Written Answers

                    The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.
                

Written Answers To Questions

Tuesday 17 June 1980

Social Services

Special Hospitals (Releases)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will ensure that the police are informed when potentially dangerous patients are released from Broadmoor and similar hospitals.

As I said in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Drake (Miss Fookes) on 4 June—[Vol. 985, c. 696–98]—I am urgently considering the lessons to be learnt from the recent case of Ronald Sailes and this will include consideration of whether police and other agencies should always be alerted to the presence in their area of a patient on leave from a special hospital.

National Health Service Consultants (West Midlands)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many unfilled consultants' posts there are in the National Health Service in the West Midlands region; how many of these are in the specialties of anaesthetics, geriatrics and mental subnormality; and if he will make a statement.

At 30 September 1979 there were 57 vacant consultant posts in West Midlands RHA. Of these, 11 were in anaesthetics, one in geriatric medicine and one in mental handicap.The medical school expansion programme is aimed at improving the supply of doctors overall, and this should help recruitment both to shortage specialties and to the less well-staffed regions. In addition the Department has been encouraging all regions to create additional training posts in certain specialties, including anaesthetics, geriatric medicine and mental handicap, so as to increase the numbers of consultants in these specialties.

Preventive Medicine

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the plans in his Department for an extension of preventive medicine; and if he will allocate special funds for this purpose.

I expect to publish later this year a statement of the Government's strategy on preventive medicine and on health and social services in England generally. The way the Government's strategy is implemented, and funds allocated locally, is a matter for the responsible health and local authorities.

Valium

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average price paid by the National Health Service for Valium as compared to the cheapest form of diaprazene purchased by his Department for the most convenient quantity and most recent period available to him.

Average prices for the NHS as a whole could not be calculated without collecting details, which are not held centrally, of quantities supplied for hospital use at prices for bulk supply. Excluding hospital supplies and formulations for which no alternatives exist, current list prices for Valium and the cheapest alternative form of diazepam are as set out below.

	£
Valium—
2 mg. tablets,1,000 (500 × 2)	8·84
5 mg. tablets,1,000 (500 × 2)	13·12
10 mg. tablets,500	9·70
Diazepam BP—
2 mg. tablets,1,000	4·20
5 mg. tablets,1,000	5·60
Sedapam—
10 mg. tablets,500 (100 × 5)	7·65

Civil Servants (Political Activities)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many civil servants in his Department of executive officer grade and above have sought permission to hold office in a political party at a local level for each of the last five years; how many of these were refused in each year; and for what reasons.

The rules currently governing political activities of civil servants place those of executive officer grade and above in the politically restricted group of civil servants who are completely barred from participating in national political activities."National political activities" include holding office as chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, treasurer, president and local agent in a local ward or constituency organisation of a national political party.

Year Ending	Number of Applications	Number of Applications Refused
31.5.75	2	2
31.5.77	4	4
31.5.78	4	4
31.5.79	–	–
31.5.80	4	4

Drugs (Expenditure)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of National Health Service gross spending, that is before prescription charges, on prescribed drugs for 1980—81.

Including fees and allowances for dispensing, the estimated gross cost of prescriptions for drugs and appliances in England in 1980–81 is £934 million.

Employment

European Community (Labour And Social Affairs Council)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what discussions he has had at the EC Labour and Social Affairs Council on the Commission communication guidelines for a Community labour marketing policy; and if he will make a statement ;(2) what discussions he has had at the EC Labour and Social Affairs Council concerning industrial health and safety, equal rights and immigration; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 June 1980, c. 133] : My right hon. Friend represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Council of Ministers (Labour and Social Affairs) in Luxembourg on 9 June together with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security.The Council agreed a resolution on guidelines for a Community labour market policy which took note of the Commission's communication on this

The following table shows the number of applications received from executive officer grades and above in my Department for permission to hold office in a political party at a local level for each of the last five years, how many were refused in each year and for what reasons.

Reason for Refusal

The applications were refused because the applicants were members of the politically restricted group and the activities for which permission was sought lay in the national political field, as defined above, from which the officers were barred.

subject. The resolution recognises that efficient operation of the labour market has an important, if supporting, role in efforts to increase employment by ensuring the effective matching of jobs and people to fill them. The resolution sets out some broad objectives and suggested actions in the areas of labour market information and manpower services. It recognises that special attention needs to be given to the difficulties experienced by certain categories of worker, to the needs of disadvantaged regions and to the problems of particular sectors of industry such as those undergoing restructuring, and that better use should be made of the Community's financial instruments. The resolution also states that it is essential that managements and unions should participate in the implementation of these policies, and ends by asking the Commission, within the limits of available resources, to develop Community action in this area, and to promote co-operation between member States.

My right hon. Friend considers that the resolution is compatible with present policies in this country. The text will be made available to the House shortly.

The Council also reached agreement on a directive to protect workers from harmful exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work.

The Council received a progress report on the proposal for a directive on illegal migration and illegal employment. The Commission reported that there had been little progress in settling the difficulties this proposal caused for this and some other member States. Commissioner Vredeling proposed that the subject should next be discussed in the Community's Technical Committee on Free Movement of Workers with a view to finding a generally acceptable solution. The need to combat illegal immigration and illegal employment was also noted in the resolution on labour market policy.

There was no specific discussion of equal rights at this meeting of the Council.

The Council did, however, deal with some other matters. In discussion of the proposal from the Commission to extend the social security regulations to self-employed and insured non-employed nationals of member States my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security emphasised the importance the Government attach to reaching agreement by November 1980 on the measure. The Council confirmed its agreement with the main aspects of the text and expressed a firm determination to settle the outstanding difficulties at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers (Labour and Social Affairs). In particular, attempts are to be made to find a pragmatic solution to the problem of covering the non-employed.

A decision on a Commission proposal to extend the anti-poverty programme for two years from November 1980 was deferred. The Government indicated that they were not opposed to this proposal in principle. The Commission undertook to provide an interim report on the present programme in time for the next meeting of the Council of Ministers (Labour and Social Affairs).

The Council also agreed a revised procedure for improving the working methods for tripartite conferences, agreed conclusions on the Community's action programme for the vocational rehabilitation of the handicapped and briefly discussed the relationship between health and safety at the workplace and directives under the Commission's programme for removing barriers to trade in industrial products. The subject is to be further studied by officials.

Census Of Employment

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many letters from the Director of Statistics were sent to businesses informing them that there will be no annual census of employment for the current year; what was the cost to public funds; and why it was thought necessary to send a letter.

About 8,000 copies of the letter were sent at an estimated cost of about £1,800. They were sent to large firms only. Some of these, particularly those with many business addresses, make advance preparations for the completion of the census return and it was thought appropriate to advise them of the cancellation of the 1980 census so that the expense involved could be avoided. Local officials were asked to send the letter to any other employers who might be expected to make advance preparations. A number of employers telephoned to thank the Department for the letter.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the saving to public funds of not holding a census of employment for the current year.

It is estimated that not holding a 1980 census of employment yields a net saving of just over £2 million in public expenditure.

Youth Opportunities Programme

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will increase financial support for the youth opportunities programme.

I have increased financial support for the youth opportunities programme in the current year.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that sufficient steps are being taken to encourage ethnic minorities to participate in the youth opportunities programme.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that a number of steps have been taken to encourage the development of relevant provision for young people from the minorities, including publishing particular advice for sponsors and the design of schemes—many run by the minorities themselves—in areas where significant numbers of these young people are unemployed. The results thus far achieved in the youth opportunities programme, especially in relation to the firm undertakings to offer places to school leavers and young people unemployed for long periods, suggest that many from the ethnic minorities have participated.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many physically handicapped young persons have participated in the youth opportunities programme; and what proportion has been placed into employment.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it is not possible to say how many physically handicapped young people have participated in the youth opportunities programme or obtained employment after participation. The commission's aim is, so far is possible, to assist disabled young people to compete for employment

			January		February		March
			Males	Females	Males	Females	Males	Females
1970	…	…	526,483	85,324	520,186	86,243	517,018	84,754
1971	…	…	574,989	99,826	578,701	104,968	590,015	110,025
1972	…	…	782,184	144,431	781,211	143,886	780,235	144,442
1973	…	…	640,383	129,046	596,734	120,786	568,853	113,784
1974	…	…	505,326	92,365	507,076	92,117	501,880	88,191
1975	…	…	610,000^*	128,000^*	624,630	132,464	632,777	135,646
1976	…	…	981,308	270,518	978,817	274,610	962,494	272,079
1977	…	…	1,034,011	356,207	1,016,018	349,140	989,468	338,613
1978	…	…	1,070,179	414,508	1,045,196	400,667	1,014,393	384,587
1979	…	…	989,902	401,318	993,933	393,699	961,237	378,569
1980	…	…	970,361	434,028	985,185	436,803	979,317	432,393
^* Estimated

As a result of changing the attendance and payment of benefit from weekly to fortnightly the unemployment figures for October 1979 and later dates were raised by an amount estimated for Great Britain at about 20,000. For this reason figures for 1980 are not strictly comparable with those for earlier years.

Industrial Training Boards

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how much public expenditure would be saved if the industrial training boards were entirely financed by the industries they serve.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the cost to public funds of meeting the operating costs of industrial training boards in the current financial year is estimated to amount to £51 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many full and part-time staff would be released from the public service if the industrial training opportunities. While some schemes and courses in the youth opportunities programme seek to give specific help to disabled young people they are generally encouraged to take part in opportunities available to all young people

Unemployment Statistics

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report (a) total female unemployment and (b) total male unemployment in the first quarters of each year since 1970.

The following table gives the numbers of males and females, who were registered as unemployed in Great Britain at the dates specified.boards were returned to the control of the industries concerned.

