Written Answers To Questions
Monday 19 November 1979
Home Department
Merchant Navy Personnel (Concessions)
47.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has had from merchant navy personnel regarding concessions in respect of their temporary residence in the United Kingdom.
None.
Immigration (Fiancées)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will investigate the reasons why fiancées admitted from India and Pakistan increased by 20 per cent. between the second quarter of 1978 and the second quarter of 1979; and what projections he has made of the future pattern of entries.
Changes in the number of fiancées admitted from India and Pakistan are monitored regularly and the reasons for them are assessed to the extent that is practicable. There is considerable quarter-to-quarter variability in the numbers so admitted. Reliable projection of future patterns of entry of fiancées cannot be made because they can be effected by so many continuously changing factors.
Wirral (Local Government Boundaries)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his recommendation to the Wirral council on the advisability for an election in all the seats of each of the wards, following the establishment of new boundaries, is being followed.
I have not yet decided on the best procedure for implementing, with modifications, the proposals of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England for new electoral arrangements for the borough.
Civil Defence
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to be in a position to make a further statement regarding proposals for the improvement of civil defence in the United Kingdom.
It will be some months before my study of the possibilities can be completed.
Animals (Experimentation)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what studies have been commissioned by his Department into the use of tissue culture in place of live animals for safety tests of drugs and chemicals;(2) what information his Department possesses about the use of trace element techniques to replace live animals in scientific experimentation;(3) what research has been commissioned by his Department into computerised clinical testing of drugs and chemicals for toxic effect in place of the use of live animals;(4) what information his Department possesses about X-ray or photographic techniques that can be used to eliminate the need for live animals in scientific experimentation.
The late Professor D. H. Smyth explained in his book "Alternatives to Animal Experiments" that evaluation of work to develop alternatives requires comparison of the new alternatives with existing methods using animals, and this involves the carrying out of a large number of animal experiments not directly aimed at solving any medical or scientific problem.My Department is aware of various nonsentient alternatives to the use of animals in certain experiments but has not commissioned studies of them. The attention of all licensees has been drawn to the importance of using alternative methods wherever these are available.
Purchasing Contracts
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many small businesses feature on the approved list of suppliers maintained by his Department for purchase contracts by means of selective tender.
Records of the numbers of small businesses on Home Office approved lists for purchasing contracts of goods and services are not maintained, but the Department's best estimate suggests that about 1,500 are included.
Mr James Kelly
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he expects to receive the report of the Chief Constable of Merseyside concerning his investigations into the events surrounding the death of Mr. Jimmy Kelly in Merseyside.(2) whether he will order an immediate inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jimmy Kelly on Merseyside.
In accordance with the provisions of section 49 of the Police Act 1964, allegations against the Merseyside Police concerning the death of Mr. James Kelly are currently under investigation by a senior officer from another force. I understand that the Chief Constable of Merseyside expects to receive his report by the end of the week, and will then submit it to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his independent consideration of the possible need for criminal proceedings.
House Of Commons
Select Committee Membership
asked the hon. Member for Carlton (Mr. Holland), as Chairman of the Committee of Selection, if he will give the criteria used by his Committee in the selection of honourable Members to serve on Select Committees.
No. This would not be desirable. The Committee does not, however, at present propose to nominate members of the Government, Parliamentary Private Secretaries, and regular Opposition Front Bench spokesmen.
Wales
asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proposals the Government have for initiating all-party talks concerning the improvement of the government of Wales.
None.
Overseas Development
Aid
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the projects aided by the United Kingdom in the overseas development programme in each of the past two years and the current year, indicating the sums expended and the countries involved.
No. Listing information on all United Kingdom-aided projects would involve great effort at disproportionate cost. Full details of expenditure by country for the period 1973–1977 are shown in the latest edition of "British Aid Statistics" (1978), a copy of which is in the Library. Similar information for 1978 was given in the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brown-hills (Mr. Shepherd) on 25 May 1979.
Education And Science
Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the expected outturn of expenditure on education in England and Wales, with authorities in Great Britain, in 1979–80; and how much and by what percentage it is expected to fall in real terms by 1980–81.
As explained in the Government's Expenditure Plans 1980–81—Cmnd. 7446—the outturn for local authority current expenditure in 1979–80 cannot yet be estimated. If planned expenditure by local authorities on education is reduced by 3 per cent., as sought by the Government in relation to local authority expenditure on all services, the plans provide for a further reduction of £141 million or 1·8 per cent. in 1980–81 in total expenditure on education in England and Wales, with universities in Great Britain.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by how much and by what percentage the planned expenditure on education in England and Wales, with universities in Great Britain, in 1980–81 is to be cut in real terms compared with the previous Government's planned expenditure for the same period as set out in Cmnd. 7439.
By about £430 million or 5·3 per cent., including the planned reduction of about £220 million in expenditure on school meals, milk and transport.
Nursery Schools
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many places have been provided for nursery schools during each of the past five years: what has been the cost in each year; and if he will make a statement about the present and future programme.
Information is not available in precisely the form requested by the hon. Member. The tables following show the resources made available under my Department's nursery education building programme; and the net increase in the number of places and pupils in nursery schools and nursery classes in primary schools in England, for each of the past five years:
| NURSERY EDUCATION BUILDING PROGRAMME | |
| Financial Year | Expenditure (£m) |
| 1974–75 | 21·5 |
| 1975–76 | 17·2 |
| 1976–77 | 9·3 |
| 1977–78 | 2·7 |
| 1978–79 | 4·4 |
| NET INCREASE IN PLACES AND PUPILS IN NURSERY SCHOOLS AND NURSERY CLASSES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS (ENGLAND) | ||
| NURSERY SCHOOLS | NURSERY CLASSES | |
| Financtal Year | Places | Places |
| 1974–75 | 1,058 | 7,633 |
| 1975–76 | 936 | 10,354 |
| 1976–77 | 1,030 | 12,997 |
| 1977–78 (provisional) | 498 | 7,279 |
| 1978–79 | Not yet known | Not yet known |
Trades Union Congress
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is now in a position to state whether the Trades Union Congress will be given a grant next year for education and training purposes.
No decision has yet been taken. A bid recently received from the Trades Union Congress is now under review by my Department and the Department of Employment.
Employment
Wolverhampton
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what the numbers of registered unemployed men, women, boys and girls were in the Wolverhampton employment exchange area at the latest date; and how this compares with the corresponding period in 1978.
I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Noise Levels
asked the Secretary of State for Employment, (1) whether he has any plans to introduce legislation governing the level of noise at discotheques,(2) what is the lowest level of noise considered by his Department to constitute a serious threat to hearing; and if he will make a statement.
I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Jarrow
94.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many redundancies have been notified in the Jarrow constituency since May; and when he anticipates those involved will find alternative employment.
[pursuant to his reply, 5 November 1979, c. 21]: The number of proposed redundancies notified to my Department for the Jarrow constituency since May 1979 involved 1,005 employees employed at five establishments. The Manpower Services Commission is doing all it can to help the workers affected, both by placing them in known vacancies and by circulating particulars widely to potential employers. Arrangements are also made where necessary for them to be trained in new skills.
Wales
Helenor Bye
44.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales why he will not set up an inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Helenor Bye in respect of the medical treatment she received.
On the basis of the information at present available to him and having regard to the other avenues of investigation that are available I do not believe my right hon. Friend would be justified in instituting a statutory inquiry under section 84 of the National Health Services Act 1977.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps the area health authority is taking regarding complaints concerning medical treatment received by Helenor Bye.
Mid-Glamorgan health authority has supplied the solicitors representing Mr. and Mrs. Bye with a report of its investigation into the complaints made in this case. The clinical records have been released to a medically qualified consultant nominated by the complainants.
Home Helps
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the number of home helps per 1,000 of the retired population in each county and district respectively; and if he will make a statement.
The numbers of home helps per 1,000 of the retired population in each county in Wales at 30 September 1978 were as in the following table. Figures in respect of districts are not availale.
| Number of home helps—whole-time equivalents—per 1,000 of the retired population.(*) | |
| Area | |
| Clwyd | 4·2 |
| Dyfed | 4·3 |
| Gwent | 8·0 |
| Gwynedd | 6·1 |
| Mid-Glamorgan | 7·6 |
| Powys | 6·6 |
| South Glamorgan | 5·7 |
| West Glamorgan | 4·3 |
| Wales | 5·8 |
| (*) Men aged 65 and over, women aged 60 and over at 30 June 1978. | |
Small Firms
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the meetings he has had with bodies representing small firms in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
I have had many meetings and contacts, both formal and informal, with a wide range of organisations and bodies concerned with the interests of small firms in Wales. I am also paying special attention to small firms in my programme of industrial visits.
Intensive Care Cots
asked the Secretary of of State for Wales how many intensive care cots for very sick and very small babies there are in Welsh hospitals; and if he will list those hospitals where these cots are located.
There is no designated regional or sub-regional unit specialising in the resuscitation and maintenance of life of the newborn. Facilities for the care of very sick and very small babies are available in the special care baby units at the following hospitals:
HM Stanley, St. Asaph; Maelor general, Wrexham; Bronglais, Aberystwyth; Nevill Hall, Abergavenny; Royal Gwent, Newport; County, Pontypool; St. Davids, Bangor; Bridgend general; East Glamorgan, Church Village; St. Tydfils, Merthyr; University hospital of Wales, Cardiff; St. David's, Cardiff; Morriston; Neath; West Wales general, Carmarthen.
Unemployment
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total number of unemployed in Wales at 14 November, or to the most recent convenient date; what were their sexes, ages and categories of previous employment; and when he estimates that his policies will have brought about a significant reduction in this figure.
The most recent information relates to 11 October 1979, when 85,816 persons were registered as unemployed in Wales. The distribution of these by sex and age was as follows:
| NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED | ||||||||||||||
| Under 18 | 18 | 19 | 20–24 | 25–29 | 30–34 | 35–44 | 45–49 | 50–54 | 55–59 | 60–64 | 65 and over | Total all ages | ||
| Males | 4,258 | 2,274 | 2,116 | 8,976 | 6,776 | 5,409 | 7,296 | 3,208 | 3,329 | 4,352 | 7,264 | 169 | 55,427 | |
| Females | 4,984 | 2,655 | 2,077 | 7,432 | 4,166 | 2,361 | 2,630 | 1,292 | 1,353 | 1,370 | 69 | — | 30,389 | |
| The latest information on categories of previous employment relates to 9 August and is given below:— | ||||||||||||
| Numbers registered as unemployed | ||||||||||||
| Order No. | Standard Industrial Classification | Males | Females | |||||||||
| I | … | Agriculture, forestry, fishing | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 1,016 | 197 |
| II | … | Mining and quarrying | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 2,126 | 30 |
| III | … | Food, drink and tobacco | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 1,091 | 593 |
| IV | … | Coal and petroleum products | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 130 | 23 |
| V | … | Chemicals and allied industries | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 530 | 298 |
| VI | … | Metal manufacture | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 3,324 | 305 |
| VII | … | Mechanical engineering | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 1,372 | 271 |
| VIII | … | Instrument engineering | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 82 | 132 |
| IX | … | Electrical engineering | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 722 | 832 |
| X | … | Shipbuilding and marine engineering | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 177 | 11 |
| XI | … | Vehicles | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 585 | 223 |
| XII | … | Metal goods not elsewhere specified | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 1,177 | 422 |
| XIII | … | Textiles | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 536 | 301 |
| XIV | … | Leather, leather goods and fur | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 67 | 53 |
| XV | … | Clothing and footwear | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 132 | 923 |
| XVI | … | Bricks pottery, glass cement, etc. | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 370 | 131 |
| XVII | … | Timber furniture, etc. | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 404 | 127 |
| XVIII | … | Paper printing, publishing | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 419 | 308 |
| XIX | … | Other manufacturing industries | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 862 | 742 |
| XX | … | Construction | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 11,317 | 217 |
| XXI | … | Gas electricity and water | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 321 | 68 |
| XXII | … | Transport and communication | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 2,406 | 339 |
| XXIII | … | Distributive trades | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 3,556 | 3,306 |
| XXIV | … | Insurance, banking finance and business services | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 668 | 524 |
| XXV | … | Professional and scientific services | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 1,329 | 2,258 |
| XXVI | … | Miscellaneous services | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 3,533 | 3,061 |
| XXVII | … | Public administration and defence | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 3,273 | 1,829 |
| Unclassified by industry | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 16,948 | 14,641 | ||
Reduction in unemployment will depend on many factors, but amongst the most important will be the response of all concerned to our measures to restore the economy and secure economic growth.
Development Board For Rural Wales (Newtown)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of the finance of the Development Board for Rural Wales for 1976–77, 1977–78 and 1978–79, respectively, has been expended in Newtown as part of the on-going Mid-Wales Corporation's committed expenditure; and how much was spent in the rest of the Board's area for the same period.
The Development Board for Rural Wales assumed the responsibilities in Newtown, formerly undertaken by the Mid-Wales Development Corporation, on 1 April 1977.The following table shows the distribution of public expenditure in respect of the operations of the Development Board for Rural Wales in 1977–78 and 1978–79, in Newtown and the rest of the Board's area at constant prices.
| £ million at 1979 Survey Prices | ||
| 1977–78 | 1978–79 | |
| Newtown. | 5·0 | 4·9 |
| Outside Newtown. | 1·3 | 3·2 |
| 6·3 | 8·1 | |
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Mr William Beausire
52.
asked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government will send a representative to be present at the trial of William Beausire before there is an exchange of ambassadors with Chile.
We are not aware of any trial in prospect concerning Mr. Beausire. The Chilean courts have recently agreed to reopen their inquiries into his disappearance. Our Embassy in Santiago will continue to assist in whatever way it can. As to an exchange of ambassadors, I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) on 9 November.—[Vol. 973, c. 358.]
