocent children to prison?

I do not believe that changes in the treatment of offenders on the lines indicated by the hon. Gentleman are in any way inconsistent with furthering the goal that we all share, which is to stop the remanding of schoolchildren to prisons and remand centres.

Does the Minister agree that the Harmondsworth detention centre is a most unsuitable place in which to detain young children? Does the Home Office have any view on the ending of that practice?

As I have said, the Home Office considers it quite wrong that any schoolchildren should be remanded in prison or remand centre. Steps have already been taken regarding, girls, and we are considering, in consultation with the local authorities, moves in respect of 14-year-old boys.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration is being given to the subject of alternatives to imprisonment as a form of punishment.

We are considering how the existing wide range of non-custodial penalties can best be maintained and improved as well as examining any fresh suggestions which are put forward for alternatives to imprisonment.

In view of the situation in our overcrowded prisons, will the hon. and learned Gentleman consider proposing radical alternatives to imprisonment as a method of preventing further crime? Will his Department consider discussing with the Lord Chancellor advising magistrates' courts to use the suspended sentence where appropriate, and will it review the list of offences which now lead to imprisonment with a view to establishing radical alternatives?

I entirely agree that, in view of the overcrowding in prisons, any measures which can be taken which would lead to people who ought not to be in prison being treated in a different way are worthy of the most serious consideration. In particular, the proposals of the Expenditure Committee are being considered. I think that we should continue to look at the whole range of alternatives which now exist, seek to expand them where possible, and also look at any fresh ones which may become available.

Will my hon. and learned Friend give special consideration to introducing weekend prisons into our penal system? Is he aware that this is an effective form of punishment, that it costs a great deal less in public expenditure than the present cost of keeping a man in prison—which I believe to be more than £100 a week—and that it has worked very well in New Zealand and Scandinavia?

The resource implications of doing that have yet to be studied in full, but it is one of the proposals under examination.

Is the Minister aware that one of the best alternatives to prison is still that provided by the probation service? Further, is he aware that many probation officers now consider that they are in a second-class service and are being so treated by the present Government? Will he put his prestige behind the probation service, in contrast to the attitude expressed in some of the more primeval grunts about law and order which come from his own Back Benches?

I do not think that anyone doubts the importance of the probation service, and I assure the hon. Gentleman that this Government fully recognise the valuable role which it has to play.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes he plans in the criteria that the Parliamentary Boundary Commission must consider under the House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act, in relation to alteration of parliamentary constituencies in England; and if he will make a statement.

A number of suggestions have been put forward for changing the way reviews are conducted, and these are being considered. It would, however, be undesirable to change the rules governing the present review as this could only delay its completion.

Does my hon. and learned Friend recall that in its report of 1969 the Boundary Commission drew attention to the fact that it was not required by the rules to pay attention to future population movement? As what the commission is now doing is based on the 1976 electoral register, and as there have been and will be population movements between 1976 and the next general election, should not the rules be changed so that the commission must have regard to future population movements?

The commission has indicated that in the present review it is taking account of population changes to the extent that that is possible. Whether it be necessary to give any statutory force to that in respect of future reviews is a question which we shall have to consider. But I think that what everyone ought to be anxious to achieve above all is that the present review is completed as early as may be, so that the existing disparities between constituencies can be removed as far as possible.

Now that the present review is well under way, will the Minister give an assurance that the Government will exert absolutely no pressure on the Boundary Commissions either with regard to the statutory criteria which they have to observe or, equally important, in the timing of their reports to the Home Secretary?

The Government fully recognise and appreciate the independence of the Boundary Commissions, but if we can assist them in carrying out their task and ensure that the review is completed in reasonable time, that is something we should look at sympathetically.

When does my hon. and learned Friend think he will be able to lay the recommendations of the Boundary Commission before Parliament? Secondly, does he agree that, even if we were to get back to the 10-year period laid down in the Act, that is totally inadequate for a constituency such as mine with a very rapid rate of growth?