If the administrative expenses of industrial training boards were once again to be paid from levy on employers instead of from Exchequer funds this would lead to a reduction in the work undertaken by civil servants in the Manpower Services Commission, the Civil Service Department and in my Department. I would expect some consequential staff saving, but the amount would depend on the precise arrangements and circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the report of the Manpower Services Commission into industrial training boards will be available for the meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts with the commission on 16 June.

No. I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the review body is not expected to complete its work before 30 June.

Redundancy Payments (Wool Textile Industry)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average level of redundancy payments to each person made redundant in the wool textile industry in West Yorkshire over the past 12 months.

Figures are not available for this precise geographical and industrial category. For workers employed in textiles generally in the Yorkshire and Humberside region the average statutory redundancy payment made in the 12-month period to March 1980 was £327.

Small Businesses (Construction Industry Training Board Levy)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will bring forward proposals for exempting small electrical contracting businesses or, alternatively, ensuring that they get value for money from the Construction Industry Training Board; and if he will make a statement.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the Construction Industry Training Board does exempt the smallest firms from levy. My hon. Friend will know that the operations of industry training boards generally are being examined as part of the review of the Employment and Training Act 1973 currently being carried out by the Manpower Services Commission. The Government will be considering what changes may be needed to the present arrangements in the light of that report, which we expect to receive in July of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, in view of the unfairness to small businesses of having to make contributions to the Construction Industry Training Board out of proportion to the use which they make of it, if he will seek to mitigate the burden upon them of the levy.

[pursuant to his reply, 13 June 1980, c. 250]: The operations of industry training boards are being examined as part of the review of the Employment and Training Act 1973 currently being carried out by the Manpower Services Commission. The Government will be considering what changes may be needed to the present arrangements in the light of that report, which we expect to receive in July of this year.

Work Experience

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the education and training content of the work experience on employers' premises module of the youth opportunities programme; and if he will make a statement.

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

Careers Service

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many specialist posts in the careers service have been funded by his Department in 1978–79 and 1979–80.

The number of posts funded under my Department's scheme to strengthen the staffing of the careers service in areas of high unemployment in England was : 1 April 1978: 381, 1 October 1978: 496 and 1 April 1980: 567. Each post additionally attracted a 10 per cent. allowance for routine clerical support. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales are responsible for the corresponding arrangements for the scheme in their respective territories. Comparable figures for Scotland were 69, 91, and 105; and for Wales 40, 53 and 68.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many of the specialist posts in the careers service funded by his Department have been taken up by the local education authorities.

On 18 May 1980 all but 27 of the posts in Great Britain under the scheme to strengthen the careers service in areas of high unemployment had been taken up by local authorities. At that time not all authorities had responded to the letters offering posts allocated in April 1980.

Consett

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of redundancies notified to his Department for the Consett travel-to-work area in the 12 months following May 1979.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the numbers and percentages of unemployed male and female registered disabled persons in the Consett travel-to-work area.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the information requested is set out below. The figures are for 8 May 1980, the latest date for which information is available, and the unemployment rate expresses the number of unemployed registered disabled people as a percentage of all those on the disabled persons register in each category.

	Number of unemployed registered disabled people	Unemployment rate amongst registered disabled people Per cent.
Males	211	20·6
Females	28	19·2
	239	20·5

Byssinosis (Compensation)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons suffering from byssinosis are known to his Department to have sued their employers for compensation in the last 10

		Part·time^*employment 1977
			Males		Females
			Numbers (Thousands)	Per cent. of all employed males	Numbers (Thousands)	Per cent. of all employed females
United Kingdom	…	…	307	2·1	3,787	40·4
Belgium	…	…	24	1·0	181	16·1
Denmark	…	…	37	2·7	373	42·4
France	…	…	296	2·3	1,232	15·2
Germany (FR)	…	…	167	1·1	2,199	24·4
Irish Republic	…	…	12	1·6	25	9·6
Italy	…	…	150	1·2	311	5·9
Luxembourg	…	…	1	0·8	5	12·3
Netherlands	…	…	51	1·5	219	19·0
Source :
Eurostat—"Labour Force Sample Survey 1977"
Notes :
^*According to how respondents regard themselves
Because the data are liable to sampling errors they should not be regarded as being accurate to the number of digits shown. Smaller figures should be regarded with particular caution

years and in how many cases successfully; and if he will now grant lump sum compensation to all such persons, irrespective of whether their former employers now continue in business or not.

No information is available about the number of actions for damages brought by sufferers from byssinosis or their outcome; such actions may be settled out of court. Because it is a condition of entitlement to a payment under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 introduced by the last Government that every relevant former employer of the disabled person has ceased to carry on business, there is no statutory authority to make payments if this condition is not satisfied.

Part-Time Workers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many men and women are engaged in part-time work in Great Britain; what percentage of the work force this represents; and what are the figures for each country in the European Economic Community and Scandinavia.

[pursuant to his reply, 13 June 1980, c. 250]: Following is the latest available information for countries of the European Community. Comparable figures for the other countries requested are not available.

Trade

Estate Agents Act 1979

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what progress has been made towards implementing the Estate Agents Act 1979.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Paddington (Mr. Wheeler).

Coal Imports

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list the names of countries from which coal is imported into Great Britain and the price per ton of coal from each country.

This information for the year 1979 was given in my answer to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Cunliffe) on 18 February 1980.—[Vol. 979, c. 446–448.]

Exports

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how much of current exports by trade and volume are accounted for by North Sea oil.

In 1979 the share of exports of crude oil in total United Kingdom exports of goods was 6½ per cent. at current prices, and 6 per cent. at constant 1975 prices.

"Aeolian Sky"

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what further progress has been made in ascertaining what cargo remains within the holds of the "Aeolian Sky"; and what steps are being taken to remove or contain it.

The results of the dive commissioned by the Department of Trade and carried out in April, combined with the continuing negative reports of chemicals on the beaches of coastal authorities, confirm that the state of the cargo in the "Aeolian Sky" has stabilised, with the hazardous chemicals essentially remaining in No. 1 and No. 2 holds along with other general cargo.Trinity House has decided that some of the wreck must be demolished in order to achieve a sufficiently safe depth of water over it, and it has agreed in the first instance that the cargoes in holds 1 and 2, and the 600 tons of bunker oil and 200 tons of oil for auxiliaries must be removed.Tenders for this work are due within the next two weeks.

Waste Paper

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the total weight of wastepaper exported from the United Kingdom to all sources in 1979.

[pursuant to his reply, 16 June 1980, c. 372]: This information is published under SITC (Rev 2) Subgroup 251–1 in table VI of the December 1979 issue of the Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, which is available in the Library.

Footwear Industry

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the value of exports of United Kingdom footwear products in the first quarter of the current year; and what was the value of imports from all sources for the same period into the United Kingdom.

[pursuant to his reply, 16 June 1980, c. 366]: This information is published against division 85 in tables II (Imports) and V (Exports) of the March 1980 issue of the Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, which is available in the Library.

Prime Minister (Engagements)

Q4.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q5.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q6.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q8.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q9.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q10.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q12.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q15.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q16.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q17.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q18.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q19.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June

Q20.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q22.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q23.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q24.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q25.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q26.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q27.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

Q28.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q29.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q30.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q31.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q32.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q33.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q36.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 17 June.

Q37.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 17 June.

I refer the hon. Members and my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. Wilson).

Tuc

Q7.

asked the Prime Minister when last she met the Trades Union Congress general council.

Q21.

asked the Prime Minister when she last met the leaders of the Trades Union Congress.

I meet representatives of the TUC at NEDC and on other occasions. Further meetings will be arranged as necessary.

Blisland

Q11.

asked the Prime Minister whether she has any plans to pay an official visit to Blisland.

I have at present no plans to do so.

Coal Industry (South Wales)

Q13.

asked the Prime Minister if she will set up an inquiry to examine the future of the coal industry in South Wales.

No.

Civil Service Manpower (Departmental Co-Ordination)

Q14.

asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the coordination between Departments on the cuts in Civil Service manpower.

Yes.

European Community (Farm Prices)

Q34.

asked the Prime Minister whether Her Majesty's Government have entered into any commitment, express or implied, to agree to any increase in European Economic Community farm prices in 1981 or subsequent years.

No.

United States Secretary Of Defence

Q35.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will make a statement on her meeting with the United States Secretary of Defence in London on 2 June.

We discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest to the United Kingdom and United States.

Patronage Of The Arts (Speech)

Q38.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will place in the Library a copy of her public speech in London on 27 May on the subject of patronage of the arts.

I did so on 12 June.

Education And Science

Iranian Students

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what is the average length of time for which a student from Iran stays in the United Kingdom whilst pursuing his studies at an institution of higher education ;(2) what is the longest period of time for which a student from Iran has stayed in the United Kingdom in order to pursue his studies.

This information is not collected in the form requested.

Departmental Staff

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans further to reduce his Department's staff establishment.

Yes. In addition to the savings of 155 posts announced last December, my Department will make manpower savings equivalent to 65 posts as a consequence of the cash limits for Civil Service pay announced earlier this year. I am also considering the contribution my Department will make to the further reductions in Civil Service numbers over the period up to 1984 announced by the Prime Minister on 13 May.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish the job definition of each member of his Department's staff.

This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Students (Dependent Territories)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, when considering the report of the Education, Science and Arts Select Committee on fees for overseas students, if the Government will give weight to the claims of students from dependent territories, such as Hong Kong, to equal treatment with European Economic Community students in the matter of university and other further education fees in Great Britain.

The Government will consider all factors relevant to the recommendations of the Select Committee report.

Curriculum And Educational Standards

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied that, with rolls due to fall by 13 per cent. and staffing by 12½ per cent., the curriculum and educational standards can be protected.

The Government's declared policy is to maintain and improve the quality of education, and planned teacher provision in Cmnd. 7841—the public expenditure paper—was designed with this in mind. Our current consultations on a framework for the school curriculum are intended to emphasise the importance of developing local curricular policies which take account of falling rolls.