Deep Sea Mining
asked the Lord Privy Seal how many parties to the law of the sea conference have presented legislation to their Parliaments for the grant of licences covering deep sea mining; and when he contemplates doing so in the United Kingdom.
Interim deep seabed mining legislation is under consideration in the United States Congress. Legislation for this purpose also has been tabled by an all-party group in the West German Parliament. The question of introducing legislation on this subject in the United Kingdom is kept under review.
British Council
asked the Lord Privy Seal what changes he expects to make in the allocation of funds for books and periodicals for British Council libraries in India consequent on his review of overseas expenditure.
In the current financial year the British Council's allocation of funds for books and periodicals in Council libraries in India is £175,270 and £42,280 respectively. As part of the reduction in its expenditures in 1980–81 the British Council intends to reduce these allocations to £111,440 and £26,480 respectively.
International Legislation (Application To United Kingdom)
asked the Lord Privy Seal what categories of European Community legislation, and what other resolutions or instruments of any other international body, are binding on Her Majesty's Government; and in which cases they require the approval of Parliament.
Under article 189 of the treaty establishing the EEC (Cmnd. 7460), regulations made by the EEC Council and Commission are binding on the United Kingdom, as are directives or decisions addressed to the United Kingdom: similar provisions apply under the ECSC and Euratom treaties. Proposals for Council legislation are subject to Parliamentary scrutiny in accordance with the undertaking given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in his reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Silverman) on 13 July.—[Vol. 970, c. 302.]Leaving aside the powers of the Security Council to decide upon measures under articles 39 and 41 of the United Nations Charter to maintain or restore international peace and security, no other international body is empowered to adopt resolutions or instruments binding on Her Majesty's Government, save in relation to matters concerning the internal functioning of the particular international body. Where it is necessary to give effect to any binding resolutions or instruments of an international body in the law of the United Kingdom, the appropriate measures are brought before Parliament.
Indonesia
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will seek to raise in the United Nations Commission on Human Rights the question of the detention without trial in Indonesia of several thousands of the people of that country.
The United Nations Human Rights Commission will not hold its next meeting until February 1980. The Government will consider what matters might be raised at this meeting nearer the time. The Indonesian Government have undertaken to release or bring to trial by the
| 1979–80 | 1980–81* | ||||
| Eastern Europe | … | … | … | 107,010 | 119,630 |
| France | … | … | … | 72,040 | 54,180 |
| Germany | … | … | … | 104,600 | 120,940 |
| Western Europe | … | … | … | 90,410 | 90,000 |
| Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council† | … | … | … | 79,080 | Nil |
| Total | £453,140 | £384,750 | |||
| * The breakdown by programme for 1980–81 is based on estimates of demand, with the exception of the Commonwealth programme, and includes an element for risen costs. | |||||
| † Includes £7,500 for administrative assistance but excludes £15,000 which the Council hopes to find to assist the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council in 1980–81. | |||||
| These figures cover British Council grants only and do not include assistance from local authorities to individual projects. | |||||
European Communities (Reform Of Commission)
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has noted paragraphs 103 to 109 of the report of the independent review body "Proposals for Reform of the Commission of the European Communities"; and what action is being taken to implement the recommendations therein with respect to secondment of (a) civil
end of 1979 all political detainees still held.
Rhodesia
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will arrange for hon. Members to visit Zimbabwe as observers during the forthcoming elections.
It will be open to any Member of either House who wishes to do so to observe the elections. If there is a strong desire to set up an all-party parliamentary group to observe the elections, this can be discussed through the usual channels.
Youth Exchanges
asked the Lord Privy Seal what will be the grant to the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council in 1980–81.
No grant is being made from central Government funds to the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council in 1980–81.
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will give details of the grants for youth exchanges in the current financial year and for 1980–81.
Grants for youth exchanges in the current financial year and estimates for 1980–81 are as follows:servants from his Department and (
b) personnel from both sides of industry in those sectors for which his Department acts as sponsor.
The Government have taken note of the proposals in question. The report of the Independent Review Body "Proposals for the reform of the Commission of the European Communities" was made at the request of the Commission itself; the Commission is currently considering the recommendations. There is no action yet for member States or the Council to take.Since our accession to the Community there have been secondments and external recruitments to the Commission from the Civil Service and from both sides of industry. We shall continue to encourage these. Recently there have also been arrangements for temporary exchanges of officials between the Civil Service and the Commission.
Ambassadors
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will list those countries whose Governments Her Majesty's Government recognise but where such countries are not represented at ambassadorial level in London.
The Governments of the following States are recognised by Her Majesty's Government but there has been no representative at ambassadorial level accredited or nominated to London within the last year.
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Angola
- Bhutan
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Chile
- Guatemala
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- Holy See
- Kampuchea
- Kiribati
- Laos
- Liechtenstein
- Maldives
- Monaco
- Mozambique
- Nauru
- San Marino
- Suriname
- Tuvalu
- Western Samoa
asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) what are the criteria Her Majesty's Government apply to foreign countries in considering whether or not it is appropriate for the United Kingdom to accept representation of a foreign country at ambassadorial level;(2) if the criteria Her Majesty's Government apply in considering whether or not to receive an ambassador from a foreign country include the recognition by the Government of that country of the observance of human rights.
There are no set criteria for considering whether or not to accept representation in the United Kingdom of a foreign country at ambassadorial level.
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will list those countries whose Governments Her Majesty's Government recognise, but where the United Kingdom is not represented at ambassadorial level.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 November 1979, c. 690]: I have to make the following correction:Her Majesty's Government recognise the Governments of Albania, Argentina, Bhutan, Chile, Guatemala, Kampuchea and The People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, but have not been represented at ambassadorial level, either resident or non-resident, within the last year.
Chile (Ambassador)
asked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government will now indicate their readiness to welcome a Chilean ambassador to London.
There is not yet anything to add to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) on 9 November.—[Vol. 973, c. 358.]
asked the Lord Privy Seal when he expects to reach a decision on whether or not to approve an ambassador to Chile.
We are continuing to examine all aspects of our relations with Chile. I cannot yet say when we shall reach any final decisions.
Ussr (Diplomatic Representation)
asked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government will seek to reduce the level of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics' representation in Great Britain to that of chargé d'affaires.
No.
Purchasing Contracts
asked the Lord Privy Seal how many small businesses feature on the approved list of suppliers maintained by his Department for purchase contracts by means of selective tender.
I regret that information on the size of businesses on approved lists of suppliers for purchase contracts by means of selective tender is not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
European Council
asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the status of the European Council under the treaties establishing the European Communities; and what powers it exercises in relation to requests to the EEC Commission for research and secretarial services.
The European Council is not referred to in the treaties. It was established by decision of the nine Heads of Government who agreed in December 1974
It draws on the Council secretariat and on the Commission for support and for information as necessary."to meet, accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, three times a year, and, whenever necessary, in the Council of the Communities and in the context of political co-operation".
Land Registry
asked the Attorney-General what, if any, is the consumer representation in the Land Registry department.
The interests of the public in matters relating to the Land Registry are represented in the rule committee constituted under section 444 of the Land Registration Act 1925 and the joint advisory committee of the Law Society and the Land Registry, by members of those committees.
asked the Attorney-General if he will consider lay representation on the joint committee of the Land Registry and the Law Society.
No.
asked the Attorney-General if he will consider alterations in Land Registry requirements in order to simplify the process of conveyancing.
The suggestions relating to registered conveyancing made in the report of the Royal Commission on legal services—Cmnd. 7648—are under consideration and particular attention will be given to changes in Land Registry requirements which may be necessitated by the introduction of computerisation into the work of the registration of title department. Consideration will also be given to any proposals for simplification of the relevant law and procedures which may be made by the Law Commission in its forthcoming report on land registration.
asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the current financial surplus of the Land Registry, he will lower registration fees for (a) the first registration and (b) subsequent registrations of residential property.
These and other fees charged by the Land Registry are under consideration.
asked the Attorney-General what financial surpluses or deficits have been made by the Land Registry department in the past 10 financial years.
The figures to the nearest £1,000 are as follows:
| Year | Registration of Title Department | Land Charges and Agricultural Credits Departments |
| £000s | £000s | |
| 1969–70 | - 857 | - 52 |
| 1970–71 | + 592 | - 65 |
| 1971–72 | + 2,487 | - 187 |
| 1972–73 | + 6,491 | - 181 |
| 1973–74 | + 2,397 | - 750 |
| 1974–75 | - 2,341 | - 962 |
| 1975–76 | - 3,095 | + 10 |
| 1976–77 | - 2,616 | + 835 |
| 1977–78 | + 1,631 | + 1,051 |
| 1978–79 | + 4,763 | + 1,160 |
Dr Wilfred Mann
asked the Attorney-General if he will refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to prosecution for breaches of the Official Secrets Act the conduct of Dr. Wilfred Mann in connection with the defection of Burgess and Maclean.
No. I have no information relating to the conduct of Dr. Wilfred Mann which would justify my making any such reference to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Anthony Blunt
asked the Attorney-General if he will refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to prosecution for breaches of the Official Secrets Act the conduct of Mr. Anthony Blunt in connection with the defection of Burgess and Maclean.
asked the Attorney-General if he will refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions the case of Mr. Anthony Blunt with a view to prosecution under the Official Secrets Acts in respect of the Burgess and Maclean case.
No. I refer the hon. Members to the written answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 15 November to the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Leadbitter).
Energy
Nuclear Waste
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a study of the paper by an expert on nuclear physics on the dangers of the movement of nuclear waste through thickly populated areas, a copy of which has been sent to him; and what action he has taken or proposes to take.
I am considering the paper sent to me by the hon. Member and will write to him about it in due course.
Electrical Goods (Labelling)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what will be the effect, if any, of his proposals to introduce energy labelling on a range of electrical goods (a) manufactured in the United Kingdom and (b) imported from abroad; and what will be the cost.
The effect of the proposed measures will be that purchasers of household appliances which use significant quantities of energy will have information on the comparative energy consumption and running costs to take into account in making their choice. The proposals apply to both United Kingdom manufactured and imported goods. It is not possible to apportion the costs and benefits between United Kingdom-produced and imported goods.Overall current departmental estimates, compiled after consulting the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Electrical Appliances and the Consumers' Association, are that the annual costs of running a successful energy labelling scheme on household electrical appliances, including those costs incurred by manufacturers, importers, retailers and Government, will total approximately £17 million to £22 million.Annual benefits in terms of energy saved are conservatively estimated to be in the range of £50 million to £100 million, although substantially higher estimates of savings were put forward by the Consumers' Association in its report "Energy Efficiency Labelling", published by the Department of Energy in April 1978.
Oil Companies (Foreign Assets)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to seek to control the sale of foreign assets by British oil companies by ensuring that such assets have to be offered first to the British National Oil Corporation.
No.
Natural Gas
asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the price paid by industry for natural gas in other EEC countries is significantly lower than it is in the United Kingdom; and whether he will impose countervailing duties on imports of products made by these industries on the lines which have been suggested in the case of imports from the United States of America.
It is very difficult at present to say definitively how United Kingdom industrial gas prices compare with those in Europe. Valid comparisons of gas prices in EEC countries are particularly difficult, given possible differences in timing of contracts, escalation provision, exchange rates and calorific value. The United Kingdom has no powers to impose countervailing duties on imports from other member States.
National Coal Board (Houses)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has now changed his policy of offering National Coal Board houses first, as a matter of principle, to the local authority for sale.
This is a matter for the National Coal Board, and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.
Coal Mining (Recruitment)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish the
| Month | Oil Production (million tonnes) | Gas Flared (million of cubic feet/day) | ||||||
| January | … | … | … | … | 6·0 | 709 | ||
| February | … | … | … | … | 5·7 | 666 | ||
| March | … | … | … | … | 5·5 | 591 | ||
| April | … | … | … | … | 5·8 | 678 | ||
| May | … | … | … | … | 6·8 | 694 | ||
| June | … | … | … | … | 6·9 | 752 | ||
| July | … | … | … | … | 7·1 | 620 | ||
| August | … | … | … | … | 6·7 | 640 | ||
| September | … | … | … | … | 6·7 | 708 | ||
| Total | 157·2 | Average | 673 |
Kemeny Report
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will request the United States authorities to make available to him the full text of the Kemeny Commission report on the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster with a view to publishing the findings of that report in an appropriate form within the United Kingdom.
The Kemeny Report was published in the United States on 31 October.I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.
Industry
Giro
asked the Secretary of Statae for Industry whether, if the Post statistics for current recruitment to the mining industry in Scotland and in Great Britain and the number of vacancies our standing.
This is a matter for the National Coal Board, and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.
North Sea Gas Flaring
asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much gas has been flared off in North Sea installations during the period 1 May to 30 October.
The following table gives figures for oil production and the flaring of gas associated with that production from January to September 1979. Production and flaring figures for October are not yet available.Office decides to join the Comittee of London Clearing Bankers, it will still be the policy of his Department that National Giro should continue to provide the unique Giro transfer service for which it was created.
That would be a matter for the Post Office. I understand however that entry into the clearing house would not affect National Girobank's ability to provide a Giro transfer service.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether his proposals for the separation of the postal and banking business of the Post Office from its telecommunications activities include the merger of the banking business of National Giro with the National Savings Bank.
No.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether his Department has any arrangements for settling bills from the Post Office by using National Giro transfer facilities; and, if he will give details.
No. My Department settles Post Office accounts through the Paymaster General's Office.