I hope that the Boundary Commission will be in a position to present its report by mid-1982. As to the second point raised by my hon. Friend, there is always a conflict here. On the one hand, if the reviews are too frequent, there is an element of disruption, while, on the other hand, if they are too infrequent, constituencies become either too big or too small. In considering whether any changes are necessary for future reviews, one will have to decide how to balance those two considerations.

The Minister gave his view on the independence of the Boundary Commission and any changes which it recommends. Will he therefore accept that any parliamentary boundary changes which are made are the result of consideration conducted by commissioners who both before and after their appointment have no contact whatsoever with any political party, but, like Caesar's wife, are above suspicion? Does the hon. and learned Gentleman acknowledge that if they were to get themselves involved in that way, any report which they put before the House would have to go back and we should have to start again?

I agree that it is essential that the independence of the Boundary Commission should be maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the Williams committee's report on obscenity.

Towards the end of this year.

Will my hon. and learned Friend take it that publication of the report is eagerly awaited? May we have an assurance that, as soon as it is in the hands of the Home Office, no great time will be allowed to elapse before legislation is introduced to make some sense out of the muddle and tangle of laws which at present cover pornography and indecent displays, in order to bring them into line with a proper sense of morality?

The first step necessary after publication of the committee's report is to consider carefully what it says and the reactions of interested people, and thereafter, in the light of that, to consider what legislation, if any, is required to deal with the present position in law.

While awaiting publication of the report, will the Minister investigate the growing practice of police constables and police forces raiding book shops and impounding publications but then not following up those raids with prosecutions? Does he agree that, if a police force raids a book shop and takes away publications, it should prosecute or quickly return the publications?

I am not sure that I necessarily agree with the hon. Gentleman, and I am not entirely clear whether he wants more prosecutions or the books back.

My hon. and learned Friend will be aware that our hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney) is seeking to introduce a Private Member's Bill very similar to the Indecent Displays (Control) Bill which was frustrated during the term of office of the last Labour Government. May we have a promise that he will give that Bill a fair wind?

I do not think that it will come as a surprise to my hon. Friend to know that I personally view that form of legislation with considerable sympathy. I think that there is a difference, in that, whereas in the last Session the prospect of the Williams committee reporting was rather distant, the report is now to come very soon, and the House will have to consider whether it is wise to legislate in advance of it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to introduce measures to implement the Erroll committee's report on liquor licensing.

We have at present no plans to introduce legislation on this subject.

Is my hon. Friend aware that since the Scottish licensing laws were liberalised in 1976 there has been a sharp decline in convictions for drunkenness, while convictions for drunkenness in England and Wales have increased? Does he accept that that is a powerful argument for liberalising the English and Welsh licensing laws on the lines suggested by the Erroll committee?

I cannot comment on the Scottish position. However, the fact that offences of drunkenness have increased, especially among young people, is causing a great deal of concern. I am not persuaded that the public will believe that the right answer is necessarily to change the licensing laws.

Does the Minister understand that our licensing laws make us the laughing stock of the world, and are especially frustrating to the tourist industry? Is it not wise that we should at least move into the twentieth century before the twenty-first century arrives?

It is a subject on which there are conflicting views. It would be right to have a greater measure of consensus before we moved to legislation.

Is my hon. Friend aware that many friends in Burton-upon-Trent of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department will want to drink my right hon. Friend's good health in the local product on the occasion of his birthday today, and that they would be much happier and would drink with greater cheer if the Government showed some determination to relieve the burden of an oppressive licensing system that is many years out of date?

I am sure that my right hon. Friend will wish to thank my hon. Friend for his kind words. The Government's mind is not completely closed, but we are not persuaded at present that legislation would be appropirate.

Will the Minister confirm that before any legislation was embarked upon there should be the widest consultation with all those involved, such as members of the National Union of Licensed Victuallers, who would be greatly concerned about any rush to change the legislation? Does he agree that there is public concern about the amount of drink consumed in Britain? Will he do anything about the application of the Blennerhassett report about the great problems of drinking and driving?