Educational Maintenance Allowances

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will reconsider his policy on educational maintenance allowances with a view to encouraging increased participation in full-time further education and reducing youth unemployment.

Local education authorities have discretion to pay maintenance allowances to pupils over compulsory school age, and to grant awards to students in further education. They are well placed to judge the priority which expenditure of this kind should enjoy. There are many other factors which affect participation in full-time further education, and the local authority associations and ourselves are currently considering them in our review of educational provision for 16 to 19-year-olds.

Industry

South-East Economic Planning Region

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he considers that the services provided by the staff in the South-East economic planning region of his Department during the past year have been satisfactory.

Yes. The present South-Eastern regional office of the Department of Industry came into being on 17 December 1979 as a result of the merging of the London and South-Eastern and Eastern regional offices. If my hon. Friend has any reason to think that services have not been satisfactory will he please let me know?

West Glamorgan

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many firms of which he is aware that were interested in coming to West Glamorgan have gone elsewhere since December 1979 because of the Government's intentions to downgrade the regional assistance which the area now has.

I have not been made aware of any firm which was interested in coming to West Glamorgan having changed its plans because of the proposed changes in regional assistance.

South Wales

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what reply he has made to the representations made to him by the chairman of Into Europe regarding future investment in South Wales, giving the chairman's disquiet about the loss of development area status.

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

Catalionia Paper Tubes Limited

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what grants have been given by his Department to Catalionia Paper Tubes Limited, near Bradford; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 16 June 1980, c. 388]: Any application for regional development grant or selective financial assistance is a commercial matter and as such is treated as being in confidence between the Department of Industry and the company. However, all payments of over £25,000 of regional development grant and of over £5,000 of selective financial assistance are published in British Business, the journal of the Departments of Industry and Trade.

Manufacturing Plants (Foreign Companies)

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if it is the policy of his Department to assist foreign companies to set up manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom in sectors where existing manufacturers can meet total market demand and have spare capacity.

[pursuant to his reply, 16 June 1980, c. 388]: It is the policy of the Government to encourage investment in industrial, commercial and research activities in the United Kingdom by home and foreign-owned companies. Regional development grants are available to manufacturing enterprises in the assisted areas, regardless of the nationality of ownership. Selective financial assistance is provided in certain cases, where the new investment brings particular economic benefits. In assessing such benefits, the possible displacement effects on existing British enterprises are taken into account.

Scotland

Western Isles (European Community Development)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on progress with the European Economic Community scheme for a £20 million development in the Western Isles.

The working group of officials which has been considering the three integrated development programmes that were included in a wide-ranging package of proposed agricultural structures measures has not been able to reach agreement. The proposals have been referred back to Ministers and are being considered at the Agriculture Council in Luxembourg today.

Crofter Housing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, on what date he will announce the raising of the level of grant and loan for crofter housing.

I have no plans for raising the level of grant and loan for crofter housing at present.

Teachers (Pay)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the salaries of (a) principal teachers, (b) assistant rectors, (c) deputy rectors and (d) rectors of large secondary schools as they were on 1 May 1979; and as they will be on 1 October of the current year, if the current offer of 14 per cent. on top of the Clegg award is accepted; and what percentage increase there has been in each case between these two dates.

The information is set out in the following table :

	(1)	(2)	(3)
	Salary at 1 May 1979	Salary at 1 October 1980	Percentage increase
	£	£
Principal Teacher	7,806	10,632	36·20
Assistant Rector	8,211	11,358	38·33
Deputy Rector	8,802	12,231	38·96
Rector	11,751	16,596	41·23

Notes :

1. All the teachers concerned are assumed to be honours graduates paid at the maximum of the basic secondary scale.

2. For the purpose of this Reply, a large school, is defined as a secondary school, making provision for a course of secondary education extending over not less than four years, with the following numbers of pupils :

(a) in the whole school	1,001 or more
(b) in secondary classes	1,701–2,100
(c) in fourth and later years	501–600

3. Columns (2) and (3) are compiled on the assumption that a 14 per cent. increase would be paid at each point of each scale and on each responsibility allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the minimum and maximum annual salary for (a) a college trained primary school teacher, (b) an ordinary graduate, and equivalents in a secondary school and (c) an honours graduate in a secondary school, on 1 May 1979, and as it will be on 1 October of the current year if the current offer of 14 per cent. on top of the Clegg award is accepted; and what percentage increase there has been in each case between these two dates.

The information is set out in the following table :

		Salary at 1 May 1979		Salary at 1 October 1980
					(Percentage increase over		(Percentage increase over
		Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	column (1))	Maximum	column (2))
		£	£	£		£
		(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)
PRIMARY (Basic Scale): College·trained teacher	…	3,516	4,980	4,805	(36·6)	7,459	(49·78)
SECONDARY (Basic Scale): Ordinary graduate and equivalent	…	3,783	5,592	5,045	(33·36	7,507	(34·25)
Honours graduate	…	3,930	5,850	5,243	(33·41	7,869	34·51)

Notes :

1. All figures relate to basic pay scale. No account is taken of responsibility allowances for teachers in promoted posts.

2. Columns (3)–(6) are compiled on the assumption that a 14 per cent. increase would be paid at each point of each scale.

School Transport

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in each education authority receive free school transport; and if he will express each figure per 1,000 of the school population in each authority.

The information for September 1979, the latest date for which information is available centrally, is as follows :

	Number receiving free transport	Number per thousand pupils
Borders	5,200	293
Central	11,917	223
Dumfries and Galloway	10,300	384
Fife	12,197	162
Grampian	14,568	167
Highland	10,524	270
Lothian	19,932	151
Strathclyde	78,000	160
Tayside	7,533	105
Orkney	1,600	458
Shetland	1,400	331
Western Isles	1,764	275

Hampden Park

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the Government's attitude towards the redevelopment of Hampden Park.

I have reviewed the Government's intention to support the proposed redevelopment of Hampden Park football ground. Particularly in the light of the latest estimates of the costs involved I have come reluctantly to the conclusion that the Government would not be justified in putting resources into this project at a time when our overriding priority must be to contain public expenditure. The Government will meet an appropriate share of any abortive expenditure incurred by Hampden Park Ltd. The remainder of the money which the Government would have been prepared to put into the reconstruction of Hampden Park will instead be used to assist services for which I am responsible in promoting the regeneration of the West of Scotland.

Wales

Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from local authorities in Wales regarding his review of the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977.

Comments have been received from the Council for the Principality. These included comments from Cardiff city council. The information received was mainly of a factual nature. No specifically Welsh issues of policy were identified.

Industrial Development (West Glamorgan)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many industrial visits there have been to West Glamorgan since 1 December 1979, for each month.

The numbers of visits with which the Welsh Office has been associated are as follows :

December 1979	1
January 1980	5
February 1980	6
March 1980	2
April 1980	0
May 1980	2

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many industrial inquiries have been received for West Glamorgan since 1 December 1979, for each month.

The numbers of inquiries received by the Welsh Office are as follows :

December 1979	8
January 1980	14
February 1980	12
March 1980	16
April 1980	8
May 1980	6

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many firms who have either made inquiries or visited West Glamorgan since December 1979 asked for assurances as regards the development status of the county; and what assurances were given.

Precise details of all questions asked by representatives of companies are not kept. Those who sought assurances as regards the assisted area status of West Glamorgan were informed that the matter was under consideration.

Defence

Supersonic Air Cover (Royal Navy)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he can report on the provision of supersonic air cover for the Royal Navy when operating outside land-based defences.

Royal Navy Sea Harriers, which are, of course, subsonic aircraft, will provide air defence for the Fleet to supplement shipborne surface-to-air missile systems. According to the nature of operations—or exercises—being undertaken additional cover may be provided by supersonic combat aircraft embarked on United States Navy carriers.Preliminary studies are in hand to identify a replacement for the Sea Harrier, but it will not be necessary to make a final decision for some time.

Departmental Housing (Chippenham)

15.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many houses owned by his Department are vacant in the parliamentary constituency of Chippenham; and what percentage this represents of the total number.

There are about 630 vacant Ministry of Defence houses in the parliamentary constituency of Chippenham, representing 30 per cent. of the houses held in that area. We plan to dispose of half of them this year and more later, as the surplus quarters are identified. Not all vacant married quarters are surplus; some are awaiting repair or modernisation or are held against future requirements.

Cruise Missiles

17.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received regarding the sitings for cruise missiles in the United Kingdom.

24.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning the siting of missiles in the United Kingdom.

I refer the hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Members for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) and for Newport (Mr. Hughes) earlier today.

Nuclear Deterrent

18.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now state the options under review for replacement of the British nuclear deterrent.

No, but I have already undertaken to publish a paper after a decision is announced setting out the options. I can assure the House that the most careful consideration is being given to all the various possible options.

Straits Of Hormuz

20.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what work has been carried out by the Hydrographer to the Royal Navy in the area of the Straits of Hormuz over the past five years; and what contracts for work with the Gulf States are currently in progress.

A Royal Navy hydro-graphic vessel conducted a limited survey in the Straits of Hormuz in 1976. No contracts for work with Gulf States are currently in progress; nor have any been let.

Chemical Warfare (Nato Capability)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the United States Secretary of Defence regarding a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation potential offensive capability, for deterrent purposes, in chemical warfare; and whether he will make a statement.

We keep in close touch with our NATO Allies about all aspects of the threat posed by the massive buildup of Soviet forces. Unlike NATO, which has concentrated on defensive measures, Soviet forces maintain large stocks of chemical weapons. The United Kingdom is committed to seeking a ban on the possession of such weapons, but unwillingness on the part of the Soviet Union to countenance the very necessary verification measures which would be an essential safeguard means we cannot hope for early progress.

United States Navy (London Accommodation)

22.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has been able to offer to the United States Navy suitable accommodation for its personnel working in London which constitutes an acceptable alternative to proposed lease-construct accommodation at West Ruislip air base; and if he will make a statement.