Sewing Machines
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will circulate in the Official Report a table showing the volume and value of domestic sewing machines produced and
| DOMESTIC SEWING MACHINES (INCLUDING SEWING MACHINE HEADS) | ||||
| Total sales by United Kingdom manufacturers | United Kingdom exports* | |||
| Number thousand | Value £ thousand | Number thousand | Value £ thousand | |
| 1954 | 639 | 7,529 | Not available | |
| 1958 | Not available | 7,586 | Not available | |
| 1968 | 423 | 6,824 | Not available | |
| 1972 | Not available | 363 | 8,058 | |
| 1978 | Not available | 19,828 | 312† | 16,829 |
| 1979—January-March | Not available | 2,408 | 57† | 3,938 |
| April-August | Not available | 126† | 7,588 | |
| * Including re-exports. | ||||
| † Including some non-domestic items. | ||||
Steel
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will circulate in the Official Report a table showing the volume of steel produced
| CRUDE STEEL PRODUCTION | ||||||
| '000 tonnes | ||||||
| United Kingdom | West Germany | France | Italy | United States of America‡ | Japan | |
| 1952 | 16,681 | 15,806 | 10,867 | 3,635 | 84,521 | 6,988 |
| 1960 | 24,695 | 34,100 | 17,281 | 8,462 | 90,067 | 22,138 |
| 1967 | 24,257 | 36,744 | 19,655 | 15,890 | 115,406 | 62,154 |
| 1972 | 25,293 | 43,704 | 24,096 | 19,812 | 120,756 | 96,912 |
| 1978 | 20,311 | 41,256 | 22,836 | 24,288 | 124,308 | 102,108 |
| 1979 (January to August inclusive) | 16,160* | 30,738 | 14,719 | 15,431 | 85,777 | 74,074 |
| EXPORTS OF STEEL PRODUCTS | ||||||
| '000 tonnes | ||||||
| United Kingdom | West Germany | France | Italy | United States of America‡ | Japan | |
| 1952 | 1,858 | l,776† | 2,574 | 133 | 3,688 | 1,599 |
| 1960 | 2,820 | 7,837 | 5,487 | 1,127 | 2,787 | 2,241 |
| 1967 | 3,701 | 11,922 | 6,473 | 2,084 | 1,732 | 8,756 |
| 1972 | 4,439 | 13,831 | 8,472 | 3,802 | 2,898 | 20,928 |
| 1978 | 4,235 | 18,416 | 10,943 | 8,275 | 2,348 | 30,908 |
| 1979 (January to June inclusive) | 3,278* | 8,874 | 5,389 | 3,584 | 1,216 | 14,888 |
| * January to September inclusive. | ||||||
| † Excluding exports to the German Democratic Republic. | ||||||
| ‡ Excludes the production of independent foundries. | ||||||
| Sources: Iron and Steel statistics bureau: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. | ||||||
exported by the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, the United States of America and Japan in 1952, 1960, 1967, 1972, 1978 and 1979 to date.
The information requested is only available for the United Kingdom, and sales data have had to be used as a proxy for production data. Data for 1954, 1958 and 1968 have been given in the absence of any for 1952, 1960 and 1967.Following is the table:and exported from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, the United States of America and Japan in 1952, 1960, 1967, 1972, 1978 and 1979 to date.
The following is the information:
Microelectronics
asked the Secretary of State for Industry further to the reply of the Minister of State on 6 November 1979 to the hon. Member for Hornchurch, if he will indicate the nature of the findings of the Mori poll of national microelectronics awareness.
The final report of the finding of the Mori survey of microelectronic awareness has not yet been received by the Department of Industry.
Statistics Of Trade
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the outcome of the reviews of coverage and operation of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947, with particular reference to the confidentiality ruling.
The Government have no plans at present to amend the Statistics of Trade Act or to relax the confidentiality restrictions placed on the information collected.
European Communities (Reform Of Commission)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he has noted paragraphs 103 to 109 of the report of the Independent Review Body "Proposals for the reform of the Commission of the European Communities"; and what action is being taken to implement the recommendations therein with respect to secondment of (a) cipil servants from his Department and (b) personnel from both sides of industry in those sectors for which his Department acts as sponsors.
The Government have taken note of the proposals in question. The report of the Independent Review Body "Proposals for the reform of the Commission of the European Communities" was made at the request of the Commission itself; the Commission is currently considering the recommendations. There is no action yet for member States or the Council to take. Since our accession to the Community there have been secondments and external recruitments to the Commission from the Civil Service and from both sides of industry. We shall continue to encourage these. In addition, my Department is currently arranging for more secondments to the Commission of both departmental and industry representatives.
Neath
asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, in view of the reorganisation to be carried out by the Metal Box Company at its Neath factory, which will reduce the number of jobs available in the area by at least 500, he will now withdraw his decision to downgrade the status of Neath from that of a special development area to that of an assisted area.
While we are always prepared to consider solid evidence of significant relative changes in the economic prospects of individual travel-to-work areas, it is premature to draw conclusions about the longer-term impact of this reorganisation.
Bilston
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if employees of the British Steel Corporation at Bilston, who have been made redundant or are about to be made redundant, will receive assistance from the European Coal and Steel Community funds allocated to help employees affected by the closure or slimming down of plants in the steel industry.
Income support payments are already being made to affected employees of BSC Bilston. Application will shortly be made for a contribution from ECSC funds towards the cost of these payments.
Post Office Board (Membership)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to ensure the continuance of trade union representation on the board of the Post Office after 31 December.
My right hon. Friend is at present considering the composition of the Post Office board after 31 December 1979. He will announce his decision in due course.
Post Office Corporation
asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he expects to receive the report on the management of the Post Office Corporation by the industrial relations unit of Warwick university; and whether the report will be published in full.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will place in the Library a copy of the Warwick university report on the industrial democracy experiment in the Post Office.
The industrial relations unit of Warwick university was invited by the Post Office and the Council of Post Office Unions to monitor and evaluate their agreed two-year experiment in industrial democracy in the Post Office. The unit's report is confidential to the parties to that agreement. It is for them, and not my right hon. Friend, to decide whether the unit's report should be published.
Regional Development (Wales)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the total saving gained through the reduction and withdrawal of regional development incentives in Powys, Ceredigion and Merioneth.
The information available is not related to the areas specified and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what additional public expenditure is to be made available to replace savings made by the Government through the withdrawal of regional development incentives in the Development Board for Rural Wales area.
None. One of the objectives of these changes in the gradings of the assisted areas was to save public expenditure.
Car Manufacture (Inspection Systems)
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is being done to encourage car manufacturers in the United Kingdom to adopt the latest microprocessor-controlled electro-optic inspection system now widely used in the United States of America, which increases car reliability and lowers fuel consumption.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 November 1979, c. 694]: The Department has a scheme designed to encourage the application of microprocessors, and electro-optic inspection systems could be considered under this scheme but the choice of inspection system must remain within the discretion of the manufacturer.
Social Services
Rent And Rate Rebates
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many people he estimates will be better off receiving supplementary benefit rather than rent and rate rebates consequent upon the removal of the electricity discount scheme; how many extra staff his Department will need in order to undertake the necessary individual calcluations; and how soon he expects these calculatons to be completed;(2) how many people he estimates will United States of America, which increases be better off receiving supplementary benefit rather than rent and rate rebates consequent upon the elimination of the parental income scale for school meals envisaged in the Education (No. 2) Bill; and how many extra staff his Department will need to undertake the necessary individual calculations.
I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Invalidity Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the numbers claiming invalidity benefit and if these data could be also presented according to (a) the claimant's age, (b) whether the claimant has a spouse and (c) one child, two, three, or four or more dependent children.
The following tables give the numbers receiving invalidity benefit on 3 June 1978, the latest date for which figures are available. The dependants shown are those for whom an increase of benefit was claimed. Only in exceptional cases will the "adult" dependant not be the spouse.
| MEN | AGE AT 31 MAY 1978 | |||||||||||
All ages
| Under 20 | 20–24 | 25–29 | 30–34 | 35–39 | 40–44 | 45–49 | 50–54 | 55–59 | 60–64 | 65+ | |
| All claimants | 462,400 | 1,250 | 5,950 | 10,500 | 18,700 | 21,600 | 28,600 | 37,800 | 57,500 | 90,550 | 157,950 | 32,000 |
| No dependents | 169,000 | 1,250 | 4,650 | 4,900 | 7,350 | 7,900 | 10,400 | 13,500 | 23,350 | 35,450 | 52,850 | 7,400 |
| Adult only | 187,300 | — | 50 | 200 | 350 | 450 | 1,350 | 6,200 | 16,850 | 39,700 | 98,400 | 23,750 |
| Adult and 1 child | 33,650 | — | 650 | 1,100 | 1,400 | 1,000 | 3,400 | 5,950 | 7,550 | 8,550 | 3,650 | 400 |
| Adult and 2 children | 26,250 | — | 450 | 2,250 | 4,100 | 3,050 | 3,950 | 4,400 | 4,050 | 2,900 | 1,050 | 50 |
| Adult and 3 children | 14,000 | — | 100 | 1,050 | 2,450 | 2,800 | 2,900 | 2,250 | 1,350 | 700 | 350 | 50 |
| Adult and 4 children | 7,950 | — | — | 400 | 950 | 2,700 | 2,000 | 950 | 500 | 300 | 150 | — |
| Adult and 5 or more children | 4,750 | — | 50 | 100 | 700 | 1,150 | 1,200 | 650 | 600 | 200 | 100 | — |
| No adult but 1 child | 8,300 | — | — | 250 | 200 | 400 | 800 | 1,300 | 2,000 | 2,150 | 1,000 | 200 |
| No adult but 2 children | 6,450 | — | — | 200 | 650 | 900 | 1,500 | 1,650 | 750 | 300 | 350 | 150 |
| No adult but 3 children | 1,950 | — | — | 50 | 150 | 400 | 400 | 500 | 300 | 150 | — | — |
| No adult but 4 children | 1,700 | — | — | — | 400 | 250 | 350 | 400 | 200 | 100 | — | — |
| No adult but 5 children | 1,100 | — | — | — | — | 600 | 350 | 50 | — | 50 | 50 | — |
| WOMEN | AGE AT MAY 1978 | |||||||||||
All ages
| Under 20 | 20–24 | 25–29 | 30–34 | 35–39 | 40–44 | 45–49 | 50–54 | 55–59 | 60+ | ||
| All claimants | … | 96,850 | 2,150 | 5,500 | 6,600 | 5,550 | 6,550 | 8,250 | 11,250 | 18,800 | 28,050 | 4,150 |
| No dependents | … | 93,050 | 1,550 | 5,200 | 6,300 | 5,200 | 6,000 | 7,800 | 11,000 | 18,250 | 27,800 | 3,950 |
| Adult only | … | 500 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 |
| Adult and 1 child | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Adult and 2 children | … | 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 50 | — | — |
| Adult and 3 children | … | 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 50 | — |
| Adult and 4 children | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Adult and 5 or more children | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| No adult but 1 child | … | 2,050 | 600 | 250 | 200 | 250 | 200 | 200 | 50 | 300 | — | — |
| No adult but 2 children | … | 900 | — | 50 | 100 | 100 | 250 | 150 | 150 | 100 | — | — |
| No adult but 3 children | … | 200 | — | — | — | — | 100 | 100 | — | — | — | — |
| No adult but 4 children | … | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| No adult but 5 or more children | … | 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 50 | — |
Invalidity Benefit (Optical Care)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the Official Report the cost of extending free optical care to the claimants of invalidity benefit.
The cost cannot be estimated reliably in the absence of information about individual patients' optical needs and choices but would probably be of the order of £½ million.
Renal Patients (Oxford)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the situation with regard to heating cabinets for peritoneal fluids used by patients not on kidney machines in the renal units of Oxford hospitals.
Oxfordshire area health authority informs me that special heating cabinets are not normally required for heating peritoneal fluids used for continuous ambulent peritoneal dialysis. However, in the case of patients who have no domestic source of heating suitable for this purpose, the authority is proposing to supply heating cabinets. The cabinets are on order and will be provided as soon as possible.
One-Parent Families (Christmas Bonus)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the high cost of children's toys, he will seek power to extend the pensioners' Christmas bonus to one-parent families.
No. The groups to whom the bonus is paid, which are the same as in the last year of the previous Administration, seem to be about right. One-parent families will, however, be helped by last week's uprating of social security benefits. The total paid to these families will now be running at a level of about £1,100 million a year.
Unemployment Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of those unemployed in Dundee and Scotland have exhausted their right to unemployment benefit; and what percentage of those unemployed in Dundee and Scotland they represent.
I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Family Spending Power
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current net spending power of a family on average income (a) with two children under 11 years and (b) with two children under 16 years, taking account of all welfare benefits at current prices; and what are the corresponding figures for 1964 expressed at current figures.
I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Cancer (Birmingham)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people have died of cancer in Birmingham in every year since 1954 to date, breaking the figures down into particular cancer sites.