The Blennerhassett report is not a matter for the Home Office. However, I shall bear in mind the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question. I shall, of course, consider any representations that are made to my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to meet leaders of the Asian community now living in the United Kingdom.

I have already received a number of requests for such meetings and I am looking forward to seeing representatives of the Asian community in the coming months.

I thank the Minister for that reply. He will now be aware of the deep concern within the Asian community about the suggested changes in immigration law. At a time when race relations are of crucial importance, how will the introduction of the register and stopping the entry of dependent relatives of husbands do anything to make the Asian community feel that legislation is not being introduced against it and no other section of the community? Will he bear that in mind before any discussions take place?

I accept the crucial importance of good race relations, which our proposals are designed to enhance. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman awaits details of our proposals. We shall bring them forward as soon as possible.

When my hon. Friend is considering immigration procedures, will he give the fullest weight to the views, interests and concerns of the indigenous population, which has been forgotten about for far too long?

A good, sound race relations policy will command support in all sections of the community, and that is what we shall be seeking.

When the Minister meets the Asian community, will he explain why young Asian children are being sent from Heathrow to Harmondsworth detention centre, where there are no facilities, as I know personally, to look after young children? Will he take action to stop that inhuman practice?

We have no desire to see young children kept at Harmondsworth. However, occasionally there seems to be no alternative. In the eight weeks since the general election 49 children have been detained at Harmondsworth against 66 in the corresponding period in 1978 when the Labour Government were in office.

That does not make it right.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up an independent investigation into recent allegations of police ill-treatment of prisoners whilst in custody.

No, Sir. The law already provides that the report of an investigating officer into a complaint against the police must, unless it is clear that no criminal offence has been committed, be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his independent consideration of the criminal aspects and must in every case be sent to the Police Complaints Board for its independent consideration of the disciplinary aspects.

Following the death of three men held in Northumbrian police stations—Liddell Towers, Norman Barr and Ronald Blair—does the right hon. Gentleman accept that where a pattern of brutality has been shown to exist from a series of examples the police complaints procedure, or internal reporting by senior police officers, is inadequate? Will he use his powers under section 32 of the Police Act 1964 to set up an independent public inquiry into these deaths?

Without commenting on the cases to which the hon. Gentleman has referred, I must say that the House deliberately enacted the 1964 Act to provide an independent element of inquiry into police complaints. I believe that the system works. If it is not working, the opportunities under section 8 are available, especially for major cases. We must proceed in accordance with the independent element of inquiry, which we deliberately set up for the purpose that the hon. Gentleman mentioned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is deep concern about the matter throughout the House? Is he aware that many of the complaints about ill-treatment in custody concern ill-treatment during interrogation? Does he accept that the introduction of tape recordings into police interviews in police stations would get rid even of the need to make complaints? If the, Royal Commission recommends that, will he agree now to introduce that system?

First, we must wait to see what the Royal Commission recommends. As have said, we set up an independent element of inquiry into the police. I. should work, and I believe that it will work if it is given the opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the London borough of Hillingdon seeking approval of a new byelaw permitting the banning of the flying of model aircraft in certain areas; and if he will make a statement.

The borough council first put forward proposals for such a byelaw in March last year. Subsequent correspondence between the council and the Home Office has not resulted in agreement, but my officials are seeking to arrange an early meeting with the council to attempt to resolve the matter, and I have also offered to discuss the problem with my hon. Friend.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the high-pitched whine of the tiny engines powering model aircraft poses intolerable problems for my constituents who want to get some peace and quiet during weekends? Will he do his best to reach agreement with the Hillingdon council as quickly as possible so that a compromise arrangement may be reached whereby model aircraft fliers enjoy their recreation while residents get some peace and quiet?