I have asked for the necessary survey of alternative accommodation in the London area and of our future housing requirements to be completed with maximum speed so that I may announce a decision on this matter before the recess.

Reserve Forces

23.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the current levels of manpower, as a percentage of establishment, in each of the reserve forces of the Crown.

The manning level in the Territorial Army is currently 86 per cent.; the Royal Naval Reserve 76 per cent.; the Royal Marines Reserve 66 per cent.; and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force 67 per cent.

Strategic Defence Commitments (Scotland)

25.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what strategic defence commitments are planned for Scotland; and what will be the estimated cost over the next five years.

Scotland shares in the strategic defence of the whole of the United Kingdom. I am not able to provide cost figures in the manner requested by the hon. Gentleman.

Gross National Product (Defence Expenditure)

26.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what impact a decline in gross national product, in real terms, is. likely to have on defence expenditure in each of the next three years.

The Government's defence expenditure plans have not changed since the publication of the public expenditure White Paper (Cmnd. 7841).

Royal Air Force (Aircraft Accident Figures)

27.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will give the accident figures of Royal Air Force aircraft in each of the last six quarters.

Details of RAF aircraft accidents involving loss of, or serious damage to, the aircraft during 1979 are published at annex D to the "Statement on the Defence Estimates, 1980" (Cmnd. 7826—1).For the first quarter of 1980 and for the second quarter so far the figures are four and eight respectively.

Merseyside (Shipbuilding And Repair Contracts)

28.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what Government defence contracts have been awarded to shipyards on Merseyside for shipbuilding and ship repairing during the past year.

Since May 1979 the following Royal Navy contracts for refits or major repairs have been placed with Merseyside firms; refit of RFA "Sir Tristram" and repairs to training ship "Dee" with CBS Engineering Limited; refit of ocean survey ship "Hydra" and annual survey and repairs to "Tern" an Army range security vessel, with Ocean Fleets Limited; and conversion to RFAs of "Appleleaf" and "Brambleleaf" with Cammell Laird, which has also done some experimental work on RFA "Tarbatness".

Challenger Multi-Battle Tank

29.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the provision of Challenger multi-battle tanks to the British Army.

I am carefully considering possible means of strengthening our existing armoured capability, and a decision will be announced as soon as possible.

Royal Dockyards

30.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now publish the report on the future of the Royal dockyards.

My right hon. Friend intends to issue a consultative document based on my report as soon as possible.

Motor Combat Vehicle 80

31.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to be in a position to announce a firm order for the motor combat vehicle 80.

A decision on the selection of the vehicle to meet the Army's requirement for a new armoured personnel carrier will be announced within the next few months.

Nuclear Alerts (United States Of America)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will undertake immediate discussions with the United States Defence Secretary on the three nuclear alerts that have occurred in the last seven months; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) on 11 June 1980.—[Vol. 986, c. 193.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Keighley of 11 June, whether a defensive response by the United States of America involves the preparation and potential deployment of nuclear missiles aimed at the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

I have already explained to the House what action was taken by the United States as a result of the two false alerts on 3 and 6 June.

Royal Dockyards

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he now expects the consultation document on the Royal dockyards to be published.

My right hon. Friend intends to issue as soon as possible the consultative document on the future of the Royal dockyards.

General Service Medal (Suez Canal Zone)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will recommend that a general service medal be granted to those members of Her Majesty's forces involved in the Suez Canal Zone in 1951–52.

No, for the reasons given to my hon. Friend on 28 January 1980.—[Vol. 977, c. 545.]

Naval Vessels (Chile)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent request he has received from the Government of Chile for spares required for the repair of British-built vessels of the Chilean Navy; and what response he has made.

Requests for spares for vessels supplied under certain contracts existing at the time the embargo was imposed continue to be received and met. As my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office told my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor) on 2 June, the embargo on the sale of arms to Chile is under review but no conclusions have yet been reached.—[Vol. 985, c. 586.]

Armed Services (Uniform And Footwear Suppliers)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what criteria suppliers of uniform and footwear for the Armed Services are chosen.

Any firm wishing to tender for supplies to the Ministry of Defence may apply for registration on the defence contractors list. Before registration, firms have to satisfy the Ministry that their financial and technical resources are adequate.

Home Department

London Underground (Police Operations)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to when officers of the Metropolitan Police commenced special operations on the London Underground in support of the British Transport police; what the state of reported crimes was before the special operation commenced; and what progress has since been achieved.

The present operation, which involves officers of the Metropolitan Police Special Patrol Group travelling on the London Underground, began on 2 June. The operation was mounted in response to concern at the disorder caused by some people using the Underground and, although detailed statistics of the effect on crime levels are not available, I understand that the response to the operation has been encouraging.

Foreign Police (United Kingdom Investigations)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedure is used when officers of foreign police forces wish to come to the United Kingdom in pursuance of their investigations of crimes such as major international frauds; and whether foreign police authorities have made any representations to him concerning the arrangements.

Requests by foreign police forces for assistance in the investigation of crime are generally made through the national central bureau of Interpol at New Scotland Yard. Assistance is normally granted provided that the inquiries relate to an offence which would be regarded as a criminal offence if it had been committed in this country and provided that the member of the foreign police force is accompanied in the United Kingdom by a British police officer. These arrangements operate satisfactorily and we have received no representations that would suggest otherwise.

Police Officers (Offensive Weapons)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have been convicted of carrying an offensive weapon in a public place in each of the last three years.

This information is not available centrally.

Olympic Games (Television Coverage)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations have taken place with the Independent Broadcasting Authority and the British Broadcasting Corporation over the coverage of the Olympic Games.

None, for the reasons given in the reply I gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch and Lymington (Mr. Adley) on 28 February.—[Vol. 979, c. 681–82.] As to coverage, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Lambeth, Central (Mr. Tilley) on 2 May.—[Vol. 983, c. 706–7.] A further joint statement was issued by the broadcasting authorities on 5 June to the effect that they had now decided that the total sports coverage should be less than a quarter of the 170–180 hours which each service first planned. Detailed plans are to be considered separately by the two governing bodies.

Immigrants (Voluntary Repatriation)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider employing bodies, other than the International Social Service of Great Britain, to administer schemes for voluntary repatriation in areas other than Brixton.

The scheme administered by the International Social Service of Great Britain already covers the whole of the country. We see no need for any changes in the present arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the reasons why, of the 4,198 people who have approached the International Social Service of Great Britain with a view to seeking assistance with voluntary repatriation, only 1,630 have eventually made formal applications for assistance.

None, so far.

Ashford Remand Centre

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why over 100 adults and children visiting inmates at Ashford remand centre on Monday 9 June were kept waiting from the normal visiting time of 1.30 pm to 3.05 pm; and whether he will make a statement.

Visits to inmates at the remand centre were delayed as a result of industrial action taken by members of the Prison Officers' Association at Ashford. The staff held an unofficial meeting at 1.30 pm and prevented visits from starting at the proper time. The staff action was taken in the knowledge that the afternoon routine for inmates and visitors would be seriously affected. Visitors waiting to enter the remand centre were seen by an assistant governor and the situation explained to them.

Prison Department Establishments

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will list all new prison department establishments planned or under construction, giving in each case (a) the type of institution, (b) number of places, (c) number of staff, (d) present stage of planning or construction and expected completion date, (e) estimated capital cost, (f) estimated running costs, and (g) the parliamentary constituency it is located in.

My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State will write to the hon. Member.

Fall-Out Shelters

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out proposals for (a) issuing from his Department certificates of approval for fall-out shelter designs submitted by manufacturing or constructing companies, (b) guidelines on the suitability of types of shelter designs and construction and (c) measures to discredit and prevent the sale to the public by unscrupulous firms of unsuitable or inadequate shelter structures.

By the end of the year we aim to publish guidelines on a range of domestic shelters. We have no plans to issue certificates of approval for particular designs. The existing law should be adequate to deal with the sale of shelters which would fail to provide the level of protection claimed for them, but we shall keep the position under review.

Remanded Persons

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average time spent in 1978 and 1979 by prisoners remanded in custody, awaiting trial or sentence (a) for England and Wales and (b) in Brixton prison.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor) on 27 March 1980.—[Vol. 981, c. 663.]

Saltwick Store (Tranwell Airfield, Morpeth)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Saltwick store on the former Tranwell airfield, near Morpeth, is being made available for sale or letting on the open market.

I have been asked to reply.The supply and transport store at Saltwick has not been declared surplus by the Home Office.

Police Complaints Board (Triennial Review)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the triennial review which has been submitted to him by the Police Complaints Board and ask for public comment.

I have received the board's triennial review report and I am carefully considering what it says. It is my intention to publish the report in due course.

Scientologists (Ban)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now either lift the ban on foreign Scientologists wishing to enter the United Kingdom to participate in perfectly legal activities in connection with Scientology or publish his reasons for continuing the ban.

The ban is under review, but we are not yet in a position to make an announcement.

National Finance

European Community (Imports)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what goods imported from third countries are subject to the common external tariff; what total tariff value in European units of account is obtained for Community resources from each type of import; and if the Commission will tabulate imports from third countries in each individual member State, indicating the total contribution to Community own resources made by each import sub-heading in each country in 1979.