, [pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1979, c. 433]: The figures are as follows:
| DEATHS FROM CANCER IN BIRMINGHAM CB, 1954–77 | |||||||||||||||
| All malignant neoplasms | Buccal cavity and pharynx | Oesophagus | Stomach | Intestine and rectum | Larynx | Lung and bronchus | Breast | Uterus | Prostate | Leukaemia | Other malignant neoplasms including neoplasms of lymphatic and haematopcietic tissue | ||||
| Males— | |||||||||||||||
| 1954 | … | … | … | 1,212 | 45 | 31 | 161 | 207 | 25 | 418 | 5 | — | N.A. | 23 | 297 |
| 1955 | … | … | … | 1,252 | 30 | 41 | 195 | 178 | 19 | 411 | 1 | — | N.A. | 32 | 345 |
| 1956 | … | … | … | 1,278 | 31 | 27 | 190 | 183 | 16 | 432 | 3 | — | N.A. | 33 | 363 |
| 1957 | … | … | … | 1,322 | 18 | 30 | 200 | 200 | 22 | 468 | 2 | — | N.A. | 40 | 342 |
| 1958 | … | … | … | 1,265 | 43 | 28 | 192 | 177 | 13 | 468 | 1 | — | 94 | 22 | 227 |
| 1959 | … | … | … | 1,270 | 39 | 27 | 176 | 162 | 15 | 494 | 2 | — | 92 | 28 | 235 |
| 1960 | … | … | … | 1,294 | 22 | 33 | 186 | 145 | 23 | 526 | 1 | — | 82 | 31 | 245 |
| 1961 | … | … | … | 1,249 | 26 | 24 | 204 | 144 | 14 | 503 | 2 | — | 76 | 24 | 232 |
| 1962 | … | … | … | 1,279 | 24 | 29 | 173 | 178 | 17 | 518 | 1 | — | 64 | 25 | 250 |
| 1963 | … | … | … | 1,301 | 24 | 24 | 170 | 145 | 15 | 587 | 2 | — | 64 | 26 | 244 |
| 1964 | … | … | … | 1,248 | 22 | 26 | 149 | 131 | 13 | 526 | 3 | — | 86 | 32 | 260 |
| 1965 | … | … | … | 1,364 | 24 | 26 | 156 | 152 | 17 | 570 | 1 | — | 91 | 36 | 291 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | 1,338 | 20 | 29 | 157 | 167 | 17 | 544 | 5 | — | 81 | 36 | 282 |
| 1967 | … | … | … | 1,394 | 23 | 25 | 197 | 158 | 18 | 598 | 3 | — | 72 | 22 | 278 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | 1,461 | 30 | 41 | 162 | 176 | 16 | 625 | — | — | 74 | 31 | 306 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | 1,430 | 25 | 33 | 162 | 153 | 25 | 609 | 3 | — | 81 | 42 | 297 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | 1,400 | 24 | 51 | 134 | 165 | 16 | 604 | 2 | — | 74 | 29 | 301 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | 1,355 | 22 | 37 | 156 | 171 | 18 | 528 | 1 | — | 75 | 35 | 312 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | 1,417 | 22 | 34 | 184 | 158 | 13 | 585 | 3 | — | 85 | 27 | 306 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | 1,443 | 17 | 47 | 163 | 174 | 17 | 628 | 1 | — | 67 | 37 | 292 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | 1,445 | 14 | 34 | 150 | 162 | 14 | 621 | 2 | — | 87 | 36 | 325 |
| 1975 | … | … | … | 1,419 | 20 | 47 | 132 | 150 | 14 | 593 | 4 | — | 94 | 43 | 322 |
| 1976 | … | … | … | 1,512 | 28 | 52 | 136 | 168 | 27 | 634 | 4 | — | 89 | 26 | 348 |
| 1977 | … | … | … | 1,445 | 17 | 43 | 158 | 153 | 11 | 621 | 4 | — | 91 | 35 | 312 |
All malignant neoplasms
| Buccal cavity and pharynx
| Oesophagus
| Stomach
| Intestine and rectum
| Larynx
| Lung and bronchus
| Breast
| Uterus
| Prostate
| Leukaemia
| Other malignant neoplasms including neoplasms of lymphatic and haematopcietic tissue
| ||||
| Females | |||||||||||||||
| 1954 | … | … | … | 1,086 | 10 | 18 | 153 | 237 | — | 50 | 227 | 107 | — | 23 | 261 |
| 1955 | … | … | … | 1,039 | 10 | 20 | 143 | 209 | 2 | 73 | 219 | 94 | — | 21 | 248 |
| 1956 | … | … | … | 1,028 | 12 | 9 | 142 | 195 | — | 65 | 217 | 115 | — | 22 | 251 |
| 1957 | … | … | … | 1,129 | 15 | 18 | 166 | 200 | 3 | 82 | 236 | 104 | — | 23 | 282 |
| 1958 | … | … | … | 1,089 | 15 | 22 | 141 | 199 | 6 | 78 | 237 | 93 | — | 20 | 278 |
| 1959 | … | … | … | 1,120 | 9 | 20 | 149 | 239 | 3 | 67 | 236 | 90 | — | 29 | 278 |
| 1960 | … | … | … | 995 | 9 | 18 | 130 | 189 | 3 | 72 | 205 | 84 | — | 21 | 264 |
| 1961 | … | … | … | 1,051 | 7 | 24 | 140 | 194 | 2 | 69 | 236 | 87 | — | 25 | 267 |
| 1962 | … | … | … | 1,076 | 14 | 14 | 136 | 178 | 4 | 78 | 220 | 99 | — | 29 | 304 |
| 1963 | … | … | … | 1,092 | 15 | 22 | 156 | 182 | 4 | 76 | 234 | 82 | — | 28 | 293 |
| 1964 | … | … | … | 1,048 | 13 | 18 | 139 | 163 | 3 | 76 | 226 | 86 | — | 22 | 302 |
| 1965 | … | … | … | 1,073 | 16 | 19 | 137 | 181 | 1 | 92 | 221 | 103 | — | 35 | 268 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | 1,094 | 7 | 28 | 130 | 181 | 2 | 92 | 230 | 88 | — | 32 | 304 |
| 1967 | … | … | … | 1,121 | 22 | 19 | 126 | 197 | 2 | 100 | 217 | 79 | — | 36 | 323 |
| 1968 | … | … | … | 1,146 | 6 | 17 | 126 | 200 | 3 | 96 | 238 | 95 | — | 32 | 333 |
| 1969 | … | … | … | 1,167 | 11 | 27 | 123 | 208 | 1 | 114 | 239 | 68 | — | 29 | 347 |
| 1970 | … | … | … | 1,137 | 9 | 26 | 108 | 198 | 3 | 129 | 247 | 77 | — | 26 | 314 |
| 1971 | … | … | … | 1,158 | 12 | 25 | 106 | 191 | 3 | 117 | 256 | 102 | — | 18 | 328 |
| 1972 | … | … | … | 1,057 | 17 | 17 | 100 | 184 | — | 108 | 226 | 70 | — | 30 | 305 |
| 1973 | … | … | … | 1,233 | 12 | 26 | 129 | 223 | 2 | 133 | 240 | 90 | — | 43 | 335 |
| 1974 | … | … | … | 1,207 | 17 | 30 | 115 | 193 | 4 | 155 | 261 | 75 | — | 25 | 332 |
| 1975 | … | … | … | 1,147 | 10 | 28 | 116 | 162 | 2 | 135 | 242 | 74 | — | 34 | 344 |
| 1976 | … | … | … | 1,160 | 9 | 27 | 98 | 188 | 2 | 131 | 237 | 82 | — | 22 | 364 |
| 1977 | … | … | … | 1,144 | 10 | 40 | 114 | 172 | 6 | 139 | 238 | 72 | — | 18 | 335 |
| 1. These serial figures should be interpreted with caution. They hive not been adjusted for changes in numbers and age distribution of the population. | |||||||||||||||
| 2. Birmingham CB was combined with Sutton Coldfield MB to form Birmingham Metropolitan County District in 1974. The figures shown for 1974 onwards have been assembled for that part of the Metropolitan County District which was Birmingham CB until reorganisation. | |||||||||||||||
| 3. The figures shown for each site are broadly comparable throughout the period but in some cases there may be differences of detail resulting from successive revisions of the international Classification of Diseases on which they are based. | |||||||||||||||
Scotland
Rate Support Grant
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about rate support grant in Scotland in 1980–81.
As I have intimated to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, I intend that the rate support grant for Scottish local authorities in 1980–81 should be derived from total relevant expenditure of £2,009·9 million, and that the grant percentage should continue to be 68½ per cent. I have determined relevant expenditure at a level 2 per cent. below that for 1979–80 because of the overriding need to curtail public expenditure in the national interest. The aggregate grant I propose is £1,362·8 million, of which rate support grant forms £1,247·9 million.I also intend to make provision for additional grant in respect of increased costs of £5·3 million for 1978–79 and £80 million for 1979–80—with the possibility of a second increase order in 1980 of up to £19 million for 1979–80. I also intend that the cash limit for additional grant for cost increases during 1980–81 should be £194 million. This will be a firm cash limit which will not be subject to review.The main object of the formula for the distribution of grant will be to retain the arrangements made for 1979–80, as the Convention has recommended. Within this general objective, however, I propose to reduce the ratio of resources element to needs element from 1:4 to 1:7 so that authorities striking comparatively high rate poundages will thereby secure less additional resources than under the 1979–80 formula. I shall lay the necessary order for the approval of the House as soon as possible, together with the report required by statute.
Teachers (Dismissals)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many day school teachers were dismissed in each of the last three years; and how many of them had their registrations withdrawn by the General Teaching Council.
The numbers of education authority teachers dismissed from primary and secondary schools over the last three years are as follows:
| 1976–77 | 22 |
| 1977–78 | 22 |
| 1978–79 | 5 |
Dundee District Council (Boundaries)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the organisations and individuals who made objections to the Local Government Boundaries Commission regarding the proposed new boundaries for elections to Dundee district council.
The Commission has not yet reported to the Secretary of State on its current review of electoral arrangements for the city of Dundee district council, and the Secretary of State is not therefore aware of what objections it is considering.
Tayside Regional Council (Boundaries)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the organisation and individuals who made objections to the Local Government Boundary Commission regarding the proposed new boundaries for Tayside regional council elections.
The report on the Tayside region which the Commission submitted to the Secretary of State on 16 September 1977 indicates that the Commission considered objections made to it by:
- Angus district council
- Perth and Kinross district council
- Glenfarg community council
- Councillor John Kidd
- Mr. D. Maclean
- Whitfield community council
- Craigiebank and district community council
- Craigie club for retired persons
- Downfield and district community council
- Dundee Labour Party
- The Communist Party
- Councillor Welsh
- Councillor McAuley, and
- Councillor Christie.
Local Authorities (Employment)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of those employed by each local authority in Scotland at present; and what are the corresponding figures for 1976.
The information requested is not available to my Department.
Schoolchildren (Continuity Of Education)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what duties are laid upon regional authorities which require them to provide continuity of tuition to schoolchildren studying for O grades once the children have embarked upon an O grade course.
None specifically. Under section 1 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1962, education authorities have a general duty to secure that there is made for their area adequate and efficient provision of school education. School education is defined as progressive education appropriate to the requirements of pupils in attendance at schools, regard being had to their age, ability and aptitude.
Direct Grant Schools
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the annual fees at present at each direct grant school in Scotland.
| Three-year-olds | Four-year-olds | ||||
| Authority | per cent | per cent | |||
| Borders | … | … | … | 6·6 | 17·9 |
| Central | … | … | … | 12·1 | 26·7 |
| Dumfries and Galloway | … | … | … | 2·7 | 11·3 |
| Fife | … | … | … | 13·2 | 57·2 |
| Grampian | … | … | … | 12·6 | 23·6 |
| Highland | … | … | … | 2·8 | 9·9 |
| Lothian | … | … | … | 29·6 | 42·2 |
| Strathclyde | … | … | … | 17·2 | 27·1 |
| Tayside | … | … | … | 15·1 | 21·8 |
| Orkney | … | … | … | 12·9 | 21·3 |
| Shetland | … | … | … | 3·8 | 5·2 |
| Western Isles | … | … | … | 14·2 | 24·9 |
Probationary Teachers (Promotions)
asked the Secretary of Slate for Scotland how many awards of promoted posts in secondary schools in subject and guidance have been given to those who, at the time of appointment,
The maximum day tuition fees payable at the beginning of the current session at grant-aided secondary schools were as follows:
| Name of School and Maximum fee per session day education in Secondary Departments only | |
| £ | |
| Dollar academy | 705 |
| Benedictine convent school | 330 |
| St. Joseph's college | 660 |
| Albyn school for girls | 705 |
| Robert Gordon's college | 634 |
| St. Margaret's school | 687 |
| George Heriot's school | 648 |
| St. Mary's music school | 750 |
| Craigholme school for girls | 597 |
| Kelvinside academy | 648 |
| Laurel Bank school | 756 |
| St. Aloysius college | 519 |
| Westbourne school for girls | 702 |
| High School of Dundee | 690 |
| Daniel Stewart's and Melville college | 864 |
| Mary Erskine school | 864 |
| George Watson's college | 864 |
| Hutchesons' grammar school | 573 |
| Park school | 840 |
| St. Columba's school | 840 |
| Morrison's academy | 675 |
Nursery Education
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of 3-year-olds and what percentage of 4-year-olds attend nursery school in each region and island authority.
At September 1978, the most recent date for which information is available, the percentages of 3-year-olds and 4-year-old attending nursery schools and classes were as follows:had not completed their two-year probationary period required for full registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland in each of the past three years; and what are the corresponding figures for each regional and island authority.
This information is not available centrally.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the policy of the General Teaching Council for Scotland towards the award of a promoted post in either subject or guidance in secondary schools to those who have not, at the time of appointment, completed their two-year probationary period required for full registration with the General Teaching Council.
The responsibility for the appointment of teachers to promoted posts lies with education
| Regional Islands/Authority | Number of meals-on-wheels served in year ended 31 March 1979 | Number of meals served per 1,000 persons of pensionable age | |
| Borders | … | 63,538 | 3,000 |
| Central | … | 92,365 | 2,300 |
| Dumfries and Galloway | … | 72,833 | 2,900 |
| Fife | … | 247,436 | 4,500 |
| Grampian | … | 152,633 | 1,900 |
| Highland | … | 60,875 | 2,000 |
| Lothian | … | 313,329 | 2,500 |
| Strathclyde | … | 570,743 | 1,500 |
| Tayside | … | 127,642 | 1,700 |
| Orkney | … | — | |
| Shetland | … | 48,942 | 13,600 |
| Western Isles | … | 3,300 | 500 |
| Scotland | … | 1,753,636 | 2,100 |
Short-Time Working
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Dundee and Scotland are currently working short-time; and what percentage of those employed in each case they represent.