I am aware that model aircraft cause a considerable nuisance. However, the issue is whether there should he a total ban applying in all parks in the borough. That needs further discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement regarding his policy concerning the transfer of convicted murderers to open prisons

No prisoner serving a sentence for life imprisonment, whether for murder or any other crime, is transferred to an open prison unless, after the most careful consideration, it is considered that he or she will not present a further risk to the community In addition, such a person will be transferred to an open prison only if the regime of an open prison is judged likely to assist in the preparation for ultimate release into the community.

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that there is considerable concern about the transfer of Mary Bell to the Askham Grange open prison? Does he agree that there are many convicted murderers who must never be released from custody?

I am aware of what has been said about Mary Bell. It may help if I set out the position. Following recent consideration of Mary Bell's case by the previous Home Secretary, it was decided provisionally on the recommendation of the Parole Board that Mary Bell should be released next year, subject to continued good behaviour, satisfactory completion of a period in an open prison, a period in the pre-release employment scheme and no change in the assessment of risk. In making that decision, the right hon. Gentleman directed that the final decision as to what should be done should be taken by the Home Secretary of the day. That decision will now fall to my right hon. Friend, who will make it in the light of all the relevant considerations, including, above all, the assessment of risk.

Does the Minister accept that not all murderers should be treated alike? A significant number of murders occur in a family context and, in the nature of the circumstances, the individual is not likely to commit a further similar offence. In the circumstances, it is proper and appropriate for such persons to be transferred to open prisons and rehabilitated within the community.

I accept what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Is my hon. and learned Friend prepared to review the mandatory life sentence for murder? Is he aware that life sentences have a yawning credibility gap with the public? In view of the average term served by people sentenced to life imprisonment, is not it time for judges to be able to pass determinate sentences in suitable cases?

There is a vast range of situations in which judges may pass determinate sentences. However, I am not persuaded that there is not a proper need for the existing life imprisonment sentence as well.

I am grateful to the Minister for accurately stating—as he always would—the facts of the Mary Bell case, which came to the public eye and was raised on the Floor of the House. Would it not be better now for the case of this young girl to be left alone by us for the next year or 18 months so that we can do our best to rehabilitate her into the community?

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that no useful purpose is served by the public discussion of the circumstances of individual cases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he is making in his consideration of the introduction of citizens' band radio; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to be able to announce the Government's policy on the introduction of citizens' band radio into Great Britain.

I have already indicated that the question of the introduction of citizens' band radio is under review. It is too early to say when we shall be able to draw firm conclusions.

I compliment my hon. Friend on pursuing the pledge that we made during the election campaign. However, I must express my disappointment that it is taking rather a long time. I seek my hon. Friend's reassurance that the delay has bona fide reasons and is not part of the renowned reluctance of his Department to live with the innovation of free-enterprise radio.

I gently say to my hon. Friend that I do not think that eight weeks is a long time in which to consider a matter that is as complicated as this. I assure her that our consideration of the subject is absolutely genuine.

Is the Minister aware that there is a considerable danger of a clash of interest between those who want citizens' band radio and those who fly model aircraft? Will he ensure that the views of the model aircraft enthusiasts are taken fully into account before he introduces citizens' band radio?

I confess that I had not thought of that aspect. I suggest that tripartite talks should take place between my hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Shersby), the hon. Gentleman, and my hon. Friend the Member for Rochester and Chatham (Mrs. Fenner).

Does my hon. Friend accept that there are many ramifications of passing into law the right to have citizens' band radio? Does he also accept that the Home Office was reluctant to encourage Ministers to take that step? Will he provide the reassurance requested by my hon. Friend the Member for Rochester and Chatham (Mrs. Fenner) that his investigation is genuine and will end with a proper conclusion?

It is not for me to comment on the policy of the Home Office under a previous Administration. However, I assure my hon. Friend, as I as- sured my hon. Friend the Member for Rochester and Chatham (Mrs. Fenner), that we are genuinely considering this matter with an open mind.