All goods imported from all third countries are subject to the

million EUA
			Customs duties	Agricultural levies	Sugar levies
Belgium	…	…	335·7	229·7	30·8
Denmark	…	…	124·3	7·9	21·1
Germany	…	…	1,586·6	263·7	146·3
France	…	…	754·2	96·5	152·3
Ireland	…	…	57·1	3·6	4·6
Italy	…	…	497·2	410·6	45·9
Luxembourg	…	…	3·8	01	—
Netherlands	…	…	485·6	313·2	37·8
United Kingdom	…	…	1,344·6	353·2	26·1
			5,189·1	1,678·5	464·9

Personal Taxation

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish for each year since 1950, and for each of a single person, a single wage married couple and a single wage couple with two children, tables showing (a) average male manual earnings, (b) deductions for

common external tariff. Under various multilateral agreements between the European Economic Community and third countries or groups of third countries, duty less than that of the common external tariff is applicable under certain conditions. Full details are published in the "United Kingdom Tariff", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

I assume that for the remainder of the question my hon. Friend is referring to receipts of customs duties and agricultural levies collected for the Community as part of own resources. A breakdown of receipts in the three financial years 1976–1979 of customs duties by tariff chapter is published in table 55 of the report of the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise for the year ended 31 March 1979. An alternative analysis in sterling of customs duties collected in 1979 was given to my hon. Friend in my answer of 8 May.—[Vol. 984, c. 189–90.] A broad analysis of agricultural levies could similarly be made available. Further subdivision into all types of imports could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost. Similar information for other member States is not available.

The yields of customs duties, agricultural levies and sugar levies in 1979 for each member State are :

income tax and national insurance contributions, separate and combined totals, ( c) family allowance child benefit, where appropriate and ( d) net incomes at average earnings, at current and 1970 prices including under each column the percentage changes since the previous year.

The figures are as follows :

TABLE 1
SINGLE PERSON ON AVERAGE MALE MANUAL EARNINGS
Year			Average weekly earnings	Tax	NIC	Tax+NIC	Pay after lax and NIC deductions (net income)	Net income at 1969–70 prices	Percentage change on previous year of net income at 1969–70 prices
			£	£	£	£	£	£
1949–50	…	…	7·13	0·90	0·25	1·15	5·98	11·93
1950–51	…	…	7·52	0·82	0·25	1·07	6·45	12·33	3·4
1951–52	…	…	8·30	1·09	0·25	1·34	6·96	12·29	−0·3
1952–53	…	…	8·93	1·00	0·27	1·27	7·66	12·88	4·8
1953–54	…	…	9·46	1·00	0·29	1·29	8·17	13·51	4·9
1954–55	…	…	10·22	1·21	0·29	1·50	8·72	14·11	4·4
1955–6	…	…	11·15	1·41	0·33	1·74	9·41	14·68	4·0
1956–57	…	…	11·90	1·61	0·34	1·95	9·95	14·92	1·6
1957–58	…	…	12·58	1·78	0·37	2·15	10·43	15·16	1·6
1958–59	…	…	12·83	1·86	0·49	2·35	10·48	15·01	−1·0
1959–60	…	…	13·55	1·90	0·50	2·40	11·15	15·97	6·5
1960–61	…	…	14·53	219	0·50	2·69	11·84	16·68	4·4
1961–62	…	…	15·34	2·38	0·77	3·15	12·19	16·51	−1·0
1962–63	…	…	15·86	2·54	0·78	3·32	12·54	16·37	−0·8
1963–64	…	…	16·75	2·70	0·89	3·59	1316	16·90	3·2
1964–65	…	…	18·11	3·11	0·97	4·08	14·03	17·31	2·4
1965–66	…	…	19·59	3·70	1·07	4·77	14·82	17·42	0·6
1966–67	…	…	20·30	3·93	1·09	5·02	15·28	17·35	−0·4
1967–68	…	…	21·37	4·27	1·17	5·44	15·93	17·68	1·9
1968–69	…	…	23·00	4·79	1·33	6·12	16·88	17·75	0·4
1969–70	…	…	24·83	5·38	1·42	6·80	18·03	18·03	1·6
1970–71	…	…	28·05	6·42	1·64	8·06	19·99	18·65	3·4
1971–72	…	…	31·10	6·95	1·79	8·74	22·36	19·10	2·4
1972–73	…	…	35·45	7·26	2·10	9·36	26·09	20·80	8·9
1973·74	…	…	40·85	8·82	2·41	11·23	29·62	21·36	2·7
1974–75	…	…	49·65	12·42	2·95	15·37	34·28	20·98	−1·8
1975–76	…	…	60·40	16·60	3·32	19·92	40·48	19·88	−5·2
1976–77	…	…	68·30	18·96	3·93	22·89	45·41	19·35	−2·7
1977–78	…	…	76·10	19·70	4·38	24·08	52·02	19·44	0·5
1978–79	…	…	86·85	21·26	5·65	36·91	59·94	20·69	6·4
1979–80	…	…	101·30	22·95	6·58	29·53	71·77	21·39	3·4

TABLE 2
MARRIED COUPLE, HUSBAND ON AVERAGE MALE MANUAL EARNINGS
Year			Average weekly earnings	Tax	NIC	Tax+NIC	Pay after tax and NIC deductions (net income)	Net income at 1969–70 prices	Percentage change on previous year of net income at 1969–70 prices
			£	£	£	£	£	£
1940–50	…	…	7·13	0·49	0·25	0·74	6·39	12·74
1950–51	…	…	7·52	0·49	0·25	0·74	6·78	12·96	1·7
1951–52	…	…	8·30	0·67	0·25	0·92	7·38	13·04	0·6
1952–53	…	…	8·93	0·52	0·27	0·79	8·14	13·68	4·9
1953–54	…	…	9·46	0·56	0·29	0·85	8·61	14·23	40
1954–55	…	…	10·22	0·70	0·29	0·99	9·23	14·94	5·0
1955–56	…	…	11·15	0·78	0·33	1·11	10·04	15·67	4·9
1956–57	…	…	11·90	0·96	0·34	1·30	10·60	15·90	1·5
1957–58	…	…	12·58	1·14	0·37	1·51	11·07	16·09	1·2
1958–59	…	…	12·83	1·20	0·49	1·69	11·14	15·95	−0·9
1959–60	…	…	13·55	1·24	0·50	1·74	11·81	16·91	6·0
1960–61	…	…	14·53	1·48	0·50	1·98	12·55	17·68	4·6
1961–62	…	…	15·34	1·63	0·77	2·40	12·94	17·52	−0·9
1962–63	…	…	15·86	1·79	0·78	2·57	13·29	17·35	−0·9
1963–64	…	…	16·75	1·80	0·89	2·69	14·06	18·05	4·0
1964–65	…	…	18·11	2·21	0·97	3·18	14·93	18·42	2·0
1965–66	…	…	19·59	2·75	1·07	3·82	15·77	18·54	0·7
1966–67	…	…	20·30	2·97	1·09	4·06	16·24	18·44	–0·6
1967–68	…	…	21·37	3·32	1·17	4·49	16·88	18·74	1·6
1968–69	…	…	2300	3·84	1·33	5·17	17·83	18·75	0·1
1969–70	…	…	24·83	4·43	1·42	5·85	18·98	18·98	1·2
1970–71	…	…	28·05	5·31	1·64	6·95	21·10	19·69	3·7
1971–72	…	…	3110	5·91	1·79	7·70	23·40	19·98	1·5
1972–73	…	…	35·45	6·21	2·10	8·31	27·14	21·64	8·3
1973–74	…	…	40·85	7·78	2·41	10·19	30·66	22·11	2·2
1974–75	…	…	49·65	10·90	2·95	13·85	35·80	21·91	−0·9
1975–76	…	…	60·40	14·71	3·32	18·03	42·37	20·81	−5·0
1976–77	…	…	68·30	16·60	3·93	20·53	47·77	20·36	−2·2
1977–78	…	…	76·10	16·36	4·38	20·74	55·36	20·69	1·6
1978–79	…	…	86·85	17·77	5·65	23·42	63·43	21·90	5·8
1979–80	…	…	101·30	19·20	6·58	25·78	75·52	22·51	2·8

TABLE 3
MARRIED COUPLE WITH TWO CHILDREN UNDER 11(HUSBAND ON AVERAGE MALE MANUAL EARNINGS)
Year			Average weekly earnings	Family allowance/ child benefit	Average earnings plus family allowance/ child benefit	Tax	NIC	Tax plus NIC	Pay after tax plus NIC deductions	Net income at 1969–70 prices	Percentage change on previous year of net income at 1969–70 prices
			£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
1949–50	…	…	7·13	0·25	7·38	—	0·25	0·25	7·13	14·22
1950–51	…	…	7·52	0·25	7·77	0·04	0·25	0·29	7·48	14·30	0·6
1951–52	…	…	8·30	0·25	8·55	0·06	0·25	0·31	8·24	14·56	1·8
1952–53	…	…	8·93	0·34	9·27	—	0·27	0·27	9·00	15·13	3·9
1953–54	…	…	9·46	0·40	9·86	0·03	0·29	0·32	9·54	15·77	4·2
1954–55	…	…	10·22	0·40	10·62	0·10	0·29	0·39	10·23	16·56	5·0
1955–56	…	…	11·15	0·40	11·55	0·04	0·33	0·37	11·18	17·45	5·4
1956–57	…	…	11·90	0·40	12·30	0·10	0·34	0·44	11·86	17·79	1·9
1957–58	…	…	12·58	0·40	12·98	0·20	0·37	0·57	12·41	18·03	1·3
1958–59	…	…	12·83	0·40	13·23	0·24	0·49	0·73	12·50	17·90	0·7
1959–60	…	…	13·55	0·40	13·95	0·32	0·50	0·82	13·13	18·80	5·0
1960–61	…	…	14·53	0·40	14·93	0·48	0·50	0·98	13·95	19·65	4·5
1961–62	…	…	15·34	0·40	15·74	0·59	0·77	1·36	14·33	19·47	−0·9
1962–63	…	…	15·86	0·40	16·26	0·67	0·78	1·45	14·81	19·34	−0·7
1963–64	…	…	16·75	0·40	17·15	0·51	0·89	1·40	15·75	20·23	4·6
1964–65	…	…	18·11	0·40	18·51	0·83	0·97	1·80	16·71	20·62	1·9
1965–66	…	…	19·59	0·40	19·99	1·13	1·07	2·25	17·74	20·86	1·2
1966–67	…	…	20·30	0·40	20·70	1·35	1·09	2·44	18·26	20·73	−0·6
1967–68	…	…	21·37	0·40	21·77	1·62	1·17	2·79	18·98	21·07	1·6
1968–69	…	…	23·00	0·82	23·82	2·57	1·33	3·90	19·92	20·94	−0·6
1969–70	…	…	24·83	0·90	25·73	3·23	1·42	4·65	21·08	21·08	0·7
1970–71	…	…	28·05	0·90	28·95	4·11	1·64	5·75	23·20	21·65	2·7
1971–72	…	…	31·10	0·90	32·00	4·18	1·79	5·97	26·03	22·23	2·7
1972–73	…	…	35·45	0·90	36·35	4·49	2·10	6·59	29·76	23·73	6·7
1973–74	…	…	40·85	0·90	41·75	6·09	2·41	8·50	33·25	23·98	1·1
1974–75	…	…	49·65	0·90	50·55	8·48	2·95	11·43	39·12	23·95	−0·1
1975–76	…	…	60·40	1·50	61·90	12·36	3·32	15·68	46·22	22·70	−5·2
1976–77	…	…	68·30	1·50	69·80	13·44	3·93	17·37	52·43	22·35	−1·5
1977–78	…	…	76·10	2·50	78·60	13·97	4·38	18·35	60·25	22·52	0·8
1978–79	…	…	86·85	5·14	91·99	16·50	5·65	22·14	69·85	24·11	7·1
1979–80	…	…	101·30	8·00	109·30	19·20	6·58	25·78	83·52	24·90	3·3