An estimate of the number of operatives in manufacturing industries in Scotland who were on short-time working in the week ended 4 August 1979—the latest date for which information is available—and the proportion of all operatives in these industries which this represented was published in the October edition of the Department of Employment Gazette. Estimates of short-time
authorities. I understand that the General Teaching Council is opposed to the promotion of teachers who have still to secure final registration.
Meals-On-Wheels
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meals were provided by the meals-on-wheels service by each region and island authority and in Scotland overall in the past year; and what is the value of each of these figures, expressed per thousand of the retired population.
The information requested is as follows:time working in local office areas and among other groups of employees are not available.
School Records
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what right of access parents have to their children's confidential school records.
The Schools General (Scotland) Regulations 1975 prescribe that education authorities shall cause a pupil's progress record to be kept for every pupil in attendance at a school under their management; that the information contained in a pupil's progress record shall be used only for the purpose of supervising that pupil's educational development and of giving adequate advice and assistance to, or in relation to, that pupil; and that the contents of the record or any part thereof shall only be disclosed to persons authorised in that behalf by the Secretary of State or the education authority.
Fluoridation
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will name the local authorities in Scotland which have decided to add fluoride to their drinking water supply and those which have decided against.
All 15 health boards in Scotland have recommended fluoridation of water supplies by water authorities. Strathclyde regional council has decided to commence fluoridation. Dumfries and Galloway regional council has continued two existing schemes.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a summary of the most recent research which compares the level of dental health in areas of Scotland with fluoridated drinking water and those without.
| EXPENDITURE IN SCOTLAND WITHIN THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S RESPONSIBILITY | |||||||
| £ million at 1979 survey price | |||||||
| 1974–75 outturn | 1975–76 outturn | 1976–77 outturn | 1977–78 outturn | 1978–79 provisional outturn | 1979–80 expected outturn | 1980–81 plans | |
| Agriculture, fisheries, food and forestry | 181 | 118 | 134 | 105 | 95 | 122 | 112 |
| Trade, industry, energy and employment | 63 | 37 | 111 | 87 | 96 | 112 | 113 |
| Roads and transport | 304 | 320 | 299 | 307 | 325 | 313 | 308 |
| Housing | 752 | 742 | 710 | 671 | 652 | 697 | 627 |
| Other environmental services | 399 | 459 | 387 | 354 | 389 | 396 | 384 |
| Law, order and protective services | 198 | 212 | 210 | 199 | 210 | 217 | 221 |
| Education, libraries, science and arts | 933 | 979 | 964 | 936 | 941 | 945 | 904 |
| Health and personal social services | 946 | 976 | 990 | 1,000 | 1,038 | 1,041 | 1,069 |
| Other public services | 32 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 41 | 44 | 46 |
| Common services | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 3,809 | 3,886 | 3,848 | 3,702 | 3,787 | 3,888 | 3,785 |
Teachers (Promoted Posts)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of those holding a promoted post in Scottish secondary schools in (a) subject and (b) guidance were (i) holders of an honours degree, (ii) holders of an ordinary degree and (iii) not in possession of a university degree or its equivalent.
At September 1978 41 per cent. of teachers holding promoted posts—subject—were honours graduates, 24 per cent, were ordinary
The definitive Scottish study is still that on which a report was published in 1969. It compared the dental health of children in Kilmarnock and Ayr. The dental health of children in Kilmarnock showed a marked improvement during the period of fluoridation there and a progressive deterioration after fluoridation ceased in 1962.
Public Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide details of public expenditure within his responsibility equivalent to the figures in table 2 of the White Paper "The Government's Expenditure Plans 1980–81", Cmnd. 7746.
The information requested is given in the following table. The figures for the years preceding 198081 reflect the latest information on out-turn.graduates and 35 per cent. were holders of other equivalent qualifications. The equivalent proportions of teachers holding promoted posts—guidance—were 20, 43 and 37 per cent. respectively.
Deer
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the light of the intensive farming of deer which is now being undertaken in Scotland, he will take steps to prevent antlers being sawn off the wild animal in order to obtain the velvet for sale.
The farming of deer is attracting increasing interest in both Scotland and England, but the word "intensive" is misleading in this context. Deer on the farm will tend to have a higher stocking rate than on the hill, but there is no evidence that "factory farming" of deer is being undertaken in Scotland.The question of antler velvet raises particular issues. By-products from deer killed for venison are already exported, but I have no evidence of antler velvet being taken from live deer in Scotland. The practice is common in other countries, and in anticipation of continuing interest in deer farming in Britain my right hon. Friends and I have asked that information about the physiological and other possible effects of harvesting deer velvet be collected as quickly as possible with a view to the question being referred to the Farm Animal Welfare Council for its advice.
Environment
Chemical Effluent Discharge (Monitoring)
51.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that discharges of chemical effluent within British territorial waters are being adequately monitored.
I am satisfied about the system for monitoring the quality of coastal waters generally, but full monitoring of all the relevant discharges will have to await implementation of part II of the Control of Pollution Act.
Union Place Resource Centre, Lambeth
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what funds have been paid to the Union Place resource centre, Lambeth, under the inner city partnership scheme; what funds have been promised to it in the future; for what purpose this money is made available; and what checks will be made to ensure that the money is spent according to the objectives of the scheme.
Several projects in the Lambeth inner city partnership programme are based on the Union Place resource centre. They include staff to operate the printing and other facilities, an outreach worker, and a photography project. The total allocations to schemes run from the centre agreed by the previous Government were £10,000 for 1978–79 and £50,000 for 1979–80.Not all the expenditure under these allocations is necessarily related to the centre. The Lambeth partnership programme for 1980–81 and future years has not yet been settled; but any proposed projects based on the centre will be closely scrutinised.
Urban Aid (Greenwich)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all the projects in the London borough of Greenwich which are or have been funded by urban aid grants, indicating in each case the total capital cost, the annual revenue cost, the starting date and the date on which existing funding is due to expire.
Over 100 urban aid projects have been approved for the London borough of Greenwich since the urban programme started, including those in the Docklands partnership area. The detailed information requested could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.
Local Authority Accounting
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward legislation to provide for new local government accounting standards, so as to enable clear distinctions to be drawn in local authority accounts between income from ratepayers, income from taxpayers, income from fees and charges and total income, respectively.
The way in which local authorities' total income should be presented is relevant to the Government's proposals on the disclosure by local authorities of financial and other information about the services they provide. These proposals are set out in a recently published consultation document, a copy of which is in the Library.I will ensure that my hon. Friend's suggestion is taken into account in the discussions that my officials will be having with the local authority associations, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and other interested parties about these issues.
South Tyneside (Council Housing)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses have been built in South Tyneside in each year since reorganisation; and what is the present waiting list.
Following is the available information:
| Local authority dwellings completed in South Tyneside April 1974-September 1979 | |
| Number | |
| 1974 (April to December) | 230 |
| 1975 | 192 |
| 1976 | 659 |
| 1977 | 697 |
| 1978 | 601 |
| 1979 (January to September) | 361 |
Rate Support Grant
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give an assurance that those authorities, like Kirklees, which could be adversely affected by changes in the rate support grant distribution formula will have the benefit, as in the past, of damping and safety net arrangements without which ratepayers in those areas could suffer increases in their rate bills.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Mr. Shelton) on 16 November.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the rise in the minimum lending rate announced on 15 November, he proposes to pay two tranches of the rate
| TOTAL PUBLIC SECTOR INVESTMENT BY AGENCY—TOTAL £'000S | ||||||
| 1978–79 | 1979–80 | 1980–81 | 1981–82 | Total | Percentage | |
| GLC | 7,599 | 12,597·0 | 20,725·0 | 36,708·0 | 77,629·0 | 33 |
| Greenwich | 1,352 | 3,016·9 | 2,996·9 | 5,964·2 | 13,330·0 | 6 |
| Lewisham | 1,808 | 1,491·0 | 871·6 | 612·9 | 4,783·5 | 2 |
| Newham | 9,305 | 10,245·5 | 11,899·3 | 14,884·1 | 46,333·9 | 19 |
| Southwark | 7,556 | 5,554·0 | 7,271·0 | 4,709·0 | 25,090·0 | 11 |
| Tower Hamlets | 7,063 | 10,944·0 | 13,633·0 | 10,435·0 | 42,075·0 | 18 |
| ILEA | 1,550 | 1,785·0 | 2,190·0 | 2,359·0 | 7,884·0 | 3 |
| Area health authorities | 530 | 220·0 | 865·4 | 1,026·9 | 2,642·3 | 1 |
| Thames water authority | 2,585 | 2,771·0 | 1,620·0 | 1,820·0 | 8,796·0 | 3 |
| Housing associations | — | 3,240·0 | 5,200·0 | 673·0 | 9,113·0 | 4 |
| Total | 39,348 | 51,864·4 | 67,272·2 | 79,192·1 | 237,676·7 | — |
| Percentage | 17 | 22 | 28 | 33 | — | 100 |
support grant to local authorities in December 1979 to January 1980 of offset the unbudgeted charges at a time of heavy outturn.
The arrangements for payment of rate support grant are made on a timetable which has been agreed with the Treasury and the local authority associations, and there are no proposals to change those arrangements.
Caravan Encampments
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to bring forward legislation to strengthen the powers of local authorities to deal with illegal roadside caravan encampments.
Very soon.
Docklands
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the total resources of public capital invested in those parts of each of the five London boroughs within the Docklands development area made in accordance with the present Docklands strategic plan.
Statistics of local and public authority capital expenditure are not related to parts only of districts and it would be a major task to collect and present them in that form.The London Docklands operational programme 1978–82, produced by the Docklands joint committee, forecast public sector investment during the programme period as in the table attached—(at end 1977 prices). That programme is in accord with the London Docklands strategic plan and is ongoing.
Capital Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has now received to his consultation document on local government capital expenditure controls, to which comments were invited by 17 November.
It is too soon to report on the response as not all the local authority associations have yet replied.
Home Insulation
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why, out of the £23 million made available by way of Government grants for home insulation in the year 1978–79, only £8 million has been paid out in the first six months; whether he expects the total sum allocated to be paid out; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to increase the public awareness of the grant availability.
There is no single answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question, but difficulties with the supply of materials during last winter's industrial disputes undoubtedly contributed. More than 400,000 applications for grant were accepted by local authorities between the start of the scheme in September 1978 and the end of the financial year; only about half of these grants were actually paid in that period.A national press campaign to publicise changes in the scheme and to encourage grant take-up in the present financial year was launched on 1 November; free leaflets and posters have been sent to all local authorities for use in their areas.
Defence
North Sea Oil Installations
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that the United Kingdom's North Sea oil installations can be defended in the event of the outbreak of hostilities; and if he will make a statement.
Yes. In the event of the outbreak of hostilities, protection of our North Sea gas and oil installations would be covered by war plans for the defence of the area. It is not the practice to discuss details of these plans.
Defence Installations (Industrial Disruption)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the effects of industrial disruption or strikes on the part of civilian employees in defence installations.
My right hon. Friend is studying the lessons learnt from the series of industrial disputes which have affected defence establishments during the last 16 months, and is considering how best to avoid a recurrence of such troubles and to limit the impact of any industrial action in the future.
Armed Forces (Overseas Service)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom have been stationed overseas since 1945; and what numbers were involved and for what periods of time.
Personnel of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force have been stationed overseas continuously since 1945, principally in North-West Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle and Far East, but on occasion in other areas also. It would require disproportionate effort to detail the numbers and the periods of time personnel were stationed overseas since 1945, but some of the information is contained in the annual statements on Defence Estimates. Information about numbers and places is also contained in the Tri-Service manpower statistics, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Service men and Service women are stationed abroad; where they are stationed; and what was the cost, at constant prices, of maintaining personnel stationed abroad for 1974 and 1979 and what is the estimated cost for 1983.
At 30 June 1979 there were 67,330 United Kingdom Service personnel deployed in Continental Europe, 6,420 in the Mediterranean, Near and Middle East, 4,218 in the Far East, 1,196 in North America, and 2,725 elsewhere overseas. In addition, 46 locally-entered personnel were deployed in the Mediterranean and 7,481 in the Far East. Further information is contained in the Tri-Service manpower statistics six-monthly return TSM 6, which is available in the Library of the House.The cost to the defence budget in 1979–80 of forces stationed overseas is estimated to be approximately £1,150 million. This figure, which reflects estimated outturn price levels, excludes the cost of equipment deployed overseas. Comparable figures for 1974 and 1983 are not readily available.
Armed Forces (Combat Action)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the occasions upon which United Kingdom Armed Forces were involved in combat from 1945 to the present day, giving the date of the involvement, the location of the involvement and whether on active service or involved in combat.
The major occasions upon which United Kingdom Armed Forces have been in combat since 1945 are as follows:
| 1946–1949 | Palestine |
| 1948–1960 | Malayan Emergency |
| 1950–1953 | Korean War |
| 1952–1956 | Kenyan Emergency |
| 1954–1959 | Cyprus Emergency |
| 1956 | Suez Operation |
| 1957–1959 | Muscat and Oman |
| 1962–1966 | Indonesian Confrontation |
| 1964–1967 | Radfan and Aden |
| 1972–1977 | Oman |
Royal Navy (Aircrew)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many aircrew trained as pilots are serving in the Royal Navy; and how this figure is divided between helicopter and fixed-wing pilots.
The total number of qualified pilots serving in the Royal Navy as at 1 April 1979 was 595. Of this number, 465 are currently engaged in active flying appointments, 70 of the latter on fixed-wing flying.
Northern Ireland
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers from Wales have been killed or seriously wounded on active service in Northern Ireland since 1969.
Such detailed information is not held centrally, and I regret it would require disproportionate effort to provide the information in the form requested.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he approved the first sentence of paragraph 12 of the paper entitled "Northern Ireland Future Terrorist Trends".