Will the Minister take into account the fact that there is evidence that citizens' band radio could interfere with the use of radio by the essential services? Indeed, it would be extremely dangerous. There is already some evidence to that effect.

It is fairly widely agreed that on 27 MegaHertz there are problems of the kind to which the hon. Lady referred. We are wondering whether there are other ways of approaching this matter.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the all-party committee on citizens' band radio recommended that we use the waveband now being vacated by the 405-line television transmissions? That would not interfere with emergency services or model aircraft. Is my hon. Friend further aware that citizens' band radio saves approximately 2,000 lives per annum in the United States and that 13 European countries already have citizens' band radio?

Those are exactly the kinds of considerations at which we shall look in our review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the activities of the special patrol group; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police over the role of the special patrol group.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will discuss with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police the abolition of the special patrol group.

I refer the hon. Members to the statement that I made yesterday on the Southall disturbances.

Is the Home Secretary aware that a private investigation into the activities of the special patrol group is totally unsatisfactory? Does he realise that we need a full, public and open inquiry into this matter to establish the truth about, say, the Daily Mirror story which suggested that a lead-filled cosh was found in the locker of an officer of the special patrol group, a cosh which was not dissimilar to the kinds of instruments described in the leading pathologist's report on the death of Blair Peach? Why does not the Minister deliver a short, sharp sentence to the special patrol group and disband it?

First, some of the matters which the hon. Gentleman raised clearly come into the investigation by Commander Cass, which will go to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the coroner. Therefore, it would be quite improper for me to comment any further on those. In general, over a period of time, the special patrol group has made an important contribution to the fight against crime. I believe that that will certainly continue. It was right that the Commissioner decided to examine its work. He will do that. I believe he will find that the group will continue to have an important contribution to make in the future.

Is not it important for the public to have confidence in all sections of the police force? Is it not a serious matter when the special patrol group clearly does not enjoy that degree of confidence? Is the Home Secretary aware that there is a strongly-held view that members of the special patrol group have a hostile attitude towards the trade union and labour movement?

That is an unreasonable statement which the hon. Gentleman can in no way substantiate with facts. I return to the major point. The special patrol group in recent times has made a large number of arrests which were extremely important in the battle against crime. The group should be congratulated on, and supported for, its effort.

Does not my right hon. Friend occasionally become a little sick and tired of the vendetta that is pursued by some, though not all, members of the Opposition against this group of the London police? Does not he agree that if it were not for the activities of the special patrol group in London many more elderly and weak people would be persecuted, many more immigrants would be terrorised, and many more law breakers would be able to break the law again and again?

It is no part of my business to become sick and tired of criticisms of any kind over anything for which I may be responsible, provided that they are justified and wise. I agree entirely with my hon. Friend about the value of the special patrol group's work.

Does the Minister accept that there is a tremendous gulf between the coloured community and the police generally, especially the special patrol group? Does he accept that most of us here are not paid by the police? Unlike most Members of Parliament, I personally witnessed the special patrol group constantly in action at Grunwick. I was appalled by what I saw. I abhor violence. Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, as a result of the great gap between the group and the coloured community, any inquiry by the police into their own conduct is no longer acceptable? Therefore, why is he afraid of a public inquiry, instead of the police inquiring into their own conduct?

If, as a result of his experience at any time, the hon. Gentleman has specific complaints to make against the police, it is proper that he should lodge them with the chief constable involved—

I informed my right hon. Friend the then Home Secretary, but he did nothing.

—in this case the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. The Commissioner made very clear, as I announced yesterday, that he was doing his best, and would continue to do his best, to improve relations between the police and ethnic minority groups, and would commit further resources to that.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that there is a widespread feeling among the general public that anyone who takes part in an affray in which 97 police officers are injured has only himself to blame for the consequences?

One must obviously regret any disorders. But there is no doubt that, as the Commissioner's report said yesterday, some of the people who came into Southall from outside appeared to be bent on a confrontation with the police.

asked the Secretary of the Home Department if he has any plans to alter the age of criminal responsibility.