For years up to and including 1969–70 the average earnings are the average weekly earnings of male manual workers aged 21 and over in manufacturing and certain other industries in October. For 1974–75 the average earnings figure is the average of the figures obtained in the new earnings survey of the average weekly earnings of full time adult male manual employees, at the April of the beginning and end of each year. For 1979–80 the estimated level of earnings for October 1979 has been used.

The national insurance contributions are at the not-contracted-out rate.

European Community (Interest Payments)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will press for changes in European Economic Community policy, such that interest payments become due as a result of late payments from the European Economic Community.

[pursuant to his reply, 13 June 1980, c. 323]: We have no reason to suppose that this will be necessary.

Mortgage Tax Relief

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any plans at present to increase the mortgage tax relief ceiling from its present ceiling of £25,000 to £50,000; and if he will make a statement clarifying the Government's policy on mortgage tax relief.

[pursuant to his reply, 16 June 1980]: No : I refer my hon. Friend to the statement the Chief Secretary made in Standing Committee A on 10 June in response to an amendment to increase the ceiling to £50,000 for 1980–81.—[c. 380–82.]

£ Sterling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, based on the index of retail prices, is the current purchasing power of the £ sterling, taking it as 100p on 4 May 1979.

Taking the internal purchasing power of the pound sterling as 100p in May 1979, its value in May 1980, the latest period for which information is available, was 82p.

Burmah Oil Company Limited

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's position in respect of the purchase in 1975 by the Bank of England of the Burmah Oil Company's British Petroleum shareholding.

The Burmah Oil Company Limited has instituted legal proceedings against the Bank of England for relief in respect of this sale. The Government do not consider it proper to intervene between the two parties to this action and we believe that the legal processes should be allowed to run their course in the normal way.I am, however, aware from representations which have been made to me that there may be some misunderstanding about the role of the Attorney-General in connection with an interlocutory matter which arose from these proceedings. I am advised that as part of his normal duties as a Law Officer my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General intervened in Burmah's claim for the production of certain documents in order to protect on recognised legal grounds documents of certain classes, the production of which would as a general principle be contrary to the public interest. That was a quite separate and distinct matter from the main action between the two parties.

Family Income

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing, for a married man with two children earning average male earnings in the relevant year, and after taking into account tax liability and national insurance contributions, the length of time he would have to work in order to pay for the following items in each year since 1964 to the latest year for which information is available (a) a 1 ¾1b. unwrapped, unsliced loaf, (b) one pint of milk, (c) six standard eggs, (d) 5 cwt high quality coal, (e) one lb rump steak and (f) a man's two-piece woollen suit.

[pursuant to the reply, 6 June 1980, Col. 854]: The information requested, in minutes, based on average retail prices at mid-October each year is as follows :

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

1971

1972

1973

1974

1975

1976

1977

1978

1979

1¾lb unwrapped unsliced loaf^*

9·9

9·8

10·3

10·7

10·6

10·3

9·8

9·3

9·4

10·1

9·4

10·4

11·3

10·6

1 pt of milk

6·4

6·3

6·0

6·1

6·0

5·8

5·7

5·0

4·5

3·2

4·0

4·8

5·3

4·9

6 standard eggs†

11·5

17·1

14·0

13·2

12·5

10·8

9·9

8·7

17·4

13·3

10·6

11·8

11·1

8·3

9·3

5 cwt high quality coal‡

449·3

416·6

439·7

466·1

504·8

479·9

480·3

476·7

452·6

424·0

375·3

459·7

504·4

569·4

541·7

538·4

1 lb of home-killed first quality Sirloin (without bone)‡

57·8

56·8

52·8

50·1

53·7

56·4

53·9

55·2

56·8

64·8

55·7

55·1

68·2

65·5

67·8

67·6

Man's two-piece woollen suit

Not available

Notes

^* 1964–67 defined as ' white wheat bread '

† 1964–77 defined as ' weight less than 2·3/16 oz but not less than 1·7/8 oz.'

1978 definition is ' weight less than 65–70 g. but not less than 55–60g.'

1979 definition is ' size 4 (55–60 g) '

‡ rump steak prices not readily available

Public Sector Borrowing Requirement

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the direct and indirect effects on the public sector borrowing requirement of a reduction in minimum lending rate of 4 per cent.

The effect of changes in minimum lending rate on the public sector borrowing requirement depends on whether, and if so how, other interest rates react to the change in MLR and how the economy in general reacts in turn to these other changes in interest rates. It will also depend on any compensating measures the Government are obliged to take to ensure that their monetary targets are achieved. I regret that I cannot therefore give my hon. Friend a reliable estimate.

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Government Policy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the results of his Department, after 13 months of the present Government, in achieving the policy programme which he set it on assuming office.

The following is a summary of the results in the main policy areas of my Department.The Government came into office committed to eliminate the competitive disadvantage which our farmers had suffered under the previous Administration as a result of an overvalued green pound and the MCA subsidies on imports. This disadvantage has been eliminated by three green pound devaluations together with the strengthening of the market rate for sterling.The price of milk has been raised twice to meet the special needs of this sector as a whole.In negotiations in Brussels, we have pressed for and secured two CAP prices settlements which are consistent with our aim of achieving improvements in the common agricultural policy. We have successfully resisted at the same time a number of proposals which would have been discriminating and damaging to our own industry.On sheepmeat, we have secured agreement to a common regime which will, when implemented, be highly advantageous to producers while safeguarding consumers through a system of a deficiency payments financed from Community funds.We have paid attention to the special needs of the hill areas by substantially increasing the assistance they receive. These areas will also benefit from the new suckler cow subsidy and from the sheep meat regime.I have ensured that the work of the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service is kept in step with the developing needs of the industry, notably through the provision of more specialist advice, a greater emphasis on marketing, an enhanced advisory role in conservation and more concern with micro-computer applications in agriculture.I have taken a number of initiatives directed towards achieving improvements in marketing. The Government are seeking, in close and continuing consultation with leaders of the agriculture and food and drink industries to improve the performance of British produce both in domestic and overseas markets.On animal health and welfare, we have made valuable progress in eradicating disease, notably brucellosis, and in maintaining this country's freedom from outbreaks of major epizootic disease such as foot-and-mouth and swine fever. The appointment of the Farm Animal Welfare Council marked a significant step forward in the protection of livestock from unnecessary suffering.On fisheries, the Government have made the first positive steps towards the settlement of a common fisheries policy after some years of stalemate, and have established the conditions in which a settlement can be reached if there is a will to do so amongst the member States of the European Community.I have taken action to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ministry's work. We are reducing by up to 400 staff and £2 million a year the need for manpower and resources to administer the capital grant schemes. This will release more ADAS time for advisory work. We have announced a reorganisation of our regional administration which should save a further 400 staff.

Fruit Pulp Imports

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the volume of fruit pulp imports from Iron Curtain countries in each of the last three years; what is the expected volume of these imports for 1980; and if he will make a statement.

Imports in the last three calendar years have been as follows :

1977	5813 tonnes
1978	5496 tonnes
1979	5257 tonnes

It is not possible to forecast the figure for 1980.We collaborate with the European Commission in maintaining close surveillance of such imports.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what he estimates will be the long term effects upon the horticulture industry in East Anglia of permitting low priced imports of fruit pulp from eastern European countries;(2) whether he is satisfied that the terms for foreign imports of fruit pulp are negotiated in the best interest of British fruit growers; and if he will make a statement.

I am aware of some concern in the hon. Member's constituency about certain imports from third countries and I will urgently examine any evidence of dumping or unfair competition.

Horticultural Imports

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the projected value of horticultural imports for 1980; and if he will make a statement.

Realistic projections are not possible because of wide seasonal variations in prices, quantities and type of import. Actual horticultural imports for January to March 1980 were valued at £307.2 million excluding non-edibles, compared with a total for 1979 of £1,175.2 million.

Energy

British National Oil Corporation (Employees' Interests)

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has established any guidelines for British National Oil Corporation employees seeking to promote or have an interest in companies which are or may be applicants for licences in the seventh round of offshore licences where such employees may have access to British National Oil Corporation data.

No. Protection of its data is a matter for BNOC, and I am assured the corporation takes all necessary steps in this regard.

Nuclear Power (Advertising Expenditure)

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what will be the estimated expenditure from public funds in 1980–81 on the advertising and promotion of nuclear power.