I am not prepared to comment on this classified document, which was intended to provide background information for internal MOD use.
Trade
Tourist Facilities
7.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether his Department is kept sufficiently well informed of the reactions of tourists to facilities which could be improved.
I believe so.
Consumer Prices
17.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement about his proposals to restrain consumer prices using the powers in the Prices Act 1974.
I have no proposals for further use of these powers at present.
Retail Price Index
1.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what will be the effect on the retail price index of the increased charges for public services announced on 1 November and the increased building society repayments which are due to take effect in January 1980.
The higher prescription charges are estimated to add one twenty-fifth of one per cent. to the RPI. The future rate for mortgages has not yet been determined.
36.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the percentage increase over the previous year of the retail price index for the months of June, July, August, September and October 1979.
The rate of increase in the retail price index was:
- 11·4 per cent in the 12 months up to June 1979
- 15·6 per cent. in the 12 months up to July
- 15·8 per cent in the 12 months up to August
- 16·5 per cent. in the 12 months up to September, and
- 17·2 per cent. in the 12 months up to October.
Airports Policy
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects to publish the report of the Advisory Committee on Airports Policy.
I intend to arrange for the formal publication of these reports without undue delay.
Multi-Fibre Arrangement
27.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received regarding the multi-fibre arrangement and its effect on the wool textile industry.
I have received a number of such representations.
Inflation
28.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish a forecast for inflation in 1980.
The Government's forecast was published on 12 June and has proved correct. It will be updated shortly.
Third London Airport
29.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects to announce a decision on the third London airport.
The Government's conclusions will be announced when the reports of the advisory bodies and other relevant information have been considered.
World Trade (United Kingdom Share)
30.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the United Kingdom's share of world trade in 1978.
Provisional information suggests that the United Kingdom's share of the value of world exports in 1978 was 5½ per cent.
Price Increases (Monitoring)
31.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what arrangements exist within his Department to monitor price increases.
Arrangements exist to monitor only those charges for which I am directly responsible.
Subsidised Freight Rates (Soviet Bloc Fleets)
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps are being taken to counter the effects of subsidised freight rates offered by merchant fleets within the Soviet bloc.
The EEC is monitoring two liner trades where there is significant Soviet presence. We have urged the Community to study, in parallel with this exercise, how best to co-ordinate defensive measures should these prove necessary.
Flying Rights
32.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on flying rights between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong and between Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China.
Between London and Hong Kong, the licensing of scheduled services is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority, subject to appeal to my right hon. Friend, and for the Hong Kong Air Transport Licensing Authority; of nonscheduled services for the Civil Aviation Authority and the Hong Kong Director of Civil Aviation.
Between Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China, rights to run services are the joint concern of Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the People's Republic of China; although in our case the right to authorise non-scheduled services is exercised by the Hong Kong Director of Civil Aviation.
European Community (Greek Accession)
34.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what assessment is being made of the consequences for British shipping interests of entry by Greece into the European Economic Community.
We do not foresee any adverse consequences for British shipping. We welcome the entry into the Community of another major maritime country sharing our commitment to the free circulation of shipping.
Air Transport Services
35.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade how he intends to promote the development of cheaper air transport services.
The Civil Aviation Authority, which is responsible for licensing air transport operators, already has a duty, under section 3 of the Civil Aviation Act 1971, to see that services are provided at the lowest charges consistent with a high standard of safety and an economic return to an efficient airline. I shall do what I can to persuade foreign Governments to agree to lower fares on international services where such fares can be justified on economic grounds.
Departmental Staff
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what reductions he now proposes to make in respect of his Department's supervision of business names and of insurance companies; and if he will make a statement.
40.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what staff reductions are contemplated in his Department in the field of company affairs.
I am reviewing a number of functions to assess the scope for cutting Civil Service manpower and will announce the outcome as soon as possible.
Tourist Information Centres
38.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will arrange for greater publicity to be given to the existence and creation of tourist information centres.
Responsibility rests with the English Tourist Board for deciding how to make best use of the funds Parliament has made available for the promotion and development of tourism in England. The Board already does a good deal to inform people about tourist information centres and the services they provide.
British Airways
39.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress is being made with plans to extend the ownership of British Airways to the public.
The Civil Aviation Bill, which provides the framework for the introduction of a private sector shareholding in British Airways, was published on 1 November.
Imports
41.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the increase of imports, deflated by the appropriate price index and exports, respectively, over the last 10 years.
Between 1968 and 1978 the volume of United Kingdom imports rose by 46 per cent. and the volume of exports by 75 per cent.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade when he expects the United Kingdom to become a net importer of manufactured goods, given the continuation of present trends; and if he will give the trends for the years since 1970.
Figures of our visible trade balance in manufactures are available from table 2.2 of the 1979 edition of "United Kingdom Balance of Payments"—the "Pink" book—a copy of which is in the Library of the House. I prefer not to make predictions, particularly about events which, in an uncertain world, may never happen.
British Shipping Fleet
42.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what proportion of the British shipping fleet was built in United Kingdom yards.
At 30 June 1979, about one-third of the deadweight tonnage of the United Kingdom registered merchant fleet was built in United Kingdom shipyards.
Gatwick Airport
43.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, in view of the decision not to require airlines to move to Gatwick, he will be able to cancel plans for the new maintenance area.
The British Airports Authority's proposals for the development of Gatwick airport are to be examined at a public inquiry early next year. I cannot comment on their merit, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government will take their decision in the light of the inspector's report.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what regulations govern night flights from Gatwick; and in what manner these differ from the regulations in force at Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester airports.
Night flights at Gatwick and Heathrow are subject to quotas, and the noisier movements will be phased out by 1987. Quotas for the quieter flights are being allowed to increase at the same rate as those for the noisier movements are reduced, but this policy will be reviewed in the light of the results of the current research into the relationship between aircraft noise and sleep disturbance. Similar restrictions apply to the noisier night flights at Stansted, but there are no restrictions at present on the quieter flights.The responsibility for regulating night flights at Luton, Manchester, and Birmingham airports rests with the owners, but I understand that the restrictions at Luton are broadly comparable with those at Gatwick, as are those at Manchester during the summer, and that there are no night restrictions at Birmingham.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will arrange for future annual aircraft movements at Gatwick by aircraft of more than 12,500 lbs. MAUW to be limited to the total of such movements for the year ended 30 June.
No. Such an arrangement would effectively prejudge the British Airport Authority's proposal for a second terminal at Gatwick, which is to be examined at a public inquiry next year.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if his Department is bound by the provisions of the recent agreement entered into between West Sussex county council and the British Airports Authority under which no second runway is to be constructed at Gatwick for 40 years.
My Department is not a party to the agreement and therefore cannot be bound by it.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many flights from Gatwick airport in the year ended 30 June passed within one mile of the centre of Newdigate, Surrey; and what percentage of total take-offs from Gatwick was represented by such flights.
Information is not available in the form requested by my hon. Friend. Aircraft on the routes out of Gatwick likely to affect Newdigate account for about one-third of all departures from the airport in an average year. The nominal line of these routes passes within one mile of the centre of Newdigate, but in practice there is considerable dispersion of traffic either side of this line.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will install, at an early date, a noise measuring unit in, or close to, the village of Newdigate, Surrey.
My Department intends to commission further noise monitoring and studies of track keeping in the vicinity of Newdigate as soon as possible. The results of these studies will help us to assess the need for any changes in the present noise monitoring system at Gatwick.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will arrange for the standard instrument departure rules to be altered for aircraft departing from runway 26 at Gatwick, so as to ensure that such aircraft do not pass overhead, or within one mile of, the centre of Newdigate, Surrey.
No. I am not convinced that such a change would result in any net environmental benefit.
| £ million cif | ||||||||
| January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September |
| 6·1 | 7·8 | 11·7 | 14·7 | 12·2 | 14·2 | 15·8 | 10·6 | 12·8 |
| Note: The effects of industrial action have led to distortions in the pattern of trade recorded in the first eight months of 1979, and figures for individual months must be interpreted with particular caution. However, the sum of the individual months above agrees with the corrected cumulative figures for January-September (£105·9 million). | ||||||||
| Source: United Kingdom Overseas Trade Statistics—SITC (Rev 2) Items 775.11, 21 and 22. | ||||||||
Luton Airport
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has any plans to extend passenger facilities and runways at Luton before 1990.
Proposals for the further development of the airport are a matter for the owners, Luton borough council.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what is the upper limit of aircraft movements and passenger handling capacity at Luton airport; and what are the most recent figures available for these movements and numbers of passengers;(2) how great an expansion of air services from Luton could take place without effect on the services operated from Stansted.
Aircraft movements at Luton interact with those at Stansted and the capacity of each runway cannot therefore be assessed independently. Taken together, the two airports can handle about 120,000 air transport movements a year. Luton has a terminal capacity of about three million passengers a year. In 1978 it handled about 20,400 air transport movements and 2 million terminal passengers. Stansted handled about 4,400 air transport movements. Thus, assuming no increase in traffic at Stansted, the spare runway capacity available would be about 95,000 air transport movements.
Imported White Goods
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the total level of imported white goods such as refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines for each month, since 1 January.
Following is the information for complete domestic refrigerators, deep-freezers and clothes-washing machines:
Registry Of Business Names
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will explain the workings of the Registry of Business Names.
The registry was established by the Registration of Business Names Act 1916 to receive the register documents required from businesses covered by that Act, to issue certificates and to make registered information available for public inspection. If the hon. Member will let me know his interest in any particular aspect of the registry's operations I shall be glad to give further details.
Airports (Noise Abatement)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade which authority is responsible for the inception of, and compliance with, noise abatement procedures at airports controlled by the British Airports Authority.
At those airports which have been designated under section 29 of the Civil Aviation Act 1971, my Department is mainly responsible for aircraft noise abatement measures, which are administered with the help of the British Airports Authority. At other BAA airports the responsibility rests solely with the Authority.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will set up an independent body to receive and investigate complaints from members of the public relating to nuisances caused by major airports.
No. Such complaints can be investigated by the consultative committees which have already been set up at all major airports and which include representatives of local authorities and other groups concerned with the environmental effect of airport operations.
Clearing Banks (Debt Provision)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take action against the clearing banks under section 149(6) of the Companies Act 1948, in the light of the considered conclusion of the Inter Bank Research Organisation that they have continued to overstate their bad and doubtful debt provisions.
I have no reason to believe on present information that the accounts of the clearing banks contravene section 149(6) of the Companies Act 1948.
Ashbourne Investments Ltd
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the present estimated cost of his Department's investigation into Ashbourne Investments Ltd. under sections 164 and 172 of the Companies' Act 1948 and of the report by the three inspectors appointed by his Department in connection therewith.
£326,000.
European Communities (Reform Of Commission)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has noted paragraphs 103 to 109 of the report of the Independent Review Body "Proposals for reform of the Commission of the European Communities"; and what action is being taken to implement the recommendations therein with respect to secondment of (a) civil servants from his Department and (b) personnel from both sides of industry in those sectors for which his Department acts as sponsor.
The Government have taken note of the proposals in question. The report of the Independent Review Body "Proposals for the reform of the Commission of the European Communities" was made at the request of the Commission itself; the Commission is currently considering the recommendations. There is no action yet for member States or the Council to take. Since our accession to the Community there have been secondments and external recruitments to the Commission from the Civil Service and from both sides of industry. We shall continue to encourage these. In addition, my Department is currently arranging for more officials to be seconded to the Commission.
Motor Insurance
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will examine the practice of certain insurance companies of levying a higher rate of premium from motor car owners resident in different postal areas but resident in the same county area.
We do not control the terms and conditions upon which insurers underwrite particular risks. The insurers alone have the detailed information to decide whether drivers who insure with them and reside in a particular area should pay higher or lower premiums than drivers in adjoining or other areas. Nevertheless, if my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind and lets me have the details, I would be prepared to look into it.
Coal Imports
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his estimate of the total amount of coal imported for steel making in the current year.
The purpose for which goods are imported is not recorded in the Overseas Trade Statistics. However, imports of coking coal in the first nine months of this year amounted to 1,575,494 tonnes.
Airlines (Competition)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps are taken to encourage competition between British airlines.
It is already open to any British airline to apply to the Civil Aviation Authority for a licence to begin a service on any route on which it thinks that it can operate successfully. I hope that the new Civil Aviation Bill will help to create the conditions in which sensible competition can flourish.
Pilotage Commission
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the appointment of the members of the Pilotage Commission.
The Secretary of State has today appointed the following as members of the Pilotage Commission:
- Mr. G. W. Brimyard.
- Mr. G. S. C. Clarabut, D.S.O., D.S.C.
- Mr. K. Cooper.
- Mr. J. P. Davidson.
- Capt. A. F. Dickson.
- Mr. B. I. Evans.
- Mr. H. Frith.
- Capt. P. F. Mason.
- Mr. N. C. Walker.
Transport
Road Construction
asked the Minister of Transport if his Department calculated the further effect on employment that the £40 million cut in the English motorway and trunk road construction budget will have next year.
The employment effect of changes in the road construction programme should not be considered in isolation from that of changes in the maintenance programme or of the Government's economic measures generally. Nor should the effects be measured against the previous Government's plans, which were not realistic. Compared with this year, the present Government's plans for next year will mean a small increase in the level of employment on motorway and trunk road construction.
Road Accidents
asked the Minister of Transport how many (a) accidents and (b) casualties, broken down into fatal, serious and slight, have been associated with roadworks on motorways in the past 12 months.
I regret that the information requested is not available.
Road Maintenance (Traffic Flow)
asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the increased expenditure on motorway maintenance anticipated next year, he will ensure that every precaution is taken to minimise the effect on traffic flows and traffic danger.