No, Sir.

Is the Minister fully aware of the considerable enforcement difficulties that the police have with the under-10s? Is he further aware that there is a very good example of the problem in that in 1977, in the Metropolitan Police area, no fewer than 675 under-10s were arrested for crimes of violence and, believe it or not, for taking and driving away motor vehicles? In contrast with the last Government, will this Government at least look into the matter and possibly do something about it?

I shall be happy to look into the matter. I am very conscious of the fact that, sadly, children under the age of 10 commit offences. My hon. Friend will also take account of the fact that, when a child under 10 is brought before the juvenile court on the ground that he is in moral danger or outside parental control, the court may make the appropriate order and a care order, and that if a prosecution were brought in relation to a similar series of events the consequences and outcome would in most cases be broadly similar.

Will the Minister bear in mind that Parliament took a decision in 1969 that the age of criminal responsibility should progressively rise to 14? Whatever might or might not be done about that, may we, in the light of the original question, have an assurance that there is no question of the Government's initiating any proposal to reduce the age of criminal responsibility from what it is now?

I do not think that I can usefully add to the answer I have already given on that very point.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the regulations governing the operation of taxis.

I have not been made aware of any widespread dissatisfaction with the regulations.

Is the Minister aware that the drivers and conductors of public service vehicles quite rightly have the protection of law against offensive conduct by passengers and that taxi drivers also wish to have that protection? Will the Home Office give approval to byelaws which are put forward by local authorities to give just that protection?

I am advised that it would be ultra vires for a local authority to make byelaws regulating the conduct of passengers in taxicabs, since it is a matter which is outside the scope of the general taxi law. I believe that the existing general criminal law provisions are adequate to deal with this important problem.

As the Minister is directly responsible only for London taxis, will he explain the continuing illogicality of that position? Will he hand over responsibility for London taxis to the Greater London Council, in common with other local authorities? If he is not to do that, will he consider providing hon. Members with some form of disguise with which to leave this building so that they are not abused about the results of the Government's policies?

We have at present no plans to hand over the regulation of London taxis. As to the matter of disguise, I am sure that the hon. Gentleman can look after himself.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the operation of section 79 of the Representation of the People Act 1949 in respect of the European election in the light of the nondelivery of election addresses and other material in parts of Essex South West European constituency.

Yes, Sir. I regret any particular difficulties that may have occurred, but the operation of section 79 of the Act has been generally satisfactory.

Is my hon. and learned Friend the Minister aware that in Waltham Abbey and elsewhere whole sacks of election addresses were left undelivered? Is this not contrary to statutory obligation? Is it not an obstruction of democracy? What redress is there for those people who have lost time and money and not had their election addresses delivered?

What occurred on that occasion is a matter of great regret. It was a serious matter, in that 60,000 election addresses and 140,000 poll cards were not delivered although they were handed in by the local authorities and the political parties in time. Whether any legal redress or consequences flow from that would have to be explored in the courts, if at all.

Would it not be better if the regulations governing the free post of election addresses—which, under the 1949 Act, were originally to be made by the Postmaster-General, a Minister answerable to this House, and are now made by the Post Office—were again to be made by a Minister?

I am not sure whether that would be practicable or desirable in view of the changes in the organisation and running of the Post Office which have taken place since.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 28 June.

I have been asked to reply.

Has my right hon. Friend had a chance today to read the press reports about the German tanker "Tarpenbek" which, after a collision, is floating upside down on the Sussex coast with a cargo of 1,500 tons of oil? Is he aware of the alarm that this causes? Do the Government intend to intervene, under section 12 of the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971? More generally, will my right hon. Friend state whether he is satisfied that the Government have all the powers and facilities they need to ensure that these threats can be fought, and that compensation can be paid where appropriate?

I have had the opportunity and I would seek to give my hon. Friend the detailed reply which I think, in view of the very proper concern which exists, he would wish to have.