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, the only vote-funded body concerned, expects to spend £650,000 in 1980–81 on the distribution of information about nuclear power to the public. I understand that the nuclear power information group, which includes the main bodies involved in the nuclear industry, is spending about £100,000 on nuclear information advertisements in the six months from February this year.

British Nuclear Fuels Ltd

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what additional reprocessing capacity will be required by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. in consequence of the recently announced programme of nuclear power stations.

I am advised that from about 1992 to 2000 the arisings of irradiated fuel from the additional stations in prospect following the recently announced nuclear programme, will average about 200 tes U each year. These arisings are not included in the throughput at present envisaged for the new thermal oxide reprocessing plant (THORP) being designed by BNFL. They will be taken into account by BNFL in formulating plans for future reprocessing capacity. These plans will, of course, also take account of experience with the new plant.

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Diego Garcia

32.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government were consulted before or after the announcement of the United States' decision to spend approximately £50 million in 1980–81 on the further build-up of the facilities at Diego Garcia, for the seven pre-positioning ships, carrying equipment and fuel to support a United States marine brigade of 14,000 men; and what future plans exist to strengthen the runway to allow B52 aircraft to take off with heavy bomb loads.

The Government were consulted before the announcement of United States plans to expand the facilities on Diego Garcia in 1980–81, including facilities to accommodate seven converted merchant ships with equipment for use by troops deployed to the area in an emergency. We have also been approached recently about plans for a further expansion programme, such as improvements to the airfield, which are still the subject of consultation between the two Governments.

Mediterranean (Nuclear-Free Zone)

asked the Lord Privy Seal what response he has made to the Soviet Government's proposal to establish the Mediterranean as a marine nuclear-free zone.

The Government have not replied to this proposal, which would undermine the security of the United Kingdom and her Allies.

Royal Ulster Constabulary (United States Arms Embargo)

asked the Lord Privy Seal when representations were last made to the Government of the United States of America about the embargo on the supply of arms to the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and what answer has been received.

In December last year, during the visit to Washington by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. The United States Administration's review of our request for these arms continues.

Republic Of Ireland (Voting Rights)

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has received any formal communications from the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic, following the latter's statement during his recent visit to London, that his Government would consider extending to British citizens living in the Irish Republic the right to vote in parliamentary elections.

No. I have, however, noted the speech made by the Taoiseach in the Dail on 29 May in which he said :

"As an initial contribution to a better understanding [between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland] we have, as the House knows, volunteered to bring forward proposals whereby British citizens resident in Ireland will be entitled to vote in our national elections just as Irish people residing in Britain can do."

Defence Equipment (Sales)

asked the Lord Privy Seal to which countries, other than those in the Warsaw Pact, defence sales are forbidden.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor) on 2 June.—[Vol. 985, c. 588.]

South Africa

asked the Lord Privy Seal, pursuant to his reply to the right hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. Steel), Official Report, Volume 985, No. 186, column 859, whether the Government intend to seek to impose economic sanctions on South Africa.

No.

Afghanistan

asked the Lord Privy Seal what assistance is being given to the freedom fighters in Afghanistan.

The assistance provided by the British Government to the Afghans has been in the form of humanitarian aid to refugees in Pakistan.

Transport

M27 (Chilworth-Hedge End)

asked the Minister of Transport, in the light of his White Paper on the roads programme, when he now expects to complete the missing section of the M27 motorway between Chilworth and Hedge End.

The White Paper recognised that we attach a high priority to the completion of the M27. Subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures, and the availability of funds, I hope that construction work will begin this winter and the complete Chilworth to Hedge End section will be open to traffic in 1983 or 1984.

Commuters

asked the Minister of Transport how far a commuter can make a daily return journey by British Rail, a National Bus Company subsidiary, by London Transport Underground, and by car, five days a week, and at peak hours, for a total of £3; and if he will show the minimum and maximum as well as the average distances which can be covered, also taking into account the full costs of running a car.

I regret that exact figures are not available. The ranges of possible distance are as follows :

Mode	Distance (miles)
B.R. 2nd class	3 to 5
L.T. Underground Outer	2 to 3
L.T. Underground Inner	1½ to 2½
NBC Subsidiary	2 to 4
Car—Driver only	½ to 2

Typical distances tend towards the maxima.

Severn Bridge (Motor Cycles)

asked the Minister of Transport if he will seek to amend the regulations which effectively prohibit provisional licence holders who ride motor cycles in the range from 50 cc to 250 cc from riding across the Severn bridge, either on the roadway or the cycle track ; and if he will make a statement.

No. It would be dangerous either to admit these learner riders on to the motorway or to allow them to mix with cyclists on the cycle track. Those who wish to have the benefit of riding such machines across the bridge should pass the test and obtain a full licence.

Vehicle Excise Licence

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to assist the operators of small omnibuses in rural areas by reducing the vehicle excise licence.

This is not necessary because operators of small buses already pay a relatively low rate of VED.

Driving Test Examiner (Carmarthen)

asked the Minister of Transport when the vacancy for a driving test examiner in the town of Carmarthen is to be filled; what effect this has had on the waiting time for a driving test; and how this compares with other driving test centres in Wales.

Carmarthen is an occasional driving test centre manned on two days a week by examiners from the permanent centre at Ammanford. There are three examiners at Ammanford and no vacancies.The waiting time for tests at Carmarthen is currently 19 weeks, compared with 22 weeks in the South Wales traffic area as a whole.

British Railways

asked the Minister of Transport what is the total mileage of track in operation in the British Railways network.

The information which is contained in the British Railways' Board's report and accounts for 1979, is that 27,592 miles of track were in operation at the end of 1979.

Road Traffic Act 1974

asked the Minister of Transport when he proposes to bring into operation section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 1974.

Subsections (1) and (2) of section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 1974 are already in operation. The remainder will be brought into force as soon as resources permit.

Environment

Southern Water Authority

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the progress on matters being pursued with the Southern water authority following the substantial increase in its rate for water services referred to in his letter to the hon. Member for Rochester and Chatham.

As I said in my letter to my hon. Friend, my right hon. Friend has impressed on all water authority chairmen the importance the Government attach to improvements in efficiency and the economical use of staff. In that connection, the Southern water authority wrote to my right hon. Friend after his meeting with the chairman and chief executive to say that it is considering how to improve its manpower efficiency and undertaking to reduce the number of its employees. Other management and organisational matters are still being considered either within the authority or in the Department.

New Towns

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give figures to show the value of assets disposed of by each new town development corporation and the New Towns Commission and the total value of all sales since May 1979; and if he will give the figures which were originally given as objectives to be achieved.

To publish this information town by town might prejudice the negotiating position of the development corporations and of the Commission for the New Towns. The new towns disposal programme aims at raising £330 million by 31 March 1981. By 31 March 1980, sales to the value of £24·4 million had been completed by the English new towns, and sales to the value of a further £48·3 million had been agreed but not finalised.

Mr Leslie Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will appoint Mr. Leslie Chapman as an unpaid special adviser in his Department to advise on central and local government expenditure and manpower levels.

No. I have already taken steps to bring expenditure and manpower in my Department under control. The total staff of the Department of the Environment has fallen by 8 per cent. over the past year and I am still conducting a detailed and comprehensive review of its activities which will yield further economies. The Government have made abundantly clear to local authorities the need for them to make the manpower reductions necessary to bring their volume of current expenditure in line with the Government's expenditure plans. It is for individual local authorities to decide the detailed action necessary in their individual circumstances.

Public Rights Of Way (Warwickshire)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department received a communication from the Brandon and Bretford parish council objecting to the draft revised map of public rights of way in Warwickshire; and when a definitive reply will be sent.

Brandon and Bretford parish council's objection to the draft revised map of public rights of way in Warwickshire was received on 10 November 1977. Together will all other objections and representations to the review, it is currently being considered by the county council and the parish council will be contacted as soon as the county council's views are known. At this stage it is not possible to forecast when a definitive reply will be sent, since it may be necessary to hold a public local inquiry into objections received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many objections to the draft revised map of public rights of way in Warwickshire have been received; when the last was received; and when a final decision will be made.

The period for objecting to the draft revised map of public rights of way in Warwickshire ran from 29 July to 30 November 1977. Over 1,500 objections were received. In view of the large number of objections it is not possible to say when the final decisions will be made.

Footpath Reviews

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the unwieldy nature of the present procedures for dealing with objections to definitive footpath reviews, if he will take steps to streamline and expedite future consideration of such reviews and objections thereto.

We intend to include in the forthcoming Wildlife and Countryside Bill measures designed to simplify the definitive map review procedures and make them more flexible. Following consideration of the responses to a consultation paper issued last August our revised proposals will be described in an information paper to be published shortly.

Whales And Whale Products

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made with regard to the banning of whale imports and products derived from whales into the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

The importation of the primary products of all cetaceans is already controlled under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976. For baleen whales no licences are issued, but for sperm whales imports of oil are at present allowed under licence. The United Kingdom wrote to the European Community suggesting a ban on the import into the Community of the primary products of all whales from 1 January 1982 to allow commercial users time to convert to substitutes. The Commission of the European Community has published a draft regulation which lists primary products commonly in trade and also includes whale oil treated leathers. It is intended that this regulation should be submitted for agreement by the Council of Ministers before the end of October.

Public Sector Housing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to give an informative answer to the question from the hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden about the demand for public sector housing, tabled on 27 February for answer on 11 March; whether he will now publish the information requested in the original question; and, if the information is not available if he will state upon what basis the housing investment programme allocations were made.

[pursuant to his reply, 24 March 1980, c. 465–6]: A copy of my letter and the accompanying information has been placed in the Library of the House.

Mortgagor Defaulters

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of known mortgagor defaulters in the United Kingdom for the period June 1979 to June 1980.

I regret that information on total mortgagor defaulters is not available.

Water Service Charges

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to change the law so as to exempt from or provide relief to charitable institutions, such as museums, from water services charges, in view of the minimal consumption of many such institutions.

We have no plan to do so.