A programme of major repair is necessary during the next few years to keep our motorways in the condition necessary for safe use.We shall continue to make every effort to minimise the traffic disturbance which these works can cause.
Regional Road Construction Units
asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the review of the regional road construction units.
The study of road construction units, which is being carried out in consultation with Sir Derek Rayner, is well advanced. I hope shortly to be in a position to indicate what next steps I propose to take.
Car Badges (Disabled Persons)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many car badges for the disabled were issued for each year since 1 June 1975.
I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Heddle) on 15 November.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if it is his intention to review the charge which county councils are permitted to make when issuing a disabled driver's car badge.
I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Mr. Price) on 13 November.—[Vol. 973, c. 531–32.]
Crash Helmets
asked the Minister of Transport what is his estimate of the number of motor cyclists who have died or suffered injury as a result of faulty crash helmets.
There is insufficient evidence available nationally on which to base a reliable estimate.
Manchester Outer Ring Road
asked the Minister of Transport when he now expects to announce his decision on the route of the proposed M66, Manchester outer ring road, Denton to Middleton section.
I hope to be in a position to do so by the end of the year.
Denton Relief Road
asked the Minister of Transport what is now the estimated completion date for M67, Denton relief road.
The original completion date of February 1981 has had to be extended to July 1981 because of various difficulties, but work is now progressing satisfactorily.
Cycle Facilities
asked the Minister of Transport when and where signs and road markings for cycle facilities were first used by highway or local authorities; and whether he will list the authorities which have put up such signs, specifying in each case the types of sign used and whether or not they are still in use today.
Local highway authorities have been able since 1936 to erect cycle-route signs without reference to the Department. No information is available centrally on the use made of such signs.
Traffic Prediction
asked the Minister of Transport (1) if the traffic model and traffic cost benefit analysis is subject to any audit independent of his Department's planners;(2) if he is satisfied that there is sufficient opportunity for independent scrutiny in the process of traffic prediction.
Yes. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 8 November.—[Vol. 973, c. 273–74.]
Purchasing Contracts
asked the Minister of Transport how many small businesses feature on the approved list of suppliers maintained by his Department for purchasing contracts by means of selective tender.
I regret that this information is not available.
Leitch Committee
asked the Minister of Transport whether the Leitch committee's recommendations are to be retrospective.
Many of the recommendations of the original Leitch committee have been incorporated into our procedures; when the basis on which a scheme was originally assessed has been revised, reassessment at the later decision stages is on the revised basis. Recommendations by the present standing advisory committee will be treated similarly where appropriate. It would, however, be an unjustifiable waste of resources to review past decisions on the new basis.
Traffic Prediction
asked the Minister of Transport whether the methodology of traffic prediction incorporated in the advisory manual of traffic predictions for rural roads is to be regarded as Government policy.
Although it was Government policy to adopt the methodology of traffic prediction in the Red Book, this is no longer the case. Current policy is to use the 1978 interim memorandum on traffic forecasting, issued following the report of the Leitch committee, as the basis for planning the development of the trunk road network. The choice at any given time of the basis for planning the national network has to be a matter of Government policy if consistent planning and choice of priorities is to be possible at all.
National Finance
Tax And Price Index
49.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the rise in the tax and price index has been caused by price increases in the pipeline when he took office.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the effect on the tax and price index of price increases already in the pipeline at the time he took office.
Since movements in the price component of the tax and price index reflect movements in the retail prices index, I refer the hon. Member to the Secretary of State for Trade's reply of 22 October to my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Neubert)—[Vol. 972, c. 14].
50.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest figure for the year-on-year increase in the tax and price index.
The tax and price index in October was 14·8 per cent. higher than a year earlier.
Industrial Disputes (Loss Of Revenue)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the loss of revenue in terms of income tax and national insurance contributions in the last 12 months, arising from strikes, divided, if possible between (a) strikers' income and (b) total loss of revenue, including that from workers laid off as a result of strikes.
I regret that no estimate can be made since there is insufficient information about the income of strikers as such, or about the income of those laid off as a result of strikes.
Board Members (Nomination)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any plans to allow outside nomination to the Boards of Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue; and if he will make a statement.
I recognise that there are arguments in favour of this idea, but I have no immediate plans to that effect.
Telephone Numbers (Computerisation)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Inland Revenue has undertaken or is undertaking a feasibility study into the possibility of computerising all telephone directories in order to be able to trace individuals' names and addresses from their telephone numbers.
No. The Inland Revenue has no such plans.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what methods Inland Revenue has or is undertaken a cellor of the Exchequer whether the Board Inland Revenue inspectors currently use in order to trace the names and addresses of individuals who advertise in local papers giving only their telephone numbers.
It is part of the duty of Inspectors of Taxes to decide how to set about tracing such individuals.
Gross Profit Margins
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Board of Inland Revenue issues notes to income tax inspectors on expected gross profit margins for different businesses and different regions; and if he will make available copies of any such notes.
The Inland Revenue issues comprehensive notes to inspectors describing the structure and economics of various types of business to assist them in the evaluation and examination of accounts. Where relevant, the notes include information about buying and selling practices and prices and the significance of gross profit rate as well as pointers to the reasons why there can be wide differences between the results of individual businesses.It is not the practice of the Inland Revenue to publish internal material of this kind.
Post-War Credits
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much is still held in post-war credits awaiting claimants.
It is estimated that about 94 per cent. of the original £765 million of income tax post-war credits for the years 1941–42 to 1945–46, has now been repaid; it is likely that a substantial part of the balance outstanding will, for a variety of reasons, never be claimed.
Value Added Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a net loss is sustained by Mer Majesty's Customs and Excise in the collection of value added tax from businesses with an annual turnover equivalent to, or slightly in excess of, the present threshold of £10,000 and if, in order to keep in line with the monetary inflation that has recurred since value added tax was first introduced, he will now give consideration to raising the threshold to an annual turnover figure of £25,000.
No. The level of the VAT registration limit is kept under continuous review.I should point out that there is no net loss in the circumstances postulated by my hon. Friend; and that, raised in line with the retail prices index, the registration limit would be no more than £12,650 taxable turnover a year.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether a net loss results to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in the collection of value added tax from businesses with an annual turnover of between £15,000 and £20,000; and, if so, what that net loss is estimated to be; (2) whether a net loss results to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in the collection of value added tax from businesses with an annual turnover of between £10,000 and £15,000; and, if so, what that net loss is estimated to be.
There is no net loss in either case.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases are heard annually by the value added tax tribunals; how many members sit on these tribunals; and what is their total annual cost.
[pursuant to his reply, 16 November 1979]: Most appeals to the VAT tribunals are settled without a hearing. In the year to 31 March 1979 733 appeals were lodged, while 166 received a substantive hearing. There have also been a number of interlocutory hearings. Figures for earlier years are contained in the published annual reports of the commissioners of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, copies of which are in the Library of the House.The VAT tribunals have a full-time president, three full-time salaried chairmen and one part-time salaried chairman; and they have 10 other part-time chairmen and a panel of lay members, who sit ad hoc and are remunerated on a daily basis.The tribunals' cost in salaries and general administrative expenditure was £267,000 in 1978–9.
Mortgages (Tax Relief)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the rate of tax relief per £1,000 given to mortgage borrowers at the most recent convenient date.
The relief in the first year, at the present basic rate of tax and a mortgage interest rate of 11¾ per cent., would be £35 per £1,000 of mortgage.
Economic Forecast
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in his forthcoming short-term economic forecast, he will include an estimate of the possible level of the public sector borrowing requirement for 1980–81 following the precedent set in November 1978.
I ask the hon. Member to await the next Industry Act forecast which will be published shortly.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in his forthcoming short-term economic forecast, he will include an estimate of the possible impact of changes in confidence and expectations following income tax cuts intended to increase incentives, even though these are not included in the equations for the forecasting model.
No.
Tax Yield
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the additional tax yield from each of the following, making any appropriate statistical allowances for falling consumption, namely (a) a 35p increase in the duty on spirits, (b) a 10p increase in the duty on cigarettes and tobaccos, (c) a 20p increase in the duty on wine, (d) a 2p increase in the duty on beer, (e) a 10p increase in petrol tax and (f) an increase to £60 in the motor vehicle licence.
I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current yield from taxes on gambling; and what increased revenue would accrue from each of the following changes, making whatever statistical assumptions he thinks proper for evasion or reduced activity, namely, (a) a 10 per cent. increase, (b) a 20 per cent. and (c) a 30 per cent.
I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the loss to the revenue if the standard rate of income tax was reduced to 27p in the pound, assuming that the higher rates, and the steps between them, remained unchanged.
I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.
Personal Income Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when the computerisation of the personal income tax system will be completed;(2) what is the cost of the computer installation for the personal income tax system and the cost of its reorganisation;(3) whether it would be necessary to write a new computer programme for the personal income tax system if equal taxation was introduced by virtue of the repeal of section 37 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act.
[pursuant to his reply, 14 November 1979, c. 626–7]: Decisions on the computerisation of PAYE will not be taken until Ministers have considered the report of the current feasibility study. Meanwhile the Revenue's present planning assumptions are that PAYE will be fully computerised by early 1987. It is too early to make firm predictions of the ultimate cost, but the latest estimates suggest that the total gross cost of implementation may be of the order of £130 million at present day prices. As with the existing computer system for the PAYE taxation of Scottish employers at East Kilbride, a decision to change the personal tax system in a way which affects PAYE, including the taxation of husband and wife, would need to be reflected in the detailed computer programmes of a national PAYE computer system.
Balance Of Payments
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the balance of payments deficit in each of the past 10 years; what was the value of the contribution made by North Sea oil and gas towards reducing the deficit in each of these years; and what is his estimate of these figures for the first 10 months of the current year.
The information is as follows:
| £ billion, current prices | ||
| Current balance | Direct contribution of North Sea oil and gas* | |
| 1969 | + 0·5 | — |
| 1970 | + 0·8 | — |
| 1971 | + 1·2 | 0·1 |
| 1972 | + 0·2 | 0·2 |
| 1973 | - 0·9 | 0·3 |
| 1974 | - 3·3 | 0·8 |
| 1975 | - 1·6 | 0·7 |
| 1976 | - 0·8 | 1·2 |
| 1977 | + 0·3 | 2·9 |
| 1978 | + 1·0 | 3·9 |
| * Details about the assumptions on which these estimates are based are given in the Treasury's economic progress report for August 1979 and in the Bank of England's Quarterly Bulletin for September 1979. | ||
Retail Price Index
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, pursuant to the reply given by his right hon. Friend, the Chief Secretary, Official Report, 8 November 1979, column 606, that the retail price index in 1980 will rise by about 1 per cent. as a result of the recent public expenditure White Paper, he will set out the expected percentage increases in (a) rents, (b) rates, and (c) nationalised industry prices.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 November 1979]: It is not possible to give a breakdown as the increase in the RPI will depend on decisions to be taken by individual local authorities and nationalised industries. The figure of about 1 per cent. is therefore general and provisional.
Mobility Allowance
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps, in order to help the disabled, to end the taxation of mobility allowance.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 November 1979]: I consider that help to the disabled can be more effectively provided through the social security system.
Premium Bonds
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the saving to public funds over the past five years of paying premium bond prizes at the reduced interest rate rather than at current money market rates.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 November 1979]: Taking into account the relatively high administrative costs of the scheme and the tax-free nature of the prizes, premium savings bonds have not on average proved to be significantly cheaper than other forms of Government borrowing. The premium savings bond prize fund rate is not moved in line with market rates in order to avoid abrupt downward changes in the rate which might jeopardise the long-term viability of the scheme. Instead, the policy is one of continuous marginal improvements as and when possible.
Capital Taxation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the answer given to the hon. Member for Upminster on 25 October, that information of the amounts of capital gains tax derived from the sale of homes used partly for business purposes is not available, he will consider removing this aspect of capital taxation on small businesses which may be set up in private homes.
[pursuant to his reply, 16 November 1979]: My hon. Friend will understand that it does not necessarily follow from the absence of this information that I should extend to a home used partly for business purposes the full exemption from capital gains tax given to a house occupied exclusively as the taxpayer's private residence. As he will know, we are conducting a thorough study of capital gains tax. Although I cannot anticipate the outcome of this review, my hon. Friend's proposal will be borne in mind.
Purchasing Contracts
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many small businesses feature on the approved list of suppliers maintained by his Department for purchasing contracts by means of selective tender.
[pursuant to his reply, 16 November 1979]: The Treasury does not maintain its own approved list of suppliers. We take advice from the appropriate Department.
Income Tax Commissioners
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many general commissioners for income tax there are; how many cases are heard by them each year; of those cases, how many are cases which have been delayed; and what is the cost of the cases heard.
[pursuant to his reply, 16 November 1979]: There are some 4,500 general commissioners for income tax in England and Wales and some 600 in Scotland. There are no general commissioners in Northern Ireland. In the calendar year 1977 11,814 appeals on matters of substance and 839,208 delay appeals were heard in England and Wales, and 244 appeals on matters of substance and 28,214 delay appeals were disposed of in Scotland. General commissioners are not themselves paid but employ clerks—mostly solicitors in private practice on a part-time basis—and their remuneration and office expenses etc. for the year ended 31 March 1979 amounted to some £1·2 million.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many special commissioners for income tax there are; how many cases are heard by them each year; and what is the total cost of these cases.
[pursuant to his reply, 16 November 1979]: There are seven special commissioners for income tax. In the year ended 31 March 1978 they sat for 302 hearings involving 809 appeals on matters of substance and for 131 sittings involving 12,101 appeals on delay cases. A hearing may last several days and may involve several appeals. The cost of the special commissioners and their support staff in the year ended 31 March 1979 was of the order of £0·25 million.
Benefits In Kind
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the known benefits in kind, indicating which are not at present assessable to income tax.