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the Prime Minister in Tokyo three points arising out of the OPEC price increase? The first is the urgent need for a world energy conference to bring together the oil producers, the consumers, and the non-oil countries. The second is the need to ensure that the oil companies do not exploit the increase at the expense of the consumers, as has happened before. Thirdly, will the Prime Minister reject those pressures, which are now evident, that the Western industrialised countries should deflate still further at a time when the increase in prices could provide work for them to meet the demand now coming from OPEC?

I accept that the price rise is a very serious matter for the Western nations. It is therefore very proper that it is at present being discussed by the leaders in Tokyo. I will ensure that the views of the right hon. Gentleman are conveyed to my right hon. Friend.

Will my right hon. Friend find time in his programme today to see the Secretary of State for Energy and to ask him to put pressure on the oil companies to improve their distribution of farm fuel oil in the countryside? Is he aware that, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, distributors who are supplied by the Texaco company have had their supplies reduced by 30 per cent., and that these are the supplies on which the farms depend? If the position does not improve over the coming months, farmers will find themselves in a critical position at harvest time.

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. As I know from my own constituency responsibilities, this is a very serious matter in our country districts, particularly in the North of England. I undertake to speak to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy. The Government are determined to ensure that proper supplies of fuel are available to our farmers at this very important time of the year.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 28 June.

I have been asked to reply.

When my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister returns from Japan, will my right hon. Friend discuss with her the report by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the Southall disturbance? Does she agree that the vast majority of people in the Asian community showed great courage and forbearance by not reacting to the provocation of the National Front, and great shrewdness in not allowing themselves to be exploited by other extremist minorities? Will he reassure the House that the Government will give their support to the Commissioner in his attempts to improve relations between the police and the ethnic minority community in Southall, so that public confidence in the impar- tiality of the police, which they so richly deserve, can be restored?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend, because he has given me an opportunity to repeat what I said to the House yesterday about the developments in Southall. The Commissioner is determined to improve the community relations work of the police with the ethnic minority groups. I hope that the Commissioner will be given every encouragement and help from members of all parties in the House.

Is the Home Secretary aware that the Prime Minister's statement in Tokyo about the need for a swift expansion of the nuclear industry is causing some concern? Will he confirm that the Government's policy is, or should be, to make sure that every Government Department produces practical proposals for conserving energy?

Whilst accepting that it is important to conserve energy, I should have thought that in the current circumstances facing the Western world, and this country in particular, the proposal regarding nuclear energy was both common sense and prudent.

In the absence of the Prime Minister, has my right hon. Friend any plans to meet the chairman of the Post Office to see what can be done to bring some order out of the present chaos in our postal services? May I press on him the thought that, whilst mail is being delivered in such a haphazard way, the idea of first-class and second-class mail might be discontinued, at least in the interim?

I accept what my hon. Friend says. This is a very serious matter. I assure him that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, whose departmental responsibility this is, is in close touch with the chairman of the Post Office.

Wih reference to the question on petrol and oil deliveries, does the right hon. Gentleman realise what trouble he is in? How will he explain to the Prime Minister, on her return from Tokyo, that in her absence he has abandoned the policy of nonintervention in the free market?

I shall have no difficulty in doing that. I thought that what I said was, once again, simple common sense and prudence.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her engagements for Thursday 28 June.

I have been asked to reply.

Will my right hon. Friend take an early opportunity to discuss with the Prime Minister the possibilities of bringing home to the OPEC leaders the disastrous effect the remorseless rises in the price of oil will have on the world economy and in particular on developing countries, and also the long-term effects on the interests of the OPEC countries themselves?

I accept what my hon. Friend has said. I am sure that this is one of the matters which my right hon. Friend is presently discussing in Tokyo with other leaders of the Western world.

As the Government's policies and certainly the Budget have proved so unpopular, would it not be in the best interests of the Conservative Party if the right hon. Gentleman were to take over the leadership of his right hon. Friend?