Planning Applications

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is now able to publish detailed proposals for charges for planning applications.

The Department has today issued a consultation paper which sets out our detailed proposals on charging for planning applications. Copies have been placed in the Library.

Home Insulation

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what delay he expects there to be in the implementation of the new standards of insulation for walls; what is his Department's definition of the cost-effectiveness of the proposals for walls and roofs; why roofs were omitted from the proposals; and if he has any plans to include roofs in the proposals in the near future.

[pursuant to his reply, 16 June 1980. c. 398]: My right hon. Friend hopes soon to make regulations improving the thermal insulation of new dwellings. New standards for roofs can be brought in immediately, but so far as walls are concerned, designers and builders will need time to adapt to new techniques and solve technical problems. The new standards show a discounted return sufficiently high to justify their cost.

Social Services

Social Security Act

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to publish, and have on sale at Her Majesty's Stationery Office, each of the new codes his Department is drawing up in preparation for operating the Social Security Act.

The Social Security Act 1980 is already on sale and the regulations governing the supplementary benefits scheme will also be placed on sale in the usual way. I can at present give no precise publication date for the latter, or when the revised Supplementary Benefits Handbook will be on sale. It is not intended to publish the procedural guidance issued to local offices dealing with the administration of supplementary benefits.

Immigrants (Repatriation)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) on what grounds benefits have been paid by the Supplementary Benefits Commission to persons in exceptional need wishing to return home in accordance with section 7 of the Social Security Act 1966 ;(2) on how many occasions benefit has been paid to a person under section 7 of the Social Security Act 1966 to meet an exceptional need in the case of immigrants wishing to return home in each of the years since 1966.

The circumstances in which the Supplementary Benefits Commission uses its discretionary power under section 3 of the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976—formerly section 7 of the Supplementary Benefit Act 1966—to help with the cost of the fare of an immigrant and his family who wish to return to their country of origin for permanent resettlement, are set out at paragraph 9–27 of the Supplementary Benefits Handbook, 1979 edition. Broadly, the commission assists only those who are unlikely to become self-supporting in this country.The number of payments made is as follows:

1966	75
1967	72
1968	93
1969	85
1970	103
1971	89
1972	103
1973	81
1974	77
1975	69
1976	45
1977	62
1978	37
1979	36

Mobility Allowance

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the total amount of money represented by unspent mobility allowance payments credited at the latest convenient date to severely handicapped long-stay residents of hospitals for the mentally handicapped within the Bradford area health authority ;(2) what was the total amount of money represented by unspent mobility allowance payments credited at the latest convenient date to severely handicapped long-stay residents of hospitals for the mentally handicapped in England and Wales.

The total amount held in NHS accounts on behalf of patients at 31 March 1979 was £239,000 in Bradford area health authority and £22·9 million in England and Wales. It is not possible to say how much of this represents unspent mobility allowance, and I regret that information on amounts held on behalf of patients in different types of hospital is not available centrally.

National Health Service (Audit Department)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the strength of the audit department of the National Health Service; how many members of the Department hold professional qualifications accepted as entitling the holder to audit a limited company; what is the annual cost of the audit; and what is the total annual expenditure of funds covered by the audit.

The branch in my Department responsible for the audit of the accounts of individual health authorities in England and Wales, at present consists of 214 staff. Three hold professional qualifications within the terms of the question. In total six staff have a full professional qualification; 53 are studying for such a qualification; 14 staff already hold accountant technician qualifications and a further 15 are studying for technician-level qualifications.Based on 1979–80 pay levels the annual cost to the Department of the audit was approximately £2·3 million. The provisional 1978–79 total of NHS expenditure and income audited was £6,640 million.The accounts of certain other bodies are also examined by these auditors.

Departmental Working Parties

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the titles of the departmental working parties currently in progress, the date when their reports are likely to be completed and which of them will be published.

This information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Prescriptions

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the numbers of prescriptions dispensed in each regional health authority, together with the numbers of yellow card adverse reactions received in the same regions for the last year for which figures are available.

Total prescriptions in each regional health authority for the year 1978 are shown in the table below, giving a total for England—after allowance for rounding—of 307,097,000. The total number of yellow card reports of suspected adverse reactions, in the same year, was 8,488; a breakdown of this figure, to show the number of reports received from each regional health authority's area, cannot be obtained without disproportionate time and effort.

PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED IN ENGLAND, 1978 BY REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY
Northern	21,915,000
Yorkshire	24,132,000
Trent	29,284,000
East Anglia	8,811,000
North-West Thames	22,724,000
North-East Thames	25,164,000
South-East Thames	23,852,000
South-West Thames	18,274,000
Wessex	16,350,000
Oxford	12,046,000
South-Western	19,611,000
West Midlands	34,342,000
Mersey	18,754,000
North-Western	31,840,000

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has had any discussions with the pharmaceutical organisations to ascertain whether the stricter use of generic prescribing would ease their members' cash-flow problems and therefore reduce the overall burden on the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

The pharmaceutical services negotiating committee has not referred to this particular question in any of my recent discussions with it. On the wider aspects of encouraging prescribing by approved name, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingswood (Mr. Aspinwall) on Monday, 16 June.

Alcoholism

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what he anticipates will be the cost in the current year of treating alcoholism; and what number of alcoholics he estimates there are currently in the United Kingdom ;(2) what expenditure he expects to make in the current year to combat alcoholism.

It is not possible to identify separately the cost of treatment services for alcoholism and alcohol-related illnesses which are provided under a wide range of NHS services and supplemented by voluntary organisations providing counselling and other support. For the most recent estimates of the number of alcoholics in the United Kingdom, I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 31 October to my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Mr. Shepherd).—[Vol. 972, c. 559].For health education the Department looks mainly to the Health Education Council, whose projected expenditure on experimental education to prevent the misuse of alcohol in 1980–81 is £100,000. In addition, health education is provided by a number of other bodies including health authorities, local education authorities and voluntary organisations but the amounts involved again cannot be separately identified.

Pension Entitlement (Member's Correspondence)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why it took his Department from 31 January to 3 June to answer a general inquiry about the pension entitlement of an 80-year-old lady.

I am sorry that my reply to the hon. Member was unduly delayed.Unfortunately, delays in replying to letters have arisen because of the very large volume of correspondence received by this Department, from hon. Members and the general public. Every letter is given the fullest consideration. In this case, it was necessary to refer the letter back to the manager of the local office dealing with the hon. Member's constituent, to recheck the details of entitlement to benefit. As the entitlement to benefit was exactly as had been explained to the hon. Member in the letter from the local office manager of 29 January, a second check was made by officers of the Supplementary Benefits Commission. The original figures in the letter of 29 January were found correct.Our aim is to provide thorough replies as quickly as possible, but the speed of replies is governed by the numbers of letters we receive, as well as by their content. The very large volume of letters are being dealt with as speedily as resources allow.

National Radiological Protection Board

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will reduce the amount spent on the National Radiological Protection Board project which seeks to impose a maximum dose of exposure to radiation ;(2) how much money has been spent on the National Radiological Protection Board project which seeks to impose a maximum dose of exposure to radiation ;(3) what are the reasons for the expenditure on the National Radiological Protection Board project which seeks to impose a maximum dosage of exposure to radiation.

I am writing to the hon. Member on this subject.

Brain Scanners

asked the Secretary of State what are the present resources of brain scanners within the Wessex health region; and what plans he has for increasing them.

The provision of scanning equipment is the responsibility of the relevant health authority. In the Wessex region, I am told there is one brain scanner in the neurological centre in Southampton. Discussions are at present taking place with a view to increasing its hours of use. I understand that the Wessex regional health authority is reviewing the need for additional computerised tomography scanning within the region and I will write to my hon. Friend giving further details.

Volume 986: debated on Tuesday 17 June 1980

Written Answers To Questions

Social Services

Special Hospitals (Releases)

National Health Service Consultants (West Midlands)

Preventive Medicine

Valium

Civil Servants (Political Activities)

Drugs (Expenditure)

Employment

European Community (Labour And Social Affairs Council)

Census Of Employment

Youth Opportunities Programme

Industrial Training Boards

Unemployment Statistics

Redundancy Payments (Wool Textile Industry)

Small Businesses (Construction Industry Training Board Levy)

Work Experience

Careers Service

Consett

Byssinosis (Compensation)

Part-Time Workers

Trade

Estate Agents Act 1979

Coal Imports

Exports

"Aeolian Sky"

Waste Paper

Footwear Industry

Prime Minister (Engagements)

Tuc

Blisland

Coal Industry (South Wales)

Civil Service Manpower (Departmental Co-Ordination)

European Community (Farm Prices)

United States Secretary Of Defence

Patronage Of The Arts (Speech)

Education And Science

Iranian Students

Departmental Staff

Students (Dependent Territories)

Curriculum And Educational Standards

Educational Maintenance Allowances

Industry

South-East Economic Planning Region

West Glamorgan

South Wales

Catalionia Paper Tubes Limited

Manufacturing Plants (Foreign Companies)

Scotland

Western Isles (European Community Development)

Crofter Housing

Teachers (Pay)

School Transport

Hampden Park

Wales

Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977

Industrial Development (West Glamorgan)

Defence

Supersonic Air Cover (Royal Navy)

Departmental Housing (Chippenham)

Cruise Missiles

Nuclear Deterrent

Straits Of Hormuz

Chemical Warfare (Nato Capability)

United States Navy (London Accommodation)

Reserve Forces

Strategic Defence Commitments (Scotland)

Gross National Product (Defence Expenditure)

Royal Air Force (Aircraft Accident Figures)

Merseyside (Shipbuilding And Repair Contracts)

Challenger Multi-Battle Tank

Royal Dockyards

Motor Combat Vehicle 80

Nuclear Alerts (United States Of America)

Royal Dockyards

General Service Medal (Suez Canal Zone)

Naval Vessels (Chile)

Armed Services (Uniform And Footwear Suppliers)