[pursuant to his reply, 13 November 1979, c. 543]: There are many ways in which benefits in kind can be provided, and it is impracticable to list them all.The following benefits in kind are wholly exempt from income tax for all employees: the provision of living accommodation where certain conditions are satisfied; the provision of death or retirement benefits; the provision of meals in a canteen; meal vouchers up to the value of 15p a day; free coal received by miners or cash allowances paid to them in lieu; the use of a pooled car available to more than one employee where the private use is incidental; and cheap or interest-free
| Category of car | AA figures with running costs for 8,000 miles | present scale benefit | ||
| Original market value up to £8,000 | ||||
| 1300 cc or less | … | … | 594 | 190 |
| 1301–1800 cc | … | … | 695 | 250 |
| over 1800 cc | … | … | 1,044 | 380 |
| Original market value over £8,000 | ||||
| costing between £8,000 and £12,000 | … | … | 1,732 | 550 |
| costing over £12,000 | … | … | 2,417 | 880 |
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of additional tax receipts in 1979–80 if car benefits are assessed regardless of income levels.
[pursuant to his reply, 13 November 1979, c. 543]: In the region of £65 million.
loans the interest on which would have qualified for tax relief.
Employees who do not come within the special rules for benefits in kind, which apply to directors and higher-paid employees, are also wholly exempt on benefits—other than medical insurance—which cannot be converted into cash, do not represent the meeting of a pecuniary liability or are not provided by means of a voucher exchangeable for goods, services or money.
Car Benefits
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list current Automobile Association scales of car-running costs, and compare them with scales of benefit as at present assessed.
[pursuant to his reply, 13 November 1979, c. 542]: The AA figures are not published in a form suitable for comparison with the scales at present used. The attached table is reproduced from the Inland Revenue consultative paper "The taxation of Cars and Petrol as Benefits in Kind"—August 1979. The figures of benefit were calculated by reference to the AA's estimated cost of running a car, taking—on the basis of the car's dual function of business use and availability for private use—one-half of the standing charges—car tax, depreciation, interest on capital and insurance—together with the running costs for 8,000 miles—repairs, servicing and tyres, but excluding petrol and oil.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of additional tax receipts in 1979–80 if car benefits were assessed on Automobile Association scales, and regardless of income levels.
[pursuant to his reply, 13 November 1979, c. 543]: The AA does not produce scales of car benefits as such. If car benefits were taxed by reference to the figures quoted in the Inland Revenue's recent consultative paper on the taxation of cars and petrol as benefits in kind, and if the £8,500 income limit were disregarded, the additional tax would be about £330 million.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of additional tax receipts in 1979–80 if petrol and oil used had been included in car benefits.
[pursuant to his reply, 13 November 1979, c. 543]: On the assumption that about 250,000 taxpayers subject to the present rules for taxing car benefits are currently provided by their employers with petrol for private use at a cost of about £250 a year, it is estimated that the additional tax receipts for 1979–80 would be about £20 million to £25 million.
Northern Ireland
Ulster College
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated value of the books, periodicals, student equipment and classroom equipment lost, stolen or mislaid in each year since 1969 at the Ulster college.
Approximately 1,500 books out of the total stock of 110,000 volumes are lost or stolen every year at an estimated cost of about £4,000. Losses of periodicals are estimated to be very low as they are used within the library.In round figures the value of student and classroom equipment lost or stolen is estimated by the polytechnic to have been as follows:
| £ | |
| 1973–74 | 245 |
| 1974–75 | 565 |
| 1975–76 | 1,990 |
| 1976–77 | 6,150 |
| 1977–78 | |
| 1978–79 | 500 |
Ruc Reservist (Transmission Of Information)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the giving of information to the Irish Republican Army by a Royal Ulster Constabulary reservist; and what action he proposes to take.
A member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve was questioned recently in connection with the unauthorised disclosure of official information. Since the papers are currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
Public Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by how much the sums which were to be made available to each council in Northern Ireland will be reduced in the present and the next financial year as a result of the cutback in projected public expenditure.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now list the public works which will be (a) cancelled and (b) delayed as a result of the cutback in projected public expenditure over the present and next financial year.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
School Buildings (Planning Conditions)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions in the past three years planning conditions have been overidden in respect of school buildings or grounds; and if he will list them.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Irish Republican Army (Patrols And Checkpoints)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidents of patrols or road checkpoints operated by the Irish Republic Army have been recorded in Northern Ireland during each of the past two years; where the incidents occurred; what action was taken; and how many persons were charged as a result.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Belfast City Council (Departmental Dispute)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will intervene to assist in resolving the dispute in the environmental health department of Belfast city council.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Terrorism
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the incidents involving the death of a Welsh Guardsman at Silverbridge, county Armagh, and the attack on the reconnnaissance aircraft in South Armagh on 13 November, indicating whether or not those involved sought sanctuary in the Republic of Ireland.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Parliament Buildings, Stormont
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what use he intends to put the rooms in Parliament Building, Stormont currently being vacated by the staff of Northern Ireland Government Departments.
The temporary removal of staff from certain offices in Parliament Building is one of the measures being taken to make it possible to hold the conference of the main political parties in Northern Ireland which I announced in my statement on 25 October.
Carrickmore (Terrorist Activity)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is now able to state how many armed men were seen in Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone and its immediate area on 17 October.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now list the weapons used by the Irish Republican Army gang in Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone on 17 October.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Richmond Street, Londonderry
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he now expects work to begin on the Richmond Street development scheme in Londonderry.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is now the estimated cost of the Richmond Street scheme in Londonderry; and on this basis what are the economic rental values for (a) retail shops and (b) offices.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Inter-Party Conference
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to publish the consultative document for the conference to which he has invited the leaders of the four main political parties in Northern Ireland.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to publish his proposals for the all-party talks on devolved administration for Northern Ireland.
A document entitled "The Government of Northern Ireland—a Working Paper for a Conference" will be published and laid before Parliament at 11 am on Tuesday 20 November.
Madams Bank Bridge
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what now is the estimated cost of the Madams Bank bridge.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he now expects the contract for the Madams Bank bridge to be let.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Carrickmore (Bbc Film)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether the Royal Ulster Constabulary has as yet taken statements from the British Broadcasting Corporation team which was in Carrickmore on 17 October (2) whether the Royal Ulster Constabulary has as yet examined the film taken by the British Broadcasting Corporation team in Carrickmore, county Tyrone, on 17 October; and if the film is yet in the possession of the Royal Ulster Constabulary; (3) whether the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary took the decision to get possession of the film taken by the British Broadcasting Corporation team in Carrickmore, county Tyrone, on 17 October.
I have been asked to reply.On my directions the investigations in England into this matter are being conducted by the Metropolitan Police acting on the instructions of the Director of Public Prosecutions for England and
| Adult male agricultural worker | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 |
| Statutory minimum gross weekly | £23·07 | £29·52 | £36·50 | £39·00 | £43·00 |
| Statutory minimum hours per week | 41 | 41 | 41 | 41 | 41 |
| Average gross weekly earnings (from sample survey) | £30·04 | £39·86 | £44·88 | £50·46 | £55·61 |
| Average weekly hours overtime | 1·15 | 1·81 | 1·71 | 1·19 | 1·00 |
| Average net weekly earnings (from sample survey) | £21·92 | £29·14 | £33·31 | £37·55 | £41·42 |
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
English Wine (Exports)
48.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much English wine was exported last year; and what plans he has to encourage the development of the trade.
Figures for exports of English wine are not shown separately from wine exports generally. The majority of English wine, of which annual production is between 1,000 and 2,000 hectolitres, is however consumed within the
Wales. They are in close liaison with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, which is investigating the events at Carrickmore on 17 October.
A copy of all the film shot has been obtained by the Metropolitan Police and has been examined by its officers and the Director of Public Prosecutions for England and Wales. Arrangements have been made for officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary to view it very soon. The police investigations are continuing simultaneously in Northern Ireland and in England.
Agricultural Wages
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing, for each of the last five years, the minimum, gross and net pay of an adult male agricultural worker, married with two children under 11 years of age, living in Northern Ireland, and also showing the number of hours worked for that wage per week, the average gross and net pay and the hours of overtime worked.
[pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1979, c. 481]; The information available relates only to adult male agricultural workers in general and is as follows:United Kingdom. Exporters of English wine can, of course, take advantage of the various Government services available to exporters generally.
Food Prices
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether the increase of £600 million in United Kingdom food prices in 1978 which he estimates has resulted from British membership of the EEC is based on the retail price; and if so, what is the difference in the case of farm-gate or import prices;(2) whether he will circulate a table in the
Official Report showing the quantities
of foodstuffs and the difference between United Kingdom and world prices in each case used to build up his estimate that membership of the EEC has cost the United Kingdom an additional £600 million in 1978;
(3) whether, in calculating that membership of the EEC has led to an increase of £600 million in United Kingdom food prices in 1978, he took account of the effect of higher common agricultural policy prices on other agricultural products; and if so, how much of the total was accounted for by this factor;
(4) what was the level of the green pound assumed in his recent calculation that membership of the EEC had led to an increase of £600 million in United Kingdom food prices in 1978; and what was the consequential difference between United Kingdom and world prices for the principal agricultural products underlying the calculation.
I estimate that in relation to commodities subject to variable import levies under the CAP the extra balance of payments costs of United Kingdom imports from other member States in 1978 was about £110 million
| Commodity | Imports from other member States (thousand tonnes) | Exports to other member States (thousand tonnes) | Average rate on levy on imports from third countries net of United Kingdom MCA £/tonne | ||
| Wheat | … | … | 1,289 | 260 | 42 |
| Barley | … | … | 295 | 1,019 | 42 |
| Maize | … | … | 815 | 26 | 39 |
| Other cereals | … | … | 100 | 24 | 44 |
| Rice | … | … | 72 | 82 | 40 |
| Butter | … | … | 172 | 49 | 393 |
| Cheese | … | … | 97 | 8 | 450 |
| Other dairy products | … | … | 34 | 125 | 266 |
| Pigmeat | … | … | 167 | 14 | 134 |
| Poultrymeat | … | … | 18 | 13 | 133 |
| Beef | … | … | 320 | 130 | 279 |
| Eggs | … | … | 6 | 25 | 319 |
| Bacon | … | … | 297 | 2 | 91 |
| Lard | … | … | 218 | 1 | 44 |
| Notes: | |||||
| 1. The tonnages include the estimated quantities of the commodities concerned contained in composite food products. Beef includes live cattle. | |||||
| 2. Sugar has been omitted from the calculation since no levy is applicable under the CAP to United Kingdom imports under special arrangements from CAP countries. | |||||
| 3. For beef and bacon, reduced rates of levy have been employed to take account of the fact that the greater part of beef imports takes place at concessional rates of levy under special arrangements, and because it is felt that the full levy on bacon overstates the difference between EEC and world prices. | |||||
| 4. For butter, the levy is the special rate applicable to imports of butter from New Zealand, and for cheese an estimated levy has been used based on that for imports from New Zealand during 1977. | |||||
after taking account of monetary compensatory amounts and extra revenue on our exports to the other member States. With certain exceptions the average rate of import levy in force in 1978 was used as a measure of the difference between the EEC price and the world price of each commodity.
The rates of levy employed were the average rates net of monetary compensatory amounts, as determined by the rates for the green pound in force during the year. In calculating the extra revenue from exports, however, the sum thus obtained was increased by the total of the MCA's collected on the exports. The reason for this difference in treatment is that MCA's on our imports are paid in the member State of exportation and the goods arrive here at the MCA-paid price; whereas the MCA's charged on exports are collected in the United Kingdom and, since they serve to reduce our receipts from the EEC budget, they enter into the calculation of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the budget. To regard them also as reducing export revenue would thus involve double counting.
The tonnages and rates of levy used in the calculation were as follows.
additional net cost arises on these items, which may be in the region of £100 million.
European Community (Milk And Milk Products)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the change in the quantities
| (tonnes | |||||
| 11 January1979 | 15 November1979 | Difference | |||
| Butter: | |||||
| public intervention | … | … | 229,561 | 297,140 | +67,579 |
| private aided stores | … | … | 174,250 | 201,567 | +27,317 |
| Skimmed milk powder | … | … | 663,732 | 291,765 | -371,967 |
| Cheeses: | |||||
| private aided storage | … | … | 37,151 | 63,834 | +26,683 |
Apple Juice And Apple Processing Industries
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the growth in the production of the apple juice and apple processing industries during the past year; and if he will make a statement.
I regret that this information is not available.
European Communities (Reform Of Commission)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fishers and Food whether he has noted paragraphs 103 to 109 of the report of the Independent Review Body "Proposals for reform of the Commission of the European Communities"; and what action is being taken to implement the recommendations therein with respect to secondment of (a) civil servants from his Department and (b) personnel from both sides of industry in those sectors for which his Department acts as sponsor.
The Government have taken note of the proposals in question.The report of the Independent Review Body "Proposals for the Reform of the Commission of the European Communities" was made at the request of the Commission itself. The Commission is currently considering the recommendations.
of milk and milk products taken into intervention in 1979 in the EEC.
Stocks of milk and milk products in public intervention and in private aided stores in the EEC on the dates shown were as follows:There is no action yet for member States or the Council to take.
Farm Animals (European Convention)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date Her Majesty's Government ratified or accepted the European convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes.
The United Kingdom ratified this convention on 8 January 1979.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to make the inspection of hen batteries comply with article 7 of the European convention for the protection of animals kept for farming.
The requirements of article 7 are already provided for in the Welfare of Livestock (Intensive Units) Regulations 1978.
Butter Fats
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the increase of refunds on exports of butter fats by the EEC during 1979.
The Commission now estimates that expenditure on export refunds for butter fats will amount to 827·9 MEUA in 1979.