I should regard that as a disastrous development.

When he mentions the point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Mr. McNair-Wilson) about the working of the Post Office, will my right hon. Friend suggest to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister that the time has come to call in the chairmen of all the nationalised industries so that she may point out to them that their purpose is to serve the public and that the public are fed up with the services that they are getting from British Aerospace and other nationalised industries, and not least London airport?

I would not wish to be drawn on to too general a point by my hon. Friend. Clearly what he has said about the importance of the nationalised industries and their work is right. I shall certainly call the attention of my right hon. Friend to what he has said.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the reply that he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick)? In the interests of this country, provided we still had a Tory Government, at some stage it might not be such a disastrous development.

I should be very surprised if that day ever came.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 28 June.

I have been asked to reply.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether there has yet been any consideration of the extent to which the flow of refugees from Indo-China, in particular Kampuchea, has in part been fuelled by the tremendous economic dislocation there, caused by years of war, natural disaster and political upheaval? Are the Government still utterly and completely opposed to supplying aid and relief to those who are suffering great distress on the spot? Would not such an attitude be completely inhuman and comparable with the attitude previously adopted by those who refused to condemn the escalation of previous wars in Indo-China?

We must all accept that much of the present difficulty regarding refugees in South-East Asia stems from the extremely inhumane and disastrous attitude of the Vietnamese Government. It is important to recognise that, I hope that the whole House and the world will do so, as the leaders of the Western world are at present doing in Tokyo.

On that same point, when my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister met Mr. Kosygin did she take the opportunity to stress to him that the Russian puppet in Vietnam should accept its international responsibilities?

My right hon. Friend certainly discussed the matter with Mr. Kosygin and made the position of the British Government abundantly clear.

In view of the tremendous number of price increases that have taken place under this Government, particularly as a result of the Budget, will the right hon. Gentleman consider reappointing a Cabinet Minister to be responsible for prices and consumer protection? In view of the further leap in petrol prices, will the Government seriously think about withdrawing the 10p tax increase?

Without being too unkind to the right hon. Gentleman who was Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection, I am amazed that the hon. Gentleman should raise such a matter in view of the record of his own Government with regard to price increases during their period of office, and, indeed, of their legacy to this Government after the election.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 28 June.

I have been asked to reply.

Will my right hon. Friend take an early opportunity, when my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister returns to this country, to convey to her the strong support of many of us on these Benches for the Government's determination to cut back on the number of quangos, which are seen by everybody as a legacy and a hallmark of bureaucratic Socialism? Will my right hon. Friend continue his efforts to cut hack vigorously in that redundant area?

I assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend will be pleased to hear what he has said about the Government's determination to proceed on that course.

Bearing in mind that the Prime Minister is out of the country and that the Prime Minister of Zambia is visiting this country, will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what arrangements he has made for someone to see the Prime Minister of Zambia so that the latter may convey to the Government the consternation of Zambia and other African countries about any possibility of the present regime in Southern Rhodesia being offered recognition by this country?

I shall certainly make sure that I am in close touch with my noble Friend Lord Carrington, who is in charge of the Foreign Office.

If it should become impossible to send letters and parcels through the post because we cannot get postage stamps, will there be any reasonable alternative to relieving the Post Office of its monopoly?

I hope that the situation will not arise.

On the subject of quangos, has the right hon. Gentleman considered the cries of anguish that would emerge from his own party hacks if what is proposed were to come about?

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means when he refers to "party hacks".

Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister have time today to receive a telegram from this House congratulating her on so far avoiding the fate of comrade Brezhnev in that she has not yet been kissed by President Carter? While she is considering this new love affair, will she also have time to consider the implications for the defence of Western Europe of the agreement that is being ratified between President Carter and comrade Brezhnev?

I think that it is very important that this country should preserve good relations with the United States of America. I am sure that relations between President Carter and my right hon. Friend will be reinforced by their contact and discussions in Tokyo.